How to Bend Your Brake or Fuel Lines | Hagerty DIY

Hagerty's Kyle Smith walks you through how to properly bend brake or fuel lines for your classic car.

Hagerty’s DIY series is your handy-dandy, easy-to-use video guide to tackling small projects any classic car or truck owner might encounter during the course of ownership. In most cases, these projects require only basic tools, and our experts walk you through each step with clear, jargon-free explanations designed to get you and your favorite ride back on the road with minimal pain and suffering.

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[theondebray]

It often helps to mount the bender in a vise, as a third hand. Nice vid thanks.

[andyridley]

After the first or 2nd bend, I tape the 2 lines together in 2 different places where the bends are then I use different size sockets in a vice to do the rest of the bends.

[philh]

Nice video. Especially about the mark lining up with 0 to know the direction of the bend and not band it backwards

[skipnick]

thanks for such thorough explanation on crafting these critical components. definitely helpful to novice car guys.

[samnixon]

Coat hanger and/or using old pipe as a template = Great idea!

[tchincheney]

Nice clear instructions. This helped me with my 98 Explorer. Thanks!

[woodybear]

Nice video. You should have put the bender in a vise, would have been much easier to work with and watch. What are the R & L marks for?

[morsecodereviews]

sweet! Wish I looked this up before I bent/ruined a bunch of brake line.

[isaacshacky]

does the degree of the bend really matter?I ask because my brake lines are completely destroyed and I don't have nothing to compare the bend toso I figured as long as it doesn't crease and it connects fine it should be okay? what do you think any help thank you in advance

[RYTHMICRIOT]

I mean these tools are OK, but they're still limited in scope. Particularly if you need multiple bends in close proximity. I should also point out that it makes a difference if you're running new brake lines on a frame off restoration vs. replacing brake lines on a car that's complete. I bought nickel-copper brake line at the strong suggestion of others because it's much easier to bend. This is true. However, I've discovered that it's equally easier to unbend. Particularly, if you have to run your line in cramped and confined spaces and things like an engine and transmission are in the way. It's really easy to mess up all the nice bends you spent an hour making.

[angelsoftheseventhdawn]

How about unbending bends? I need to either reform my current rear axle brake line to get my shock relocation kit to fit or redo a whole new line. Can you use this tool to undo bends?

[chuckborden]

Thx excellent teacher from a retired teacher {-;

[billiebobbienorton]

Cool....thanks. Always wanted to know how easy/difficult this would be.

[Zeberka]

I wish you would have explained what the "R" & "L" represent and made a demonstration.

[HrleyBoy]

Not a very good example, no mention of the R & L on the bender.

[EdgarMendezz]

Just so I know this is for classic cars only? Is it cause now a days the tubing already comes pre bended for todays cars? Also what does kinking mean? Like does it mean cracking or bending

[Iggyhaxor]

Very helpful thank you. I have to replace a brake hardline because the wrenchable portion on the threaded fitting that connects to the softline is stripped and seized and i cant get it undone to replace the rubber hose with my new steel braided line. I got the line at the local auto store and ordered a bend/flare/cutting kit and didnt know how to use it

[dyardsale]

That was good. I still don't know the meaning of the R and L marks.

[uppastdawn]

Thanks for that. Now I see what I have been doing wrong when I kink/ crush the tube every time ...I think 😁.

[Homjachello]

Крутая штука.. Но проще вокруг трубы дюймовой накручивать))))