Flare Nut Locking Pliers

[Spencer Was Here]

Just came across an OTC Flare Nut Locking Pliers Set on Amazon yesterday. I was not aware these were a thing.

I'm not finding any other manufacturers offering these (at Amazon anyway). Have any of you tried out any of these, OTC or other brands?

I'm sold on the concept and would like to have a set in my toolbox, but if the OTC ones are junk, of if there is a better brand offered, I'd like to know before making a purchase.

 

[mr.lemons]

They do look interesting. I've seen similar from Gedore so they may be available from other brands. 'Grip wrench.' Bit pricey.

https://www.gedore.com/en-de/products/zangen/gripzangen/137-gripschluessel-/137-10-24---2788349

 

[Ike Carlson]

Maybe they are supposed to be used in a way that I don't understand.

One pliers for each size nut?
A wrench is smaller and much stronger when twisting than a pliers.
Sorry, I don't get it.

 

[mr.lemons]

Yes, sizes 10mm to 27mm for the Gedore. Haven't used one but I guess you get a tighter fit than using a flare wrench so reduces the chance of slipping.


Product description
For working in confined spaces
For worn bolted connections which otherwise could only be opened with extreme difficulty
Problem-solver for vehicles and industrial purposes
Particularly suitable for brake lines, adjustment of track rods, etc.

 

[Fedwrench]

Haven't seen or used them.

https://www.otctools.com/products/flare-nut-locking-plier-set

I have seen a vise grip but, i always thought they were too big to be useful
https://www.irwin.com/tools/locking-tools/the-original-locking-wrenches

 

[Spencer Was Here]

Maybe they are supposed to be used in a way that I don't understand.

One pliers for each size nut?
A wrench is smaller and much stronger when twisting than a pliers.
Sorry, I don't get it.

I'm guessing you haven't worked with rusty brake or transmission lines.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I looked at those; IMO the biggest issue I find isn't gripping the nut, it's the rotted line seized into the nut. Typically if my Wright Grips won't break the nut free, the line is going to be so rotted in it'll just snap off anyway, or melt pinholes in it when I heat the tube nut. #rust

 

[Ike Carlson]

I looked at those; IMO the biggest issue I find isn't gripping the nut, it's the rotted line seized into the nut. Typically if my Wright Grips won't break the nut free, the line is going to be so rotted in it'll just snap off anyway, or melt pinholes in it when I heat the tube nut. #rust

Exactly. I have some pretty tight fitting wrenches and if they don't get it loose, it's way past saving. Once I get i to rusted lines, I just replace them all because it is easier, safer, and a good idea. I don't mind a "red green" job when needed, but brake lines are not something I take chances with.

 

[Oil leak]

Haven't seen or used them.

https://www.otctools.com/products/flare-nut-locking-plier-set

I have seen a vise grip but, i always thought they were too big to be useful
https://www.irwin.com/tools/locking-tools/the-original-locking-wrenches

They make two work different sizes of the Irwin vise grips, a small and large.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

Usually if the nut is that rusted the line isn't worth saving so I just cut the line and put a 6pt socket on it. Although they might come in handy on rusty bleeder screws where you can't get a socket and ratchet.

 

[Ike Carlson]

Same here. I have had bleeders so rusted that even heat, a hammer, and a 6 point socket wouldn't break them loose.

 

[unslow1]

Usually if the nut is that rusted the line isn't worth saving so I just cut the line and put a 6pt socket on it. Although they might come in handy on rusty bleeder screws where you can't get a socket and ratchet.

Either that or go straight for the vise-grips and just twist off everything and go all new.

 

[demarpaint]

To me it looks like using them would be asking for trouble. If a quality flare nut wrench isn't going to work, I doubt those will, and other measures will have to be taken.

 

[joe_padavano]

I looked at those; IMO the biggest issue I find isn't gripping the nut, it's the rotted line seized into the nut. Typically if my Wright Grips won't break the nut free, the line is going to be so rotted in it'll just snap off anyway, or melt pinholes in it when I heat the tube nut. #rust

^^^THIS! I don't have a problem gripping the nut, it's preventing the siezed tube from spinning when I unscrew the nut. To prevent this in the future, I always dab a tiny amount of anti-seize on the OD of the tube where the nut sits when I reassemble the joint. If the flare nuts are steel, I put a little on the threads also. Obviously don't get any on the flare or inside the tube.

 

[Ike Carlson]

^^^this! I don't have a problem gripping the nut, it's preventing the siezed tube from spinning when i unscrew the nut. To prevent this in the future, i always dab a tiny amount of anti-seize on the od of the tube where the nut sits when i reassemble the joint. If the flare nuts are steel, i put a little on the threads also. Obviously don't get any on the flare or inside the tube.

this^^^^!

 

[plinker]

Haven't seen or used them.

https://www.otctools.com/products/flare-nut-locking-plier-set

I have seen a vise grip but, i always thought they were too big to be useful
https://www.irwin.com/tools/locking-tools/the-original-locking-wrenches

The locking wrench style make good punch/chisel holders.

 

[pelletman]

If you are taking out a line you are gonna replace, cut it with a die grinder cutoff wheel and put a 6 point socket over it

 

[Tonyuk]

I have a set,

If the fittings that rusted you need to think about using them its usually better to just cut it off and put a new fitting on.

Because of that they rarely get used.

 

[richfinn]

They look a bit bulky around the hex for brake lines on EURO vehicles

I can see some use for them as wheel alignment tools

or old style fuel filters with screw in fittings maybe

 

[mr.lemons]

Spotted this on Ebay. Sold as 'an innovation of the Soviet Union.'

Cheap tool, just posting as I haven't seen these before.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Spotted this on Ebay. Sold as 'an innovation of the Soviet Union.'

Cheap tool, just posting as I haven't seen these before.

https://i.postimg.cc/jSK6N4Y5/s-l1600.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/RVwQNb8y/s-l1600-1.jpg

If Vice grips over my old Napa flare nut wrenches don't do it, they're going directly on the flare nut. I like the idea though.