Flaring tools
Jeff,
Here's my two cents or maybe more. I bought a heavy duty Imperial- Eastman Flaring tool from Brown Tools. It is US made but I was disappointed. It is small enough to work in tight quarters and if you follow directions using lubricant, etc. it makes a very nice flare. It claims to NOT score the sides of the tube with the gripping dies but it does on the soft tubing that Van's supplies(3003). I suspect that it would be a lot less noticeable on the 5052 hydraulic tubing. It also takes a lot of fumble-fa*ting around to get it set up with the right length etc.
My neighbor building a 7A bought the Parker brand Rolo-Flair from Avery and his tubing work has no marks probably since the dies on the Rolo-Flair are not ribbed. The Rolo-Flair is built like a tank. The price was about the same $99 vs 95. The Rolo-Flair has a handle on it so it looks like you could chuck it in a vise and have two hands to work the tool and tubing. Maybe someone else can comment more on the Rolo-Flair.
In general, I have found that if you need something in a hurry and you don't have any info on whats best, get it from Avery. It will almost always do the job nicely. The prices often seem to be a little higher and I have to pay freight and 8.25 sales tax so it really makes a welt when I order but they ship promptly and I have not ever been disappointed with the quality.
As for skimping on a flaring tool, my advice is don't do it. Poorly made or dinged flares or tubing will leak or crack over time when under pressure and you don't need that in a brake or fuel line.
Dave A.
6A-QB