As a mechanic or car enthusiast you will want to have your own reliable tools for repairs and that includes a good bubble flare tool. A bubble flare is used for the end part of the brake line tubing, it will be opened or flared at a 45 degree angle. It is folded over itself which will create a bubble flare brake line which is secure. Ensuring you have a great bubble flare tool is essential to creating perfect bubble flares every time.
We have put together a list of the best bubble flare tools that will enable you to find the ideal one to add your collection.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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1. MASTERCOOL 72475-PRC Universal Hydraulic
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2. TGR Professional Brake Line Flaring Tool
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3. The Stop Shop Bubble Flare
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4. Vector Tools ISO/Bubble Flaring Tool Kit
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5. OTC 4504 Stinger ISO Bubble Flaring Tool Kit
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1. MASTERCOOL 72475-PRC Universal Hydraulic
Specification
| Material | Hydraulic tool |
| Size | Push connect 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8″; GM fuel line flare, brake lines and transmission 5/16 and 3/8″; flare/double flare 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 and 1/2″; metric bubble flare 4.75, 6, 8, and 10mm, mini tube cutter for 1/8″ to 5/8″ (3 – 16 mm) O.D. tubing (1/8 to 1/2″ nominal) |
| Connector Type | Flare |
| Number of Pieces | Multiple |
Features
- Tube And Die Set Stabilizing Arm For Easy Tube Forming
- Magnetic Adapter Holder Keeps Adapters In Place
- Equipped With An Enlarged Die Set Compression Area For Better Grip Of Dies
- This Tool Can Be Used On “Annealed Steel” & “Dead Soft”
This universal hydraulic flaring tool set with tube cutter includes dies and adapters to fabricate push connect; GM fuel line flare, brake lines and transmission; single flare/double flare and; metric bubble flare, mini tube cutter, and O.D. tubing all packaged in a custom blow molded case
WHAT WE LIKE
With little setup and prep you can make shop-worthy flares in no time. The tool is effortless to use. Changing dies from flare to bubble and back again is done in seconds. Prep the tubing end properly and you get a perfect flare every time. It can also be used under the car as well which is important. The carry case is convenient to keep all pieces in one place.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The tubing cutter included is small and does not work well on stainless. The crank handle is not quite long enough to tighten the vise enough. The pieces can move around within the case which may result in your pieces not being in place when you open the case. Some sets have been delivered with missing pieces which is not ideal. The price tag is a higher one which may not suit every pocket.
PROS
- Make shop worthy flares
- Change dies effortlessly
- Gets you perfect flares every time
- Can be used under the car
CONS
- Tubing cutter does not work
- Pieces are not secure in the case
- Incomplete sets delivered
2. TGR Professional Brake Line Flaring Tool
Specification
| Material | Mixed |
| Size | 3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16”, 3/8” tubing |
| Connector Type | Flare |
| Number of Pieces | Multiple |
Features
- 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.
- Creates Single Flares and Double Flares
- Kit includes dies for both 45 and 37 degree flares
TGR Professional brake line flaring tool can quickly create single or double flares on 4 different sizes of tubing. It makes perfect flares on brake lines, transmission cooler lines and fuel lines.
WHAT WE LIKE
It makes bubble flares, single flares and double flares in both 45 and 37 degrees which makes it a versatile option. It comes with a single case to hold all the dies which is convenient. The tool is robust, well-engineered, and will last a lifetime if not abused or misused. The tool is easy to use and makes the perfect flare everytime.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
It could do with an extended handle. It may not be ideal on stainless. The dies need 2” of straight tube to grip, plus more to accommodate your fitting before the bend. If you need tight bends close to the flare, you’ll either have to get creative and bend after flaring, or go with another tool. The tubing cutter tends to work-harden the stainless as it cuts. This leads to the flare splitting when using the tool.
PROS
- Versatile flaring tool
- Single case for convenience
- Robust and well engineered
- Easy to use
CONS
- Short handle
- Need too much tube to grip
- Tube cutter is not great
3. The Stop Shop Bubble Flare
Specification
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Size | 3/16″ Bubble Flare 10×1 |
| Connector Type | Flare |
| Number of Pieces | 10 |
Features
- For 3/16″ Tube
- 10mm x 1 Threads
- Stainless Steel, will never rust!
- For imperial & bubble flares
The Stop Shop Stainless Steel Metric Brake Line Imperial & Bubble Flare Fitting for 3/16″ Tube. 10 x 1 mm (Pack of 10)
WHAT WE LIKE
These fittings work well for the double flares – no leaks. In the small end they have the concave opening to accommodate a double flare. Stainless flare nuts that are well made and long lasting. Good replacement fittings that should not ever rust .This set is a well priced option.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Most of the flare nut wrenches have 10mm on one end and 12mm on the other. This set only includes flare fittings and not the full tool sets that other options include.
PROS
- Work well for double flares
- Well made and long lasting
- Stainless steel – will not rust
- Well priced option
CONS
- Have 2 sizes
- No tool included
- Only include flare fittings
4. Vector Tools ISO/Bubble Flaring Tool Kit
Specification
| Material | Mixed |
| Size | 4.75mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm |
| Connector Type | Bubble Flare |
| Number of Pieces | 9 pieces |
Features
- Suitable for foreign (European, Japanese) and domestic vehicles (cars, SUVs, light trucks)
- Yoke assembly, Flaring bar, Gauge/wrench, 10mm tubing, 4 adapters for 4.75mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm
- ISO/Bubble Flaring Tool Kit designed for metric soft steel brake lines where an “ISO” or bubble style flare is required
- Includes Blow-Molded Case with Mini Pipe Cutter
Make your own brake lines with the bubble Flaring I.S.O tool Kit. Designed for metric soft steel brake lines requiring an “ISO” or bubble style flare. Lever-lock flaring bar makes the tool kit easy to use for professional and DIY mechanics.
WHAT WE LIKE
The set is an affordable bubble flare tool option. It comes with 4 adapters adding to its versatility. This tool works on a range of vehicle types and comes with a mini pipe cutter for convenience. The blow molded case is helpful for storing the full set in one place.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Would work better with instructions as it can take time to figure out how to use the tool. Does not hold the tube which is not ideal with this tool type. Bubble flair pinheads snap off.
PROS
- Affordable option
- Versatile set
- Pipe cutter included for convenience
- Helpful storage case
CONS
- Could use instructions
- Does not hold the tube
- Bubble flair pinheads snap off
5. OTC 4504 Stinger ISO Bubble Flaring Tool Kit
Specification
| Material | Heat treated steel |
| Size | 4.75 6 8 and 10 mm |
| Connector Type | Flare |
| Number of Pieces | Multiple |
Features
- Designed for crack-free bubble flares on soft steel tubing used in automotive brake systems
- Flaring bar and all the adapters needed for ISO bubble flaring
- Forged yoke is made of heat-treated steel
- Includes four dies 4.75, 6. 8 and 10 mm
- Housed in a blow-molded storage case
The OTC Stinger ISO bubble flaring tool kit is designed for crack-free bubble flares on soft steel tubing used in automotive brake systems. The forged yoke is made of heat-treated steel for long life and durability and includes the flaring bar and all the adapters needed for ISO bubble flaring. Comes housed in a blow molded storage case.
WHAT WE LIKE
Plastic case perfect for storage when not used. Good instructions are provided with the tool making it easy to use. Works well on softer materials. This set combines all the essentials and sizes you would need for bubble flaring.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
2 flat washers under the large wing nuts are not particularly robust and in fact can break altogether. The tool itself doesn’t quite make a perfect circle when closed all the way, not that you could even get it close to closed when trying to do a flare. The clamping process mars the surface of the non-flared area of the brake line
PROS
- Plastic storage case
- Good instructions provided
- Good for soft materials
- Set has all the essentials
CONS
- Tool is not robust
- Does not make great flares
- Clamping process is not idea
Conclusion
Overall the best bubble flare tool has to be the “MASTERCOOL 72475-PRC Universal Hydraulic”. With a tube and die stabilizing arm and a magnetic adapter holder you can have assurance that your flares will come out perfect every time.
The set comes with a large variety of dies and adapters to enable a range of different flare types including single and double flares as well as the all important bubble flare.
The included carry case means that all parts of the set can be kept together for convenience. This tool is easy to use and enables you to create shop worthy flares in record time. While it is an investment, you won’t be disappointed with this bubble flare tool.
