Brake flaring tool - any recommendations

[foot2firewall]

Slightly off topic, can anyone recommend a brake flaring kit. There seem to be quite a few different types around and I'm not sure which one to go for. At the moment I need one for my son's car, but I do want something that I can use on the S3 if I need to in the future.

[colin_p]

For the price I don't think you can beat a 'powerhand' flaring tool.

Very easy to use and even in tight spaces on the car. Can even make good flares in cupro pipe.

I know nothing about TVR's but it may use SAE flares where as the S3 (assume Audi S3?) would use DIN flares in which case you would need to buy a powerhand for each type.

Also make sure you use cupro (copper nickel) pipe not nasty copper that can be prone to failure.

Edited by colin_p on Friday 20th November 21:33

Edited by colin_p on Friday 20th November 21:34

[phillpot]

I'll second that, Powerhand is a decent "home mechanic" tool that can be used on or off the car.

[carsy]

I've got a sykes pickavant vice held flairer. Not cheap but brilliant.

[mentall]

Powerhand tool: Me too! I've done about 20 flares with mine, and it's going strong. Cunifer pipe is easy. 3/16 SAE has done all the joints so far.
Had to replace one of the HT clamping bolts when it sheared: not a real problem.

[greymrj]

FROST do several, they have a pretty good reputation. I have the cheaper 'home' one and it seems fine,although I have only done a couple so far.

[foot2firewall]

Thanks all for the feedback. Powerhand it is then - should I go for SAE or DIN?

[phillpot]

The one i linked to is the correct one, SAE.

It will do single and double flares.



Watch this (worth it just for the groovy music )

[magpies]

or you could go fully stainless braided hoses - so no flaring tool required

[foot2firewall]

Thanks Phillpot, SAE version ordered, I'll save the stainless braided hoses for my S3, rather than my son's Astra - which is what I need the kit for!

[Barkychoc]

Shame you've ordered - I've got one of these as new and the quality is stunning, I'm having a clearout.

http://www.automec.co.uk/collections/tools/product...

[colin_p]

magpies said:

or you could go fully stainless braided hoses - so no flaring tool required

How does that work? Is it not just over braiding a rubber hose? If so it wouldn't be as good as a solid line.

[phillpot]

colin_p said:

Is it not just over braiding a rubber hose?

It's more like a semi-rigid nylon hose inside (you should never clamp braided hoses) but I'm not convinced it is a good idea/good practice to pipe the whole system with them

[phillpot]

Barkychoc said:

Shame you've ordered - I've got one of these as new and the quality is stunning, I'm having a clearout.

http://www.automec.co.uk/collections/tools/product...

Also have one similar to that, great for working at the bench but cumbersome if "on the car" repair is needed




what else you got up for grabs?

[glenrobbo]

[foot2firewall]

When it comes to replacing the brake pipes on my son's Astra, it is in the wheel arches where the pipes are corroded, elsewhere they are fine. Is there any reason why I can't just cut out and replace the sections in the wheel arches?

[phillpot]

foot2firewall said:

When it comes to replacing the brake pipes on my son's Astra, it is in the wheel arches where the pipes are corroded, elsewhere they are fine. Is there any reason why I can't just cut out and replace the sections in the wheel arches?

No (imho), that's why a small neat "on the car" tool is ideal