Flare nut/line wrench sizes?

[Tamnakz]

What sized have you guys needed for Volvos?

What about common sizes otherwise?

I've been amassing my tools for a few years, but these are one of the few tools I haven't found cheap at a garage sale/flea market etc.

[swiggy]

For brake lines, I have a combination flare nut wrench that is 10 mm x 11 mm. All volvo brake lines fit in the 11 mm end, the 10 is useful for stuff like stuck fan/water pump pulley nuts etc. I have seen people post that brake lines are 7/16", but 7/16" = 11.1 mm. If anything my 11mm is slightly loose, (although I've avoided rounding a line so far), so I can't imagine a 7/16" (slightly larger than 11mm) being a good choice. I guess its probably easier to find used somewhere than the metric though.

[Tamnakz]

Originally Posted by swiggy

For brake lines, I have a combination flare nut wrench that is 10 mm x 11 mm. All volvo brake lines fit in the 11 mm end, the 10 is useful for stuff like stuck fan/water pump pulley nuts etc. I have seen people post that brake lines are 7/16", but 7/16" = 11.1 mm. If anything my 11mm is slightly loose, (although I've avoided rounding a line so far), so I can't imagine a 7/16" (slightly larger than 11mm) being a good choice. I guess its probably easier to find used somewhere than the metric though.

Thanks. I know for certain 11mm and 13mm for volvo brake lines (abs are 13mm)

[cleanflametrap]

I'd like a 24 for this task.



Got a 14 and 17 for this one.

[Tamnakz]

Anythign that large, I've never had a problem with an open ended wrench. If it does become a problem, vice grips do very well. Granted, my experience is minimal, but it's only with the little stuff that I've found line wrenches to be necessary, and only when something is tight enough that wrench flex, or a soft brass nut is the issue.

Is that second line the fuel supply line?

[Ryan_R]

Don't even waste your money on cheap flare wrenches. Even my S-K's flex a bit. I'd like to get a set of Snap-On.

9-14mm should get you through brake work.

-Ryan

[nel621]

If you can afford the Snap-On then go for it.I have never had a problem with my craftsman line wrenches fixing my dwindling fleet of volvos.[4 down from 7 plus cars that I buy and sell].

[nel621]

PS buy in sets ,meteric and standard.Saves money in the long run.

[Tamnakz]

Originally Posted by nel621

PS buy in sets ,meteric and standard.Saves money in the long run.

Nah, buy used. .

Example: This past Sunday I picked up a 'vintage' Snap-On tool box. The 'top box' from a three piece set. . . fully stocked. . . for 95 bucks. Belonged to an old timer machinist, and every tool in it has a lifetime warranty, or is built to not need one. . . Craftsman, Snap-On, S-K. . . the box sells used on ebay for about 300, the Starrett micrometers that were in it sell for about 180. . . That's not including the 24 other pounds of name brand tools that I'm keeping,

Line wrenches are just one of those tools that I can never find used local, I'm probably going to have to pick 'em up on ebay, or see if any friends with shops have spares. My cap is $5 apiece.

I only buy tools for the 'right price'

I'm a cheap Jew, the right price is normally buying from somebody who doesn't know what they're selling. I won't rip someone off, but I look for the items I know are priced well below what the normal 'market' would bear.

I've had people get quite upset with me when they found out how little I've paid for some of my tools/equipment.

Garage sales/estate sales/auctions/mislisted ebay/craigslist FTMFW

90 gallon two stage air compressor. Old school, built like a tank, recent seals. The five horse motor weighs almost 100 pounds, runs all day no problem. $275. Came with 55 feet of 2-2-2-2 aluminum wire, resold that for 100.

Basically new craftsman 3 ton jackstands, $2.50

Craftsman 3/8 drive metric set, 8-15, ratchet, extension, unused in the original craftsman case, perfect for the car. $3

I've put together my tool boxes. . . craftsman bottom, Mac middle, Snap on top, as well as a second Craftsman top box on the shelf, all for under 225 bucks.

Did I mention I've only paid more than $400 for a car once?

[745 TurboGreasel]

I own middle of the road flare wrenches, but will generally go for the vice grip first if things seem the least bit stuck.
The line wrenches bend and round everything completely. Vice Grips leave a mark, but they also leave a hex that you can use again later if you don't tighten it up like a roided out gorilla.
I got a set of crow foot socket ones that don't seem to bend as bad, but am in the VG habit I guess.

[Tamnakz]

Originally Posted by 745 TurboGreasel

I own middle of the road flare wrenches, but will generally go for the vice grip first if things seem the least bit stuck.
The line wrenches bend and round everything completely. Vice Grips leave a mark, but they also leave a hex that you can use again later if you don't tighten it up like a roided out gorilla.
I got a set of crow foot socket ones that don't seem to bend as bad, but am in the VG habit I guess.

Yeah, I'm trying to break the VG habit.

I'm considering doing my state certs and doing some basic work out of my garage. I don't mind gauging up the fitting on my cars, I know I'm going to drive them to death, but if I'm working on someone else's car, I'll be just as picky as with mine, just a bit more peculiar in regards to cosmetics. Then again, they'll probably never see underneath their own hoods. . .

[Lando]

I've got a set of mac knuckle saver line wrenches (metric and standard) that are better than anything I have ever seen. They fit snugger on the fittings than snap-on matco or cornwell, the have no noticeable flex even when using a pipe extension, if you can find some of these used, extend your budget a bit because they are worth it. I haven't seen a product that parallels them. In fact, I cant think of a time when I rounded a fitting with these.

[745 TurboGreasel]

You are also in one of 3? states with less rust than Cali.

[gsellstr]

i'll second the need for legit wrenches. I went for the craftsman pro grade which are on par flex wise with the snap on ones I borrowed. the cheap ones I tried spread anywhere from. 040" to. 100" with minimal force on a bolt secured in the vise. the craftsman were. 015", snap on was. 010, with the same 20-30ftlbs..

[Lando]

Originally Posted by 745 TurboGreasel

You are also in one of 3? states with less rust than Cali.

I used these for 8 years in virginia which has humidity ranging from 60% to 100%. Before these wrenches, I rounded plenty of fittings.

[mrpie]

I found these in my place when I moved in. They do flex a bit but I've never felt that they would break. And if they do, they are cheaply replaced. For expendable tools like these, I don't see the point in buying name-brand. Now if I wanted an accurate torque wrench or something, that is a different ball game.

[Lando]

Originally Posted by mrpie

I found these in my place when I moved in. They do flex a bit but I've never felt that they would break. And if they do, they are cheaply replaced. For expendable tools like these, I don't see the point in buying name-brand. Now if I wanted an accurate torque wrench or something, that is a different ball game.

If the jaw flexes you are more likely to round the fitting. Thats why you buy decent line wrenches.

[Ryan_R]

Originally Posted by Lando

I used these for 8 years in virginia which has humidity ranging from 60% to 100%. Before these wrenches, I rounded plenty of fittings.

It's really the stupid road salt more than the humidity. My '87 is old and beaten, but southern. All of the fasteners come off with ease. Even the steering joint came undone by hand. Same deal with the GLE. Just soooo easy to work on. The other two are rust belters, always a struggle....

Thanks for the heads up on the Mac's!

-Ryan

[nel621]

Garage sales/estate sales/auctions/mislisted ebay/craigslist FTMFW
I second this approach.I got 3 of my tool chests from craigslist along with compressors and nailers.,etc.If you can find name brand stuff for cheap,go for it.

[John2x240]

Farm auctions.

[mrpie]

Originally Posted by Lando

If the jaw flexes you are more likely to round the fitting. Thats why you buy decent line wrenches.

I acknowledge your point. And agree. I guess I just never have to wrench on anything that hard.

[nel621]

Then there is Liquid wrench.Why force it.

[Ryan_R]

Originally Posted by nel621

Then there is Liquid wrench.Why force it.

You must live where the salt doesn't.

-Ryan

[Mueller]

I'm happy with my Mac speed/flare nut wrench set...one side standard flare nut, other side a "speed" open end, 2 tools in one which is nice.