Double flaring bits?

[srosa707]

So I bought a single flaring tool, now I want to buy the double flaring bits. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[Merkava_4]

Have you checked Imperial Tools?

[vssjim]

I'm not sure it isn't alot better just to buy a double flair kit as they are not that much money to start with and some parts don't come cheap one at a time.

[Torque1st]

The dies are sometimes incompatible between tool brands.

I'm not sure it isn't alot better just to buy a double flair kit as they are not that much money to start with and some parts don't come cheap one at a time.

Good point, I have two single flare tools and one set of double flare tools.

[srosa707]

Well, I bought the NAPA single flare tool, $19.99. The double flare tool at NAPA is $79.99! HA! Id rather just buy the bits if i can.

[Torque1st]

There are no bits. Metal forming tools are called dies. I got a replacement for a die a friend broke at a local contractor/industrial tool store. The 3/16" die is fairly fragile. Individual dies are quite expensive. A whole double flare tool kit should only run $30-40. Try another store.

[srosa707]

Any suggestions? Online? Thanks.

[Torque1st]

I think they run about $35 from Jeggs, otherwise any tool store will have them. Get the 45° flare set. There are 37° flare tools also for special applications. Remember, parts stores sell "emergency" tools and price them accordingly.

[Uncle Buck]

Suggestion, look for the Imperial brand, great domestic quality at a lower price than the trucks.

[krusty the clown]

imperial eastman sold off thier tool division to stride tools in 1996.

[Uncle Buck]

imperial eastman sold off thier tool division to stride tools in 1996.


Damn, didn't know. So can that brand still be found in hardware stores, and more importantly, is it worth having any more? I seem to recall Elroy speaking well of that brand in another double flare thread some time back. I did not know that Imperial was just no more though. Sad deal :(

[krusty the clown]

afaik the stride tools are exactly the same as the old imperial eastman tools. i have not seen them in any hardware stores myself, most around here sell the chinese made flare tools made from the old forge line that almost everyone sells.

actually i think eastman owns stride so it was more of a renaming of the division.

unfortunatly i think stride/eastman and mastercool are the only US made flare tools available.

[Elroy]

I seem to recall Elroy speaking well of that brand in another double flare thread some time back.(

We wouldn't call Elroys comments as exactly flattering. It was really a shame too.

Here is that post for your reference:

Elroy can assure that Stride makes some very good tools but consider this: Elroy works in a sheet metal shop where we modify industrial air conditioners. Our shop was looking for a swagging tool for various copper tubing. We looked over the various tools that were available and settled on this 555-FS tool:

http://www.stridetool.com/tools/flaring_swagingtools/flaringtools_07.html

We placed an order for one and discovered they were on back order at the factory. So we waited

and waited

and waited

and waited some more.

This is fact: It took close to 10 weeks.

And when we finally took delivery, it took no more than 30 minutes to draw the conclusion this thing was a complete piece of shit.

It was a real shame because we had other "imperial" tools that were fine. Their tube benders are real nice. That swagging tool on the other hand was crap!

Now don't let Elroy's comments dissuade you.

[Uncle Buck]

We wouldn't call Elroys comments as exactly flattering. It was really a shame too.

Here is that post for your reference:


Well I guess the ol memory is not so good at times eh! :spit:

[Elroy]

We did say their benders were nice