Crowsfoot or Flare Crowsfoot

[InjectorService]

If you had to pick one or the other which would it be? I've never really had a use for crowsfoot wrenches at all, but they arent terribly expensive and was looking at picking up a set. It looks like the flare wrenches are smaller overall, but may be an issue because they can't slide over a nut like regular crowsfeet.

 

[AA/FC]

You don't really pick one over the other. They both server different purposes. That would be like asking.... "Should I buy standard combination wrenches, or should I buy flare nut wrenches?" It depends what you're working on...

One tool does not do both.

If it were me? I already have both...

If I had to only pick one, I'd pick the standard crowsfoot wrenches. Not because I would use them for both purposes, but simply because I use them more than the crowsfoot flare nut wrenches.

 

[Blueshound_GJ]

I think they are cheap because there's less metal and because they are rarely used. The exception being an O2 sensor socket which is always a flare. I'd spend the money on something else unless you have a specific need.

 

[Corndoggeh]

I started with flare nut crowsfeet since when I usually needed a crowsfoot I was working on hydraulic lines. Then I backfilled with some cheap standard ones from a garage sale just for completeness.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I have full Snapon sets in both in sae and metric. I use crowfoot a ton when rebuilding suspension parts. Flare crow feet any time I’m working on hydraulic or brake lines. Also there are times when a crowfoot is the only option that will work.

 

[M635_Guy]

I got standard ones because I figured the clearance required for the flare style might be an issue for the kind of things I might need a crowsfoot for.

That turned out to be true, but I'm not doing hydraulic stuff at all.

 

[Fedwrench]

If you've never encountered a need, wait until you stumble across a used set at a bargain price.

I started off many years ago with just two snap on flare crowfeet in 15 & 18 mm that I used on power steering line fittings when replacing racks. That grew into full sets.
I've always thought of the open crowfeet as super stubby wrenches, for when you need something more than your fingers but, not a regular wrench.

I think the flare nut crowfeet are more useful but, if you don't need them to use, skip them.

 

[crewchief888]

there have been very few times in the past 40 years working on const eq i HAD to have a flare nut crowsfoot. i do have a couple of select sizes for those situations.
i have a few line sockets as well for those times as well.
open end crowsfeet get used occasionally when i have clearance issues with wrenches.
IMHO crowsfeet are something to NOT cheap out on just so you can say i have them. most of the cheaper ones ive seen have much larger outside dimensions and rarely fit where the need to go.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have a couple of high quality open end crows feet in the sizes that I use. I tried to use the Harbor Freight flare ones and they're just way too bulky. I bought a single SK 19mm flare and it's worth the price to upgrade. I got lucky and bought a Snap-on set up to 19mm cheap. They blow the HF ones out of the water. The 19mm SO and SK are very similar but the broach is a slightly different angle which is helpful in tight spots where I have to use multiple flare wrenches and crowsfeet to remove something. On my pulling tractor I may have to use 3 wrenches and both 19mm crowsfeet to break lose the injector lines because of clearance.

 

[rsanter]

I have both
I use the crows foot for flairnut more than the standard
The only reason I would use the standard is if there was not enough room for the flairnut type

I also believe that this is not something that the regular person/mechanic should buy a set of
Just buy the most common used sizes or at least the sizes you would use

 

[InjectorService]

I've been checking out the new Tekton set in 3/8. They look really nice. I think when/if they have a sale I'll pick them up.

 

[LWB]

I never thought I'd use crows feet or flare nut wrenches except for brake lines. I was changing a drive shaft today and used both. My crows feet are **** and immediately spread when I tried to torque a nut down. I ended up using the snappy flare nut wrenches I bought and the 14mm saved my bacon. I will be buying a better set of crows feet at some point.

 

[bb29510]

my crowsfeet are from harbor freight, whole set for $9. I use them on rebar

 

[visionguru]

Depends on what you do. Crowfoot is easier to use due to the longer opening. Flare nut is more for brake lines, not as easy to slip out.

When I did valve adjustment, Snap On 10mm was really nice for that application. When I did transmission mounts, crowfoot was easier to use. Icon crowfoot wrench is great, probably the best in terms of quality/price.