Review on OTC 4504 Stinger Bubble Flaring by Brandon Ball

Perhaps I was naïve to expect that just because it was made in America and got generally good reviews it would be a decent instrument. I should have paid more attention to the 3 star ratings and below because I agree with them all on the quality of this flare tool - not good. I think it's more in line with the quality you would expect from a cheap Chinese tool from Harbor Freight. I was really wondering if this could be a Chinese fake and not the genuine OTC item. I suspect the reason some others are having luck with this is due to sloppy quality control. Some tools are fine while others (like mine) have "problems". After doing a few failed flares, I finally realized that the problems were caused by the jaws of the flare tool (the part with the big screw). They are neither flat nor straight, which means that the tool easily deflects sideways when tightened. Unless you're very, VERY careful (and/or unlucky), you'll end up with a unilateral blowout. Judging by the photos of the company's more expensive flaring tools, they have machined jaws. The jaws of this tool are in "as cast" condition and the work surface is NOT flat, so it is very difficult to get the tool to spin straight and create a good flare. Like some other reviewers, I would recommend spending the extra money on a better tool. It's not worth the escalation.