"AN" Brake Flaring Question

I've always used 45° brake line fittings in the past, but I'm going to be using "AN" brake line fittings for the first time on a project. I can't seem to find a 37° double flaring tool. I have sleeves that go in the female fittings - do they take the place of a double flare?
Thanks,
-Bob

 

Yep the sleeves take the place of a double flare. The 37 degree an flaring tools are harder to find.

I bought a cheapy from speedway - I wouldn't reccomend you getting it. I immediately stripped the screw threads (replaced it with a grade 8 bolt) then I later chipped the dies - very dissapointed considering what it cost.

Look for a Rigid or Imperial or some other Good Brand

 

I don't believe you need to do a double flare on a 37* fittings, mine is a single flare tool. And the sleeve is jsust backup, for extra clamping strength.

 

Nope, single flair only. The stepped part of the sleeve goes away from the end, so the nut will slide over the step. When you tighten the nut to the AN fitting, the larger part of the sleeve helps to compress the flair evenly onto the AN male fitting.

As for the tool, I got mine at Summit Racing and has worked fine for me. BTW, I am not using Stainless Steel tubing, which if you do, you need a heavy duty version that works with stainless. Most of the basic ones are not rated for this and will self distruct fairly easy.

My .02 worth.

 

I have a flairing tool by Ridgid, that works great for stainless tubing. They are abit pricey, around $100 or so. Uesd it on race cars and hot rods.

 

I also have a Ridgid. Got mine at the airport. Great place for 37 degree stuff.

 

I'm on my second Ridgid 37 degree flaring tool. We do all stainless and they work great. I keep the old one as a spare after I sent it back to the factory for a rebuild. They have a feature which does not let you over flare the tube which can lead to failure. Pricey, but what's to much when its brakes?

 

Aircraft Spruce is another good place for -AN stuff

 

Thanks for the info !
-Bob

 

My Ridgid does a great job as well.......Littleman

 

Another good source is Wicks Aircraft Supply in Highland Illinois. They sell a great flaring tools and all the fittings. Prices are reasonable.

 

another place is godmans in memphis tn of the tennessee bollweevel funny car fame. they handle the imperial brand and also all types of benders and tubing supplies. Ask for joe, he's the man.