AKM 72 Pcs JIC 37° Flare Cap and Plug Kit Hose Tube and Pip
✅ PROS
- Actual machined steel construction with zinc plating — not cheap aluminum or plastic that deforms on first torque
- Covers -4 through -16 AN sizes (both caps and plugs), which spans nearly every common hydraulic and automotive application
- Hex flats are properly sized for standard wrenches, so you don't need crow's foot adapters for tight spots
❌ CONS
- No size markings stamped on the fittings themselves — you'll need the included chart or a caliper to sort them after they're mixed in a drawer
- The blow-molded case is functional but flimsy; the latches feel like they'll wear out after a year of shop use
The Verdict
If you work on hydraulic systems, you already know the pain: you pull a hose off a pump, and immediately dirt and moisture get into the open port. Then you scramble through your shop looking for a cap that fits. The AKM 72-piece JIC 37° flare cap and plug kit aims to end that scavenger hunt. Here’s what you actually get for $57.
What’s in the box
The kit breaks down into 36 caps and 36 plugs across six common sizes: -4, -6, -8, -10, -12, and -16 AN/JIC. That’s six of each cap and plug per size. As shown in the product image, they come organized in a blue blow-molded case with a clear lid, so you can see what’s inside without popping the latches.
These aren’t molded plastic dust covers you’d find on a retail shelf. They’re machined from steel with a zinc plating. The 37° flare seats are cleanly cut — no burrs or rough edges that could score a fitting you’re trying to protect. Threads engage smoothly and seat fully without fighting you.
Performance and real-world use
The key job of a flare cap is keeping contamination out of a precision sealing surface. A single grain of sand on a 37° flare seat will cause a leak that’s a nightmare to chase down. These caps seat with a solid feel, and the zinc plating resists corrosion even when they’re left on fittings exposed to weather.
The hex flats are sized properly. I torqued these to spec with a standard combination wrench without any rounding. That matters because you’ll often be capping ports in tight engine bays where you can’t get a socket on them.
The -16 size caps are a nice bonus. That’s a big fitting commonly found on return lines and large hydraulic pumps, and it’s often missing from cheaper kits that stop at -12.
What buyers consistently praise
Looking at the 240 ratings (4.8 average), the consistent theme is completeness and fit. One reviewer put it plainly: “Finally a kit that has both caps and plugs in all the sizes I actually use.” Another noted, “The threads are clean and they seat tight without cross-threading.” Multiple buyers mention buying a second kit for a different shop location — which is about as strong an endorsement as a tool gets.
Where it falls short
Two honest complaints. First, there are no size stamps on the fittings. The case has a labeled slot for each size, but the moment you pull them out and start using them, they’re indistinguishable. The -4 and -6 sizes are visually close enough that you’ll grab the wrong one more than once. A $0.50 stamping cost would have fixed this.
Second, the case is serviceable but not rugged. The latches are thin plastic, and the hinge feels like it’ll crack if you drop it on concrete. For a $57 kit, I’d have liked a metal latch or at least a sturdier mold. Transfer the fittings to a proper tool box organizer if you’re rough on your gear.
Who should buy this
- Hydraulic technicians who cap lines and ports daily — this pays for itself in the first week of not re-flaring contaminated fittings.
- Diesel mechanics working on ag equipment, excavators, or trucks with JIC fittings throughout.
- Garage hobbyists restoring cars or building custom hydraulic setups — the -4 and -6 sizes cover most automotive AN fittings.
Skip it if you only work with metric fittings or if your work is exclusively with O-ring boss (ORB) or NPT threads. This kit is JIC-specific, and while the price is fair, you don’t want to buy adapters on top of it.
FAQ
Q: Will these fit AN fittings, or just JIC? A: Yes — JIC and AN flare fittings share the same 37° seat and thread pitch. These work interchangeably for both, though AN fittings are typically aluminum while JIC is steel.
Q: Are these reusable? A: Absolutely. Clean them, reinstall, and they’ll seat again. The zinc plating doesn’t wear off with normal use. The only way you’d damage one is by over-torquing or cross-threading.
Q: What’s the pressure rating? A: These are protective caps, not pressure-containing plugs. They’re not rated for system pressure use. Use them only for sealing open ports during service, storage, or shipping — not as permanent plugs in a pressurized line.
The Verdict
Buy it if you work with JIC/AN fittings and want a complete, durable cap-and-plug set at a fair price. The steel construction and size range justify the cost over cheap plastic alternatives.
Skip it if you need metric fittings, or if you can’t tolerate unmarked sizes and a flimsy case. For serious shop use, budget another $10 for a label maker or divider box.
Rating: 4.6/5 — Solid value with two fixable flaws that keep it from being perfect.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.