Double Flaring
Saturday, 15. May 2010
How to flare tubing.
I like Ridgid tubing tools. This first picture shows a couple of different tube cutters.
The larger cutter has a groove in the rollers. The groove is for cutting off an existing flare very close to the end of a tube.
After cutting your tube with a tube cutter, the end must be de-burred. You can use the de-burring tool that is built into the cutter.
Another de-burring option is a triangle scraper.
A countersink bit is also good for de-burring a tube.
This picture shows my Ridgid flaring tool. I bought the 345 model, which did not come with buttons for double flaring. You can buy the buttons separately from many suppliers for around $4 each. Another option is to buy a cheap double flaring tool to get the buttons to use with your Ridgid tool. I found out there is a 345-DL model available which comes with the buttons. It is a little more expensive, but is not commonly available at the Home Depot.
A common flaring tool has wing nuts on each end of the flaring bar. You must get these very tight or the flaring operation will push the tube downward and not produce a very good flare.
The Ridgid tool has a clamping screw that is part of the yoke. This feature puts the clamping force on the flaring bar directly in line with the tube that is being flared. This produces a greater clamping force on the tube and it is much less likely to slip and ruin the flare.
Don’t forget to put the nut on the tube before making your flare.
To begin the flare, first place the tube into the flaring bar. Turn the flaring button upside down and place it on the bar next to the tube. Adjust the tubing so that it sticks out of the bar equal to the distance of the step on the flaring button.
Next, turn the button right side up and insert it into the tube.
Place the yoke over the flaring bar and adjust the flaring screw so that it is lightly pressing on the center of the flaring button. Be careful not to change the depth of the tube in the flaring bar. Tighten the clamping screw on the yoke.
Turn the flaring screw to force the flaring button down until it is touching the flaring bar.
Remove the yoke and the flaring button from the flaring bar. Leave the tube in place.
Place the yoke back onto the flaring bar. This time the flaring button is not used. Lightly turn the flaring screw until it is centered in the tube. Now tighten the clamping screw on the yoke.
Tighten the flaring screw until it seats in the flaring bar. Finally, loosen the screw and remove the yoke. You should now have a nicely formed double flare.
Remove the tube from the flaring bar and admire your work.
