Flaring tool set ?
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,970
Likes: 9,782
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Rusty,
I bought a cheapo off the shelf at the local parts store. I can't remember the brand name but so far its worked out just fine. I did all the lbrake lines on my truck (some of them several times). I did tranny cooling lines as well. I even used it on the steel part of the power steering pressure line when I fabricated my power steering hoses.
The main thing is to use patience. Make sure your cuts are good and square, debur the ends of the lines (sometimes it helps to run a drill bit into the line after makeing a cut) Then make sure everything is nice and square when you clamp the flaring tool in place.
I own lots of expensive tools, most of them bought back in the day I turned a wrench and it was easier to buy from the tool trucks than take time off of work to go to the stores. I used to like Craftsman stuff but not anymore. I've actaully had real good luck with the Duralast tools that Autozone sells. Where ever you decide to get it from, see what kind of warranty they have on it.
Good luck with the lines (and remember to put the nuts on before flaring....lol)
Bobby
I bought a cheapo off the shelf at the local parts store. I can't remember the brand name but so far its worked out just fine. I did all the lbrake lines on my truck (some of them several times). I did tranny cooling lines as well. I even used it on the steel part of the power steering pressure line when I fabricated my power steering hoses.
The main thing is to use patience. Make sure your cuts are good and square, debur the ends of the lines (sometimes it helps to run a drill bit into the line after makeing a cut) Then make sure everything is nice and square when you clamp the flaring tool in place.
I own lots of expensive tools, most of them bought back in the day I turned a wrench and it was easier to buy from the tool trucks than take time off of work to go to the stores. I used to like Craftsman stuff but not anymore. I've actaully had real good luck with the Duralast tools that Autozone sells. Where ever you decide to get it from, see what kind of warranty they have on it.
Good luck with the lines (and remember to put the nuts on before flaring....lol)
Bobby
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 890
Likes: 0
From: New York
If you're using the Great Neck one anyway ... your local AutoZone should have it available for loan. You put down a deposit, take it home, use it, bring it back, and get your deposit back in full. Pretty sweet deal.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Florida Panhandle
Patience
Bobbytm put it best, I bought a cheap set that worked great, you just have to ensure you don't get in hurry. I also found that some of the steel brake lines are lower quality, which effects flaring. I like the rental idea, if you only going to use it once it saves you a few bucks.
dennis
dennis
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 0
From: I live in Mustang, OK
Thanks to all; Auto Zone is where I was going to buy the Greatneck, They will loan one out for $25 deposit. Get it back when you return it. But I have all the lines to do on my truck, plus I bought another project that will need all the lines done. And I found a 54 f100 that I am thinking about getting as well. The kid started on it got it half way dismantled and changed his mind. I can get it real cheap. Anyway I thought I'd just buy a new set for $25 so I'd have a set at home.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 0
From: I live in Mustang, OK
I looked at them also; I don't like the warranty at HF. I buy a lot of hand tools at HF, but not tools that I have to use on things that my life depends on. If you get my drift;
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver Island
I bought a Lisle one for about $70, and just couldn't get it to make a proper flare; it looked like it had been machined wrong or something. A hydraulic shop was nice enough to lend me their tool (used the Lisle dies), and it worked fine: made one practice flare, then crawled under the van and did the brake line. (Rear section was badly rusted, front part was OK and difficult to reach to replace the whole thing.)
The good tool was a Ridgid #345. The same tool is sold under some other brand names; I found a complete kit used with the double flare adapters. It came in handy for making new lines for the '57 panel truck, as well as fixing a neighbour's "garden truck" (wasn't licensed for the road).
The good tool was a Ridgid #345. The same tool is sold under some other brand names; I found a complete kit used with the double flare adapters. It came in handy for making new lines for the '57 panel truck, as well as fixing a neighbour's "garden truck" (wasn't licensed for the road).
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Auburndale, Florida
AutoZone is a good way to go if you just need to make a couple of flares. If you are a tool junkie (and most of us are if we're honest) then you can't go wrong with a Rigid tool. That's what I bought and I've been very happy with it.
OilLeaks
OilLeaks
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
broke33
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Mar 24, 2005 01:27 PM
