Line/Flare nut Wrenches

[kartracer55]

This is one Item I dont own in Metric, and probably should.

But really, I was wondering how important it is to use actual line wrenches, compared to just using a typical open end wrench. I have done lines with open end wrenches a bunch of times before and have not had a problem doing so. So, do you guys recommend I buy a set? What about you guys who do this for a living... do you use them or do you find yourself using regular open end wrenches?

Whats really killing me is I KNOW I would have to spedn a good bit of $$ on these. I have watchet MAC line-wrench crows feet literally spread on fittings, so Im writting MAC line wrenches off. I have used SK without much of a problem but the wrenches tend to be a little short.

Obviously Snap-On's are good, and the guys at work swear by them, but at 210$ a set (how do these compare to the Matco's @ 205), Id rather not buy them if I dont have to. Has anybody tried the Craftsman Pro's? Are they better than the regular ones because those DEFINETLY spread. 40$ is much nicer than 200+.

Thoughts?

Jim

 

[ImportTuner]

I have the both the flare nut wrenches and flare nut crow's foot; you really need them when working on the brake system; anything on the brake line will be rounded without them. I have both SAE and Metric even though the SAE set has never been touched ... you never know when you might need it .......

 

[bmwpower]

Definitely get 6 points over 12 points (like Craftsman), whatever brand you get. I have the Metric and SAE Craftsman Pro sets and a Snap-on 12 point set. On stuck fittings, especially the soft aluminum kind, they tend to round the fitting. The Craftsman ones don't spread as far as I can tell.

The only downside to 6 points is positioning, and with the location of some of these fittings, a backup set of 12 points is a good last choice.

Open end wrenches do nothing but round stuff off even quicker. You need force from all sides on tough fittings - something an open end wrench does not provide.

 

[wilbilt]

I always liked the S•K line wrenches. Other brands I've had tended to spread.

 

[justinmc]

This is one Item I dont own in Metric, and probably should.

But really, I was wondering how important it is to use actual line wrenches, compared to just using a typical open end wrench. I have done lines with open end wrenches a bunch of times before and have not had a problem doing so. So, do you guys recommend I buy a set? What about you guys who do this for a living... do you use them or do you find yourself using regular open end wrenches?

Whats really killing me is I KNOW I would have to spedn a good bit of $$ on these. I have watchet MAC line-wrench crows feet literally spread on fittings, so Im writting MAC line wrenches off. I have used SK without much of a problem but the wrenches tend to be a little short.

Obviously Snap-On's are good, and the guys at work swear by them, but at 210$ a set (how do these compare to the Matco's @ 205), Id rather not buy them if I dont have to. Has anybody tried the Craftsman Pro's? Are they better than the regular ones because those DEFINETLY spread. 40$ is much nicer than 200+.

Thoughts?

Jim

I have a set of Snap-On's.. probably the nicest set of wrenches I own bar none. They fit what they are suppose to fit. They don't spread out. They are long enough you can torque on (without overtorquing) the line/fitting you need to get off. I wouldn't ever use an regular open ended wrench on a line. I've done it in the past and only managed to mangle up the fittings enough that I had to use vice grips to finally get it off and then cut the line off and bend a new one and replace it. Doing that once will make you invest in a good set of line wrenches. The good thing about the Snap-On set is its a full set. 9-21mm are all represented. Just remember... the $$ you save now won't pay for the satisfaction of reaching in your box and having the RIGHT tool for the job when the time comes.

 

[Junkman]

If it weren't for the line/tubing wrench, and my hot wrench, I would still be under my 1978 trying to snake in new brake lines. Sure, there are times that you just have to make due with what you have, but when it comes to brake lines, where the flare end nuts are soft, nothing buy the proper wrench is going to work. There have been times when I would just stop working on a vehicle until I got the correct tool for the job, because I knew that if I messed it up, that I would be spending a lot more time trying to fix what wasn't originally broken. I have always said that the cheapest tools in the hands of an experienced mechanic can do wonders, and the best tools in the hands of a hacker, can make you wonder what is going to break next...

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have had good luck with my $25 Craftsman flare wrenches. You need to be aware of what you are doing and if it feels like it is slipping, STOP!

I have found E-bay and pawn shops are great places to pick-up flare wrenches for way less than new prices. I have a full set of Snap-On that cost less than $30 total.

 

[MXtras]

...But really, I was wondering how important it is to use actual line wrenches, compared to just using a typical open end wrench. I have done lines with open end wrenches a bunch of times before and have not had a problem doing so. ......Thoughts?

Jim

The problem is that the one time you do have a problem, it can turn into a BIG problem - especially if it's a customer's car. Round off one nut and you might find yourself replacing an entire line! I don't like being in those situations so I have a lot of faith in using the best suited tool for the job.

Scott

 

[eschoendorff]

I have used the Cman Pro's with good results. The Pros look to be night and day different than the standard Cman flare wrenches.

 

[kartracer55]

Damn... I guess I need line wrenches haha

So what brand? How are the SK's compared to Snap On? What do you guys think about Matco's? I have never used a line wrench from Matco, so I really dont know about the quality. Thier open ends seem to spread a bit more than snap-ons do. Has anybody used both the craftsman pro's and snap ons?

Thoughts?

Jim

 

[wilbilt]

I have used the Cman Pro's with good results. The Pros look to be night and day different than the standard Cman flare wrenches.

I hope so, because the regular Craftsmans are undoubtedly the worst I've ever used.

 

[dink]

Craftmens non professional stuff has become plain ****....I have the proffesional metric flarenut wrenches....and they are decent....I was looking at the SK's but I knew they would be used VERY VERY rarely...so I just went with the Craftsmen prof....still a decent wrench

 

[kartracer55]

Craftmens non professional stuff has become plain ****....I have the proffesional metric flarenut wrenches....and they are decent....I was looking at the SK's but I knew they would be used VERY VERY rarely...so I just went with the Craftsmen prof....still a decent wrench

Ed and Dink,
Have you guys ever really yanked on them? Is there alot of spread in the open ends? The regular ones REALLY spread.

Thanks

Jim

 

[MXtras]

I have a set of Crapsman Pro wrenches I only use at the track (in the trailer tool box) and I can say I am not all that impressed with them as compared to any others. They spread just as easily as the regular Crapsmans in my opinion, but they look better doing it!

Scott

 

[Coach James]

I have some Blackhawk flare wrenches. Shiny chrome finish. They have worked real good for me the few times I used them.

As to Craftsman Pro, I have a couple friends that use them and like them. One of the garages here in town uses Craftsman Pro for all their hand tools and the owner says the guys like all of them.

Coach

 

[eschoendorff]

Ed and Dink,
Have you guys ever really yanked on them? Is there alot of spread in the open ends? The regular ones REALLY spread.

Thanks

Jim

I dunno... I used them on a corvette M/C. I have a full set of these in case any flare wrench ever fails, though:

 

[dink]

Yes I have seen some spreading on the Craftsmen unfortunatly

 

[bmwpower]

I have both.

Snap-on ones don't open up. The Craftsman Pros don't open either, but the size seems to be a tad off since they tend to round fittings more than the Snap-ons do.

 

[kartracer55]

I have both.

Snap-on ones don't open up. The Craftsman Pros don't open either, but the size seems to be a tad off since they tend to round fittings more than the Snap-ons do.

So, if you were me, which would you get? 40$ sounds alot better than 210, but of the snap on line wrenches are really that much better, then they are worth getting.

Jim

 

[dink]

So, if you were me, which would you get? 40$ sounds alot better than 210, but of the snap on line wrenches are really that much better, then they are worth getting.

Jim

IF I were you I would look at the SK's those were nice....I just didnt want to spend the money on those when they wouldnt be used that often

 

[Junkman]

I dunno... I used them on a corvette M/C. I have a full set of these in case any flare wrench ever fails, though:

I've seen that vice grip before and have always wondered exactly what it was originally designed for. Are you claiming that it is to take the place of a flare wrench??????

 

[bmwpower]

So, if you were me, which would you get? 40$ sounds alot better than 210, but of the snap on line wrenches are really that much better, then they are worth getting.

Jim

$210? Wow.

I would say go for the Snap-ons in 6 point. These looks very nice. Flare nut side to break tough fittings, open end to quickly turn loosen the fitting the rest of the way. Ingenious. You won't find a 6 point Craftsman Pro or a combo wrench like the Snap-on's

 

[dink]

$210? Wow.

I would say go for the Snap-ons in 6 point. These looks very nice. Flare nut side to break tough fittings, open end to quickly turn loosen the fitting the rest of the way. Ingenious. You won't find a 6 point Craftsman Pro or a combo wrench like the Snap-on's

Man that is a lovely wrench....I will take 2

 

[ImportTuner]

$210? Wow.

I would say go for the Snap-ons in 6 point. These looks very nice. Flare nut side to break tough fittings, open end to quickly turn loosen the fitting the rest of the way. Ingenious. You won't find a 6 point Craftsman Pro or a combo wrench like the Snap-on's

Is it made out of gold ..? $210 for A wrench ...

 

[bmwpower]

Man that is a lovely wrench....I will take 2

Yea, me too. The only downside is you need 2x as many wrenches with this set.

 

[toolfreak]

I don't use my line wrenches much but they are a must have tool imo. I have a set of craftsman pros and they are good enough if you don't plan on turning wrenches for a living. I also have sae and metric set of snap on wrenches with flarenut on one end and open end on the other. The open end is a lot thicker than a regular wrench and do not flex so the also work well on hoses.

Jim you really need to check ebay more often because if your patient you can get some good deals. I have spent alot of money buying tools off ebay and never pay over half price for any of them. Most were either new or very good condition. I have bought several wrench sets by just putting in a low bid thinking I won't get it and nobody else bids on it.

 

[kartracer55]

Yeah, I just dont have the patients for ebay sometimes. It seems like EVERYBODY gets all the good snap on deals. Ill try again, but Id like to get something either new or fairly new... Im not a big fan of used tools.

Got any favorite sellers?

Jim

 

[kartracer55]

Yea, me too. The only downside is you need 2x as many wrenches with this set.

I like those, but as you said... you need 2x as many wrenches. But I think I can live without the larger sizes... right?


Jim

 

[bmwpower]

I like those, but as you said... you need 2x as many wrenches. But I think I can live without the larger sizes... right?


Jim

Sometimes you need the larger ones, like on a BMW auto ****** pan fitting. Not sure of the size, but they're big....and if they've never been cracked open...well, you know the story.

 

[kartracer55]

Sometimes you need the larger ones, like on a BMW auto ****** pan fitting. Not sure of the size, but they're big....and if they've never been cracked open...well, you know the story.

Do you think I shoudl go for the 10-14 set and then just buy the additional wrench when I need it?

What would you guys do?

Also, Coach James, do you remember where you got that balckhawk set, and how old it is?

Jim

 

[bmwpower]

Do you think I shoudl go for the 10-14 set and then just buy the additional wrench when I need it?

What would you guys do?

Also, Coach James, do you remember where you got that balckhawk set, and how old it is?

Jim

I vote for getting the 10-14 set and then getting the remaining sizes when you need it.

There's a new set out there on eBay now... not a heck of a lot cheaper, but....
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Snap-on-wre...261QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320070097148

 

[toolfreak]

Yeah, I just dont have the patients for ebay sometimes. It seems like EVERYBODY gets all the good snap on deals. Ill try again, but Id like to get something either new or fairly new... Im not a big fan of used tools.

Got any favorite sellers?

Jim

I use to feel the same way about used tools but as long as they appear to be in good shape and have no engraving on them I don't care if they are used. I just look a day ahead almost every night hoping to find a good deal.

 

[bmwpower]

Yeah, I just dont have the patients for ebay sometimes. It seems like EVERYBODY gets all the good snap on deals. Ill try again, but Id like to get something either new or fairly new... Im not a big fan of used tools.

Got any favorite sellers?

Jim

Bid sniper, baby! My best friend.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Open end Flare Nut, was Re: Line/Flare nut Wrenches

The Craftsman Pro line, are so much improved over the regular (IMHO), but even the newer regular are different then the old ones I had access to (all been swapped for the pro line).
I have some no longer sold, Kobalt's (dual flare nut), that were made back in the days when J.H. Williams was doing them for Lowe's. They look, and act like the Snap~On's and cost a BOATLOAD less. PO'd the guys at the shop when they saw them.
I was looking for some for a portable box (read, HIGH THEFT CHANCE), and asked about V8 tools ones (open end flare nut), via thetoolwarehouse.net. Haven't ever seen a decent picture of them (always tiny) nor do I know of anyone with them, so I nixed that idea. Still would like a better pic.

I ended up purchasing over a bit, Snap~On's via sales, ebay, etc. I went with the open end flare nut style, to compliment my Armstrong, box end, gearwrench end style. I leave them in the wrench rolls for easy transport. I don't want to chance these with my portable box. I think I am still missing the 9 and the 17mm, but otherwise have full sets, SAE and Metric.

 

[Coach James]

Jim, I got the Blackhawks about 4 years ago on ebay.

I've bought quite a few used hand tools on ebay. Since I prefer old US made tools, I can sometimes find good deals on quantity buys. They are usually a mix of brands, but I'm ok with that.
Coach

 

[eschoendorff]

I've seen that vice grip before and have always wondered exactly what it was originally designed for. Are you claiming that it is to take the place of a flare wrench??????

No... not take the place of, but you sure can fit it over a flare fitting. It can be used on any hex fastener that is being a PITA....

It's more or less a last resort. In most cases, flarenut wrenches will be more practical. The picture was of a vise-grip locking wrench.

 

[kartracer55]

I compared an SK to a snap on today... The SK is noticably thicker, with a slightly shorter handle. I figure about 110 for the full set. Im going to talk to the snap on guy tommorow and see how much he wants for a full set of snap on. Im leaning more towards the double end wrenches simply for a financial reason... I cant see myself using a 10mm line wrench, but I can definety see myself using a 15 or maybe 17mm, which isnt included in the open end set.

Jim

 

[KingPerformance]

I am a HUGE fan of snap on hand tools. I don't think much of the rest of their line, as a majority of it is relabeled something else. But their hand tools are second to none. There is also a big difference in the "type" of snap on tool you purchase. For example, I will not buy an open set of wrenches that are not flank drive. Flank drive really does grab differently. Having said all of that, I purchased a set of craftsman pro flare nut as they seemed quality enough for the little bit of use I would put them though. And honestly, they work out great. They grab even soft aluminum nicely with out marring or rounding off. I also was able to pick up both metric and standard for the price of just Snap On metric. Now my half moons … Snap On all the way.

 

[kythri]

Flank drive is great, but isn't everyone doing it these days? Didn't the patent on it expire a long time ago?

 

[SteveU]

I replaced the brake lines on all 3 of our cars this last year, never needed a flare nut wrench before that. I tightened the nut on the block that all the lines go to on my wife's car with an open ended wrench to the point where it was starting to round but it still started leaking about a month later. Got a flare nut wrench & tightened it up & sprayed everything down with brake cleaner, no leaks yet & it's been 6 mo's.

Steve