Who makes the best flare nut wrenches?

[Persimmons1123]

So thinking of getting a flare nut wrench set looking at the MAC's are around 299ish for 6 metric around same price for Snap-Ons sk doesn't look terrible but I think they sold to China recently? Don't really wanna do matco as I'm pretty sure it's a rebrand I'd would also be interested in maybe a flare nut crows feet set just never used them so I can decide what would be the better option

 

[PelicanPines]

Snap On

Period... thread is done... there are no more answers

 

[torqueman2002]

While I agree with Pelican (I have the metric combo set), I also have a set of older SAE Craftsman that have been great.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Having used snap on, craftsman, HF, SK, and gear wrench - Snap on.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Just purchased Snap-on metric ones yesterday. The metric are more expensive than the SAE I gave $330 for them but the quality is there. I have the Gearwrench flex heads and they are ok but will flex with high torque situations. I’d say these are the best you can buy I don’t know anyone that comes close to these. These are one of those buy once, cry once tools.

 

[Persimmons1123]

Just purchased Snap-on metric ones yesterday. The metric are more expensive than the SAE I gave $330 for them but the quality is there. I have the Gearwrench flex heads and they are ok but will flex with high torque situations. I’d say these are the best you can buy I don’t know anyone that comes close to these. These are one of those buy once, cry once tools.

Yeah I might just settle for S/O but really wanted to see if anyone has tried the MAC

 

[Fedwrench]

I have a MAC set. It's an older combination style with a flare end on one side and a really thick open end on the other side. They've never let me down but, I'm in Arizona, not the rust belt. I also own snap on, I think Snap on makes the best flare everything, wrenches, crowfeet, etc.

 

[garfunkle24]

I bought some Gearwrench ratcheting ones years ago, thinking they might be handy. I would say they're the best available provided your main criteria include uselessly occupying toolbox space and a complete inability to turn flare-nuts or pretty much any hexagonal fastener. If you wanna be a basic ***** and do all that flare-nut-turney stuff I'd go with Snap-on.

 

[msharley]

I have Snap On & Mac...

The "index" is slightly different...and many times I have used one of each on one flare nut. Due to space restrictions...

I think the Snap On is a bit better? They are about 30yrs? (or more)...I purchased the Mac about 20yrs? ago??

Hope this helps....

 

[Persimmons1123]

I have a MAC set. It's an older combination style with a flare end on one side and a really thick open end on the other side. They've never let me down but, I'm in Arizona, not the rust belt. I also own snap on, I think Snap on makes the best flare everything, wrenches, crowfeet, etc.

I agree I'm most likely going to go the S/O flank drive for the win haha

 

[Hiball]

I’ve got a hodgepodge of Flare wrenches, Can’t go wrong with Snap on. I’m also not afraid to grab the cornwell roll if traveling away from the shop.

 

[j3rf]

Snap On.

 

[Persimmons1123]

I’ve got a hodgepodge of Flare wrenches, Can’t go wrong with Snap on. I’m also not afraid to grab the cornwell roll if traveling away from the shop.

Hiw is the cornwell? I really would like to try them out I've heard great things about the stuff that's not rebranded

 

[bonneyman]

These are one of those buy once, cry once tools.

I hear ya, Blake, but in my house it's, "Buy once, cry once....and sleep a whole month on the couch!"

I've assembled a fairly complete set of Bonney's in the various configurations that they made. Would love to get a set of the old Duro super deep offset flares in 12 pt. Luckily I don't use them every day so can afford to wait and watch.

 

[Hiball]

Hiw is the cornwell? I really would like to try them out I've heard great things about the stuff that's not rebranded

I’ve never had any issues, everything cornwell I own is Made in the USA. I can’t speak for the blue power stuff.

 

[ybnormal]

Advance should be putting their TEQ flare wrenches on sale soon. I imagine they'll go from $23 to about $7-8. still a good deal for those of us who don't own any?

 

[dnschmidt]

Obviously, I like TOPTUL a lot but the consensus is Snap-On. Everybody argues about Snap-On this and Snap-On that but it’s fairly unanimous that Snap-On makes the best flare nut wrenches.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have to admit... I have a set of Tekton Angle Open Wrenches in metric I find extremely useful as well. I got the Sunex for the SAE Angle Wrenches (rarely used). I'm not a flare nut fan... I prefer the open wrenches.

My Flares are Gearwrench... I'm considering selling them.

 

[Hiball]

I have to admit... I have a set of Tekton Angle Open Wrenches in metric I find extremely useful as well. I got the Sunex for the SAE Angle Wrenches (rarely used). I'm not a flare nut fan... I prefer the open wrenches.

My Flares are Gearwrench... I'm considering selling them.

That’s the benefit of having the combo type flare wrenches, Not only do you get the speed aspect of running threads, you still get the thicker heads/flare to deter spreading. I use angle wrenches quite a bit when dealing with hydraulic lines on the tractor/implement . I’d hate rely on them for stubborn fittings as they are generally thinner and can be prone to spreading.

 

[89MustangGX]

I always see Snap-on listed as tops in these threads. I've been using SK and Craftsman Pro (same thing) for a long time and don't recall ever having any issues with them. Can someone explain what makes SO better? Is it just a matter of I haven't had a problem YET, or is it something I'm missing? I've had problems with cheap sets before and that's why I stepped up to what I have now. Rounded tube nuts are the worst!

 

[Persimmons1123]

I always see Snap-on listed as tops in these threads. I've been using SK and Craftsman Pro (same thing) for a long time and don't recall ever having any issues with them. Can someone explain what makes SO better? Is it just a matter of I haven't had a problem YET, or is it something I'm missing? I've had problems with cheap sets before and that's why I stepped up to what I have now. Rounded tube nuts are the worst!

Flank drive really grabs the fastner reason why I got semi deep and deep socket with flank drive extra so I would imagine the wrench fits just as snug as the sockets? (And yes it is day and night diffrence how good flank drive works) also great for rusty and crusty.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have Snap-on, SK and Carlyle. My SK are metric and they'll a little shorter than the Snap-on equivalents but sometimes shorter is better in tight spots. I have Carlyle in SAE and they never have failed me but I prefer Snap-on over them.

My favorite Snap-on ones are the ones with flare wrench on one end and open on the other side. I have considered buying Snap-on in metric but my SK ones do the job just fine. I had an original 12mm brake line fitting on my truck that had some rust and the SK didn't slip or spread and broke the fitting free. I can't ask for a wrench to do any more.

My recommendation is Carlyle if you want an economy set, SK if you want USA made without Snap-on prices and Snap-on if you don't have a budget and want arguably the best.

 

[MJK]

I have SO, Craftsman pro and had Carlyle. mgdoug3 must have better luck than I did with Carlyle. They are to date the only tools I have thrown away after first use. I've demoted or given away others, but these were straight up garbage. Maybe things have changed or I just got unlucky - this was 3-4 years ago. I bought the Snap Ons that same day (used eBay) and haven't touched anything with that brand since.

If current SK are equivalent to old Craftsman Pro, I'd have no hesitation seconding the recommendation for those as budget friendlier alternative to SO.

 

[demarpaint]

Stahlwille - 24/7, 8 - 22mm have been great.

 

[FMB4]

I've had a set of metric Mac as well as a set of raised panel SAE Craftsman since the mid-late '80s. Both work well, but I think CM is just a bit better possibly due to them not being polished chrome. Seems that not being polished gives them a bit more grip on the flare nuts.

 

[ecotec]

I have Snap-on, Proto, Bonney, and Mac sets. I only ever use the Snap-on. The other sets are okay. I used to have an SK set that spread so bad that I threw them away.

This is one of those tools where it is worth it to splurge on the Snap-on.

 

[Davefr]

This is one tool where you ignore the price tag and seek out the absolute best quality and it's usually SO which stands the test of time. For value you could also go with SK or older CM. A flare nut wrench that opens up and slips can ruin your entire day.

 

[dnschmidt]

Stahlwille - 24/7, 8 - 22mm have been great.

As I've said many times before TOPTUL copies Stahlwille's wrench designs. If you're going to steal, steal from the best is my view. That's why I like the TOPTUL wrenches as much as I do.

 

[Torque Test Channel]

Just finishing editing today. We shot 10 different examples you guys requested, 10 different tests . Hopefully having this video up tomorrow. No Mac or Cornwell made the list unfortunately. I'd like to see Mac too actually.

Edit: adding video here for future searching. Don't want to take over this thread

 

[BillK]

Do you need them for daily use in a business environment or strictly homeowner ?? I bought a set of the Craftsman polished ones about 2 years ago and to be honest with you I cant see where I would need anything else. I have probably used them 20 - 30 times and simply have not had a problem. If I was working on cars or equipment for a living and needed them every single day I would maybe look at something different but maybe not.

 

[j3rf]

Can someone explain what makes SO better?

From my experience the jaws on the SO line wrenches have the least amount of spread (or not any discernible to my eyes) resulting in less damaged flare nuts. Replacing rounded off flare nuts is a pain in the ***.

 

[71firebird400]

Just finishing editing today. We shot 10 different examples you guys requested, 10 different tests . Hopefully having this video up tomorrow. No Mac or Cornwell made the list unfortunately. I'd like to see Mac too actually.

Ever since you hinted that you were doing this I have been waiting for the results- needless to say I'm rather excited to see how it goes.

 

[Wrench97]

Just in case nobody else posted it Snap On hands down

 

[VolvoRyan]

I have a set of SK that I'd been using for 15 years. Snap-On is indeed a step up.

If you know what sizes you need for the typical problem children, you can get Snap-On for those, and then fill in the blanks with something less spendy. I don't think there's savings in buying "sets" of Snap-On vs. "a la cart", but I don't think I've done the math.

Though, math: pretty much any brake job on a car DIY'd saves you enough money to buy many Snap-On tools. Even if you're rocking high-end or dealership parts.

Quick FYI: If you think Matco is likely a "rebrand", reconsider your opinions on MAC. I've some new MAC tools that I love.... but some of those are made in in China. Love them just the same.

-Ryan

 

[redm18]

Over a period of several years I have been collecting a set of Snap On one wrench at a time. When I started out collecting them I was paying about 10 buck a wrench. The last one I just got for the full collection was like 35 dollars. I have not used them much but they feel like great tools. I'm going to be replacing calipers on my mom's car this weekend so hopefully they will prove their worth.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

So thinking of getting a flare nut wrench set looking at the MAC's are around 299ish for 6 metric around same price for Snap-Ons sk doesn't look terrible but I think they sold to China recently? Don't really wanna do matco as I'm pretty sure it's a rebrand I'd would also be interested in maybe a flare nut crows feet set just never used them so I can decide what would be the better option

Based on GJ truck brand flare nut wrenches are usually better than big box stores, and the MAC looks good. For weekend warriors I just bought the Snapon sizes that I needed, already have the cheap Craftsman set from Lowes, CM 18mm worked great but the CM 12mm was loose. I don't expect to use them often to buy SO set.

 

[Wrench97]

Based on GJ truck brand flare nut wrenches are usually better than big box stores, and the MAC looks good. For weekend warriors I just bought the Snapon sizes that I needed, already have the cheap Craftsman set from Lowes, CM 18mm worked great but the CM 12mm was loose. I don't expect to use them often to buy SO set.

It's really not a matter of how often you use them, it's a matter of removing the flare nut or rounding it off and replacing it.

 

[Mr_B]

Just finishing editing today. We shot 10 different examples you guys requested, 10 different tests . Hopefully having this video up tomorrow. No Mac or Cornwell made the list unfortunately. I'd like to see Mac too actually.

Cool, can't wait see how vise-grip done .
Going be a good one as lot of opinion and this first likely worthwhile test that been done, Snapon or vice-grops done pretty well for me on proper scabby fittings .

 

[boom_bap]

This is one tool where you ignore the price tag and seek out the absolute best quality and it's usually SO which stands the test of time. For value you could also go with SK or older CM. A flare nut wrench that opens up and slips can ruin your entire day.

This is what I was told also. I purchased a single SK 5/8 line wrench for a fuel filter line on a chevy for $30. It did the job. That was compared to getting gearwrench or other taiwan brand. Would love if someone had both to compare the snappy and sk.

 

[Dave455]

A few years back I had to prep a machining centre for moving. Everything came apart nicely, but the coolant pipes had aluminium fittings that were corroded together. To make matters worse, one of the guys at the factory had rounded the fittings with a regular open ender.

I reckoned I had one chance to get the fittings apart, so used the Snap On wrench that everybody else rates. Had to dress the fittings with a file to get the wrench on, but it removed them all first go. To me, that day, that tool was priceless.

I can’t honestly say why they work so well. The design is good for sure, there is maximum material in contact and they are very close fitting, but there seems to be no give in the jaws at all, and I wonder if Snap On use a different steel in these?

I have a couple of these

And also a couple of these. Note that the open end is thicker than a regular open ender, giving you two options. I don’t bother buying sets as there are only a few sizes I use, and maybe only one or two regularly.

I also have a couple of the Hazet wrenches in my road box. These are nice too, but the bigger sizes are bi-hex, and I don’t like that on flare nut wrenches. They do offer special tools for brake lines though.