About 15 years ago, when I was 17, I bought the mid-grade flare kit from Snap On. The kit still sells for right around $100; hasn't gone up in price much at all since I got mine.
It comes with a very nice tubing cutter, and directions. It is because of this kit that I enjoy doing brake lines so much! Really. I do.
I've never had a flare split or crack, and they've always turned out well.
I also have the expensive kit shown in the first post. It's nice, but the simple Snap-on one does the job well for me, and I typically use it.
Essential for the job is a good tubing cutter. You MUST have a nice square cut on the end. I also added a set of very small files to de-burr the ends (this includes round and tapered needle files to get inside the tubing).
I also have one $65 tubing bender that will bend 3/8-inch line into a radius the size of a quarter. NOTHING can beat it for making good, easy bends for a factory fit and finish. I need to invest in two more of those; 1/4 inch and 1/2-inch.
If you buy cheap tubing tools from NAPA or other places, you'll always be frustrated. This is one of those jobs where good tools make or break (brake?) the job.
Brad
