View Full Version : Brake Flare Tool Question
In planning my build I am also planning tool and material purchases. One of the pricier tools I will need to purchase is the brake and fuel line flaring tool. I understand that a lot of folks use the Eastwood tool, and most agree it is a superior solution for flaring. My question is, has anyone used the TGR tool available on Amazon? It appears to be a clone of the Eastwood for several dollars less. I am not shy about spending money on quality tools, but can I can get the same function and quality for about $100 less?
Thanks for any advice!
Jeff
Not familiar with the TGR tool. I have an OTC Stinger (4503) flaring tool that I thought worked pretty well. I know it has some negative reviews, but it worked for me. I think it was around 30 bucks.
Can't answer your question but after six-decades of working on this stuff every day, some professionally and some for fun, I can give you some advice.
Buy cheap -- buy twice. Every time I test that old saw I get reminded of the truth and wisdom of those that came before me.
The Eastwood flaring tool is the real-deal, pro grade, and works great every time. It'll last longer than you need it and your kids will be using it long after you're gone. And, like most quality tools -- is priced accordingly.
Good luck, and have fun every chance you get.
mikeinatlanta
11-15-2021, 12:31 PM
Need to know more information. What type of flares, and on what material? Eastwood is a good tool for double flares but would definitely not be my first choice for AN flares. If using NiCopp the tool quality is less critical while if using stainless it is very critical.
That said, better to rent quality than buy junk. You really want to risk leaks on brakes and fuel lines?
edwardb
11-15-2021, 02:40 PM
I have the Eastwood flaring tool and love it. Have used it for SS lines and regular steel lines. SS takes a little extra care, but it has always made perfect flares. Highly recommended and you won't regret buying. I don't like cheap tools and especially not something safety related like brake lines. Based on your questions, looked closely at the TGR tool on Amazon. Exactly the same in every detail. 100% sure it's the same thing. Best I know Eastwood doesn't manufacture anything. From the same source obviously. BTW, before I bought mine, I tried renting a brake line flaring tool. Unfortunately, at least at the store I went to (Autozone) it was quite worn and nothing I could do to make decent flares. Found that to be the case several times with their free rentals. Pretty much stopped using that option. Others may have better luck.
If you are referring to this one: https://www.amazon.com/TGR-Professional-Brake-Flaring-Degree/dp/B01HOXH242/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1I2QMS9U4QW8L&keywords=tgr+flare+tool&qid=1637007017&qsid=133-7500018-2243731&sprefix=TGR+flair%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-5&sres=B01HOXH242%2CB01HOXT84Y%2CB004IKRO34%2CB06WD8 6RLH%2CB0075XHDHI%2CB07VZX4KD2%2CB00AOTBVJQ%2CB082 P2483D%2CB08VZHB328%2CB07L6FJGR4%2CB07VVMMWGM%2CB0 1N9UVVSX%2CB075NNY6RR%2CB08W1KG31P%2CB01NCYKQSN%2C B00170V64G%2CB000LDGNCU%2CB084L1RF8D%2CB0002SRJF4% 2CB07RL21ZNZ
It appears to be virtually identical to the Eastwood tool. Considering Amazon's generous return policies, it would be worth a shot to try it out, although I only see about $5 difference in price on the Eastwood version:
https://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAp8iMBhAqEiwAJb94zwktKUQJJz E46EhfltnFneL2cdx-Gyi60zx66oT2HxLFN8hOrAJIQhoCY4IQAvD_BwE&wickedid=414358555912&wickedsource=google&wv=3.1
Avalanche325
11-15-2021, 04:59 PM
Rigid makes good flaring tools. I just looked one up and the price has doubled on those. I would do the Eastwood or equivalent.
Those $30 ones that everyone sells are only really good for copper. They can do steel up to 5/16, but even that is sketchy. Don't even think about stainless
I used the TGR from Amazon without problems. Sold it to a forum member when I completed my build. Agree that it appears to be a clone of the one Eastwood sells.
Wayne r mckee
11-15-2021, 05:21 PM
I used the Eastwood flaring tool I had a couple small leaks in the beginning , bought and used the kool tools laping tool didn’t have a single leak after that.
CraigS
11-16-2021, 08:32 AM
Use NiCop for your lines and the flare tool will be less an issue.
first time builder
11-16-2021, 09:22 AM
Eastwood sells a AN add on kit for 122.00
toadster
11-16-2021, 11:02 AM
the Eastwood tool is phenomenal, I was a bit sad when I used it for the last (expected) time :) my son and I couldn't imagine NOT using it!
Jammer369
11-16-2021, 12:49 PM
Eastwood sells a AN add on kit for 122.00
Is this the combined kit?
https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-pro-brake-tubing-flaring-tool-with-45-and-37-degree-die-set.html
It looks like it adds a 37º die set. Is this needed for anything on our kits or is the 45º enough? I was planning on ordering the 45º kit this month if they have a black Friday sale. Just trying to get what I need.
45 degree for brake lines.
37 degree for fuel lines or other AN uses.
JohnK
11-16-2021, 12:55 PM
Yes, the 37* die set is for AN fittings. You may or may not need it, depending on how you choose to fabricate your fuel lines. You can use AN compression fittings on the ends of the fuel hard lines if you don't want to flare your own AN ends on the lines.
jiriza84641
11-16-2021, 01:09 PM
I have the Eastwood flaring tool that mounts to a vice, no issues on any lines. I got it onsite plus a 10% military discount, so, I just had to get it.
Jammer369
11-16-2021, 02:27 PM
45 degree for brake lines.
37 degree for fuel lines or other AN uses.
Thanks for the clarification! I think I will need to figure out what I am going to do for fuel lines.
Jammer369
11-16-2021, 02:36 PM
I have the Eastwood flaring tool that mounts to a vice, no issues on any lines. I got it onsite plus a 10% military discount, so, I just had to get it.
Awesome! I saw your post and then queried them about the military discount. I just emailed them a copy of my DD-214 and had it applied to my account for a 10% off anything I buy.
Thanks for the info!!
DD-214 is old school -- get your Veteran ID and carry it in your wallet. https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/
If you are referring to this one: https://www.amazon.com/TGR-Professional-Brake-Flaring-Degree/dp/B01HOXH242/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1I2QMS9U4QW8L&keywords=tgr+flare+tool&qid=1637007017&qsid=133-7500018-2243731&sprefix=TGR+flair%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-5&sres=B01HOXH242%2CB01HOXT84Y%2CB004IKRO34%2CB06WD8 6RLH%2CB0075XHDHI%2CB07VZX4KD2%2CB00AOTBVJQ%2CB082 P2483D%2CB08VZHB328%2CB07L6FJGR4%2CB07VVMMWGM%2CB0 1N9UVVSX%2CB075NNY6RR%2CB08W1KG31P%2CB01NCYKQSN%2C B00170V64G%2CB000LDGNCU%2CB084L1RF8D%2CB0002SRJF4% 2CB07RL21ZNZ
It appears to be virtually identical to the Eastwood tool. Considering Amazon's generous return policies, it would be worth a shot to try it out, although I only see about $5 difference in price on the Eastwood version:
https://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAp8iMBhAqEiwAJb94zwktKUQJJz E46EhfltnFneL2cdx-Gyi60zx66oT2HxLFN8hOrAJIQhoCY4IQAvD_BwE&wickedid=414358555912&wickedsource=google&wv=3.1
Dave, thanks so much for the heads-up on the Eastwood sale price. The Amazon "Eastwood Store" lists the basic 45 degree kit at $274.99, a full $95 higher than on Eastwood's website. Ouch!
Thanks to all of you for the responses! What a great group of helpful folks.
Jeff
CraigS
11-17-2021, 07:43 AM
That Amazon price is way high, higher than I would have expected. I am finding more and more that Amazon prices are not that great. Certainly not a guaranteed discount price. I like amazon for research to find more varieties of a product and to read customer reviews. But, after I make a decision, I often buy from somewhere else.
David Hodgkins
11-17-2021, 11:54 AM
Just FYI, I built my 1st roadster and flared a bunch of lines - brake and fuel. For my second, the flair tool never left the box. I ran the brake lines with the 4 provided 60" line plus I added 1 60" line.
Click this build thread post link (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?13397-15th-Anniversary-MKIV-build-thread-TROJAN&p=148517&viewfull=1#post148517) which shows how I did it.
:)
CraigS
11-18-2021, 08:11 AM
It's been several years since I have worked on a MkIV so things may have changed. But at that time the lines supplied by FFR were identical to ones from AZ or Advance, I don't remember which. But the dark green color ones are available in many lengths (flared and w/ nuts installed) from one of those stores so I agree w/ David you don't really even need a flare tool. If you want to run solid fuel lines I suppose you could use a flare tool but there are plenty of ways to avoid that too. For a carb setup standard hose and hose clamps work just fine. For higher pressures in an efi system you need to be a little more careful w/ hose and clamp style but that is all. There are also specific hose and fittings for the Push-Lok system. So again you really don't even need a flare tool.
Mark K
11-18-2021, 10:49 AM
A bit pricey, but I got this and never looked back.
https://www.amazon.com/MASTERCOOL-72485-PRC-Universal-Hydraulic-Transmission/dp/B06WD86RLH/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2S9E00EXH7Q3&keywords=mastercool+hydraulic+flaring+tool&qid=1637250433&qsid=142-5512427-1571004&sprefix=mastercool+%2Caps%2C233&sr=8-2&sres=B06WD86RLH%2CB0792JVDL8%2CB01NCYKQSN%2CB002YK NXKS%2CB01N9UVVSX%2CB0792MWDD1%2CB0785P58G3%2CB000 HI2I5U%2CB00S2O5R0Y%2CB000IJCY1Q%2CB00BD0XW38%2CB0 1508YDN6%2CB07B9L4926%2CB07YCGDLWX%2CB00BD15QW2%2C B08DKWKMZH%2CB004IKRO34%2CB0075XHDHI%2CB00VX16KLS% 2CB07ZTWKBXP
With all the fittings, I've been able to use it on my other cars, as well as neighbors' project cars. Super easy to use, and you can use it in-situ, as well.
- m
mikeinatlanta
12-06-2021, 09:14 AM
I used the Eastwood flaring tool I had a couple small leaks in the beginning , bought and used the kool tools laping tool didn’t have a single leak after that.
One should be using a lapping tool for any flare made with a press type flare tool. It will correct both cross seal tooling marks and most tube seam defects.
Mike.Bray
12-28-2021, 12:24 PM
I tried various 45 degree double flaring tools and had zero luck with them. Granted, the quality 40 years ago for what I was paying was most of the problem. A friend of mine that was an aircraft mechanic turned me onto 37 degree flares and AN fittings. His reasoning was if you're building performance cars you don't want fuel leaks and you certainly don't want brake line leaks.
So I bought the flaring tool he recommended and it's served me well for almost 4 decades. https://imperial-tools.com/products/400-f-37-rol-air-flaring-tools/ This tool not only makes perfect flares but also burnishes the face.
Since that time I've only uses seamless stainless steel tubing with 37 degree flares and AN fittings. It's simple to make perfect leak-free connections every time. It's a little more pricey ($500) but in the scope of a $50K+ build it's truly small potatoes and good insurance.
159318
CW_MI
02-18-2026, 01:33 PM
Old thread, but am curious what everyone's opinion is of this flare tool ? Yes, I know it's for a 37 deg flare, which is what I want.
https://advancedsafetysupply.com/flaring-and-swaging-tools/imperial-stride-tool-37-rol-air-flaring-tools--1?srsltid=AfmBOorCq7MusspF5ZcfPHG4PBoZ_dV-OCkwTflE7J-Bj_3Hu_sDGZNV
Mike.Bray
02-18-2026, 01:59 PM
That looks a lot like the Imperial flare tool I've used for decades. Just can't figure out why it's priced so cheap.
225790
CW_MI
02-18-2026, 02:05 PM
That looks a lot like the Imperial flare tool I've used for decades. Just can't figure out why it's priced so cheap.
225790
I wonder if it's a mistake on their website, because they have another pretty much similar for a drastic amount more. I sent them an email to see if that price is correct.
Ronc116
02-18-2026, 02:40 PM
BRRT, NAZ speaks the truth I tried several flare tools without success until I bought the Eastwood flaring tool and like magic I could produce a factory grade flare every time. Yes it is expensive, but you have to consider the wasted materials you will no longer have!
Ronc116
02-18-2026, 02:44 PM
It's been several years since I have worked on a MkIV so things may have changed. But at that time the lines supplied by FFR were identical to ones from AZ or Advance, I don't remember which. But the dark green color ones are available in many lengths (flared and w/ nuts installed) from one of those stores so I agree w/ David you don't really even need a flare tool. If you want to run solid fuel lines I suppose you could use a flare tool but there are plenty of ways to avoid that too. For a carb setup standard hose and hose clamps work just fine. For higher pressures in an efi system you need to be a little more careful w/ hose and clamp style but that is all. There are also specific hose and fittings for the Push-Lok system. So again you really don't even need a flare tool.
Blue print motors with the Sniper 2 provide all the braided steel lines you need for the fuel delivery and the return lines.
PMD24
02-18-2026, 04:14 PM
I made the investment in the Eastwood tool with the 37 degree dies as well. Its a great tool. Did both doubles and 37's with zero issues. If I had to do it over I'd do 100% 37 degree with AN fittings. More fitting choices and a joint with a higher pressure rating. Did mine in Nicopp.
Pat
CW_MI
02-19-2026, 12:02 PM
That looks a lot like the Imperial flare tool I've used for decades. Just can't figure out why it's priced so cheap.
Talked to the company today...they didn't give me too many details other than they think it's because one is made in the US, and the other offshore.
I ended up pivoting and going with the Rigid 377 tool, and bought the Koul tools flare lapping tool. Since the Rigid doesn't burnish the flare.