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demarpaint

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
1,237
Location
Long Island
Was taking the A/C compressor off my hemi and realized my small set of specialty sockets did not include any e-torx below 10. Short notice discovery so quick run to HF for their Pittsburgh set. Bought the impact one too, just in case. Spent about $22 for something I will probably use twice.
Don't feel bad, I have a few tools that were only used once or twice, but when I factor in the cost of what a shop would have charged for the job, it was money well spent. I now own the tools and can sell them if I want to.
 
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mlyonsdc

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2018
Messages
238
Location
USA
I bought a new brake line flaring tool kit off Amazon from KT Tools to do the hard lines for my brakes and fire system on my Buick. I believe the same kit is sold by Eastwood and under a few other names. It came with a set of 45 degree dies and I picked a set of 37 degree dies so I could also do flares for AN lines. The tool works fantastic and it easily made perfect double flares every time. The kit was $175 plus another $100 for the 37 degree dies. A little pricey but worth it since I have to do both 3/16 for all the brake lines and 1/4 for the fire suppression system.

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M635_Guy

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 5, 2019
Messages
4,334
Location
NC
Not sold on this yet.
Having to remove the socket to reverse direction would prove cuss-worthy for me, especially with that long of a handle.
The issue of non-reversible ratcheting wrenches backing themselves into a corner applies here too, but is now twice as bad.
I appreciate the R&D that they put into their products, but i'm not a fan boy and this one just seems limited.
Would love to hear your thoughts after some use.
I have the same concern, and while it hasn't happened often, it happens enough that I went with the Icon double-box flex head set. Less sizes than he wound up with, and I guess I might regret that someday...
 

mikeinri

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 29, 2019
Messages
8,239
Location
MA
...when I factor in the cost of what a shop would have charged for the job, it was money well spent...

BINGO. I just consider new tools as part of the DIY repair cost. Unless the cost of the parts plus tools comes close to the price to get the job done at a shop, I don't think twice about it.

And then, it's really about my free time vs. wanting to have the tools around if it's a job I'll expect to need to repeat down the road.

I bought a new brake line flaring tool kit off Amazon from KT Tools to do the hard lines for my brakes and fire system on my Buick. I believe the same kit is sold by Eastwood and under a few other names. It came with a set of 45 degree dies and I picked a set of 37 degree dies so I could also do flares for AN lines. The tool works fantastic and it easily made perfect double flares every time. The kit was $175 plus another $100 for the 37 degree dies. A little pricey but worth it since I have to do both 3/16 for all the brake lines and 1/4 for the fire suppression system.

0626231409_HDR.jpg

0625231945_HDR.jpg

I really need to buy one of those sets! Have also been looking at MasterCool.

Where do you use AN lines?

Mike
 

Madjik Man

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 3, 2015
Messages
1,523
I have the same concern, and while it hasn't happened often, it happens enough that I went with the Icon double-box flex head set. Less sizes than he wound up with, and I guess I might regret that someday...

In true GJ fashion I have both.

Both the Icon set a couple of years ago on sale fairly cheap.

Already have the nano sockets.

Then added this for $25. Why not?
 

M635_Guy

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 5, 2019
Messages
4,334
Location
NC
In true GJ fashion I have both.

Both the Icon set a couple of years ago on sale fairly cheap.

Already have the nano sockets.

Then added this for $25. Why not?
No hate ;)

I have a similar 6mm-19mm set of shallow 3/8" Husky impact sockets that have a 17mm hex on them. My plan, if ever needed, was to use them with one of the Icon long-reach wrenches (I have the flex and non-flex).
 

mlyonsdc

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2018
Messages
238
Location
USA
I really need to buy one of those sets! Have also been looking at MasterCool.

Where do you use AN lines?

Mike
Shop around they sell it under a few names Eastwood is one of them too. That Mastercool set looks nice can it be used as a hand held? The one I had has to be mounted in a vise. I had one flare I had to do on the car so I mounted a vise on a mobile tool cart and wheeled in under the car in the lift to flare the main line to the rear. It worked but kinda of a PIA.

I used 37 deg AN tube nuts in the pic I posted of the Brake lines on my Buick. I am also going to use it for the fire suppression system lines I still need to run. The brake lines are copper nickle with SS fittings the fire system will be aluminum lines and fittings.
 

mikeinri

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 29, 2019
Messages
8,239
Location
MA
Thanks. That's supposed to be the main benefit of MasterCool, can be used on a vehicle (which is something I've NEVER ever had to do). They can also make fuel lines that others can't, apparently.

Mike
 

JWC86

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 4, 2021
Messages
270
Received the Astro 78318 XL ratcheting flex head wrench for their nano sockets. Like everyone else has said:

1. This thing is beefy.
2. The chrome is spectacular
3. This tool is ingenious.
4. There needs to be a 10" version released... I'll buy it instantly.

Astro Pneumatic XL Flex Head Nano Socket Ratchet Wrench  78318.jpg
Damnit, GJ just cost me money again…
 

atikovi

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 14, 2009
Messages
2,002
Location
Suburban Washington DC
Having to remove the socket to reverse direction would prove cuss-worthy for me, especially with that long of a handle.
The issue of non-reversible ratcheting wrenches backing themselves into a corner applies here too, but is now twice as bad.
I appreciate the R&D that they put into their products, but i'm not a fan boy and this one just seems limited.
Would love to hear your thoughts after some use.
Is the flex head on this locking? I have a set of long box end flex head wrenches and they can be quite frustrating getting AND keeping the head on a fastener especially from over a foot away when you can't reach a second hand in to steady it.
 

Madjik Man

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 3, 2015
Messages
1,523
Is the flex head on this locking? I have a set of long box end flex head wrenches and they can be quite frustrating getting AND keeping the head on a fastener especially from over a foot away when you can't reach a second hand in to steady it.

Not locking
 

CFC2

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 29, 2023
Messages
82
Was over at Lowe's last week. Decided for no good reason to plus up my two 11 piece Craftsman 1/2" drive 12 point deep socket sets I got in December 2020. I added a 22 mm with that purchase. Added a 23 mm, 24 mm and 27 mm as well as a 1-1/16 inch and 1-1/8 inch last Thursday. Kind of miscalculated. Wasn't able to get all 15 metric sockets on the original 11 piece rail. Not 100% certain but I think that is all that is available in the new SBD Craftsman line up. Also got a Mayhew hinge pin remover.

I guess you've got Chromium-Vanadium, Chromium-Molybdenum and then there is Chinesium.

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ThePostman

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 13, 2020
Messages
410
Location
Virginia
Astro order, plus some 1/4" Ko-ken z sockets. After beating on the control arm, plus heat, for $25, I'll take that Subaru ball joint puller. For another 25 I'm curious as to how well the last chance hub remover works. I'd rather try those than some other versions that have the "point" on the knuckle ear where the bolt goes through, that can bend, been there. And yes, 78318. Initial thoughts, seems sturdy, I just wish it was a hair thinner at the head. The Ko-kens are super shallow, their real test is if they fit, and hold up to caliper bracket bolts on Hyundais that are inside the yoke of the lower control arms on the rear. Thanks for the promo code tip!IMG_20230710_231608001.jpg
 
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Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,712
Location
Southeast
In true GJ fashion I have both.

Both the Icon set a couple of years ago on sale fairly cheap.

Already have the nano sockets.

Then added this for $25. Why not?

It's gotten to the point that I have so many tools that I sometimes bang my head through difficult situations and later remember a tool I had that could have done it better! OK, maybe i'm getting older...
 

bubinga

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2014
Messages
12,744
Location
Bridgeport Ohio. (Across River From Wheeling WV)
Is the flex head on this locking? I have a set of long box end flex head wrenches and they can be quite frustrating getting AND keeping the head on a fastener especially from over a foot away when you can't reach a second hand in to steady it.
Not True locking, but mine is Nice And Stiff. Stays where you put it, don't flop around.
 

2ndGearRubber

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2014
Messages
14,185
Location
Pittsburgh
Astro order, plus some 1/4" Ko-ken z sockets. After beating on the control arm, plus heat, for $25, I'll take that Subaru ball joint puller. For another 25 I'm curious as to how well the last chance hub remover works. I'd rather try those than some other versions that have the "point" on the knuckle ear where the bolt goes through, that can bend, been there. And yes, 78318. Initial thoughts, seems sturdy, I just wish it was a hair thinner at the head. The Ko-kens are super shallow, their real test is if they fit, and hold up to caliper bracket bolts on Hyundais that are inside the yoke of the lower control arms on the rear. Thanks for the promo code tip!IMG_20230710_231608001.jpg


For 3/8 drive, they won't fit inside the gap between . You can get the ratchet in there, but the ratchet will contact the arm and make turning it nearly impossible. 1/4 will fit, but the torque spec is 50ish ftlbs and rust. Those cars are nearly off the road here.

The kokens fit is excellent. You'll be very impressed with them.
 

ching0n

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 21, 2016
Messages
1,496
Got some heavy duty drill bit dispenser boxes, one of which I turned into a consumables box for a welding cart I'm planning. 5th drawer not visible (just some hose bits). Tungsten drawer i filled w/split plastic tungsten boxes that I "A'd" to elevate the electrodes and make grabbing them easier.

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dukefx

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 24, 2022
Messages
387
The USAG combo wrench set (same as Mac RBRT) finally arrived after... 2 months or so. Shipping date was supposed to be 7-10 work days. Every time I order from Italy I imagine something like this:

Shop: Hey, we got an order, we need to contact the factory and tell them to send us some of their stuff. Meanwhile at the factory: Hey, that shop ordered some stuff, we need to start producing, we need to contact the metal works. The metal works: We got an order, let's call the African kids and tell them to start mining. When it's finally done and they are about to ship it: Hey, we finally got it, let's throw it into a plastic bag and ask that hobo over there to deliver it on foot. The hobo of course walks all the way through Mordor and when it finally arrives it looks like this:

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No COO anywhere. Now I have to look for some storage. Most textile pouches are out of the question.
 

MarcSeattle

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
575
Location
Seattle
The USAG combo wrench set (same as Mac RBRT) finally arrived after... 2 months or so. Shipping date was supposed to be 7-10 work days.

That's really slow. The last order I did from Amazon Italy was on May 4 and the package arrived on May 9.

Great prices there. Same for Amazon.de.
 

dukefx

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 24, 2022
Messages
387
Amazon is usually quite fast everywhere because they have stock, both Amazon and the 3rd party sellers. The Italian web shops on the other hand tend to have everything is on backorder. I ordered from Mister Worker and Work Shop Italy so far and had to wait a lot. Unfortunately USAG isn't all that popular in Europe. Facom is much easier to get (if there is a Facom counterpart).
 

vwpieces

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 28, 2020
Messages
5,925
Location
Hills, PA
Wiha China electric screwdriver
Already own one and love it. Hard to find but this one came from Amazon.de about 65 shipped. Last one was under 40 but no case. Don't need or was the case. USB C and the cam lock has held up well loosening some stubborn screws by hand and then hit the button.

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Kaervak

Well-known member
Joined
May 12, 2010
Messages
826
Location
Cleveland, OH
I bought a new brake line flaring tool kit off Amazon from KT Tools to do the hard lines for my brakes and fire system on my Buick. I believe the same kit is sold by Eastwood and under a few other names. It came with a set of 45 degree dies and I picked a set of 37 degree dies so I could also do flares for AN lines. The tool works fantastic and it easily made perfect double flares every time. The kit was $175 plus another $100 for the 37 degree dies. A little pricey but worth it since I have to do both 3/16 for all the brake lines and 1/4 for the fire suppression system.

A little tip for making things easier while flaring lines.....put a piece of 2000 grit or higher sandpaper in the dies where the brake line sits. Obviously not where the flaring takes place, just where the portion of straight line will sit. I have the Eastwood tool and the line every now and then would move while making a flare even with the die holder cranked down super tight. It makes a huge difference and doesn't cause any damage to the line either. :)
 

Chance

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2022
Messages
720
Location
New England
Got some heavy duty drill bit dispenser boxes, one of which I turned into a consumables box for a welding cart I'm planning. 5th drawer not visible (just some hose bits). Tungsten drawer i filled w/split plastic tungsten boxes that I "A'd" to elevate the electrodes and make grabbing them easier.

1689081350190.png
Okay, what's a hose bit? ( If I google it shows me only "hose bibs" no matter what I do. I tried...)
 

ching0n

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 21, 2016
Messages
1,496
Okay, what's a hose bit? ( If I google it shows me only "hose bibs" no matter what I do. I tried...)
haha....barb fittings, clamps y'know, bits? :D I threw in that drawer some sharpies and soapstone holder and refills too.
 
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