Thought I would post this here for info for everybody that doesn't get over to Team Camaro very often!!

"Well I'm just like everybody else so am about average, I guess? I got my calipers and big M/C and shorter pushrod on and now these SOB hard lines are getting to me!!

Bought a cheap flaring tool and it pushes the tube out the bottom.

Went to a local NAPA store and bought a couple more short lines and the Parts-Guy said I can use his K-D PN 2190 flaring tool that he has had for years!

It has moveable/adjustable grippers that look just like thread die halves!!! Talk about grip!!

Use this link to see it;

http://www.mytoolstore.com/kd/kdspec13.html#2198

The sucker costs like $94.50 per the cat. page!!!

Hopefully I can try it tomorrow morning...."


I tried it AND it WORKS GREAT!!!

pdq67

Posted by airrj over at Team Chevelle..

pdq,

I have seen that style tool and I have never used one yet. I bought the Ridgid No. 345 flare tool. It has a side clamp that secures the tubing very well. It is also going to run almost $100 with the double flare dies, but it is the best flaring tool that I have every used. I have even done some Stainless Steel lines with it.

Thanks for the info.

--------------------
R.J.
1972 Chevelle
TC Member #1525
RJ's website updated 7-4-03


The T/C post has a link to it to view it.

pdq67

The rigid tool is a very good one. It's great for the garage, but if you work out of a van like I do, it's kind of bulky to keep in a tool bag. But it works great.

i got a flaring tool(and some other tool) my grandpa had, it's a flaring tool of somekind... built well too

Figured I would bump an old thread. Any other tools you guys can recommend for bending tube and flaring ends?

i have a ridgid flare tool that works well. if I ever have a lot of SS lines to do I'm getting a hydraulic one.

does it bend and flare? or do I need one tool for each task?

That NAPA one is an Imperial Eastman flaring tool set. I've had that same set for almost 40 years and it's flared more double flare and single flare lines than I can count.

I bought the KD set at the local NAPA dealer. Have yet to make a decent flare, single or double, steel or copper. Always winds up crooked and won't seal. If there's a trick to it I haven't found it. I just buy the lines close to what I need, maybe use a couple sections with a coupler. I bend lines over a v-belt pulley, just pull on both ends of the tube to keep it tight in the groove and it will bend without kinks.

Geez!!
Never paid attention to the "Date".
Thought Pdq was back!!
What ever happened to him?

LOL!! Sorry, didn't mean to trick anyone. Figured I'd re-use an old thread ;)

I have had good success with my Blue-Point flare tool,both single and double flares.

Have to agree about Eastman flaring tool. My off topic question is "Where is pdq67?" We need him back.:bowtie:

does it bend and flare? or do I need one tool for each task?
flaring & bending are different tools

Long story short is he wore out his welcome on many forums. "Where is pdq67?" We need him back.:bowtie:It's not really anyone's business, but long story short is he wore out his welcome on many forums. End of story.

The "trick" to good double flares is to do them correctly. A double flaring tool set consists of three parts: the bar (that holds the tubing by clamping it between it's two halves), a swivel with flaring cone, and the double flare incert.

1) After cutting the line to length, the end of the tubing HAS TO be cleaned out so that the ID doesn't have any lip to it.

2) Install the new double flate nut on the line. Install the clamp on the line and align it by using the correct incert's edge to set the depth of the line in the tool.

3) Put the incert pin end into the line and then press it into the line with the clamp with the flaring swivel.

4) Remove the incert and finish the double flare with the flaring swivel.

I've done literally thousands of double flares and never had one leak. The "secrets" is to make sure that the end of the line is cleaned out and to set the depth (or height) of the tubing in the bar with the incert.

The problem BOTH of my double flair kits have is they push the tubing out of the clamp vs starting the flair.

Skip Fix: IF the tubing can't be securely clamped in the tool, then you need to buy a new good quality flaring tool kit.

Here's one at McMaster Carr for $60. It's item G on the page below. From the looks of it it's an Imperial Eastman kit like the one I bought at NAPA 45 years ago:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#double-flaring-tools/=8dfy32

I googled NAPA and the fifth one down is the Imperial Eastman Double Flaring Kit that I have: http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Results.aspx?Ntt=double%20flaring%20tool&Ntk=Keyword&Nty=1&N=0

IF you have a good flaring tool that the steel tubing doesn't slip in, you can buy just the inserts which are the seventh item down on that NAPA link page.

thanks for the info guys. I picked up a Ridgid 345-DL online that includes the tubing cutter. It's gotten good reviews, so should work out for me.

Cardinal, good post - that is what I saw from a few DIY forums as well. I intend on practicing a few times first, but seems pretty straightforward.

What style bender is best to use? I have seen a few different styles, so curious what works best.

The only bad flare I made was no fault of the tool...here's what I have and it makes perfect flares if all steps are followed, especially the advice earlier about cleaning the tube before starting!

http://www.jimsworld.ca/flaringkit.JPG

http://www.jimsworld.ca/flaringkit2.JPG

http://jimsworld.ca/bendingtool.JPG

http://jimsworld.ca/bendingtool2.JPG

One thing about the tubing sliding out of the holder. Tighten the side of the holder next to the tubing first, then tighten the nut farthest away from the tubing. Gets more pressure on the grip that way.