You Can Make Your Own Hardlines (Brakes, Fuel & Transmission Lines)

You can make your own hardlines — for brakes, fuel, and transmission — and this video shows you how.

This is a fundamentals-focused guide to automotive hardlines, covering the tools, materials, and techniques needed to bend and flare rigid line safely and correctly. The concepts shown here apply to most vehicles and systems, not just one specific build.

In this video, I cover:

Automotive hardline materials and sizes

Stainless vs steel vs nickel-copper hardline (pros and cons)

45° double flares vs 37° AN flares

How to use flaring tools correctly

Practical bending techniques and tips

This isn’t about rushing or chasing perfection — it’s about planning, patience, and understanding your tools so you can build clean, serviceable hardlines that last.

LINKS FOR TOOLS:

Tube Cutter - https://amzn.to/3L20INW

Straightener - https://amzn.to/4jgEJPS

Imperial Tube Bender - https://amzn.to/45rI1dh

Lisle 45 Flaring Tool - https://amzn.to/44Lg3cl

Rigid 37 AN Flaring Tool - https://amzn.to/44DHCUY

Lisle 3/16 Tube Pliers - https://amzn.to/4suRLO6

STAINLESS BENDERS I USE (avoid the cheap one in the video we tried)
3/16 - https://amzn.to/4sf1lUT
3/8 - https://amzn.to/3YbJros
1/2 - https://amzn.to/45rIdJx

Timecodes:

0:00 - Good Results
0:15 - Pay Attn Ken!
1:03 - Tubing Types
3:08 - Straighten Your Tube
5:38 - Flares
6:38 - 45 Degree Double
11:13 - 37 Degree AN
15:54 - Bend It!
24:39 - Finale