Advice on brake lines

David Lee · 02-04-2023, 02:57 PM

I am trying to plumb my brake system using steel line. I need a dependable double flaring tool. the ones that are available at most automotive rental are hit and miss. i tried the Triton tool and cound not get anything close to a double flare.

what would you recommend

thanks

David

L.Fite · 02-04-2023, 03:54 PM

Imperial Eastman...
If they are still around.
Or Snap-On... (I believe these were made by Imperial back in the day)
I have the Snap-On set for 45* double and the Imperial Eastman for 37*
Hope this helps...

4speedracer · 02-04-2023, 03:56 PM

Master cool 71475

pmrphil · 02-04-2023, 04:54 PM

Like he said above, Mastercool hydraulic flaring tool, hands down. You'll never go back to a manual flaring tool.

Paul Precht · 02-04-2023, 05:18 PM

Mastercool makes brake lines an enjoyable job.

David Lee · 02-04-2023, 07:10 PM

thanks for all the help, a master cool will be here on tuesday

Tom Meyer · 02-04-2023, 09:05 PM

I would recommend copper nickel brake line, bends easy flares great and does not rust. Just got done with my car and it turned out nice. Tom

Mark Yacavone · 02-04-2023, 11:04 PM

A K-D will work. You have to squeeze it in a vise as close as you can to where the threaded clamp goes on .
If you let it slip, it takes out the serrations in the bar.

CMcAllister · 02-05-2023, 12:07 AM

The auto parts store tools are awful. That style of tool is okay, IF you get a quality one.

I have that big Mastercool set. It does a great job. Like any tool, you have to use it a few times to get comfortable with it. It does a lot of different types of flares - bubble, push loc, A/C. Probably overkill if you are just doing straight flares, or inverted flares. They do smaller sets with the hydraulic tool and just the adapters you'll likely need.

I have had guys tell me the Eastwood tool works great, never used one so I can't say.

If you are doing AN type fittings, you'll need to get the 37 degree tooling to do it right as opposed to cheating it with the 45 degree stuff.

I like to use the "Bundyflex" zinc plated steel tubing. Comes in 25' rolls. It's harder than the CuNi stuff, will hold it's shape better and should be bent with tools. The green coated tubing is miserable to flare and also too soft.

David Lee · 02-05-2023, 12:49 AM

is 37 degree with just plain steel lines safe?

02-04-2023, 02:57 PM	#1
David Lee VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,097 Likes: 405 Liked 250 Times in 101 Posts	Advice on brake lines I am trying to plumb my brake system using steel line. I need a dependable double flaring tool. the ones that are available at most automotive rental are hit and miss. i tried the Triton tool and cound not get anything close to a double flare. what would you recommend thanks David

02-04-2023, 03:54 PM	#2
L.Fite Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 390 Likes: 390 Liked 353 Times in 177 Posts	Re: Advice on brake lines Imperial Eastman... If they are still around. Or Snap-On... (I believe these were made by Imperial back in the day) I have the Snap-On set for 45* double and the Imperial Eastman for 37* Hope this helps...

02-04-2023, 03:56 PM	#3
4speedracer Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 48 Likes: 0 Liked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Advice on brake lines Master cool 71475

02-04-2023, 04:54 PM	#4
pmrphil Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: CT Posts: 387 Likes: 1,259 Liked 250 Times in 107 Posts	Re: Advice on brake lines Like he said above, Mastercool hydraulic flaring tool, hands down. You'll never go back to a manual flaring tool. __________________ Phil Molski S/C 1623

02-04-2023, 05:18 PM	#5
Paul Precht Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Elysburg, Pa Posts: 690 Likes: 281 Liked 224 Times in 89 Posts	Re: Advice on brake lines Mastercool makes brake lines an enjoyable job.

02-04-2023, 07:10 PM	#6
David Lee VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,097 Likes: 405 Liked 250 Times in 101 Posts	Re: Advice on brake lines thanks for all the help, a master cool will be here on tuesday

02-04-2023, 09:05 PM	#7
Tom Meyer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Pierce NE Posts: 901 Likes: 51 Liked 301 Times in 105 Posts	Re: Advice on brake lines I would recommend copper nickel brake line, bends easy flares great and does not rust. Just got done with my car and it turned out nice. Tom __________________ Tom Meyer 5240 SS Stock ???

02-04-2023, 11:04 PM	#8
Mark Yacavone Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Miles From Nowhere Posts: 7,418 Likes: 2,582 Liked 4,453 Times in 1,694 Posts	Re: Advice on brake lines A K-D will work. You have to squeeze it in a vise as close as you can to where the threaded clamp goes on . If you let it slip, it takes out the serrations in the bar. __________________ We are lucky we don't get as much Government as we pay for..... Will Rogers

02-05-2023, 12:07 AM	#9
CMcAllister Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fulton County, PA Posts: 533 Likes: 9 Liked 746 Times in 206 Posts	Re: Advice on brake lines The auto parts store tools are awful. That style of tool is okay, IF you get a quality one. I have that big Mastercool set. It does a great job. Like any tool, you have to use it a few times to get comfortable with it. It does a lot of different types of flares - bubble, push loc, A/C. Probably overkill if you are just doing straight flares, or inverted flares. They do smaller sets with the hydraulic tool and just the adapters you'll likely need. I have had guys tell me the Eastwood tool works great, never used one so I can't say. If you are doing AN type fittings, you'll need to get the 37 degree tooling to do it right as opposed to cheating it with the 45 degree stuff. I like to use the "Bundyflex" zinc plated steel tubing. Comes in 25' rolls. It's harder than the CuNi stuff, will hold it's shape better and should be bent with tools. The green coated tubing is miserable to flare and also too soft.

02-05-2023, 12:49 AM	#10
David Lee VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,097 Likes: 405 Liked 250 Times in 101 Posts	Re: Advice on brake lines is 37 degree with just plain steel lines safe?