Ritco flaring tool

[bluedog225]

I need/want to get a flaring tool.

For mini split installs (2 or 3) initially. As I plan to redo the flares on the lines. And a good tool to have around.

Is something like this old Ritco going to give me good service or do I need to spring for something modern like the rigid?

Or something else?

Thanks

 

[pcmeiners]

The HUSKY from Home depot which I purchased looks very much like the Ridgid works great.

 

[housewolf]

It’s the Indian not the arrow applies here. I’m a retired plumber and made a lot of flares early in my career. We (plumbers) don’t flare as many connections as we used to. I once had a rigid tool like you posted, it will reliably give you good flares. The other, not so much, but if you’re willing to keep a close eye on what you’re doing and are prepared to cut off and redo a flare, you can get by with it. Make sure the tubing is properly reamed after you cut it, position it properly and clamp it tight in the block, you’ll rarely have a bad flare.

When I did my mini splits I used my mastercool that I bought for brake, trans, and fuel lines. It repeatedly makes very good flares but I wouldn’t buy something like that for a few ref flares.

How important those flares are for you depends somewhat on your test/startup procedure. If you’re going to risk losing refrigerant over it, I’d buy the best tool I could afford (justify). If the flares are easy to get to, you’re testing with N2 and pulling a good vacuum, I might roll the dice. Flare connections aren’t particularly problematic.

 

[jsaw]

The Ritco will work, but the Rigid will work better, and be more enjoyable to work with, due to the way the dies are clamped together. The Ritco style I have found that I have to crank the thumb nuts very tight in order for the tubing to not slip through the dies.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Those Ritcos ****... they are usually bowed in the middle no matter how tight the wingnuts are and the line will just push through when you crank the flare down, so u have to clamp it with a c clamp or something which gets in the way of the flare.

 

[dfiler2]

I like the style that has the sliding stop so there is no guessing on tube length.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0995GR79P/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[racecougar]

This one worked well for me. It's eccentric, has the clutch kickout, and is inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CR4VC4E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ITGuy1998]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SB5RMA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I got a Yellow Jacket flare tool when I installed my mini split. I got some spare tubing to practice making flares until I was comfortable. Worth the price.

 

[Jim greengo]

Get the kind you can use in a drill,I'll get a picture of mine when I go back out to my truck.

 

[Norcal]

I am fond of my Imperial Eastman tool.

 

[My Old Tools]

The Ritco will work. If you have trouble with it slipping, put a C clamp or a pair of vise grips in the middle to tighten it up. Obviously, the Rigid is a better tool. but i have flared stainless steel fuel lines with the cheapies. A drop of oil on the tip of the pusher helps.