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Your cart is empty.OTC's Bubble Flaring Tool Kit is designed for crack-free bubble flares on soft steel tubing used in automotive brake systems. Includes four dies: 4.75, 6, 8, and 10mm adapters. Forged steel yoke, flaring bar, and all the adapters needed for ISO bubble flaring. The most economical "Bubble" flare tool to date. Housed in a blow-molded storage.
Jameson
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
Worked for the flares I had to do, no leaks after.
Bruce S.
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2021
Overall I'm happy with this tool. Used it to bubble flare several steel hydraulic transfer lines I fabricatedfor the rack and pinion steering unit on my old Dodge Stratus and it served my purpose well.However, when finishing my project, the 2 flat washers under the large wing nuts that tighten the clamp bars closed were bent and distorted; in fact one of them actually broke in half. This was not a big issue for me, just simply had to installed a couple thicker 1/4" flat washers to get the tool back in service and resume normal operation. But, I would imagine this could be very frustrating for someone that doesn't have much extra hardware laying around to do this. Especially when trying to get a job done quickly on a vehicle that is their only means of transportation.So my advice to the manufacture would be this: Invest in heavier flat washers under the tools bar tightening clamps (maybe 1 to 2 extra pennies per unit... Tops!).Otherwise the tool is rather heavy duty and works well. I was using the steel 6mm diameter Poly-Armour brake line which is much harder to flare than the softer NiCopp (easy bend) tubing. And it produced a nice flare with minimal effort.One thing I did find is that you will get much better results when sanding the Poly-Armour coating off the end you want to flare beforehand. Also, keep everything clean and well lubed when flaring. I even brush a little oil on the die and steel line-end before making each flare, they seem to come out much better and have a smoother surface that way.And finally, I don't thing the user instructions that are tucked inside the plastic case lid mentions the exact amount of line that should be protruding from the lock bars before flaring the end. Usually (from past experience) the rule is to set the line height to the thickness of the flaring die flange before clamping it in place. But with this kit It brought the line up too high causing a distorted flare for me. So I wound advise making a couple practice flares beforehand (anywhere between 3/16 - 1/4" protrusion) and see what gives you the best results.
Big Al
Reviewed in Canada on August 19, 2019
I bought this to flare brake lines and also 8mm hard fuel lines for an older Volkswagen that is equipped with Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) mechanical fuel injection. It worked awesome. The quality appears really good as well, I expect this to last many years.On the white page that’s attached to the inside of the cover it even says “Bosch Automotive Solutions Inc, Owatonna MN 55060 USA” as you might be able to see from the picture attached.
RAY WOOD
Reviewed in Canada on February 6, 2018
One of the anvils snapped off leaving a broken threaded stem inside the clamp screw the first time I used it. The fracture looks like cast Iron instead of hardened steel. The label implies it is made in the USA but every indication is that this is imported junk.
Antoine
Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2018
Where to start ? 1- the tool work fine, easy of use and make a good jobBut : is it real otc brand?? I own a balljoint otc kit in a grey case and the tool finish quality is way better! I can’t say the same thing with this bubble brake tool!!The finish is not as i expected. i own an other brand double flare kit that has 15+ years and all the parts are polished and shinyIt come in a little plastic case. Perfect for storage when not usedYou’re going to say why the 5 stars ???I give 5 stars because the tool makes bubble flare easy and precise enough each timeIf I was just looking at my tool I’ll probably give 3stars. But me I work with my tool what I want is tool able to do what i need and this is what my otc bubble flairing tool do 👍
Matthew Spurdle
Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2017
My 1991 BMW stopped braking because the original lines were rusted (I could see a hole in one of them). Bought this tool, cupro line, and some fittings to fix it up. This tool is finicky but works well as long as you take your time and put brake fluid on the die every time. The tool held up fine, made good flares and now my car brakes!
Blain G
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2015
I bought this kit with hopes to make bubble flares the right way (vs winging it with a double flare tool)Total Junk. Which is sad because when I opened it everything seemed nicely made and well laid out.The second bubble flare broke the tiny pin that holds the wingnut down. Ok... no big deal. I bought a grade 8 bolt and just clamped it with a nut and two washers.The third attempt broke the center of the 4.75mm arbor in the brake line!I have requested a return today and will look at other tool options. You get what you pay for.
Stephan Noel
Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2014
I bought this kit to do the brake lines on my 2002 Chrysler 300M Special. This kit made making the flares one of the easiest parts of the whole process. Out of 16 flares I did on the car, none of them leaked and I even reused most of my fittings. Just follow the instructions provided and all should go well. I used Nickel/Copper Alloy lines instead of regular steel lines to make bending the lines easier. For the price, this kit is awesome. The only thing I would say it's missing is a de-burring tool (I just used a rotary tool to speed it up).
Dice
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2013
First off, I am not one that like buying tools made overseas, as I have had poor experiences with them, but this flaring tool is an exception.Like another reviewer said, a bubble flare and a double flare are two different things. My 1989 Buick LeSabre uses bubble flares, and it is basically the standard. If you go to a parts store and ask them to borrow a bubble flare kit, they typically will give you a double flare (or inverted flare - same thing) kit and tell you it will work. While they are sort of correct, they are more wrong. A double flare is two step, and bubble is single step. There is truth to using part of the double flaring process to make a bubble flare, and it can be done, but if you are not familiar with flaring tools, you will have a hard time doing that. I've used a double flare kit to make a bubble many times, and haven't had a problem, but I thought that I should just buy a bubble flare kit and do it the "correct" way.I am very pleased with this OTC brand kit. I also used the reviews here on Amazon in guiding my decision, as I want something good right away - I don't want to waste my time with cheap crap. If you are familiar with the flaring process and are looking for a good kit, I highly recommend this OTC 4504 kit. If you are just starting out as a DIY or shadetree mechanic, this also makes a good choice, but like everything that is made, there are flaws that you have to adjust to. For example, when tightening this clamp, you tighten the closest wingnut first, then the other, then take a screwdriver and tighten them more. If you think that you have it tight enough, go a little more and try it. Because you have to tighten this clamp so much, you will notice that it leaves some marks in your line. I just use a little bit of sand paper and clean it up a little so the nut slides over nice. Also, you want to make sure that the end of your line that is being flared is nice and straight. I use a file for this, and then make sure that you debur the inside of the line to make sure that is didin't cave at all when you cut it.Flaring went easy for my, and I used traditional steel line. I know they make Copper-Nickel line too, and I will be using that on the next line as I am out of steel. I've read that this kit works well on the Copper-nickel as well, and it should because it is a softer metal than steel. The the better plus, Copper-Nickel won't rust either.So to make a long story short, I believe that this is a good kit for the casual DIY'er, as well as the professional mechanic.
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