I just bought the orbital Hilmor flare tool and its pretty nice.

 

I really like the YJ 45 degree flaring tool. Haven't used any others besides a flaring block, but the YJ has performed well for me. For swaging I would recommend a hydraulic tubing expander. A little pricey but well worth the money

 

Yes what he said. The Master cool swaging works for me. I have the Rigid but use the YJ.

 

I have this one:

http://www.toolbarn.com/ridgid-83037.html

 

I have an older one of these and it works very well.
However, I bought a new one for the installers and it would not hold the pipe securely. The pipe slid in the block. Since we were an hour from the shop I had to put emery cloth in the block to make it hold the pipe. It made for a very frustrating day. I returned it.

I have this one:

http://www.toolbarn.com/ridgid-83037.html

 

I have the yj one also. I like the fact that it has a stop so you do not push pipe up to high. Also like the deburring feature. That being said, I like the ratchet and the clutch feature on the rigid. Wish they would combine the two.

 

I've been using the YJ 60295 eccentric flare tool for a while now and really like it. I also have a couple of different size YJ flare/swage block kits if needed, but don't normally use them all that often.

http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jacket-60295-Flaring-eccentric/dp/B003ANPKVI/ref=sr_1_68?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1371679104&sr=1-68

 

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

I have this one and like it a lot. Kinda expensive though.

 

I use the time proven Imperial swagging tool. Simple, holds the tubing very tightly and is reasonably priced.

 

I have the Imperial kit, actually 2 of them, Haven't used either in years. It was the best when it first came out many, many years ago and very long lasting. The thing is there are so many better choices now I have had 1 bad flare with the new yellow jacket. Some how missed the stop and over sized the flare. It was in one of those places where I couldn't see. Great swages with the master cool.

 

I grabbed one of these to avoid needing fittings
Notice the empty spots for additional sizes.

My flare tool is an antique.
http://www.mastercool.com/pages/int_hydraulic_tube_expanding.html

 

With the cheap thin copper we are using now it is a miracle to get it to swage without splitting it on anything 1/2 or 3/8. I use a orbital flare tool from DSZH, works extremely well. Got a generic pump handle swager from ebay for about $120, works very well when the copper will allow it.

 

I just have my Mastercool Hydra 71700 (haven't use it yet) is there an option to adapt those expander heads and adapter from 71650? Just thinking of not spending for another set.

 

I also have a orbital hilmor and it works great. I have an old cps imperial style thats has always worked well for me but the orbital with the clutch and depth gauge makes it almost fool proof or as we in arizona call it chase roberts orangutan proof.

 

Imperial Eastman roll air flaring tool, I've had mine since 1985.

 

Same here... Got min from my father, guessing early 80's. I see no need to change, it make perfect flare for me.

 

The yellow jacket hydraulic swage and flaring. Always makes great flares and swages.. I love making my own couplings of different lengths

http://yellowjacket.com/product/987 or
http://yellowjacket.com/product/815

Also haven their bender. No more couplings or elbows on new line sets.

http://yellowjacket.com/product/819

Both of these tools have saved time and money...It also reduces the possibility of leaks because you minimize the amount of joints.

Has anyone tried those new sil-flos 15% rings you put in the coupling then heat up for a "perfect air tight seal"?

 

just got the YJ offset falre tool.....like the rigid someone posted pics of.

also got the "go-no-go" flare gauge.......relearning making flares.:toetap:

 

The CPS FT800FN is the one to get! Comes with a ratchet for added leverage and a nice composite case. Best VALUE at ~$75!

http://www.cpsproducts.com/product/tubing-tools-flaring-swaging-ft800fn/

 

That ratchet drive attachment on the CPS looks like a great idea. More than a couple of times I've wished I had 6-foot arms like an orangutan for flaring anything over 3/8" tubing with my YJ. It does seem to take a lot of forearm with the short handles they put on these eccentric flare tools.

 

I ended up ordering the Yellow Jacket Deluxe tool and have yet to use it since I had to buy a mastercool eccentric flaring tool(which looks just like the rigid one above)on my company's account as an emergency before the YJ arrived. I have to say the Mastercool one worked great and I'll probably send the YJ Deluxe back.