Flare wrench / crowfoot question

[txbonds]

Can flare crowfoot or wrenches be used on all nuts or are they only okay on soft items like aluminum or copper lines? Just making sure there isn't something specific about them that would prevent me using them instead of say an open crowfoot. Seems like the flare would hold better than the open ones.

 

[rsanter]

All nuts.
And I use them on the end of a mini breaker bar for a backup flair nut wrench

Bob

 

[Wakefield]

Flare nut wrenches as such are for special things where nothing else will work without rounding and/or crushing-and as one poster said on the last flare nut wrench thread "when you need it you need it to work" making the case for higher end brands?
I understand their maximum torque limits are lower than regular open end wrenches because of the lacking of the wide hip.
Some of the tube fitting nuts are made of brass or something that is softer than regular steel nuts.

 

[txbonds]

I'm asking because the lower control arms on my 97 4runner use 22mm bolts in the cam sleeves. The rear most bolt has the steering rack behind it and standard sockets won't fit. I've tried torquing them with an open crowfoot but it wants to slip as the torque setting is a little over 100 ft lbs. I figured the flare style would help getting the torque set after an alignment as the alignment guys just get it hand tight with a wrench and never set torque properly. To save a few bucks I was thinking about the SK set through 19mm and then a snap on or cornwell individual one for the 22mm.

 

[devoncoolman]

Flare wrenches and flare crow wrenches are specificly designed for tube nuts. But in a pinch you can use them on nuts and bolts. Been there done that. Dont recomend using them full time for nut and bolt use. They will break eventually. Plus you dont want to spread them or damage them because when u need to use them for their intended purposeyou want them to work and be in tip top shape so you dont round off the nut.

 

[devoncoolman]

Buy a torque adapter. 7/8 or 22mm

 

[txbonds]

Anyone know who makes a quality USA 22mm torque adapter? I've not been able to find one which is what led me to the flare crowfoot idea.

 

[Wakefield]

Is there possibly any kind of oxygen sensor wrench that might fit in there and/or be strong enough?

 

[txbonds]

Just ordered one of these to try. Can't find one in 22mm under any brand.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWEAHY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ChevyEFI]

I'm asking because the lower control arms on my 97 4runner use 22mm bolts in the cam sleeves. The rear most bolt has the steering rack behind it and standard sockets won't fit. I've tried torquing them with an open crowfoot but it wants to slip as the torque setting is a little over 100 ft lbs. I figured the flare style would help getting the torque set after an alignment as the alignment guys just get it hand tight with a wrench and never set torque properly. To save a few bucks I was thinking about the SK set through 19mm and then a snap on or cornwell individual one for the 22mm.

The SO flarenut crowsfeet are great in the intended use. What you're describing is a recipe for spreading.

Buy a torque adapter. 7/8 or 22mm

Yep. Good call.

 

[Wakefield]

Let's see- 7/8" = 22.23 mm. So 22mm. might work superb or be a little too tight on 7/8"
7/8" might work/be too loose on 22mm.? (ref. Snap On catalog chart)
I think some try to substitute these sizes for each other but not so close as say 5/8" and 16mm.

 

[ChevyEFI]

So what you're saying is it may need tapped on but will work like a champ for $31?

 

[txbonds]

I'm thinking it will be a little loose on my 22mm nut but can let you know next week. I don't see much other option for me other than a box wrench and a guess on torque.

In inches

22mm equals 0.866
7/8 equals 0.875

 

[Wakefield]

So if an oxygen sensor wrench/socket should be a true 22 mm. and not a 7/8" sold as "universal" which is what I think some of them are
seems like someone ought to have a 22mm. torque adapter
I guess something like Snap On QYXM22A doesn't do a bit of good unless you have the particular torque wrench it fits

maybe someone who knows German or Japanese brands will weigh in?

 

[txbonds]

Just a follow up that it is just a little loose on 22mm bolt head but it worked just fine to get my 96 ft lbs of torque applied with no damage or slippage. The damage visible on the bolt head came from trying to use an open crowfoot that kept slipping.

I used the proper conversion for my torque wrench using the adapter at a 90 degree angle.

 

[devoncoolman]

Glad to hear that.