crowfoot sizes for automotive work

[homec]

I've run into a couple situations where I could have used one to pair up with torque wrench for something I couldn't get a socket on. Result was I had to use a regular wrench and just guesstimate the torque. Not a fan of doing that.

I'm going to get a set of crow's foot wrenches. This is for work on cars. Williams sells a 3/8 drive 9-16mm set. I feel like I should probably have up to 19mm but I could be wrong. The areas I've needed them so far have been at the mid end of the range. Should i bother with buying singles up to 19? Or will I really never need them?

thanks

 

[Tallpilot]

It’s a little more expensive option than crow’s feet but consider a torque adapter as the correct tool for this situation. I recently purchased a set. They are 10% off currently.

https://store.snapon.com/Standard-m...-Point-Metric-Torque-Adaptor-Set-P770578.aspx

 

[homec]

Didn't know there was such a thing, but is there any real difference between a torque adapter and crow's foot in terms of measuring torque? Wouldn't only difference be the length of the extension and distance from pivot point to where the force is applied? Looking at the snap-on product, it looks like despite the size of your wrench/adapter, the length added to your torque calculation would be the same. But with a crow's foot, the length would be a bit different for each size of wrench. It's a bit of a PITA that you'd have to measure each one, but in the end, would it not accomplish same thing? I'm not a pro so if i'm missing some other consideration, please fill me in.

 

[5ktq]

yeah, distance between centers is all that really matters.

but of course box or flare is less likely to slip off than open end crowfoot, provided there's access.

 

[L.Cheapo]

yeah, distance between centers is all that really matters.

Angle counts for quite a bit too, if not straight on.

 

[engineer2]

I have the Astro Pneumatic 7115 Crowfoot Wrench Metric 15 Pc set and it's nice quality. 8 - 24 mm. It's the flare-nut style which should work for most other applications too.

 

[Tallpilot]

Didn't know there was such a thing, but is there any real difference between a torque adapter and crow's foot in terms of measuring torque? Wouldn't only difference be the length of the extension and distance from pivot point to where the force is applied? Looking at the snap-on product, it looks like despite the size of your wrench/adapter, the length added to your torque calculation would be the same. But with a crow's foot, the length would be a bit different for each size of wrench. It's a bit of a PITA that you'd have to measure each one, but in the end, would it not accomplish same thing? I'm not a pro so if i'm missing some other consideration, please fill me in.

You are absolutely correct about the math. As 5ktq says the issues are strength and the possibility of slipping. The larger adapters are designed for 116 lb/ft of torque and in a ring configuration so unlikely to slip unless the fastener is junk. Flare nut Crow’s feet are the next best option with plain open end being the least preferred but sometimes the only choice because of access.

As we run into often here, each tool has its use cases and sometimes nothing else will do.

 

[texasprd]

I would definitely go at least to 19mm, and bigger if possible. Depending on what brans you're buying, the individual ones will usually make you wish you bought the bigger set. I know you're talking about a torqueing application, but 19MM is a common power-steering hose size and a crowfoot flare in that size can be a frustration-saver on some applications

 

[homec]

I'm not a pro but I do everything myself and will probably be getting a project car. Torquing was one application I've run into already but I'm trying to fill gaps in my tool chest in the most efficient way possible, so I'm not sure if it makes sense for me to buy regular crowfoot, plus flare, plus torque adapters as an example. What do you think I should do? My tool budget isn't unlimited.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

I'd be interested in the specific instances you have encountered. I can only think of a handful of times when a Crowfoot is required for working on my personal vehicles - in general if you can't get a socket on it, it probably isn't a fastener that requires torqued.

I found that sensor sockets are a much more valuable addition to the toolbox for things like sensors, fuel lines, brake lines, etc that some may use Crowfoot wrenches on. About 10 minutes time each, a hand grinder and a couple of old deep sockets and you can have these on a tight budget.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Evan(CA)]

I'd be interested in the specific instances you have encountered. I can only think of a handful of times when a Crowfoot is required for working on my personal vehicles - in general if you can't get a socket on it, it probably isn't a fastener that requires torqued.

I found that sensor sockets are a much more valuable addition to the toolbox for things like sensors, fuel lines, brake lines, etc that some may use Crowfoot wrenches on. About 10 minutes time each, a hand grinder and a couple of old deep sockets and you can have these on a tight budget.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Look at flare nut sockets, basically what you made but it was designed for it. I can see your home made ones cracking or stretching.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have the Harbor Freight set of flare crowsfoot in SAE and metric. They work for most things but not all. In tight spots like sensors or injectors, I wish I had the open style. I will most likely just buy the individual pieces because like you, I don't use them enough to buy high dollar ones.

 

[OHMS LAW]

Yea. At least to 19mm for stupid power steering hoses. I’ve needed up to 15/16 or 24mm for a hydraulic hose in boom on a crane. Other than that the 19 should be about all you need

 

[Tallpilot]

I'm not a pro but I do everything myself and will probably be getting a project car. Torquing was one application I've run into already but I'm trying to fill gaps in my tool chest in the most efficient way possible, so I'm not sure if it makes sense for me to buy regular crowfoot, plus flare, plus torque adapters as an example. What do you think I should do? My tool budget isn't unlimited.

These are going to be a little harder to source in Canada but I have seen them on eBay.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200614884_200614884

I’ve found them to be more than adequate.

While I generally believe in the buy once, cry once philosophy that can get incredibly expensive with tools and still leave you with gaps in your coverage. So I recommend getting mid level Taiwan sets that cover all sizes then upgrading individual sizes to Snap-on if necessary.

When I first started out I tried to avoid ‘master sets’ and only purchase sizes I knew were on my vehicles. So I bought smaller Torx and hex socket sets. It wasn’t a year later I needed other sizes so I ordered the master kits. The smaller kits go in the truck box now so not a total waste but if I would like to help others avoid my mistake.

 

[MikeF2316]

Sometimes only the open end style is going to work. Sometimes it's going to be the flare nut style. And lastly, sometimes you'll want the box end, or torque adapter style. So go full garage journal and get all 3!

I only have the open end and flare nut style. Fortunately, they aren't needed very often, as they are awkward to use.

 

[Toothaker]

Sometimes only the open end style is going to work. Sometimes it's going to be the flare nut style. And lastly, sometimes you'll want the box end, or torque adapter style. So go full garage journal and get all 3! [emoji38]_hitti

I only have the open end and flare nut style. Fortunately, they aren't needed very often, as they are awkward to use.

"go full garage journal..." [emoji2][emoji28][emoji38]

Sent from my mobile using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[homec]

Sometimes only the open end style is going to work. Sometimes it's going to be the flare nut style. And lastly, sometimes you'll want the box end, or torque adapter style. So go full garage journal and get all 3!

I only have the open end and flare nut style. Fortunately, they aren't needed very often, as they are awkward to use.

Such a helpful post.

 

[metaleltr]

My most used is 18mm for power steering lines.

 

[MikeF2316]

Such a helpful post.

I'll expand on my experiences a bit. I first got a set of the open end style. A few years later, I had a slip and rounded off a fastener with one of those, so I got a set of the flare nut style. But I can say I use them so rarely that there are some sizes I've never used. But whenever I need one, I'm really glad they are there.

Over all, I'd pick the flare nut style as my first based on my experiences. (Note: not a pro, automotive rust belt area)