Metric or sae crow foot - which do you use more?

[Flatsbroke]

I'm going to pick up a Tekton crow foot sets off amazon to help out on some DIY projects. I was about to pull the trigger on the SAE set but after looking around it seems the metric are more popular. I only want one set for now and if I find that I use them a bunch I'll pick up the other set. They aren't project specific so my question is, which do you use more?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I am not completely sure about this, but I think sae is more common with hydraulic fittings and plumbing, could be wrong but idk. Do you really need them? They are something I don't see getting used very often if you are just diy, just my opinion.

 

[AA/FC]

I'm going to pick up a Tekton crow foot sets off amazon to help out on some DIY projects. I was about to pull the trigger on the SAE set but after looking around it seems the metric are more popular. I only want one set for now and if I find that I use them a bunch I'll pick up the other set. They aren't project specific so my question is, which do you use more?

What type of equipment/vehicles do you plan to be working on?

 

[unslow1]

It's rare for me to need a crow's foot. Like many tools if you need one. You really need one. The only one I have 3 types of is 10mm.

 

[wyo george]

It just depends on your work. I work on motorcycles a lot and use my metric set fairly often. My SAE set gets used once or twice a year at most.


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[ChevyEFI]

With automotive, it's only going to get more and more metric.

 

[kv501]

Installing hoses on hydraulic blocks and in tight spots on lift cylinders/winch motors/etc. is where I used to use them on the job, but can't say I really use them anywhere else at home or on personal projects (I've been in an office for the last 9 years). Aircraft and hydraulics guys use them most I'd say and those are going to be SAE applications.

 

[BillK]

I am 65 years old and I don't think I have used a crows foot more than twice in my life. I have a set of SAE and Metric ones I bought at an estate sale but really not sure why I keep them.

 

[oldwino]

I very rarely need a crow's foot, but the few times I have I just picked up the one I needed. Probably have 2-3, all SAE cause most of my work is on old American iron

 

[90zcar]

I have 2 old craftsman crowfeet that are a 5/8 and 11/16 i acquired from my wife's grandfather. They just sit in my toolbox and I haven't used them once. If I ever need one whether it be metric or whatever I'll just go buy the single one I need and be done with it.
Unless I come across a set for free or find more singles i acquire maybe at a yard sale or something.... I just don't see myself buying a set


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[digdug18]

I've got a set of each, I seldomly use them at all. I work on both newer cars, which mostly are metric. And some older american cars as well. If I were doing it again, I'd go for a cheap chinese set of both, I used the flare wrench style.

Though I've been helping restore a rolls-royce lately as well, so now I'm in the market for bsw.

 

[iScream]

I don't believe this is a question other people can answer for you. Assuming you have both, have you used your metric or SAE wrenches more? Do you do your own auto maintenance? If so, is your car metric or SAE?

If you don't have clear answers to those questions then I would ask why you are even buying crows foot wrenches. I've got a pretty decent variety of tool but there are still there are a hell of a lot of other tools on my list before crows foot.

Chris

 

[mailpup]

I have open end crowfoot wrenches, both SAE and metric, but I can't remember the last time I used either one although I have done so. However, I do use metric flare nut crowfoot wrenches from time to time. In fact I have 6 pt. and 12 pt. versions. I don't know what you work on but for me it has been mostly for hard to reach fittings like those on rack and pinion steering gears and sometimes brake master cylinders or proportioning valves with limited swing room.

 

[Jim C.]

I have a set of both SAE and metric, but I have to admit that I don't use any of them too often. On the very rare occasion that I have needed one, it seems like I'm usually using an SAE size. To be honest, I don't recall ever using any of the metric sizes. Coincidentally, I used a crow's foot to install a kitchen sink about one month ago. Prior to that, I don't recall the last time I used one. I've had both sets for at least 15 - 20 years and have used them no more than a dozen times at the most.

Looking back, I might not buy them again unless I had a specific need for one. But as a long time subscriber to the "When you need it, you need it." theory of tool acquisition, I guess a set of crow's foot wrenches is nice to have on hand. Let's face it, no one likes to stop in the middle of a job to go buy a necessary tool. That being said, I'd still put them low on the list of "must have" tools. I'm not so sure they really earn their keep.......but when you REALLY need one, it's nice to go to your box and pull one out..... An inexpensive set may be the way to go because you might not get your money's worth out of them.

Jim C.

 

[Ms6peters]

Both sets in 6pt flare & open, with SAE getting the most (occasional) use on small M422A1 military rigs. Invaluable when needed, especially hard brake line fittings in congested areas. On one transfer case nut, I use a crows foot pulled backwards, tightening blind.

 

[burke753]

I need exactly two a 17mm and a 3/4

So I have one of each set. They aren't a tool I reach for often but they're nice to have but which set you need to buy is up to what you're working on and what you need.

If you can't think of a specific thing you're going to be using them with. I'd save the money and buy something else you'll use.


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[rsanter]

I use SAE 20 to 1 over metric.
But then I work on vintage American stuff

What do you work on?

Bob

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Metric and SAE crowfoot and flare nut sockets are tools I use often;;; often two at a time;;;with one as a backup on fittings.... Absolute lifesavers for my needs... I plan on buying more of the larger sizes.....

So;; Your question relates to which set to buy??? Neither..... reason is that You have not demonstrated a need for such a set of tools....

If you do need a particular size for a particular job;;; just buy the one that is needed..

 

[djb2]

I have a complete metric flare set, and few metric and SAE loose ones.

I suggest getting a SAE flare set, even if you mostly work on metric equipment.

The only time I've used them are on brake, A/C, and hydraulic fittings. All were nominally "metric", but seemed to be actually SAE sizes. For instance a M10 brake line flare nut uses a 7/16" wrench. Yes, that's close to 11mm, but most seem to be actually 7/16".

 

[GettinJunkDone]

Only time I've ever used one is when I replaced the steering gear box on my truck. The lines would only come off with the access provided using a a crows foot. When I did that job, I was happy that I inherited a small set of SAE without having to spend any money. For a while they just sat in my tool box, I used one of them for that job, and they have sat in my box ever since.

 

[nh_yota]

Crowfoot wrenches are useful when you need to torque a bolt in an awkward location and you can remove the bolt with a box wrench, but need the crowfoot for the torque wrench because a socket won't fit.

Metric is becoming more and more common with everyday items, especially when more and more of them are being made overseas.

 

[BAndritsch]

I have metric and standard along with a couple of large flare nut style. I bought the sets on flea bay which are crapsman, new and much cheaper than in the store. You really have to tailor your box to what your working on the most. I spent a number of years working in motorcycle dealerships and shops. Many different types of tools for that I didn't use working on cars. As was said by others if you don't need a whole set just buy what you need. Did I say I hate working on cars? Give me bikes any time.
Bill

 

[jn50308401]

I've got a Craftsman set in SAE and a Northern Tool wing wang metric set. The flare nut crows feet are good for racks, p/s pumps etc.. i have some mixed no name size flare nut crows feet.
I have yet to wear any of mine out after 14 years.

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[Sal Bandini]

I'm going to pick up a Tekton crow foot sets off amazon to help out on some DIY projects. I was about to pull the trigger on the SAE set but after looking around it seems the metric are more popular. I only want one set for now and if I find that I use them a bunch I'll pick up the other set. They aren't project specific so my question is, which do you use more?

I'm confused, which one is it?

If you don't know what you need them for then just save your money.

 

[ibedayank]

It just depends on your work. I work on motorcycles a lot and use my metric set fairly often. My SAE set gets used once or twice a year at most.


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I also work on motorcycles and hardly ever touch anything metric

SAE and whitworth

 

[Pen3]

I have a set of both and the Metric gets used more often. Also, you do know that the Tekton crows don''t have the locking dimple right?