RIDGID 41162 377 Precision Non-Ratcheting Pipe Flaring Tool, Flaring Tool for 37-degree SAE Flares

I frequently flare for JIC fittings, and this device is perfect. I've used a few tools in the past, but this is by far the best, and the price is really good compared to what's available out there.OTHER TOOLS:You'll find less expensive tools out there, between $30-$90, and they're all pretty much the same as each other. Most of these models use a clamping bar which has the clamping screw at the END of the bar. No matter how thick the bar is, it's still going to bow in the middle, which means you won't get a positive grip on the tube. This may allow the tube to slip and your flare is going to be screwed up. Also, some don't give you a good way to know if the flare has been completed or if it's been over-done, resulting in splitting.This tool solves all of those issues. The bar clamp is on the side of the flaring chuck, so no matter which tube port you use, you're getting a positive clamp on THAT particular tube. The ratcheting handle pops out when its reached a pre-determined flare point on the tubing, so you don't over or under-do the flare. This predetermined point is perfect for .250" OD / .035" W tubing.MY USE:I used this on both stainless and aluminum. It's rated for copper, aluminum, steel and stainless steel, up to a tubing thickness of .035". For my .250" tubing at this thickness, every flare was perfect. I'd crank down on the handle and after a few turns, the ratchet pops, and I'd back it out. The flare was perfect. Took maybe 30 seconds to insert the tube, lock it down and flare it.Although it's not rated for thicker tubing, and probably isn't wise to use it for such, I ran into a pinch and had to flare .064" aluminum tubing a few times. I gave it a shot, and as expected the ratchet popped a lot sooner than usual. The flare was really good but not completely done. There's a wrench spot on the handle which I attached a wrench to and gave the flare a few extra turns until I felt it was best to stop. Once I backed it off I found the flare to be great, though I would not suggest this method for high pressure use.Overall, this is the best quality non-hydraulic 37* flaring tool I've ever seen in my 10 years of needing to flare tubing.PROS:* Provides quick and flawless flares every time* Excellent value.. a lot of lesser tools sell for $30-$90, and don't adequately do the job IMO. This, for about $110, is perfect.* Ratcheting handle prevents you from over or under-doing the flare* Handle provides a wrench point in case you need to use a wrench* Positive locking bar clamp built into the flare throat, preventing tube slippage* Heavy-duty construction.. this thing is built to last a lifetime* Ridgid has several other models for other degrees in case you need 45* flares or whatnot, and they're built just like this

Makes a pretty good burr on 2024, but it's fine with 5052 tubing. (I haven't yet tried it on steel). The flaring cone spirals as it rotates while forming the flare - it appears bent, but it's designed that way. You'll want to lube the inside of the tube with light oil before flaring. There is a clutch mechanism that only allows the cone to continue flaring after a certain point and won't allow backing it off with the handle until the flare is completely formed; you will have to back it off with an open-end wrench on the flats below the handle if you wish to release it before it bottoms out. If you are using it on aluminum tubing, You'll have to do that to prevent over-working the flare. You will also have to determine by trial and error how far to extend the tubing into the die. I made several flares and built a small set of sheet metal gauges to set the depth for various tubing sizes and attached them with a short cord. Once you get that figured out, it will make good flares. Of course, you must cut the tubing square and remove burrs inside and out before flaring.Very nice alternative to the very expensive multi-jaw aviation units if you don't have a lot of flares to make and you don't mind spending a bit of time removing the bite marks left from the die. As with most things, I'd test it on scrap tubing before you use it on something critical like a brake line, for example.This tool will not make double flares, which are required (I believe) on sizes 1/4" and smaller.Like most rigid tools, it's built for daily use and should last indefinitely if kept clean and dry.

This is the perfect tool. With this flare tool you can make perfect, professional looking 37dg tube flares as shown in the pictures. And most of all, it is EASY!! Made of heavy duty metals, the tool is sure to provide years of reliable service. It is small and compact making it easy to store in your toolbox. The flare tool uses ribbed grips to hold the tube in place when flaring. There is some marking on the tube when done as shown in the last photo, but nothing that can't be buffed out quickly with some high grit sandpaper. I highly recommend lubricating inside the tube where it will be flared with WD-40 or 3 in 1 oil before inserting the flare. All you need is about 5 half turns and you're done. Before flaring, ensure the tube is level with the top of the tool. If not, your flare will be shallow and may not seal properly. You'll have to recut and flare again. Highly recommended for DIY's, Mechanics, Plumbers, Electricians, & Fabricators.

They work great had a deal that stop s flaring when the flare is good ..

This is my second Ridged 37 degree tubing flaring tool. The disengage pin broke on the first tool after a couple dozen flares. This tool will not flare stainless steel brake line. The tool disengages halfway thru the process of flaring the tubing. Good luck people,,,

We needed a flaring tool here for -3an to -10an hard line, and this one was reviewed very well elsewhere on the internet... it's worked very well for us with aluminum and steel hardline, but not so well for stainless (tried 3/16" and 1/4" and it wouldn't flare either).All in all a great flaring tool that's versatile, but not great for stainless tube.

I've owned many cheap flaring tools and have always been disappointed. This tool while a bit more expensive does a fantastic job. EASILY flaring 1/2" stainless fuel lines. Definitely recommend this tool.

Overall, the tool works well. I am using it for 5/8 OD .055 wall SS tubing, and it make a good flair. The unit is difficult to handle and set-up to make the flare due to the flaring head directly over the tube with low visibility to determine the tube set height. The tool held the material very well and overall will do the job.