Working on your car’s brake lines often requires creating flares, and for 3/16 inch lines, using an on-car flaring tool can save you significant time and effort. This guide will walk you through the process of using a hand-operated on-car flaring tool, ensuring you get perfect flares every time. Whether you are a seasoned mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, mastering this technique is crucial for safe and effective brake system maintenance.
Essential Preparation for Brake Line Flaring
Before you even pick up your flaring tool, proper preparation is key to a successful flare. The most critical step is to ensure a clean, square cut on your brake line. A tubing cutter is indispensable for this task. Avoid using a hacksaw or other methods that can deform the tubing. A square cut is paramount; if the cut is angled or uneven, you’ll struggle to create a proper flare, no matter how skilled you are.
Once you’ve made the cut, don’t skip deburring the edges. Use a file or deburring tool to gently remove any burrs from both the inside and outside of the freshly cut tube. These small imperfections can prevent the flare from sealing correctly and lead to leaks. Taking this extra moment for cleanup ensures a smooth, leak-proof connection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a 3/16 On-Car Flaring Tool
Now that your brake line is prepped, let’s get into the actual flaring process using your on-car 3/16 flaring tool. These steps are designed for hand-operated tools and will help you create both bubble and double flares.
Step 1: Securely Clamping the Brake Line
The first step is to clamp the brake line securely in the flaring tool. Locate the clamp section of your tool, which will have holes designed for different tubing sizes. Select the hole that matches your 3/16 inch brake line.
Insert the brake line into the clamp, ensuring that the end to be flared is positioned on the side of the clamp with beveled edges around the holes. The crucial part here is getting the correct amount of tubing protruding from the clamp.
To gauge the proper protrusion, use the die that corresponds to your 3/16 inch tubing. Place the die flat against the clamp, next to the brake line. Observe the side of the die; you’ll notice a band or step in its casting. Adjust the brake line in the clamp until it protrudes exactly the same distance as the depth of this band on the die. This precise measurement is vital for forming the flare correctly.
Once the tubing is at the correct length, tighten the clamp firmly. Many flaring tools have a rod or handle to help tighten wing nuts on the clamp. Ensure it’s sufficiently tight to prevent the tube from slipping during the flaring process. Slippage will result in a failed flare and wasted effort.
Step 2: Creating the Initial Flare with the Die (Bubble Flare)
With the brake line securely clamped, it’s time to start forming the flare. Take the die you used for measuring protrusion and flip it over. The stub end of the die is now inserted into the end of the brake line that’s protruding from the clamp.
Next, position the press part of your flaring tool over the die, engaging it with the clamp mechanism. Begin tightening the press. Continue tightening until the die is firmly in contact with the clamp itself. This pressing action will start to form the initial shape of the flare within the brake line.
At this stage, if you were to stop here, you would have created a bubble flare. Bubble flares are used in some automotive applications, but for many brake line systems, a double flare is required.
Step 3: Forming the Double Flare with the Press
To complete the double flare, loosen the clamp and remove the die you used in the previous step. Now, you’ll use the pointed end of the press directly on the brake line. Position the pointed end precisely where the die was located, inside the flared opening of the brake line.
Re-engage the press with the clamp and tighten it again. Maintaining a 90-degree angle between the press and the clamp is crucial during this tightening phase. Apply firm and even pressure. You’ll want to press until the metal is noticeably flattened and you achieve a shape that resembles a miniature funnel or cone. This signifies that the double flare is fully formed.
Once you’ve reached this point, your double flare is complete. Carefully loosen the press and the clamp, and remove your newly flared brake line.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Brake Line Flares
While the steps outlined above are straightforward, here are a few key tips to ensure you create perfect, leak-free brake line flares every time with your on-car 3/16 flaring tool:
- Square Cuts are Non-Negotiable: Reiterate the importance of a square cut. It’s the foundation of a good flare.
- Correct Tube Protrusion is Critical: Don’t guess the tube protrusion length. Always use the die as a gauge as described.
- Clamp it Tight: A loose clamp is a recipe for slippage and failed flares. Ensure the clamp is adequately tightened.
- Maintain a 90-Degree Angle: Keeping the press at a 90-degree angle during the final forming stage ensures even pressure and a symmetrical flare.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you are new to flaring, practice on scrap pieces of brake line first to get a feel for the tool and the process.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to confidently use your on-car 3/16 flaring tool to create reliable and leak-free brake line flares, ensuring the safety and performance of your vehicle’s braking system.
