I used the loan a tool from Autozone tonight. Pretty much trashed the thing after 5 flares. I'm not made of money, but I am willing to spend some if the tool will last. What have you had luck with?
I have both a K-D tools and an Imperial Eastman that I use (Usually reach for the KD first). Both are great. Eventually I'll step up to the hydraulic setup but it's beyond my budget right now. I see a lot of Blue Point, Rigid, & Imperial at estate sales
G'day, I have had really great luck with a Blue Point from Snap On. I have never had to have any piece of it warrantied through many years of use. ms
I had a snap on but broke it twice so i got this one from eastwood and its the best, you can whip out a double flare fast.
wasn't happy with my snap-on - it's collecting dust....found a WWll surplus one at an estate sale that's kicking....
x2 on the eastwood it is the best and really easy to use. I did all my lines with it and I can see it lasting a long time
The blue point kit is the best bang for the buck, I think. The dies haven't deformed and it's got a lot of use out of it. It's the group loaner
This is why I love the hamb. Grown men sitting around a fire in our manor puffing pipes and discussing not the economy of the pacific rim, but flaring tools. Good night gentlemen.
I just bought the mastercool hydro. Hands down the best money Ive ever spent. I'm gonna sell my snap on one on eBay.
Rigid. I've used my set for years, making brake lines, fuel lines, etc. Never failed me yet. No regrets.
A friend borrowed my Snap-On and has not returned it. A very good tool. I was in a bind and needed a flaring tool in a hurry. I saw a "Cornwell" truck in my complex. I have never owned anything Cornwell simply because I didn't like the name. Jumped on the truck and purchased the tool. I am very pleased with it. Good quality and made in the U.S.A.. The cost was about 65 bucks.
Fedhill used to let you "rent" one with purchase of thier cuniform line. Had good luck with it. Would like to buy one of the units one day.
I have a Snap-On for over 30 years made by Imperial. Works well especially if flaring in vehicle in a tight area. Also have the mastercool, and it works flawlessy but cumbersome in vehicle. The kit also has dies to form GM fuel lines and power steering O-ring flares. Both tools are used weekly.
I got a KD that works okay,,sounds like the guys with Eastwood tool are impressed..whatever you do don't buy a cheapie,,,,bought one for an emergency road fix and that's the last time I used the POS. Buy name brand USA made
eastwood x 3 works great on jegs stainless line from jegs ,also shortened stainless lines and flared lines from vb n p.on the rear calipers 71 vette no prob.feels quality
Using Cunifer line, my Mastercool tool left marks that ruined the seal. Switching to the FedHill tool almost solved my problems. I found that I was exerting too much pressure on the tool handle. Once I developed the touch, my flares are nothing less than beautiful.