Box vs flare

[rhp]

Knowing that flare wrenches are usually used for nuts attached to tube ends, and having read the previous discussions on box v open wrenches and crowfeet, I have a simple question: For general purposes, can a flare be almost always substituted for a box?, and what is the downside to this?

 

[forceyoda]

I think the downside of using a flar where a box would have fit is that the flare is not as strong and more likely to spread.

 

[zuspiel]

Yeah, plus most flare nut wrenches have thicker heads than a regular box, thus might not fit everywhere...

 

[porcupine73]

Certain flare wrenches do seem to like to open up under heavier loads especially in the smaller sizes. When doing brake lines I usually put vise grips on the flare nut wrench to help it stay tight on the nut.

 

[JCByrd24]

Flare nut wrenches are almost always 6 point vs most box being 12, thus more swing required between obstacles to use a flare in place of a box.

I've noticed, but maybe this isn't true, that flares tend to be tighter fitting on the nut, or maybe just the inside edges are more square, thus you can't operate as fast as a box.

My flares come out only when there is tube or brass fittings involved.

 

[Merkava_4]

I have a simple question: For general purposes, can a flare be almost always substituted for a box?

The short answer is yes, but using a flare nut wrench in place of a 12 point box wrench will be slower to position on the fastener and will limit your access in certain areas by reason of the 6 point flare end being so much thicker and wider than a box end.

 

[goodfellow]

Flare nut wrenches are almost always 6 point vs most box being 12, thus more swing required between obstacles to use a flare in place of a box.

I've noticed, but maybe this isn't true, that flares tend to be tighter fitting on the nut, or maybe just the inside edges are more square, thus you can't operate as fast as a box.

My flares come out only when there is tube or brass fittings involved.

Some flare nut wrenches are actually a bit more versitile -- these are Granco wrenches and they are excellent for removing rusted/corroded fasteners

 

[Merkava_4]

these are Granco wrenches and they are excellent for removing rusted/corroded fasteners

I like those, are they still in production?

 

[goodfellow]

I like those, are they still in production?

They are -- but their website is out of date. Many broken links and not very organized. It looks like it was produced by a 15 year old with ADHD

www.grancoind.com

Granco Industries Inc.
4009 E. 138th St.
Grandview, Mo 64030