As most of us start modifying and building performance cars, the parts and components get a bit pricier, and they also increase in quality and performance. One area that sees these increases is the plumbing system that gets coolant, oil, fuel, or hydraulic fluid from one component to another.

Braided hoses and anodized aluminum fittings help plumb a system and also makes it easier to remove some components without damaging those expensive braided hoses. We can get braided hoses and quality anodized A-N fittings from a number of vendors, and one company that supplies those components is Fragola Performance Systems. They’ve been making their own anodized fittings for years and also provide some of the industries best hoses for racing and performance applications.

But putting those hoses and fittings together can be a problem if you’re not using the proper tools, or if you’re not using the tools properly. If you’ve ever taken your nice new anodized fittings and tried to put a hose together, you’ve likely scratched the anodized fitting or rounded off a corner (or two) trying to tighten the hose with a pair of steel wrenches – or a pair of adjustable wrenches. Even wrapping the fittings with masking tape doesn’t work entirely well, and before long your new fittings can look like they’ve been used for a couple of years before they’re ever installed.

So what are the proper tools and how are those tools used properly? Fragola Performance Systems has all of the tools you might need to assemble and disassemble your expensive hoses. Beginning with a set of Vice Soft Jaws, holding one end of the hose becomes far easier than trying to work a pair of wrenches. The Vice Soft Jaws have recessed areas to hold just about any size of anodized fitting, and they’re magnetic so they’ll stay in place while you tighten the vise. With one end secured in a vice where it can’t rotate or become severely damaged, the other end of the hose fitting that needs to be attached can be done with a set of anodized open-end wrenches.

The wrenches are soft aluminum, and are designed with two different angles built into the wrench to help get into tight areas if need be, but will help keep your A-N fittings from becoming damaged like they can with a steel wrench. If you’re putting together your own plumbing system with A-N fittings and braided hoses, you might want to add these tools to your arsenal. They’ll not only help you get the job done properly, but they’ll keep your anodized fittings looking great.

From cutting hoses to crimping fittings, Fragola has more than just the right parts, they also have the right tools. Check out the Fragola Performance Systems web site for these and plenty of other tools that can help you get the job done right.