Do I need crowfoot wrenches

[ToolGlutton]

Guys, as a weekend warrior, do I need a set of crowfoot?

I think I already have most of the tools that I will need, I'm just so addicted to buying tools.

 

[5wndwcpe]

Everyone needs crowfoot wrenches. You now have your justification, feel better?

 

[ToolGlutton]

I feel really good!

So how is the chances of using them?

Everyone needs crowfoot wrenches. You now have your justification, feel better?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Everyone needs crowfoot wrenches. You now have your justification, feel better?

Excellent. I foresaw this reply and, planning ahead, placed a bid or two on a nice set on eBay.

 

[eschoendorff]

I feel really good!

So how is the chances of using them?

I have a set. Never used them. YMMV.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

They're one of those things that go a long time unused, but the one time you need them, you need them. They're lifesavers in the right situations, often if time isn't an object you can work fine without them, when in a bind they are invaluable.

 

[jhn9840]

If it's a tool you must have it )

jhn9840
John

 

[dxdexter]

They are one of those tools that are nice to have when needed, but unless your in the trade, will seldom be used, if ever. Mine have sat idle for 20 years (no exaggeration). That being said: Go for it.

 

[5wndwcpe]

I agree with all of the above. As an aside, that's one of those great tools that you can ask for x-mas or birthdays, etc. etc. They're inexpensive, nothing you can't live without right now and when you really need them, you'll be damned glad you have them.

 

[Merkava_4]

Sliding T-Handle > Extension > Crowsfoot.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Whatever drive tool desired > Special Stahlwille extension > Crowfoot.

Aforementioned tool:

I'm going to make some of my own like this with some i got in an eBay auction earlier.

 

[jay50]

Don't cheap out on the crowsfoot; cheap brands will let you down when you are in a tight area. I recommend SO for these. I also have a flarenut set.

 

[TNToy]

I have a full set of 8mm-22mm crowsfeet. I use one probably once a month, wrenching for a living.

If you do anything with A/C or power-steering systems, that's where they're most likely to be needed.

But about 5-6 times a year, I'm working on that one bolt. You know, the one that requires you to pull the motor mounts and rock the motor & ****** back with a giant prybar to access? ... Or, you just break it loose with a crowsfoot.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

But about 5-6 times a year, I'm working on that one bolt. You know, the one that requires you to pull the motor mounts and rock the motor & ****** back with a giant prybar to access?

Yup, in my shop we call them Monday Bolts.

 

[paramudduck]

They are worth their weight in gold. When, you remember you have them, and can find them.

They can really save you a lot of work at times.

 

[billymade]

I saw them used on diesel tractor trucks on the air based brake system hoses and couplers; also hydraulic and fuel line/fittings.

 

[demonspeed]

im a professional tech and I don't own a set, but i wish i did! they can be really useful and its something I'll be buying someday when i'm making more money. I guess it depends what you work on. I'f you're working on old-school small block chevy's you probably don't need a set, but if you work on new stuff with tightly cramped engine bays, they're definitely useful

 

[eschoendorff]

im a professional tech and I don't own a set, but i wish i did! they can be really useful and its something I'll be buying someday when i'm making more money. I guess it depends what you work on. I'f you're working on old-school small block chevy's you probably don't need a set, but if you work on new stuff with tightly cramped engine bays, they're definitely useful

Unless that SBC is stuffed into a cramped Corvette engine bay!

 

[Merkava_4]

Unless that SBC is stuffed into a cramped Corvette engine bay!

Doesn't the whole front end of the Corvette tilt up so you have easy access to the engine compartment?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Unless that SBC is stuffed into a cramped Corvette engine bay!

Try working on an LT5 in-situ.

 

[eschoendorff]

Doesn't the whole front end of the Corvette tilt up so you have easy access to the engine compartment?

Only on the C4s (1984-1996). Even then, just because you can see the parts doesn't mean you can get to them

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

The shop had a set if/when we needed them. They also had a set of flare nut wrenches that had been cut in half and the ends rounded. Those worked in most situations.

Since I have shop access (works both ways, I leave lots of specialty tools down there for their use), I ONLY bought them for home when I found a deal. If it were an emergency, I would have locally bought the S&K ones.

You will have to look at what all you do at home. Power Steering has been the place I have used them the most. Also figure out if you need more metric, or SAE (old stuff/new stuff, foreign/domestic).
Personal opinion here, Skip the open end ones (job for cheap, cut in half wrenches) and go with Flare nut, in either S&K, Snap~on, or OLDER Mac (the newer ones I saw the quality had gone down on).

 

[bigjon]

Can someone post a pic of a Crowfoot in action. I don't own any and would like to see how there used.