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Japan, Tokyo
1 Level
704 Review
38 Karma

Review on In-Line Flaring Made Easy: πŸ› οΈ Introducing the ATD Tools 5480 Flaring Tool by Chad Gue

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Gets the job done with a lot of patience.

40 years retired in the auto shop I needed a cheap brake line flaring tool because my old KD tool was worn out. A lot of patience is required with this ATD tool. Second set clamp base halves misaligned Revain sent me to replace the first set which was missing the center flare screw. The clamp base halves will need more precise Allen screw holes and/or dowel pins to ensure the halves line up perfectly when tightened. I did a few tries and pinched each brake pipe to get the halves perfectly lined up AND the exact lip of the pipe. If the halves aren't perfectly aligned, two bad things will happen: the torch will be off-center, AND you will most likely cut the threads of the hex yoke on the aluminum clamp base when trying to install the yoke, resulting in tool breakage. I had the best of luck, I carefully screwed the clamp onto the clamp base while it was slightly loose on the pipe, THEN tightened the clamp bolts. I then removed the clamp to ensure the pipe protrusion remained correct before reinstalling the clamp and continuing. Warning #2! Be sure to always hold the hex yoke with a wrench before tightening or loosening the flare center screw with a second wrench. There are many exactly the same tools under different brand names from different vendors. Unfortunately, there are really good flare tools available in kits that cost ten times or more and make factory quality flares. It's not worth considering the cost of very few uses. One of the fortunate things about making brake expanders is that the brake hose is very soft and easily sticks to the counterparts when tightened. Lubricate them with brake fluid, tighten and loosen the fitting several times, gradually tightening, and your new Flare will not leak normally. Tighten a little more if it's leaking. When braking after pumping, be sure to check any broken connections.

Pros
  • Easy to read control panel
Cons
  • I vaguely remember