Larger line wrenches really needed?

[90zcar]

I have a set of snap on metric and SAE line wrenches and never have really used the larger sizes like 18mm+ and above 9/16"
Anyways. I understand the smaller ones needing that extra part of the wrench because they are small and soft.
I never really had an issue with larger fittings using a normal open ended wrench.

Opinions?


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[MattVette89]

I've used 16/18 on GM power steering lines.

 

[mp23]

I use mine more than you would think. Some aftermarket fuel filters etc..

 

[wafrederick]

I have used a 20mm line wrench on a few power steering lines.Chrysler has a few of them.One is in the 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees,the fan is ran by the power steering in them with the 4.7 V8.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Off hand I can't remember what size they are but I have used larger than 9/16" on some AN fittings.

 

[srmofo]

Power steering racks and fuel lines at the filter.

 

[rockinacummins]

I use a 3/4 a LOT on injector lines. Cummins and John Deere.

 

[Rico.]

I think everyone is missing the point of the OP....

He's not saying that large flare nut wrenches aren't used at all... He's saying that
on large size line fittings a quality open end wrench will do the job no problem.


I would probably agree with the OP's point, but for the sake of maybe 2 extra
wrenches it's nice to have the added security of a flare wrench for the larger sizes.

 

[JBradley500]

I think keeping a 3/4"-7/8" combo is a good idea. 3/4(19mm) is common enough, and the 7/8"(22mm) is nice for O2 sensors.

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

On the machines I work on its hit or miss if a quality wrench will take apart brake or a/c lines without destroying couplers or fittings. Knowing this if I have to take apart brake lines or A/C lines I always try a line wrench first. In my opinion and to do my job yes, line wrenches are a must have tool and I have a set that goes from 1/4 to 1 1/4. I dont run into enough metric fittings to justify a metric set but when its the norm I will invest.

 

[sberry]

They use an 18 on cars. I got a couple big hi dollar ones for equipment in 12 pt.

 

[smiffy]

If you ever have to change hydraulic lines they are 100% needed as alot of spool blockes are desighned so a open end wont fit as its to beefy
some you can just manage by taking all the hoses off starting at number 1
but others there is no way especially if using steel pipes

 

[zcbauer89]

I uses a 1-1/8 line wrench on a few tractors.

 

[rockinacummins]

I think everyone is missing the point of the OP....

He's not saying that large flare nut wrenches aren't used at all... He's saying that
on large size line fittings a quality open end wrench will do the job no problem.


I would probably agree with the OP's point, but for the sake of maybe 2 extra
wrenches it's nice to have the added security of a flare wrench for the larger sizes.

Ah, I see. Yes I've used large open end wrenches on big hydraulic lines quite a bit and never had an issue other than clearance sometimes.

 

[wafrederick]

The 20mm works well when replacing a GM fuel filter also.

 

[dave89iroc]

The 20mm works well when replacing a GM fuel filter also.

Definitely

 

[stephen4785]

I use a lot of the big line wrenches on stuff. I have them all in 6 point and 12 point. But I work on a lot of hydraulics where you cant get a normal wrench on the fittings.

 

[srmofo]

I think everyone is missing the point of the OP....

He's not saying that large flare nut wrenches aren't used at all... He's saying that
on large size line fittings a quality open end wrench will do the job no problem.


I would probably agree with the OP's point, but for the sake of maybe 2 extra
wrenches it's nice to have the added security of a flare wrench for the larger sizes.

Obviously never tried to remove a fuel filter or power steering line at the rack from a vehicle in the salt belt. They are as bad or worse than any brake line because the components can not be simply replaced

 

[Raven GT]

I also use the larger ones on hydraulic lines and couplers in tight spaces, where an open end wrench won't fit, or because the lines are close togheter.
And sometimes the nut part of older fittings are really thin and easy to mangle with an open end wrench.

Added advantage, they don't slip off as easy as an open end when everything is covered in hydraulic oil, and you need to give it lots of torque at weird angles.

 

[shockwave]

For larger fastners I really do like the wider open ends like on Bonney made and snap on on their open/flare sets

And on the gm I have used the 20mm to hold and loosen with 15mm at the fuel filter but they are not as common as they used to be just Chrysler hydraulic fans now

 

[snippits]

Had a Jeep Cherokee, and the power steering high pressure line needed to be replaced, but my line wrenches did not go that high. Not sure what the size was since it was long ago, but I think some where around 19mm. There was no way that an open end was going to remove it since it had been on there for almost 20 years. I tried various open ends, and it never budged plus it started rounding off slightly.

I ended up cutting the line, and then using a deep socket to remove it plus the radiator had to be removed to use the socket, but I was replacing that too. Could not get a socket and extension in there without the radiator removed, but a proper line wrench would have worked without radiator removal.

Always on the hunt for used large line wrenches, but I don't have much luck finding any.

 

[bobbycos]

used a 27mm flare wrench on the air fitting of my M7 impact wrench to reseat the red plastic cover at the bottom which was sticking up at a peculiar angle (quality control missed mine apparently)