I did a search on this but did not find the answer I was looking for.

When using a flairing tool, how much of the tubing should I leave above the tool for the beat results?

Also, should the flair finish be slightly above the fitting or flush with the fitting to be installed properly?

Thanks for your help!
Dan.

Most of the flaring tools have a chamfer around the hole that the tubing goes into. You are supposed to put the tube flush with the flat part, and flare it into the chamfer. I sometimes stick it up just a little further and flare a little more. I usually do it so the flare is just a bit smaller than the threads on the fitting. If you try to flare too far, the flare will split, and you'll have to cut it off and do it again....... smile.gif

chris

If you are talking about a double flare, the tubing is supposed to stick out about 1/8" to 1/4" above the block.

On my ridgid flare tool, you are supposed to extend the tube above the block the a distance equal to the height of the double flare button.

if doing a single lap flare, the tube should be flush with the top of block as mentioned.

Unless you are using stainless tubing with the tapered washers, you usually need to do a double lap flare (brake, fuel, trans cooler, power steering, etc.)

On most double flare tools I have used, your'e supposed to use the button, as Charles said. It might be worth mentioning that it's a good idea to make a double flare, especially if your'e dealing with brake lines. Soft copper lines work with a single flare, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Thanks for the replys. I seem to be missing the button needed in the first step! graemlins/clonk.gif This tool has been in my tool box for aout 35 years and I never used it, could be anywhere. :D I guess I'll have to hunt one down and try again.
Dan.

Could also happen that you have a single flare tool. If you buy a new one, shop around until you find a good one. Don't hesitate to pay for it, working with cheap flaring tools is a waste of time (not to mention unsafe, if your'e making brake lines). I think Mac makes a good one, the inside of the claw shaped part is angled, so it doesn't slip around and leave the flare off-center as easily as some other tools do.

I picked up some buttons and tried a few doubles and they seem to be ok.

Olle, now you got me wondering what is the differance between a single flaring tool and a double? I know I have a 45 degree tool. It's a Gould-Imperial :confused:
Dan.

The only difference is the buttons.

They are used to make the double flares. They just roll the end of the tube over before you flare the end (just like a single). There is no difference in the other parts of the tool.

Most of the flare tools are sold for plumbing use with copper tubing, which does not require a double flare. The buttons add to the cost, so most flare kits don't come with them.

Originally posted by cperrell:
The only difference is the buttons.

They are used to make the double flares. They just roll the end of the tube over before you flare the end (just like a single). There is no difference in the other parts of the tool.

So where do you find the buttons. I have a flaring tool, but no buttons.
:(
Thanks

I don't think you can buy just the buttons, unless the company that made the tool offers replacements.

Ridgid (the company I got my flare tool from) sells replacements, I think. I don't know if they would fit your flare setup, or what their replacement policy is.

I have seen Lasile(?) double flare kits in auto parts stores for pretty cheap. You need to go to an auto parts store and not a hardware store (most hardware stores only sell the single flare kits).

Thanks, I'll start looking. Now that I know what to ask for, maybe it'll be easier to locate. graemlins/waving.gif

I got mine at a local independent auto parts store. They were not cheap, I paid 18.00 for a set of 5 sizes. Napa could have ordered them for me but they were 21.00. Auto Zone and Discount did not have them. I know you can buy a complete double flairing set for not much more than that, but I don't know what the quality would be. I knew my set was good quality so I just bought the buttons.
Dan.

Thanks, mine is a Rigid and is a quality piece, so I'm willing to spend for the additional components. graemlins/thumbsup.gif