What can excessive tightening of flared fittings lead to?

Excessive tightening of flared fittings can lead to damage to the fitting itself. Flared fittings are designed to create a solid seal between the surfaces by compressing a flared end into a mating surface. When the fitting is over-tightened, it can lead to several issues, such as deforming the fitting, stripping threads, or even cracking the material. This damage can compromise the integrity of the fitting, making it less effective or leading to complete failure.

While it is possible that an overly tight fitting might seem to increase sealing temporarily, the potential for future leaks actually increases due to any damage that may occur during over-tightening. Better fluid flow is not guaranteed; in fact, improper fitting may restrict fluid movement. Thus, keeping within the manufacturer's specifications for tightening is crucial to ensure that flared fittings function effectively and last without developing leaks or failing altogether.