OTC Bubble Flaring Tool opinions

[pommeree]

Anyone whose done tubing flares have an opinion on this for use in a "Hobbyist" setting?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/OTC-6504

TIA

[BoomerDJ]

i havent used that one, but i borrowed one from kragens and that thing sucked, could have been that i was not using it right tho...

[pommeree]

Originally Posted by BoomerDJ

i havent used that one, but i borrowed one from kragens and that thing sucked, could have been that i was not using it right tho...

So did you wind up using an alternate tool with which you had success?
Thanks,

[BoomerDJ]

i just went and bought short lengths that were close to what i wanted and just made it work

[pommeree]

Originally Posted by BoomerDJ

i just went and bought short lengths that were close to what i wanted and just made it work

Oh. I see! With the flares and fittings already on.

I'm going to be redoing just about all the hard lines, including the long brake and fuel runs from the front to the back and am going to to the flares and fittings myself (for grins)
That's why I'm looking at DIY-er caliber tools for the job but at the same time don't want to throw money away on junk that simply won't work.
It used to be (when I was young and single) I'd just shell out the $$ for craftsman or other top shelf tools.
I've adapted however to buying "test" tools or "training" tools.
My philosophy being, when learning something new, should I wear out the cheap-o tool or break it, then apparently I use it enough to invest in the right one.
That way I don't wind up with another pricey paper weight.

[epmedia]

"High Quality Alloy Steel" - for the little interchangable flaring tips.
I have a feeling that the most used tip might just, get it all done before distorting.

EDIT: They may not work on fuel lines (if harder than brake lines). So do brake lines first .

The cheaper tools would have just used "steel" - for the flaring tips.

May even want to ask them if they have replacement tips too, just incase.

Robert

[superj]

you can get flaring kits from local places also, right? try a harbor freight kit to learn on or goto one of your local auto parts places for a cheap-o practice kit.

are you double flaring or single flaring? i ask because i have never done automotive work but have done flaring on aviation lines. i never bought hte kit though so i don't know what brand. i know some things require double flares though so make sure you can double flare with which ever kit you get

[pommeree]

Our cars use a form of double flare know as the 'DIN/ISO Bubble Flare'

Everything you wanted to know about brake tubing here:
http://www.fedhillusa.com/?page=faq

And a nice PDF file illustrating the three most common types of flares here:
http://www.fedhillusa.com/webnuts/common%20flares6.pdf

[rusty79]

to lazy to check link but don't all brake lines use double flares. put a drop of brake fluid on the line when flaring it helps, i still just use premade lines there is only so much time in the day and three cars to keep running and a 50-60 hour work week and all sorts of chores and family and friends to keep up with

edit: just checked autozones website they'll loan you the tool for free just leave a refundable deposit lots of the buget chains will do the same

[jrcook320]

I've used that exact flaring kit, they work fine when you do it right. You can get the same thing for free at autozone. Rent it, use it, return and they give you your money back.

[pommeree]

Originally Posted by rusty79

to lazy to check link but don't all brake lines use double flares.

Remind me to say "No thanks" if you offer me a ride.

Seriously, you should click the 2nd link. It's a one page PDF and you'll immediately recognize our bimmer-style flares and fittings.

Originally Posted by jrcook320

I've used that exact flaring kit, they work fine when you do it right. You can get the same thing for free at autozone. Rent it, use it, return and they give you your money back.

That's all I needed to hear. Thanks!