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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 04:46 PM
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Default 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
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 04:52 PM
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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
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 05:00 PM
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[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/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.
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 05:04 PM
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Here is a quote from this page:
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
When needing bigger sizes (over 3/4) using crowfoot wrenches is usually a better way to go.
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 05:28 PM
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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
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 05:39 PM
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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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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 06:05 PM
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Good quality tubing wrenches.
Never had a problem and used them on the fittings of my 68 during resoration.
No rounded or damaged fitings as a result.
Don't buy cheapo, buy good ones.
Kurt
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 06:10 PM
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At the auto parts store do they call them tubing wrenches and they know what they are or do you have to get them at a specialty shop?
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 06:25 PM
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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.
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Old Sep 15, 2006 | 10:36 PM
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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
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Old Sep 16, 2006 | 01:31 AM
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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
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