crowsfoot vs. flare nut

[rob0781]

What's the difference? They look almost the same

 

[devoncoolman]

Flare nut is basicaly a 6 point box end with a slot cut in it. And a crows foot is just the open end of wrench with square drive in it to use on ratchet.

 

[Farmerjonathan]

Crowsfoot wrenches are open end wrenches that fit on an extension and give you another angle of attack. Line wrenches or as you state, flare nut wrenches are beefed up boxed wrenches that have a slot cut so you don't have to leave them hanging on each line in your car. They are different than open end and crowsfoot wrenches in the amount of metal around them and this is to stop them from spreading which would tear the shoulders on most brass fittings. So they do a special job well, tighten line fittings so no leaks occur without stripping the shoulders off of the soft nuts.

 

[Farmerjonathan]

Devoncoolman beat me to it.

 

[rob0781]

Thanks

 

[rsanter]

I have both and will always go for the flair nut type crows foot first
I also use them as an added flair nut wrench by putting them on a mini braker bar
Sometimes this is very handy for getting at a bolt or fitting where you cannot get straight in or from the top

Bob

 

[theknurl]

Flare nut is basicaly a 6 point box end with a slot cut in it. And a crows foot is just the open end of wrench with square drive in it to use on ratchet.

devoncoolman;
heads up, SnapOn has made flare nut crow's feet in 6 and 12 point for a long time

 

[Jamming]

Flare nut wrenches are for fittings such as brake and hydraulic lines which usually don't need a high torque..ie...hand tight then one flat. Crows feet are for fasteners such as nuts or bolts.

 

[joe_padavano]

Flare nut wrenches are for fittings such as brake and hydraulic lines which usually don't need a high torque..ie...hand tight then one flat. Crows feet are for fasteners such as nuts or bolts.

HUH???

The whole point of a flare nut wrench is that is provides support on all six faces of the hex, so it can transmit MORE torque to break a rusty brake line fitting loose without rounding the hex.