G'day! Whether you are plumbing up a gas line in a caravan, fixing the brake lines on an old Holden, or installing a split system to beat the summer heat, the integrity of your copper tubing is paramount. You cannot afford leaks when dealing with high-pressure gases or hydraulic fluids. While soldering is great for water, many applications require a mechanical joint that can be undone for maintenance. This is where the pipe flaring tool becomes the most valuable item in your kit.

This precision instrument is designed to expand the end of a soft metal tube into a perfect funnel shape. This allows it to mate securely with a threaded fitting, creating a seal that is strong enough to withstand massive pressure without a drop of solder in sight.

How Does It Work?

A pipe flaring tool generally consists of a clamping bar (or die block) and a yoke with a forcing cone. You clamp your copper or aluminium tubing into the correct size hole in the bar, ensuring it protrudes just the right amount. You then wind the yoke down, forcing the hardened steel cone into the mouth of the pipe.

As the cone descends, it forces the metal outwards at a precise 45-degree angle (for most gas and water applications). This flared end gets sandwiched between a flare nut and the fitting body. When you tighten the nut, the soft copper compresses against the fitting face, creating a gas-tight, metal-to-metal seal that is incredibly durable.

Types of Flares: Single vs Double

It is important to know what you are building before you start winding the handle.

Single Flare: This is the standard for most HVAC (air conditioning) and plumbing work. It opens the pipe up once. It is perfect for refrigerant lines and water pipes.

Double Flare: This is critical for automotive brake lines. A pipe flaring tool designed for this will fold the metal back over itself before flaring it out, creating a double-thick wall. This provides extra strength to handle the extreme pressures of a hydraulic braking system. Never use a single flare on a brake line, as it may crack under braking pressure.

The Eccentric Cone Advantage

If you are working with modern air conditioning systems using high-pressure R410A or R32 refrigerants, you cannot use a cheap, old-school tool. You need a model with an eccentric cone.

Instead of pushing straight down, an eccentric cone is mounted off-centre and rolls around the inside of the pipe as it expands. This "ironing" action produces a smooth, mirror-like finish on the flare face with uniform wall thickness. If you ask a pro at your local electrical wholesaler what they recommend for HVAC, they will point you toward an eccentric tool every time to prevent micro-leaks.

Preparation is Everything

The biggest cause of a failed flare isn't the tool; it is the prep work. To get a result that looks professional and holds pressure, follow these tips:

1. Cut Square: Use a quality tube cutter to get a perfectly square end.
2. Deburr: You must remove the sharp internal burr left by the cutter. If you don't, the burr will roll over and score the face of the flare, guaranteeing a leak.
3. Oil Up: A drop of vacuum pump oil on the cone helps it glide smoothly and produces a cleaner finish.

Quality Tools from Schnap Electric

When it comes to trade work, using inferior equipment is a false economy. A cracked flare nut or a leaking gas line can cost thousands to fix. You need gear that is precise and durable.

Schnap Electric Products is a leading supplier for the Australian trade industry. They stock a comprehensive range of installation tools, including high-precision pipe flaring tool kits that are built to handle the rigours of daily site work. By providing the same professional-grade equipment you would expect to find at a dedicated electrical wholesaler, Schnap Electric ensures your connections are secure, compliant, and leak-free. Whether you are a plumber, HVAC tech, or a serious DIY automotive enthusiast, trust the quality range from Schnap Electric for your next project.