double flaring tool question

[Dtom4]

I know its been tossed around before-did a search but want to make sure. I need a double flaring tool for standard 3/16" brake line. Nothing fancy, just ordinary line. After some research I'm thinking of going for the Ridgid http://www.toolsforplumbers.com/ProductDetail.asp?Product=17455&AffiliateID=PriceGrabberTFP Lots of people swear by them but thy're not available in auto parts stores, only tool and plumbing supply houses. I called Ridgid and they said their flaring tools are made for plumbing applications and not automotive but will work depending on the material of the line. Since it seems like a number of folks use it for their car lines I'm assuming it works fine but just want to make sure before ordering. Or should I just go with the OTC Stinger http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc4503.html Or are there any other ones you can reccommend? I dont mind spending the extra money for better quality but want to make sure it works. TIA

Dave

 

[Art From De Leon]

Snap on has been selling the re-badged OTC kit for as long as I can remember (close to 40 years). I have had one for almost that long, and cannot ever remember having used it, other than to 'practice'.

For $20 something dollars, it would not cause the world to end, if you bought it and never had another need for it.

Buy some tubing and practice a lot, before doing something critical.

 

[MXtras]

Even the cheap ones work OK - I think it's more up to the operator than the tool from what I have experienced.

I have an ancient Blackhawk set I have used countless times. As mentioned - practice is important as is making sure the tubing is cut squarely and chamfered.

Scott

 

[bluesman2a]

I have the rigid, but I bought the kit here:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4A518?Pid=search

I used it for all my brake system junctions, so yeah it's good. Not sure what the difference is or what is included/not. It makes some of the prettiest flares I've seen, even in stainless tube which can be a *****. I would highly recommend the rigid flaring tool, unless you want to spend serious money and move up to one of the mastercool/hydraulic sets.

 

[rsanter]

I have the OTC style kit
I have used the hell out of it with no troubles
lots of fuel lines and brake lines

bob

 

[chris_morrison_]

i also own the Snap on that has been re-badged and have only used it a few times

practice is key to a good double flare.

 

[Mickey O]

I've got an older Snap On set (OTC?) and it says for thin wall steel, aluminum or copper. The problem between automotive and plumbing tools might be the degree of the flare ( I think they're the same but not sure). If the degree is the same I don't see why a plumbing flare tool wouldn't work other than the tubing size, I don't know if a plumbing flare tool would go as small as automotive lines. Maybe have a look and see if Imperial makes one.

 

[A29]

I've go a cheapy from the local auto parts store. I workes and they seem willing to replace it when it screws up.

 

[alex71]

That Ridgid set does not come with the double flare buttons, so you can only use it to do a single 45deg flare. It is a nice design though, I have a flaring kit that looks like that.

 

[66HertzClone]

I made many new brake lines for my car using 3/16 stainless tubing. This tool made it very easy. Flaring Tool

 

[wreckercologist]

I bought a flare tool off the Mac truck years ago. It's a rebranded Imperial just like this:

http://www.stridetool.com/tools/flaring_swagingtools/flaringtools_03.html

Work bought one of the Matercools. They're pretty badass but really pricey for the home user:

http://www.mastercool.com/pages/flaring_tools.html

The ones in the red boxes like Mickey O posted are just fine too.

I've found putting a little anti-seeze on the tube before you start helps make a nicer looking flare.

 

[jteck75]

I bought an OEM double flaring tool set at Auto Zone about 5 years back,no telling how many feet of tubing I have ran with it,and it's held up great. I think I gave like $20 or $25 for it. As long as the buttons and the flaring screw are made of good quality steel,a cheaper flaring set will be just fine IMO.

 

[rancheroo]

I realize this thread is old but I want to give my .02 wortl. Tom, the Rigid 345 is for single flares. The 345DL is for double flares. I have the 345DL, gave up on it & bought the Eastman Imperial Flare Pro 2000. gave up on it & bought a $20 set from O'reilly. I can't make a double flare to save my life.

I bought three 36" sticks of brake line, cut each into two inch pieces & practiced, practices, practiced. I NEVER made an acceptable double flare. Either my standards are too high, I'm a complete idiot (careful) or it can't be done with these 'home owner' kits. I know what a good double flare is supposed to look like because each stick of brake line already had one on each end. Mine weren't even close. I read EVERY thread on the internet about flaring, chamfered the edges, wrought out the holes, oiled the ends, went fast/went slow...

I'm saving my money for a Mastercool hydraulic unit. If you'd like to try the Rigid or the Imperial, drop me a line. I'll send em on.

Rick