Flare nut wrench sizes

[ajchien]

Im a sheltered DIYer that works on Hondas. I've got a smaller SK flare nut wrench set that covers 9-14mm. I've only ever used the 10-12mm wrench.

Still I keep looking at the larger wrench sizes and wonder ... Where do you guys run into the larger sized lines that need flare nut wrenches?

 

[06 DIESEL]

I use them for nuts that I don't want to twist off that I can not get a closed end on. I think I have up to 17 or 19mm in my set and I have used them all.

 

[mailpup]

Power steering fittings like on a rack and pinion. Fuel filter fittings and other fuel line fittings.

 

[V70R]

Newer Volvo's use 17mm diameters for their master cylinders, and Volkswagen TDI's fuel pump lines as well.

 

[Sloasszx3]

Power steering lines on some Hyundai's.

 

[racingtadpole]

Hydrolastic lines on old mini's

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

transmission lines.

 

[Thunderbisciut]

Power steering, some fans are hydraulic, brakes, fuel system, transmission coolers, oil coolers, ac system, etc etc. Anything that has a line or wires coming off it.

 

[dirtmister16]

gm fuel filters take i think 18 and 19. i have a full snap on set up to 19. bought them after i tried to help my uncle with his and had alot of trouble.

otherwise i have standard in blackhack which are good, sk which i thought are too loose, craftsman which are ok,and one snap on which is great.

 

[wafrederick]

GM fuel filter is a 5/8 for the fitting.18mm,GM,Chrysler and Ford power steering lines.GM does use 12mm and 14mm for the ISO brake line fittings in the ABS brake systems

 

[quad shop]

Injector lines on my Cummins 17mn on one side 19 on the other iirc

 

[Strouty]

So has anyone ever used a 9mm? I am looking at Snap On, but I was trying to get the open end/flare and they don't offer the larger sizes. I just don't want to buy an expensive wrench if it will never get used. I guess while we are at it, what sizes (SAE and Metric) do you guys use?

 

[Thunderbisciut]

That's going to depend greatly on what you're working on. I personally have 9-19 and 21mm. I plan on picking up some 3/8-3/4 by 16ths randomly to have, and I may end up never using them.

 

[andywander]

I used a 5/8" yesterday on an air fitting on my compressor.

 

[GeneralDisorder]

18mm Chrysler power steering lines - generally need a crows-foot line wrench for those though. I find very often that I can just use the crows-foot set with a small breaker bar or ratchet and its a lot more universal. Mine are snap on and were crazy expensive.... But they fit very well. I've found with flare nut wrenches that its about how well they fit (If I wanted a loose fit then I could use an open end) so HIGH quality is paramount. They are pretty much a super useless tool purchase if they don't fit with EXACTING precision. Anything less than a tool truck brand is a bad idea.

GD

 

[pilotman81]

I use my SO SAE set for lines and fittings on everything from Cooper-Bessemer engines to my Ford. Cheaper wrenches just do not fit tightly enough to be an improvement over open ends.

 

[bcradio]

.... otherwise i have standard in blackhack which are good,.....

How are those blackhack wrenches treating you? Is that a new brand?

 

[crewchief888]

10, 14, 17, 18, 19mm
5/16, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 11/16

are about the only ones i use.
probably get more use out of the 17mm for HP fuel injection lines.

 

[davesnothere]

Mine have been getting a workout lately. P/S pressure hoses blowing left and right.