Is this flaring kit any good?

[theamcaddict]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/40032981411...l?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=400329814114&_rdc=1

Ebay item 400329814114

I'm going to be doing some 3/16" brake line and this caught my eye.

 

[sparky7]

no not in my opinion. The only flaring tool i will use on automotive stuff is the mastercool hydraulic flaring tool. Makes life a lot easier and saves a lot of time/aggravation

 

[Mike007]

I have had that exact kit for 20 years. I'd say it's OK. Not great.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I also have the MasterCool set, I am spoiled now, I wouldnt use anything else. It's not that pricey.

 

[rodm1]

I also have the MasterCool set, I am spoiled now, I wouldnt use anything else. It's not that pricey.

+2

 

[fflintstone]

The mastercool set has many admirers, but it is not for a casual user. For a manual one you want a ridged. It clamps the tube in a superior fashion than the standard type in OP.

 

[Ben Buck]

K-D tools are a quality product in my opinion. If this is for home use, and your not going to be doing flaring time and time again, I'd say but it. The hydraulic units are nice also, but who am I, just my .03

 

[dragonballz]

If you are only doing 2 or 3 flares, get that cheap one. Doing anymore, get the MasterCool. It even does bubble flares that I needed for my Dodge

 

[GeneralDisorder]

Flaring is difficult enough without using a cheap tool. I give that a 90% chance of making crappy flares.

GD

 

[DougMN]

I have one that looks like that one but doesn't say K-D on it. I have used it alot and it does the job, but sometimes the flare is off center and I have to redo it. Any flare tool will do a bubble flare, it is just an unfinished double flare.

 

[sunshine1639]

Eastwood makes a nice one for brake lines but if you are doing just a couple it is probably cheaper to get them already made.

 

[snowman1981]

i would reccomend a flaring kit from imperial flaring company. they make a really well built set. just have to purchase the adapters seperate.

 

[Mastermind]

i hate that style flare tool. have never managed to make a flare that worked or i was happy with. just did a line 2 weeks ago, had four different brands like that, went to the parts store and bought the pre made lines and put them together. i need to look into the mastercool.

 

[Murphy4570]

I use the Snap-On one. Works very well. Matco one works well too.

Cheapo ones don't usually make flares that are worth a damn.

 

[dragonballz]

A bubble flare isnt a single flare

 

[HaroRider]

The mastercool set has many admirers, but it is not for a casual user. For a manual one you want a ridged. It clamps the tube in a superior fashion than the standard type in OP.

Ill agree a ridged is good enough for a DIY guy.

I fussed around with the cheap one, if you have time an patience you can get a good flare with the cheap ones, but it becomes a pain..

 

[bob15]

Flaring is difficult enough without using a cheap tool. I give that a 90% chance of making crappy flares.

GD

I have the same kit and have yet to make a bad flare in the 25 or so years I've been using it. My dad has a similar kit and has been using it for 50 or so years without issues. Maybe I'm the first to do it, but if you follow the directions, you won't have issues. Kinda of amazing, but true.

That kit comes in handy when you are under a vehicle and trying to replace a rotted piece of line without removing the entire brake line.

To the OP, buy it. It's not a bad tool.

bob

 

[racingtadpole]

I have an identical kit made by Imperial bought as a Blue Point around 20yrs ago. Ive done lines for quite a few old english cars with it (mostly minis and sprites) and its been easy enough to use.

That will make bubbles too, first step in making a double is making a bubble.