Views: 222 Author: Robert Publish Time: 2025-01-24 Origin: Site
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● Preparing the Stainless Steel Tube
● Using Heavy Duty Flaring Tools
>> 1. What is the difference between single flare and double flare?
>> 2. Can I use a regular flaring tool on stainless steel?
>> 3. How do I know if my flare is successful?
>> 4. What maintenance do flaring tools require?
>> 5. Is it necessary to anneal stainless steel before flaring?
Flaring tools are essential for creating strong, leak-proof connections in various types of tubing, especially stainless steel. This article will delve into the effective use of heavy-duty flaring tools for stainless steel tubes, providing detailed instructions, tips, and techniques to ensure successful flaring.
Flaring tools are designed to expand the end of a tube to create a conical shape that can connect with fittings. There are two main types of flares: single and double. Double flares are generally used in applications like brake lines where a secure connection is critical.
- Manual Flaring Tools: These require physical effort to operate and are suitable for smaller jobs.
- Hydraulic Flaring Tools: These provide greater force with less effort, making them ideal for thicker materials like stainless steel.
- Bar Type Flaring Tools: These are compact and can be used in tight spaces, making them versatile.
When working with stainless steel tubing, it's crucial to select a heavy-duty flaring tool that can handle the material's toughness. Some recommended tools include:
- Earl's Pro Flaring Tool: Known for its robust construction and ease of use.
- RIDGID 455 Heavy Duty Flare Tool: Designed specifically for creating uniform flares with minimal effort.
- Granatelli On-Vehicle Flaring Tool: Ideal for making repairs without removing lines from vehicles.
Before using a flaring tool, proper preparation of the stainless steel tube is essential. Follow these steps:
1. Cutting the Tube: Use a high-quality tube cutter to make a clean square cut. This prevents any deformation at the end of the tube.
2. Chamfering: Lightly chamfer the outer edge of the cut end to remove any sharp edges that could interfere with the flaring process.
3. Reaming: Ream the inside of the tube to eliminate burrs that may obstruct flow or cause leaks.
4. Cleaning: Ensure that both the inside and outside of the tube are free from debris or contaminants.
5. Lubrication: Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound or hose assembly lube to help with the flaring process and prevent galling.
1. Insert the Tube: Place the prepared stainless steel tube into the selected die set of your flaring tool. Ensure it is flush against any stops provided by the tool.
2. Tighten the Clamp: Securely tighten the die-clamp bolt without over-tightening, which could deform the tube.
3. Select Punch Turret: Choose the appropriate punch turret (for either 45-degree or 37-degree flares) and align it with the tube.
4. Flare Creation:
- Pull down on the operating handle until it bottoms out against the die set.
- Release and inspect the flare for any imperfections.
- For double flares, rotate to the appropriate die and repeat this step to form an inverted flare.
5. Remove Flared Tube: Loosen the die clamp lever and carefully remove your newly flared tube from the die set. If it's tight, gently tap it out using a soft hammer.
- Always ensure your tubing is properly prepared; any imperfections can lead to leaks.
- Practice on scrap pieces of tubing before moving on to your actual workpiece.
- Use consistent pressure when operating manual tools; too much force can cause damage.
- For hydraulic tools, ensure they are properly calibrated and maintained for optimal performance.
1. Using Dull Cutters: This can lead to uneven cuts and poor flare quality.
2. Neglecting Deburring: Leaving burrs inside can disrupt fluid flow and lead to leaks.
3. Over-tightening Clamps: This can deform tubing and ruin your flare.
4. Skipping Lubrication: Proper lubrication helps reduce friction and wear on both tools and tubing.
Using heavy-duty flaring tools effectively requires careful preparation, proper technique, and attention to detail. By following these guidelines, you can create strong, reliable connections in stainless steel tubing that will stand up to pressure without leaking.
Single flare creates one conical shape at the end of a tube, while double flare involves two steps that fold back part of the tube into itself for added strength and leak resistance.
While some regular flaring tools may work on thin-walled stainless steel, heavy-duty tools are recommended due to their ability to handle thicker materials without deforming them.
A successful flare should be smooth, evenly shaped without cracks or splits, and fit snugly against its corresponding fitting without gaps.
Regular cleaning after use, checking for wear on dies and punches, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring all components are functioning correctly will prolong tool life.
Annealing is not always necessary but can help make stainless steel more malleable, reducing cracking during flaring operations.
[1] https://www.onallcylinders.com/2019/03/29/earls-performance-pro-flaring-tool-makes-tube-flaring-easy/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMWjte_FQa0
[3] https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/ridgid-455-41300-heavy-duty-flare-tool-for-45-sae-flares-12-to-1.html
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-cz1iFk6D0
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXOo8MtDv7A
[6] https://rbisj.com/2023/04/single-versus-double-flaring-tools/
[7] https://www.toolstop.co.uk/blog/knowledge-base/how-to-cut-ream-bend-and-flare-stainless-steel-pipe
[8] https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/recommendations-for-a-stainless-steel-flaring-tool.483347/
[9] https://www.brasscraft.com/product/heavy-duty-flaring-tool/
[10] https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/flaring-ss-hydraulic-tubing.348204/
[11] https://dabund09.en.made-in-china.com/product/hEwYXJQGJicS/China-Flaring-Tool-Combination-Stainless-Steel-Value-Flaring-Tool-Kit.html
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIlgGjYfPpc
[13] https://www.mcmaster.com/products/flaring-tools/
[14] https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/a7/a7180a9a-947f-4537-bf06-8ffadfe04993.pdf
[15] https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/heavy-duty-flare-tool
[16] https://cdn2.ridgid.com/resources/media?key=5ad8a8ac-8f0f-4adf-ae51-9a5da771de2f&languageCode=ja&type=document
[17] https://www.onallcylinders.com/2019/03/29/earls-performance-pro-flaring-tool-makes-tube-flaring-easy/
[18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxsaziwGiRA
[19] https://www.globaltestsupply.com/product/ridgid-41285-375-heavy-duty-flare-tool
[20] https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/recommendations-for-a-stainless-steel-flaring-tool.483347/
[21] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMWjte_FQa0
[22] https://www.t7design.co.uk/t7design-hardline-tube-flaring-tool-45-degrees-4e9-2f6-35b.html
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