Stop in for a cup of coffee

those U shaped clips hold the brake lines to the frame - IIRC
I believe you are right. And to keep the connections from un-screwing themselves on both ends.

I found clips, only too large.

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This makes sense, I think.

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The brake hoses that were on there had no form lock. An accident waiting to happen, if you ask me.

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This looks pretty good, I think. I guess the hoses were the correct length after all. Now I only need the clips.

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