Should I use a flare spanner?

[jjmartin349571]

Hi folks,

I'm currently removing the brake hoses on my Accord, and I've loosened everything bar the hard line connection - before I went in guns blazing I quickly googled it before I attacked it as it looked flimsy. Unfortunately I've now read contradictory arguments about whether or not I should use a glare spanner... Arguments which state that either using or not using one will round the nut and drokk my life up

What do people on here use? Should I buy one tomorrow or shall I just go at it with a normal spanner

I'm scared now I just really don't want to have to start pissing around making new hard lines

[indigolemon]

Not an answer, but a question - I assume you've soaked them good in penetrating oil?

[Bludge]

for the sake of spending a few quid on a decent flare spanner its not worth the risk imo.
i tried to do my mondeo with a normal spanner and it didnt go well. they didnt round, but if i had carried on with a normal spanner they would have.

[jjmartin349571]

Not an answer, but a question - I assume you've soaked them good in penetrating oil?

Yeah, I started soaking them after dinner, cleaned them up and have been giving them a good squirt regularly as I was working.

for the sake of spending a few quid on a decent flare spanner its not worth the risk imo.
i tried to do my mondeo with a normal spanner and it didnt go well. they didnt round, but if i had carried on with a normal spanner they would have.

That's the first side of the argument I read and I thought I should buy a flare spanner. I read contradictory views saying that the spanner heads can flex however, which can also round the nuts

[mercutio]

what sort of spanners flex at the head on a brake pipe try it with a good spanner but don't put all your weight on it you will feel if its going to round cheap spanners round nuts because the fit is bad

[jjmartin349571]

what sort of spanners flex at the head on a brake pipe try it with a good spanner but don't put all your weight on it you will feel if its going to round cheap spanners round nuts because the fit is bad

Apparently it's because the flare spanners have a less substantial head Like I say I know nothing so just needed guidance

I doubt my spanner can be classed as 'good' so I think I'll get a set of flare spanners tomorrow. Annoying though as it's frustrating not to finish what I've started

[ADS1]

I'm affraid i couldn't get mine undone, even with a flare nut spanner!!! Ended up using mole grips . Did manage to do them back up ok tho

[prelude91]

proper tool, proper job

[prelude91]

another thought, why don't clubs have tool banks, purchased once, hired communally to members as and when they have a need? Cheaper than everyone buying expensive tools and only use them occasionally/ once?

[Kawa]

Definitely use the flare spanner, if you are lucky a normal spanner will do the job, but I once wasted an hour trying this. For the sake of £6.50 from halfrauds, it's not worth the hassle.