Crowfoot Wrenches??

[Cummins_Powered]

How often do you guys use these? I dont have any right now but i am contemplating it as a next purchase however I want to make sure i use them.

What are some situations you find yourselves using these wrenches?

 

[DarrenF]

I use them a lot on the job. mainly i use them on power steering hoses in hard to reach places. They can really save your ***. Get the flare nut style.

 

[Uncle Buck]

They are just super handy to have from time to time and really nothing else can replace them when you need them. Personally I would suggest getting sets of each. I have sets of both in sae and metric and and I do find uses for all of them at one time or another.

Some say Mac sets ****, however I have had a Mac set for years that has worked just fine for me, and while I am on the topic of tools that others hate I have some Crafty crow foot sets that perform just fine to. No the ends do not mysteriously spread or open up, they work fine!

 

[TNToy]

Make life much easier when replacing a steering rack. A 24" extension, a swivel, and a crowsfoot lets you break them loose from out in the fenderwell.

Buy some and you will mainly find place where they're faster and save your knuckles from slamming into things in close quarters. I've had guys borrow 'em when NOTHING else would fit, but those are fairly uncommon situations.

 

[Cummins_Powered]

Ok, so far it sounds like a worthwhile investment.

Question number 2...

flare nut style or regular open end?

Is there a situation where a only an open end will work? more simply, would i be ok with just a set of the flare nut style or should i invest in both?

 

[GDA]

I seem to use them alot for suspension work on BMWs, VWs and my Land Rover. When you are stuck with limited access these give you the ability to even do final torque with a torque wrench.

I've even used them to change O2 sensors way low behind the engine block on my gf's Volvo Turbo. Very nice to have in the toolbox

Edit - just saw your next post. I bought the flare set first in 9-22mm and got the regular in 9 to 24 later on. I really didnt need the regulars but got a deal on them that I just couldnt pass up.

 

[nissan_crawler]

flare nuts only work when you can get straight on it, or if you use a swivel. Open ones are handy sometimes. Check around, I just got a set of 3/8" drive 3/8"-3/4" Snap-On flare nut crowfeet for $39.

 

[Cummins_Powered]

I seem to use them alot for suspension work on BMWs, VWs and my Land Rover. When you are stuck with limited access these give you the ability to even do final torque with a torque wrench.

I've even used them to change O2 sensors way low behind the engine block on my gf's Volvo Turbo. Very nice to have in the toolbox

Good to hear about the VWs. My gf drives a Jetta and she has figured out how much i can save her by doing all the work on her car

 

[kartracer55]

You wont use them for light duty work but as TNTOy stated they can make steering work easier. Ford taurASS racks have a sensor on top you can get to using them IIRC.

MAC *****. Snap on or SK or something. I have watched my bosses MAC crowsfeet circa 2000 spread before my eyes.

 

[Cummins_Powered]

Craftsman? or should i try for snappy. keep in mind these will be for those special times when only the crowfoot will work, or when it makes it significantly easier. Im just a home mechanic but i want to be able to do all my own work.

 

[nissan_crawler]

considering I bought a snap on flare nut set one ebay for $39+$5 shipping, and the sears open end set was $39 new, I would recommend checking ebay first. I just got my set today, it looks like new.

 

[DarrenF]

Mine are made by Jet and have held up great.

 

[ImportTuner]

Get both the flare nut and open end; you won't regret it ... You don't always use them, but when you need them ... brake hoses, steering, and much more ...

 

[Cummins_Powered]

Awesome guys. thanks for all the great responses.

 

[Danglerb]

If you already have flare wrenches, does that cut down on the need for both normal and flare crowsfeet?

 

[Merkava_4]

What are some situations you find yourselves using these wrenches?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I seem to use them alot for suspension work on BMWs, VWs and my Land Rover.

Good to hear about the VWs. My gf drives a Jetta and she has figured out how much i can save her by doing all the work on her car

Odd. Never neede crowfoot wrenches for VW-Audi suspension work, they'd be handy but you can go without. Some sets are cheap enough that you might as well buy them just to have them, instead of need. I'm getting a 3/8" flare nut set, don't need them, never used them but if you got it, you'll use it.