This 7 minute video describes how to form one of those brake line tension relief/vibration dampening coils using an inexpensive tube bending pliers available at your local auto parts store.
I want to say first off that I am NOT a professional auto mechanic, just a back-yard “do-it-yourselfer”.
For this video, I start with a piece of 1/4″ tubing that I had been taking up space in my (messy) garage. Starting at a point about 5 or 6 inches from the end, I first make a 90 degree bend, then I relocatate the bender 1-3/4″ further, I turn the tubing 90 degrees and place another 90 degree bend. This second bend is the start of the coil loop. To continue making the coil, I make a series of bends where I re-adjust the tool so that the center die is about 1/2″-3/4″ further than the previous and then make a full bend. I do so at a slight angle so with each successive bend, the coil developes and the tool wraps past. Once I have two complete coil loops, I finalize the process by adding another 90 degree bend so that the straight parts of the tubing are in line.
The tubing can now be bent to fit the application and to have the correct fittings slid on before making the flare.
A note about flaring tools… Although I only paid about $12 for the tube bending pliers, I recommend getting the best flaring tool available.
The flaring cheap tool will likely have a smaller screw to drive the flaring cone, increasing the amount of force necessary to effect the flare. The flaring block is often difficult to manipulate and the wing nuts are cast steel.
The more expensive tools typically have a larger yoke screw made from tool steel, the flaring block is typically chrome plated and the wing nuts are drop forged tool steel. They are made to last a lifetime. Not so with the cheaper tools.
I paid $60 for mine, but there were plenty around for 1/3 of that.
Post time: Jul-12-2017