Older Mac flare nut wrenches

[stovebolt6]

I have a lead on a set of Mac flare nut wrenches for a good price. However they are a bit older so they do not have "surface drive" or whatever you want to call it (radiused corners that don't contact the fastener). Now I know the consensus here is Snap-on or bust for flare wrenches, but will these Mac ones really just instantly round off brake line fittings?

Cars over 5 years old here are pretty crusty too so torches and flaring tools are commonplace. Thanks for any input.

 

[48548]

I would say no... Try them on test fittings and see what happens..

 

[stovebolt6]

Don't own them yet

 

[48548]

I guess it depends on cost... I bought new sk and new toptul to compliment my snapon set... I really like the sk, but for cost the toptul were a great day and I bet work just as well.

 

[rsanter]

I think there are two factors.
Geometry and metal

The geometry with the rounded out corners (flank drive) is good as it doesn't put the stress on the corners of the fastener
Quality brands with quality metal is also important as if the end opens or spreads a little then you will have more stress on the fasteners corners.

I would rather have the quality metal that does not spread and have no corners reliefs than to have the corner reliefs but crappy metal that the wrench end spreads when used

If the price on them are good and the condition is good I would get them

Bob

 

[stovebolt6]

I would rather have the quality metal that does not spread and have no corners reliefs than to have the corner reliefs but crappy metal that the wrench end spreads when used

If the price on them are good and the condition is good I would get them

Bob

Interesting point. Makes sense. Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't a flare nut round off long before a flare wrench spreads though?

I'm used to just cutting hardlines off. I want to try a quality flare wrench though to hopefully save some work.

 

[crewchief888]

i have 1 (at least 25 years old) MAC flare nut combo wrench.

i havent been able to break it, or spread it open..

it's been hit more than once with a 6lb sledge hammer....

 

[stovebolt6]

i have 1 (at least 25 years old) MAC flare nut combo wrench.

i havent been able to break it, or spread it open..

it's been hit more than once with a 6lb sledge hammer....

That's a pretty good endorsement

 

[crewchief888]

That's a pretty good endorsement

i dont have a "set" of flare nut wrenches, i bought some of them on an "as needed" basis, couple years ago i was finding singles at a flea mkt.
i bought them cuz they were inexpensive, $4-5 each for lightly used mostly SO.

the only one ive had spread open a little was an SK..

in defense of the wrench, i never did get that fitting broke loose, even after a heat & beat session...

 

[Wamsutta]

The reason I don't like MAC flare wrenches are because of the sharp square corners where you hold it with your hand. Other than that, I'm sure they work fine. The Snap-on version is leaps and bounds more comfortable.

 

[Cope]

The other variable is what condition the nut is in.