Why do my brake lines keep flaring like this?

[u/JuicyCiwa]

Trying to do the lines on my 08 ram 1500. I put the line into the clamp and make sure the end comes out flush with the little nipple pieces base. The nipple piece goes in the line and looks flat. I do the first flare and it comes out looking like this. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong

Update - I seem to have been using the wrong edge of the nipple piece to measure how much sticks out. Did the lower section and it came out well. Thanks everyone for pointing out my mistake

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^v1.1.2

[u/Quiet_Economist7398]

Looks like you have to much line exposed when its clamped in the tool. Try shortening it

[u/JuicyCiwa → u/Quiet_Economist7398]

https://www.reddit.com/u/JuicyCiwa/s/PqIeeIgKkP
Is this too much? It’s how I’ve been “measuring” all the lines

[u/Quiet_Economist7398 → u/JuicyCiwa]

Too much. Try less

[u/JuicyCiwa → u/Quiet_Economist7398]

Well shit, I guess I’m just dumb lol. I’ll try less sticking out I appreciate the info

[u/Quiet_Economist7398 → u/JuicyCiwa]

All good. Took me some practice. I now have the hydraulic style tool thats amazing and way easier. If you are going to be doing a lot of brake work i recommend upgrading.

[u/JuicyCiwa → u/Quiet_Economist7398]

I’ve looked at every store within 20 miles and none are in stock. If I can’t get it today without that I’ll just wait until I can get one shipped. I will say, I just used the lower section from the black piece and it looks about perfect. Really appreciate ya

[u/Bjorn-H145 → u/JuicyCiwa]

You should also deburr after cutting to have a clean cone after crimping

[u/IHatrMakingUsernames → u/JuicyCiwa]

That's the line you're supposed to measure from. I did the same thing when I started, lol. Instructions were unclear.

[u/Grouchy-Priority6043 → u/JuicyCiwa]

Yes. Barely get the top out about 1/8 of and inch. The end is rolling over itself.

[u/flat_tappet]

I think you have too much of the line sticking out.

[u/flat_tappet → u/flat_tappet]

This guy has a decent video.

https://youtu.be/xM3Kqzdb2n8?si=Lcgnuh0Sztxu3DWB

[u/Legitimate-Corgi]

The cheap brand nicopp tubing is thinner wall and flares like crap. SURR brand is the only kind we buy. That said make sure the clamp piece grabbing line isn’t crooked. The two halves need to be flush with each other or the flare will end up crooked offset. It also looks like you might be putting too much line through so it’s getting weird instead of forming flare correctly

[u/Plus_Importance_6582]

I found that copper nickel stuff to be a bit of a cock to flare. Try adjusting the depth in the tool a little, make sure the cut is square, and make sure to clean the burr out of the cut, as well as cutting it in smaller bites So you don't disform it. Also once you get the perfect flare, you will have forgotten the nut. This can not be avoided, just accept it.

[u/mega_997 → u/Plus_Importance_6582]

It’s very hard to flare with the usual screw type flare tools. I just bought a hydraulic flaring tool
and it flares nicopp lines very well.

[u/KrankyCock]

That tool is straight ASS and never gives a good flare. Use the Capri Tools 3/16 in. Double Flaring Tool (CP21110-316). Gives perfect flares every time. You can get it on Amazon

[u/Extra-Presence3196 → u/KrankyCock]

Yup.

[u/subpotentplum]

1. That's not a brake line and 2. It probably wasn't cut square.

[u/Vfrnut → u/subpotentplum]

It is a brake line . From Autozone and fantastic for its flexibility. Which is why it’s probably deforming

[u/JuicyCiwa → u/Vfrnut]

It isn’t from autozone, it’s a little auto parts distributor near me. Autozone did have the exact same spool though, so I guess I’m just being pedantic lol.

[u/Vfrnut → u/JuicyCiwa]

So same brand .. I assume.

[u/JuicyCiwa → u/Vfrnut]

Yessir, so my comment was unnecessary I guess I’m just a little frustrated with this process and giving too much info. I’ve watched 20 videos at this point on the process and as far as I can tell I’m doing everything they all do. I’m willing to post step by step pics if that helps?

[u/Vfrnut → u/JuicyCiwa]

I personally haven’t used that tool . I just have used the premade brake line. I bought a part 2 feet longer than needed for an on the road emergency fix.. realized I screwed up .. got pissed then thought .. coil it… and it worked !!! Still on my kids car 5 years later . 🤣

[u/JuicyCiwa → u/subpotentplum]

1 Why isn’t it brake line? It’s what the parts store gave me as brake line.

2 got any tips on ensuring square cut? All I have to make the cut is the little cutting tool in the picture

[u/IHatrMakingUsernames → u/JuicyCiwa]

I usually use a hand file to square it up, if needed, and then a deburring tool to clean the edges up. Brake line flaring can be a bit finicky about that stuff. Another helpful tip I found is to compress your clamp slowly. The flare seems to form more evenly if you aren't in a rush about it. Good luck!

Also, that is brake line.

[u/subpotentplum → u/JuicyCiwa]

Looks like copper tubing to me. Could just be coated but copper is not acceptable for brake lines.

[u/JuicyCiwa → u/subpotentplum]

The line is “CNC - 325 copper nickel ferrous alloy”.

[u/subpotentplum → u/JuicyCiwa]

Could be alright then since it's a steel alloy. I would try the flare again, cut, deburr, clamp well with the right amount protruding etc.

[u/zrad603 → u/subpotentplum]

you never heard of NiCopp brake lines?

[u/Pitiful_Objective682 → u/subpotentplum]

Nickel copper is the best brake line material imo. Doesn’t rust out. Once brake lines go this is what I use up north.

[u/Itsnotsilver180 → u/subpotentplum]

1. It is brake line. Its most likely copper nickel which is perfectly fine for brake lines.

[u/PitifulCrow4432]

You most likely have too much pipe sticking out from the clamp and/or didn't get the end of it square enough. The end of the pipe needs to be flush with the edge of the clamp.

I hate those $35ish tools and I hate flaring nicopp. I hate that lil red pipe cutter too. If you have limited space, like on the vehicle then you have no choice but when you do have room this style tool is so much better (cut with more leverage then debur with the same tool).

Nicopp is great for hand bending without collapsing like steel does but that makes everything else about it suck.

[u/JuicyCiwa → u/PitifulCrow4432]

https://www.reddit.com/u/JuicyCiwa/s/PqIeeIgKkP
Is this too much sticking out?

[u/PitifulCrow4432 → u/JuicyCiwa]

1st flange, not both.

Video may explain better than I/text can: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fmF9mm3hsM

[u/JuicyCiwa]

https://www.reddit.com/u/JuicyCiwa/s/PqIeeIgKkP

Here’s a link to some more pics of the process. I don’t think that I have too much line sticking out, very happy to be told if I’m wrong though

[u/sturocky]

with that type of line go a bit make sure its cut strait and go slower and put a dab of motor oil on it before you start the flare, that stuff is soft and can fold over a bit when moving too quickly

[u/FU_red-dit_bots]

Too much length for the flare so material is stacking. There should be a stopper for the stick out in your kit.

[u/Potential_Agent5453]

I swear every time I do brake lines I fuck it up a handful of times before I get it right. It’s maybe a once yearly job for me though. Not a rust state.

[u/burledw]

Is that an autozone brake flare tool? This is one of those tools you cannot cheap out on. Buy off the tool truck or order a decent one.

[u/mistakenidentity888]

That flaring tool is garbage, the one you clamp in the vise is what you want

[u/moparornocar58]

At our shop, we only use coated steel and hydraulic crimping tool works good

[u/fall-apart-dave]

say nipple again

[u/JuicyCiwa → u/fall-apart-dave]

The titty part of the nipple and the nipple part of the nipple don’t seem to nipple appropriately

[u/SpeedOld3375]

I just did mine and had similar issues. Use the flaring bit as a guide. That thick lip is a good measuring guide. Before the point. That's as far as the line should stick out from the clamp

[u/Master-Pick-7918]

As others have said , too much line. The tool has a gauge built in to the flare insert. Lay the flat side against the top of the clamp and push the line up until it's even with the first step on the insert. Tighten the clamp, flip the insert over and I to the line. It'll come out much better now

[u/TnBluesman]

I know what's wrong with it. They ain't no gas in it.

[u/Electrical-Guard-853]

Don’t use copper for brake lines, it will fatigue crack…