Combination Metric Bubble & 45 Degree Double Flare Tool with Deburring Tool

My poor old Ford pickup blew a brake line at the end of my driveway. Ford doesn't sell replacement brake lines and almost no one does. They said they make them as needed. It would have cost me at least $80 to tow it to a shop and then the cost of the repair. I figured how hard could it be. Well leave it to Ford to crap things up like always. I did a google search for 2001 F150 brake lines and thank goodness a friendly fellow posted pictures and details of the job. Turns out in their infinite stupidity, Ford used standard 3/16" line with a standard double flare at one end but a metric bubble flare on the other. Imagine my frustration if I didn't know this ahead and only got a kit that did double flares. So fast forward and I got this all inclusive kit, the right fittings and some brake line. total cost around $65. I found the this tool to be very substantial. The fact that it has both metric and standard clamps and both types of flares allowed me to complete the brake line in about an hour. The clamp was super strong and held the 3/16" line with authority and only finger tight. Trick is to tighten the end closed to the line first and use the mechanical advantage of a distant second clamp and you have plenty of strength and still plenty of air between the vice bars. I made a practice flare, cut it off and made another just to check it out. It seemed good enough so I ran the line 80" or so along the frame and did the bubble flare in place under the truck. It all worked and held with no leaks. Good enough for me and what a savings of time and money on just the first use.

I purchased this set due to the ability to form both metric and SAE sized line. The instruction sheet on the top cover is for "ISO Bubble flares". Although there are no instructions for any other type of flares one can perform with this set. There are two different types of bits (colored black and silver) in this kit but there are no instructions as to what they are for. I was uncertain as to which ones to use while performing a bubble flare for a metric system so I used the black bits. But I found the metric line holder marked for the 4.75mm line slipped while trying to form the bubble and realized the metal line I bought was a 3/16ths (SAE) type line. Once I utilized the correct forming block, the set worked great. It formed a perfect bubble flare that held brake fluid, under pressure, without any leaks.I have an Isuzu Amigo that developed a fluid leak in the old metal line due to rust over the years (1999 model). Since the original line was installed before the body was placed on the frame, I had to form a new line in three sections to be able to fish it through the space provided for said line. Using 10mm X 1.0mm fittings, I was able to restore the rear metal brake line to a working unit. I had to form/replace the entire metal line from the connection at the right front wheel, along the frame rail, bend it behind the rear support rail and connect it to the rear junction block for both rear calipers. With some careful measurements, patience and a tubing bender; I was able to complete the job that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing (for an unseen portion of a hydraulic system).I would absolutely recommend this kit although I only gave it 4 stars since their include instructional sheet seemed lacking for a shade-tree mechanic. If you already know what every part and bit is used for, I'm sure it is not a problem. Since I was unsure, I checked Youtube and did a couple of practice flares to make sure I was using the correct bit.In the photo of the bubble flare (2nd photo) you can see all the scratches/serrations on the line. That is from my use of the 4.75mm jig instead of using the 3/16ths (SAE) jig, which I should have used initially. The "Teeth" on the jig will imprint on the line slightly but a bit of emery cloth or a mild file will remove any rough edges to pass a fitting over the tooled area.The kit is well worth the money and I would have given it 5 stars if the included instructional sheet would pander to the novice better.

Instructions are lacking. 3/16 line slips thru the block no matter how tight you get it. I got the block so tight, it squished the washer on the top wing nut. 3/16 tube kept slipping thru the block so I kept tightening the wing nuts. The bottom wing nut pivot bolt sheared off. First time I used the tools and the block broke on the second flaring of the tube. Only got one good flare on one end of the tubing before it broke. Disappointing to say the least.

In order to make good bubble flair: I had to use back side (square) cut to form a good flare for mybrake fitting application & use vise grip pliers to keep tool surface smooth while forming the flare.Did great job with those changes in procedure. Made several test flares before final installation, tofind what worked best. Would recommend change in spacing for bolt to secure smooth surface ontool to make great flares on tube.

The serrations inside the tubing holder chewed up the exterior of Ni-Cu line pretty badly. I don't like it. I have a Rigid flaring tool that also has the serrations inside the holder but didn't do any damage like this tool does.

Bubble end broke. Not over tightened. Asked for replacement and no help from seller. Told I could buy a new piece. Product quality is poor.

I have used generic flaring kits sold by local auto parts stores in the past, this is by far the best one I have used. Very good quality, worked on both the steel and Nicop lines with ease. I expect this to last a long time, very happy with this purchase.

They do both style flares and work very nice