Hi folks. Ive been looking for a cheap set of metric flare wrenches in case I run into any metric brake line screws while working on the car. The ones Ive seen in auto-zone, advanced auto skip the odd millimeter sizes. In other words in a set of 4 wrenches one wrench will be 8mm & 10mm, the next will be 12mm & 14mm, etc, etc.

Is there a reason why there are no odd ones in the pack? Do automotive brake lines not generally use these odd numbered sizes? Ive noticed more expensive brands like craftsman/ mac/ snap on DO come in odd sizes, so this is confusing me.

Appreciate any thoughts.

 

They are going to have the most common used wrenches. I don't think I have ever used any of the odd numbered ones.

Toyman

 

I 've got a Mac set and at times had to use the 13 and 15 for brake and power steering lines.

 

Personally, flare-nut wrenches are one of those areas where "cheap" should be avoided.

I bought a set of cheap Autozone flare-nut wrenches and regret it everytime I have to use them... I think they're metric too... This opinion gets driven home even more so whenever I use the sole K-D 3/8-7/16 wrench I have that was bought years ago. The tolerances are so bad on the cheap wrenches that I often end up using a standard open-end wrench because it grips better.

This is one situation where I can justify Snap-on. Also, Snap-on seems to be the only company that offers the rather convienent flare-nut/open combination wrench.

 

> flare-nut wrenches are one of those areas where "cheap" should be avoided.

I agree 100%. I posted a picture here a while ago where the Autozone 18 mm one broke while trying to do a simple A/C fitting on a Chevy. The cheap ones are better then nothing, sometimes, that is about it.

If it was needed for a vital part, I would go Snap-On or Mac.

 

While acknowledging the above wisdom that quality co$t$, my inner tightwad compelled me to make my own when I needed one in 10mm. I priced a set at Sears and gagged---can't part with that much cash for something used only once in a while. So I picked out a sturdy-looking combo wrench on my next visit to the local used tool emporium. Took it home and used a cutting wheel to open a slot just large enough to slip over a brake line. Presto, flare wrench. If it spreads, I'm out 50 cents.

 

I was looking for a set, in a high theft risk, environment. The older style Craftsman was known to spread, they came out with the newer polished style, and increased the head size. But another one I looked at, that a few people said was one of the better import tools, V8 tools, flare nut/open end combo wrenchs, over at thetoolwarehouse.net.

 

Damn, 1stoldtruck, what a freagin' good idea. I have tons of spare closed wrenches in storage. Ill break out my dremel w/ cutoff wheel and get grinding. Im sure you snap on/ mac users are scoffing at this idea, but it's a tightwad thing

Thanx for the idea, and to all others who've replied.

 

I have a set of the craftsman flare wrenches that spread. They are worse than useless and I have threatened to take my torch or welder to the whole set.

 

Check out the polished ones at PepBoys. I bought a couple of SAE ones there and they've never spread on me yet. Assuming you have room to get them in there, I have seen others suggest on here to put a set of vice grips on the end of the wrench to keep it from spreading.

 

Downside of doing the "Ole Shadetree" with those unused box wrenches is the 12pt design. BTDT and aways kicked myself when I rounded off a stiff line. Broke down and started trolling the yard sales and came away with a good set of "old" Craftsman wrenches for about $15.00.

Irish