i use my hand, and any thing round (jack handle, beer can, etc).
it's really easy, just have to go slow.

Easy to do by hand with aluminium, SS not so much, but the beer bottle neck is probably close to the correct radius for the front brake hardline bends

Ok, it worked really well. Here is the bender in action:



Finished product:



No kinks, and went very smoothly. The OEM line was easy to copy, and after getting near the same on each bend it fit perfectly first try

Just to add to this thread:

I was also having trouble getting my stainless steel lines (from wheelers) to thread into the hard lines. I came across this post and noticed that I also had no threads along the bottom portion of the bolt.

So, I purchased new OEM hard lines (pre and post flexible line). Even on the new hard lines the only full threaded nut is at the caliper. All others sides still have the non threaded part.

I then noticed on my SS lines that the ends were different lengths. The slightly longer end I could get about a half turn by hand, and the slightly shorter end I could only get about 1/16 a turn by hand. The second you take a wrench to it and put any force on it, it pops out.

I can get about 2 full hand turns using the OEM flexible line, and they are easy as can be to install.

TLDR: The only hard line that is fully threaded should be the one going into the caliper. All others have a portion of no threads to start.
If you are having trouble getting SS lines on, check the depth of the threads vs the OEM flexible line - My SS lines did not have deep enough threads to get a proper connection.

I may take some pictures later

I always use OEM brake lines as they are not that expensive in the USA. I mostly paint the new brakes lines with rust-oleum. However, I have used the little copper nickel lines from Napa {shortest ones they had for Japanese vehicles 3/16 }as I was changing brakes and the piston pushed out too far damaging the caliper. So being I needed to get this back in the road fast. I couldn't wait for the OEM lines. Both Front calipers where changed on Tetanus 1 with re-mfg calipers. As the originals with 250K and 21 years needed to be replaced anyways. {Salt had them pretty oxidized} The Braking did improve when the new calipers went on along with Rotors and New Pads.

Attached Images

 

The quality of Wheeler's is highly suspect at this point in regards to their brake lines.

Sure seems like a lot of folks are having issues with these stainless kits and flex hoses. Such a shame as they should work the same as OEM and you shouldn't have to make lines unless you want to. I don't blame anyone for going to stainless as it can't rot out. But man, when you get kits they should fit without any issues if they are for your rigs. Bogus. :[

Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk