Hi all,

Finished bending new fuel lines for my '86. The two 5/16" ones, and the 1/4" evap line.

The tool to bead the lines (I'm more concerned about the 5/16" ones obviously) at the end so the hose doesn't slip off is a bit expensive, so I'm wondering if someone has the tool or knows a shop with them.

NOT looking for a flare, I'm talking a proper bead. Yes, I'm being picky, but a flare is not good on the hose, compared to a bead. Don't wanna drop the tank sooner than I have to, and I like to do things right.

Thanks for reading.

For those wondering, I'll post a link to the good tool (Graham), and another tool that's a cheaper option that's still a bit of dough with shipping from AUS!:


5/8 TUBE BEADING TOOL F2AV12-43 | Matco Tools

Paulo

 

Think I saw a video demonstration of this one before

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...&storeId=10001

 

Yes, same type as my 2nd link.

 

Earl's EZ-Beader - Free Shipping on All Orders @ JEGS

 

I just use a regular flare tool but I don't complete the flare. Just use the die for your double flare the way you normally would, but only compress it about half way. That gives you a nice bulge bead on the end of the line so your rubber hose won't slide off.

 

Thanks, but I really want the proper bead.

The EZ beader line (that type of tool) that jegs sells only goes down to 3/8" O.D., but our lines are 5/16" (well, close - actually, the metric equivalent)

Looks like beading is also commonly done by aircraft mechanics.

Also, I found out Parker tools had these beading tools since WWII.

But don't want to pay $$ for a tool I'll use once every 20 years, unless I have to (or the service cost is high enough).

If anyone has the tool (borrow/use right there for a small fee) or knows a shop that can do the service, please post up. Or, lastly, a place that sells for a good price.

 

If you know a mechanic that has a hydraulic flaring tool the dies are in those kits to make that type of end. Basically like the gm fuel line bead that they use with the flare nut and the o ring. My hydraulic flaring kit had those dies. Again though, quite an expense to buy that tool just to do a few lines.

 

Well, that's just silly. Wonder if the 3/8 will fit into the 5/16 line. I did the approach recommended in post 5, but wasn't very happy with the results. I have to say i'm a little nervous about getting leaks when i go to put fuel back in. Looking forward to seeing a good solution on this thread

 

Buggy - good suggestion. Will check into that.
TomU - yeah, I think it's cuz the design becomes too weak for line any smaller.
Will update thread as things evolve.

 

those links also only list earls and spruce aircraft tube bead tools for aluminum tube...not steel tube

 

http://www.grahamtool.com/smalltubebeadingtool.aspx

Ordered it. Their site says al cu or ss tube. It better work lol!

Will update thread.

 

darn, i missed this. I coulda flared em for you for cheap

I made smaller dies for my bead roller

 

Update, lol, really late and only checked cuz i got a pm. The graham tool for the "1/4' and 5/16" size only worked on the 5/16 od lines. Maybe they mean I.D.? Cuz the die didnt fit in my 1/4" evap lines, which don't need the bead as much. But the 5/16" beads turned out great.

^ post a video doing a small line please.

 

Pic

 

FWIW, I haven't experienced any leaks from the post 5 approach. I did use double clamps on all connections for added security