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Value Priced HVAC Flare Tool?

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TimberMan

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Apr 6, 2024
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I am looking for a "good enough" flare tool for my R454B Senville Mini Split install. I don't think there will be much use for this tool after this job...maybe one or two more minis so I don't likely need a forever tool but I do need good flares.

Any suggestions on what I should look at?

Thanks,
 
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Kaizen

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New England
I bought the yellowjacket flare tool that auto stops when its done. kind of like the gas cap on your car when you turn past tight...click...click...click.
You are saving hundreds or thousands doing it yourself. Spend the money on good tools. Sell after if you think you will never need it. I also bought a larger vacuum pump to bleed out the lines as my automotive one just was not getting it done. I spent maybe 500 on good tools to save myself 4k on install.
 
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TimberMan

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Apr 6, 2024
Messages
184
Kaizen said:
I bought the yellowjacket flare tool that auto stops when its done. kind of like the gas cap on your car when you turn past tight...click...click...click.
You are saving hundreds or thousands doing it yourself. Spend the money on good tools. Sell after if you think you will never need it. I also bought a larger vacuum pump to bleed out the lines as my automotive one just was not getting it done. I spent maybe 500 on good tools to save myself 4k on install.
Click to expand...
This one? https://yellowjacket.com/product/eccentric-cone-flaring-tool/
 
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Kaizen

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Location
New England
TimberMan said:
This one? https://yellowjacket.com/product/eccentric-cone-flaring-tool/
Click to expand...
Yup. Sold on amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ANPKVI?tag=atomicindus08-20
Also got a set of their gauges as they are more precise then my car ones that have leak dye all in them.

Amazon.com: Yellow Jacket 42006 Series 41 Manifold with 3-1/8" Gauge, psi, R-22/134A/404A : Automotive

Buy Yellow Jacket 42006 Series 41 Manifold with 3-1/8" Gauge, psi, R-22/134A/404A: Manifolds - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Not sure i used them as i also got this to measure the vacuum after my little pump was not getting it done. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009AXGCSC?tag=atomicindus08-20
Also this stuff. There is a guy on youtube that did a start to finish video with a list of tools.

Prime-Line RP77271 Pipe And Tubing Reamer, 1/8 in To 1-5/8 in Diameter, Red (Single Pack) - Amazon.com

Prime-Line RP77271 Pipe And Tubing Reamer, 1/8 in To 1-5/8 in Diameter, Red (Single Pack) - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com

Refrigeration Technologies RT201B Nylog Gasket/Thread Sealant, 30 ml (1 Pack): Nylog Blue: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Refrigeration Technologies RT201B Nylog Gasket/Thread Sealant, 30 ml (1 Pack): Nylog Blue: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
www.amazon.com

Rectorseal 65554 8-Ounce Bottle Better Bubble Leak Locator, Blue - Household Paint Solvents - Amazon.com

Rectorseal 65554 8-Ounce Bottle Better Bubble Leak Locator, Blue - Household Paint Solvents - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com

I had a 3 head unit install and it did take me a long time so i was able to rent a tank of gas from my welding supplier. Think it was 100 percent nitrogen to flush and fill the lines prior to vacuum. It takes out any moisture if they are left open for days.
I have all of the tools i used in a bag in the shop and might never use them again but like i said saved me tons. The last thing i wanted to do was screw up and have all the refrigerant leak out and have to get a pro to come and fix my screw up. Sure you can get by with cheaper new tools or stuff you have. I'm the last guy that will tell you better tools will get you better results if you don't know how to use them.
I did the same ten years ago when i decided to start maintaining my own oil boiler instead of paying 150 bucks every year for cleaning and such.
Best of luck
 
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bwringer

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Jan 1, 2013
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10,323
Location
Indianapolis
Kaizen said:
...You are saving hundreds or thousands doing it yourself. Spend the money on good tools. Sell after if you think you will never need it....
Click to expand...
Yup, I've bought large and/or expensive automotive tools several times, then sold them after the project. Depending on what it is, there's usually a ready market for "used once" tools. Whatever loss you take will be a lot less expensive than renting, and you won't have any time pressure.

With HVAC tools, there are plenty of pros who might want the tools, and more and more people interested in DIY, so I don't think it'll be hard to find a buyer.

Then again, there is the danger that you might decide to just keep it...
 
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karoc

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Hemphill Tx
Check HF for one, but what helps is putting little oil on copper and cone head. Turn tool couple times then back off then rub little more oil.
 
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dscheidt

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Apr 26, 2017
Messages
2,909
I bought a “wostore” from Amazon a few years ago, based on some recommendations here. It’s worked well for my purposes. Makes good flares, is eccentric so force required is low, and it clicks when the vlare is complete.

I use nylog as the lube, which is compatible with the refrigerant and oil in the system. (Get the right one, there’s a couple types).

Whatever you get, practice before you do real flares.
 
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KenC

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Dec 20, 2009
Messages
2,596
Location
oklahoma
I just installed a mini split, my 3rd. This time the seller included some ribbed, conical flare sealing washers as well as some nylog clone material. Looks like a belt and suspenders deal and makes flare quality less critical.

I haven't had past issues with a less than ideal tool, but this seems almost foolproof.
 
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