[Centerline]

Can't believe that the $50 tool I bought to double flare the lines with is defective. The 45* press doesn't align with the center of the tubing when it's held in the clamp. It's off just enough to break the little tab off the insert when performing the first part of the double flare. Oh, well guess I'll return it and make sure the next one I get is made correctly.

[Phat]

Bill this is one of those times that will happen. I bet you are flaring 3/16 correct?? The clamp you are pushing the die down with wants to be crooked and touching the part with the tubing being held.(you got to center it ,its NOT self centering) Also clean the end of the tube with a very small file before you flare it.Make sure its square and ream the inside out a little. There is nothing wrong with the tool.The 3/16 die gets broken all the time if your not carefull. Good time to order a spare.I got a spare about 10 years ago and never have broken one since LMAO Good luck and dont feel to bad we all have broken that die before(some just wont own up to it LOL )

[Centerline]

I understand what you're saying but in this case the tool (the 45* portion) fits over the clamp and twists to align. It has notches in the side, which fit the clamp to hold it in place when you’re cranking it down. The problem is that it doesn't align on any of the tubing holes no matter what size. When I use my Sears 45* tool on the same clamp it aligns perfectly. This particular tool was drilled wrong so it won't align period. The darn thing cost me 50 bucks and I think I paid about $49 too much so it's going back. One thing’s for sure, I'll check the next one really close before I walk out the door with it.

[bomo]

i bougt 3 flaring tools before i found a good one that worked. my problem was that the tubing slid through the tool no matter how tight i made it

bomo

[Centerline]

After returning the expensive (defective) tool I went back to old reliable, the $20 Sears special. I have always had the same problem with the tubing slipping out too. I decided after tightning the tool to mount it in a vice to add presure as close as possible to where the upper part of the tool would mount to do the flare. Worked pretty well and I was able to finish plumbing the brakes using this method.

[PAULWELDIT]

I found one solution to the slipping tube was to tighten the wing-nut closest to the hole the tube is in first, the the other one last. Another help ful hint is to slightly champer or bevel the end of the tubing before the first compression stage-this will allow the tube to conform easier--Paulweldit

[Mrfixmaster]

Don't know if you have Auto-Zone around you or not, but they have a tool "loaner" where you leave a deposit (enough to buy the tool) use it and return it for ALL YOUR MONEY BACK!!! Best deal I've found!! The double flaring tool I got from them had a similar problem, but I filed the contact points of the "screw" half to get it square with the bar. I also had to file the inner faces of the bar to get it to hold the tubing. Just file a little at a time or you'll crimp the tubing if you go too far!! (Voice of experience talking)