Any tricks on flaring nickel copper alloy brake line? Its so soft it crumples behind the flare. I hate to replace the rusting steel lines with more steel lines.

 

I always used copper for brake lines but it must be .030 wall which you wont find at Ace hdwre. I have used this on cars,pickups,and large farm trucks with never a problem.

 

Brake lines need to be a double flair. I never used copper it is too soft. The manufacturers use steel for a reason. Safety. I don't know about the .030 thickness. Still rather be safe with steel.

 

You ever think they use steel cause its cheaper. As I said I have used copper for over 50 years and never had one break and for damned sure they wont rust out. I will never comment on something "I dont know" about or have "never tried".

 

I would suspect the grade of copper tubing used would also make a difference..
But both copper and steel have way higher bursting pressures then they would likely ever see in a brake line environment...
I suspect that steel is used for both its lower cost to copper and its hardness/durability and its weight compared to copper...

 

With all the recalls and safety issues the manufacturers are faced with today, they don't need any extra problems. Yes steel is cheaper but it is harder as well and is one less thing to worry about. I did not say the .030 copper does not work well. I do not know of anybody that has used it and still rather be safe than sorry.