What's Decent Flaring Tool?

[swags]

Here in western pa it seems like im doing brake lines once a week. And i'm getting sick of using the piece of junk flaring tool from the auto parts store. Who makes a decent one? Or a electric one that does it for you. I'm willing to shell out some dough for something that's going to save me time and will last.

Thanks guys!

 

[devoncoolman]

Mastercool makes a hydraulic one that will do inverted flare, bubble flare, push connect, and gm push connect. Thats the way to go. A bit pricy at about $450. But well worth it.

 

[jmm]

I'm in the market for one of these, myself.

Devoncoolman, my budget would probably be something closer to 200. Much as that Mastercool sounds like the Cadillac, I can't shell out 450 for a set. Got any thrifty-er recommendations?

 

[CWP1616L]

Check out this thread here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=208989

 

[wafrederick]

Mastercool set is the way to go,much easier to set up and will save you time.

 

[srmofo]

I havent used anything but my mastercool in years. I wrote a brief review of it shortly after I got it. Search for threads started by me and you'll find it, I dont start many. The can be found for $250-$300

As a cheaper alternative that cornwell kit posted above looks really nice

The nice thing about the mastercool set is they are constantly adding new adapters to it. They make a set for AN fittings, all of the different fuel connections (which I have used several times, try doing that on 3/8s fuel line with another tool on car) and I just saw they now have the adapters for the 3/8s push connect jiffy-tite transmissions lines.

 

[devoncoolman]

That kit cornwell sells is nice and affordable. Honestly i would have probably bought that one instead but i bought my kit 4 years or so ago. Back then it was about the only tool on the market besides the old school manual ones. Which i own also.

 

[braol]

This what we use at work. Works very well and the brake lines bend cleanly and neatly by hand. Think its $250-300
http://www.surrauto.com/documents/FT351DeluxeFlaringTool.pdf

 

[vssjim]

Mastercool kit is the only one to buy, use it once and you will be sold for life

 

[braol]

That mastercool looks nice. The surrauto is faster but the mastercool would be easier to use on the vehicle.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I also have the MC kit... love it, you won't regret it.

 

[Jawn]

FWIW, the Lisle one is "meh". Doesn't quite line up, so the flares aren't perfect, but seem functional. Price is right though... $30-ish, I think?

 

[nissan_crawler]

I just bought the mastercool when we needed to replace the lines on dad's truck. To hell with that other ****. This is the first time in 10 years I've done brake lines, and it paid for itself already, IMHO.

Every week? Find the money.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

for regular flaring i love the one i bought from ridgid years ago...it works its way around instead of flaring all at once..

http://www.toolup.com/ridgid_83037_...cse&utm_campaign=sc&scpid=9&scid=scsho1067415

 

[IndyGarage]

This what we use at work. Works very well and the brake lines bend cleanly and neatly by hand. Think its $250-300
http://www.surrauto.com/documents/FT351DeluxeFlaringTool.pdf

This tool is identical to the Eastwood tool.

I've had one for about three years and I can't imagine anything working better.

It makes perfect flares. The only downside is you have to do it on a workbench, it won't work under the car.

 

[SIKPUP]

This tool is identical to the Eastwood tool.

I've had one for about three years and I can't imagine anything working better.

It makes perfect flares. The only downside is you have to do it on a workbench, it won't work under the car.

http://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html

These were on sale last week , I just got one ... should have got one many brake line jobs ago...

 

[ijroorda]

I highly recommend the inline flaring tools sold by Snap-on, Matco, Cal-Van, ATD and others; they are extremely cost-effective and work well. My dad bought the Cal-Van 164 set last summer; I used it once and immediately ordered my own. If I was doing it again, I would spring for the 165 Master Flaring Set which will do bubble flares as well as single and double.

 

[VDubJoe]

Just finished all the brake lines on my FFR roadster. Used the Eastwood tool. Very easy and all came out perfect. 180.00 on sale.
Joe