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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
If your fingers are sore from wrestling stainless braided hose into AN fittings, the fix is a dedicated AN fitting tool — and the one that earns the top spot for most people is the Allstar Performance Koul Tool Kit. It cuts -6AN braided hose assembly from about 20 minutes of hand-fighting to roughly 3 minutes, and it is the pick most first-timers should start with. Below are nine real tools that cover every side of this job: insertion tools for braided hose, adjustable wrenches that lock alloy fittings without marring them, PTFE reaming tools, and a flaring tool for hard lines.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
A decent tool here is the difference between a clean fuel or oil line and a chewed-up fitting, so start with the job in front of you. The fastest way to sort them is by what they actually do: insert hose, grip fittings, or ream PTFE, which is exactly how the picks below line up in this guide to the best AN Fitting Tool.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best AN Fitting Tool
The first thing to nail down is what job you are actually doing. AN work splits into three separate jobs, and each one needs a different tool: pushing braided hose into a fitting, gripping the fitting so it does not slip, and prepping a PTFE or hard line before assembly. Buying the wrong one wastes money and still leaves you fighting the hose.
Match the tool to the hose you are running
Stainless steel braided hose is the hardest to work with because the wire braid frays and stabs your fingers. An insertion tool that holds the fitting and guides the hose in solves that — the Koul Tool Kit is built for exactly this. Nylon braided hose is softer, and PTFE-lined hose is its own problem entirely. PTFE tools ream the liner, while the flaring tool here is for soft metal tubing like aluminum, copper, and mild steel only.
Know your AN size range
AN numbers describe fitting size, and they are not interchangeable. An adjustable wrench that only covers 3AN to 16AN will not touch a 20AN fitting. Figure out the biggest fitting in your build before you buy, and check the tool covers it. Insertion tools are often sold for a single size, like -6, while adjustable wrenches cover a wider spread.
Grip matters more than looks on alloy fittings
Aluminum AN fittings scratch and mar easily, so jaw quality counts. Hex jaws lock the fitting flat instead of biting a corner, and softer aluminum jaws protect the finish — though they can also deform under heavy force. The adjustable wrenches below all rely on a hex head for this reason. A wrapped jaw or a gentle hand keeps your anodizing looking new.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Tool Type | AN Range | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstar Performance Koul Tool Kit★ Best Overall | Braided hose insertion | Insertion kit | -6AN | 3.52 oz | Amazon |
| Adjustable AN Fittings Wrench (AOOSEDOO)Best Value | Alloy fitting grip | Adjustable wrench set | 3AN–16AN | 9.12 oz | Amazon |
| BRIFITOR AN Fittings Wrench with Vise JawsBench Favorite | Bench work with vise pads | Adjustable wrench + vise jaws | 3AN–16AN | 9.6 oz | Amazon |
| AOOSEDOO 3AN–20AN Wrench Set | Oversized 20AN fittings | Adjustable wrench set | 3AN–20AN | 9.6 oz | Amazon |
| BRIFITOR PTFE Hose Assembly Tool | PTFE liner prep | PTFE reaming tool | 4AN–10AN | — | Amazon |
| AOOSEDOO PTFE Hose Assembly Tool Set | PTFE plus wrench bundle | PTFE reaming tool + wrench | 4AN–10AN | 10.24 oz | Amazon |
| Koul Tools 6 AN Hose Assembly Tool | Single-size insertion | Insertion tool | -6AN | 1.6 oz | Amazon |
| Speedway Motors 37 Degree Flaring Tool | Soft metal hard lines | Flaring tool | 3/16″–5/8″ OD | 2 lb | Amazon |
| Aeroquip Socketless Fitting Assembly Tool | Push-lock hose | Push-on tool | — | 6.6 oz | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Allstar Performance ALL11085 Koul Tool Kit for -6 AN Fitting/Hose
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 200+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The -6AN kit that turns a 20-minute finger-poker into a 3-minute push.
For anyone building their first set of -6AN braided lines, this is the tool that ends the struggle. It holds the fitting while you push the hose home, so you are not fighting frayed stainless wire by hand. It ships as one complete kit — tools, fitting adapters for most fittings, detailed assembly instructions, and a high quality storage case. At 3.52 ounces it is light enough to drop in a toolbox, and its compact frame stows easily.
The standout is how little effort it takes. What wins people over is the sheer ease of the job — over 120 owner mentions cite ease of use and functionality combined. It also saves your fingertips from getting caught in stainless steel wire braid. As the review pages sum it up: “I’ve been working with stainless steel braided hose for 25 years, lots of cussing and bloody fingers. This tool is awesome.”
The one honest catch: it does not play nicely with non-stick style hoses, and the Koul Tool approach still calls for a vise to get the best results. Compare it to the single-size Koul Tools 6 AN below and this kit goes further — it includes fitting adapters and a case that the bare-bones single tool leaves out, and at 3.52 ounces it is a touch heavier than that 1.6-ounce sibling as the price of the extras.
What makes it the top pick
- Complete kit with fitting adapters and detailed instructions
- Eases -6AN braided hose and fitting assembly in minutes
- Protects fingertips from stainless steel wire braid
- Light 3.52-ounce frame with a storage case
Where it draws the line
- Not for use with non-stick style hoses
- Works best when the tool is clamped in a vise
Reach for this if: you are assembling -6AN braided lines and want the job done fast and clean.
Look elsewhere if: you run non-stick style hose, which this kit is not built for.
2. Adjustable AN Fittings Wrench AN Fitting Tool For 3AN-16AN Hose-end Fitting
One wrench that covers eight AN sizes and slips into a cramped engine bay.
If you are the person holding the fitting steady while a friend tightens the other end, this is the wrench to hand them. It is a two-piece set: an adjustable AN fitting wrench that locks onto fittings from 3AN, 4AN, 6AN, 8AN, 10AN, 12AN, 14AN and 16AN, plus a double-ended wrench with a 6AN (0.79-inch) jaw and an 8AN (0.9-inch) jaw. The hex jaws are shaped to lock the fitting flat rather than bite a corner, so you do not scuff the alloy.
The design goal here is protecting aluminum. The wrench is built to lock aluminum fittings and prevent slippage and scuffing, and the compact double-ended half — 7.08 inches long, 9.12 ounces — fits into the tight, narrow spaces around a firewall or in the pit area. The 6AN socket side locks the socket nut while the 8AN side grips the B-nut. Owners have used it successfully to assemble many 6AN CPE fuel lines.
Expect a little adjustment fuss. The size dial and jaws have drawn some pushback from buyers — the recurring gripe is that the 6AN side runs large and the adjustment screw needs patience. There is also an honest materials note: one buyer mentions the aluminum began to mar after a few connections. The maker’s own advice is to wrap the jaws in electrical tape for extra protection, and to use it only on aluminum fittings, since it will damage softer or harder materials used for other purposes. Pair it with the Allstar insertion kit above and you have both ends of the job covered.
The real selling point
- Adjusts across eight AN sizes from 3AN to 16AN
- Compact 7.08-inch frame reaches tight engine compartments
- Hex jaws lock fittings flat instead of scuffing corners
- Light 9.12-ounce aluminum build
What to watch
- 6AN side can fit loose on some fittings
- Aluminum jaws may mar with heavy use — tape helps
Who it beats: anyone wanting multi-size coverage in one adjustable tool without buying a rack of wrenches.
Where it falls short: if you need a dead-tight grip on every size, a fixed-size wrench holds closer.
3. AN Fittings Wrench 3AN-16AN Hose Fittings Adjustable Wrench For An Hose End Fittings Adapter Lightweight Aluminum Black (With 4″ Vise Jaws Pads)
A wrench-and-vise-jaw bundle built for the bench, machined from 6061-T6 aluminum.
The bundle is the draw here — you get both an adjustable AN fittings hose wrench and a pair of 4-inch vise jaw pads in one box. The wrench is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, a lightweight alloy that resists corrosion, and its slim profile is shaped to reach tight spaces. It is rated for the same 3AN-to-16AN spread as the wrench above, so it covers common automotive hose ends. The vise jaw pads are the part that stands out for anyone clamping fittings on a bench; the tool is 7.08 inches long and 9.6 ounces.
What people praise is the fit on the fitting. Owners rate the build quality highly, and the smooth adjustment tightens or loosens fittings without marring them in normal use. Buyers report it works great and does not beat up the anodizing on their fittings, and that the jaws hold with a sure grip and no sliding.
The honest trade-off is that the aluminum is soft. The recurring gripe is jaw deformation — heavy torque can dent the inside — and a few report the mechanism binding over time, so treat it as a careful-use tool rather than a breaker bar. It also will not fit every tight corner, and a crescent or box-end wrench may still be needed on some fittings. If you plan to crank hard on stubborn fittings, the fixed hex jaws you already own will hold up better.
Best mixed blessing: the 6061-T6 aluminum keeps the tool light and corrosion-resistant, but that same alloy softness means soft, deforming jaws under serious force — a fair trade for finish protection.
Who this suits: bench builders who clamp their fittings in a vise and value keeping the anodizing clean.
Choose it for: the vise-jaw bundle that turns a bench setup into a proper fitting station.
Think twice if: you need a wrench that survives constant heavy torque — the soft aluminum jaws give way first.
4. 3AN-20AN AN Fitting Wrench Blue With 6AN-AN8 Double-ended AN Wrench Blue
The wrench that reaches up to 20AN, where ordinary AN wrenches stop at 16.
Here is where this tool pulls ahead of the two wrenches above — it is rated up to 20AN, while those adjustable wrenches top out at 16AN. That extra step matters if you run oversized fittings, because the maker says the design lowers the hardness on locking a 20AN fitting during assembly. The set pairs an adjustable wrench covering 3AN, 4AN, 6AN, 8AN, 10AN, 12AN, 14AN, 16AN and 20AN with a double-ended wrench with a 6AN (0.79-inch) jaw and an 8AN (0.9-inch) jaw. It is a 7.08-inch, 9.6-ounce aluminum set with hex jaws.
The double-ended half is the compact one. Its small profile is built for working in confined engine compartments, narrow spaces, pit area, staging lanes, or back at the shop. The adjustable side holds spacing tight on AN6 fittings, which buyers like. Owners call it well-made for the money, and several say it works as well as the pricier branded AN wrenches they already own.
The honest limit is fit precision. The recurring complaint is that the open-end tool carries slight play, which risks marring the fitting — the fit should sit closer to zero for truly mar-free use. So if spotless fittings are your priority, keep steady pressure and consider wrapping the jaws. For the price-to-coverage on offer, though, the 20AN reach is genuinely hard to find.
Why it earns its place: a wider AN range than most adjustable wrenches here — up to 20AN — in the same compact 7.08-inch aluminum frame.
Best for: builders running oversized fittings who want coverage beyond the common 16AN ceiling.
The case for it: oversized 20AN fittings, plus a compact double-ended companion for tight spots.
The caveat: slight play in the open-end side means marring is possible unless you keep it snug.
5. BRIFITOR 4AN 6AN 8AN 10AN PTFE Hose Assembly Tool, 4-in-1 Reaming & Separate Tool
Two jobs in one tool: it reams the PTFE liner and pries the braid apart.
PTFE hose is its own beast — the inner liner and the braid have to be separated cleanly before the ferrule will slide in straight. This tool handles that in two functions: it reams and straightens cut PTFE hose ends for a seal, then separates the inner liner from the braid to create a guided path for the ferrule. The 4-in-1 heads fit 4AN, 6AN, 8AN, and 10AN Nylon or Stainless Steel Braided hoses with a PTFE inner-liner, and you swap size by flipping between the double-ended heads. It is 5.1 inches long and 1.2 inches wide, small enough to stash in a glove box or tool pouch.
The body is machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminum, and the working ends are corrosion-resistant stainless steel — durability in a compact frame. The non-slip hex shape is built for a firm grip even with oily hands. It also ships with a compact red 6AN wrench to tighten fittings where a standard wrench will not fit. Owners mention it fitting 6 and 8AN PTFE fuel lines together with no leaks.
Two things to know before you buy. First, verify your hose liner: it will not work with Rubber Push-Lock Hose or Nylon/Stainless Steel Braided CPE Hose. Second, the included red wrench is the weak link — the recurring complaint is that it fits too tightly, scraping the fitting finish, and some find it too small for their AN6 fittings altogether. Treat the reaming tool as the star and bring your own wrench if the bundled one disappoints.
Why PTFE builders want it
- Reams and separates liner from braid in two functions
- Fits 4AN, 6AN, 8AN, 10AN PTFE-inner hoses
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body with stainless steel working ends
- Compact 5.1-inch frame for glove box storage
Before you order
- Will not work on rubber push-lock or CPE-braided hose
- The bundled red 6AN wrench runs tight and can scrape finishes
Made for: anyone assembling PTFE-lined nylon or stainless braided hose who wants a clean liner fast.
Not for: rubber push-lock or CPE-braided hose, which this tool refuses.
6. AOOSEDOO PTFE Hose Assembly Tool with Double-ended 6AN Socket-AN8 B-nut Wrench
The PTFE set with exchangeable plugs that swap between AN sizes on one tool.
What sets this AOOSEDOO set apart from the BRIFITOR tool above is the exchangeable plug design — the plug can be swapped between different AN sizes, so one tool covers 4AN, 6AN, 8AN, and 10AN PTFE hose assembly instead of relying only on fixed double-ended heads. The set pairs that reaming tool with a double-ended AN fitting wrench with a 6AN (0.79-inch) jaw for socket-nut locking and an 8AN (0.9-inch) jaw for B-nut locking. It is an aluminum tool, 5.1 inches long, 10.24 ounces.
The reaming tool itself rounds the PTFE incision to a perfect circle, which the maker says greatly lowers the effort of inserting the ferrule. It also separates the braided layer from the PTFE liner in a second, cutting the time you would spend poking with a pin. Owners call it a must-have: one reports a 6AN job made ULTRA easy, another fixed an AN line on a port injection kit.
The honest trade-off shows up in the fit. The open-end wrench can feel loose on some 6AN fittings — not sloppy, but not dead-tight either — and one buyer wished it had come with instructions. It also wants the maker’s own PTFE hose and fittings for perfect fitment, since the tools are built to those specs. If you want maximum size flexibility from a single reaming body, the exchangeable plugs are the reason to pick this one.
The differentiator: exchangeable plugs let one tool body cover 4AN through 10AN, where single-head tools would need a whole set.
Everybody’s note: the wrench half fits a little loose on some 6AN fittings, and the set arrives without instructions.
Pick this if: you want one PTFE reaming body that swaps across sizes, bundled with a compact wrench.
Pass if: you need the included wrench to grip every 6AN fitting dead-tight.
7. Koul Tools 6 AN Hose Assembly Tool Single -6
At 1.6 ounces, the pocket-sized Koul that pushes hose into a fitting in seconds.
If you only ever run -6AN and want the smallest tool that does the job, this is it. It installs braided, stainless steel hose into AN fittings and also works with nylon braided AN hose. At 1.6 ounces it is the lightest tool on this list — flick-of-the-wrist light — and it comes with spacers and sleeves for different sized sockets. The brand also notes it will hold up in a plastic case.
What wins people over is how fast it is. Owners praise its effectiveness and ease of use above all, describing hose pushed into the fitting in about 10 seconds instead of hours of struggling. It removes much of the struggle and finger injury, and no tape is needed to prevent fraying — just use it with hose lube. It works with covered hose and has been used successfully on Evil Energy fittings with the supplied washers.
The honest catch: this single -6 version is more limited than the full kit at position 1. It repeats what the Allstar kit does, but skips the fitting adapters and detailed instruction set that make that kit a one-box solution. A few customers note the connection make-up is still a fight no matter the tool, and that not every fitting seats easily. If -6 is your size for good, the trimmed-down weight is worth it; if you work across sizes, step up to the kit.
Featherweight contender: the 1.6-ounce build makes it the lightest of the bunch, ideal for a go-bag that needs to stay small.
Where it steps back: it is a single-size tool, so it will not stretch to -8, -10, or beyond.
Right for you if: you run -6AN only and want the smallest, lightest insertion tool available.
Look up the list if: you need fitting adapters and instructions — the full kit at the top covers more.
8. Speedway Motors 37 Degree AN Flare Tubing Standard Tube Flaring Tool
The 37-degree flaring tool for hard brake and fuel lines — soft metal only.
This one does a totally different job from the wrenches and hose tools above. Instead of gripping or inserting, it creates 37-degree single flares on rigid tubing, which is what AN fittings require on hard lines. It handles soft metal tubing like aluminum, copper, and mild steel — the kind you find in brake or fuel lines. The range runs from 3/16″ to 5/8″ OD, covering 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″, and 5/8″ sizes, and the tool weighs 2 pounds.
The key limitation is the one you must not miss: the maker does not recommend it for stainless steel tubing. For stainless steel lines they point to a separate ratcheting flaring tool instead. So this is the classic case of matching the tool to the metal — plenty of buyers flare soft tubing with success and find the finish and machining good for the money.
The honest trade-off is that the tool is fussy about technique. The recurring complaint is that it will not clamp tubing tight enough and the tapered cone is not hardened, so harder metal can gouge it and ruin the flare. Several note the handle feels less solid than a 45-degree tool and that forcing it from the end of the handle causes damage — grip the center of the handle and let the tool work on thin, soft metal. If most of your lines are stainless, this is not the tool; if they are aluminum or mild steel, it flares them cleanly.
What it does well
- Creates 37-degree single flares for AN fittings
- Fits soft tubing from 3/16″ to 5/8″ OD
- Works on aluminum, copper, and mild steel lines
What it will not do
- Not recommended for stainless steel tubing
- Soft cone and clamp need careful, centered technique
Only buy it for: soft aluminum, copper, or mild steel brake and fuel lines that need a 37-degree flare.
Do not buy it for: stainless steel lines — the maker itself steers you to a ratcheting tool instead.
9. Aeroquip FBM3632 Socketless Fitting Assembly Tool
A push-lock hose tool from a long-running brand that works — if you go gently.
Socketless hose, also called push-lock, has no fitting crimp — you push the hose onto a barbed fitting by hand. This Aeroquip tool helps make that push, and it is targeted squarely at push-lock hose, a job none of the other tools here address. It weighs 6.6 ounces and is a compact auto part with package dimensions listed in centimeters, sold as a single unit.
The function side earns solid marks. Owners say it does exactly what they need, and with a little lubricant on the push-lock hose it seats the barbed connector properly. The repeated theme is technique: use lube when pressing the hose into the connector, and go slowly.
The honest trade-off is durability. This tool is made of plastic, and the build quality has drawn a mixed-to-negative read — the recurring gripe is that the handles can break, particularly if the hose and fitting are dry and unlubricated. Use lube, take it easy, and it works fine for the job; force it dry and it can fail. For a dedicated push-lock build, it fills a niche nothing else here does, just understand it is a gentle-use tool rather than a shop bruiser.
Niche but useful: the only push-lock specific tool on this list, and it gets the connector seated with a good squeeze.
The honest caveat: the plastic handles reward a slow, lubricated approach — rush it dry and they can crack.
The one for: push-lock / socketless hose builds where you need to seat barbed fittings by hand.
Handle with care if: you tend to force fittings — this plastic tool wants lube and patience.
Understanding the Specs
AN Size Range
The “AN” number names the fitting size, and a tool only works within the range it is built for. An adjustable wrench rated to 16AN will not touch a 20AN fitting, and a single-size insertion tool like a -6 is made for that one size only. Before buying, find the biggest fitting in your build and confirm the tool covers it.
Tool Type
These tools split into four jobs: insertion tools push braided hose into a fitting, adjustable wrenches grip the fitting so it does not slip, PTFE reaming tools separate the liner from the braid, and flaring tools form the 37-degree flare on hard lines. Match the tool type to the job you are doing, because no single tool does all four.
Material and Jaw Softness
Aluminum bodies keep the tools light and resist corrosion, but aluminum jaws are softer than steel fittings and can deform under heavy force. Hex jaws lock the fitting flat to avoid biting a corner and scuffing the anodizing. Wrapping the jaws in tape is a common way to protect the finish further.
Hose Compatibility
Not every tool works with every hose. PTFE tools refuse rubber push-lock hose and CPE-braided hose, the flaring tool is not for stainless steel, and the Allstar kit is not for non-stick style hoses. Check your hose type before you buy, because a tool that does not fit your line will not help regardless of the AN size.
FAQ
Will an adjustable AN wrench fit my 20AN fitting?
Can I use a PTFE reaming tool on rubber push-lock hose?
Do I need an insertion tool, or is an adjustable wrench enough?
Is the 37-degree flaring tool safe to use on stainless steel tubing?
Why do some adjustable AN wrenches mar the fittings?
How long does the Aeroquip push-lock tool last?
Does the Koul Tool Kit work with non-stick style hoses?
What is the lightest AN fitting tool for a go-bag?
Do the PTFE tools replace the need for a fitting wrench?
Can the PTFE tool handle both nylon and stainless steel braided hose?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people wrestling stainless braided hose, the an fitting tool winner is the Allstar Performance Koul Tool Kit because it bundles the insertion tool, fitting adapters, instructions, and a case in one box — the complete answer to a job that traps fingers without it. If you need a wrench that reaches oversized 20AN fittings, grab the AOOSEDOO 3AN-20AN set. And for PTFE-lined hose assembly, the AOOSEDOO PTFE Hose Assembly Tool Set with its exchangeable plugs is the one to reach for. Whichever job is in front of you, match the tool to your hose and size first — then the work goes from a fight to a few minutes.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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