I must be doing something wrong with my double flaring tool. When I do the first compress to make the bell shaped end, it always seems to collapse the tubing more to one side, so the ultimate flare if lopsided, a bit more to one side. I am flaring 1\4 inch standard steel brake line going to rear of car. I had this same trouble doing 3\16 line also. Do I need to put a severe chamfer on the tube first, or no chamfer at all. Any tips you guys use would be helpful. My tool is a decent one, paid about 100 for it. It grips the tube well.

Gee, I wish I could lend a decent comment here, but I've never had any success with either of my two "double flaring" kits. I usually try to buy as close as possible to the right size due to that fact. Maybe try marking the cone that puts the first inverted flare on the tube with a reference line, then try it a couple of times 180 degrees in the tool, see if it kicks out in the direction of the tool, or if it follows the cone. If you're following me. ;)

Your tool should have come with some instructions and yes a bevel/chamfer is needed on the outside of the tubing.

Well after trying again, and again, I finally got a decent double flare. I think the legs on my clamp are not exactly the same length. I put a .13 feeler gauge under the side that seemed to be sqaushing first, and that helped. I'm going to do some more tests, and if that is the case, I will grind the longer leg down a bit. But any other tips from successful flarers are welcome.

Bhawk
You are using the nipple(tool for the first stage for the flare)as a gauge(the nipple has a shoulder,you stick the tube in the vise part and use the gauge)That might be your problem,the tube you are trying to flare is sticking out of the vise too far,and you make a cocked first flare.Keep trying you'll get it.If you cut the tube,then put it in the vise square it up with a file and dbble flare it.I'll put the vise in a bench vise so I can get a good look at everything and keep the tools square.Hope this helps
-Steve

I have a Ridgid flare tool.

Mine has detents to help line the clamp up with the tube. I usually run the cone down on to the tube just to make sure it is lined up.

I usually chamfer the inside and outside, and oil the button.

I chamfer the inside and outside a lot, use oil and you must have the tube sticking out of the clamp the thickness of the button as per the instructions.