Line/Flare nut Wrenches

[Dodgepu360]

Well you guys convinced me to get some snap-on flare nut wrenches
I am doing the brakes on my old Dodge truck and the wheel cylinders need to be replaced and it seemed like the prefect excuse to buy some new tools
so I bought the 1/4X5/16, 3/8X7/16, and 1/2X9/16 flare nut wrenches I was going to get the 5 piece set but when I looked at the prices the 5 pieces individually were a little cheaper then the set so I will get the other sizes if I ever need them
I think they should be here early next week so I’ll find out then if they live up to the hype

 

[Junkman]

If the nut is rusted to the line, no wrench is going to resolve that issue. Make sure to clean all the rust behind the nut, and blow out any sand that might have gotten between the nut and the tube. I fought with one for an hour before breaking out the torch and heating the nut. Came back an hour later, and it came off with a little persuasion. I rocked the nut back and forth multiple times in the process of removing it. Bathed it with brake fluid as a lubricant also. I was determined that I wouldn't twist that line and ruin it. I rather waste an hour or two fiddling with it, than 4 hours trying to replace it..

 

[bmwpower]

If the nut is rusted to the line, no wrench is going to resolve that issue. Make sure to clean all the rust behind the nut, and blow out any sand that might have gotten between the nut and the tube. I fought with one for an hour before breaking out the torch and heating the nut. Came back an hour later, and it came off with a little persuasion. I rocked the nut back and forth multiple times in the process of removing it. Bathed it with brake fluid as a lubricant also. I was determined that I wouldn't twist that line and ruin it. I rather waste an hour or two fiddling with it, than 4 hours trying to replace it..

I also find that heating them up and then immediately soaking them in a lubricant, like Liquid Wrench seems to work well. Gives off a little smoke when you put the lube on, but it seems to help get the lube in places it needs to be.

Yea, when you start to see the line twist, back off!

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I have 2 sets one in SAE made by Gray which I bought from my local Canadian Tire store many moons ago and a metric set made by Snap On which i picked up from eBay.

Line wrenches are tools you definetly need in your tool box, makes jobs easy and saves you the time from trying to get out rounded bolt heads that you rounded off with a regular wrench

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I thought I posted this here, but I don't see it.

http://www.harryepstein.com/bonney.html

http://www.harryepstein.com/Saved as Bonney Inventory.htm

part number RF6 -- 12 pt flarenut wrench, 6 pcs, tool roll, satin finish, 15/16 x 1 5/16, 3/4 xd 7/8 $84.98

part number RF5 -- 12 pt flarenut wrench, 5 pcs, satin finish,
5/8 x 11/16, 3/4 x 7/8, 3/4 x 1, 7/8 x 1, 13/16 x 1 1/16 $71.23

No metric however.

Charles

5/8 x 11/16, 3/4 x 1, 7/8 x 1, 13/16 x 1 1/16

 

[SteveU]

If it is a line I'm replacing & I can't get it to come loose I have cut the line & used a 6pt socket on the fitting to get it out.

 

[stupidjet]

why does one NEED a flare nut wrench? if the normal wrench is the correct size, how does it start to round off a line?

 

[dink]

why does one NEED a flare nut wrench? if the normal wrench is the correct size, how does it start to round off a line?

Well you really cant get the ummmphhh with an open end wrench on a brake line like you can with a flare nut wrench

 

[bmwpower]

why does one NEED a flare nut wrench? if the normal wrench is the correct size, how does it start to round off a line?

These lines tend to be made of softer metal, including the fitting. If you use a regular wrench you don't get the same torque needed to loosen the fittings as you would with a flare nut wrench. Torque is applied from all sides with a flare nut wrench.

Same theory with a boxed end vs. open end wrench.

 

[MarkH]

I think you just stated the key reason to own the flare nut wrenches. MOST lines including the fittings are made out of a softer metal. If there is difficulty due to rust or other situations this is the trouble. The fact not all fittings are softer or the lines are clean is why you can at times get the fittings loose with a regular wrench.

The first time I ran into soft lines with rust and extra torque needed I found out the trouble regular wrenches caused. I very quickly started to round the edges. Since the line was located where I could not get that normal farm tool, a vise grips, around the fitting to loosen it, a very young me a long time ago cut out a small wedge on a heavy old box end. True to my guess, the fitting came out and could be tightened without rounding. Then later someone told me they had a wrench for that purpose. I bought a set, it was quicker than cutting up more wrenches.

 

[Uncle Buck]

[ a very young me a long time ago cut out a small wedge on a heavy old box end. True to my guess, the fitting came out and could be tightened without rounding. Then later someone told me they had a wrench for that purpose. I bought a set, it was quicker than cutting up more wrenches.[/QUOTE]


That is how many of the old timers dealt with the flare wrench issue, I have several old bastardised box ends, they work just fine!

 

[RPH]

I have SK's in metric and Sae. No problems what so ever. Any returns I have made to my dealer is handled with out problem or delay.

 

[kblazer87]

I have sets from Craftsman (non polished), Snap On and S-K (high polish). All work well but I usually use the S-K set more often than the others. No real reason other than they feel best to me when using them.

 

[the intimidator]

I have used the snap on flare nut wrenches and I really liked them. I have only managed to round off two fittings one on a old k3500 chevy and one on a 4wd mazada mini van that I swear had more rust then solid metal I never had a problem with them flexing or opining up I would highly reccomend them to you and although I have not seen the s/k version for the extra couple dollars I would go with the snap on they will likly outlast you and if they ever end up breaking for whatever reason you're friendly snap on guy is just a couple feet away in that big tool box on wheels

 

[xroad]

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:

Vise Grip and Irwin makes a 4" locking wrench. They goes from 7mm to 14mm. I wish they make a slightly smaller one to be able to fit into tight spots. Perhaps one that goes up to a max of 10mm or 12mm. Even though only 2mm or 4mm difference, the jaws and the tool as a whole need not be as big because the torque requirement is not as big.

4" size is the smallest I have seen. Anyone know of a smaller one?

 

[cambell]

Um, I thought the craftsman pro line wrenches where actually made by SK, same as the SK's. They have the little k on the back of the wrenches just like my old craftsman pro combo wrenches.

 

[johnny1290]

Actually that's an awesome idea to take a notch out of a closed end wrench! I just so happen to have some extras and in a pinch that's exactly waht I'm gonna do! Just in time as I'm redoing my brakes!