I am having trouble flaring my new 1/4" stainless steel brake lines. I cannot get the flaring tool to clamp down tight enough to make the flare. The wing nuts are down all the way, but everytime I try the tube just pushes out the back end? I have tried two completely different tool sets? What am I doing wrong or missing? I have no problem making a flair on regular steel lines.

Thanks,

Mike

Mike I had the same problem double flaring 3/16" stainless line. It wouldn't go down straight. I even broke the die before I realized what was happening.
I called The Right Stuff and asked them what I was doing wrong. They said that the stainless is so hard that I wouldn't be able to do it my self.
I sent it to them and the did it for me. With a machine not the hand held tool.
You can make a pattern and send it to them to make the lines for you. They are good guys to work with.

I've heard that you don't need to double flare stainless lines, just single flare. steel and aluminum reportedly need the double flare because they have a large seam inside that will prevent the line from sealing.

Supposedly, they make conical washers to take care of the slight seam that is in the stainless line.

Also, you can do a lot better than the flare kits sold at most auto stores. I bought a RIDGID kit that clamps the tube a better, and has serations that bite into the tube.

Also, don't cut the stainless line with a tubing cutter. Stainless work-hardens and then it is even harder to flare. Use a hacksaw instead and make sure you clean out the chips. Regular cheap-o flaring kits do not do a good job on Stainless, but a good quality setup will do it just fine.

Thanks guys, I went to a friends repair shop and borrowed his flaring tool. Took 5 minutes with a good tool. I was able to double flare the stainless.

i heard double flaring stainless fatigues the metal because its such a stiff tube.Rigid makes a superb flare tool that will do 37 or 45 degree flares but i wouldnt double flare stainless at all.Im 37 degree single flaring steel tube and using tube nut and an fittings.
Dennis

Check this out: Pics of Flaring (http://ww6.che.ilstu.edu/craigon/Chassis.htm)