Which double flaring tool Ridgid 345DL or Blue Point TF5A

[Golfer]

I like the fact I can warranty the snap on easily and is about $10 bucks cheaper but the ridgid is beefier and generally gets great reviews, but the warranty exchanges and the reports of the 3/16 tube slipping due to lack of grip concerns me.

Thoughts?

 

[Thunderbisciut]

I was looking at the Rigid myself, but wanted bubble flares too. I ended up going with an ATD 5483 set. I got it in last night and made about 10 flares on a piece of 3/16.

The downside is that you need 2 wrenches and a hex key to use the tool, but it grips very tight, makes a nice flare, comes with a cutter and deburrer, and costs less than the Rigid.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

I have the ridgid and it's been great. I just did a bunch of brake line with it, never had a problem with it slipping, ever. great tool. can't comment on the bp one.

 

[Stooge]

ive never used the ridgid one in question, but i've had the bluepoint one for awhile now and its been great. i think it was only 50-60 off the truck, easy to use and makes some nice looking flares and i like the case is small enough that i can put it away without taking up too much drawer space. mostly use it for fuel lines and brake lines

i do use a ridgid tubing cutter with it though

 

[ugotd8]

I have the blue point kit, works great for me on brake/fuel lines.

 

[In search of knowledge]

I have used many different kinds and by far the bluepoint works grate you can do bubble flares double flares really anything you need just don't waste your money on the cheap ones that don't work for local parts stores there junk

 

[In search of knowledge]

The bluepoint price is $70 around my part of the world

 

[Parabellum]

Get a imperial eastman. My ATD kit bit the dust, no longer makes good flares.

 

[royesses]

I had the blue point tool for many years 1978 -2004 and it made hundreds of double flares without any failures. Now I have the Rigid 345DL and it too makes excellent flares and is heavy duty. Either will serve you well. I do like the Rigid tool the most. I seldom do bubble flares so I have a separate tool for that. If I were doing lots of flares I would invest in the Mastercool hydraulic kit.

 

[clubairth]

I have used a number of types and brands over the years. I prefer the Rigid manual 345DL too. It's basic design is so good. A separate side jack screw to hold the tubing. Compare that to thumbscrews or worse. Then a massive frame to prevent deflection. This helps reduce distortion in the finished flare even if you don't see it.

Take a look;

.
.
.