Line Wrenches

[Umclemrbig]

I need info on a good, reasonably priced set of line wrenches. I just had the honor of going to the Vice Grips after a Craftsman wrench rounded off the nut. So, after I get done posting this note I am ordering a new brake line. Thanks!

 

[OEXL16B]

Metric or SAE ?

 

[Umclemrbig]

SAE-75 Caprice I am fooling around with. But I am also big time **** so I would want both.

 

[OEXL16B]

Does that '75 Caprice take a 9/16'' ?

 

[Umclemrbig]

Yep-sure is

 

[OEXL16B]

Here's a metric set -

http://www.toolsource.com/5piece-6point-flare-double-metric-wrench-p-108114.html

 

[OEXL16B]

Here's an SAE set -

http://www.drillspot.com/products/83956/Proto_3760_Double_End_Flare_Nut_Wrench_Set

 

[OEXL16B]

Here's a beautiful 1/2'' x 9/16'' by itself -

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=&item_ID=633642&group_ID=675030&store=&dir=catalog

 

[OEXL16B]

Here's a nice Chinese 1/2'' x 9/16'' by itself -

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015011GG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[OEXL16B]

Here's a whole set of Chinese metrics -

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NI93SE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[OEXL16B]

Here's a whole set of Chinese SAE's -

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000K1OHBC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Wakefield]

I need info on a good, reasonably priced set of line wrenches. I just had the honor of going to the Vice Grips after a Craftsman wrench rounded off the nut. So, after I get done posting this note I am ordering a new brake line. Thanks!

I think I heard of someone clamping a ViceGrip around the head of a cheap line wrench (squashing the wrench around the nut) while it was over the nut to keep it from spreading? Probably would need too much room to do that most of the time.
Was the wrench that rounded out the nut an older "Raised Panel" or was it a newer " Full Polished" model?

Anyone tried Wright flare nut wrenches?

 

[Umclemrbig]

It was a raised panel. I like the looks of the Proto. Thats what I have in my combination wrenches and they are awesome. I would expect their line wrenches to perform at the same level/

 

[bw77]

If you like Proto, check out zorotools.com

http://zorotools.com/g/Flare Nut Wrench/00016426/

 

[SMKS]

There have been at least two threads on this topic in the last few weeks. The search button can be your friend.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158860

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159451

 

[Umclemrbig]

I do like the Protos.

 

[WWIIjeep]

It was a raised panel. I like the looks of the Proto. Thats what I have in my combination wrenches and they are awesome. I would expect their line wrenches to perform at the same level/

The Proto combination line wrenches are excellent. I've had a set for over 30 years. I've also got the old Proto single-end line wrenches, which are even better, with a nice hand-sized handle on the other end, but they don't make those anymore.

I've never liked the sets where you get 2 sizes on one wrench. What do you do when you need both sizes at the same time? (it happens).

 

[otis66]

Snap On makes the best flare nut wrenchs. My second choice would be SK flrare nut wrenches. Wright and Proto are also nice but harder to find in my neck of the woods.

 

[Brad54]

I think asking ANY brand of wrench to work on 37 year old brass fittings without rounding them over, is expecting a bit much.

-Brad

 

[dsmnickk90]

I think asking ANY brand of wrench to work on 37 year old brass fittings without rounding them over, is expecting a bit much.

-Brad

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[crewchief888]

i've found single truck brand wrenches at flea mkts/ swap meets for under $8 ea.
most of them with just light use or toolbox wear and tear

1 snap on
2 older mac (80's -90's)
3 matco or older SK
4 proto

i rank proto last, as the only ones i have are some vintage single ended 12pt.

 

[Umclemrbig]

Brad-You are probably right but I want a good set to put the NEW lines on!

 

[AutoTek]

Get some Snap-On flare nut wrench sets. They are by far the best gripping line wrench out there. I work on old school chevy's from the 60's-70's all the time and have never stripped out a brake line due to the wrench slipping..........

 

[chris6278]

Have a set of craftsman rp ones in my home box and used them a ton an never rounded off a nut with them.

 

[afazz]

I live in a rusty climate, my first choice is Snap-on. My second choice is a hacksaw, new lines, Imperial flaring tools, and Ridgid benders. I have made nothing but junk with other brands of flare nut wrenches.

 

[OEXL16B]

Here's a GearWrench flare -

 

[2oolhound]

Hazet flare nut wrenches are real good. But then I do believe you said reasonably priced.


http://www.samstagsales.com/hazet.htm#wren-flare

scroll to the bottom of page for price #612N/4

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Get some Snap-On flare nut wrench sets. They are by far the best gripping line wrench out there. I work on old school chevy's from the 60's-70's all the time and have never stripped out a brake line due to the wrench slipping..........

Then you've never worked on a truck from around here that sees the beach, mud and super humidity, much less something from up north that is exposed to all of the salt during the winter.

Add 40 years to the above and I don't care what you use, it can be rounded

 

[Jawn]

Here's a pretty good deal on an SK set, metric and SAE, 9mm-14mm + 3/8"-11/16". Mine just showed up today. $42.38 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-366-SK-Hand-Tools-Wrench-Set-Flare-FlPl-Fr-Met-6PC-/230658200959

 

[Skin]

the love affair this place has with snap-on flare wrenches is unjustified. They aren't magical. I have a rather large MAC set that works superbly on rusted junk. Probably the same as proto. Nice beefy wrenches. I've also used matco which are also a darn nice wrench.

just because someone mentioned it above I actually have the hazet set and found the tolerances to be too tight for severely rusted fittings.

 

[OEXL16B]

I have a rather large MAC set that works superbly on rusted junk.

No thanks. I've used those and they are very square with corners that are way too sharp. When it comes to hand tools, ergonomics is my number 1 priority.

 

[jensputzier]

Hazet flare nut wrenches are real good. But then I do believe you said reasonably priced.


http://www.samstagsales.com/hazet.htm#wren-flare

scroll to the bottom of page for price #612N/4

122.20 Euros including shipping (appr. 150 US$).

 

[theamcaddict]

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-383.aspx

 

[TwoInch]

the love affair this place has with snap-on flare wrenches is unjustified. They aren't magical. I have a rather large MAC set that works superbly on rusted junk. Probably the same as proto. Nice beefy wrenches. I've also used matco which are also a darn nice wrench.

just because someone mentioned it above I actually have the hazet set and found the tolerances to be too tight for severely rusted fittings.

i agree 100%

snap on flare nut wrenches are really good, possibly the best, but they are not miles ahead of other good ones.

 

[Jawn]

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-383.aspx

Check the ebay link I posted above... you get those three plus metric sizes from 9mm-14mm for less money than that.

 

[theamcaddict]

Check the ebay link I posted above... you get those three plus metric sizes from 9mm-14mm for less money than that.

Good closeout deal.

 

[Skin]

No thanks. I've used those and they are very square with corners that are way too sharp. When it comes to hand tools, ergonomics is my number 1 priority.

to each their own. The beams arent the same as their combo wrenches which i also didnt find overly comfortable, but the flare wrenches are substantially thicker and wider so i dont have a problem with them.

 

[2oolhound]

122.20 Euros including shipping (appr. 150 US$).

YOU DA MAN Jens, will keep you in mind.

 

[dappledachsund]

all mac flare nut wrenches for me havent rounded any brake lines with em

 

[JoeMA]

122.20 Euros including shipping (appr. 150 US$).

I was thinking about getting this set. Where can I find it for this price?