Critique my brake flares

[focusedontheprize]

Posted this over in the '47-'59 forum also...

This weekend I tried my hand in flaring brake lines. I have never done this before so I did quite a bit of reading and making sure I followed everything properly. I have a good set of flaring tools (MAC Tools) so quality of tools wasn't a worry.

I started with cutting my lines and trying to keep them square a possible. I used a file to clean up the edges and the outside of the tube just a bit. I then deberred in the inside of the line with a drill bit.

After that I measured the appropriate amount of tube length to leave exposed (measured with the adapter), I then dabbed a little brake fluid on the end (recommended by someone) and then squared up the adapter with the tube. I started my first bubble, took off the adapter, and then flared the end of it. Here is a couple of the flares.

I am looking for feedback. I don't think they look that great and would like any recommendations on my technique. I look at my picture and then look at "great flares" and I am doing something wrong haha.

Thanks.

[RexDodge]

If it doesn't leak then it's a good flare, lol. Looks good. Be sure to blow the lines out with air before you install to get the bits of grit out. Good job.

[lolife99]

Don't forget to put the nut on.
I've ruined perfectly bent brake lines, by not adding the nut before that last flare.

[focusedontheprize]

Originally Posted by RexDodge

If it doesn't leak then it's a good flare, lol. Looks good. Be sure to blow the lines out with air before you install to get the bits of grit out. Good job.

Ha I just want to make sure they are the best I can get before putting them in. Hate to have to remove them because of leaks. I will blow them out, I am actually going to actually re-flare them.

Originally Posted by lolife99

Don't forget to put the nut on.
I've ruined perfectly bent brake lines, by not adding the nut before that last flare.

Ha I could imagine. Easy to forget them.