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Flare Nut Crowsfoot Recommendation

JHZR2

Active member
Joined
Nov 27, 2012
Messages
26
I have a couple brass flare nuts that I need to torque specifically for an application. I can't find the right size nut though. Advice?

One will be loose with a 22mm socket but won't fit a 21mm. 7/8 fits about the same as 22, and 13/16 does not fit.

The other is loose with 17mm, but 16mm doesn't fit. 11/16 is loose but 5/8 won't fit.

Any ideas? I need to but a crowfoot for final fit application, but don't know what to get... If I had to say, 22 and 17mm fit marginally better but both have a lot of movement on the nut. None are snug.

That seems to be similar to what was the case in this thread:

HighSeer.com told me wrong and their nuts are strange sizes for mine. But the HVAC supply house nuts fit much better.

Pioneer Line Kit Flare Nuts
3/8 Line = 22mm or 7/8" (Sloppy fit, 22mm slightly better fit over 7/8")
5/8 Line = 27mm or 1 1/16" (Okay fit but not perfect)

HVAC Supply House Flare Nuts
3/8 Line = 21mm or 13/16" (Very snug and perfect fit)
5/8 Line = 27mm or 1 1/16" (Very snug and perfect fit)

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=247635

My attempts were with 12mm sockets and standard wrenches from craftsman, fwiw. I then did the experiment with 6-point SK sockets, and the 22mm was a nearly snug fit, but the 17mm one still had a lot of movement.

I don't even know what to buy because these seem to be odd sizes. I was hoping to buy some SK crows feet, but can't seem to find them on Amazon, etc. I would prefer US made, though Amazon does have a set with 17 and 22 for around $40. But I don't know exactly what I should get.

I need crowfoot so that I can suitably torque the nuts for the application.

Thanks!
 
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jonathan75

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Joined
Mar 27, 2013
Messages
1,451
Location
NC
I ended up not using a torque wrench and just made sure they were tight. I am not strong enough to over tighten the connections anyway so I just made sure they were down good. At first I had a problem pulling a vacuum so I went back over them again. After the second round the micron gauge started to drop. If I had nitrogen I would of pressure tested it before pulling a vacuum. I really like Nylog and recommend its use to help make a better seal.

Here is a video about Nylog.

 
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JHZR2

Active member
Joined
Nov 27, 2012
Messages
26
Thanks!

I have nylog, and a suitable torque wrench, so I might as well use them.

I bought an SK 17mm flare crowfoot plus a snap on 22mm oxygen sensor socket (essentially) a six point crowfoot.

Have the clutched flare tool, gauges, vacuum pump, etc. to finish the job. Just need to torque it up and give it a go. They say triple evacuation is a good approach. Any recommendations how to get some Nitrogen for pressure testing?
 
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jad3675

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Joined
Jul 12, 2010
Messages
52
Thanks!

I have nylog, and a suitable torque wrench, so I might as well use them.

I bought an SK 17mm flare crowfoot plus a snap on 22mm oxygen sensor socket (essentially) a six point crowfoot.

Have the clutched flare tool, gauges, vacuum pump, etc. to finish the job. Just need to torque it up and give it a go. They say triple evacuation is a good approach. Any recommendations how to get some Nitrogen for pressure testing?

LWS will have nitrogen. Around here, a 20cuft tank and fill will run you about $120. You'll need a regulator too.

John
 
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