Suggestions on flare nut wrenches

[sceloglaux]

I'm looking for double sided flare nut wrenches, I need 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, and 10mm. Anyone know a good quality pair of wrenches that cover those sizes.

Thanks for the help.

 

[BFHtime]

$nap-on this topic has been discussed many times I recommend you do a search.

 

[sceloglaux]

I see Snap-on has double flare nut wrenches in 7/8, 9/11, and 10/12. I'm looking for a brand that makes two wrenches that cover 7-10. Space is a factor.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Harbor Freight work nicely if your just DIY I use them at home and they have those sizes you listed as for work I have SK and a few other vintage ones but the HF are a compact size so they might be best for what you’re looking for I haven’t had any problems as Long as your not using them rough it should be ok


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[dmaxfireman]

I see Snap-on has double flare nut wrenches in 7/8, 9/11, and 10/12. I'm looking for a brand that makes two wrenches that cover 7-10. Space is a factor.

The quality of the wrenches far outweighs your perceived inconvenience of needing to find room for one more wrench.

 

[wafrederick]

The cheap flare nut wrenches,they tend to spread under use.

 

[sceloglaux]

The quality of the wrenches far outweighs your perceived inconvenience of needing to find room for one more wrench.

I agree, but if I can find a quality set of two, that would be the goal. If it's not possible I'll probably end up going with the Snap-on wrenches.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I agree, but if I can find a quality set of two, that would be the goal. If it's not possible I'll probably end up going with the Snap-on wrenches.

True Craft is the brand of some more that I found at home and it doesn’t look like they skip sizes you could probably find them online but I don’t think they are made anymore check your local pawn shops too that’s where all mine except the Harbor Freight ones have came from


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[Davefr]

Flare nut wrenches are one line of tools where highest quality is absolutely essential. Ignore the price and buy SO or SK. For other less critical tools you can shop for more aggressive pricing.

 

[Locker537]

I went with SK recently.

 

[nicks78camaro]

another vote for SK, either thru SK directly, HJ Epstein, or Circle C supply. They don't sell them in that configuration but it's worth finding room for more wrenches to get quality tools.

 

[chappys4life]

Snap On, hands down the best. Expensive but will save your ****

 

[Terry D]

Snap On. If you search Ebay you can find some that are not crazy priced. Just picked up a metric and standard set with 6 wrenches each, in excellent condition for about $ 110.00 each. The secret I found is dont go after the "Buy Now" ones, go after the ones that you have to bid on, some times you might be the only on bidding on it.

 

[chappys4life]

Snap On. If you search Ebay you can find some that are not crazy priced. Just picked up a metric and standard set with 6 wrenches each, in excellent condition for about $ 110.00 each. The secret I found is dont go after the "Buy Now" ones, go after the ones that you have to bid on, some times you might be the only on bidding on it.

Same! I went on snap ons site pulled the current model number. Searched ebay and snag individuals for around 15 a piece. So far I have only needed 3 sizes so it helps over buying a set. Make sure you match the new number though. People put the new item number in the title but the picture is the older non flank wrench.

 

[engineer2]

I needed a metric set in a hurry and Crescent was a poor choice. Very sloppy fit.

 

[WinMod21]

While searching Flare Nut wrenches online, I see that some manuf's advertise both 6 Pt & 12 Pt Flare Nut wrench profiles. I'm wondering which would likely be the best Flare Nut wrench profile type—in metric sizes—for occasional DIY use? .... 6 Pt or 12 Pt profile?
Thanks for any/all suggestions/opinions.

 

[will335i]

While searching Flare Nut wrenches online, I see that some manuf's advertise both 6 Pt & 12 Pt Flare Nut wrenches. I'm wondering which would likely be the best Flare Nut wrench type—in metric sizes—for occasional DIY use? .... 6 Pt or 12 Pt ?
Thanks for any/all suggestions/opinions.

6pt will have less chance of rounding. 12pt will give you flexibilty if space it tight.

 

[WinMod21]

6pt will have less chance of rounding. 12pt will give you flexibilty if space it tight.

Many thanks for that, will335i ! I was trying to decide which to order for average, all-around use.

 

[dscheidt]

Many thanks for that, will335i ! I was trying to decide which to order for average, all-around use.

Six point, no question; 12 point is a specialty tool, and you can almost always make a six point work. If you run into something that you need a 12 point for, get a single that size, when it happens.

 

[Ralf11]

search for top German, French & Japanese brands

 

[WinMod21]

Six point, no question; 12 point is a specialty tool, and you can almost always make a six point work. If you run into something that you need a 12 point for, get a single that size, when it happens.

search for top German, French & Japanese brands

Thanks very much for your directions & recommendations! I was figuring the same re 6 Pt being best overall.
I wasn't considering German, French or Japanese; which German (Gedore?), French or Japanese brands would you recommend?

Was mainly looking at Proto's, just due to the cost at approx 1/2 or 2/3 the cost of S-K. Thanks again.

 

[Michael]

I see Snap-on has double flare nut wrenches in 7/8, 9/11, and 10/12. I'm looking for a brand that makes two wrenches that cover 7-10. Space is a factor.

Mac has a 7x9 and 8x10 flare nut wrench in their Expert brand.

 

[WinMod21]

Mac has a 7x9 and 8x10 flare nut wrench in their Expert brand.

Are any of the Mac line wrenches USA made? Such as their 'F' & 'SF' wrenches?
Or are all the SBD Mac mech tools made at their China or Taiwan OEM's?
Or just their 'E' (Expert) lines?

Never used one. Never knew I needed one.
Not sure why I think I need them now. :~\ So I blame this GJ Forum !

For only occasional use, I'm guessing that most of you steadfast USA Flare or Line Wrench experts might suggest looking for decently priced USA (or Gedore, or Facom &c) singles, (averaging maybe 4 for $115~$130), rather than say, a Taiwan Mac 5-Pc set for $65.? Thanks.

 

[Ralf11]

Mac
Gedore
Stahwille
Hazet
Facom
KTC likely makes wrenches; maybe Koken does too(?)

bound to be others that high quality

 

[WinMod21]

Mac Gedore Stahwille Hazet Facom KTC likely makes wrenches; maybe Koken does too(?)

bound to be others that high quality

Thanks, Ralf11. Lots of choices; trying to decide btwn starting with just a few metric singles, or a 5 or 6 pc set.

 

[anndel]

Snap-on, +100

 

[parks31]

Snap on first choice or SK. I do not have experience with mac, I know people have had good results with them. I have a sunex set for backup.

 

[chappys4life]

dont buy anything but snap on...you will regret it trust me i learned the hard way. go ebay and get singles if you have to to get started.

 

[WinMod21]

Snap-on, +100

Snap on first choice or SK. I do not have experience with mac, I know people have had good results with them. I have a sunex set for backup.

dont buy anything but snap on...you will regret it trust me i learned the hard way. go ebay and get singles if you have to to get started.

Thanks for the recommendations. I did do some perusing thru eBay for SO's & SK's, but at $30+ on avg, they're more than I was looking to spend...for just occasional use, and very occasional use at that. At any rate, if I was a Pro and using them all the time I've no doubt they're worth it.

From what I saw, same goes for (4) S-K or Gedore singles (some used, some new) @ approx $114~$130 for (4) singles.

And so for very occasional use, I've been considering the following (from various online tool retailers):

S-K 373 SuperKrome—3pc—6Pt—9~14mm —USA— $55
(9x11,10x12,13x14) ($18.33 per wrench)

S-K 376 (Not SuperKrome)—6pc—6Pt—9~21mm —USA— $115
(9x11,10x12,13x14,15x17,16x18,19x21) ($19.16 per wrench)

S-K 378 SuperKrome—6pc—6Pt—9~21mm —USA— $122
(9x11,10x12,13x14,15x17,16x18,19x21) ($20.33 per wrench)

Stanley Proto J3700M—5Pc—6Pt—7~17mm —USA— $70
(7x8,9x11,10x12,13x14,15x17) ($14 per wrench)

Gedore 1500 ES-400—5Pc—8~19mm —Germany— $103
(8x10,10x11,12x14mm w/hexagon 6Pt / 13x15 & 17x19mm w/12Pt) ($20.60 per wrench)

Williams 11692—5Pc—6Pt—9~21mm —Taiwan - $51.20
(9x11,10x12,13x14,15x17,19x21) ($10.24 per wrench)

Mac 'Expert' brand—5Pc—6Pt—7~19mm — Taiwan — $64
(7x9,8x10,11x13,12x14,17x19) ($12.80 per wrench)


. . .any thoughts on the abv ^ ? Am I being too cheap, even for occasional use? Thanks again.

 

[chappys4life]

Thanks for the recommendations. I did do some perusing thru eBay for SO's & SK's, but at $30+ on avg, they're more than I was looking to spend...for just occasional use, and very occasional use at that. At any rate, if I was a Pro and using them all the time I've no doubt they're worth it.

. . .any thoughts on the abv ^ ? Am I being too cheap, even for occasional use? Thanks again.

I am not a pro either. I thought the same thing started with cman pro, sk, then caved and went snap on. I buy the sizes as I need them on ebay. I can usually snag a wrench for 15. If you are not pro you only need the size for your car at the moment. Pick them up when you can then you will end up with a set.

If you round off one and have to fix it the work is more than a wrench.

 

[Ralf11]

occasional use can be compared with allowing someone else to muck up your brakes - either in competence or cost (assuming they do a good job)

chappys did not say what tests he had done on all other brands, or describe the methodology, so I think it is highly likely that top quality German brand will be as good as SnapOn

SnapOn is not always the strongest tool - for example, there is a small socket needed for the rockers on Porsche air cooled motors where the Snapoffs tend to break but Stahwilles do not.

OTOH, I have SnapOn for flare nut wrenches and most other things too...

I would not try to save 10 bucks on this critical area

If you eff up one of these nuts, it will not kill you - you'll just have a much bigger job on your hands...

Finally, liberal use of Kroil and tapping on the fastener - repeat every few hours for several days (TIME is your friend) will be very very helpful (don't just hose it down and then try to break it free).

When I buy an old car, I always hose down the susp. & brake fasteners a few times - even when I have no plans to work on them.

 

[WinMod21]

I am not a pro either. I thought the same thing started with cman pro, sk, then caved and went snap on. I buy the sizes as I need them on ebay. I can usually snag a wrench for 15. If you are not pro you only need the size for your car at the moment. Pick them up when you can then you will end up with a set.
If you round off one and have to fix it the work is more than a wrench.

Thanks chappys, really appreciate the advice! Sounds like the way to go then, so I guess I'll keep looking.

occasional use can be compared with allowing someone else to muck up your brakes - either in competence or cost (assuming they do a good job)
chappys did not say what tests he had done on all other brands, or describe the methodology, so I think it is highly likely that top quality German brand will be as good as SnapOn
SnapOn is not always the strongest tool - for example, there is a small socket needed for the rockers on Porsche air cooled motors where the Snapoffs tend to break but Stahwilles do not.
OTOH, I have SnapOn for flare nut wrenches and most other things too...
I would not try to save 10 bucks on this critical area
If you eff up one of these nuts, it will not kill you - you'll just have a much bigger job on your hands...
Finally, liberal use of Kroil and tapping on the fastener - repeat every few hours for several days (TIME is your friend) will be very very helpful (don't just hose it down and then try to break it free).
When I buy an old car, I always hose down the susp. & brake fasteners a few times - even when I have no plans to work on them.

And many thanks again, Ralf11. I'll try to stop scrutinizing the prices.

But, and I know what chappys' gonna say, are the S-K's not very close to the SO's quality?

I used to do the same, frequently hosing down the susp. & brake fasteners &c on older vehicles.
• Helped restore our 1947 Ford pickup to show quality
• 1948 Ford F-1 (purchased from orig owner)
• 1952 Ford F-2 (purchased from orig owner)
&c

Even used to hose the susp. & brake fasteners on our vehicles....but actually haven't for many years now. ;~\

We used to have an 18' Reinell inboard/outboard run-about boat (that we used frequently for deep sea & lake fishing & water skiing, even for trips to the Bow-Hunting Only - Long Island in Willapa Bay on the Pacific Coast), that had a factory installed air-cooled Porsche engine in it, I think approx 98hp. It was great for working on while it sat under the detached garage side lean-to roof.

Now if I could just figure-out whether to order/buy SAE or metric for our 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 ! The auto parts stores I've called so far all say that their brake parts pages in their computers don't specify which !:~\

 

[bob15]

There are other tubing wrenches besides Snap On that are just as good: SK, Proto/Mac and Bonney all make, or made in the case of Bonney, fine tubing wrenches that will get the job done at a cheaper price.

 

[WinMod21]

There are other tubing wrenches besides Snap On that are just as good: SK, Proto/Mac and Bonney all make, or made in the case of Bonney, fine tubing wrenches that will get the job done at a cheaper price.

Thanks bob15 ! Appreciate that input, and good to hear as well.

Looks like our 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 has a mix of metric & SAE, but mostly metric with some SAE.

 

[Chevy-SS]

.................When I buy an old car, I always hose down the susp. & brake fasteners a few times - even when I have no plans to work on them.

LOL, me too! Every time I have one of my vehicles on lift, I am spraying away as well. This way, I KNOW my Snap-On flare nut wrenches will work, LOL!!

BTW - I wonder if this topic (flare nut wrenches) is the most commonly re-visited topic on Garage Journal?? It seems to pop up frequently. Anyone ever done a study?

 

[WinMod21]

~ We used to have an 18' Reinell inboard/outboard run-about boat (that we used frequently for deep sea & lake fishing & water skiing, even for trips to the Bow-Hunting Only - Long Island in Willapa Bay on the Pacific Coast), that had a factory installed air-cooled Porsche engine in it, I think approx 98hp. It was great for working on while it sat under the detached garage side lean-to roof. ~

. . .it was a 1958 Reinell boat, with fins, like the cars of the 50's. ...and it came with a heavy light-green leather roll of really nice high quality German tools—spanners & open end & nut drivers &c —much like the ones for the Porsche cars. And I'm wondering if they were Gedore, as that name looks familiar.

 

[chappys4life]

But, and I know what chappys' gonna say, are the S-K's not very close to the SO's quality?

I used to do the same, frequently hosing down the susp. & brake fasteners &c on older vehicles.
• Helped restore our 1947 Ford pickup to show quality
• 1948 Ford F-1 (purchased from orig owner)
• 1952 Ford F-2 (purchased from orig owner)

Haha I swear I am not picking on you. Over the years I just had bad luck rounding them off. My testing involved rebuilding or bleeding brakes on

1953 f100
1969 vw beetle
1966 mustang
2001 mustang gt
1988 bmw 328i

more recently i worked on the brakes of
84 wagoneer
94 landcruiser
68 mustang
89 bronco

It's nice when i go to reach for the flare nut wrench i know it works. SO is not perfect but I have not found a better flare nut wrench. Im sure there is some high end german wrenches that are great and honestly probably around the SO prices. You need a quality wrench as its usually a smaller wrench in a smaller space. Also a lot of my go to tools are not SO, I have a very few SO pieces. My wrenches are USA Cman and my sockets are husky.

Are your dodge just crawl under the car and use a regular wrench to see what fits. Then you can order that

 

[WinMod21]

~ It's nice when i go to reach for the flare nut wrench i know it works. SO is not perfect but I have not found a better flare nut wrench. Im sure there is some high end german wrenches that are great and honestly probably around the SO prices. You need a quality wrench as its usually a smaller wrench in a smaller space. Also a lot of my go to tools are not SO, I have a very few SO pieces. My wrenches are USA Cman and my sockets are husky.
Are your dodge just crawl under the car and use a regular wrench to see what fits. Then you can order that

I know you're right. And yes, dumb of me to not just go out and slide under the Dodge to check the sizes needed !:~\ I guess I was fixated on thinking I should order a 3 or 5 or 6-Pc set.

But who here can blame me for wanting to order some new tools !

 

[mfewtrail]

Thanks for the recommendations. I did do some perusing thru eBay for SO's & SK's, but at $30+ on avg, they're more than I was looking to spend...for just occasional use, and very occasional use at that. At any rate, if I was a Pro and using them all the time I've no doubt they're worth it.

From what I saw, same goes for (4) S-K or Gedore singles (some used, some new) @ approx $114~$130 for (4) singles.

And so for very occasional use, I've been considering the following (from various online tool retailers):

S-K 373 SuperKrome—3pc—6Pt—9~14mm —USA— $55
(9x11,10x12,13x14) ($18.33 per wrench)

S-K 376 (Not SuperKrome)—6pc—6Pt—9~21mm —USA— $115
(9x11,10x12,13x14,15x17,16x18,19x21) ($19.16 per wrench)

S-K 378 SuperKrome—6pc—6Pt—9~21mm —USA— $122
(9x11,10x12,13x14,15x17,16x18,19x21) ($20.33 per wrench)

Stanley Proto J3700M—5Pc—6Pt—7~17mm —USA— $70
(7x8,9x11,10x12,13x14,15x17) ($14 per wrench)

Gedore 1500 ES-400—5Pc—8~19mm —Germany— $103
(8x10,10x11,12x14mm w/hexagon 6Pt / 13x15 & 17x19mm w/12Pt) ($20.60 per wrench)

Williams 11692—5Pc—6Pt—9~21mm —Taiwan - $51.20
(9x11,10x12,13x14,15x17,19x21) ($10.24 per wrench)

Mac 'Expert' brand—5Pc—6Pt—7~19mm — Taiwan — $64
(7x9,8x10,11x13,12x14,17x19) ($12.80 per wrench)


. . .any thoughts on the abv ^ ? Am I being too cheap, even for occasional use? Thanks again.

The SK's here are cheaper than the prices you listed: https://clarkstool.com/search?type=product&q=SK+flare+wrench

 

[WinMod21]

The SK's here are cheaper than the prices you listed: https://clarkstool.com/search?type=product&q=SK+flare+wrench

Thank you, mfewtrail, those are lower by approx $20 per set, even after $9+ shipping.
Really appreciate your post !