I broke my flare tool today. You know the one, go to any auto parts store, made in china, $10 - $20. To be fare, I've had one that was made in the USA in the past that broke in the same way. It produces flares that are workable but I wouldn't brag about. I've been wanting to get one of the hydraulic flare tools which usually run $300-$400 or more. Now that I have a need, I'll probably do it.



Have any of you used one of those? It's expensive but I'm willing to pay for it if it produces a nice high quality flare. What other options are there?


Lawrenceville, GA

I got a flaring tool that I bought many, many years ago. It is a KD 2190 and it makes perfect flares and double flares every time (as long as you use it correctly). I don't know how much I paid for it and even if its still available, but its got to be a lot less that 300 bucks. Mine says Made In USA. Got it at an auto parts store if I remember correctly.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Charlie, we had a high dollar tool in the National Guard Maintenance shop that I worked at. It did a good job and was fast, but I don't know if the cost could be justified for occasional use. I have a couple of the parts store types now and they do all I need them to do.

Glen Henderson



Freedom is not Free

Letohatchee, AL

I have a 50 year old double flaring tool from Mac tools, have used it a lot without breakage.  I find that today's steel lines that have a black coating seem to be harder steel than the old bundy tubing, they are a lot harder to make the flares.  But the old Mac still does it.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

You may want to look at the flaring tool form Eastwood. The Guys at Dukes Speedmasters bought one and it is way cool and makes really nice flairs. It runs 249 but can be caught on sale from time to time or on ebay. http://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html

1955 Ford F100 w/ 272 Y-Block and Ford-O-Matic

I am considering that one. They also have the hydraulic tools and another manual tool. No more of these cheap ones.


Lawrenceville, GA

I wrench for a living and just bought the mastercool hydraulic off the snap on truck a couple of weeks ago.



So far zero problems and makes a perfect flare every time. Once you get the hang of it, its way quicker than a standard tool and easier on the hands.

1959 and 1960 f-100sAkron OH