ISO bubble flaring Stainless brake lines

[afazz]

I typically use 37 degree single flares (AN/JIC) in stainless tubing, but I'm interested in bubble flaring some brake lines where I don't have room for a metric-to-AN adapter. I'm using annealed seamless 304 tubing right now.

Is it possible to get nice bubble flares in Stainless? Is my OTC Stinger bubble flaring kit going to do the job, or should I upgrade to a Mastercool hydraulic flaring setup? There are 4 flares that I have to bubble flare, but another ~15 that I planned to adapt. The savings on metric adapters will help offset the $300 Mastercool if it's a foolproof setup. I have read mixed reviews online, I'm looking for some first hand accounts.

 

[theknurl]

you have 2 ends to put the adapter on......
i still use Terne line and double flares, its just less hassle

 

[fredybender]

304SS tensile strength is lower than steel...
Should deform easier.
Usually SS is doubled flared only for brake fittings, because of that same reason...

 

[rodm1]

Mastercool from what I here dues a grate job on SS I never have used it on SS though. I've been told to use only double annealed SS (Summit Racing) tube otherwise you will roughen the dies.

My personnel experience with the Mastercool model is you need to use a sharp and high quality tubing cutter. If you don't you will work harden the tubing and your die will be ruined. Another thing is if you press to hard you can blow the seals.

Mastercool's model dues have a learning curve to it and is touchy with how you treat it. But after buying a couple of die sets I've got the hang of it. One other tip is you don't need to use the metric dies you can use the SAE dies for bubble flares but must use the Metric adaptor.

If doing this again I would go with a Snap-On model only for the warranty on the dies.