Thumbs up on the Ridgid 345 Flaring tool

[Tlag]

Thanks to those who mentioned owning the Ridgid Flaring tool in various previous threads.

I was looking to put some Double and Bubble flares on some 3/16 brake lines and ended up buying the Ridgid 345 flaring tool, based partly on recommendations from the GarageJournal members. I’m not ready to write up the project just jet, but wanted to give a thumbs up for the Ridgid 345 flaring tool.

I looked at, actually handled, three other new flaring tools and a couple used ones before buying the Ridgid. I bought it from a local store and paid $50.

I used a die from my old auto store flaring tool for this project, but I'll probably pickup the Ridgid Double Flare dies when I get a chance. They weren't in stock when I picked up the 345.

Here's a few photos, thanks other Ridgid owners!
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[cowboy73]

Those are some nice looking flares you made. Look to be just like from the factory.

 

[Tlag]

Its a very nice tool. I used a little trial and error to come up with a process that yielded results that looked like my oem flares. It was easy to replicate the process by paying attention to the orientation of the press screw handle at the start, and counting how many turns. For example after making the bubble part of the double flare, I turned the screw 1 and 1/8 turns (from contact) to make the flare. With a little care, its pretty easy to get repeatable results.

 

[jerryW]

I acquired one of those flare tools from the classified on here. Easiest flares I've ever done!

Nice tool.


jerry

 

[bora]

How did you make the bubble flare ? Did you run the flare on the flat side of the bar?

 

[DaveInHouston]

That’s a good looking flaring tool and good job on the tubing. I’ve got to replace all the brake lines on my ‘60 Chevy C10.

 

[DaveInHouston]

By the way where did you source your tubing and fittings?