and on the subject of flair nut fittings, not "screw together connectors" nutz..If you braze/weld the pipe without running nitrogen through it while brazing, copper oxide will form inside the pipe. This black soot will most likely clog/restrict the refrigerant metering device, hampering performance. R-22 systems weren't as much of a problem because the r-22 can dissolve the oxide to an extent. The oxides can play hell with a 410-a system though.
on the flair fitting probs, all internet sites seem to offer generic linsets for mini's.You probably have a lineset with r-22 type flares...I've seen a few people , including myself have problems with it. I just went a bought a $300, 410-a/mini-split specific tool set because I was tired of fucking with it. The new flare tool works perfectly. Trying to match up shallow flares with deep nipples just doesn't work out.
more@ the guys having problems with the flare fittings. I'd hazard a guess that your lines have the wrong type of flare on them. Most techs still use their old flare tools from the days of r-22. The new 410-a systems require a special, 410-a specific flare tool, which produces a deeper flare than the the older tool. If the flare isn't done with the proper tool, the fitting will almost certainly leak. Also, the fittings NEED to be torqued with a torque wrench. Too loose and they leak, too tight and the flare will crack...and leak. Using a dab of refrigerant oil/lubricant on the face of the flare is a good idea too.
I too learn about shitty flared ends on "generic" line sets. You know, the ones ACwholeslaer, goductless, Kingersons, etc, sells.
I went out and bought a proper 410A tool and have never looked back. Now I automatically cut off the flares and use the flare tool; proper depth/height etc is built in. No guess work and perfect flares every time.
It pays to invest in the proper tools, especially for those of us who just can't have a tec do any installing...
The only line sets I've found that are consistent are the ones from Mitsubishi. Don't know about other brands of line sets though as I only use Mr. Slims'