Hey guys, I have to basically make all new brake lines for my 51. I have tried the "auto store" brand double flaring kits on some of my brake lines and it is just not a quality tool. I would have to use an extra c-clamp on it so the tube wouldn't slip, and the double flare still turns out bad. I have rented 2 different kits and taken them back. I have come to the conclusion that I might just have to buy a good "name brand" double flaring kit. The first one I was thinking about was a RIDGID 345-DL for about 80 bucks (top of what I wanted to spend) It had great reviews and all that but, I found one website that stated that the 345-DL "wasn't for use with brake lines"....

Then I found a snap-on kit called "Blue Point" for about $52 and it had good reviews also.

What have you guys used?

 

I just used the one I bought from either speedway, or summit. I forget which. OK quality, I don't have any leaks in my brake or fuel system. As important as the tool you use is the technique. I don't use a tubing cutter, I cut with a cutoff wheel, such as a dremel. Use a fine file and the tool as a guide to square and smooth the end, and ensure the id is smooth and clean. A little lube in the arbor helps, also.

 

I bought a brand "black hawk" I believe from an auto parts store for about 35.00 and it seem to do the job. but I would go for snap on if its only 50 bucks.

 

I used the Rigid for all of my brake lines, didn't see anything about not using it for brake lines though. Also, I used a drill bit to remove the ridge inside the line from the tubing cutter before flaring.
The double flaring kit sold by Eastwood is chinese junk, I think the one I bought is probably at the bottom of my scrap barrel.

 

I'm going thru the same crap. My KD tools flaring tool is junk, even broke off the centering pin for the first flare. Went up to my local machine shop and redid a couple with his Snap-On and while it did not look to be much better quality, it did work with no leaks. I can't justify a $300+ flaring tool.

 

I have an Eastwood double flaring kit. It double flared my stainless brake lines beautifully. It was pricey at a little over $200, but you can't put a price on safety.

 

I've been looking at that one. Had it on sale couple weeks ago for $189, but not sure how much longer I'm going to continue this restoration hobby.

 

I have a craftsman unit. I DO have to use a c-clamp to hold the line, but it is not too bad to work with. I use a little rolling pipe cutter then the drill bit to open the hole. I use a dremel with a little stone that has a cup on the end and it chamfers the end of the line very nicely. I haven't had any of my flares split on the end, like i have in the past. the extra step in deburring and chamfering the end is the trick for me. Mine are looking good so far. I gotta do a bubble flare soon(or DIN flare) we shall see how that goes.

 

When I bought my 49, I had to rebuild everything from the pedal off. Here's the trick I used. Get the Dennis Carpenter catalog out and look up that brake line kit they sell (don't get excited, I'm not saying you have to buy it from them and pay the extraordinary shipping cost). But take notice that they give you the exact length each piece should be right there in the catalog. Now take that catalog to the parts house and buy the pre-fabbed pieces that are closest in size to what that catalog calls for. The pre-fabbed lines come in many different sizes, and it's usually in 2 inch increments as I recall. Sure, they might be a tad longer here and there, but, as I recall, I only had to cut and use my $35 double flare kit one time on the whole job.

EDIT: Here you go. I just cut and pasted this right out of their online catalog. This helped me out tremendously.

Steel Brake Line Kit - F-1
Includes:
(1)- Master Cylinder to Rear
Brake Hose - 74"
(1) - Left Front - 43 1/2"
(1) - Right Front - 69 1/2"
(1) - Left Rear - 21 1/4"
(1) - Right Rear - 40 5/8"

 

Thanks Doc, that's a great help.

 

Also, when I did mine, I noticed that all brake line is not the same.....I got a bad roll and it played games with me for ever. Had half the lines done then quit. Hate to say it, but I did just what Doc suggested. Worked out better that way. At least the lines did not leak when I was done.

I used a flare tool from Summit. The tool was good just the line was ____.

 

I use the Mastercool Hydraulic kit

Mastercool 71475 Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool Kit

pricey but I haven't had a bad flare yet and you don't need to clamp it in a vice like the manual ones.

 

After some frustrations with cheaper flaring tools on past projects, I upgraded a bit. The flaring tool is sort of 'middle of the road' cost wise, but I've been very happy with the results. It's sold by Classic Performance Products; called their Double Flare Deluxe Kit (#CPDFT-D). It lists for $69.00. Very well built and I've been impressed with the flares that I've been able to produce with it. Just another alternative that I thought might be of interest.

 

KGP50 that kit looks good and durable and the price isn't bad either compared to others. I was playing around on the net last night and saw that "CarCraft" did a article on double flaring and they used the Ridgid 345-DL model so I guess that other website I saw that said "not to be used for brake lines" doesn't know what there talking about.

Some good news is my dad gave me a call the other morning and told me not to buy anything yet as he has access to a double flaring kit at his work place. I would think it would be a really good quality one....I hope anyways lol