Benjamin Morgan

Benjamin Morgan

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Best Brake Line Flaring Tools

Benjamin Morgan
12 min readOct 6, 2024

Say goodbye to the hassle of brake line installation and hello to ease with our top pick brake line flaring tools. In this article, we’re rounding up the best tools available on the market to help you with your brake line installation tasks. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or an enthusiastic DIYer, these tools will make your life a whole lot easier. So, buckle up and let’s take a closer look at these fantastic products.

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Reviews

VEFOR Brake Line Flaring Tool for 3/16" to 3/8

The VEVOR Brake Line Flaring Tool Kit is an essential addition to your car repair arsenal. This double-flaring tool offers a versatile range of 45-degree and 37-degree flares, perfect for expanding copper and aluminum piping. Its easy-to-use lever system makes it a breeze to operate, and its accurate results save both time and money. The durable, metal construction ensures high-quality performance, while the included plumbing tool fits a variety of tubing sizes. If you’re looking to take control of your brake line repair needs, look no further than this reliable and efficient flaring tool.

Eastwood Professional Brake Line Flaring Tool for Stainless Steel and Soft Metal Tubing

Revolutionize your brake line and tubing flaring experience with the Eastwood Professional Brake Line Flaring Tool. Experience easy-to-create 45-degree single, double, and bubble brake flares in mere seconds, perfect for brake lines, transmission cooler lines, and fuel lines. Featuring a turret-style indexed head for ready-to-use forming dies and a quick-release T-handle screw clamp for secure tube retention. Compatible with stainless steel, steel, and soft metal tubing, this premium flaring tool is a must-have for any professional or enthusiast’s toolkit.

Ridgid Brake Line Flaring Tool

The Ridgid 41162 Flaring Tool offers precision flaring with smooth, uniform results. Its eccentrically-mounted hardened steel flaring cone produces rolling action for even metal flow, providing uniform flare walls without the risk of galling. Available in a variety of sizes, this flaring tool is versatile and designed to handle soft materials such as aluminum and copper, as well as harder materials like steel. It’s a user-friendly tool that simplifies the flaring process and ensures high-quality brake lines with minimal effort.

VEFOR Hydraulic Brake Line Flaring Tool Kit for Efficient Brake Repairs

The VEVOR Hydraulic Flaring Tool Kit is perfect for your hydraulic brake repair needs. With a 45 double tool set, it’s versatile and efficient for various tube sizes. Despite a few initial issues with holding the tube properly for the 3/8 die set, users overall gave it high praise, appreciating its ease of use and reasonable price. It’s a reliable choice for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts.

Central Forge 7-Piece Brake Line Flaring Kit for Tube Bending

The Central Forge 7 Piece Tube Flaring Kit offers a variety of tools, including a heavy-duty tube cutter for tubing up to 5/8 in. , a flaring tool set with flexible tubing benders, and a heat-treated tube cutter with a deburring tool. This comprehensive kit provides ease of use for flaring tasks, making it a go-to choice for DIY enthusiasts. However, bear in mind that some users have reported issues with the flaring tool not holding tubing firmly and the tube benders having limited functionality.

Durable Thorstone Brake Line & Brass Tubing Flaring Tool

The Thorstone Double & Single Flaring Tool Kit is a reliable set of tools designed for working with auto brake lines and brass tubing. It allows you to create double or single flares in copper, aluminum, brass tubing, and soft steel brake line tubing. The durable yoke is made of heat-treated steel, while the swivel is constructed from chrome-plated alloy steel for reduced friction and corrosion resistance. The heavy-duty plastic carrying case ensures easy transportation, safe storage, and quick organization.

Capri Tools 1/4 in. Double Flaring Brake Line Tool

The Capri Tools Double Flaring Tool is a game-changer for creating seamless double flares. Its compact design and detachable die make it versatile for use both on- and off-vehicle, even in tight spots. Pair it with a 10 mm and 17 mm wrench, and you’re ready to start making perfect 45° SAE double flares with ease. This all-in-one tool is perfect for working with 1/4 in. steel, nickel, and copper tubing, offering exceptional value and performance for the price.

Eastwood Brake Line Flaring Tool for Automobiles

The Eastwood On Car Brake Line Flaring Tool is a game-changer for repairing brake lines in tight spaces. With its compact design and easy-to-use nature, this flaring tool is perfect for your car or bench vise. Producing high-quality 45-degree double flares, it can work with 3/16" steel, nickel, and copper tubes. The handle is removable, and the tool head can be mounted in a bench vise for convenient usage. However, it’s essential to note that it is not recommended for use on stainless steel brake lines. With its impressive quality and efficiency, the Eastwood On Car Brake Line Flaring Tool has earned a well-deserved rating of 4.8 from users, making it a must-have for vehicle repair enthusiasts.

Maddox Deluxe Brake Line Flaring Tool Kit — Efficient and Precise Flaring

Experience the convenience of the MADDOX Deluxe Flaring Tool Kit. Designed for copper, aluminum, soft steel, and brass tubing, this tool set is constructed from alloy steel with a chrome swivel for durability. The kit comes with a well-organized, impact-resistant carrying case, and is perfect for brake line flaring tasks. With an average rating of 4.2 out of 5, it’s clear that this tool has proven its worth for those seeking an efficient, reliable flaring solution.

OEMTOOLS Double Flaring Tool Kit for Brake Line Flaring

Smoothly flare your tubing with the OEMTOOLS Double Flaring Tool, designed for 45° single or double flares on various materials. Its 7 adapters and sturdy storage case make it a convenient and versatile option for your automotive projects. With a limited-lifetime warranty, you can trust in this tool’s quality and durability.

OEMTOOLS 27214 Brake Line Flaring Tool Kit

The OEMTOOLS 27214 Bubble Flaring Tool Kit is a versatile accessory designed to create crack-free flares on soft steel tubing used in automotive brake systems. This kit features a flaring bar, all necessary adapters for ISO bubble flaring, and four interchangeable dies (4.75, 6, 8, and 10mm). The forged yoke is made of heat-treated steel, ensuring durability and precision. The product comes in a blow-molded case for easy storage and transport. This flaring tool is perfect for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts who want to streamline the brake line flaring process. With a user-friendly design and positive reviews, it’s no wonder this tool has become a popular choice among those in the automotive industry.

Efficient Double Tube Brake Line Flaring Tool Kit

The PITTSBURGH Double Tube Flaring Tool Kit is a versatile tool for flaring various tubing types effortlessly. Constructed of durable carbon steel with chrome plating and a black oxide finish, you can rely on this kit to provide top-quality results.

Kobalt Heavy Duty Brake Line Flaring Tool for Soft Copper, Aluminum, and Mild Steel Tubing

The Kobalt Heavy Duty Flaring Tool is a versatile and sturdy addition to any plumbing toolkit. Designed for heavy-duty applications, this reliable tool fits tubing sizes ranging from 3/16 to 3/4 inches in a variety of materials including soft copper, brass, aluminum, and mild steel. Its single clamp screw makes for easy clamping and tube removal while its large feed ensures a smooth rotation. Featuring a heat-treated flaring bar for ultimate durability, this tool delivers 45-degree flares with ease. And with a lifetime warranty, you can have confidence in this product’s long-lasting performance.

TGR Professional Brake Line Flaring Tool: 45-Degree Set for Single, Bubble, and Double Flares

Wave farewell to bent, laborious flares on your brake lines, transmission cooler lines, and fuel lines. The TGR Professional Brake Line Flaring Tool boasts effortless operation and prompt outcomes, producing single, bubble, or double flares on four distinct tubing dimensions. Acclaimed by skilled professionals, this tool is an ideal fit for steel, stainless steel, and soft metal tubing, earning its status as an essential addition to any workshop. Equipped with a stable vise mount and user-friendly action handle, you’ll expedite your task while generating immaculate flares for your endeavors.

Buyer’s Guide

Before diving into the world of brake line flaring tools, let’s first understand what these tools are and their purpose. Brake line flaring tools are used to create a flare, which is a connection used in braking systems, on the end of a brake line to ensure a proper fit and secure connection. These tools come in various types, sizes, and styles, each with its own set of features to consider.

Important Features of Brake Line Flaring Tools

  1. Size compatibility: Ensure the flaring tool can accommodate the size of your brake line, as brake lines come in different diameters. Common sizes are 3/16, 5/16, and 3/8 inches. Look for tools that have multiple sizes or can accommodate a range of sizes to suit various applications. The size should be clearly marked on the tool or listed in the specifications.

Considerations when Choosing a Brake Line Flaring Tool

  1. Material: Brake lines are subjected to extreme pressure and temperature variations, so the flaring tool should be made of a durable and heat-resistant material. Stainless steel is generally a good choice, as it is strong, corrosion-resistant, and can withstand high temperatures. Check if the tool has a heat-treated tip for better performance under heavy loads.

General Advice Concerning Brake Line Flaring Tools

  1. Safety first: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using brake line flaring tools to prevent injury. This includes gloves, goggles, and safety glasses. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions, and never use tools that are cracked, bent, or damaged. Replace them as soon as you notice any signs of wear.

Tips for Properly Using a Brake Line Flaring Tool

  1. Proper preparation: Clean the end of the brake line before flaring it to ensure a better fit and cleaner finished product. Remove any debris, grease, or oil using brake line cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Make sure your surface is free from rust to prevent leaks in the future. Apply a protective coating if required.

FAQ

What materials are brake line flaring tools commonly made of?

Brake line flaring tools are typically made from durable materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum. These materials offer excellent resistance to corrosion, which is important for long-term use in automotive applications. Additionally, they provide a sturdy build that can withstand the torque required for flaring brake lines.

Some models may also feature plastic or rubber components to ensure a comfortable, non-slip grip during use. This, in turn, can improve the overall handling and performance of the tool during installation or maintenance tasks on your vehicle’s braking system. Choose a model that suits your specific needs and budget for optimal results.

What sizes of ends can I flare with a brake line flaring tool?

Brake line flaring tools usually come with multiple flaring heads or adapter tools, allowing users to flare different sizes and types of ends, such as JIC, LIC, and hose ends. This versatility enables you to work with a variety of brake line sizes, making the tool a practical investment if you need to repair or maintain multiple cars or vehicles with distinct brake line diameters.

It is essential to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper flaring techniques, as well as the specifications for the flaring heads included with your tool set. By doing so, you can ensure that your brake lines are safely and securely connected to the vehicle’s brake system, and your vehicle’s braking performance is maintained to the optimal level.

Are brake line flaring tools suitable for novices or professionals only?

Brake line flaring tools can be suitable for both novices and professionals; however, experience with such tools can greatly impact the ease of use and efficiency in completing the task. For beginners, using a reliable brake line flaring tool with clear instructions and user-friendly design can help reduce the learning curve.

On the other hand, experienced professionals often seek more advanced models that offer higher precision, speed, and ease of use, as these tools can significantly enhance their workflow. Consider the level of expertise, as well as personal preferences and budget, when selecting the best brake line flaring tool for your needs.

How do I properly flare a brake line using a brake line flaring tool?

Proper flaring of a brake line is crucial for optimal brake performance and longevity. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided with your brake line flaring tool. However, the basic steps are as follows:

  1. Measure and mark the desired length of the brake line, 2) Use the appropriate flaring tool or adapter for the size of the line, 3) Cut the brake line using the appropriate tool (such as a tubing cutter or brake line cutter), 4) Place the cut end of the line in the flaring tool, 5) Hold the flaring tool firmly and apply the torque to the tool using a torque wrench, following the suggested torque for the specific brake line size, and 6) Remove the flared end from the tool, which will create a properly shaped, tapered, and secure connection for the brake line, preventing leaks or damage.

Ensure that the brake lines are clean and free of any contaminants before beginning the flaring process, and apply lubricant or brake line compound on the flared connection to facilitate smoother operation and provide additional protection against corrosion and wear. Always double-check your work and clean up any debris from the installation site to maintain a safe and efficient brake system.

Can I use a brake line flaring tool on other types of automotive lines, such as fuel or cooling lines?

While a brake line flaring tool is designed specifically for flaring brake lines, some models can be adapted to work with other automotive lines, such as fuel or cooling lines, if you use the correct flaring heads or adapters. However, it is essential to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek professional advice before attempting to flare lines that are not specifically designed for the tool in question. Using tools that are not designed for the specific task can lead to improper connections, leaks, or damage to the automotive components in question.

Remember that using a brake line flaring tool on other types of lines may compromise the tool’s performance and your safety. It is crucial to choose the right tools for each application and follow the proper guidelines to ensure optimal results and safety while working on your vehicle’s automotive systems.

What are the common causes of brake system failure in vehicles?

Brake system failure can be caused by various factors, such as contaminated brake fluid, worn-out brake pads, leaking brake lines, damaged brake calipers, or a misaligned brake system. Regular maintenance, including checkups and replacements of brake components, can help you identify and address such issues before they become major problems. It is essential to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and address any warning signs promptly to ensure the safety of both yourself and other drivers on the road.

Additionally, driving habits and the type of terrain you typically use your vehicle on can impact the lifespan and performance of your brake system. Avoiding sudden stops, maintaining proper tire pressure, and planning your routes to minimize excessive braking can help prolong the life of your brake system and prevent premature failure. Regular inspections by a certified mechanic and addressing any potential issues as they arise can help keep your brake system functioning optimally and ensure your vehicle’s safety.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, we earn from qualified purchases!

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