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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Bart on Tuesday,February 04, 2020, 10:07:57 AM

Title: Brake lines
Post by: Bart on Tuesday,February 04, 2020, 10:07:57 AM

Just started making the new brake lines, I am reasonable happy with this first effort but I'd like to get smaller radius bends these are about 2.25" diameter, the tool I have is as shown in the picture, I do have brake line pliers but found I got a crease if I tried to get too small with the radius.

BTW, I got my tool from Summit  $19.95, same one at Harbor Freight for $7.49 :(

Can anyone recommend a tool that will get a smaller radius?

Title: Re: Brake lines
Post by: BDA on Tuesday,February 04, 2020, 10:12:55 AM

I think I would stick with the tool you have. The sharper the bend, the more stress you put on the outer radius. I suspect the radius your tool produces is appropriate for the size tubing it bends.

Title: Re: Brake lines
Post by: Certified Lotus on Tuesday,February 04, 2020, 11:36:22 AM

I use a socket from socket wrench sets. Just slowly wrap around. It works perfectly.

Title: Re: Brake lines
Post by: jbcollier on Tuesday,February 04, 2020, 11:40:08 AM

Brake Quip makes copper-nickel alloy pipe that is strong and easily bent to tight angles.  I strongly recommend using it !

If you google "brake line pliers" you'll find a number of suitable, tight radius ones:

https://www.amazon.ca/Lisle-44150-16-Inch-Tubing-Bender/dp/B0027AL3X4/ref=sr_1_8?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIksfw8tK45wIVQRh9Ch3ygAs8EAAYAiAAEgJZa_D_BwE&hvadid=208329695430&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9001384&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10049419328974344190&hvtargid=kwd-295410274256&hydadcr=5644_9327678&keywords=brake+line+pliers&qid=1580845112&sr=8-8

Title: Re: Brake lines
Post by: TurboFource on Tuesday,February 04, 2020, 12:33:46 PM

McMaster-Carr part number 33745A71 3/16" tubing bender will bend a 5/8" radius. Kinda pricey at $139.11

I used to bend lines at work when I rebuilt industrial equipment with such benders, they work great.

I have a tool like in your picture and I had better luck bending brake lines by hand around objects of the radius I wanted
and free handing the curves etc.

Title: Re: Brake lines
Post by: Certified Lotus on Tuesday,February 04, 2020, 01:19:28 PM

As per JB I also use Cooper nickel alloy for brake lines.  I’ve got three different tools for bending hydraulic fluid  lines and I find I still hand form 30% of the bends.