Working With Braided Stainless Steel Line
Although nothing compares to the strength, appearance and durability
of braided stainless steel fuel line, it can be quite frustrating to work
with initially. There are two issues to cover that, once mastered,
will lead to creating lines that you are please with: 1) How to cut it,
2) How to attach the fittings.
What's the problem? Well, the braid tends to fray and splay out
when cut or when attempting to attach the end fittings. Additionally,
we've found that depending on which manufactureres line you use, the outter
diameter of the hose can differ (in other words the hose wall thickness
varies) which can make it more difficult to attach the hose ends. The
tips included in this tutorial are but one technique we use to construct
high quality lines. Your mileage may vary.
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Measure and mark the length that you want. Tightly wrap a couple
turns of electrical tape right over your mark (arrow). This is to keep
the braid from fraying while cutting.
If your raw end ever starts to unravel and splay out, your best bet
is to just cut another end as it is a real pain to try and work with a
frayed end. |
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Using a dremel tool or a die grinder with a cut-off wheel, carefully
cut through the middle of your tape making sure to keep the cut line perpendicular
(squared up) all the way around.
Avoid attempting to cut the line with scissor type cutters or snips.
Even a hacksaw tends to make a bad edge. |
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Carefully peel the tape back. Pay close attention so that you don't
pull the little braided wires outward.
Unscrew the hose end of the fitting and grasping the cut line so your
fingers keep the braid at the end together, align the fitting so it will
go straight on.
Push and twist the fitting on to the end of the line in one motion.
If you have to pull the fitting back off, the hose will likely fray and
you'll have to cut it again. Push the fitting all the way down the hose
until it reaches the inner lip.
Now take the barb end of the fitting and put a little lube on it so
it will slide in the hose easily. Then just screw the barb back into
the end making sure that the hose isn't being pushed back out the other
end.
When its in a centimeter or so, go to the vise for the final securing... |
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Wrap a shop rag around the fitting and place it securely in a vise
as shown. Use a wrench to finish screwing the barb into the end being careful
not to mar the annodized finish (you want it to look nice don't you?
:-)
That's it. Professional looking lines! |
This document is intended for educational purposes only
and is the sole property of SteveTek Inc. The assertions and conclusions
contained herein are based on the authors findings and are not guaranteed
accurate. SteveTek Inc. cannot take responsibility for any modifications
to your vehicle based on this information.
Copyright 2000, by SteveTek Inc.
Please direct any and all correspondence regarding this
document to engineering_staff@stevetek.com
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