Flare nut wrench set

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. I don't use flare nut wrenches much but I'm going to be installing a bunch of brake lines in an 04 Silverado (all new lines). I don't know what sizes I'd need but I like buying sets. What are good sets to buy? Also, if the common sizes are in metric, are SAE worth buying to have in the box? School me! I don't want to spend a ton but I'm sure there are some designs not worth buying. Also, if any of your suggestions are available on Amazon, I have prime, but it's not a deal breaker.

 

[unslow1]

Installing new lines just about anything will work pretty well. Getting old lines off is an entirely different thing. What part of the country is this truck from?

 

[plinker]

Snap-on flare wrenches are the best, I do have a Carlyle metric set that is decent too.
I find a 3/8 x 7/16 & 10/12 the most common to use.

Cut the old lines off at the nut (Knipex mini bolt cutter is ideal) & use a socket to remove the nut. GM uses a 9/16 hex for their brake line nuts. Could be 14mm but I've found 9/16 works better in rust central.

A stubby wrench is quite helpful, angle wrench as well. The OE GM line kits and Dorman kits use the same size tube nuts. The GM kit doesnt come with axle lines though.

Make a diagram of what line goes to where from the ABS pump.

 

[Gaius]

If you're from the PNW like I am, regular wrenches usually work fine. Especially on a newer truck like that.

But I do have a set of old Napa Hand Tools, the stuff is made by Carlisle. Everything Carlisle I have has been quality.

 

[Wamsutta]

You probably don't need more than three sizes; maybe even just one size. A 15 x 17 is one of them. I'd rather put all the money into one good wrench instead of buying a whole set of cheap junky wrenches.

 

[Wrench97]

Snap are the best in line wrenches but if you are replacing the lines as suggested above cut the line off and use whatever you have that fits on the rusty/rotted nuts.

Also a good idea to make sure all the bleeders will open before starting..........

 

[nicks78camaro]

My SK set works well. I have both the straight and the offset.

 

[sberry]

I usually skip them and go right to 7 and 10R Vise Grips. Despite many contrary opinions with a little care and learnin a guy can even do it without damaging the nut ND it often loosens the nut around the line. If it's a little oblong I squeeze it back.
Once in a while I use them on brake but really for tube a guy needs to salvage. I am not sure about all the cheaper model's but Sears is scrap, this is a place that there is some real legitimate concensus that the Snaps are worth the money. I only have a couple though, special job deals. I have Can and Proto, the Proto are not much to rave about for fit either.

 

[Handyandy23]

Interested in seeing what people say. I'd like to upgrade my no name junk set but hoping not to have to jump to SO money.

The flex head GearWrench set looks interesting to me. Reviews are mostly good, but it seems like line wrenches inherently get poor reviews because of the job they do. So many rusted, dirty, stuck, etc fittings where probably no wrench would be a good fit.

The SK's are also available on Amazon for a decent price, but I feel like the flex head on the GW set would be handy.

 

[gatlibs]

I've only had the partial six point wrenches. Wright makes some 12 point that encircle fully. I'd be interested in reading opinions about them.

 

[rlitman]

...I find a 3/8 x 7/16 & 10/12 the most common to use...

Also 8 and 9mm (for some bleeders).

You probably don't need more than three sizes; maybe even just one size. A 15 x 17 is one of them. I'd rather put all the money into one good wrench instead of buying a whole set of cheap junky wrenches.

I own both. Can't say I've ever used either size yet.

 

[Szilagyi]

I have sk made craftsmen professional series, which can be found on ebay, and I also have some usa made Allen brand ones, that I believe someone said were made by williams, not sure on that. I would bet with new hardware that isn't seized or damaged tekton or hf would do you fine.

 

[Tallpilot]

Interested in seeing what people say. I'd like to upgrade my no name junk set but hoping not to have to jump to SO money.

The flex head GearWrench set looks interesting to me. Reviews are mostly good, but it seems like line wrenches inherently get poor reviews because of the job they do. So many rusted, dirty, stuck, etc fittings where probably no wrench would be a good fit.

The SK's are also available on Amazon for a decent price, but I feel like the flex head on the GW set would be handy.

I bought my Snappy’s on eBay. The metric around half retail the SAE were less. Start looking, it’s easier to stomach one wrench at a time.

Buy one then play around with it and your cheap one with a hex bit and you’ll see and feel the tolerance difference and how much more of the flats get contact.

 

[Handyandy23]

I have sk made craftsmen professional series, which can be found on ebay, and I also have some usa made Allen brand ones, that I believe someone said were made by williams, not sure on that. I would bet with new hardware that isn't seized or damaged tekton or hf would do you fine.

Are the Craftsman Pro the fully polished ones? Or could you get regular version in polished too? Seeing lots on eBay that are polished and made in USA, but not explicitly calling them Professional.

The cheap HF-quality ones I have now seem to spread. Maybe they would work on new fittings but most stuff I work on is rusty.

 

[TXpintail]

Has anybody compared the USA Williams to Snap On side by side for SAE double flare ends?

Williams has a 5 piece SAE set for about $85. Looks like the Williams metrics are non-USA though.

Was curious if they were identical, close enough, or just not in the same league as the Snap Ons.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

How are the gearwrench standard line wrenches? I'm not so much worried about installing the new lines, just getting the old ones off. If someone could shoot me the most popular sizes for brake jobs, I'd buy them individually. Otherwise, I'll buy the set and have my pick.

 

[Mr_B]

Toptul line wrenches are pretty nice although your best tools for old line removal will be some classic usa visegrips and 6 point socket with pipe cut off fittings ...

 

[Wamsutta]

Williams has a 5 piece SAE set for about $85. Looks like the Williams metrics are non-USA though.

Good way to save money on some SAE line wrenches.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Williams-F...369059&hash=item48c2bd86bc:g:79oAAOSwoOxcdatO

 

[JRas]

Has anybody compared the USA Williams to Snap On side by side for SAE double flare ends?

Williams has a 5 piece SAE set for about $85. Looks like the Williams metrics are non-USA though.

Was curious if they were identical, close enough, or just not in the same league as the Snap Ons.

SK and Wright both make sets, including metrics made in USA. I'd go that route for metric sizes at least.

Williams doesn't warranty Amazon btw, not sure if that's where you saw that price. Almost bought that 1/2" SAE impact set today, until I heard that.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I have SK regulars and Gearwrench in flex, both have been great.

Just a heads up, pretty sure you'll have to find a shop to plug in and bleed the ABS after you do the lines.

 

[TXpintail]

Williams doesn't warranty Amazon btw, not sure if that's where you saw that price. Almost bought that 1/2" SAE impact set today, until I heard that.

Price was off toolsdelivered.com. Didn’t know that about Amazon though, thanks.

 

[Dr. Remulak]

I keep a tiny 4" pipe wrench in my tool box for rounded off flare nuts. Sometimes you can put it back together with the wrench , in a pinch if you don't want to replace the line right away.

 

[Nineeightyone]

I love my Blackhawk/Proto wrenches, the set was around $80 on Amazon and they worked out beautifully for my needs.

The general consensus seems to be that if you need them, don't cheap out.

 

[engineer2]

Avoid Crescent. Had to buy a metric set in a hurry and the fit is sloppy enough to easily round off the fittings.

 

[rice rocket]

Someone buy my Snap-On metric set (RXFMS606B). New/unused. I was an idiot and won two auctions at once.


Hit me in the PMs.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I ordered the blackhawk set of 8

 

[M6erfan]

^^^Congrats, I'm sure they'll serve you well.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

^^^Congrats, I'm sure they'll serve you well.

I hope so!

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...nal-&-Metric-Flare-Nut-Wrench-Set---6-Point-/

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Fittings on the truck are 9/16

 

[Al Borland]

Been using HD Husky ones for a few years.
They are WORLDS better than my old SK wrenches.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hopefully these work on the old fittings, have no doubt they'll work on the new ones lol. The tricky part will be maneuvering all the lines into place