Best Flaring tool?

[texastrendz]

What is the best flaring tool for a 45 degree double? I only want to buy it once. I will be flaring stainless tubing for the brake system. Tell me what you would buy or have. thanks daniel. p.s. i want a manual version and not a hydraulic one.

[cableguy0]

You should be ok with most of the major brands. I have attempted to use a few of the cheapies from various parts stores etc and they suck. The snap on set i normally use always works and works good. I cant speak for the other brands such as cornwell mac or matco but I can say stay away from the cheapies if you want good flares that wont break or leak.

[shaneo2112RUSH]

i like this one from The Eastwood Company! Looks simple to use.

http://www.eastwood.com/professional...ring-tool.html

[bagged69chevy]

The eastwood flare tool is super nice. I purchased it and used it on stainless line. Works perfect. I would stay away from the cheap flare tools. It's not the most expensive flare tool on the market but for around 200-250 it's the best tool on the market in my opinion.

[Shane]

check around locally and find out if any rents the hydraulic unit ... they are too cost prohibitive to purchase, but man ol' man what nice flares they make in stainless.

[cdowns]

rigid makes great stuff google them up for a local dealer

[jlaird]

Ridgid....hands down. link

[texastrendz]

looked on rigids site, can you get the ratchet tool to do double flare, looks like single only. i see that you can get the 345 model to double flare, would this tool do the job, open to opinions, thanks daniel

[jlaird]

Hmmm, you're right, it doesn't look like they make a double flare tool that does stainless. That sucks cause these tools are truly great. I have a middle-of-the-road 45 degree double flaring tool and a Ridgid 37 degree tool and the feel between the two is like night and day.

But to answer your question, yes the 345-DL will do the job. Mine is similar and works, but its tough, especially on your hands. My advice is to make sure the tool is in a vise and put gloves on. It helps a lot.

[Thealien]

Mastercool hydaulic flaring tool. Was about $300 and worth every penny. I bought it to do the GM pushlok flares for the fuel injected fuel line. It makes perfect flares, every time. I also bought the 37 degree dies to do AN tube nuts.

[jlaird]

I thought those Mastercool's were more than that. That a good deal too. Wish I had one.

[dwcsr]

I got the Rigid 345-DL a few years ago and its been a great tool. As long as you prep the tube properly you'll get perfect flares with it.

[texastrendz]

man i sure like that eastwood tool, just watched a you tube video of it, pretty slick. gonna have to do some research on it. wander who makes it for them?

[Shane]

Originally Posted by texastrendz

man i sure like that eastwood tool, just watched a you tube video of it, pretty slick. gonna have to do some research on it. wander who makes it for them?

you can almost bet it has the name Ding, Dong, or Xiang in it.

[clinebarger]

Why whould anyone want to double flare stainless? All your doing is ruining your tool & working real hard. If you got to run stainless lines why not do it right and go 37 degree -AN/JIC.

[Thealien]

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDi...ookup=MAS71475

Originally Posted by jlaird

I thought those Mastercool's were more than that. That a good deal too. Wish I had one.

[texastrendz]

that was going to be my next question, what is right for stainless? is 37* strong enough on a single flare? from what i have read, brake lines are 45 double flare, if i can get a way with 37* single i am all for it, daniel.

[robnolimit]

When flaring stainless. you shoudl use 37deg AN style hardware. That means tube sleaves and flare nuts. 45deg double flare is for standard nickled steel line. Stainless will crack if you double flare it. you will have more sucess with aluminum fittings, as they are softer and will conform to the stainless flare. I like the hydro flare tools. I got mine from "Pure Choice" motorsports, they also have the Ridgid hand flaring tools. If you are stuck on the stainless lines, Pure Choice will have the special adapters for the master cyl. Earls is a source for fittings. JUst a note for everyones info. Stainless tubing is not DOT legal for brake lines due to the fatigue factors. I do use it on show winners, but for street and track use builds we use steel lines. Also, I tend to stay away from the stainless and billit line clamps, in favor of the rubber insulated style, the allow for some flex, and less rattle noises. "Del-City Wire" is a graet place to get them.

[texastrendz]

not set on stainless, just wanted a nice finish to the truck when it is all said and done. stainless is really not that much more money. i think that i have done the research that i am going to buy the hydraulic style tool since it will cover almost all types of flares and have only one tool to keep track of. is there another option to pretty lines other then stainless?

[Shane]

hey rob ... how does inline tube and other companies sell their pre-bent stainless lines for street-legal use if they aren't DOT approved?

[robnolimit]

I don't know, all I can tell you is what I've read. I'm not saying it can't be done or doesn't work, you know? Justto be carefull and do it right.

[robnolimit]

OK, I just looked into it, and the DOT rating has to do with the alloy of the stainless.

[oldspowered67C10]

+1 on the rigid hand tool, I did mine all in stainless w/ AN stuff and 37 degree flares, the tool works great. Also, if you do choose to use stainless on the brake lines dont use aluminumn fittings, Ok for low pressure stuff but I wouldnt trust it for brake type pressure. You can get stainless fittings but theyre super pricey and Id be concerned with galling. I used the steel ones, theyre cheap, have a anti-corrosive finish and are plenty strong for brake stuff. Also, McMaster Carr is a great source for tubing, I got some seamless stuff, good to very high pressures,has a nice finish and comes straight as a arrow. Ill send along some pics of my tubing.

[scooterskoolkustoms]

I have the rigid,man does it work nice and smooth.If your going to use it a lot get yourself a good one.

[Shane]

Originally Posted by robnolimit

I don't know, all I can tell you is what I've read. I'm not saying it can't be done or doesn't work, you know? Justto be carefull and do it right.

i wasn't doubting what you stated, just wondered how they got by with it.

thanks for the heads up!