Inverted flare or -AN fitting for stainless brake lines

[gearbanger]

I just bought new rolls of stainless line for my car and new stainless inverted flare fitting too, but was wondering if it is easier and/or better to use -AN type fittings?

[Bryce]

AN does not require a double flare. But it requires a 37 degree flare instead of the 45*. You also need the back up sleeves. I would say its about the same amount of work.

[gearbanger]

Will a regular flare set work or will I need a hydraulic flaring tool?

[Bryce]

You should be able to do it by hand. A 37* is easier to make than a 45*

[gearbanger]

A inverted flare tool is 45 degree, correct?

[Bryce]

yep!

[dipren443]

Will a regular flare set work or will I need a hydraulic flaring tool?

Flaring stainless by hand is NOT fun... A hydraulic tool would make your life a ton easier.

[gearbanger]

Do you have to use copper washers to get them to seal? If so, where do you get them?

[Bryce]

Flaring stainless by hand is NOT fun... A hydraulic tool would make your life a ton easier.

I have no issues making double flares in 3/16" stainless tubing using my performance tool kit.

[Rod]

Do you have to use copper washers to get them to seal? If so, where do you get them?

no copper washers needed

[Rhino]

I have no issues making double flares in 3/16" stainless tubing using my performance tool kit.

You got me curious. I'm in need of a flaring tool and was looking around for one made by performance tool. This rather eloquent and learned man doesn't share your experience

NEEDED ONE FLARE, AFTER 18 ATTEMPTS GOT 0WING NUT BROKE OFF IN MY HANDCHINA MADE AND TERRIBLE. I'VE DONE THIS HUNDREDS OF TIMESTHIS WAS THE CHEAPEST OVER PRICED JUNK.LESSON LEARNED, SAME PRICE 100% BETTER QUALITY-WAIT TILLMONDAY AND GET ONE FROM [@]

Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

[1969CamaroRS]

Flaring stainless by hand is NOT fun... A hydraulic tool would make your life a ton easier.

Its not that hard with the right tools. Like this Rigid flaring tool:

http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-41162-F.../dp/B0002DOUFQ


What I used to flare all my stainless lines (some as large as 5/8").

[gearbanger]

Did you do inverted flares or just single 37 degree. Can you use regular brake line fittings with a single flared 45 degree?

[Bryce]

You need a double flare 45* with stainless steel line.

Steel can use a single flare 45*.

AN fittings which are 37*, are single flare.

[gearbanger]

Bryce, are you sure on that 45deg stuff, cause from what I am reading, people are saying the opposite, double on regular steel, and single on stainless. Any insight?

[Bryce]

Alex,



Stainless is a harder steel than mild steel (normal brake line). With a single flare stainless has a tendency to split down the lenght of the tube. That will never seal.

Saying that, I would never do a single flare unless it was 37*

[Bryce]

Alex,

Also I have run completely new brake lines on two cars in stainless with no issues and no leaks with double flares.

[1969CamaroRS]

With a single flare stainless has a tendency to split down the lenght of the tube

I had good luck avoiding the stainless from splitting by chamfering and deburring/polishing the ends prior to single flaring 37*.

[Bryce]

I agree, a 37* is a shallower angle so the SS tube doesnt need to bend as far. But with a 45* single flare will not work on SS.

I just wanted to clarify.

[parsonsj]

I used 37 degree flares on stainless steel all over II Much. Brake lines and power steering lines. No splits, no leaks. My take that is a double flair is more likely to split (ss fails due to fatigue and a double flare works the metal more).

I do agree that 37 degree flares are better than 45 degrees.

I used this hand tool from Pure Choice Motorsports. $90 and I've made dozens of flares from 3/16 to 5/8 in all materials. SS at 5/8 takes effort... but it can be done with this tool.

jp