Anyone ever use this kit?
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=CMB%2D14%2D0000&N=700+115&autoview=sku

Due to forum rules regarding vendor bashing please feel free to pm me. Thanks.

I don't like that design of bender. I have a Blue-Point exactly like that one; I finally bought individual benders for the various tubing sizes. That style bender only goes 90 degrees, and with a fairly large radius, too. They work--but there's much better stuff available.

3/16 tubing can just about be bent with your hands. 1/4 is more difficult.

Can't help you on the flaring set. If it holds the tubing well, it'll probably work OK. Cheap tools won't secure the tubing well, and then there's nothing you can do with it but recycle it.

Thanks for the information. Where can I buy decent quality tools for bending/flaring? I don't mind putting out the cash for good quality stuff.

I used a bender like that to make up a 3/8" fuel line from steel tubing. It was not the greatest tool but certainly workable for what I was doing. It was about at it's limit with 3/8" steel tubing, do not think I would try it on stainless.

Part of what you want to look for in a bender is longer arms for more leverage. Real steel parts would be good too. Many use basic cast metal that breaks fairly easily, BTDT.

Part of what you have to evaluate is how much will you use the tools? The more you use them the better the deal on top quality is. For a one time deal though... not so much.

I hear ya on the one time use but I do plan on getting rid of my 5/16" fuel line in the near future. I'm also sick of being frustrated when I cheap out on tools or parts and then have bigger problems. Would Napa or Pep Boys have good stuff?

I bought mostly Imperial-Eastman; and a Ridgid. Both are good companies; and the design is similar. Mastercool also sells similar bending tools.

I got mine from eBay as I wasn't in a hurry. The 3/16 size was never offered used on eBay, I had to buy that one new, but I don't remember which vendor I used. Might have been these guys.

http://www.newmantools.com/imperial/tb4.html

Given a choice, the FHB series is nicer than the FHA; but the small ones only come as FH, no "A" or "B".

I have a spare in 7/16 size, but there's not much call for those.

I'm sure the same folks could set you up with a flaring/cutting set, too; but I went for the hydraulic unit # 71475 from Mastercool.

http://www.mastercool.com/pages/flaring_tools.html

I have Imperial-Eastman benders and flaring tools. Try to look for those as they are good quality.

Looks like I'm going with Rigid. Their not cheap or expensive and they will do a 180* bend so I figure their perfect for my use. Thanks for all the info everyone! It really did help me make my decision.

P.S. I'm sure you'll see a post when I try to bend these lines :o.

I have the very basic K-D bender. It's basically a short handle with a spindle for various diameters. I have to roll it against the bench top to get any leverage on a steel line. But it's easy to mock up in situ and can make full 180 turns.

For a flare tool: Only go with a steel stock. The aluminum stock won't grip tight enough to double flare. The shorter the better, as in less spacing between the holes. This permits less flex. The best on I have is a Rigid that I got at a swap meet for a buck.

I wouldnt attempt to use that tool on stainless steel brake lines. Just a word of caution.

I wouldnt attempt to use that tool on stainless steel brake lines. Just a word of caution.

Thanks for the tip, I wasn't planning on using stainless to avoid the headache. My car is a temp controlled garage queen anyway so I'm not worried about rust.