Which Line Wrench(es) To Choose?

[jlh92]

Tried to replace my brake hoses on Saturday using a GM Goodwrench/PowerTorque line wrench. Ended up getting one done and rounding off the fitting on the second one. Decided not to even try the front two until I get a better fitting wrench.

What brand(s) do you guys that deal with this stuff everyday use?

I looked at Snap-On but I can't stomach spending $43 on a single wrench. Found a cheap Matco set but I'm pretty sure COO was China.

I really only need the one wrench, but wouldn't mind buying a set if the price is right.

 

[Vantastic]

a snap on set from ebay. Probably around $100.

 

[n8n]

Look for used Snap-On on that auction site, I've heard SK is good too and that's what my metric set is but I haven't needed to use them since purchasing. RP Craftsman even old USA is pressed cheese. In a pinch clamp some vice grips on the head of your current wrench to keep it from spreading when loosening stubborn fasteners.

Sent from my 0PJA2 using Tapatalk

 

[drtyler]

+1 on the used Snap-On single or set from Ebay.

 

[Chevy-SS]

...Ended up getting one done and rounding off the fitting on the second one. Decided not to even try the front two until I get a better fitting wrench...

Man, I am totally with ya on this issue. I have a few Snap-On plus some Mac, all good. Have one from Husky - works good. Also have a Carlyle (from NAPA) and this one works good too.

Good luck!

-

 

[CNGsaves]

Look at prior GJ threads . . . thought there was decent set of GearWrench at Advanced Auto that you could use coupon.

 

[GTA Matt]

I have SK's and snap ons. No complaints at all with the SK's if you can't find a snap on set in your price range.

 

[Super Sport]

I have a set of Craftsman Pros that were made by SK and identical to their wrenches. I think they're great quality, but the ends are not offset, and this has been a problem for me on a couple of occasions. I'd highly recommend going with a set where the ends are offset.

 

[zkling]

I have SK's and snap ons. No complaints at all with the SK's if you can't find a snap on set in your price range.

If I happen to run across a full snap on metric set cheap I will upgrade, but till then my metric SK's and standard snap on's have been just fine. Rust belt and all.

 

[crewchief888]

I don't have a full set, always bought them on an as needed basis that being said mine are mostly snap on, assorted older mac & sk

 

[tbaggz]

bonneys.

 

[jobo1004]

I've just recently pieced together a SAE and Metric set of Snap-On flare wrenches from Ebay. The metric set cost me about $130 and the SAE set cost me $90, just to give you an idea.

 

[c-hawk19]

I have some craftsman pro's they are ok. More recently I got some Snapon's. The snapon's are worth the money on flare nut wrenches.

 

[bcradio]

Get snap-ons here.

 

[jlh92]

I now have six auctions for Snap On sets that I'm watching. I'd like to stay under $100, but we'll see how that goes.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I have a mix of old MAC, Matco, and SK. They all work fine for me.

 

[dnschmidt]

What size do you need? I sell TOPTUL and their line wrenches are fabulous and the price is unbeatable. PM me I might have what you need.

 

[Angry welder]

Get the Gearwrench they are good quality and are perfect for home mechanic and some pro use. Plus you can't beat the price right now. 45.00 for a complete set of SAE and Metric, hard to complain about that.

http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.co...etric-Flare-Nut-Wrench-Set-P185225C30003.aspx

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

I got that set as well. Great because it comes with a case for both

 

[bob15]

Look for used Bonney on e-bay or new at Epstein's. Used snap On would be my second choice.

 

[Dr.phil]

snappy or gearwrench

 

[tw05]

I have Husky line wrenches which are rebranded Gearwrench wrenches. They work for non pro use just fine. They cost about $20 dollars for a non flex set of 6.

Probably not your first choice if your going to use them everyday.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

SnapOn

 

[toufue_yang17]

I don't even use line wrenches. Snap on Flank drive wrench cracks them open for me.

 

[Childiaugz]

I don't even use line wrenches. Snap on Flank drive wrench cracks them open for me.

How do your flank drive wrenches go thru a hydraulic line?

 

[PJNJ]

Just get Snap On. Over the years I used craftsman and Husky - rounded off too many nuts. Two years ago, I pieced together a used/NOS set of Snap On in both SAE and metric over the course of about six months from Ebay. All together spent about $150.00. The best deals were the "make an offer" sales - I would put the wrenches on the watch list and make an offer after about a month. Worked pretty well and most of the wrenches only have surface scratches from moving around in someones tool box. If you can be patient and take your time, there are good deals to be had.

 

[CJM8515]

I prefer snap on but never ponied up the money for them. While at a local swap meet eons ago I found some tekton ones, so far so good. Well made and havent rounded anything off.

 

[shampoop]

How do your flank drive wrenches go thru a hydraulic line?

Using just the open end.

Helped a friend do some brake or clutch work on a car, didn't have my line wrenches with me, used the open end of my flank drive plus and broke free either the clutch or brake master cylinder (don't remember) fitting free that had never been removed in the cars 20 years on the road. Worked perfect, no slip. Actually surprised me, I really had to crank on it.

 

[rapid robert]

You can get a used set of SK sae or metric on eBay for about $35. Great wrenches!

 

[toufue_yang17]

Using just the open end.

Helped a friend do some brake or clutch work on a car, didn't have my line wrenches with me, used the open end of my flank drive plus and broke free either the clutch or brake master cylinder (don't remember) fitting free that had never been removed in the cars 20 years on the road. Worked perfect, no slip. Actually surprised me, I really had to crank on it.

This is exactly what I mean. Flank drive plus is freaking sweet!

 

[stage20]

i dont care how good flank drive is im not using an open end wrench on a tubing nut.

this is one area you dont need to skimp on. snap on prices are crazy high if you arent a pro, but id spend the money on a new snap on if i needed it.

ive tossed out all my taiwan and china line wrenches. only one i have left is a 6 and 8mm from china, but i have never had to use it before.

snap on mac sk and blackhawk work great for me. recently started finding some bonney (which are 12pt) that may come in handy in a tight situation.

 

[tbaggz]

Using just the open end.

Helped a friend do some brake or clutch work on a car, didn't have my line wrenches with me, used the open end of my flank drive plus and broke free either the clutch or brake master cylinder (don't remember) fitting free that had never been removed in the cars 20 years on the road. Worked perfect, no slip. Actually surprised me, I really had to crank on it.

so one use and you formed that opinion?

 

[1950mercury]

Ive got old USA matco (bonney?) Snap on and old macs. They all work fine and im in Michigan were everything rusts. The nice thing about the macs is the one end is a line wrench amd the other end is a regular open end. So once you break it loose with the line wrench side flip it over and use the open end side. Cause it ***** trying to take a nut all tbe way off with a line wrench

 

[stage20]

Ive got old USA matco (bonney?) Snap on and old macs. They all work fine and im in Michigan were everything rusts. The nice thing about the macs is the one end is a line wrench amd the other end is a regular open end. So once you break it loose with the line wrench side flip it over and use the open end side. Cause it ***** trying to take a nut all tbe way off with a line wrench

I missed a set of snap ons like this for 80 bucks. I thought for about 10 seconds and they were sold. I usually keep a second wrench handy. Its faster

 

[jlh92]

Ive got old USA matco (bonney?) Snap on and old macs. They all work fine and im in Michigan were everything rusts. The nice thing about the macs is the one end is a line wrench amd the other end is a regular open end. So once you break it loose with the line wrench side flip it over and use the open end side. Cause it ***** trying to take a nut all tbe way off with a line wrench

I've noticed that Snap-On has a style like that as well. I'm not sure if I'd rather have the convince of an open end or the extra room in my box with the dual sized line wrenches.

 

[Childiaugz]

Using just the open end.

Helped a friend do some brake or clutch work on a car, didn't have my line wrenches with me, used the open end of my flank drive plus and broke free either the clutch or brake master cylinder (don't remember) fitting free that had never been removed in the cars 20 years on the road. Worked perfect, no slip. Actually surprised me, I really had to crank on it.

So then that defeats the purpose of a line wrench!?!

I know OP just needs it for one time, but he already damaged a fitting that's why he is looking for a line wrench.

 

[wagzilla]

love my snap-on!!!!! sk works fine also and gear wrench!!

James

 

[shampoop]

so one use and you formed that opinion?

I never stated an opinion.

So then that defeats the purpose of a line wrench!?!

No, I have really nice line wrenches and always use them. Just giving an example of the one time I didn't and that the flank drive plus snappy actually worked perfect.

 

[Rico.]

I have these Facom flare nut spanners and they are fantastic. Clever idea having the six smaller sizes in single hex,
and the four largest in bi-hex within the set. However I think they cost more than the Snap On set.

I think it's pretty hard to beat the value of the Gearwrench sets, especially for home use,
if you don't want to spend a fortune.

 

[Wamsutta]

I looked at Snap-On but I can't stomach spending $43 on a single wrench.

Yes but you only have to buy it once and it will never disappoint you.