Best Bubble Flare Tool Reviews – 2023
Bubble flare tools are exceedingly important for every car mechanic. They are pretty easy to operate, so even non-professionals can use them.
A decent tool will flare brake lines much more effectively and save you a lot of hassle. They are specially designed to handle brakes of higher-pressure.
Now, the market is filled with downright garbage products that will do more harm to your brake lines than good. If you don’t know specifically what you’re looking for, you can easily end up with inferior ones.
Finding the best bubble flare tool can be a tricky job, but you can freely depend on us as we will guide you right to it!
Editor’s Recommendation: Top Five Bubble Flare Tool
What To Look For Before Buying?
Before buying your very first bubble flare tool, you must restrain your excitement and allow yourself some time to consider certain factors. Otherwise, you’d end up buying one that just cannot live up to your expectations.
- Brake System
The very first thing you have to consider is the brake system and the brake line flaring tool used in the vehicle. That’s because bubble flare tools aren’t compatible with all systems. This knowledge will allow you to choose the appropriate tool.
- Leakage-Prevention
Always make sure that your flaring tool doesn’t have any leakages. The use of high-quality materials in its construction and solid fittings reduce the chance of leaking.
- Efficiency
Your flaring tool must be efficient enough to meet your requirements. It must have all the important components. Check whether it can make decent flaring without harming the brake lines or not before buying.
- Application
It’s pretty important to make sure your flaring tool is applicable to the brake system of your car. Some require a double flare, and some require a bubble. So, this comes down to compatibility as you won’t be able to apply it unless your vehicle and the flaring tool of your choice are compatible with each other.
- Budget
You must consider your budget and go for the one that suits it the most. Expensive ones usually provide more features and quality. But if you can’t afford them, make sure the one you get at least has decent quality and the must-have features.
- Quality of Materials
Some tools are poorly made, which are bound to be ruined in a very short time. You don’t want yours to break soon or bring harm to your braking system. So, consider the materials that were used in the construction of the tool. You’d be wise to choose the ones that are designed to last.
Top 5 Best Bubble Flare Tool Reviews
Take a look at our choice of the finest bubble flare tools. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about them.
1. MASTERCOOL 72475-PRC Blue and Silver Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool Set with Tube Cutter
This is one of the most popular models on the market. You’d be able to make truly amazing flares on your brake lines with this fantastic flaring tool.
Being a versatile tool, it actually allows you to make multiple types of flares. Whether you need double flare or bubble flare, you can totally leave it to this kit to provide outstanding results.
It comes with everything you need to start flaring. The improved hydraulics, enlarged die set compression area for better grip of dies, and ergonomic design make it extremely competent and easy to use.
- Tube and die set stabilizing arm for easy tube forming
- Magnetic adapter holder keeps adapters in place
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- A robust tool made to have a longer lifespan
- Magnetic adopter holder keeps it organized
- Very easy to use
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- Cannot handle push connections adequately
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2. Shankly Flaring Tool Set (10 Piece – Professional Grade)
Shankly flaring tool set comes with everything a professional mechanic might need to handle brake systems. For durability, it boasts a heavy-duty stainless-steel build.
This 10-piece tool kit offers a wide range of flare adapters, making it extremely versatile. As a result, you won’t have to look elsewhere. Besides, the inclusion of five swage fittings and seven useful tube sizes make it super convenient!
It features simple adjustable locking, and the wing nuts turn smoothly. So, you’d be able to flare with incredible precision! Best of all, it’s astoundingly cheap!
- ✅ ALL-INCLUSIVE KIT: Shankly’s standard flaring tool kit is all-inclusive, complete with a professional tubing straightener or cutter, allowing the mechanic to focus on the job rather than search for parts. Please note: this is NOT a double flare tool
- ✅ MULTIFUNCTIONAL FLARE ADAPTERS: Flaring tool adapters range from the following sizes: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8", making this the only brake line kit a mechanic will need. (Metric: 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm)
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- The self-centering yoke is a nice addition
- Offers versatility
- Allows more precision
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- Does not come with an instruction manual
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3. K Tool International Brake Line Flaring Tool
Once you’re equipped with this amazing kit, you’d be able to make brake flares with remarkable precision and safety!
This simple unit provides satisfying functionality for all. You can positively rely on this versatile model to form almost all sorts of flares, including bubble and double flares in stainless steel, as well as other tubes made with softer metals.
And this elegant unit features a T-handle screw clamp that firmly holds the line throughout the whole process. Its turret-like unique design provides the ability to be very precise and gives you the ability to make any flares rather quickly.
- [VERSATILE] - Easily form 45-degreee double, single, and bubble flares in OE steel, stainless steel, and soft metal tubing
- [DIAMETER] - Use with 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" diameter lines, which means it will handle your toughest jobs, from brake lines to transmission cooler lines.
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- Provides excellent performance
- Ingenious turret design
- Comes with a blow-molded case
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- The pattern of the handle could be better
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4. TGR Professional Brake Line Flaring Tool- 45 and 37 degree Set
If you’re looking for the best value for your money, then you’re looking at the right product! This professional-grade kit allows you to easily make three types of flares, the single flare, double flare, and lastly, the bubble flare on four different sizes of tubing.
This can be extremely suitable for you if you are just starting out as it’s quite easy to operate. It has no technical complexity at all!
A rather convenient feature is its t-handle screw clamp, which will hold the die and the tube effectively to prevent interruptions.
- Quickly create single or double flares on 4 different sizes of tubing. Great for making perfect flares on brake lines, transmission cooler lines and fuel lines. Works on steel, stainless steel, and soft metal tubing. Easy and quick operation will save you time and money when creating brake lines on your project.
- Includes dies for 3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8” tubing.
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- Multiple dies for matching with tubing sizes
- Fit for beginners as operating it is easy
- Extremely effective in making three types of flares
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- It’s comparatively heavier than others
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5. TITAN 51535 3/16″ 3/16-Inch Double Flaring Tool
This is an outstanding tool-kit capable of making incredible flares. However, it’s actually very simple to operate.
Although it is specially equipped to flawlessly create 45-degree double fares, you can also use it to create perfectly-shaped bubble flares.
It boasts a very compact design so you can reach tight spaces in your car to fix brake lines. You won’t even have to remove the brake line from the vehicle!
The performance you get from this is almost incomparable. Coming from a brand like Titan Tools, you’re guaranteed high-quality service.
- Set Contents: (1) 3/16-Inch Double Flaring Tool with Removable Handle, (1) Positioning Bolt, (1) Double Ended OP1/OP2 Punch, (1) Container of Die Lubricant
- Creates a perfect inverted 45-Degree SAE double flare with 3/16-inch steel and nickel-copper tubing. Not recommended for use on stainless steel tubing.
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- Allows flaring without removing the brake line
- The compact design makes it easy to carry
- Makes perfect double and bubble flares
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- Cannot handle steel tubing
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How to Use a Bubble Flare Tool?
You can easily bubble flare your brake lines with a decent bubble flare tool. Follow our step-by-step guide to properly use one.
Tools Required
- A tubing cutter
- Bubble flare tool kit
- Brake line
Steps to Follow
- At first, you must size up the brake line using a simple cutting tool. How much you’d have to cut depends on your needs.
- Afterwards, go ahead and chamfer the outer edges of the cut line.
- The next step is to pick up your brake flaring tool and set it into a vice or a clamp.
- Now, you are to appropriately position the brake line in the tool. Make sure to clamp it down nice and tight. Do not forget to install the hardware you need on the line.
- We’re almost there! Go ahead and fit the bubble flare insert in the line and screw on the guide tube. Keep screwing with your fingers until it’s perfectly seated.
- After making sure that it is properly seated, grab your wrench and turn the flaring tool. In general, it takes 1.5 turns.
That’s it! Just remove the tool, and you’d have a perfect bubble flare on the brake line!
What Is the Difference Between Double Flare and Bubble Flare?
Flaring is basically a process of forming a leak-proof connection by placing a flare to the end of the brake line. Double flare and bubble flare are the most common form of brake line flares. Although they may seem similar, there are certain characteristics that set them apart.
The double flare is most commonly found on older vehicles. It is made by grabbing the single flare and folding its lip over, which results in a double layer of flares. It uses the standard SAE thread fitting. The double flare is far stronger and more durable than single flares.
Bubble flares started to gain popularity in the ‘80s. They are usually found in the newer model of vehicles. The name comes from the fact that the end of the line is bubbled up. They use metric fittings, unlike the double flares. These flares are also extremely capable of providing leak-proof connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding bubble flare tools:
Is a single flare the same as a bubble flare?
Absolutely not. A single flare is weak with a single flared out line. And a bubble flare is much more durable as the end of its line is stronger.
What is an advantage of a double flare on aluminum tubing?
Applying double flare on aluminum tubing makes it more durable. It can tolerate much more damage than before when the joint is tightly screwed.
How do you use a double flare tool?
It’s fairly simple, really. Follow our guideline of using bubble flare tool but this time, remove the bubble flaring insert, replace the guide tube, and just like before, seat the flaring tool using your fingers. Once the tool’s all seated, rotate the tool ¾ of a turn using a wrench, and then take it off. Now you’ve got yourself a double flare!
Why is a bubble flare tool so expensive?
Bubble flare tool is kind of expensive because high-grade construction and top-notch features and precision are required to make decent bubble flares. A cheaply-made tool will not be able to deliver adequate performance.
What is the best brake flaring tool?
We are pretty confident in considering the MASTERCOOL 72475-PRC as the best brake flaring tool. That’s because it is specially engineered to be extremely durable, and it has all the components you need for flaring brake lines smoothly along with modern features and more!
Our Personal Recommendation
We highly recommend this product:
- Tube and die set stabilizing arm for easy tube forming
- Magnetic adapter holder keeps adapters in place
It is easy to use and is built to last for longer intervals which should help you whenever you need a bubble flare tool to save you fulfill any requirement of yours.
Final Words
Bubble flare is one of the most common forms of flaring found on recent vehicles. So, you’d be benefitted by keeping a bubble flare tool around you.
Our reviews and guideline should help you out in finding the best bubble flare tool. You can use that to tackle the unwanted brake malfunctioning situations anytime, anywhere!
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. WaterFilterly is user-supported. We might receive a commission on any purchase you make through clicking links on this page.
