Brake line flaring

[Los_Control]

I bought a new tool awhile ago and today is my first chance of using it. .... I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it works.

From Amazon for $80

 

I have been using the old school basic double flare tool and just not pleased with them .... a part broke on my first tool and I had to buy a 2nd tool from Napa for $25 .... that tool was so crappy it would not make a even flare .... so I had to take parts from that tool and combine with my original tool ... I end up with flares I'm not really proud of .... but they should work 🙄

Sometimes it was a automatic no way that will work .... so you start over  .... after awhile I learned to make the lines a little long in case I needed to shorten it and try again .... just not quality work.

 

Everyone here should know by now, Hound dog is nothing but quality 🤣🤣🤣

 

I have only made about 6 flares so far .... everyone has been uniform and good, the tool is so simple to use .... you could drink beer while making the lines   

 

I'm just so use to well, it could work ... maybe it will work, ok I think that one is good .... this tool, everyone is, that will be fine.  

 

I have just been disappointed with bad tool purchases and junk quality lately .... I wanted to share a good tool that I'm pleased with.

 

https://www.amazon.com/SEEKSELF-Professional-Flaring-Degree-Single/dp/B0DF2MRCGF?crid=28KKXRIPO061T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gqwJG2q3xQJbmPbrEoB45C5wtSUPk8zlWIG1tuH6LFERkQ8sNA4XFjoCkuOINB_X7T-SUJSnSgmruG4GmGtVkPPn3EIZZISEyEWZrH_E1aa84HUdA2yXRxs4UwrXZA9XmGkDRG_TfgFQvNK69-79tfSCEvOMsDEuNTRLNmRMD9PKOesEtHjHaQDgmhfwiJGPwez2sITT-UBVE3aPo-ZHp1dXj-hyxzF8ObN1m8E7hSSZIJ7IagtN5AJW1mPlBHgEe-FIn4d_0lbNX6cjgova5rcqosmyXM_4_nDahM7FpaM.Ca7Qx3aZnRlhoRavdVT-Efn2jyYNE6DV9dxU5cPI0bc&dib_tag=se&keywords=brake%2Bflare%2Btool&qid=1763153298&s=automotive&sprefix=brake%2Bflare%2Cautomotive%2C165&sr=1-4&th=1

[DonaldSmith]

I flared my new lines with a ...Dammit, I can't find the paperwork for it.  I'll check the garage tomorrow for the name and model.

 

The flaring tool is compact, simple, and specific for 3/16" lines.  A split block screws together over the end of the tubing.  A gauge screws into the other end.  A peep hole tells whether the tube is in all the way to the gauge. (Very important.)  Then a double-ended die screws in, one end and the other, to make the flare. 

 

Generally, the tool worked well.  I had two failed ends, where the tubing was not secured in all the way, or I didn't crank the die all the way, so the flare was too small.   

 

The tool was perfect for the job.  Stay tuned for the name and model number. 

 

Ditto on leaving the tubing a little long, for redoing a flare if necessary.  Cut off the end, and remember to put the fitting on before flaring the  end.  (I remembered.)  

[DonaldSmith]

Found the paperwork!  Titan 51535. 

[DJ194950]

First time I have seen a set of these with only the 45 degree setup.  The one I borrowed had the 45  and 37 degree flares.  Sold some years back at Eastwood Co. for almost $200  with  both sizes!

 

I have used one several times- beautiful flares and Easy!

 

Make straight cuts, clean off rough  edges and a touch of oil -  a pull - Done.

 

Love em.  

 

DJ

[Plymouthy Adams]

glad you found an easy to use tool you like......full steam ahead....

[Los_Control]

13 hours ago, DonaldSmith said:

Found the paperwork!  Titan 51535. 

That is pretty nice also .... I like that both tools, yours and mine do the same thing in the same way ... while mine is larger and meant to sit in a bench vice and uses a long lever for hydraulic action .... it is fast and easy to use.

 

While your tool is hand held, it is a little slower because you are using wrenches and tightening to create the hydraulic action ... instead of one pull of a lever.

It is very convenient to use on the vehicle ... where mine is large and clunky ... will be awkward to try to use hand held.

 

My current project I need to make 6 lines, 5 are short enough I can make them on the bench then install, one I have no choice, I will have to put the line in place then cut to length and make the final flare on the vehicle.

If I were a mechanic, I would want both tools ... one for the garage to do the majority of flares, the other for the occasional one that needs to be done on the vehicle. 

[Los_Control]

12 hours ago, DJ194950 said:

First time I have seen a set of these with only the 45 degree setup.  The one I borrowed had the 45  and 37 degree flares.  Sold some years back at Eastwood Co. for almost $200  with  both sizes!

Too much of a noob, I do not know the difference or importance between 45 and 37 degree flares and why one would want one or the other ... hoping 45 is fine.

I have seen the 37 degree wheel sold separately and kits that offer both.

[John-T-53]

On 11/14/2025 at 1:25 PM, Los_Control said:

I bought a new tool awhile ago and today is my first chance of using it. .... I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it works.

From Amazon for $80

 

I have been using the old school basic double flare tool and just not pleased with them .... a part broke on my first tool and I had to buy a 2nd tool from Napa for $25 .... that tool was so crappy it would not make a even flare .... so I had to take parts from that tool and combine with my original tool ... I end up with flares I'm not really proud of .... but they should work 🙄

Sometimes it was a automatic no way that will work .... so you start over  .... after awhile I learned to make the lines a little long in case I needed to shorten it and try again .... just not quality work.

 

Everyone here should know by now, Hound dog is nothing but quality 🤣🤣🤣

 

I have only made about 6 flares so far .... everyone has been uniform and good, the tool is so simple to use .... you could drink beer while making the lines   

 

I'm just so use to well, it could work ... maybe it will work, ok I think that one is good .... this tool, everyone is, that will be fine.  

 

I have just been disappointed with bad tool purchases and junk quality lately .... I wanted to share a good tool that I'm pleased with.

 

https://www.amazon.com/SEEKSELF-Professional-Flaring-Degree-Single/dp/B0DF2MRCGF?crid=28KKXRIPO061T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gqwJG2q3xQJbmPbrEoB45C5wtSUPk8zlWIG1tuH6LFERkQ8sNA4XFjoCkuOINB_X7T-SUJSnSgmruG4GmGtVkPPn3EIZZISEyEWZrH_E1aa84HUdA2yXRxs4UwrXZA9XmGkDRG_TfgFQvNK69-79tfSCEvOMsDEuNTRLNmRMD9PKOesEtHjHaQDgmhfwiJGPwez2sITT-UBVE3aPo-ZHp1dXj-hyxzF8ObN1m8E7hSSZIJ7IagtN5AJW1mPlBHgEe-FIn4d_0lbNX6cjgova5rcqosmyXM_4_nDahM7FpaM.Ca7Qx3aZnRlhoRavdVT-Efn2jyYNE6DV9dxU5cPI0bc&dib_tag=se&keywords=brake%2Bflare%2Btool&qid=1763153298&s=automotive&sprefix=brake%2Bflare%2Cautomotive%2C165&sr=1-4&th=1

 

This looks almost exactly like the flaring tool that Eastwood sells. Since it's on Amazon and made by a "company" called "SEEKSERF", it's undoubtedly a knockoff.

I bought the Eastwood one years ago and made all new SS brake lines for my truck with it. Worked like a champ. 

 

https://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html

 

One word: Chyna. 

 

 

[Plymouthy Adams]

with all due respect everything Eastwood sells is a knockoff with their name on it....and at often twice the price or more.  There are a number of companies that are doing this and reaping the benefits of re-packaging....you buy enough of an item you can get your own name on the label.  

[Young Ed]

These should be posted in the show your tools thread. I've been eyeing one myself for years but so far I'm going fine with my old school one 

[ggdad1951]

Bought an Eastwood one a few years ago in prep for TODD, have yet to use it....but looking like in early Jan I will!

[Los_Control]

15 hours ago, John-T-53 said:

This looks almost exactly like the flaring tool that Eastwood sells.

The only difference I can see is the decal with Eastwood name on it.

To be fair I like my decal better as it is color coded ... operation 1 is in green, operation 2 is in orange ... Eastwood is all one color so you need to read ... no big deal.

 

Mine from Amazon is a Yuarni brand name, when I do a google search for instructions .... Eastwood video is the #1 hit

 

[John-T-53]

2 hours ago, Los_Control said:

The only difference I can see is the decal with Eastwood name on it.

To be fair I like my decal better as it is color coded ... operation 1 is in green, operation 2 is in orange ... Eastwood is all one color so you need to read ... no big deal.

 

Mine from Amazon is a Yuarni brand name, when I do a google search for instructions .... Eastwood video is the #1 hit

 

 

The positions on mine are color coded as well, hell, maybe mine is a "Yuarmu" brand too, with an Eastwood sticker. I'll have to look at it tonight. 

 

It is a good design. Forget the handheld flare tools that never work right....

 

Chicoms....

[Merle Coggins]

On 11/14/2025 at 6:41 PM, DonaldSmith said:

I flared my new lines with a ...Dammit, 

 

I have several of those 'Dammit' tools. 🤣

[Los_Control]

21 minutes ago, John-T-53 said:

Forget the handheld flare tools that never work right....

If we can get away with it I agree, but it is not always as simple as that.

 

Realistically there are just times when one will need to do the job with a hand held tool on the vehicle.

 

The other day I struggled with this tool.

It is not made to be a hand held tool .... this is the right front line .... need to feed it in from one end with flare/fitting in place, bend it as you go and then connect it and straighten and form it on the way back .... then cut to length .... you do not want to pull this line back out to flare the final end.

 

Took me 3 tries to actually create a flare I think will work .... I felt like a monkey trying to have sax with a football .... I would be fired if a paying customer was watching me try to accomplish this task to make one flare ..... but I finally got er done   

 

Where I said earlier, if I was a mechanic, I would want both tools, this one for the bench, the one @DonaldSmith has for working on the vehicle.

 

 

[ggdad1951]

On 11/17/2025 at 5:50 PM, Plymouthy Adams said:

with all due respect everything Eastwood sells is a knockoff with their name on it....and at often twice the price or more.  There are a number of companies that are doing this and reaping the benefits of re-packaging....you buy enough of an item you can get your own name on the label.  

To some degreee I agree with you, but I do know that some tools are knockoffs and just don't work as good as the "original".   Sadly I don't have the $$ to buy a pile of them all to compare.  

[Plymouthy Adams]

I have had my hands on a number of Eastwood items that many of friends working out of their home shops have purchased.  I did generalize a bit with my statement,  but their company profile still stands true to the end.  They DO SHOP the market before selecting which product they feel will represent their name before getting their name put on and selling from their catalog.   I will not say they sell junk, I say they are marketing a brand name at higher retail, hey it's the way of business.... many folks like single store ordering of parts/supplies.

[ggdad1951]

@Plymouthy Adams all true...I know I've been bitten by knockoffs and companies that are Amazon one day wonders...so I do tend to align with companies with a better "name" if I'm gonna buy a tool I want to last beyond a single use.  

 

😃