Any such thing as good economy flare nut wrenches?

John Garner · Apr 15, 2021

I'm wondering if anyone here has found good quality flare nut (aka line or tube fitting) wrenches that don't make a serious dent in the wallet. I'm thinking in the $15 to $20 range for a 3-wrench set.

Thanks in advance fou your suggestions.

Mark-Ia · Apr 15, 2021

Harbor Freight show a 5 piece for $15.00. Several sets on Amazon also.

Geo-TH,In · Apr 15, 2021

John,
I can't remember the last time I've used my flaring tools.
So I can't help.

George

kencombs · Apr 15, 2021

Having had some experience with cheaper ones, and refuse to pay Snap-On prices I would shop for older used snappy, Mac, SK etc on ebay.

JD Dave · Apr 15, 2021

My old adage with tools is, you get what you pay for. So then make sure they fit tight and don't give or break because otherwise they're no better than using an open end wrench. My old Snap-On ones work just fine after 50 years.

neverfear · Apr 15, 2021

Don't buy the ones on the rack at your local NAPA. Garbage.

M-MAN · Apr 15, 2021

Mine are old Blackhawks and Snap On's. Both are good. I would advise against going cheap with a line wrench. On most flare nuts you only get one chance. If the wrench spreads you're done for.

Phil Tibbetts · Apr 15, 2021

I picked up a whole set of Imperial Eastman Kwik-tite on flea bay a few years back. As far as I am concerned they are the best. Don't use them a lot but when you need them you need them. Can't have too many tools. IMHO

504 · Apr 15, 2021

There is only one good flare nut wrench,if you are going to use one buy a snap On or don t buy any. I have about four brands in the shop,only one works right. Snap On.

gab · Apr 15, 2021

I have craftsman that spread when the going gets tough, Macs that are a little bigger and clumsy and Snap Ons that work good.

rockgrower · Apr 15, 2021

I have the harbor freight set. Good news is I don't think the wrench will spread, but they are pretty thick, so wouldn't work in some tight spots.

wore out · Apr 15, 2021

Although this isn't elegant enough for tool snobs, when dealing with an ornery line nut that won't come loose I've snapped a Vise Grip on the outside of a flare nut wrench to keep it from spreading as you ralph on the nut.

markct · Apr 15, 2021

Yes there is they are snap on used ones on ebay etc. I'm not much of a tool snob have stuff of many brands but for open end wrenches that won't spring or flare nut wrenches snap on are worth the money

Hobo,NC · Apr 15, 2021

Snap-on, Mac and SK are all that has worked well for me... The cheap crow foots work well if you use a impact to rattle it loose... I buy the cheaper crows foot if I need to grind them down for a tight place. Its magic when in a tight place with a foot extension are more and a impact rattles a line fitting loose : )

For this application quality tools are hard to beat...

TimV · Apr 15, 2021

Wouldn't doubt that now, but I've had excellent service from my NAPA flare wrenches from 20+ years ago. Still, my Snap-ons are my go-to ones if I have one in the correct size as the ones I have I've picked up over the years piecemeal at garage sales, flea markets and such. Still probably the best way of going about getting good wrenches without paying new prices, though not the best for something you need NOW.

bhc41051 · Apr 15, 2021

Kencombs hit the nail on the head. There are tons of used quality made American tools on eBay.

Butch(OH) · Apr 16, 2021

I also concur. Ebay is the first place I look. I bought a set of Snap On line wrenches from 3/8 to 15/16 on ebay for $200 but it now, yes I stole them. Proto also makes a good line wrench.

ASEguy · Apr 16, 2021

No. In this case I learned my lesson years ago and would only use tool truck line wrenches. Mine are Snap-on.

dr sportster · Apr 16, 2021

For that you need Snap-On due to the flank drive .

Super H Mike · Apr 16, 2021

How about gold plated !

Hotflashjr · Apr 16, 2021

eBay - Find a set of made in America Craftsman. I got a good set of metric and standard for about $15 a set.

Old560 · Apr 16, 2021

Nope.

Hobo,NC · Apr 16, 2021

I can tell a set not to get, on the left Gearwrench that ratchet and swivel. I may weld them so the don't ratchet. They are useless...

The top dog snap-on with a open end the open end will get most line nuts they are extra thick.

Hobo,NC · Apr 16, 2021

Some you don't see everyday it ever...

Snap-on "Spring torque" they work when you can fit them on the nut it s a hit and miss deal most of the time there is not room for it. When you can get them on the nut they are the best bar none.

Butterfly, they can not be beat either I have used them on a 1/2" impact wrench with a 3 ft. extension. They have the same issue as the spring torque you need room to fit them over the nut. I use them on hard to get at hydraulic hoses...

John Garner · Apr 16, 2021

Since I don't have a pressing need to loosen well-stuck line fittings at the moment, I think I'll go with a Taiwan-made Craftsman set to buy time to look in the secondhand marketplace.

Maybe I'll get lucky and find a set-worth of Utica-Bonney Loc-Rite wrenches, and maybe a couple of U-B Cam-Loc ratcheting line wrenches.

Thanks again for your comments and suggestions.

old · Apr 16, 2021

Very simple take the cheap one and clamp a set of vise grips if you have the room. Problem solved

fixerupper · Apr 17, 2021

(quoted from post at 17:45:51 04/15/21) Although this isn't elegant enough for tool snobs, when dealing with an ornery line nut that won't come loose I've snapped a Vise Grip on the outside of a flare nut wrench to keep it from spreading as you ralph on the nut.

Wore out you got me to thinking which is dangerous. I have never tried this as the idea just came to my mind now. If a person would clamp a vise grip on the nut real tight and release it would that flex the nut enough to break the bond. Maybe clamp twice on two different flats if there is room. On some real large JIC fittings I have had good luck holding a big hammer against one flat and hitting the flat on the opposite side with another hammer. It's the same principal.

Any such thing as good economy flare nut wrenches?

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