When it comes to maintaining or restoring classic British cars like MGs, attention to detail is paramount. One crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance is the braking system, and within that, the integrity of your brake lines. Working on these lines often requires a specialized Cars Tool: the brake line flaring tool. But not all flares are created equal, especially when dealing with the unique specifications of British automobiles.
The question often arises: what is the correct type of flare for British car brake lines, and can your standard flaring tools handle the job? This was the exact dilemma posed by a classic car enthusiast in an online forum, seeking advice from fellow experts. Let’s delve into the discussion and extract the essential knowledge to guide you in choosing the right cars tool for your British brake line project.
Understanding Brake Line Flares: Bubble vs. Double
The forum discussion quickly highlights a critical distinction: the type of flare used in brake lines. While many are familiar with the double flare, commonly found in American cars, British vehicles often utilize the bubble flare, also known as the European flare.
A double flare involves folding the end of the brake line tubing over twice to create a robust, inverted cone shape. This type of flare provides a strong seal and is excellent for higher pressure systems. On the other hand, a bubble flare, as the name suggests, creates a rounded, bubble-like shape at the end of the tubing. This flare type is designed to fit into specific fittings that create a seal against the bubble end.
A classic British MG car, highlighting the type of vehicles that often require bubble flare brake lines, necessitating specialized cars tools for maintenance.
The Challenge with British Cars: Bubble Flares and Tooling
The original poster in the forum, Paul J, pointed out the core issue: standard double flare tools don’t automatically create the bubble flare needed for many British cars. He correctly identified that the flares on his MGB were different from what his existing tools produced. This is a common hurdle for those new to working on older British vehicles.
The experts in the forum chimed in, confirming that indeed, a dedicated approach is often needed for bubble flares. While some suggested that a double flare tool can be manipulated to create a bubble flare, there’s a consensus that for brake systems – a critical safety component – it’s best to “do it correctly and not wonder if it would leak.”
Cars Tool Solutions: Dedicated Bubble Flare Tools
Several forum participants recommended seeking out tools specifically designed for bubble flares. One helpful suggestion pointed to Apex Industries (apexinds.com) and their OTC-4504 kit. This kit was praised for being reasonably priced and including dies specifically for bubble flares, along with tools for other flare types. This highlights the availability of dedicated cars tools that simplify the process and ensure accurate, safe flares.
A brake line flaring tool, a crucial cars tool for automotive repair, demonstrating the type of equipment discussed in the context of creating bubble flares for British vehicles.
Another forum member, Paul J (the original poster), later updated the thread to announce his success in finding a suitable cars tool. He acquired a PAPCO flaring tool with twin rotary dies capable of producing straight, double, and bubble flares. He confirmed the bubble flares produced by this tool were “just like factory,” emphasizing the importance of having the right equipment to achieve professional results.
Cars Tool Solutions: Adapting Double Flare Tools for Bubble Flares
While dedicated bubble flare tools are ideal, some forum members shared techniques for using standard double flare tools to create bubble flares. Wray Lemke, a top contributor on the forum, mentioned that “The double flare tool can be used to make bubble flares. … I’ve not been able to find a tool that is exclusive for bubble flares.” He offered to share his method, indicating that with some know-how, a double flare tool can be adapted.
Ryan Reis, another participant, also confirmed successfully using a standard tool for bubble flares on a Triumph Herald, suggesting that while not explicitly designed for it, the double flare tool can be coaxed into producing a functional bubble flare, especially if it’s essentially “1/2 of a double flare.”
However, it’s crucial to note the emphasis on quality. Simon Austin stressed the importance of buying a “really good flaring tool, not just a good one,” as cheaper tools can wear out quickly and produce uneven flares, potentially compromising brake line integrity.
Choosing the Right Cars Tool for Your British Car Brake Lines
Ultimately, the best cars tool for your British car brake line project depends on your needs and comfort level.
- For optimal results and safety: A dedicated bubble flare tool, like the OTC-4504 kit or a similar multi-flaring tool like the PAPCO mentioned, is the recommended choice. These tools are designed specifically for bubble flares, ensuring accuracy and minimizing the risk of leaks.
- For experienced DIYers on a budget: With caution and proper technique, a high-quality double flare tool might be adapted to create bubble flares. However, this approach requires careful execution and carries a higher risk of error.
Before starting any brake line work, always inspect your fittings to determine the correct flare type. As Wray wisely advised, “When in doubt, look inside… to see if there is a cone that faces out of the fitting (double flare) or the depression (bubble flare).” Using the wrong flare type can lead to leaks and brake failure, so precision is key.
Investing in the right cars tool for brake line flaring, especially when working on British classics requiring bubble flares, is an investment in safety and peace of mind. Whether you opt for a dedicated bubble flare tool or choose to carefully adapt a double flare tool, ensure you prioritize quality and accuracy to keep your classic British car stopping reliably for years to come. Explore our selection of cars tools to find the perfect flaring solution for your automotive needs.
