Flare nut spanners/wrenches

I've been thinking for some time that a thread on tools and how to use them would be useful here.

So here we go!

First up are flare nut spanners/wrenches

These are typically used on fuel lines, brake pipes etc.

I got a fancy set of BGS ratcheting brake pipe spanners last week.

These are magic, no more rounded off flare nuts.

Then you have the more conventional flare nut spanner

They are like a 6 point ring spanner (box wrench) with a flat cut out, to allow you to slip it over the pipe from the side.
These are much superior open ended spanners when used on brake pipes and fuel lines.
There are 12 point and swivel head versions available too.


Then we have the crowsfoot type flare nut spanners.

These are used in conjunction with your socket set extension bars and handles to get into all sorts of awkward places.

Of course you don't have to only use these tools exclusively for flare nuts they are handy for all sorts of other nuts and bolts in awkward places.

Cobber Very interesting
I may get a set of those one day. What would be the best option for occasional use without spending heaps ?? Those BGS ones look high tech.

Those are fancy. I got myself a deep crows foot socket 22mm just for the lambda sensor, good for getting over the wire.

Another thing if your mega tight would be to buy a spanner of your choice and then angle grind a small hole in it

Dave for general use on flare nuts, the conventional six point flare nut spanner set like the Sidchrome set pictured are good enough for most applications that your likely to encounter I've made do with my two Sidchrome sets (1 metric & 1 SAE) for years before I lashed out and got the "crows feet" type about 4 yrs ago and of course the new toys I got last week.

bensewell wrote: Another thing if your mega tight would be to buy a spanner of your choice and then angle grind a small hole in it

The trouble with doing that is that when you cut the section away there isn't enough meat in the sides of the jaws to maintain stiffness when a lot of pressure is applied to undo tight nuts.
The full ring shape holds the whole thing rigid, when you cut and dis-guard that section it looses strength.
The proper flare nut spanners have more strength built into the jaws.

I have to admit to lusting after these:-

ive no idea about tools! i want to learn lol

Did the clutch slave cylinder and the new flare spanners were perfect.




It was too dark at the slave cyl so I took the picture at the master cyl.