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[/IMG]You need these type of wrenches, more of the tool grips the fitting with less chance of stripping it. I would go to Sears and get some Craftsman wrenches.
Help finding the right tools
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 97
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Help finding the right tools
I've stripped or rounded or just destroyed so many of those hose and line fittings that I've just got to get the right tools to get them off and on without destroying them. You know brake lines, power steering lines, fuel lines etc.
What tools do you guys use for brake lines? any assistance would be appreciated. You know gowing to the local auto parts store and getting good advise is hit and miss - you just never know.
Thanks, Richard
What tools do you guys use for brake lines? any assistance would be appreciated. You know gowing to the local auto parts store and getting good advise is hit and miss - you just never know.
Thanks, Richard
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 2
From: Melrose Florida
Easy answer is flare nut wrenches - they have six sides, and go almost all the way around the fitting.
BUT...they strip fittings often as well.
My first backup tool in this case is a pair of channel-lock "nut buster" pliers, that provide stronger grip as more force is applied.
Steve
BUT...they strip fittings often as well.
My first backup tool in this case is a pair of channel-lock "nut buster" pliers, that provide stronger grip as more force is applied.
Steve
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Here is a quote from this page:
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/Mech...#FlareWrenches
When needing bigger sizes (over 3/4) using crowfoot wrenches is usually a better way to go.
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/Mech...#FlareWrenches
Flare Wrenches. Flare wrench quality is critical when loosening a stuck brake or fuel line fitting. Cheap flare wrenches are not dimensionally accurate and the jaws can open up under stress. [Tips from Chuck] Craftsman, KD and Easco are the same bunch from Danaher manufacturing; their heads tend to open up under stress. Any other wrench they make is fine, have used them for years. Mac Tools' tend to open up as well. For high-quality flare wrenches, Snapon is not the only choice: SK and Bonney do just fine with their line wrenches
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 97
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Thanks guys this is helping a great deal. I had one person say that getting metric line wrenches would help a great deal - is that correct and what are these line wrenches? are they flare wrenches, box wrenches? 
in metric sizes?
By the way Noonie good URL to refer to about mechanical tips.
Thanks Richard
in metric sizes?By the way Noonie good URL to refer to about mechanical tips.
Thanks Richard
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I use cheap Harbor Freight and AutoZone flare wrenches, I've never had a problem with the heads opening up and rounding off fittings, for what it's worth. If I was a professional mechanic, I'd have Snap-On wrenches...but I'm not and I don't need them.
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Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
I have a set of cheap flare wrenches I needed once while on the road, they work pretty good but the heads are a little thick. I also have a good set of Proto line wrenches that fit better, have thinner heads and flex less. Get good ones once and be done with it. they are indespensable for doing hose work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
RGVette,
I have always heard of them referred to as tubing wrenches (I am old) and I am sure if you walk into Sears or any Auto Parts store they will know exactly what you mena.
They come in Standard and Metric sizes.
Sears sells each in sets of three of the most common sizes. You can also buy larger sets or just buy individually the size you need.
Kurt
I have always heard of them referred to as tubing wrenches (I am old) and I am sure if you walk into Sears or any Auto Parts store they will know exactly what you mena.
They come in Standard and Metric sizes.
Sears sells each in sets of three of the most common sizes. You can also buy larger sets or just buy individually the size you need.
Kurt
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Well, I popped into NAPA and asked them for a line wrench and they knew just what I was looking for. I appreciate the advise and the picture on the posts. It fit the power steering hoses as well as the brake lines etc. I subsequently used it and it took all of the problems out of my work. Everyone, good advise.
Thanks, RGVette
Thanks, RGVette