My 15 year old nephew is rehabbing an early '80's Ford F-250 and the brake lines are rusted really bad. His 16th birthday is coming up soon and I was wanting to get him some brake line and a flare tool so he can get his truck finished up correctly and have a safe vehicle when done. Right now he's more interested in lifts and big tires than making sure he can stop. What's a good brand or kit? Guessing I'll need 3/16 line. Where to purchase? I was thinking Amazon would probably have what he needs at reasonable cost. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Looking for brake line flaring tool
- Thread starter JeepYJ
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JJThrasher
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HomeTheaterMan
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That was actually the kit I was going to recommend as well. A friend just bought one and after getting to play with it some I can't recommend it enough. It produces a nearly perfect flare every time.
That said, you can get by with the cheap flaring tools, but some of the cheaper ones tend to bend after several uses. If going with an old style I'd tend to go with a Snap On, Mac, etc. I personally have a Mac, but if I did many more brake lines than I do, I'd get that Mastercool hydraulic tool.
That said, you can get by with the cheap flaring tools, but some of the cheaper ones tend to bend after several uses. If going with an old style I'd tend to go with a Snap On, Mac, etc. I personally have a Mac, but if I did many more brake lines than I do, I'd get that Mastercool hydraulic tool.
I have this one and it works perfect:
http://www.eastwood.com/professiona...zHGitCfDgVHoUo-MOgPPLtjfymGyZMDuHwaAk958P8HAQ
It is designed to work bench with the tool clamped in vise.
http://www.eastwood.com/professiona...zHGitCfDgVHoUo-MOgPPLtjfymGyZMDuHwaAk958P8HAQ
It is designed to work bench with the tool clamped in vise.
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Is this a little closer to your gift price range?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IMPERIAL-EASTMAN-No-275-FS-FLARING-SWAGING-TOOL-NEW-/311595474161
http://www.ebay.com/itm/IMPERIAL-EASTMAN-No-275-FS-FLARING-SWAGING-TOOL-NEW-/311595474161
Roberts210
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If he tries to go with 3/16ths stainless steel lines, he'll need the hydraulic flare kit. It almost can't be done with a screw-actuated flare kit.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
At 15 I don't think he is trying to do a "show quality" restoration !
Start with the "correct" line. Buy 25' of nickle-copper (NiCopp) brake line. Yes, it is more expensive, but it can easily be bent by hand without kinking and it flares easier.
The MasterCool and Eastwood are the best, and are true "lifetime" tools. The MaterCool does other types of flares. Both are difficult to use "on the vehicle".
Start with the "correct" line. Buy 25' of nickle-copper (NiCopp) brake line. Yes, it is more expensive, but it can easily be bent by hand without kinking and it flares easier.
The MasterCool and Eastwood are the best, and are true "lifetime" tools. The MaterCool does other types of flares. Both are difficult to use "on the vehicle".
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I have an Imperial set that included flaring tool and pipe bender my father bought back in the 80's. I use that for my personal stuff, but at work we use Ridgid and a newer Imperial set. Don't forget he will need a bender, tubing cutter, and the flare tool. This is a really good deal for both tools. The empty slot on top left is for the tubing cutter, but not included in this auction. Any cheapo will work though. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Imperial-Fl...825777?hash=item1c6151a871:g:EREAAOSwG-1WvMXK
MarineScott
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Some vehicles use a double flare, some use a bubble flare, and some use both.
DpSyChO
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astroracer
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I have been using my CPP Flaring tool for a few years now. Best one I have used for the money.
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/Tools/CPDFTD.htm
And, like theoldwizard said... NiCop line will bend and flare easily. That can be bought at ANY autoparts store along with the required fittings.
Mark
http://www.classicperform.com/Store/Tools/CPDFTD.htm
And, like theoldwizard said... NiCop line will bend and flare easily. That can be bought at ANY autoparts store along with the required fittings.
Mark
bw77
Well-known member
If he will be making 3/16" double flares only, you might want to consider
this tool recently made available by Eastwood for $40:
http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-on-car-flaring-tool-for-3-16-tubing.html
It was reviewed here:
The Eastwood tool appears to be a made in Taiwan version of the UK made
Powerhand brake tool shown in this video:
I have the Powerhand and it works very well both at the bench and under
the car. But it is only sold on ebay, and the cost of shipping from the UK
is high.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Pipe-Flaring-Tool-Powerhand-PH-BFT-316-3-16-/151035636166
this tool recently made available by Eastwood for $40:
http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-on-car-flaring-tool-for-3-16-tubing.html
It was reviewed here:
The Eastwood tool appears to be a made in Taiwan version of the UK made
Powerhand brake tool shown in this video:
I have the Powerhand and it works very well both at the bench and under
the car. But it is only sold on ebay, and the cost of shipping from the UK
is high.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Pipe-Flaring-Tool-Powerhand-PH-BFT-316-3-16-/151035636166
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theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Thanks for all of the references ! It is now on my wish list. Hopefully it will show up on Amazon soon !!
billyjp2
Well-known member
I use this OTC kit, has the capability to do large sizes but I've only used 3/16 line.
http://m.summitracing.com/parts/otc-4503?seid=srese1&gclid=COjT1uubucwCFVJahgodJpIEmg
http://m.summitracing.com/parts/otc-4503?seid=srese1&gclid=COjT1uubucwCFVJahgodJpIEmg
I bought that OTC kit before I bought my MC kit and for what he'll need to do its a great all around set up. Just so long as he doesn't get any bright ideas about using stainless. But that dedicated east woods looks like a good value too, I might even buy one since it's so compact.
Inline Tube (www.inlinetube.com) will sell you a full set of stainless steel prebent lines for $185. No fiddling with cutting, bending, or looking for the right fittings. One good quality (Snap-On) line wrench and he'd be all set, for less than the cost of a quality flaring tool, and done in a fraction of the time.
atikovi
Well-known member
I just bought that one and made a perfect flare for a Ford Ranger 3/16" line after 3 tries with a $50 kit all resulted in leaks. Don't waste your money on the cheap flare kits.
Exactly, don't go cheap or everyone will be disappointed. I also have the Eastwood kit with the optional 37 degree dies. It's great.
Wow- tons of great advice and info. I really like the looks of the the second Eastwood kit that is for only 3/16". Anyone know if all the lines on early 80s F-series are all 3/16? I would like to keep the cost below $50, I'm not sure if he has yet developed an appreciation for high quality tools and their longevity. He also wrenches with a few young kids that probably are not going to treat them too well either. I thought about buying the premade lines but he likes working on them and I figure if he gets a flare kit he will have plenty of uses for it in the future.