Is this a decent flaring tool?

[cmandp]

My dad and I need to replace a section of rotted out brake line on my mom's car tomorrow. We were having trouble finding a decent flaring tool locally and this Napa (rebranded KD, I think) one seems to be the best bet on such short notice. Will this make usable flares on standard steel brake line (NOT stainless)? Any first hand experience appreciated.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=SER41860_0386342702

 

[haveissues]

Mine is not napa but looks exactly the same minus the reamer. I have replaced brake lines on a few trucks with no issue. Just tighten the nut closer to the hole you are using down all the way and then the farther away one. You will get more leverage.

 

[snowman1981]

imperial makes a really nice flaring kit.

 

[WILD-BILL]

It's probably a lot better then the first one I had. The only thing I don;t like about these types are the small diameter tubing holes are at the end instead of in the middle where better clamping can be achieved.

While I prefer my MAC tools flaring kit, I still have and use my old cheap set at home for those just in case emergencies that pop up and I can't bring my good set home.

You should be just fine using that kit. Just make sure you ream the tubing good so that the pin on the die doesn't get stuck and break off in the tube.

 

[fflintstone]

FWIW the Ridgid style does a much better job of holding the tube in place.
check Amazon.

 

[rodm1]

HD sells Ridgid flare tools, They are in the plumbing section.

 

[cmandp]

imperial makes a really nice flaring kit.

FWIW the Ridgid style does a much better job of holding the tube in place.
check Amazon.

I'd like to have more choice by ordering online, but we need the tool today.

HD sells Ridgid flare tools, They are in the plumbing section.

I've never seen one in store, and HD doesn't list it on their website.

Mine is not napa but looks exactly the same minus the reamer. I have replaced brake lines on a few trucks with no issue. Just tighten the nut closer to the hole you are using down all the way and then the farther away one. You will get more leverage.

Good tip, read about that while looking for flaring tools.

It's probably a lot better then the first one I had. The only thing I don;t like about these types are the small diameter tubing holes are at the end instead of in the middle where better clamping can be achieved.

While I prefer my MAC tools flaring kit, I still have and use my old cheap set at home for those just in case emergencies that pop up and I can't bring my good set home.

You should be just fine using that kit. Just make sure you ream the tubing good so that the pin on the die doesn't get stuck and break off in the tube.

Will do.

 

[Mugen AP1]

FWIW the Ridgid style does a much better job of holding the tube in place.
check Amazon.

Ridgid makes fantastic flaring tools.

 

[remileblanc]

It looks identical to my Bluepoint set. Its an alright set but its still somewhat cheap quality. It works good if the like is perfectly square and deburred. I plummed a few complete brake systems on hotrods with it. Its still holding up good but the 3/16" die is having a hard time. i think i paid around 50$ for it.

 

[entryleveltech]

Has anyone tried otc's flaring kits?

 

[ken w.]

I think Imperial makes a real nice set. I like it better than my Blue Point one.

 

[ndoran]

Has anyone tried otc's flaring kits?

i have the metric bubble one - only used it a couple of times but it worked without any problems

 

[xj31]

Just tighten the nut closer to the hole you are using down all the way and then the farther away one. You will get more leverage.

Absolutely right and I have seen so many people not do that and then its the tools fault when the line slips out

 

[Buckgnarly]

Get the Ridgid and you will NEVER use any other manual flare tool again! Not counting the MasterCool kit, the Ridgid is the best out there, period.