Do you really need tech tool to bleed brakes?

I need to replace a metal brake line that runs from the master cylinder to the ABS module, and the one that runs from the ABS module to the front driver side wheel. My manual says I will need tech tool 2 to bleed the brakes. It seems to me that I once read that there was a way around this.....something like taking advantage of the self-test the ABS goes through when the ignition is turned on. Since there are people out there who change their brake fluid as part of normal maintenance, there has to be an easy work-around.

Old post, but still a good question, I was also looking to change my fluid and was wondering about the procedure with the anti locks?

Well, no turing back now! I sucked all the old fluid out of the master last night and refilled with new fluid. Tonight when my help arrives I will bleed them the old fasioned way. Prolly never get all the old out but some new fluid is better than all old fluid, kinda like changin the tranny fluid.

I have heard some guys crack open all the bleeder screws and gravity bleed it till the resiviour gets fairly low then add a touch , let it get low, add a touch and keep doing that till pretty well all the old fluid has drained out. Then simply tighten the bleeder screws and top off the resiviour.

The reason for the tech 2 is so you can perform the automated bleed procedure for the ABS module. This removes any trapped air that could be in the module.