Apart from a dog, you can also call a car someone’s best friend, more so if it is the first car they have ever bought. Like dogs need to see the vet every other month, so do cars. Some automotive repairs you would need to take to a mechanic and some you could do yourself, especially if you are a hands-on person.
If you are to do that, you will need the best tools available. Although it might entirely depend on the problem at hand, you will need the best flaring tool to help you deal with specific automotive issues. That is especially true for brake lines.
There is a myriad of options on the market which might seem identical in their features. That’s what makes it quite complicated to settle on one tool. It is the reason we have highlighted the best ten flaring tools for you to choose one quickly.
If you are in a dilemma over which flaring tool to choose, read our review to the end to help you decide faster. Let’s get on with it right away.
Our 10 Best Flaring Tools in 2024 for you:
01. Wostore Double Flaring Kit: Best Value
One of the things most people would look for in any tool before buying is a reasonable price. The Wostore offers just that and much more. For instance, it is made with high-quality material that ensures it will last you quite some time.
The Wostore double flaring kit enables you to either work on double or single flares. That gives you a wider range of options by which to work on your automotive issues. The multi-functionality makes it ideal for different flaring needs, from brakes to pipes.
If you use it for pipe cutting, you will appreciate the two rollers that enable you to hold the tubes in a better position. The extra blade and the slide lock tube reamer only add to its efficiency at its job.
It is these features that make it a good idea to buy this flaring tool. That is unless you wouldn’t want a toolset that makes it easier for you to use it.
But there’s more,
You will love this tool kit’s versatility. Its versatility is that you can use it on a broad range of applications from 3/16 inches to 5/8 inches. You get an inner and outer reamer for the tube reamer and a 3 to 30mm capacity.
Durability is often at the back of someone’s mind whenever they are looking for tools. The Wostore double kit is made with steel material that makes it durable and gives it the strength to deal with the different metals you will use it on.
As if that’s not enough, this flaring tool kit also comes with a carrying case which means it is highly portable. You, therefore, can use it wherever you want, thanks to the carrying case.
Pros
- Portable with the help of a carrying case
- Durable and strong metal material
- Versatile
- Affordable
Cons
- Some of the tools might damage quite fast
02. MASTERCOOL 72485 Flaring Tool
Mastercool is a massive name in the tools business, which tells you almost all you need to hear about this flaring tool. This flaring tool comes with specific features that make it easier to use and effectively handy at flaring.
When working with adapters, they tend to move often, impeding your work in the process. However, if you are using this flaring tool, you won’t have to worry about that since it comes with a magnetic adapter holder that helps secure the adapter in place.
Additionally, it also has a large die set compression area that gives you a better grip when working with dies. Tube forming is also easier with the stabilizing arm that makes it easier for you to work.
This flaring tool is also quite versatile and can also work on annealed steel or dead soft. That means you don’t have to restrict yourself to working on automotive issues only.
The impressive features may bump up the price a bit, but it would be worth spending on this tool if you need results.
Of the impressive features that this tool comes with are the GM transmission cooling line, push-connect, and double flare capability. The 45 degrees double flare makes this tool quite efficient.
Pros
- Impressive features make it easier to use
- Versatile and can work for multiple applications
- The magnetic adapter holder makes it easier to work on adapters
- You can work on annealed steel and die soft
Cons
- The kit is relatively expensive
03. Titan 51535 3/16-Inch Double Flaring Tool
If you plan to do basic flaring that might not need you to work on varying inches of material, this would be the best option for you. The Titan flaring tools specifically double flares 3/16 inches.
Despite its specificity with the inches you can work on, it comes with several contents that make it easy to use for various applications.
It is especially good at creating inverted 45-degree double flares on 3.16 inches of copper or steel tubing. That makes a case for you to invest in it if you are looking for such a tool.
What makes this tool so special is the ability to work in tight spaces. That’s possible since it is an agile and small tool that you can easily handle from under a vehicle.
As if that’s not enough, you can also remove the handle and use it as you would on a bench in a bench vise. That will come in handy whenever you aren’t using it on an automobile.
Although not as versatile as other options, 3/16 inch brake lines are on most cars and trucks. That means you can use this flaring tool with almost any vehicle. That’s a win in our book.
Pros
- It is easy to use in tight specs thanks to the compact make
- You can get the ideal inverted 45degree double flaring angle
- You can use it with moist vehicles’ brake lines
- It is easy to use
Cons
- It can’t work with stainless steel tubing
04. ABN Bubble Flare Tool Kit
Double flares make for swift and smooth repairs, but what if you have the option of bubble flaring in addition to the double flaring? That would enable you to create flares for various applications, from brake lines to pipe repairs.
The ABN tool kit enables you to make quick and precise cuts thanks to the fixed heads and angles. The included pipe cutter allows you to work on 1/8 to 5/8 inches of aluminum, stainless steel, or copper tubing.
The precise cuts are also easier to accomplish thanks to the two rollers it comes with. With these rollers, you can easily make more exact cuts since there isn’t any skipping or jumping to ensure better tracking.
Most toolmakers will tell you that their tools are sturdy and durable. However, it is the material that will help you judge where that’s true or not. This tool is made from chrome-plated steel alloy, which says a lot about its durability.
The yoke forged alloy of heat-treated steel resists damage from friction and use. That ensures you use the tool for a long time without worrying about replacing it any time soon.
To top it all off, the kit also comes with a carrying case that means you don’t have to put up with storage issues as with other tools.
Pros
- The stainless steel material makes it durable and highly effective
- With the carrying case, you can carry it anywhere and store the tools easily
- It is incredibly easy to use
- The bubble flare option makes it more efficient
- You can easily create precise and accurate cuts
Cons
- At times it tends to make uneven flares
05. Cal-Van Tools 165 Master Inline Flaring Kit: Best for Versatility
Another tool to consider if you need the best flaring kit for either double or single flaring is the Cal-van tools flaring kit. You can work on 3/16-inch, 1/4-inch, and 5/16-inch and 3/8-inch flares with either single or double flaring with this kit.
What immediately stands out with this tool kit is the compact design. The compact design ensures you can work in tighter spaces than would be possible with other tools. That makes it ideal for copper and steel tubing in minute spaces.
Additionally, its double clamp works in concert with the hex body to ensure the tubing doesn’t slip when working on it. That makes it easier for you to work as it keeps the flares at the center, exactly where someone would want them.
This inline flaring kit was also made to simplify your work as much as possible, which is why we think it would be a good idea to get it.
The flaring tool adapters the kit comes with, ensuring you can make factory-style flares straight line to minimize breakage.
You are in luck if you will be using this kit in tough job environments. That’s because it is made with sturdy steel material that guarantees its durability.
Pros
- The sturdy steel material of the flaring adapters make them durable
- It is easy to use
- The compact design enables you to work with it in tight spaces
- Versatile and can work for different inch sizes of material
Cons
- The inline flaring isn’t as good as it should be
06. Mastercool 72480 Flaring Tool Kit
We had already told you how popular Mastercool’s tools are. The second entry on our list is a further testament to that. It is much like the one before it except for the fact it’s cheaper.
Like the 72485 model, this one also comes with a stabilizing arm for the tube and die. That makes it ideal for tube forming as well as working on dies. The enlarged compression for the dies also adds to its ease of use.
This tool also makes it easy for you to work with adapters. Magnetic adapter holders make it easier for you to work on brake lines.
You can use this kit to fabricate a 37 degree double flare popular with aviation or automotive applications.
The different varieties of double flaring adapters also make this flaring tool kit easier to use. Together with the double flaring sets, you can be sure that you will work on different applications.
With the improved hydraulics, it is also easier to use this tool kit for different vehicle issues. You can work on tubing and brake lines with ease.
Pros
- Easy tube forming thanks to the stabilizing arm
- The improved hydraulics make the tool easier to use
- You get a better grip on die sets thanks to the enlarged die compression area
- You can easily fabricate 37-degree flares
Cons
- It doesn’t work that well in tight car spaces
07. Mastercool 72450 Flaring Tool
This is yet another kit from Mastercool that will provide you with better flaring capacity than its predecessors. The toolset includes an upgraded hydra flare yoke that vastly improves the performance of automotive appliances.
You will find it easier to form tubes with this flaring toolset, thanks to several features it comes with. The die set stabilizing arm holds everything firmly in place as you work to ensure you have it easier.
Additionally, the pump assembly has a tube modification to further make it easier to use. Together with their magnetic adapter holder, you can be sure you will have an easier time using this toolset.
You might have noticed how similar the features in this Mastercool tool are to the other Mastercool kits on this list. However, the main difference is that this one boasts better hydraulics than the others on the list.
Improved hydraulics and the hydra-flare yoke make this stool set stand out from the others since they boost its ease of use. If you are looking for a toolset that will enable you to work on various applications, this should be it.
Pros
- Hydra-flare yoke makes it a better flaring tool
- It comes with improved hydraulics
- It is easy to use
- A magnetic adapter hold makes it easier to work on different adapters
Cons
- It is quite pricey
08. Mastercool 72475-PRC Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool Set
You must be getting tired of the many Mastercool flaring tools on our list, no? Well, we can’t help it if the tools are top-notch, can we? The Mastercool 72475 is another tool from the Mastercool ensemble of flaring tools that will guarantee efficiency and reliability.
It comes with a magnetic adapter holder that ensures you can have all the adapters in place as you work. As for the adapters, you will love that they are push connected, which means you don’t have a hard time using them.
The hydra-flare yoke and pump assembly come in handy when you need uniform flares that don’t result in broken parts. That’s probably the main reason we think you should trust this flaring toolset.
Something else we loved with this flaring tool is how easy it is to use. You can easily switch between bubbles and flares to get quality flares for anything you are working on.
The diverse ways you can get flares enable you to work on brake lines or any other faster. That helps turn what would be a tedious job into a more straightforward task.
Pros
- Easy to use for different applications
- Durable and dependable since it provides quality flares without leaks on brake lines
- Its efficiency makes your job easier
- Hydraulic pressure makes for quality flares
Cons
- It is quite tricky to use it in tight spaces
09. Mastercool 72485-PRC Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool
This flaring toolset might bear some resemblance to its sister Mastercool flare toolsets on our list, but there are some ways it differs from the others. The most notable difference is the slightly higher price than the tool by the same name.
Like the other tool, it also comes with transmission cooling line die sets, a tube cutter, and adapter sets. With the universal fit type, you can be sure to work on most vehicles with this toolset.
Undoubtedly, repairing brake lines on GM cars, especially for someone who doesn’t do it often, is quite tricky. This tool, however, makes it easier for you to do that. It is easy to use and produces factory flares that don’t leak.
As if that’s not enough, you can repair fuel pumps quite easily thanks to the fuel line connection. What’s more, it is also relatively easy to use on a BMW pump with bubble flares.
This tool’s consistency and dependability with brake lines is the main reason why you should purchase it. But the fact it is quite affordable for the qualities it offers should also convince you it would be worth it.
Pros
- Consistent and dependable performance with brake lines
- Easy to use
- It comes with adapter sets, die lines, and cutting tubes
- Quality material makes it relatively durable
Cons
- Some parts of the toolset are quite flimsy and might not last long
10. Mastercool 72475-PRC Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool Set
If you are looking for a dependable tool that will work on most vehicles’ brake lines, you can do no better than consider this flaring toolset. What should convince you this tool is worthy of your investment?
You get quality hydraulic flaring with a tuber cutter that more than does its job and efficiently at that. Apart from that, you also get an easy-to-use tool that doesn’t make it harder for you to work on any application.
The magnetic adapter holder surely helps in that regard by holding adapters in place. However, the stabilizing arm for the die sets also plays a crucial role in this toolset being easy to use.
As if this tool couldn’t get any easier to use, the enlarged die set compression area gives you a better grip when using dies. That should have convinced you to already invest in it.
This tool will also be easy to store or move with it from place to place. That’s because it comes complete with a carrying case for storage and transport. You can therefore work on your car’s brake lines nearly anywhere.
Pros
- Easy to use and dependable
- Versatile thanks to the different adapter set it comes with
- Improved hydraulic flaring
- The stabilizing arm makes tube forming more straightforward
Cons
- The push connect on this tool kit isn’t that efficient
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are double and single flares, and how do they vary from each other?
To understand this question, you first need to understand that flares come from a tubing contraption on the flaring kit. The tubing doesn’t have any modification for single flares and is most often just the tubing by itself. On the other hand, the double flare is where the tubing’s ending contains a double folding to make the double flare.
The two flaring techniques vary from each other in the nature of the plugs on the flaring tool. With the double flare, the plug contains flared ends on either side of the cylindrical jewelry. On the other hand, single flared plugs have a groove to hold the o-rings firmly in place.
Double flares are the more common flare on different vehicle types since single flares tend to tear faster when used on brake line systems. Double flares are usually stronger than single flares and are thus used on most brake systems.
What is the best flaring tool?
The Mastercool 72480 is our clear favorite. It has several adapters and an adapter holder that makes it easier to use. Furthermore, its stabilizing arms also make it easier to work with the die sets.
It also comes with a carrying case that makes it easier for you to store the tools and transport them from place to place. The option you decide to go with, however, rests with you. Remember to consider all the options we have outlined here before deciding.
Why do brake lines need double flares?
A brake system usually withstands severe pressure, which requires the system to be as strong as possible. Since single flares cannot withstand such pressure, it is preferable to use double flares for brake systems.
Single flares leak or crack much more easily than double flares, so they aren’t used that much. Double flares offer a stronger joint for the brake systems and easily deal with high pressure.
Logic dictates that if you are to use any flare in the brake system, it be as strong as possible. Brake systems are an absolutely vital part of any moving machine and, as such, need the strongest parts to ensure there are no accidental incidents.
What’s a Bubble flare, and how does it work?
Bubble flares are the other type of flares more commonly associated with vehicle brake systems. They function in much the same way as single and double flares, only that they differ in how they look and their make.
Bubble flares look like the top head of a screw head and aren’t interchangeable with any of the other flares for this reason. Double flare tools wouldn’t work for bubble flares due to these fundamental differences.
Which is the best flare to use on brake lines?
Although there are different types of flares that you can use on brake lines, a 45 degree double flare would offer the best results judging by the brake lines’ high-pressure system. A double flare has thicker lips which makes it the ideal candidate for vehicle brake lines.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Flaring Tool:
What comes to your mind whenever you want to buy something you know will cost you a substantial amount of money? What do questions run through your mind? You might ask yourself whether the product is worth it or not.
When buying any product, it’s only natural to consider a few things. In that way, you can be sure to make the best possible decision when purchasing the tool you need.
Let’s look at some of the things you need to consider when buying flaring tools.
Flaring Tool Adapters
This should be one of the first things to consider when you are buying a flaring tool. That’s because you get varying numbers of adapters with each flaring tool. If you think you will need several adapters in your work, you will need to choose a flare tool with the ideal number of adapters.
That will therefore need you to consider the adapters on the flaring tool before buying.
Leak-Free
The ideal flaring tool should be able to give you leak-free flares. Leaking flares will underscore the importance of the repair process itself, making it a non-issue that you spent a lot of time repairing your brake lines.
Durability of Material
The durability of the flare tool will be affected by the material used to make the tool. That’s why you need to consider the material of the tool before buying a flaring tool. Most of them are metal with a few plastic parts and might last you quite some time.
Stainless steel is a popular material as well since it doesn’t rust easily and is quite strong. The material you choose, however, will depend on your tastes and preferences.
The Cost of The Tool
Like any other product, flaring tools will also vary in price and features. Therefore, it will be up to you to consider the price and the features to know which one to go for.
Don’t focus too much on cheap flare tools since such tools might lack the necessary capacity to help you work on different brake line systems. The amount of work you will be doing will also determine whether you go for a highly-priced tool or not.
Efficiency
You will want to worry about efficiency in any tool and not just flaring tools. Certain aspects should guide you in selecting an efficient flaring tool. The number of adapters, ease of use, and ability to work in tight spaces should be top among those things.
An efficient flaring tool will give you better results and reduce the time you take on each task. That wouldn’t be a bad thing, would it?
Maneuverability
By maneuverability, we mean the ability of the flare tool to be usable in tight spaces. When working on brake lines, you can avoid getting to a few tight spaces, especially when working with small cars. As such, you will need the flare tool to be maneuverable at best to give you an easier time.
That’s why some people usually prefer smaller flare tools that are easier to maneuver in tighter spaces.
Essential Tips to Remember When Flaring
- When flaring, don’t rush. Take your time to ensure you come up with the right flare for the brake line system. Overlooking any details will lead to deficiencies in some lines, and you wouldn’t want that.
- The simplicity of the toolset is often a quality that many people tend to ignore. A simple toolset won’t need too much work getting used to, and you can quickly get to grips with the controls. We wouldn’t say the same about elaborate tools.
Conclusion
Most people love to see themselves as these handy people that can fix most things. If you are one of those people, you need to know the best flaring tools. That is especially true if you are, you are going to be working on car brake lines.
The best flaring tools will ensure you not only work faster but also efficiently. There’s nothing quite as threatening as a brake line with low-quality flares. The high pressure in the brake line system might lead to accidents that you could have easily avoided.
We hope our review of the best ten helps you make a faster decision over which one to choose. Remember to consider all the things we have mentioned here before committing to buying any of the tools.
The ease of use should also prominently feature among the things to look for to avoid frustration when working on your car brake lines. If you consider all that, then it should be a problem choosing the best flaring tools.
All the best.
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