Flare Wrenches

[WhiteLightning]

I've done some searching online and on this forum, but wanted to see what people thought of the following flare wrench sets. Currently, I am borrowing a friends SK set, and its very nice. The finish is great, and they seem like a quality product, which is to be expected. Now that Craftsman has transitioned some of its product to be foreign made, I am unsure about purchasing certain tools from them. I want to eventually purchase a set of flare wrenches for my own tool box.

What are your thoughts on the following:
Craftsman #42013 ($35 'ish shipped)
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-flare-nut-wrench-set-metric/p-00942013000P?prdNo=1

GearWrench #81906 ($60 'ish shipped)
http://gearwrench.com/catalog/wrenches/non-ratcheting/flare_nut/setdetails.jsp?part=81906

SK #664-376 ($90 'ish shipped)
http://www.skhandtool.com/products/wrenches/product.aspx?ID=1729&view=view

1. Are the Craftsman ones USA made?
2. Are the Gearwrench USA made?
3. Are the Gearwrench "good" SnapOn 'copies'?
4. Which is the best value for a tool someone would rarely use? Cost vs. longevity.
5. Are the SK of 'SnapOn quality' for a fraction of the price?

It almost seems like the Gearwrench might be a good compromise, and save you $30 over the SK. I have two SK socket sets (3/8" and 1/4"), but all my wrenches are Craftsman. I don't have a brand loyalty going on, but also don't mind spending a few dollars for something of decent quality.

 

[richfinn]

I have some SK Superkrome flare nut spanners and they are very nice quality, maybe 15 years old but never fail, that's the only SK stuff I have and it's not popular in the UK but I would try some other stuff if I could find it.

 

[zkling]

O boy...... Here we go

I think, key word think, that the pro craftsman and the sks are one in the same. The regular craftsman raised panels have a bad rap on here for spreading.
I will let the experts weight in though

 

[TwoInch]

the polished craftsman have been china for a few years now, along with all the polished wrenches. you might be able to find NOS raised panel flare wrench sets, as i did. they get a bad rap, but i have never had a problem with raised panel wrenches of any kind. the older professional craftsman flare wrenches were SK rebrands, and great wrenches. they pop up on ebay once in a while and are generally worth the money, but you wont be able to warranty them for a good wrench.

the SK are great wrenches im sure, and probably worth the money.

i have heard good and not so good on the gearwrench flares, i have never used them personally, but would give them a shot. i have been satisfied with all my gearwrench completely.

 

[TwoInch]

O boy...... Here we go

I think, key word think, that the pro craftsman and the sks are one in the same. The regular craftsman raised panels have a bad rap on here for spreading.
I will let the experts weight in though

those professional Cmans havent been made for a number of years, and i do believe they were pre Ideal SK also. anything craftsman and polished is chinese for a while now.

 

[Super Sport]

the polished craftsman have been china for a few years now, along with all the polished wrenches. you might be able to find NOS raised panel flare wrench sets, as i did. they get a bad rap, but i have never had a problem with raised panel wrenches of any kind. the older professional craftsman flare wrenches were SK rebrands, and great wrenches. they pop up on ebay once in a while and are generally worth the money, but you wont be able to warranty them for a good wrench.

the SK are great wrenches im sure, and probably worth the money.

i have heard good and not so good on the gearwrench flares, i have never used them personally, but would give them a shot. i have been satisfied with all my gearwrench completely.

What this guy said, to a T.

I personally have the old SK-rebadged Cman Pros and am very happy with them and my other SK-made wrenches. I would argue that they are close to SO quality. However, they are not offset any, which may be a problem in certain areas.

 

[glenmore]

An inexpensive set would be just fine. The GearWrench set looks nice, on sale would be even better.

You don't tend to use these a lot so no reason to sink a lot of money in them.

Any type with a thinner profile comes in handy when you are using 2 together, one as a counter hold and one to break.

I like nice shiny Snap-On tools so I compromised and bought a used set. They will always be worth what I paid for them.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

There are only a few tools that I believe Snap On's are the only way to go...SO flare nut wrenches are the only ones that I would buy......

 

[WhiteLightning]

There are only a few tools that I believe Snap On's are the only way to go...SO flare nut wrenches are the only ones that I would buy......

What are the other tools that are "SO only way to go"?

 

[rodm1]

I have the S&K's the bad thing about them is the heads are huge. If I where going to do it again I would buy Snap On I think.

 

[WhiteLightning]

I have the S&K's the bad thing about them is the heads are huge. If I where going to do it again I would buy Snap On I think.

I am trying to justify cost vs. use. The flare wrenches are one of those tools I, personally, won't use often. So to pay $1xx for SO, I can't justify that.

 

[rodm1]

What are the other tools that are "SO only way to go"?

Ratchets, Ball joint press, Hydraulic flare tool, Air hammer. I would buy the SO flare tool only for the warranty on the dies otherwise go with Mastercool..

 

[53 hemi]

I've got a set of older, raised panel Craftsman. Good wrenches, vital when I need them but never used enough to worry about spreading. The heads are a little wide, though. My came in a Sears mechanics tool set about 9 years ago.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Of your choices the s&k or gearwrench sets should serve you fine.

I don't have any first hand use experience with the current crafty outsourced polished wrench set, so I can't say one way or another

 

[TAMPAGT07]

What are the other tools that are "SO only way to go"?

Ratchets, Ball joint press, Hydraulic flare tool, Air hammer. I would buy the SO flare tool only for the warranty on the dies otherwise go with Mastercool..

Thanx rodm1.....Ratchets big time....(Although I really do like my HF composite ratchets too) I really like my 1/4" flex sockets too....

 

[5mall5nail5]

I'll sell ya some SK's for $100

 

[RCStocker]

They will all do the job equally. They are all good tools. I would put the craftsman and Gearwrench on the same quality level. SK is miles ahead and right up there within 5% of Sanp-on

You can find SK flair nut wrenches use for less than the other to brands cost new most of the time. If I had one brand to buy it would be SK. I have them all including Snap-on so I know how they all work. If you need the best the brightest and the best finish then buy Snap-on There is no such thing as a perfect tool. I have a set of HF in my boat box because we have 2 wave runners, sky boat and 2 sail boats in the family. the HF work just as good as the Snappies. I just will not cry if they rust or fall in. LOL

 

[Midman914]

I've got the Craftsman raised panel USA made. The only times I have used them is when nothing else will work, mostly brake and hydraulic lines. They have served me well in the fifteen years I have owned them, but I have only used them about ten times in fifteen years. If I were to buy a set now it would be SK. Mainly because I am on an SK kick lately. It's kind of like Crowsfeet. I want to buy a set so bad, but never had a use for them. I have only used one once to undo a brake line fitting on a 99 Chevy 3/4 ton. It saved me from having to drop the fuel tank, but I don't foresee ever having to do that job ever again.

 

[shoturtle]

1 no,
2 no,
3 depends on who you ask. But GW makes a good tool.
4 depends on the buyer what is more important. But with the brands you mention you they will all last. And have good warranties.
5 no, but SK are good never the less.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Snap on's are beefy. And if you're good at eBay-ing, you can get a 5 piece SAE for $80 shipped, and a 6 piece metric for $100 shipped, both in pristine condition. That's not too much more than the SK's are new.

The SK's are bad though, and they will probably serve you just fine. CMAN and GW I would stay away from for flare nut wrenches (and I own a bunch of their tools, just not Flare nut wrenches).

Technically the warranty doesn't transfer owners for SO tools, but that rarely is a problem unless you are trying to exchange buckets of rusty tools you picked up at a garage sale (which is just abusive of a good warranty, and why companies change policies...).

 

[oldldh]

I've got the Craftsman Raised Panel metric and SAE set...

So far, so good...

They didn't cost an arm and a leg, and they work, but there are better wrenches out there...

I don't know if the CM are still made here...bought mine about 90 days ago, and they are "Forged in the USA"...

You pays your money, and takes a chance...decent enough for the money...

(Got my 9 pc set on sale for $20.00...there's a reason I bought them...)

 

[2jz4me]

I like SK a lot and have their stubby wrench sets. I also plan on purchasing SK flare wrenches. FYI-
http://www.landmsupply.com/departme...=google_base&gclid=CPmvs-ipy7cCFYo-Mgod32sAJw

 

[CWP1616L]

What are the other tools that are "SO only way to go"?

Swivel sockets (non-impact)

 

[jmm]

Isn't it annoying when someone reads a thread title such as this one and immediately knows what to reply with before considering the OP's situation? Just to blurt out SNAP ON. Come on. He needs something at a bargain that won't spread.

Go Gearwrench. A coworker has them. They're not as nice as my Snap-Ons, but I like em.

 

[celticbhoy]

An inexpensive set would be just fine. The GearWrench set looks nice, on sale would be even better.

You don't tend to use these a lot so no reason to sink a lot of money in them.

Any type with a thinner profile comes in handy when you are using 2 together, one as a counter hold and one to break.

I like nice shiny Snap-On tools so I compromised and bought a used set. They will always be worth what I paid for them.

I disagree with this. I know that you bought the SO set, as did I, and after using a lot of inexpensive sets, i've come to realize that although I may not use flare nut wrenches as often as combo wrenches, flare nut wrenches is one tool that you cannot afford to have fail, which is why I think that you need to invest in a good set of flare nut wrenches, and that may be pricy. SO makes the best FN wrenches, hands down. Don't know about the SK though. I have no problem spending upwards of $200 on a set of FN wrenches that I know will not spread, cause one that nut becomes rounded, you'll wish you spent the extra money.

 

[celticbhoy]

Isn't it annoying when someone reads a thread title such as this one and immediately knows what to reply with before considering the OP's situation? Just to blurt out SNAP ON. Come on. He needs something at a bargain that won't spread.

Go Gearwrench. A coworker has them. They're not as nice as my Snap-Ons, but I like em.

I don't think we're just blurting out SNAP ON.... or at least i'm not because I won't buy any SO tools new, only used and if it's better than what I have for a good price. I just suggested SO instead because they're the only company that i've used that hasn't been complete **** (can't give an opinion on SK though). I would look for a used set of SO flare nut wrenches (that do not have the off centredness of course).

 

[Loscaldazar]

Isn't it annoying when someone reads a thread title such as this one and immediately knows what to reply with before considering the OP's situation? Just to blurt out SNAP ON. Come on. He needs something at a bargain that won't spread.

Go Gearwrench. A coworker has them. They're not as nice as my Snap-Ons, but I like em.

Seeing as how you can get SO flare nut wrenches off eBay for only slightly more than the SK everyone else was throwing out I think it is a legitimate option.

 

[Texican]

Look on eBay for a set of Proto flare wrenches. I got a set for $25. They are really stout.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Isn't it annoying when someone reads a thread title such as this one and immediately knows what to reply with before considering the OP's situation? Just to blurt out SNAP ON. Come on. He needs something at a bargain that won't spread.

Go Gearwrench. A coworker has them. They're not as nice as my Snap-Ons, but I like em.

Seems to be the mantra here. The OP asked about 3 particular brands he was considering

 

[celticbhoy]

Seems to be the mantra here. The OP asked about 3 particular brands he was considering

And we let him know of a brand that he could buy used at the same price that makes a better, more dependable flare nut wrench than the three he asked about. (ONCE AGAIN, CAN'T TALK ABOUT SK!).

 

[cheechi]

I bought this set at the end of last year, and they were USA made then. I needed one, had to borrow it, then bought the set when they went on sale. I think it was about $26 or so then.

Of course, no I haven't used them yet.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

And we let him know of a brand that he could buy used at the same price that makes a better, more dependable flare nut wrench than the three he asked about. (ONCE AGAIN, CAN'T TALK ABOUT SK!).

You are comparing used snappy prices to new gearwrench, crafty and s&k, not quite the same thing. A more accurate comparison would be new/new or used/used.

I have many brands and other than some HF flare line wrenches I haven't seen any significant difference in performance between the brands and I've been spinning wrenches for nearly 40 years on some of the most rusted, wore out, POS cars and trucks.

Could you link the lab testing results from where you got your info?

 

[celticbhoy]

You are comparing used snappy prices to new gearwrench, crafty and s&k, not quite the same thing. A more accurate comparison would be new/new or used/used.

I have many brands and other than some HF flare line wrenches I haven't seen any significant difference in performance between the brands and I've been spinning wrenches for nearly 40 years on some of the most rusted, wore out, POS cars and trucks.

Could you link the lab testing results from where you got your info?

I don't need a link to a lab testing result, I know by personal experience and my coworkers, and i'll take that over any "lab test", but thanks for the immaturity.

 

[e30bradley]

get a used set of SK line wrenches

 

[Loscaldazar]

I bought this set at the end of last year, and they were USA made then. I needed one, had to borrow it, then bought the set when they went on sale. I think it was about $26 or so then.

Of course, no I haven't used them yet.

My store is all Chinese for flare nut wrenches. The Chinese CMAN flare nut wrenches are identical to the northern tool "Northern Industrial" brand flare nut wrench set. GW seem similar to them, but not sure if they are actually exactly the same.

So once again I recommend the SK new or eBay Snap On For about the same price (or slightly more) in pristine condition.

Seems to be the mantra here. The OP asked about 3 particular brands he was considering

 

[kossuth]

Of your choices the s&k or gearwrench sets should serve you fine.

I don't have any first hand use experience with the current crafty outsourced polished wrench set, so I can't say one way or another

They are garbage. I broke one of my USA wrenches and had to swap it out and the lobster claw mentality transferred over to them too. Working on a tight set of power steering lines and the new wrench wouldn't fit in the tight spot the old one would.

 

[Montysmith]

hi .. this is Monty and I'm an automobile engineer .. so it's quite obvious for me to look for newly arrived automobile components .. the forum has a big community to discuss upon the same tools .. this is why I'm here..

 

[pendragon1998]

How about NOS USA-made KD flare wrenches? I just picked up a 10 mm x 12 mm at cripesdistributing.com for $4. I had a big order there, so I just tossed it on the pile since shipping was basically free at that point. I've never owned one, so I'm curious if it will do good by me.

 

[Frosthy]

Question should be "What will you use them for?"

If you're gonna bleed brakes, break the bleeders loose with a 6-point socket and then use the open end of a (good!) wrench to work the bleeders when your bleeding them. And snug back down with the 6-point.

If you plan on doing power steering, fuel, or brake lines, get a good set of line wrenches. I've used USA-made C-Man flare nut wrenches.. And I was disappoint. Snap-On Flare Nut wrenches are worth it, they can also be found new on eBay in the $160 range.

Or if you have room, just get a set of 7" Knipex Cobra's. Lulz.

 

[shoturtle]

I seriously hope the SK wrenches aren't of Snap-on quality.

There have been complaints for years of Snap-on sending out line wrenches with off-center broaching.

Here's a recent thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3148234

Here are a couple more that go back to 2008:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21663

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16221&showall=1

Every brand has their shear of defects. Sk had a bunch during the bankrupcy years. But i think most here would take so pver sk 90% of the time. Even with the defects the slip through qc. Jmo