37 Degree Flaring Tools

[Patrick Boyle]

I'm in the middle of a project where I'm converting some oil lines over to AN. I've had bad luck with the hard line adapters that use brass ferrules, so I'm looking to do it properly by flaring. I see Summit racing has a kit for $30, which is tempting since I'll probably only ever use it once, but makes me wonder if it would even work considering the price of some of the high end kits like Mastercool.

Thoughts?

 

[SLOCOBRAR]

i bought a rigid, it,s nice but about $100 20 years ago iirc

 

[poprockcrusher]

use tube nuts and ferruls
http://www.russellperformance.com/mc/fuel/adapters.shtml

 

[Patrick Boyle]

Aren't tube nuts for use with sleeves and flares? The fuel line adapters on that page are very similar to the ones from Earl's that I've been using and don't like very much.

 

[rodm1]

Buy a good one it will save lots of hassle. You will probable save a large amount of the parches price with the savings of the fittings.

http://www.toolup.com/ridgid_41162_model-377-ratchet-flaring-tool.aspx

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Ridgid-41162-3-16-3-4-Ratchet-Flaring-Tool-No-377/64568/Cat/649

No experience with either vendor.

 

[Patrick Boyle]

Well, due to budgetary constraints I went with the Summit tool. I'm hoping that since it's aluminum tubing, I shouldn't have much trouble making the flare, and it should seal up good one torqued down. Wish me luck!

 

[469 runner]

I have the very set from summit you are referring to and it has served me well for many years.

 

[Patrick Boyle]

Good to hear, thanks!

 

[Major Ramifications]

Let us know how you like it. I am in the same boat as well, along with all the usual budgetary constraints.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I have the very set from summit you are referring to and it has served me well for many years.

Ditto.

PIA to use...but it works.

Phil

 

[Patrick Boyle]

Well, it arrived and I made a few flares with it. It DOES work just fine, but it IS a PITA to use. A bench vise makes life easier though. You've also got to make sure you have plenty of pipe to work with (har har). On a couple of my flares, there wasn't enough room to slide the tube nut far enough back to clear the cone attachment's arms, so I had to improvise with a big C clamp. Messy, but it worked.

Overall I don't see a reason not to go for it if you really can't pony up the cash for a nicer unit, and you're making flares on long, straight lengths of tube.