Flare Nut Sockets - Snap-On, Ko-Ken, Laser Tools

[71firebird400]

I am looking to expand my collection of flare nut sockets. I use them primarly for breaking loose, or torqueing, diesel injector lines. RIght now I've got a couple in the common sizes; all from Snap-On. At roughly $70 a piece they're not exactly inexpensive for something that isn't used an awful lot but my thinking has been that flare nut tools are not somewhere to skimp.

I am looking at my options here and the only others I can find are Laser Tools on Amazon (COO Taiwan) and Ko-Ken. I do like my Ko-Ken tools but they seem to prioritize form factor over sheer strength. Is this an area I can save some money, or should I continue buying Snap-On?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Based on my koken experience, I would consider them non warranty tools. IIRC koken costs about 200 less than snap on for a 10-19 set. I'm buying snap on for that price difference.

I bought one laser tool, an air hammer attachment for o2 sensors. It was a cheap *************. No idea how their sockets are.

 

[M6erfan]

I mean, are flare nut sockets items that often break/fail? If so, buy S-o for peace of mind

I have many Ko-ken sockets and ratchets, never had one let me down, been using them since before they became popular here on GJ. I know @2ndGearRubber had some tough luck with one of their thin wall wheel nut sockets but that hasn't swayed me one bit in my like for Ko-ken tools. But then, warranty is not much of a concern for me, I'm not working on heavy equipment and whatnot everyday.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I mean, are flare nut sockets items that often break/fail? If so, buy S-o for peace of mind

I have many Ko-ken sockets and ratchets, never had one let me down, been using them since before they became popular here on GJ. I know @2ndGearRubber had some tough luck with one of their thin wall wheel nut sockets but that hasn't swayed me one bit in my like for Ko-ken tools. But then, warranty is not much of a concern for me, I'm not working on heavy equipment and whatnot everyday.

Oh, Im still a koken fan. I broke a few wobble plus extensions in 1/4, and that wheel socket. They're still great tools.

But for what is, for snap on anyways, a milled out deep socket, I would be concerned about cracking.

I don't remember if koken offers 10-19mm. I don't think they make a set. But you might be able to piece a set together with singles.

 

[M6erfan]

Oh, Im still a koken fan. I broke a few wobble plus extensions in 1/4, and that wheel socket. They're still great tools.

But for what is, for snap on anyways, a milled out deep socket, I would be concerned about cracking.

I don't remember if koken offers 10-19mm. I don't think they make a set. But you might be able to piece a set together with singles.

The 1/4" wobble extensions do worry me with that thin recessed area on the male end. But knock on wood, mine have been fine so far and I use the **** out of them. If I had to do it over I'd probably buy their regular extensions, I don't fine the wobble feature is that useful (for what I mainly work on). But of course if I didn't have them then I'd find myself wishing I had them. I know, I know, get both. . .

 

[Dave455]

I would have no qualms about buying KoKen anything. Pretty much my “go to” for any sockets these days.

Having said that, there are some things Snap On seem to do particularly well, and flare nut wrenches / sockets are one of them. If there isn’t a huge saving in cost (there isn’t for me, not compared to some tools) then I’m thinking theres a certain cost attached to making these, and it can’t be avoided.

Hazet offer these as well, price between the two above (for me).

I have never found that cheapo flare nut wrenches or sockets ever work properly, and you need them to. Laser tools are definitely in the “cheapo shite” category, so I wouldn’t waste money on them.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The 1/4" wobble extensions do worry me with that thin recessed area on the male end. But knock on wood, mine have been fine so far and I use the **** out of them. If I had to do it over I'd probably buy their regular extensions, I don't fine the wobble feature is that useful (for what I mainly work on). But of course if I didn't have them then I'd find myself wishing I had them. I know, I know, get both. . .

I used to be VERY pro wobble-plus design. Overtime, I have evolved. Gotta have standard extensions obviously. So the "plus" of wobble plus doesn't really replace any tools. And it can be a hindrance, especially if forcing a socket onto a swollen fastener. I'll use all my wobble plus style until the break, and replace with standard wobble.

 

[71firebird400]

Thanks, I think the consensus goes with what I was thinking. If I'm resorting to using a flare nut wrench/socket the last thing I want is for it to slip. While Ko-Ken has some remarkably well designed stuff that I genuinely enjoy it does not strike me as quite as strong as Snap-On. I'll defer to my SO guy to fill out the wholes in my set.

 

[Ricky Joe]

I bought Snap-On on eBay about half of new price. I had other brands, but removing a sensor on a Mercedes turbo I could not keep the others from spreading. Snap-On did the job. That was a 17mm, if I remember correctly. It is possible that smaller sizes would not cause so much trouble. Usually once I break it loose I switch to a TAC socket for the tedious part. In fairness, Mac or Proto or other good brands may have been just as effective.

 

[nbpt100]

Is this a fair substitution?

3/8" Drive 10 Piece Metric, Flare Nut Socket Set, 10mm -19mm

Contains: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 mm Ideal for hydraulic, fuel, air and brake line applications. 200-degree folding head provides excellent access in confined spaces. Traditional flare nut wrench and crow foot function. Chrome finish for maximum resistance against corrosion...

shopdynamictools.com

 

[71firebird400]

Is this a fair substitution?

3/8" Drive 10 Piece Metric, Flare Nut Socket Set, 10mm -19mm

Contains: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 mm Ideal for hydraulic, fuel, air and brake line applications. 200-degree folding head provides excellent access in confined spaces. Traditional flare nut wrench and crow foot function. Chrome finish for maximum resistance against corrosion...

shopdynamictools.com

I already have a full set of crowsfeet (Snap-On) but a lot of times there isn’t even room for them on an injection pump which is where the sockets really shine.

 

[silvertina]

I will vouch for Koken flare nut sockets. I have used mine extensively for over 10 years now. Sizes 8, 10 for brake line fittings, 17 and 19 for diesel fuel lines on Isuzus and Fuso medium duty trucks, 22 size for oxygen sensors. 8 to 19 size are 3/8 drive, the 22 is 1/2 drive. Not a single one has spread yet.
I have no experience with SnapOn because none are available where I am located.