Introduction

Usage

• Start with a nice straight cut on the pipe. Remove any burrs, clean out any debris.
• Slide the flare nut onto the pipe.
• Use the flaring tool to reshape the end of the tube.
• It is good practice to lubricate the threads of the flare nut before putting it together.
• Tighten using two wrenches: one on the flare seat, one on the nut.
• Do not overtighten the fitting. Once you encounter resistance in tightening, tighten no more than an additional half turn. Test the connection. If there is leakage, tighten the flare nut by no more than a quarter turn at a time until the leak stops.

• Inexpensive and easy to find.
• Easy to assemble and disassemble (i.e. no soldering). Nut needs a special flaring tool.
• Does a good job of keeping the pipe from pulling out of fitting.
• Does a good job of keeping pipe from rotating in the fitting.

• Flare fittings are designed to be used once. If a flare fitting fails, it is best to replace everything.
• Solid brass flare fittings are much more expensive than copper, but last much longer. Prefer them when you need a durable connection.
• Works better with softer types of copper tubing.

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