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Cutting braided SS fuel line

Speedrdr

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Nov 27, 2017
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Is there any preference or “better” ( for lack of a better term ) method of cutting this type of line? I have a metal cutting chop saw, a bandsaw and angle grinder that can be used. Looking for some guidance here as I haven’t used anything other than all metal fuel line material. Thanks for any tips, advice, even ridicule. Lol

Randy
 

Broncobowsher

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Jun 4, 2002
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35,596
My understanding is they do make a special set of shears to cut the stuff. They look a lot like a set of gardening lopers. But are made for cutting the braided hose.

I just use my angle grinder with a thin cut off wheel.
 

Wild horse 75

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I have a pair of cutters. They’ve got handles like a bolt cutter and blades like a cable cutter. They work amazing. I’ve made thousands of cuts with them over the years. They work on any braided hose. Ive never had to work with anything larger than -14 but I was able to cut that. I got them from summit racing. Best purchase I’ve made for making hoses.
 

Car crazy Ken

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Nov 27, 2021
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i just bought a pair of special shears from Summit. I think they were about $35.00 they work great !
 

Shimmy

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i tape mine and use a thin cut off wheel. i've tried using shears but don't like how it somewhat crushed through braiding and line
 

toddz69

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What type of SS braided hose are you cutting? For the fabric-covered p/s hose that I use for steering and hydroboost, the tape-n-cutoff wheel method has always seemed to work pretty well. For the braided hose w/PTFE liner hose that I use for fuel and trans cooling, I've also used the tape-n-cutoff wheel method with OK results. I recently got a set of shears similar to these:

https://hotrodfuelhose.com/products/hose-cutting-shears-for-stainless-and-nylon-braided-hose

that seems to do a little better but it does smash the liner a bit and then you've got to open it up with a tool and make it round again.

Todd Z.
 

lars

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Likewise pneumatic die grinder with thin cutoff wheel after taping. Then a little dressing with a tiny screwdriver and/or an X-Acto knife to clear out the crumbs and burrs on the PTFE liner.
 

bmc69

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Thin cutoff wheel in die grinder after a double-wrap of fiberglass-reinforced packing tape.
 

.94 OR

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Any concern about getting metal fragments inside the line using a grinder type cut off tool?
 

toddz69

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Any concern about getting metal fragments inside the line using a grinder type cut off tool?
Yes. But that's why a good flushing with brake cleaner and then a blow out with your air hose is a good thing :).

Todd Z.
 
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ntsqd

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Upper SoKA
I used to do the tightly taped with duct tape and abrasive saw method, and I never liked how much junk got inside the hose. Never felt like I could be absolutely sure that I got it all out. Or how torn up and sharp the ends of the braid wires get.

Now I use one of these for all over-braided hose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVSBP2L/?tag=classicbroncos-20 Mine came from HF, but I wasn't finding one there.
For the teflon lined hose I have made tools to expand the liner after cutting it. Can also use the tool to install the brass berry under the braid.
 
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OP
Speedrdr

Speedrdr

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What type of SS braided hose are you cutting? For the fabric-covered p/s hose that I use for steering and hydroboost, the tape-n-cutoff wheel method has always seemed to work pretty well. For the braided hose w/PTFE liner hose that I use for fuel and trans cooling, I've also used the tape-n-cutoff wheel method with OK results. I recently got a set of shears similar to these:

https://hotrodfuelhose.com/products/hose-cutting-shears-for-stainless-and-nylon-braided-hose

that seems to do a little better but it does smash the liner a bit and then you've got to open it up with a tool and make it round again.

Todd Z.
Not for certain sure. It’s a product I bought from WildHorses as I wanted to be sure it was different from the brake lines so I didn’t have to go to the trouble of tracing one or the other if doing a repair. I have cut the wrong line in the past…plus the SS gave it some bling on the frame.

Randy
 
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Speedrdr

Speedrdr

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Thanks all for the answers and advice. I love this forum. There’s a wealth of practical experience and knowledge here that is unrivaled!

Randy
 

ssray

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South Central NE
Might be a little monkey business, but you could find some tube or pipe to turn the hose inside while clamped in a vise. Hose clamp snugged up or maybe a tywrap to keep the cut square as you turn it. Use a cut off wheel to cut through just the ss braid, blow the hose clean and then cut through the inner liner with a razor knife or hose cutter.
 
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PCB 4x4

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The absolute best way we found compared to all other methods, is a mini chop saw and a special blade made to cut it.
 
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