ElmrPhD

Hola,
This should be an easy one: Besides 9/16 inch (as with the master cylinder) what size (flare?) brake-line wrenches are needed on a C3?
I'm in Europe where inch-sized stuff is not available on every street corner.
Thank you!
Steve, in Amsterdam
'69 L46 Coupe

kossuth

If you don’t have a comprehensive set of line wrenches particularly in SAE sizes i would encourage you pickup a full set. A set similar to this is helpful. You can use these also on oil pressure lines, old school temperature senders, and so on. Best to have and not need vs need and not have. Gear wrench flare wrenches.

dmaxx3500

amazon should have them

american sizes are 1/4-3/8-1/2-9/16-5/8-11/16-3/4

ElmrPhD

Thank you kossuth!
Sounds like good advice. Thought maybe I could get away with buying one or 2 SAE wrenches since these tools are dedicated to the '69 Corvette - I'm covered for metric stuff.
Thanks, again,
Steve, in the NLs
'69 L46 Coupe

67:72

The 9/16" and smaller would fit your brake needs; 5/8" (and maybe 11/16") = good for fuel line fittings at the carb(s).

I rounded out my set of flare wrenches (no pun intended!) from eBay, as I like vintage tools.

ElmrPhD

Thanks dmaxx3500.

ElmrPhD

Thanks 67:72,
Good to know.

Rescue Rogers

dont buy cheap chinese wrenches, they will expand and rounds off your heads. Buy a well made set from a reputable company. You do get what you pay for with some companies still

71 Vert LS1

Ok I will be the Bubba.
When breaking old brake lines loose I use a small (6"?) curved jaw Vise Grip. It may leave some marks on the brake line nut but nothing a file can't touch up. When tightening I use a standard SAE wrench and then just a bit more with the vise grips with a bit of tape on the nut.
Again a bit Bubba but it works for me.

Bikespace

11/16" crow's foot? I needed it for this one specific location (and on the other side). Perhaps get a whole set though, they are super useful.

ElmrPhD

Thanks Rescue Rogers.
That's no surprise, is it?
Problem, for me, is that it's not always easy/possible to find out where tools were made. Also, I have a bunch of Korean-made "Custor" brand stuff and it is great. So, I'm wondering if some of the Asian tools aren't as good as it gets...affordably.
I am on a budget, as are most, so this is ALWAYS a dilemma.
But your advice is duly noted and appreciated!
Cheers,
Steve, in the NLs
'69 L-46 Coupe

ElmrPhD

Thanks 71 Vert LS1,
Makes sense to me!
But would a true "Bubba" have those fancy curved-jaw vice-grips??? ;-)
Cheers,
Steve, in the NLs
'69 L46 Coupe

ElmrPhD

Thanks Bikespace,
Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly did you use the 11/16" crows foot for?

Mr D.

Line (flare nut) wrenches are one of those things you need to think quality and quality will cost more. If money is not an issue just go with Snap On or MAC and be one and done, good quality that will not break the bank is Craftsman Professional or Tekton.

I have a set of Craftsman that has served me well. On the used tool market my rule of thumb is I won't pay more than 50% retail, maybe 65% if the tool is considered new anything above that I will just buy new retail.

bmotojoe

Forum member interpon purchased a really nice set of Proto USA made wrenches a year or so ago, hope he see this post and responds where he got them from...
Me I broke the bank many many years ago...

Bikespace

I think that's the size. Not a lot of pixels in the image. It's to hold the flex hose at the trailing arm where the short steel line connects.

interpon

totally agree with do not buy cheap chinesium..the ends open up..
Gear wrench used to be good when Taiwan..not much anymore china mostly.. Tekton is Taiwan and pretty good IMO..
i would even consider buying the one wrench (2 sizes) of quality before wasting your fittings and rounding over.. the bleeder on calipers i find a socket works good , no need for flare..
i did find the wrenches i posted here, post 6 and 14
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-question.html

not sure if still offering Kitts industrial tools

sunflower 1972

These 3 wrenches will cover 95% of what you'll need for a C3.

pspicci

Steve, hows the car running?

Pat

71 Vert LS1

If I was going to buy flare nut wrench's I would buy Snap On or Mac as said above. I wouldn't buy set just the couple you need.
The reason I like those two suppliers is they are local to me and they replace worn out tools without question. Snap On just replaced my 35 year old plastic soft hammer again no questions just pick one out.
Just on thought tool opinions. Go to a local car repair shop and see what they like. Maybe go to a couple? Around here the tool trucks come around on a regular basis to service mechanics.
My 6" curved jaw Vise Grip has served me well over the years. Its got to be 40 years old. I couldn't build a hot rod project without a Vise Grip and a Crescent wrench!