Double Flaring Stainless Steel

[garykirby25]

Well I tried a cheap tool from autozone and that was a waste of time. Has anybody had good luck with a flaring tool for stainless steel? I was looking at Ridgid 345 kit for about 120 dollars. If anybody has any good reviews on flaring tools I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Gary

[Chvy2NV]

Check out the one sold by eastwood. They are pricey but worth it.
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[rcrahn]

It will need to be a hydraulic flaring tool. Yes, they are available. Bring your wallet.

[Chvy2NV]

The Eastwood is not hydraulic
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[garykirby25]

I watched the video at eastwoods and it looked like it did it easily. The reviews looked great, several people said they used it on stainless. It looks like its the real deal. I hate to spend that much for a couple of pieces, but I guess it will be there the next time I need it.

Thanks

[ERASER5]

Why do you need stainless? Just for being pretty of for the non-rust? If rust is the issue, there are far cheaper solutions. I've been using the Ni-Co alloy tube for several years. It does not rust and looks like copper.

[Graham57a]

I used a Snap-On double flaring tool for my stainless lines. The 3/8 bits break easily so be careful but it worked great. I broke 1 on all of my brake lines.
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[69chevy lwb]

theres a few things you can do to help buy a good tool is the best option i tried the jegs and ruined it i had another that barely survived but a big problem with stainless is it work hardens so if you use a tubing cutter it will create a very hard end that will not flare or it will split apart so use a saw to cut it and make sure its straight or you will break your dies

[GRX]

Originally Posted by ERASER5

Why do you need stainless? Just for being pretty of for the non-rust? If rust is the issue, there are far cheaper solutions. I've been using the Ni-Co alloy tube for several years. It does not rust and looks like copper.

^^ this. If just going for a rust-free solution the NiCopp lines are the way to go. So easy to bend & flare it's almost silly. And I use the Ridgid 345 kit by the way.

[garykirby25]

Thanks guys for the info, I wanted stainless for the look. I went ahead and placed an order with Eastwood for there professional flaring tool. It was more than I wanted to spend, but if it works I'll be happy.

[Tom Vogel]

Originally Posted by garykirby25

Thanks guys for the info, I wanted stainless for the look. I went ahead and placed an order with Eastwood for there professional flaring tool. It was more than I wanted to spend, but if it works I'll be happy.

I have one, it will easily flare anything. (Every piece of tube on my truck is stainless) You will be very happy.
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[Chvy2NV]

Good choice. I feel the same way about it.kinda pricey for the limited times I'm going to use it but I know it's there if I need it. And you know the job is done right. Last thing you want is the lines to leak all over your freshly painted/powdered frame.
I ordered the SnapOn tube bender as it also seems to be the tool of choice by many. It works great.
I thought of buying the flaring tool and renting it out to other members for a small fee.

Originally Posted by garykirby25

Thanks guys for the info, I wanted stainless for the look. I went ahead and placed an order with Eastwood for there professional flaring tool. It was more than I wanted to spend, but if it works I'll be happy.

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[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by 69chevy lwb

a big problem with stainless is it work hardens so if you use a tubing cutter it will create a very hard end that will not flare or it will split apart so use a saw to cut it and make sure its straight or you will break your dies

Pay attention to this advice, it is quite true.
I find it best to saw the line, file it flat/smooth, de-burr, lubricate, and be sure to blow out any shavings before installing.
Quality annealed line helps too.

[GRX]

^^^ Good job re-posting that. Regular steel line work hardens as well. I often use a saw instead of cutter, and am not beyond annealing my newly made double flares with a torch to ease proper seating upon installation.

[garykirby25]

Just wanted to give an update, Tom was correct. This tool from Eastwood is the bomb! It flared the stainless steel lines like butter. It was on sale for 200 witch is still alot, but glad it's in my collection now. If anybody's looking for a flaring tool, I strongly recommend.


Thanks for all the help
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[Chvy2NV]

Told ya!!
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