Working on automotive brake lines can be a task filled with nuances, especially when it comes to achieving perfect flares. Like many DIY mechanics, I recently encountered a frustrating challenge while trying to flare 3/16″ brake lines. Initially, despite using what I believed to be the correct Eastwood car flaring tool, my flares were consistently subpar. After a day of head-scratching and unsatisfactory results, I decided to step back and reassess my approach.
The next day, with fresh eyes, I revisited the project. I started by double-checking the basics. Was I using the right die size for my 3/16 tubing? Yes. Was the die correctly positioned in my Eastwood flaring tool? Absolutely. To eliminate any material variables, I even purchased new lengths of both standard NAPA brake line and Ni-Cop brake line, carefully measuring their outer diameters to confirm they were within the expected range for 3/16 tubing.
The breakthrough came when I scrutinized my tubing cutter. I had been using a small pipe cutter, and upon closer inspection, I realized that as it rotated around the brake line, it was inadvertently damaging the protective polymer sheathing. This seemingly minor nick was enough to compromise the tubing’s outer diameter at the cut point, leading to undersized and imperfect flares. Switching to a proper tubing cutter designed for brake lines made a world of difference. It provided a clean, mar-free cut, essential for a proper flare.
With the correct tubing cutter in hand and using my Eastwood flaring tool, I attempted another flare. This time, focusing on applying sufficient pressure to the flaring tool handle, I pushed it firmly until it reached its stop. The result was a clean, correctly formed flare, much like the examples I had seen of properly flared brake lines. It became clear that applying adequate pressure is just as critical as using the right tools.
This experience underscored a valuable lesson in DIY auto repair: the right tool for the right job is paramount, and sometimes, stepping back and re-evaluating your process after a break can lead to the solution. With properly cut tubing and sufficient pressure on the Eastwood car flaring tool for 3/16 tubing, achieving professional-quality brake line flares is definitely within reach for the home mechanic. Now, armed with this knowledge, I can confidently proceed with bending, cutting, and flaring the rest of my brake lines, ensuring a safe and reliable brake system.
