Review on Efficient Flaring Tool Kit: MASTERCOOL 70058-A Black 45˚ Eccentric Flaring Tool by Emmanuel Nguyen

Overview Mastercool 70058A Eccentric Flaring Tool. I tried 4 other eccentric crimping tools before finally finding this one. I've tried 3 Chinese brands (crooked/offset flares, mismatched flare diameters; 1/4" sizes are the most problematic) and even HARD (broken clutch mechanism). I didn't want to waste time checking for leaks with a less flared tool to save a few bucks after dropping thousands of air conditioners. For about seventy dollars I paid this was the most effective tool. The only adjustment I had to make was for the 1/4" Sizing - You will need a 1mm flared bar to get the correct final diameter. I have found that the 3/8" and 1/2" sizes produce crisp flares when installed flush with the flare pole. I used a CPS R-410A Flare Gauge (fit/not fit end diameter) that I purchased at a local HVAC store with this flaring tool. I'm not an air conditioning professional but I did a fairly complex and complex DIY installation of 7 indoor wall units and 3 outdoor condenser units (28 torches installed + my practice) single and multi-zone mini-splits. Before final assembly, I applied some nylog blue to the front of the flares and torqued them to spec using crow's feet and a couple of torque wrenches from my car tool kit. I haven't had ZERO leaks - they all sealed 100% the first time they were tested with 500psi nitrogen pressure. It should be noted that the flare bar and tool frame are aluminum so are lighter than others I've tried. Easier to handle and less likely to fall on your foot when working in awkward spots. I'm not sure if aluminum will stand up to heavy use compared to steel if you use it professionally. For me the cutter worked well but still wasn't amazing. I also used a conical deburring tool (won't scratch the inside of the pipe), a compact pipe cutter and a flaring gauge along with a flaring tool (see picture). You could increase the bid on this set if they include these items. Mastercool can even replace a full-size vinyl cutter with a compact cutter, since it's likely that the person working with 3/4" tubing already has their own vinyl cutter. I had to make 1/4 ".