Yeah, I used some PB Blaster oil on the flaring tool, but again, my tool is so crappy it would not hold the tubing tight enough, (even with the wingnuts tightened down flush), and when I started cranking down the flaring point, frequently, the point would literally shove the tubing back into the tool without flaring it at all.
I had to squeeze the tool in a vise to give the tool more grip so the tubing wouldn't slip, and that appeared to work, but maybe I screwed it all up fighting with a crappy tool.
So, after reading your above comments, I went to Eastwood's site and saw their most excellent tool for 200 bucks. I got to thinking (dangerous): There are so many variables here; my steel tubing may be poor quality; my technique and abilities are certainly questionable, and here, I could spend 200 clams or more on the tool, and potentially still be in the same pickle.
I was already deep ($$$) into this project for the price of the steel tubing, and I also replaced my old bender AND cutter with Eastwood's new models, so the $$$ were already piling up on this "simple" fuel line project.
So taking tclederman's advice, I looked up Jim Carter's site and by golly there they were, pre-bent factory lines, and much cheaper than the flaring tool. So, licking my wounds, cutting my losses, and taking the path of least resistance, I've now ordered them, and hopefully, I won't screw them up too.
I do want you guys to know I appreciate your wise responses greatly, I just didn't have it in me to throw any more good DIY money into this part of the project, and opted for the factory made (not my shop-made) lines....
This stuff surely can get expensive, (and humbling) huh????
I'll let you know how it turns out! Thanks everybody! -Lee
Last edited by Maddog53; 06/29/2016 6:17 PM.
