Find HS Code and trade information for brake pipe expansion tool

Brake Pipe Expansion Tool

A brake pipe expansion tool is a specialized hand tool used in automotive brake system maintenance and repair to flare and expand metal brake lines. These tools are essential for creating reliable, leak-proof connections when repairing or modifying brake lines.

Material:

• Steel: The majority of brake pipe expansion tools are constructed from hardened steel alloys to withstand the forces involved in flaring and expanding brake line material.
• Aluminum/Brass: Some components, like forming dies or adapters, may be made from aluminum or brass to prevent galling or corrosion when working with different brake line materials.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of a brake pipe expansion tool is to:

• Flare Brake Lines: Create a flared end on a brake line, which provides a sealing surface when connected to fittings. This is crucial for preventing brake fluid leaks.
• Expand Existing Flares: Enlarge existing flares to accommodate fittings of a slightly different size or to correct minor imperfections.
• Repair Damaged Flares: Reform damaged or crushed flares to restore a proper sealing surface.

Function:

Brake pipe expansion tools operate by:

• Clamping: Securely clamping the brake line within the tool.
• Forming: Using a forming die (or cone) to gradually shape the end of the brake line into a flare. This is achieved through mechanical leverage, often using a screw-type mechanism or a ratcheting action.
• Expanding: For expanding existing flares, the tool utilizes a cone-shaped expander that is inserted into the flare and rotated to gradually increase its diameter.

Usage Scenarios:

• Brake Line Replacement: When replacing sections of brake line, new flares must be created on the ends of the new tubing.
• Brake Line Repair: If a brake line is damaged, a section can be cut out and replaced, requiring flaring of the new tubing.
• Brake System Modifications: When installing aftermarket brake components (e.g., adjustable proportioning valves, remote reservoirs), brake lines may need to be modified and flared.
• Bleeder Valve Installation: Creating flares for installing new brake bleeder valves.
• Restoration Projects: Common in classic car restoration where brake lines often need complete replacement or repair.

Common Types:

• Flare Nut Wrenches: While not expansion tools themselves, these wrenches are essential for use with expansion tools to prevent rounding off the flare nuts on brake lines. They are designed with an offset box-end to access the nuts in tight spaces.
• Ratchet Flare Tool: These tools utilize a ratcheting mechanism to simplify the flaring process. They are generally faster and require less physical effort than screw-type tools.
• Screw-Type Flare Tool: The traditional type, these tools use a screw to slowly and precisely form the flare. They offer greater control but require more effort.
• Hydraulic Flare Tool: These tools use hydraulic pressure to form the flare, making them ideal for larger diameter tubing and high-volume work.
• Universal Flare Tool: Designed to accommodate a wider range of tubing sizes and materials.
• Single Flare Tool: Designed for a specific tubing size (e.g., 3/8 inch, 1/4 inch).
• Double Flare Tool: Creates a double-walled flare, which is stronger and more resistant to leaks than a single flare. Commonly used in high-pressure applications.
• Kit Form: Many tools are sold as kits, including various dies and adapters to accommodate different tubing sizes and flare types (SAE, DIN, ISO).

Brake pipe expansion tool falls under the category of mechanical appliances for projecting, dispersing or spraying liquids or powders, or steam or sand blasting machines. These tools are used for the manufacture and maintenance of brake systems, involving the expansion of pipes, which can be considered a form of jet projecting.

The following HS codes are relevant:

• 8424899000: Mechanical appliances (whether or not hand operated) for projecting, dispersing or spraying liquids or powders; fire extinguishers, whether or not charged; spray guns and similar appliances; steam or sand blasting machines and similar jet projecting machines; parts thereof: Other appliances: Other. This code covers a broad range of mechanical appliances used for projecting or spraying, including those not specifically listed elsewhere.

  • 84: Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.
  • 24: Hydraulic or pneumatic engines and motors; hydraulic power cylinders and turbines.
  • 89: Parts and accessories for other machinery.
  • 90: Other.
  • The total tax rate is 56.8% (Base tariff: 1.8%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional tariff: 30%).

• 8424891000: Mechanical appliances (whether or not hand operated) for projecting, dispersing or spraying, of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of printed circuits or printed circuit assemblies. While brake pipe tools aren't solely for printed circuit manufacture, if used in the manufacturing process of circuits related to brake systems, this code could apply.

  • 84: Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.
  • 24: Hydraulic or pneumatic engines and motors; hydraulic power cylinders and turbines.
  • 89: Parts and accessories for other machinery.
  • 10: Mechanical appliances for projecting, dispersing or spraying, of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of printed circuits or printed circuit assemblies.
  • The total tax rate is 55.0% (Base tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional tariff: 30%).

• 8487900080: Machinery parts, not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features, and not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter: Other Other. If the brake pipe expansion tool consists of individual mechanical parts without electrical components, this code may be applicable.

  • 84: Machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.
  • 87: Parts of machinery, mechanical appliances, vehicles, aircraft, ships or other vessels.
  • 90: Parts of machinery, mechanical appliances, vehicles, aircraft, ships or other vessels.
  • 00: Other.
  • 80: Other.
  • The total tax rate is 83.9% (Base tariff: 3.9%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post 2025.4.2 Additional tariff: 30%, plus an additional 25% tariff on steel/aluminum products).

It is important to verify the material composition of the tool, specifically if it is made of steel or aluminum, as this will affect the applicable tariff rate for HS code 8487900080.