Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Chris Castro photo
1 Level
763 Review
28 Karma

Review on πŸ”§ ATD Tools 5478 Flaring and Tubing Master Tool Set by Chris Castro

Revainrating 1 out of 5

ATD Tools 5478 tube flare set is poorly made

I bought this kit to make mild steel ISO flares and copper alloy brake lines. My old flare kits could do single and double flashes but not bubble flashes. Unfortunately, the molding tools in this set are made of steel so soft that the first bubble would burst them, leaving a rough surface that would never seal. I then tried using this ATD set to make single and double flares in mild steel tubing but also got poor results. The V-shaped anvil that forms the interior of the bell is mild steel and broke instantly. Also, the V-anvil on this set doesn't rotate like high-end sets, but instead simply digs into the socket of the tube, leaving a rough surface. Using brake fluid as a lubricant had little effect. I tried the same piece of mild steel brake line on two of my old brand flare kits and both sets made smooth and perfect single and double flares without damaging the tool. Also, the instructions in this ATD bubble maker kit are very poorly written and the illustrations are even worse. For example, the illustration intended to show a bubble flash actually shows a flash. The other two illustrations are made so small and crude that they are unusable. The included pipe bender works well though and the pipe cutter fits. This set will definitely be returned for a refund.

Pros
  • Weight
Cons
  • The list will be long.