If the proper sized flare wrench still fits, use it and forget it.

"Michael Horowitz" wrote in message
news
Hmmmm thanks for mentioning metric. I might not have to take the
flats down to the next lower 1/16; it's possible there is a metic size
just below 11/16 - Mike



cal (BD5ER) wrote:

Any suggestions on how to improve the lifespan of that brass
connector? - Mike

I assume your talking about that hollow brass fitting that holds the tube
in
place. Unfortunatly other than replacing the unit and making sure a
flare nut
wrench is used in the future I know of no, practical, way to make it
pretty
again.

In cases like this I have found that a Vise-Grip with curved jaws and
good
sharp teerh will get the things off with little additional damage.

Sometimes if the hex is large enough you can fill it down to the next
smaller
size - either metric or Whitworth. I'm probably the only person in my
state
with a set of Whitworth flare nut wrenc.. err... spanners so that may not
be a
good option.

In either case the next guy that works on it will probably use a pair of
Vise-Grips after he rounds of the smaller size hex with the "correct"
size
flare nut wrench.