flaring stainless steel lines

I second the tool question.

I bought a brand new "cal-van" and was junk. Kept pushing the tube out.

Picked up a "National Brass" unit for $5 at a flea market, and it worked perfect the first time.

I do use channel locks or linemans pliers to put about an extra 1/2 turn past as tight as I can get it by hand on the clamp.