Three cheap tools failed on one brake line flaring job

[3baygarage]

A friend called yesterday, needed help replacing the master cylinder. I was out and I stopped by.

The vehicle, a 1970's Ford F350.

We rented a double flaring tool kit from Napa. Soon as I saw the cheap set in the gray blow mold case I was a little concerned even though it looked brand spanking new.

Got to using it and as soon as the going got tough, I heard a noise. Threads stripped right out of the yoke.

We brought it back and no other in stock at that location, so we head to Advance Auto. They pulled out their cheapo Powerbuilt flaring set. This set was brand new, sealed. They cut it open right at the counter and it looked a bit nicer, everything turns with a ratchet rather than a cross bar and wingnuts.



Flared one line with it. Great!!!

Attempt to flare second line, and the yoke tip is walking. The adapter centering hole was showing some wear but guess what, the yoke point was completely worn to nothing! NOTHING!

My favorite fail was the first of the day and an epic one. Unbranded pocket tubing cutter. You know, the cheap pot metal fire engine red knockoff of a Ridgid. My buddy yells "my cutter broke", so I'm thinking he means the blade. Nope, the whole thing shattered into 5 pieces!


He finished the job with the larger tubing cutter and I sent aheavy old General flaring tool over to his house. This thing is old but the point still looked 100% intact.

 

[woody 73]

Strange but Napa used to have (key word) a good quality of tool my how things have changed...

 

[3baygarage]

I looked around, Woody. Did not even see more than ratchets, sockets, wrenches on the shelf. Carlisle brand. They look nice.

No USA stuff that I recall. Thought maybe there would be a better flaring tool sitting there.

Advance had a better mix of tools including some K-D stuff.

Both stores ought to be ashamed to carry **** specialty tools though. Each cost close to $50 with tax and could not complete a job.

 

[gdocktor3]

Should have rented from auto zone. They usually have better OTC stuff. And you get your money back when finished..

 

[ryan20021982]

I just did brake lines on my truck a couple weeks ago and used the harbor freight flaring tool, bender and mini cutter all worked perfect. Its sad that the auto stores tools can't hold up to a couple uses anymore.

 

[dede2897234]

A friend called yesterday, needed help replacing the master cylinder. I was out and I stopped by.

The vehicle, a 1970's Ford F350.

We rented a double flaring tool kit from Napa. Soon as I saw the cheap set in the gray blow mold case I was a little concerned even though it looked brand spanking new.

Got to using it and as soon as the going got tough, I heard a noise. Threads stripped right out of the yoke.

We brought it back and no other in stock at that location, so we head to Advance Auto. They pulled out their cheapo Powerbuilt flaring set. This set was brand new, sealed. They cut it open right at the counter and it looked a bit nicer, everything turns with a ratchet rather than a cross bar and wingnuts.



Flared one line with it. Great!!!

Attempt to flare second line, and the yoke tip is walking. The adapter centering hole was showing some wear but guess what, the yoke point was completely worn to nothing! NOTHING!

My favorite fail was the first of the day and an epic one. Unbranded pocket tubing cutter. You know, the cheap pot metal fire engine red knockoff of a Ridgid. My buddy yells "my cutter broke", so I'm thinking he means the blade. Nope, the whole thing shattered into 5 pieces!


He finished the job with the larger tubing cutter and I sent aheavy old General flaring tool over to his house. This thing is old but the point still looked 100% intact.

3baygarage,

I would suggest you order this OTC double flaring tool set from Summit Racing Equipment or somewhere else: LINK.

I bought the OTC metric set at Summit last year to replace a leaking brake line on my former 2003 Subaru Forester. The set, a Snap-on flare nut wrench, and this OTC tubing bender (LINK) completed the job flawlessly using 3/16" copper brake line.


Dave

 

[Jeeper]

Should have rented from auto zone. They usually have better OTC stuff. And you get your money back when finished..

Um, they have "OEM" stuff. Works in a lot of cases but it's a far cry from OTC. OTC is pro level tools and they make some of the truck brands pullers.