At BES, we stock fittings for a wide range of air conditioning applications, including brass flare fittings used in refrigeration and HVAC pipework systems. Our range covers common connection components such as flare nuts, male unions, flare gaskets, male adaptors, reducing unions, reducing flare nuts, copper bonnets and tees for 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" tubing.
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Brass flare fittings, generally designed for copper, brass, aluminium or steel tubing, are easy to assemble and disassemble and can be reassembled multiple times without affecting the seal. Our brass flare fittings create a pressure-resistant, leak-tight seal and are ideal for use in air conditioning applications.
There's more than a good chance we'll have every standard brass flare fitting available.
Flare nuts are used to secure flared pipe connections to compatible fittings or equipment. We stock several sizes, including Flare Nut, short, 1/4" tube, Flare Nut, short, 3/8" tube, Flare Nut, short, 1/2" tube, and Flare Nut, short, 5/8" tube, along with reducing options such as Flare Nut, reducing, 3/8" tube x 1/2" flare and Flare Nut, reducing, 5/8" tube x 3/4" flare.
Unions allow pipe sections to be connected or disconnected without disturbing surrounding pipework. Our selection includes Male Union Brass 1/4" tube, Male Union Brass 3/8" tube, and Male Union Brass 1/2" tube, along with reducing options such as Male Reducing Union Brass 5/8" x 3/8" flare and Female Reducing Union Brass 1/2" M x 3/8" F flare.
Adaptors allow connections between flare fittings and threaded pipework. Products such as the Male Adaptor Brass 3/8" flare x 1/4" NPT, Male Adaptor Brass 1/4" flare x 1/4" NPT, and Male Adaptor Brass 3/8" flare x 1/8" NPT help engineers integrate air conditioning pipework with other system components.
For installations requiring pipework branching, we stock flare tees including Tee male equal 1/4" flare, Tee male equal 3/8" flare, Tee male equal 1/2" flare, and Tee male equal 5/8" flare, along with specialist tees such as Tee male run 1/4" x 1/4" male flare x 1/8" NPT M.
To support secure connections, BES also stocks sealing fittings such as Bullfinch Copper Flare Gaskets in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8" sizes, as well as Bullfinch Copper Bonnets used to seal flare outlets where required.
If you're already familiar with the BES catalogue and know the exact fittings you need, use the code to get it added to your basket immediately with BES Quick Shop.
Flare fittings create a metal-to-metal seal between a flared pipe end and a matching fitting. When the flare nut is tightened, the flared pipe end compresses against the fitting surface to form a tight connection capable of withstanding pressure and vibration. This connection method is widely used in air conditioning systems because it allows a secure sealing without soldering.
Flare fittings are commonly used with copper, brass, aluminium or steel tubing within refrigeration and HVAC installations.
Proper preparation is key to creating a reliable flare connection. Always cut tubing cleanly and deburr the pipe end before forming the flare to ensure it seats correctly against the fitting. HVAC pipework typically uses a 45-degree flare, so using the correct flaring tool is important.
Avoid over-tightening flare nuts, as this can damage the flare and cause leaks. A small amount of refrigeration-grade lubricant can help the flare seat smoothly, and checking that the flare nut matches the pipe size ensures a secure, pressure-resistant seal.
Whether you're working with mixed sizes across an installation or just need a few extra fittings, at BES, we have every common fitting size you'd need. The most common brass flare fittings are for 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8" tubing.
Make sure you double-check what you need before heading to checkout. And if you are looking for copper fittings, valves, or clips for your air conditioning installation, check our entire range here.
With free delivery on qualifying mainland UK orders, over 15,000 products in stock, and an Excellent rating from Reviews.co.uk, we aim to get the fittings and other parts you need delivered in a hurry. If you need help sourcing a part, call us on 08000 801090, and we'll be happy to assist.
What are brass flare fittings used for in air conditioning?
Brass flare fittings are used to connect refrigerant pipework in air conditioning systems. They create a secure metal-to-metal seal between flared tubing and the fitting, helping prevent leaks while allowing pipe connections to be dismantled when servicing equipment.
What tools are needed to install flare fittings?
Installing flare fittings typically requires a pipe cutter, a deburring tool, a flaring tool and suitable spanners for tightening the flare nut. Correct tools help ensure the flare is formed properly and the connection seals correctly.
Are brass flare fittings compatible with copper tubing?
Yes. Brass flare fittings are commonly used with copper tubing in refrigeration and air conditioning systems because they provide a strong and corrosion-resistant connection.
What sizes do brass flare fittings come in?
Common sizes for air conditioning pipework include 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" flare fittings. These correspond with standard refrigeration pipe sizes used across many HVAC installations.
What is the difference between brass and copper flare fittings?
Both materials can be used in flare connections. Brass fittings are often preferred for their durability and resistance to corrosion, while copper fittings may be used in certain applications depending on system design.