I've been up to my neck in brake problems for the last two weeks and I've been wondering who makes the best flare wrenches. I've got a set of generic ones that I'm afraid of using ever since one exploded.
I've also got a couple MasterCraft (Canadian Tire brand) flare wrenches that seem weeker than the regular MasterCraft open end wrenches. I'm interested in THE BEST ones available. Does anybody make a set that have some kind of gate you can lock around the fitting? How about a set that has flat spots on them so you lock a pair of vice grips onto the sides of the jaws?
My method of attack doesn't include penetrating fluid unless I am getting prepared the night before because I'm impatient and couldn't possibly stand around watching it work. So, what I do is try a regular wrench. When it slips I try my flare wrench. After that fails I cut the line off at the fitting and pound a 6 point socket onto the fitting. The 6 point socket always works while wrenches do not. Brake lines are so cheap that I won't spend more than 5 minutes of my time trying to loosen the fittings.
Cheers, Steve
My method of attack doesn't include penetrating fluid unless I am getting prepared the night before because I'm impatient and couldn't possibly stand around watching it work. So, what I do is try a regular wrench. When it slips I try my flare wrench. After that fails I cut the line off at the fitting and pound a 6 point socket onto the fitting. The 6 point socket always works while wrenches do not. Brake lines are so cheap that I won't spend more than 5 minutes of my time trying to loosen the fittings.
Cheers, Steve