Fuel line flaring

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-28-2011, 08:38 AM

I want to add a bump to each of the center tunnel fuel lines (fore and aft), something like a double flare but in the tubing section, not at the end like a brake line flare. going to put the 3.2 fuel system (and motor) in my 73 which has simple, straight tubing. Worked fine with basic hose clamps for the 3 psi needed for the Webers, but would like some added protection for the higher pressure 3.2 fuel pump.

What tool creates flares like this?

Fuel pumps with the the type of flare I'm looking to make:

A930Rocket · 03-28-2011, 09:14 AM

If you can't find that tool, you can use a regular tube flaring kit to make a slight widening of the tube end. But you probably knew that.

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

You know what's funny? I was going to try to help Shaun search, and I can't even formulate the words to describe what that is!

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-28-2011, 10:22 AM

Yeah, I've searched under double flare, bubble flare, tubing flare... I don't think a tool is made to do this and will probably just have to double flare the ends.

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

It's called a tubing beader
Earl's Plumbing Accessories - Tools
scroll down the page

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-28-2011, 10:46 AM

Hey thanks, that's exactly what I need, BUT it's for 3/8s and larger, which given the design, doesn't surprise me. Guess I'm just going with a double flare end.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-28-2011, 10:50 AM

this one says for 1/4 inch tubing and larger:

Small Tube Beading Tool

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

Yeah, keep looking. That was just an example link. Hope it helped.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-28-2011, 11:16 AM

it sure did, thank you.

944Larry · 944Larry's Garage

I've heard them called "dimpling tools".

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

I know a guy with a tool like that. Used it to turn brake lines into fuel lines for his son's 914. Had a little kit, bend, flare and bead

James Brown · James Brown's Garage

EZ-BEADER TUBING BEADERS

Designed to replace the original Parker beading tools. Compact design. Capable of tubing wall thickness from .035 to .065 thick.
SIZE DESCRIPTION PN PRICE BUY
3/8"
EZ-BEADER TP885A 12-00354 $25.90
1/2"
EZ-BEADER TP885B 12-00355 $31.50
5/8"
EZ-BEADER TP885C 12-00356 $36.75
3/4"
EZ-BEADER TP885D 12-00357 $42.25
1"
EZ-BEADER TP885F 12-00358 $59.25
1-1/4"
EZ-BEADER TP885G 12-00359 $82.50
1-1/2"
EZ-BEADER TP885H 12-00360 $73.85
1-3/4"
EZ-BEADER TP885I 12-00361 $73.85
2"
EZ-BEADER TP885J 12-00362 $72.50
Set of all 9
EZ-BEADER Tubing Beader 12-00363 $369.95

This is from the aircraft spruce catalog

Shaun @ Tru6 · 03-29-2011, 04:03 AM

A fellow Pelican and friend of mine suggested using compression fittings on the flat tubing and I will be going that route.

vonsmog · 03-29-2011, 04:37 AM

I have one of these sets that makes double/bubble flares/push on fuel lines.
Mastercool Inc., Flaring Tools
If you start making a bubble flare and if you stop just after a little pressure is applied you will get the results you are looking for. I have done it a bunch of times with great results. This is one of the best tools for making up new fuel, air and brake lines, well worth the money!

Tim Hancock · 03-29-2011, 04:53 AM

You can make a tool to do the job using a "bb" or small ball bearing. Partially drill bb size cross hole in the side of a round shaft of metal (a steel bolt works good) that is the diameter of the ID of the tubing. Then drill and tap a hole down thru the center of the round shaft. Grind a taper on a small screw that is the size of the hole you just tapped.

Place the "bb" in the cross hole.... Insert the contraption into your tubing..... Then insert the tapered screw and tighten it slightly... Rotate the contraption while slowly tightening the tapered screw..... The ball will form a nice ridge in your tubing.