How to Flare a Stainless Line

Learning how to flare stainless steel lines properly is beneficial to a car enthusiast. Flaring stainless steel lines can save you a great deal of money when it comes to changing the brake lines on your automobile. This is especially true when it comes to custom brake lines. If you are restoring an old automobile, or building a custom car, chances are you are not going to find an exact fit off the shelf.

Instructions

1

Measure the length of the stainless line that you need using a tape measure. Cut the tubing to length using the tubing cutter. Shape the stainless line as necessary to the pattern for your particular application using the tubing bender. It is important that you do this carefully to avoid kinking the tubing.

2

Ream the opening of the cut you made carefully using the reaming tool. The end of the tubing must be square and flat in order for the flare to work properly. Put a small chamfer on the end of the tubing using the metal file. When creating a double-flare, this is a requirement. It is also important to ensure there are no burrs in the tubing.

3

Smooth the end of the tubing using the emery cloth. Place a flare nut on the tubing. Insert the end of the tubing into the flare tool while using the double-flare insert as a guide. Clamp it in place by tightening the thumbscrews on the tool. Place the flaring tool over the insert and twist the handle until it is snug. Check to that the insert is square on the clamp.

4

Remove the flaring tool and insert from the tubing. Note a bell-shaped flare. Place a drop of oil on the end of the tube and slide the tool over to the end. Tighten down on the tool to form the second part of the flare.