How to Make Brake Line Flare Fittings

Brakes are easily one of the most crucial parts of a motor vehicle's safety system, so ensuring they are in working order is vital for safety. One part of the brake system that sometimes requires replacement is the brake lines, which deliver brake fluid and assist in applying pressure to the brakes. In order to properly attach brake lines they must have special fittings which are flared at the end to ensure a tight seal. Using special tools and flaring techniques, you can make brake line flare fittings.

Instructions

1

Place a pipe cutter on a piece of brake line pipe at the location you wish to create the flare.

2

Tighten down the pipe cutter by turning the tightening knob clockwise until it is firmly in place.

3

Spin the pipe cutter around the brake line pipe a few times to cut into the pipe. Turn the tightening knob again until it is secure and spin the pipe cutter around the brake line pipes a few more times. Continue this process until the pipe is cut through.

4

Cut away insulation at the end of the pipe approximately the length of the flare nut with a utility knife. Sand away any adhesive or paint on the pipe beneath the insulation with 400-grit sandpaper.

5

Attach a drill bit slightly smaller than the end of the pipe to be flared to a power drill and pass the bit into the end of the pipe to be flared. Spin the bit in the opening of the pipe to remove any burrs and rough edges created by the pipe cutter.

6

File any rough edges on the outside of the end of the pipe to be flared with a metal file.

7

Slide a flare nut onto the end of the pipe to be flared.

8

Slide the flare tool clamp over the flare nut and pipe and tighten it in place by turning the tightening knob clockwise.

9

Attach the flare tool to the flare tool clamp and position it so the tip of the flare tool is aligned with the opening of the pipe to be flared.

10

Turn the flare tool's handle clockwise until it drives down into the opening of the pipe and flares it open.

11

Unscrew the flare tool's handle, remove it from the flare tool clamp and unscrew the flare tool clamp tightening knob to release the pipe. Repeat this process at the other end of the pipe to make a double-flared line.