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No "first hand" but I'd think if I were interested in some quality AN assembly I'd just select a local and create a relationship. I'm not a fan of relying on just a bench-vise for compression assemblies and with that basic of a set of dies it seems that's likely their intended use.
I've put literally dozens of hose ends on AN lines using nothing more than basic wrenches (steel) and an electric powered abrasive cut off wheel to cut the AN line to length. Sometime I do leave a small mark on the fitting - but I'm not using AN fittings for the show car circuit.
One suggestion - buy a AN Plug, and an AN to pipe adapter in each size you intend to assemble. Once everything is together - plug one end of the hose, and thread the AN - Pipe fitting onto the other end. Submerge the plugged end into a bucket of water, and put 90 -100 psi of compressed air into the line through the pipe thread (use whatever fittings are required to adapt to your air compressor). If there is a leak in the fitting - you'll see it instantly. Once done, reverse the process to check the other end of the line. I'd say that about 30% of the ends I've installed had minor leaks in them the first time through....Normally another 1/16 - 1/8 turn on the offending fitting solves the problem.
I've put literally dozens of hose ends on AN lines using nothing more than basic wrenches (steel) and an electric powered abrasive cut off wheel to cut the AN line to length. Sometime I do leave a small mark on the fitting - but I'm not using AN fittings for the show car circuit.
One suggestion - buy a AN Plug, and an AN to pipe adapter in each size you intend to assemble. Once everything is together - plug one end of the hose, and thread the AN - Pipe fitting onto the other end. Submerge the plugged end into a bucket of water, and put 90 -100 psi of compressed air into the line through the pipe thread (use whatever fittings are required to adapt to your air compressor). If there is a leak in the fitting - you'll see it instantly. Once done, reverse the process to check the other end of the line. I'd say that about 30% of the ends I've installed had minor leaks in them the first time through....Normally another 1/16 - 1/8 turn on the offending fitting solves the problem.
At a 30% failure rate I think that's another argument for a "relationship" with a local.
I watch the attached video - - those are not true AN hose assemblies as used in the aerospace industry. I wouldn't trust those things as far as I could throw them. just my 2-cents -
I use them.... Saw them demo'd at PRI back in 2008 (I think) and bought a set on the spot.
I assembled AN hoses for 15yrs before the Kool Tools were in existence, am pretty good at it and I would never go back to not using them. I still take time to use masking tape and make good clean cuts on the hose because it just makes it that much easier...
I personally have used the Kool Tools on Brown and Miller, Aeroquip, Russell and Earls AN Fittings/Hose with no issues.
Will
Last edited by rklessdriver; Jan 26, 2016 at 10:02 AM.
I use them.... Saw them demo'd at PRI back in 2008 (I think) and bought a set on the spot.
I assembled AN hoses for 15yrs before the Kool Tools were in existence, am pretty good at it and I would never go back to not using them. I still take time to use masking tape and make good clean cuts on the hose because it just makes it that much easier...
I personally have used the Kool Tools on Brown and Miller, Aeroquip, Russell and Earls AN Fittings/Hose with no issues.
Will
Hey Will,
If you say they're effective that's enough for me, nearly always it's very dependent upon "whose hands are on the tools" so I'll leave it at that. A hammer in most hands is a dangerous weapon, in some hands it a great tool. In a friends shop a new hire pulled a hammer out of his box, he was told "no more" and to take it home.
As above these are not true AN lines. The hardest part making -AN lines. Is cutting the Stainless braid. and inserting the sleeve inside the teflon lining. The rest is easy.
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Jan 26, 2016 at 05:36 PM.
As above these are not true AN lines. The hardest part making -AN lines. Is cutting the Stainless braid. and inserting the sleeve inside the teflon lining. The rest is easy.
I don't believe that all -AN is PTFE lined. All lines, hose, tubing and fittings is very dependent upon applications. The "user" is I guess the responsible party for determining whether the fittings, tube, line or whatever is applicable. You've made a valid point for the "novice" I'd say.
- those are not true AN hose assemblies as used in the aerospace industry. I wouldn't trust those things as far as I could throw them. just my 2-cents - 
