Mac Flare Nut Wrenches

[Jdubzz]

Does anyone happen to know the differences between Mac’s flare nut wrench set series? It appears that they have two different series – but neither the print catalog or online really clues you into what differentiates them.

For metric, the print catalog shows the SFBM66PTR 6 piece set (9-21mm) - available for $334.99 online. But also available online (not listed in the print catalog) is the SFND6MM 6 piece set which is also branded Mac (9-21mm) for $209.99.

The individual wrenches have different part #s, and I can’t find any info on COO or any other characteristics.

Any insight is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[drtyler]

The more expensive set is made in the USA.

 

[Jdubzz]

Thanks - does anyone have any experience with one versus the other?

 

[drtyler]

Thanks - does anyone have any experience with one versus the other?

I have one USA MAC 16x18, and its has worked when needed.

Have not heard anything negative regarding USA MAC flare wrenches.

If you deal with brake lines often, I would consider the Snap-on as well since they are in the cost ballpark of the USA MAC wrenches.

 

[Wamsutta]

Don't get the MAC flare nut wrenches. The beams are very square with sharp corners. Get Snap-on instead.

 

[Callelle]

Don't get the MAC flare nut wrenches. The beams are very square with sharp corners. Get Snap-on instead.

Uhhh, dunno what wrenches you've used, unless they're 60 years old. I have Snappys in Metric and Mac in SAE, yes they're more square but the corners are far from sharp, and they're wider. Maybe it's because I have bigger hands but I've debated finding a set of metric Mac's to replace my Snap Ons.

 

[afazz]

Mac posted these images to their Instagram story when the “new” SFND wrenches were released back in 2022, here are screenshots but they are all still visible in the “tool talk” highlighted story @mactools38

Older flare nut wrenches may have been made in USA, but none of their current wrenches are US made unless they’re actively trying to hide it for some reason. They are not listed as US made in the catalog, on the packaging, or stamped on the wrenches.

 

[demarpaint]

I'd go with Snap on.

 

[Odd-job]

Mac is mighty proud of its presumably Taiwan sourced flare wrenches. I think I would rather go with Proto (another SBD brand) for a USA made set, but then again Snap on and 2nd best SK were rated much better (almost unanimously for once) by the GJ members who work on rusty brake fittings. I therefore ended up with a used ebay SK metric set, a Williams USA set in SAE (no metric ), oh and a drunken 12 pt metric Snap On ebay purchase which actually comes in handy every now and then.

 

[WWheeler]

Mac flare nut wrenches performed very well alongside Snap-on, Proto, Matco, S-K, etc...

 

[Schurkey]

Here's another series of Mac flare-nut wrenches, stamped "USA". Overall, too short. No leverage.

 

[Jdubzz]

Thanks all for the input