The Rigid 377 is the best hand flaring tool I've found:
http://amzn.to/2cqBkyx Though I typically put it in a vise for larger
tubes, not really a hand tool.
It has a roller bearing and only the roller bearing makes contact with
the flare, so it puts a lot more pressure per area than the cone type
flaring tools.
If it's used a lot on thick stainless tube and you put a wrench on the
hex to drive the flare to full size, eventually the bearings will be
destroyed. But it's cheap enough to replace the tool.
The next step up is hydraulic flaring tools, and I've never seen a
particularly affordable one.
Don't use roller tubing cutters for tubes that are going to be flared,
they push the tube in the wrong direction and work harden the
material. Hacksaw/bandsaw/abrasive wheel only.
On Mon, Sep 12, 2016 at 1:19 PM, Carl Tedesco <ctedesco@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Can anyone recommend a tool for making 37 degree AN flares that is a step up
from the usually hand flaring tools? Are there hydraulic versions? I’m not
looking for an aircraft production tool that costs a fortune, but I would
like something that is more repeatable than the hand tool is, especially
when doing flares in ½” and ¾” stainless steel tubing with 0.065”+ wall.
Carl Tedesco
