Brake flaring tool question

[Krooser]

Ok... so I need to buy a new brake line flaring tool since the ine I had owned for 50 suddenly learned how to run away from home.

I had the standard sngle/double flare deal that was used since the days of the ark.

How do these new fangled hyd tools work? I'm not buying a SnapOn set like I did own... how do these new ones hold up?

 

[kreauto]

Here is what we use. It is very good. I held out buying one because of the cost. After I did I bought a second one fir my personal shop.

 

[Mopar Hunter]

If you decide to flare your own brake lines, don’t forget the flare nut like I’ve done after I made a perfect flare.

 

[ckessel]

Here is what we use. It is very good. I held out buying one because of the cost. After I did I bought a second one fir my personal shop.

View attachment 1935376

I have one of these too. Awesome unit

 

[ckessel]

Have a Blue Point[ Snap On] version of this unit. Bought it in the 70's. I found it always leaves two little ribs on the flare that are almost impossible to get stopped from leaking because the nut can't sit down fully. I learned that after flaring, I could take a small file to the ribs and remove them. No leaks then.

 

[Kern Dog]

Sorry, Carl...THOSE suck!
These don't:
Eastwood....

Mount the unit in a vise to hold it steady.

Choose the size of the die you need...

The dial has all the sizes shown to make it easy.

 

[ckessel]

Haven't had any issues with mine, happy with the purchase. Plus it does more than brake flares.

 

[Krooser]

View attachment 1935393

Have a Blue Point[ Snap On] version of this unit. Bought it in the 70's. I found it always leaves two little ribs on the flare that are almost impossible to get stopped from leaking because the nut can't sit down fully. I learned that after flaring, I could take a small file to the ribs and remove them. No leaks then.

Bought the same one in the 80's

 

[Kern Dog]

Maybe the Snap-On version is better than the generics you get at the auto parts store.
THOSE flex and don't allow for a good grip, leading to crooked flares or damaged lines.

 

[rocket70]

This is the type I use for my air con work. It does the brake line sizes, it’s eccentric and is easier on the hand than the original type.

Javac JAV-806B Refrigeration & Air Con Eccentric Flaring Kit 1/4" to 3/4"

 

[493 Mike]

This is the type I use for my air con work. It does the brake line sizes, it’s eccentric and is easier on the hand than the original type.

Javac JAV-806B Refrigeration & Air Con Eccentric Flaring Kit 1/4" to 3/4"

3/16"?
Mike

 

[hunt2elk]

I also own the Eastwood flare tool like KD posted, it's awesome.

 

[icetech]

I got this one $69... works amazingly well as long as you have a decent vice to hold it. Have not had a bad flare yet.

There are videos on how to use them but it's literally step 1, 2 then 3...

P.S. it's one of my favorite tools now, made life soo much easier.. i wish it had something that says "Don't forget the nut!" when you clamp hose into it..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNKKLS5F?ref=fed_asin_title

 

[toolmanmike]

View attachment 1935393

Have a Blue Point[ Snap On] version of this unit. Bought it in the 70's. I found it always leaves two little ribs on the flare that are almost impossible to get stopped from leaking because the nut can't sit down fully. I learned that after flaring, I could take a small file to the ribs and remove them. No leaks then.

Old school and and have worked well for decades. Imperial Eastman is the brand of choice.

 

[toolmanmike]

Here is what we use. It is very good. I held out buying one because of the cost. After I did I bought a second one fir my personal shop.

View attachment 1935376

I sold many of those since they came out. They work well and the shops like them because you can use them on the car. They do quick disconnect fuel line fittings as well.

 

[Black_Sheep]

For the small amount of flaring that I do, it’s hard to justify spending the money. My old school Imperial flaring tool is slow and cumbersome but it works just fine…

 

[Virg464]

See Post #6, I've had that same tool for years and it never fails. You get what you pay for, you'll never buy another one.

 

[SeabeckRedneck]

Sorry, Carl...THOSE suck!
These don't:
Eastwood....

View attachment 1935407

Mount the unit in a vise to hold it steady.

View attachment 1935405

Choose the size of the die you need...

View attachment 1935408

The dial has all the sizes shown to make it easy.

View attachment 1935413

Kern Dog is right! I have this same tool and it is virtually fool proof and easy to use. Just remember to put the nut on and the right way! Ask me how I know...

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

I used the old school tools for years , I also have this tool to de burr the flare

 

[Kern Dog]

Kern Dog is right! I have this same tool and it is virtually fool proof and easy to use. Just remember to put the nut on and the right way! Ask me how I know...

For years, I used hand held tools like these:

I had mixed luck with these types of tools. As often is the case, I didn't know if my poor results were due to the cheap tool or my lack of skill.
Once I got the Eastwood tool, I felt like a pro. I have not made a crappy, leaky flare since I got this tool.
The hand held tools were not Snap On, I've never seen the value in the super expensive stuff like that. I've always gotten by with Craftsman along with stuff from a NAPA, Kragen/O'Rielley or Auto Zone. Maybe this is an instance where a Snap On/Matco/Mac tool would have actually been superior to the cheaper stuff at the auto parts stores.