[jeff5may]

Making flare fittings that don't leak is a learned skill. Even with the super expensive, can't go wrong tool, it is easy to make a fitting that leaks. After a few dozen, the process gets easier through trial and error. For the car guys, it's almost exactly like brake lines. If you're skittish about how strong the flare fittings are, make up a double flare. The tool is available in the loaner tool program at your favorite local auto parts store. The little dies that are used to make the double flare are used to set the stick out of the tubing.

If you really want the right tool, the new super pro ones have an eccentric forming cone on them that rolls the end of the tube instead of stamping it. They have a torque clutch on the twisty knob quill that prevents over tightening the cone. They're available at the same supply houses that sell the refrigeration flare nuts and fittings: Johnstone supply, the Parker store (AKA air hydro power), United, etc. Same place you go to buy refrigerant. Beware of sticker shock! It's almost cheaper to call a tech out to do the job.

Fwiw, pretty much all flare tools are 45 degrees. The only ones that are not are for super custom hydraulic lines for steel. The only steel pipes that are used in refrigeration are in ammonia chillers.