How to Use Brake Pliers

Brake pliers are often considered the most valuable tool in any auto-mechanic's tool kit. The design of the brake pliers keep them lightweight, durable and strong, and they work well with brake tube that is 3/16 inch and 1/4 inch. Brake pliers are handy for bending or adjusting brake lines, as well as aligning the brake lines during repairs or replacements. The ends of the brake pliers are specially designed to allow the mechanic to bend the brake tubing without distorting the shape, which saves both time and money.

Instructions

1

Determine whether the brake line's tubing is 3/16 inch or 1/4 inch. Holding the brake line's tubing in one hand, use the appropriate (3/16 or 1/4 inch) space in the brake pliers to close the pliers around the tubing where the bend is needed. With minimal effort, rotate the wrist of the hand holding the brake pliers to create the bend in the brake lines. Loops or spirals can also be formed this way, making brake lines that are too long fit the vehicle.

2

Locate the brake lines tubing on the vehicle and then determine where adjustments are needed. Using the appropriate section of the brake pliers (3/16 or 1/4 inch), close the brake pliers over the brake line's tubing in the desired location and, while supporting the brake line's tubing with one hand, rotate the wrist of the hand holding the brake pliers to produce the bend(s) where needed to adjust the length or size of the brake lines.

3

Hold the brake pliers and close the ends around the brake line's tubing near the very end of the tubing, just next to the tube nut. The brake pliers allow you to hold the tubing tightly without risking damage to the tubing, which is helpful when attaching new brake lines or adjusting current brake lines already on the vehicle. The brake pliers will also allow you to hold the brake lines in spaces your hands will not fit.

4

Locate the section of the brake line's tubing that will be cut. Secure the brake pliers around the tubing in that section and use the edge of the pliers as a guide to ensure the cut in the lines is straight and even.