Making brake lines, am I pressing too hard?
 

Hey all,

Just got a new brake forming tool. It had great reviews online so I'm trying to figure out what I am doing wrong here. I'm using 3/16 copper line and the right dies, but they're not coming out right, and looking for advice.

If I squeeze it until there is substantial resistance, like the instructions say, they come out overly flat.

This one I did the first die to resistance, and then the second lighter, and it was a bit better, but I'm still getting, for lack of a better term, multiple fat rolls on the flare.

Sorry for the bad photos, but couldn't get the phone to focus while holding them.

http://i.imgur.com/xcD04YOl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/2Y4JWWHl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/kGGviHFl.jpg

Re: Making brake lines, am I pressing too hard?
 

I'm terrible at flaring lines and I have that same kit at work. My advice is to try having more of the line exposed past the clamp end. Also, they never always look right to me, but when you tighten the line down into the fitting after the flare it usually finishes it up a little bit better.

Re: Making brake lines, am I pressing too hard?
 

Experiment with the amount of tube out the end till you find the sweet spot for the nickle copper.
Jimmy

Re: Making brake lines, am I pressing too hard?
 

yup try that, with the normal steel line you get from the parts store you have it flush with the end of the correct size clamp for the line you are using, but there is definitely a sweet spot when using the copper. Just to check, you are using the die with the little tit that goes in squeeze it in, back it off then using the cone? All without loosening the clamp that's actually holding the line I have the same kit and have used it for years, but it's been a while since I've messed with anything but steel lines.

Re: Making brake lines, am I pressing too hard?
 

Yeah I'm using the male fitting first, then the cone. The instructions say to make the line flush the the die, but that didn't seem to work too well. I tried it sticking out a bit more, and got a better result. Will keep trying.

I have also heard not to use the tubing cutting tool provided, as it hardens the end of the tubing, but not sure if there is merit to that.

Re: Making brake lines, am I pressing too hard?
 

I dont know about using copper for brake lines.Transmissions;oil coolers;fuel lines mabey but I just wonder about the bursting strength of copper What kind of tubing are you using.I would think steel tubing would be a better choice IMHO.

Re: Making brake lines, am I pressing too hard?
 

From the pictures it looks like he is using Nicopp which is a nickle/copper line. It is definitely rated for brake line. It will not work harden like copper and its is very easy to bend and flare.

Re: Making brake lines, am I pressing too hard?
 

After you cut the line and before flaring deburr the inside of the line.

I use a small center drill to clean up any ragged edges on the inside of the tube.

If you don't use a tubing cutter make sure you have nice square cut or it won't flare evenly.

Re: Making brake lines, am I pressing too hard?
 

i have a Harbor Freight flaring tool and have been using the nickle/ copper tubing with success. I bevel the outside as well as debur the inside.