Decent brake line flare nut wrenches

[Burt Shaver]

I know it’s been covered a thousand times so my apologies for that but can anyone direct me to a decent set of flare nut wrenches. Not Snap On, I thought I seen on here that Tekton was good but when I searched I could find nothing from them for flare nut wrenches. I’m in Canada, Canadian tire has a 6 piece mastercraft maximum set for 54.99 with 6 SAE and 6 metric sizes but I’m unsure of them

 

[Burt Shaver]

What about Sunex?

 

[Oldsmobile]

It has definitely been covered previously. Many posters, myself included, will tell you to bite the bullet and buy the Snap-on because nothing else works as well. In the flare nut wrench world, you definitely get what you pay for. I have some metric US-made S-K and they work okay, but they are a little short.

When the Snap-on take off that fitting without issue, you won't regret buying the best.

 

[finn]

I have several Snapon, and, while they’re good, I don’t find then vastly superior to my 30 year old Craftsman or SK.

Frankly, my favorite is a Popular Mechanics, or something like that which I recall buying at a now defunct Coast to Coast store many years ago.

 

[carlaisle]

My old made in USA Craftsman that I bought used have never let me down. They fit on rusted fittings that the Snap-On and Mac tools won't because their fit is so tight.

 

[Burt Shaver]

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www.canadiantire.ca

I called up my local Canadian tire, asked if this set for 54.99 was coming in sale, Mary said it was in mid March but unfortunately there was nothing she could do right now on price, I asked her to ask the Brian the store manager, she comes back and says he said 39.99 was the lowest he could give it to you for. I thanked her very much and asked her to thank Brian. Went and picked it up, put it on the flare nut on the HCU of my Ram and it worked like a charm.

 

[oldwino]

What about Sunex?

I bought Sunex and was disappointed. Seemed to stretch pretty easy. picked up a used older set of SK and they are pretty good

 

[472scout]

Side by side testing. My 1980s Craftsman flare wrench started spreading apart on a rusted brake line. Switched to a Snap On and it took it right off. As far as a cheap alternative I've got nothing.

 

[finn]

Side by side testing. My 1980s Craftsman flare wrench started spreading apart on a rusted brake line. Switched to a Snap On and it took it right off. As far as a cheap alternative I've got nothing.

You have to know when to use a torch.

In Mi, that means every time. The Snapon won’t work here either if the Craftsman won’t.

There’s no half way. Either it comes out right away, or it requires a torch.

Remember, I have both the Snapon and the Craftsman.

 

[Junkman]

A long time ago, I put my Snap-On flare nut wrench on a rusted brake line; it spun it out of the cylinder, but the line was twisted and needed replacing. I got smart and learned not to twist the line by heating the nut, wire-brushing it, and then replacing the line anyway, since a rusted line is asking for trouble in the future.

 

[Burt Shaver]

I bought Sunex and was disappointed. Seemed to stretch pretty easy. picked up a used older set of SK and they are pretty good

Local Canadian tire dropped the price to 39.99 for a set of six, 12 different sizes so I couldn’t refuse. Seemed to fit very nice and I got the job done today. I’m always on the lookout for old USA made tools at the flea market, but even on marketplace they are asking a lot for them. Just not needed for me but sure would be nice to be able to brag about my Snap On so I keep looking, lol.

 

[Steve_P]

Lots of threads on this. Watch the PF and TTC videos and then actually decide on data vs your budget instead of just getting 20 recommendations here.

 

[MarineScott]

I have several Snapon, and, while they’re good, I don’t find then vastly superior to my 30 year old Craftsman or SK.

Frankly, my favorite is a Popular Mechanics, or something like that which I recall buying at a now defunct Coast to Coast store many years ago.

My Craftsmans are 40+ years old

 

[Etchase]

I find Proto to be excellent as did torque test channel.

 

[finn]

My Craftsmans are 40+ years old

Mine are around that age, too.

 

[Wrench97]

Buy once cry once, Snap On.

 

[finn]

A long time ago, I put my Snap-On flare nut wrench on a rusted brake line; it spun it out of the cylinder, but the line was twisted and needed replacing. I got smart and learned not to twist the line by heating the nut, wire-brushing it, and then replacing the line anyway, since a rusted line is asking for trouble in the future.

I think that’s the point that eludes many people here. If the fitting is stuck bad enough to require the ultimate flare nut wrench, the line will likely twist off anyway, and it’s easier to break out the blue wrench rather than fight it. Then, when it twists off anyway, you can use a six point socket, or, if it’s really bad, vice grips.

At some point the only fix is a new wheel cylinder or caliper. A SnapOn wrench isn’t going to bail you out.

I was looking at the calipers of my two year old Sprinter and Maverick that both spend six months of the year here in Az. The calipers and rotors are cleaner than a car in mi that was bought new in June and just made it to its first Christmas. I can see where a SnapOn line wrench might hold an advantage here.

 

[Burt Shaver]

Just to put my 2 cents in, I’ve never owned one single Snap On tool, I’ve done my fair share of wrenching for a DIY’er and I’ve never felt that the tools I use are inadequate except maybe ratchets lol.

 

[Dave455]

I have to agree with the guy’s saying that Snap On are the best. In my experience, certainly of the tools in current production, they are. I once really needed a flare nut wrench to work in a difficult situation. It was Snap On I chose, and I’d do the same again.

I have used a generic / rebranded wrench on a couple of occasions. On one occasion it did the job, but wasn’t great. On the other it rounded the brake line I was working on, so I was faced with a drive home to collect the Snap On. It worked first time, despite the cheaper wrench having rouded the nut.

Of the others, I’ve only really been happy with Hazet and Facom.


I don’t have a lot of the Hazet, but those I do ride around in my road box and work well. They have done all I have required.

The Facom I own are of a subtly different design to the Snap On, so I tend to keep them at base, where they are a complement, rather than an alternative, to the Snap On. No complaints!

All these three manufacturers offer a choice of pattern. Most do not.

95% of the time now, I need 10 or 11mm. Consider buying just one or two good wrenches to include these sizes.

I have also used, but don’t own, the Asahi. They seem to be very decent also.

 

[four.cycle]

early production (raised panel) 3/8" x 7/16" - $10.36 + tax
early production (raised panel) 1/2" x 9/16" $11.36 + tax
early production (raised panel) 5/8" x 3/4" $13.65 + tax OBO
early production (raised panel) 3/4" x 1" $24.85 + tax
late production SUPER 7/8" x 1-1/8" $19.95 + tax OBO

3 piece set (368 369 370) $35.00 + tax

My "Super" 368, 369, and 370 I've had since about 1974 and have been using them without any issues.
I don't work on a lot of brake lines, and we don't salt our roads here. I bought these to break loose steel fuel lines from carburetor inlets - so I've used them in the engine compartment only - not underneath any vehicles.
YMMV

AVOID the "Duro/Indestro" branded stuff on this particular wrench.

Unfortunately, they never made any of these in metric sizes.

 

[nicks78camaro]

USA SK have never let me down.

 

[lotus_esprit]

Snap on aren’t even expensive when purchased used

 

[Junkman]

Snap on aren’t even expensive when purchased used

They usually sell for 50% off the truck price. I haven't bought anything off the truck in a couple of years, but I still have some tools warrantied by a friend who owes his firstborn to the truck. I have both SAE and Metric tubing wrenches, and my SAE wrenches go up to 1 1/4" if I remember correctly. Too cold in the garage to go look. They are all combination open-ended and tubing wrenches. I used the larger ones on air conditioning lines.

 

[Burt Shaver]

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Seen these on Marketplace but it was a 4 hour drive so I just got the 39.99 set from Canadian tire that was 10 minutes away. Unfortunately I needed them today, well I wanted to get the job today, I guess I didn’t need to get th job done….

 

[PlanB]

Glad to hear the crappy tires one worked. I have that will eventually be used for a project

 

[finn]

Snap on aren’t even expensive when purchased used

If your time is free, I guess.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I have also used, but don’t own, the Asahi. They seem to be very decent also.

As usual, Dave is spot on here.

Like many GJ members, I have several sets from several brands (MAC, SO and Quinn), but my Asahi's are my go to:



They just seem to have the best "feel" and appear to have the best fitment / tolerances for my application.

 

[cmandp]

I have the small Gearwrench metric set and they worked pretty well on some rusty flare nuts for me. I also have a single metric Carlyle, generic metric wrench and SAE Snap-on.

In my limited experience if the nut is that rusty that the flare wrench is slipping than the brake line is liked seized to the nut or too thin near the nut and will just twist.

 

[472scout]

Snap on aren’t even expensive when purchased used

Yep. I got a full Snap On set used for $65. I'm not a SO fan boy, but they are well worth it to not round off nuts. Craftsman will round off nuts left and right even without rust if they are overly tight. Never had that problem with SO.

Project Farm explains the problems with most flare wrenches:

 

[Benw455]

I have a nice set of Williams flare nut wrenches never had a problem with them. But I bought them 15-20 years ago.

 

[FleetMech]

I have a set of Sunex line wrenches. They're fine and do the job. Truth be told however, I rarely use them. If I need to use a line wrench I use a VIM tools ratcheting flare nut wrench. I highly recommend them!

 

[signcrafter]

I have a set of Sunex line wrenches. They're fine and do the job. Truth be told however, I rarely use them. If I need to use a line wrench I use a VIM tools ratcheting flare nut wrench. I highly recommend them!

I looked at the vims a few months back and they just look so big. Most of the time when using a flare wrench you are using it in a tight space and other lines right next to the line you're working on, like silverado ABS pumps. Maybe they aren't but from looking at the pictures it looks like it to me.

I have 3 sets of snap on SAE flare nut wrenches, bought one set used a few years back and this summer there was an estate sale a few houses down from me that I bought a few boxes of tools from and it had 2 sets of snap on flare wrenches. I have a metric SK set along with a set of craftsman in SAE and metric, a set of carlyle in SAE and metric. Also bought a set of quinn a few months ago when I was trying to get in a tight spot and thought I was going to have to customize a wrench. The carlyle sets are pretty nice, bought them used. The SK are nice bought them used also. Craftsmans I bought almost 30 years ago and do pretty good. But I have seen them spread and then used snap on with no spreading. But like mentioned at that point you want heat so you don't twist the line. I'd still like to get a set of snap on metrics, not a snap on fan boy but their line wrenches are very good. Might have to look into selling a set or two of the snap on SAE and use the funds to buy the metrics sometime. I also have sunex crows foot flare nut wrenches that have worked good on everything I've tried them on and they've got in some tight places when used with an extension.

 

[pfbz]

If you want incredible quality, US made flare nut wrenches at a fraction of Snap On prices, Proto is your answer.

 

[FleetMech]

I looked at the vims a few months back and they just look so big. Most of the time when using a flare wrench you are using it in a tight space and other lines right next to the line you're working on, like silverado ABS pumps. Maybe they aren't but from looking at the pictures it looks like it to me.

You're not wrong, the Vims are definitely bigger than a standard wrench head, but I sure have used the heck out of them. Because they attach to a ratchet or extension I have used some creative combinations to remove some tough to get to flare nuts. I work on a lot of tractors, skid steers, and earth moving equipment. A lot of tough to reach valve banks, etc... those Vims have come in real handy! They're also well built. I have really pulled on them to remove tough nuts on DPF and SCR sensors and haven't broken one yet. Plus I have used them many times on regular bolts where you will trap a ratchet wrench. If you do a lot of wrenching I would recommend you give them a try for sure.

 

[signcrafter]

You're not wrong, the Vims are definitely bigger than a standard wrench head, but I sure have used the heck out of them. Because they attach to a ratchet or extension I have used some creative combinations to remove some tough to get to flare nuts. I work on a lot of tractors, skid steers, and earth moving equipment. A lot of tough to reach valve banks, etc... those Vims have come in real handy! They're also well built. I have really pulled on them to remove tough nuts on DPF and SCR sensors and haven't broken one yet. Plus I have used them many times on regular bolts where you will trap a ratchet wrench. If you do a lot of wrenching I would recommend you give them a try for sure.

I'll have to look into them some more. I have a bunch of vim stuff and like all of it.

For diesel sensors I bought the shockit diesel sensor kit and it works amazing.

Amazon.com

 

[ChevyEFI]

I know it’s been covered a thousand times so my apologies for that but can anyone direct me to a decent set of flare nut wrenches. Not Snap On, I thought I seen on here that Tekton was good but when I searched I could find nothing from them for flare nut wrenches. I’m in Canada, Canadian tire has a 6 piece mastercraft maximum set for 54.99 with 6 SAE and 6 metric sizes but I’m unsure of them

CAT tools seems like a good option.

I buy SnapOn when I need a flare nut crowsfoot. My wrenches are ancient Napa. I grew up where I learned how to loosen brake lines with vice grips though.

 

[Burt Shaver]

CAT tools seems like a good option.

I buy SnapOn when I need a flare nut crowsfoot. My wrenches are ancient Napa. I grew up where I learned how to loosen brake lines with vice grips though.

Me too, lol. The vice grip thing I mean.

 

[liliysdad]

I live in the land of little rust, thank God.

Craftsman raised panel flare nut wrenches are what made me buy Snap-On wrenches. Working on (mostly) rust free 50 year old vehicles showed me that the Craftsmans would spread and round the nut at the first sign of resistance. The Snap Ons, on the other hand, do a damned fine job of getting the tight, but not rusty, nuts loose without mangling them. You can really lean into a flare nut with them without worrying about rounding it.

I have since rounded up some other wrenches, like Bonney and Protos. They are both great as far as fit, but the dimensions are so big and bulky they are largely useless on automotive brake and fuel lines.

 

[472scout]

Craftsman raised panel flare nut wrenches are what made me buy Snap-On wrenches.

Yes! Same here.

All I had for years was mostly Craftsman hand tools and they always did the job. Except for the flare nut wrenches. I don't care what anyone says they ****.

Working on (mostly) rust free 50 year old vehicles showed me that the Craftsmans would spread and round the nut at the first sign of resistance. The Snap Ons, on the other hand, do a damned fine job of getting the tight, but not rusty, nuts loose without mangling them. You can really lean into a flare nut with them without worrying about rounding it.

100%. I've taken off rusty lines many times with my SO though. A better option however is to cut the line off and use a socket. I rip the line out of there and replace it with NiCopp. That stuff is great. I hope people aren't using heat just to try and save a few bucks in brake parts.

I have since rounded up some other wrenches, like Bonney and Protos. They are both great as far as fit, but the dimensions are so big and bulky they are largely useless on automotive brake and fuel lines.

Project Farm likes the Protos better than Snap On. Maybe I should sell my SO and buy Proto.

 

[liliysdad]

I rip the line out of there and replace it with NiCopp. That stuff is great. I hope people aren't using heat just to try and save a few bucks in brake parts.

I love NiCopp when I need it, but I have vehicles that are 50 years old with the original steel brake lines and nuts. No reason to change them when they are in good shape.

Project Farm likes the Protos better than Snap On. Maybe I should sell my SO and buy Proto.

I am sure he does.