Flaring brass tubes

[Vpetrell]

Is there a way to flare brass tubes for lanyards? I'm not sure how to do this. Is there a tool out there that can do it? Or has someone used something else that worked?


Thanks!

 

[Jason Fry]

I have used drywall screw heads glued to wood blocks. Self-centering, not too much flare.

 

[rustyrazor]

you can get a perfect setup from USA knifemaker or Chuck at alpha, i can't remember which, but I built my own before i knew this was an option. I used a small arbour press and two tapered cones that were originally designed for something else. glued the top one to the press and left the bottom one free floating so it's self centering and you can change the angle according to the shape of the handle. I'll post a pic when i get home if i can think of it... Someone mentioned ball bearings as well. get ones slightly oversize of the tube, lay one on the anvil held in place by the tube... place the other on top of the tube and hit it gently with a hammer... voila. not as controllable but it works.

good luck.

 

[Vpetrell]

I have used drywall screw heads glued to wood blocks. Self-centering, not too much flare.

I like this idea, but how does it flare the tubes? I'm missing something

Thanks!

 

[Vpetrell]

you can get a perfect setup from USA knifemaker or Chuck at alpha, i can't remember which, but I built my own before i knew this was an option. I used a small arbour press and two tapered cones that were originally designed for something else. glued the top one to the press and left the bottom one free floating so it's self centering and you can change the angle according to the shape of the handle. I'll post a pic when i get home if i can think of it... Someone mentioned ball bearings as well. get ones slightly oversize of the tube, lay one on the anvil held in place by the tube... place the other on top of the tube and hit it gently with a hammer... voila. not as controllable but it works.

good luck.

Not a bad idea either. I'll have to look into the setups that are sold, but would prefer a cheaper route also. I'm only flaring 3/16 as of now so the ball bearings may be difficult to use.

Thanks for the advice!!

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Any tapered punch will flare it. Flare one side, turn over and flare that side. Alternate sides until finished.

 

[Vpetrell]

Any tapered punch will flare it. Flare one side, turn over and flare that side. Alternate sides until finished.

Thanks bill. I think that's what I'm going to do. Picked up a set of punches today for that exact thing.

 

[Bailey Boat]

Why not use a regular plumbing flare tool??

 

[Vpetrell]

Why not use a regular plumbing flare tool??

For my first time I want to be as cheap as possible. I know they are only 20 bucks but if I can do it successfully for cheaper than that I want to try!

 

[rustyrazor]

Why not use a regular plumbing flare tool??

well.... only problem i see is that you can only do one side with it. still gotta flare the other once it's put into the knife.

 

[MT Borg]

I remember that it was mentioned that there is a tool for flaring brake line tubes. $35 on Amazon. Have never done it. But I have used a chamfer tool to take the inner edge off of the tube.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If using drywall screws or any flat head screw, cut the head off with just about 1/8" of shank left. Place a screw head in each side of the tube. Squeeze in a vise or gently strike with a hammer.

I have used ball bearings to do the same thing with very good results.

Applying a tad of beeswax to the ball or screw head both lubes it as well as makes it stick in place easier.