Flaring tool recommendation?

DownRange762 · Post by **DownRange762** » Fri Apr 24, 2015 3:26 pm

I'm not sure this is the correct section to post this in but it wasn't an obvious fit anywhere else. If it needs to be moved, please do so.

Can anyone recommend a tubing flaring tool set they have personally used and been happy with? I'll be making up several line sets (1/8" to 5/16" in steel and copper) and the Harbor Freight stuff is a bit inconsistent. I'd rather pay more to but a good, lifetime set, than pay several times for cheaper sets.

Thanks,
Wade

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Fri Apr 24, 2015 4:17 pm

I made up all my brake and fuel lines with the free one you rent from Autozone. I did mess up a few but got better as I went. If you go that route, check the tool over before taking it, to make sure the beveling part of the tool is totally smooth. Practice then practice again.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Fri Apr 24, 2015 4:31 pm

Absolutely stay away from the Horrible Frt flare tool its junk.
I borrowed a swell set from an old friend at the (now gone)
Mom and Pop parts store we had here.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Fri Apr 24, 2015 9:26 pm

He needs the one that makes double flares, right?

Most of the regular jobs don't have that extra tool for the first
roll I am guessing.

ChuckW · Post by **ChuckW** » Fri Apr 24, 2015 9:36 pm

I've been using my old Snap-On BluePoint flairing tool for over 40 years now, works perfect every time.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 3:40 am

Eastwood sells a double flare kit I borrowed from my brother in law. It mounts in your vice and uses blocks to crimp the tube. Then it has a rotary flareing head for the different sizes and steps. It obviously isn't useable on the rig. You fit and shape until happy and then install the line. I had none of the flares leak upon the first bleeding. Very well pleased with it. John

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 7:43 am

The dbl flare set I borrowed from Mom and Pop was Blue Point and yes, prefect flares every time. The Harbor Frt set problem was that the clamp bar quality was poor and the tubing would slide as you applied the 2nd flare.
I suppose it might do a passable job on soft copper but it was a FAIL on steel, and copper just isn't suitable for most applications.

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 8:14 am

Good point, what are you using copper for?

Post by **wesk** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 11:49 am

John, I have used the Eastwood type for years. Can't beat it. I also have a similar tool for my aviation work set for 37 Deg flares. Eastwood finally offered a conversion head for their tool for aircraft 37 Deg work as well.

Here's my $600 aviation 37 deg. double flare tool.

Here's the $220 45 degree Eastwood tool.

And the $100 Eastwood 37 deg. add-on kit.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 1:11 pm

I was flareing 3/16 and it never slipped. Don't know about the larger sizes. The tubing was a roll of 25 feet of 3/16 brake line from NAPA. John

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Sat Apr 25, 2015 10:08 pm

I have the Eastwood flare kit and have done double flares up to 5/16 without a problem... the kit does not do 1/8" it does 3/16" up to 1/2" and is very good, works on everything from copper to Nicopp and steel. It is pricy but well worth the money.

DownRange762 · Post by **DownRange762** » Mon Apr 27, 2015 10:12 am

Thanks for the recommendations. Think I'll go with the Eastwood for a bench mount solution and I may be able to pick up a Snap On unit second hand for on-vehicle work.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Apr 27, 2015 10:18 am

Bench mounts are very handy for double flaring operations where you often need three hands without a bench mount.

jimm · Post by **jimm** » Mon Apr 27, 2015 10:47 am

Hand-held: OTC 4503 Cost me about $30 a few years ago. So far I'm pleased with all the OTC tools I've used.

GPA · Post by **GPA** » Mon Apr 27, 2015 1:27 pm

Blue-Point, similar to what ChuckW is using.