Problems with a Mastercool flaring tool

[Robert Haas]

Bought the 77475-PRC kit. Doing some double 45 degree flaring. worked very well on a piece of 3/16 Stainless brake line I had sitting in a bin. switched over to the 3/8" fittings and the line slips in the tool. Measured the O.D. on the three different lines I have and they are all within a few thou of .375" so it is not a size issue. I called the company, waited for over an hour until the tech support person was able to speak to me. I explained the situation, he said my lines are too hard, I would need to heat them up so the tool could grip them....WTF. this ain't stainless. this is standard malleable fuel line that my Snap On manual flaring tool has little problem with other then labor.

The guy on the other end of the phone at Mastercool did not even understand the language when I explained to him that I had measured the lines and they were only two thousandths under spec. He was an idiot. and that is who they placed on the tech support line.

So I am looking at milling the dies down (they are a two piece design) to make them get a better crush on the lines or just send the tool back.


Of course when I asked if this was a common problem the Mastercool guy said he hears it all the time.

I was planning on ordering the entire 37 degree stuff so we can do our AN stuff but this is looking like the tool itself might not be worth the investment.

 

[rooster4321]

I think you answered your question with the last sentence

Sent from my KYOCERA-E6560 using Tapatalk

 

[LXCam]

Have you tried cleaning your dies and the pipe with brake cleaner?

 

[454ragtop]

Suspect you have a bad die. I've used mine on 3/8" steel, Ni-Cop, and I'm pretty sure stainless with no problems. I'd be tempted to touch the dies up on a belt sander. I have the 37 deg. stuff as well, works fine, though for some reason they give you double flare adapters, pretty sure 37 deg. is single flare, with a backup sleeve, at least that is how I always make them.

 

[Robert Haas]

I own a very good mill, it will be pretty simple to shave off a couple thou.

Just wanted to know if I was unique.

 

[Polski-Chevy]

There is oil on the surface of the metal from the forming process, clean your dies & line really well with acetone.

 

[Tallpilot]

I own a very good mill, it will be pretty simple to shave off a couple thou.

Just wanted to know if I was unique.

I hope you are. I just bought that set last year because I thought it was the best.

 

[ricleh]

I have never had a problem with mine.

 

[redwrench60]

My last employer has that set and I used it on and off over the more than 20 years I was there and it always worked like a champ. Used it to make brake, fuel and Trans cooler lines.

 

[trackwelder]

I have done hundreds of flares on steel, poly coated steel, and nicopp. No issues ever doing so

 

[ItsNemo]

The guy on the other end of the phone at Mastercool did not even understand the language when I explained to him that I had measured the lines and they were only two thousandths under spec. He was an idiot. and that is who they placed on the tech support line.

Of course it is...you rarely get the lead engineer or even anyone that is remotely involved with the products anymore. You are getting low(er) wage people who are hired to answer the phone and deal with the straight forward cases (RMA's, missing pieces, ordering info, etc.).