Mastercool tools - any experience? Flaring tools in general?

[F18hornetM]

I agree with you guys on how nice the tool is. My thoughts are, its to expensive for the number of times a normal person needs it. I work in a shop that maintains 400+ vehicles and we dont have one. Of course lots of air brakes, but anytime a hydraulic brake line is needed we just use the simple old, cheap double flare bar. I agree with no connections or at least as few as possible.
Just my 2 cents worth. I have used the hydraulic ones before, [demo] but I wouldnt spend the money on it unless I had brake lines to make everyday.
We also use the spring tubing benders, which are great if you need to route a long line.
Good luck with your truck

 

[JGBallew]

paying attention to the cut end of the line, making sure it's cleaned up, etc will go a long way to producing a serviceable double with even a mediocre tool.

Seen people turn out a lot of crappy, split doubles with a beautiful benchtop flaring tool.

 

[ZiggyO]

My opinion is as follows:

I have bought alot of the smaller, lighter duty, cheaper tools in the past to get a certain job done. My experiences with these tools has mostly been less than satisfactory. In the end I decided to start getting the best tool possible for the job to be done-- I get better results and in the case of a light duty versus heavy duty tool, I have the ability to tackle a bigger job should it come along without having to buy a heavier tool in that case. Yes, this is an expensive route to take, and yes, I have tools that were only used for one job that are now sitting in the chest. However, in the long run, if I figure out all the money I spent on replacing tools I broke, had to replace due to poor quality results, or simply had to upgrade for a bigger job, I just about broke even. I like to think of it in the context of the tortise and the hare-- the "here and now" may put you ahead for a while, but may not be the way to go in the long run.

Now I am not saying to disavow the cheaper stuff completely-- there are times when the "get me home" fix warrants the cheaper stuff (and believe me, I do have my share of that stuff)...... The best example I can give is when I flew halfway across the country with a buddy of mine to grab a truck about 3 years ago-- I could not ship my tools out for cheaper than a set of harbor freight tools would cost me on site. Naturally I opted for the harbor freight tools to get me home and simply relegated them to under the seat in my suburban since...........

The best advice I can give you is to buy the best that: A) you can afford, and B) are comfortable laying out the money for.

Ziggy

 

[deuceman51]

For us it was a matter of time and money like someone else said. The time to buy premade lines with numberous joints that could leak. We did 2 our customers trucks with micro brakes installed, the location wouldn't work for a cheap type that needs more room to flare, ect. The mastercool set worked in the tight space and got it 1st time. The kit has paid for itself numberous times. I understand the average joe who wants to do one or 2 lines can't justify it. I was just saying it is a quality tool and well made in my opinion and experience.

 

[derby]

I have an old Imperial Eastman flare kit that has always preformed well.

You must........MUST follow the directions in order to get a perfect flare every time..........Don't forget the flare fitting before you flare it, you know how i know that.

Investing in a good tubing bender is always helpfull too.

I have never used the Mastercool brand. I try to buy what I know works.
Is the Mastercool an import?

 

[F18hornetM]

Mastercool seems like they make good stuff. I have a AC manifold set from mastercraft and works well. NAPA sells it as well.
I wouldn't buy a cheap flaring bar either. You can buy a qualty set like this one that will make all the brake lines you ever need. [I have this one] Spend the difference in money on a 3/4" impact or some other tool you don't have.
Any rate good discussion, I like hearing others opinions/thoughts/Ideas.

Flaring/Cutting Kit - Flaring And Swaging Tools - Plumbing Tools - 4A518 : Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[gimpyrobb]

Agreed, but in my case, I've got one vehicle that needs fuel and brake lines, and two others (including my M1008 ) that will almost certainly need similar work.

And then, there may be trans lines that need to be replaced, too.

For my civvyChevy, the dealer wants $265 just for the fuel return line, and that's not counting the delivery line!

Yes, I know I can make it myself using pre-flared sections, but that would leave me with a lot of unnecessary joints.


I think for me it makes sense at this point. I can do all three vehicles correctly, and then maybe sell the tool and recoup part of the investment.

At least, that's what I'm telling myself!

Sometimes, the right tool for the job costs money. I don't like laying out that much for one tool, but I am usually glad I did everytime that I use it!

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

My Dad always said that cheap tools are false economy.


After visiting my parts store and confirming that I can't buy bendable tubing with the GM fuel fitting type flare on it (which I need for my civvyChevy), I ordered the Mastercool from Tooltopia. It was only $20 or so more than getting it from some nameless Amazon seller, and for something like this I want to be sure I'm dealing with a reputable company.

I'll post results when I put it to work!

Thanks for all the input, gentlemen!

 

[clinto]

I've never regretted buying tools and I don't buy cheap stuff.

You may not use it again for 5 years, but on a Saturday night when you need it, it's in the toolbox and it's priceless.