Two part question RE: Brake lines

Trying to wrap up the Wilwood master cylinder install on the Miata, and i think i'm on the right track.

I'm making two new lines, and cutting and re-flaring one stock line.

Questions:

1) I cannot use a bubble flare where an inverted flare is supposed to live, correct?

2) Where the hell do i get an inverted flare tool with a quickness (Preferably to rent, i don't have the scratch right now to spend on some awesome tools to do 5 flares at the moment, but will definitely invest later)

Rented a tool from Autozone last night, but i'm pretty sure it's bubble only, i have no idea how the dies they gave me could possibly do inverted 45.

they do make adapters if you want to bubble flare it then adapt to the inverted hole.

i've often wondered but never tried, if the bubble would just become an inverted flare simply by tightening it into the inverted flare female fitting.

I don't want adapters, that's the whole reason i'm making lines.

I wondered the same thing about a bubble turning into an inverted if you just crank it down, but i'm not sure if that's something i'd want to find out on my own dime.

If it's the right kit the first step using the button will make the bubble looking form. Remove the button and just use the flare tool to finish the double flare.

fasted58 wrote: If it's the right kit the first step using the button will make the bubble looking form. Remove the button and just use the flare tool to finish the double flare.

So... use the die to make the bubble, then just hit it with the pointy press thing to invert it?

Hotlinked:

The 'bubble' after using the button.

Remove die and finish w/ flare tool.

Gotcha.

This is what i'm using. It sucks, but it's the right tool, then?

http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/flaring-tool/oem-sae-double-flaring-tool/69341_0_0/

In reply to Swank Force One:

Yup. Not high on the food chain but works. Clean inside the clamping hole in the vise w/ small wire brush, the tube coating may wear off and tube may slip after repeated use. Add a dab of grease where the button die will contact the tubing for bubble forming. Another dab of grease on the pointy thing in last step to form the inverted part. Don't forget to put the fitting on before flaring, btdt.

Not a terrible tool for a loaner. I tire after a half dozen flares tho. If my routine job or I was doing an entire vehicle w/ new tubing I'd prolly borrow or pop for a pro model.

Yeahh.... the fitting on BEFORE the flare is why i need to buy another length of line today.

Appreciate the help!

I'll definitely be buying a nice setup for later use now that i've realized that brake lines aren't scary. Learning new things is fun.

Swank Force One wrote: Yeahh.... the fitting on BEFORE the flare is why i need to buy another length of line today. Appreciate the help! I'll definitely be buying a nice setup for later use now that i've realized that brake lines aren't scary. Learning new things is fun.

They are even less scary with a good tool. Since we had to custom plumb the Wartburg and Eastwood was having a sale on one of their flaring tools I purchased one a few years ago. I just ran all custom lines in the sandrail project over the weekend and it made the job quite easy. Only downside is the style I got is bench mounted so you have to flare off the vehicle. There are some more expensive models which can be used at the car which would be nice at times.

When it comes to brake flaring tools there is only one word: "Mastercool"

http://www.mastercool.com/pages/flaring_tools.html

jimbbski wrote: When it comes to brake flaring tools there is only one word: "Mastercool" http://www.mastercool.com/pages/flaring_tools.html

Awesome, sounds like i need the master 71475 kit. Thanks!

I picked up one of these inline flare tools last year - love it. I'm not afraid of brake lines any more.

http://www.cal-vantools.com/p-198-master-inline-flaring-tool-kit.aspx

You can buy a full set like this online, but places like Advance have smaller kits (single size) in store too.

jimbbski wrote: When it comes to brake flaring tools there is only one word: "Mastercool" http://www.mastercool.com/pages/flaring_tools.html

Bought one. Done 3 full cars, and quite a few repairs with it. I no longer fear and loathe brake lines. Still can'make them as pretty as id like though.

I bought an Eastwood flaring kit and tube bender but haven't used it yet. As soon as the weather warms up I'll be out in the garage making all new lines for my Spitfire. I've never done it before so I'm sure there'll be a learning curve to go through.

(I need to remember to put the fitting on before flaring).

I could not get the double flare adapter to go straight with the cheap az tool. I ended up using my arbor press to push it after filing the end smooth.

jimbbski wrote: When it comes to brake flaring tools there is only one word: "Mastercool" http://www.mastercool.com/pages/flaring_tools.html

I have one and love it. The only drawback to that tool is when repairing an existing line on a car, sometimes there isn't enough room to slide the fitting back and re-flare the line. The dies are pretty deep. The traditional flare tool works in those situations.

stan_d wrote: I could not get the double flare adapter to go straight with the cheap az tool. I ended up using my arbor press to push it after filing the end smooth.

Yeah all the flares were ugly with that tool, but none are leaking.

What IS leaking is the one flare i tried to use that was already pre-formed on the section of line that i bought. Go figure.