brakes, what a pain

Sorry but just showed up in my email.  Software needs to prevent replies to threads over X years.  😉

No problem replying to old threads.  Many of us search for answers on the forums and it doesn't matter to us when the reply was made if it was helpful.

I'll add to this old thread.

I wasn't having any issues with my brakes, but I decided to replace everything last year. It had stainless calipers put on in the past, before I bought it. I planned on rebuilding the calipers, but after taking two off with decent scoring on the cylinder wall, I decided to replace all 4. New calipers, pads, master cylinder, and hoses. 

The only big pain was removing the hoses. I had flare nut wrenches (old Craftsman) but I was starting to round off the nuts anyways. I stopped and pondered for a few hours. I could either take vice grips to the darn things and begin a complete brake line replacement project, or I could try a different set of wrenches. Option 2 it was. I ordered a used set of Snap-On flare wrenches off eBay. My goodness, they fit like they were forged directly around those old flare nuts. All came off without any problems. The rest of the job was straight forward.

I'm surprised the Craftsman wrench did not fit well.  These used to be one of the best in the business.

The last issue I had with the brakes on my '75 was it was loosing fluid, but we couldn't find any leaks.  We finally found that it was leaking through the rear seal on the master cylinder and onto the power booster, which rotted the booster diaphragm.

I too am surprised at your displeasure with Craftsman. I've had mine for Many years, and still work well. Is it possible you have a very deteriorated fastener, or a non S.A.E. fitting? A six point 1/4 inch socket is also a possible option. I've used both with success.