I have used the bar clamp style double flaring tools, but never had much success with them - either the line pushes through, or the bar slips off to one side or the other and I get a crooked flare. I had looked at the big-dollar hydraulic flaring tools, but couldn't bring myself to spend the money for something I used only occasionally.

So this summer my dad showed me his Cal-Van inline double flaring tool that he had just bought, but hadn't had an opportunity to try. Well, conveniently, I blew a brake line about a week after he got it and got a chance to test it out.

The verdict: this thing is awesome! I ended up replacing sections of both rear brake lines on my Aurora, so I did a total of 4 flares on the vehicle, plus a couple ahead of time for practice; I did not have any trouble with the line pushing through, and it made a perfectly straight flare every time. After using his, I went right out and bought one of my own.

It made my life a lot easier, so I thought I would share in case anyone is in the same boat. It's pretty affordable, about $45; this is more than the standard bar type flaring tool, but well worth the extra money. I purchased mine on eBay from Joey's Wholesale Tools; I think ToolTopia carries them as well. They make an inline bubble flaring tool that I am thinking about buying as well, but I've been able to get by without it so far.

 

Looks like a good deal. I've never tried to do a flare mainly because of all of the bad things that I've heard and read about.

Maybe now I will -- or not

I've actually seen some of the other type that said "for plumbing only " -- and they were sold in automotive places.

hj

 

Thanks for sharing, Isaac. reps
They're located in Greensboro, NC which isn't too far away.

 

I Have the snap on version and matco, both worth the money...

 

Huh, I had no idea Snap-on and Matco made inline flaring tools too. Cal-Van was the only brand I'd come across; now I see that they are also sold by ATD, CTA, NAPA, and probably others. As well as they seem to work, I wonder why you can only find the bar clamp style in stores.

 

Wow---that is an awesome tool! Also used various bar/clamp type flaring tools but this in-line thing is Uber Slick ! Here's another YouTube link to an expanded tutorial:
I've used Joey's Wholesale Tools on FleaBay a few times---great discounted seller on SK stuff. Even though Snap On is my preferred tool for a lot of things automotive SK is quite good for the rather limited use I put mine through.

As for the bubble flaring---what applications do you see yourself using that for? I'm told its not acceptable for any sort of brake line connections.

 

Bubble flare is used in a lot of approved applications. Gen Motors, Ford etc use them. A lot for Master cylinder connections.
I know my 89,and 93 crown vics, as well as 89 F250 use bubble.

 

Bubble/ISO/DIN flares are actually the most common these days; I think they've been used on most cars since the mid-90's or so. You might be thinking of single flare, which is not appropriate for brakes.

Here's a useful page with a lot of information about brake lines, flares and fittings: Technical Help/How to PDF's

 

we will see. i am pretty good with the bar type tool, but it is a pain in the butt when trying to do a flair in the frame.
i just ordered one, and as it happens i have a truck that blew a brake line last night hooking the snow plow up.
so i will try it out next week when it comes in.

 

Great reference -- thanks. Reps sent

hj

 

Matco makes the best flaring tool I've used.

 

wow, i forgot all about this thread. i have used the inline flair tool quite a bit since it came in and have to say it is very easy to use, and works great!!