Brake Lines: Are Flare wrenches necessary?

[Digitalwave]

I went to Sears, and they only have up to 17mm for flare wrenches. The sizes I need are 14mm and 18mm. Should I spend the extra money on flare wrenches (they are like $12 A PIECE), or could I get away with just normal open end wrenches?

[Charlie]

flare wrenches reduce the chances of mangling the connectors on the lines. I'd definetly recomend them.

-Charlie

[StereoInstaller1]

If you can get by with cheap-o $12 wrenches, count yourself lucky. Next time you see a SnapOn truck parked, pop in and ask a few prices...be prepared for a shock. Ever wonder why shops charge so much? Tools are a big part of the equation. My big air ratchet is $389.00, not to mention thousands of dollars in sockets, extensions, adapters...on and on. Not bitching at you, (well, kinda) but if you need $24.00 in tools that you will use many times, pony up and do it! Think how much a new line will cost, and how much downtime for your car.
Luke

[aaron_silva]

Sears.com has sets available for $23.

Aaron

[Digitalwave]

I will only use these once, I don't know how often you do the brake lines on your car but I think these SS lines should last me. I don't know what to do considering Craftsman doesn't sell 18mm flares.

[Charlie]

I will only use these once, I don't know how often you do the brake lines on your car but I think these SS lines should last me. I don't know what to do considering Craftsman doesn't sell 18mm flares.

What lines are you using that are 18mm flares?

As others mentioned, I picked up the 4 peice metric set that sears sells, it was about 25 bucks.

-Charlie

[Digitalwave]

The front lines are 14mm, and 1 of the sets of rears is 18mm. I don't know if thats what the rubber lines are, but thats how my SS ones are.

EDIT: They are Ireland non-D.O.T. lines.

[Charlie]

If you can get by with cheap-o $12 wrenches, count yourself lucky. Next time you see a SnapOn truck parked, pop in and ask a few prices...be prepared for a shock. Ever wonder why shops charge so much? Tools are a big part of the equation. My big air ratchet is $389.00, not to mention thousands of dollars in sockets, extensions, adapters...on and on. Not bitching at you, (well, kinda) but if you need $24.00 in tools that you will use many times, pony up and do it! Think how much a new line will cost, and how much downtime for your car.
Luke

This is true if you're a snap-on snob. However, for the average DIY'er, snap on is massive overkill. While I'd love to load up on snappy goods, my budget doesn't normally allow for that. I've had no problems with my various milwaukee, IR and craftsman stuff. Occasionaly I'll kill a craftsman tool, but I just run down to sears and get a new one for free, can't argue that too much.

The only things I'd really swear by from Snappy would be the socket sets, those are truly the best out there.

-Charlie

[Charlie]

The front lines are 14mm, and 1 of the sets of rears is 18mm. I don't know if thats what the rubber lines are, but thats how my SS ones are.

EDIT: They are Ireland non-D.O.T. lines.

Those are the same lines that I used. Craftsman makes an 18mm flare wrench, it was in the 4 pack I bought. IT's a 16/18mm peice.

-Charlie

[Digitalwave]

Charlie, all the kits they sell here have a 16/17mm piece. Fuck.

I'll see if they can order me one or something.

[Charlie]

Charlie, all the kits they sell here have a 16/17mm piece. Fuck.

I'll see if they can order me one or something.

It's offered online, I'm sure they can get one in for you. Just do a search for "flare wrench" on craftsman.com.

-Charlie

[aaron_silva]

I will only use these once, I don't know how often you do the brake lines on your car but I think these SS lines should last me. I don't know what to do considering Craftsman doesn't sell 18mm flares.

That is how you get your tool collection going. You need special tools for certain jobs. You may only use it once but you will eventually use it again for some reason. And it is only $25-30 max.

Aaron

[Digitalwave]

Get it going? This has to be one of the only things I don't have :) But I understand your point, and I am going to buy the proper tools, I'll probably have to order them online at craftsman.com

[BMW BMXER]

Do what I did, buy the tool, cover it in a rag, use it, clean it, take it back.

Or.. rent.

[rs4pro3]

Ya I'd jsut buy it who cares if you only use it once, who knows when you may get another parts car and need it.
Heck I purchased a 41mm socket to use on my m30 cam gear.(not cheap)
What I do is just buy the tools I need as I go, so far I have mostly ACE and Craftsmen tools as they have lifetime warrenty but I have some auto zone allen sockets and what not.