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Review on ๐Ÿ”ฅ Efficiently Flare Pipes with the General Tools 152 Plier Flaring Tool by Jason Richardson

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Good concept, bad execution

This tool can be used when you work from time to time and need something inexpensive. I wouldn't use it if I was braking all day. The tool is a good concept - portable, compact, etc. - but it has some technical flaws. Read the instructions first. The tool probably won't work out of the box. There is an eccentric on the hinge of the movable handle that allows you to adjust the distance between the inserts and the crimping pressure. If you set it too high two things will happen: 1. The dies will tilt ie flip over and your flare will be off center (see my drawing) 2. Your pipe will be crushed. A stationary turret has a weak detent holding it in place, and high pressure moves it. You don't need a lot of pressure to hold a soft hose, especially something like a copper pipe or copper-nickel brake line. Second, if you're making dual flares, you'll likely need a RoFlare DF adapter. You can't just install a standard button-shaped adapter next to the tube to measure initial range. You can rotate the tall hex turrets with a wrench to fine-tune the initial alignment of the cubes, but this is mostly cosmetic. This tool relies on a tube to align the die blocks. It is necessary to press lightly on the die surfaces to align them just before you close the handle. Turrets should be checked to make sure they aren't swapping. Doing all this will give you good center highlights without deforming the tube. It leaves slight marks in the softer tube but does not affect performance. You will need to lubricate the threads on the yoke and make sure you use the correct lubricant (brake fluid for brakes, etc.) when making the expanders. The cam may need to be readjusted. You also need to set it up if you change handset type. That's why it's fine for home use, but not for high-volume use. too much customization. The entire tool flexes as the clamp is tightened, and when it puts pressure on the edges of the die blocks, they "spread apart". This results in the neck of the pipe being pinched slightly just below the edge of the flare. Again, not pretty, but functional. If I had known all this I probably wouldn't have bought it but since I already have it I will use it.

Pros
  • Free for educational purposes
Cons
  • Definitely bad product