Crowfoot wrenches that don't ****?

[WileyBob]

I've been a Snap-On fan for most of my life and have a huge set of their tools.
I recently had a need for a crowfoot wrench so I splurged and purchased a set of metric Snap-On crowfoot wrenches. Long story short, they're junk. They flex to high hell and almost rounded off the fastener I was trying to tighten (suspension bolt, 105 ft*lb, 18mm head). I initially thought I had purchased some fakes because the lettering is terrible and not even straight, but then I looked at Snap-On's website and they look exactly as craptastic in their own pictures of them. I don't know what's going on over there at Snap-On headquarters, but these things are NOT up to their normal level of quality. Does anyone make actual GOOD crowfoot wrenches? Preferably made in USA but I'll take what I can get as long as it isn't garbage.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have no complaints with my snap on crowfeet other than the laser etched marking *****. As far using them, I have never had a problem with either my 3/8" or 1/2" drive sets. Personally 105 ft lbs seems a little high for an 18 open end. No experience with these other brand's offerings of crowfeet, but proto/mac, cornwell and SK come to mind for USA made crowfeet.

 

[Skin]

105 foot pounds is going to cause any open end to spread. Try a flare, or even better, a torque adapter instead.

 

[engineer2]

I got a set of Astro Pneumatic metric crowfoot flare nut wrenches and am quite happy with them. Very tight on the fittings.

 

[L.Cheapo]

The Snap-on 3/8" drive open ended Crowfoot is only rated to 650 in lbs (54 ft lbs). The 3/8" flare nut Crowfoot is rated to 840 in lbs (70 ft lbs). I'm not surprised they didn't hold up to 105 ft lbs.

I don't think Snap-on makes 1/2" drive Crowfoot wrenches below 20mm.

 

[WileyBob]

105 foot pounds is going to cause any open end to spread. Try a flare, or even better, a torque adapter instead.

The clearance of this particular fastener only allows an open end to get onto it. My 18mm Snap-On combination wrench didn't spread when I put an equal amount of torque (I think) on it. I bought these specifically so I can torque difficult-to-access fasteners with them. I want to be able to torque this particular fastener to an exact value because it's a cam bolt connecting my strut to my knuckle. These crowfoots just doesn't feel nearly as well crafted as their normal wrenches, and the laser engraving is junk as well. Instead of everyone telling me to use a different form of wrench (which won't work), can y'all give some actual recommendations of a better crowfoot wrench for my application? I like to pay for actual high quality tools, and these aren't them.

 

[Skin]

I don't think you're going to find better tool steel than Snap-on. I agree the change to etching makes them look cheap but doubt going to another brand like SK or Proto is going to net better actual results.

 

[redwrench60]

Experiment time: purchase a single older (roll stamped) 3/8” drive 18MM Snap on crows foot on eBay and try it. If it works fine then you can say for sure new Snap on steel quality has taken a dive.

Although I’m in the camp of 105 ft lbs is a lot for an 18MM crows foot.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Torque adapter would be my choice. Snappy makes those as well.

What car is this on? I cant think of a model where caliper removal at.most doesn't allow access to both strut bolts.

 

[WileyBob]

Torque adapter would be my choice. Snappy makes those as well.

What car is this on? I cant think of a model where caliper removal at.most doesn't allow access to both strut bolts.

This is on my endurance racing custom built 2000 Honda Insight with big brakes adapted from a V8 Miata. Not a normal application. I’m going to try and put the cam bolts in the other way so I can just use a socket, but this requires removal of the caliper, the caliper bracket, and the brake duct adapter every time I want to adjust the camber (which is somewhat often). The crowfoot was intended to be a timesaver for this task, but I guess physics just don’t allow it. I may buy a few others on Ebay in this size to see if one is more robust than the rest.

 

[rlitman]

For an often used time-saver, I'd bend a wrench and weld a custom tool.
FYI, Snap On makes open ended flare nut wrenches (NOT the typical 5 point flare nut wrenchs, but true open ended) that are quite a bit beefier at the open end than standard combination wrenches. In 18mm, that would be an RXSM18 (followed by an "a" or "b" for newer markings).

 

[scubadoober]

There is always Stahlwille (link). Realistically you should use a insert type or interchangable torque wrench, but those seem to be more popular in Europe. That would give a much beefier crowsfoot adapter.

 

[WittHay]

^ One of those things that you notice in the Snap-on tool catalog but have never owned one and haven't actually seen one in the wild.

The torque wrench body costs about $340 and the 18mm open end head costs around $80. The 18mm is good for 115 ft. lbs. and is matched to the torque wrench. No math involved like torque adapters just use it.

 

[BFHtime]

^ One of those things that you notice in the Snap-on tool catalog but have never owned one and haven't actually seen one in the wild.

The torque wrench body costs about $340 and the 18mm open end head costs around $80. The 18mm is good for 115 ft. lbs. and is matched to the torque wrench. No math involved like torque adapters just use it.

There are deep flare nut crows feet, it may be possible that they are rated higher for torque.

I would check to see what Wright tool tool has to offer. Wright may not be as compact as Snap-On but can be stronger.

 

[bob15]

The clearance of this particular fastener only allows an open end to get onto it. My 18mm Snap-On combination wrench didn't spread when I put an equal amount of torque (I think) on it. I bought these specifically so I can torque difficult-to-access fasteners with them. I want to be able to torque this particular fastener to an exact value because it's a cam bolt connecting my strut to my knuckle. These crowfoots just doesn't feel nearly as well crafted as their normal wrenches, and the laser engraving is junk as well. Instead of everyone telling me to use a different form of wrench (which won't work), can y'all give some actual recommendations of a better crowfoot wrench for my application? I like to pay for actual high quality tools, and these aren't them.

The open end of the wrench is thicker than the crowfoot wrench. You are using the wrench outside its normal usage. To say they **** is incorrect and I highly doubt you will find a crowfoot strong enough for your torque needs.

If you think your open end of the wrench is strong enough for your application, cut the wrench in two, machine a 3/8 square hole in it and make your own crowfoot wrench. It has been done before.

Can you get the box end of a wrench on it?

You could also weld a second crowfoot wrench onto the first for more strength (double thickness). Or weld a plate across the flats of your crowfoot wrench to prevent spreading, though it would make it more of a slip-on crowfoot wrench.