[s-cars] Flaring Fuel Line Problems

[Steve Eiche]

Sean,
That is the one.  I guess that I just assumed that I paid $150, seeing 
that most Snap-On stuff costs about four times what "normal" tools cost.

Most of my favorite tools, the ones that work the best and feel good to 
use, are Snap-On, like ratcheting screwdriver that I bought 18 years 
ago.  I bought the new model of it last year,  but I still find myself 
grabbing the original first.  It is just a damn good and reliable 
design.   Here is the new one:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=72230&group_ID=13204&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

This is nice because you can get different interchangeable shafts, even 
a very handy spring shaft that is great for getting at those hose clamps 
that are never in the right position to get with a regular nut driver or 
ratchet.  (Hazet and Stahlwille make nice spring shaft nutdrivers for 
the clamps as well.  The Hazets are probably the nicer , but the 
Stahlwilles are cheaper and almost as nice.)

One of my new favorites is a long handled 3/8" ratchet that with a bend 
at the rubber handle.  I highly recommend getting one.   
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=67471&group_ID=228&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

OK, enough.  Put down the credit card and step away from the tool 
catalog Steve....

Steve

Sean Douglas wrote:

>Hi Steve:
>
>Thanks for the tips.
>
>Is this the one you have?
>
>http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=328&group_
>ID=1338&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
>
>Seems like a reasonable price if it works well.
>
>Sean
>
>
>  
>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: Steve Eiche [mailto:seiche at shadetreesoftware.com] 
>>Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2005 3:30 PM
>>To: quattro20v at telus.net; s-car-list at audifans.com
>>Subject: Re: [s-cars] Flaring Fuel Line Problems
>>
>>
>>Sean,
>>I had one of these $40 sets as well. It is very hard to get a 
>>good flare.  After using another set at a local shop, I have 
>>since "invested" in a Snap-On set that works MUCH, MUCH 
>>better (and cost 3.5 x more as well of course).  No more 
>>slipping and better flares to boot.  I am making all new 
>>brake lines for my ur q, so this set is a necessary thing to have.
>>
>>One other helpful hint that I have heard it to heat the cut 
>>end of the tube with a torch.  I believe that this takes the 
>>work hardening out of the tube that results from cutting with 
>>the tubing cutter.
>>
>>HTH!
>>
>>Steve
>>
>>
>>
>>The fuel line saga continues...
>>
>>I picked up a metric ISO flaring tool and have been 
>>practicing on some spare tubing, but I'm finding it very 
>>difficult to get a good flare. 
>>
>>I read all the tips on tube flaring from various sources;
>>
>>- cut square with hacksaw as I've heard that a wheel cutter 
>>hardens the tube
>>- debur inside and outside of tube
>>
>>The main problem is that when cranking down the screw, the 
>>tube is pushed out by the force. I've tightened the wing nuts 
>>with a wrench as tight as they will go, but it does not seem 
>>to have enough clamping force to prevent the tube from slipping.
>>
>>The flaring tool is not best quality, but seems to be the 
>>basic standard out there. Its identical to the one pictured 
>>here 
>>http://www.awrtools.com/CategoryDisplay.asp?Category=80&PriceT
>>    
>>
>ype=1
>(about a third of the way down).
>
>Would a better quality tool be the best advice here? Any sources for a
>decent tool? Or am I stuck buying new lines from the dealer for $400?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Sean Douglas
>
>
>  
>