recommendation for moderately priced crows foot wrenches?

[bimmerZ5]

I'm looking for a "decent" set (or sets) of crows foot wrenches with the following requirements:

1) metric sizes from 14mm up to 36mm with most of the common sizes in between. 3/8" and 1/2" drive I assume.
2) moderately priced. i don't want to spend my savings from the last 3 months on this, but i don't mind spending more than HFT prices.
3) I'd prefer a brand that I can return under warranty (assuming almost all manufacturers of these hand tools have lifetime warranty these days) relatively easily without chasing down a truck on the street. a local B&M to take care of warranty is great, but I don't mind calling a number and getting something in the mail.
4) they need to be "open" crows foot, not the flare nut type because I need to fit them on fasteners that are only accessible from the side.

These will be mostly for automotive work, but I'm no professional, just a moderately ********* weekend DIYer that maintains/repairs my own cars along with some cars of friends, family, and neighbors.

I don't mind HFT tools when they work, but the reviews of HFT crows foot wrenches sound scary. I've been looking at a set from Neiko, but I don't really know much about Neiko and not sure about their reputation or ease of warranty service.

 

[May Pop]

Northern has a nice set also.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Northern has a nice set also.

is this the set you're talking about:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396723_200396723

it was the only one I could find that was metric+open with sizes in my range... i suspect to cover the range I need, I'll probably have to get two different sets. seems harder to find an "open" version of the smaller ones though...

 

[garfunkle24]

Check out V8 tools (they're on Amazon). They're the only ones I know of that sell the big metric ones fairly cheap. For the smaller ones, Sunex are also pretty good.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Check out V8 tools (they're on Amazon). They're the only ones I know of that sell the big metric ones fairly cheap. For the smaller ones, Sunex are also pretty good.

yes, I just saw those last night while searching! this set right?:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1RQ76/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I definitely have to also get a set of smaller sizes... need something in the 17mm and 19mm sizes..

anyone know how good these V8 or Neiko or Northern tools are?

 

[Danglerb]

Neiko is about the same or below HF, ie mostly junk.

Sometimes a crowsfoot is just about access, but other times you need to apply some real torque, and that means premium quality. Hot deals thread just had a deal on some, but I just keep my eyes open for top quality used.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Neiko is about the same or below HF, ie mostly junk.

Sometimes a crowsfoot is just about access, but other times you need to apply some real torque, and that means premium quality. Hot deals thread just had a deal on some, but I just keep my eyes open for top quality used.

oh really? I thought Neiko was a decent brand, or at least I've heard a lot of good things about their router bits so I figured if they made good router bits, they'd make decent crowsfoot wrenches.

yes, I'm looking to use this to access hard to reach places AND to torque down fasteners (suspension components, fan clutch, etc.)

 

[garfunkle24]

Yes that's the set I meant. They've been fine for me, but I use them mainly for hydraulic fittings so I don't usually need to lean on them too much. I have Snap-on (metric) and SK (SAE) for my smaller sizes as they see a lot more uses besides hyd. fittings.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Yes that's the set I meant. They've been fine for me, but I use them mainly for hydraulic fittings so I don't usually need to lean on them too much. I have Snap-on (metric) and SK (SAE) for my smaller sizes as they see a lot more uses besides hyd. fittings.

20mm - 46mm hydraulic outfits? wow! can i ask what you work on?

 

[garfunkle24]

20mm - 46mm hydraulic outfits? wow! can i ask what you work on?

European heavy-duty and ag equipment, mainly.

 

[bimmerZ5]

so i'm thinking of either the V8 or the Neiko for the larger sizes, but now I'm looking for the smaller sizes. I saw these and am considering them:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...e=Wrenches&sName=Crowfoot+Wrench+Sets&prdNo=1

anyone have opinions or 1st hand accounts on the cman crowfoot wrenches?

 

[bobcatdan]

For the bigger sizes, I would recommand Sunnex, I have SAE up to 2" and they work good. For 3/8" drive, you have almost umlimited options, everybody and their uncle offers their. If you have a Matco guy, Matco always ran a deal a few times a year buy the SAE set get Metric free. I havn't been on a Matco truck in 3 or so years so maybe it's not around anymore, I just always thought that was a good deal.

 

[bimmerZ5]

For the bigger sizes, I would recommand Sunnex, I have SAE up to 2" and they work good. For 3/8" drive, you have almost umlimited options, everybody and their uncle offers their. If you have a Matco guy, Matco always ran a deal a few times a year buy the SAE set get Metric free. I havn't been on a Matco truck in 3 or so years so maybe it's not around anymore, I just always thought that was a good deal.

i have a set of sunex impact sockets and they have been great. i did look at sunex, but their sets didn't have big enough sizes that i'm looking for...

the problem for *me* with truck brands is that they don't visit my neighborhood at all. i'd have to drive about 20 miles away from here and hope to chase one down and that's just not going to work for me. B&M brands limit me to HD/Husky, Lowes/Kobalt, Sears/Craftsman, and HFT. I'm ok with online ordering so long as I can call someone for warranty and get something in the mail. I've had good luck with Danahar brands (KD-Tools, Gearwrench) for over the phone warranty service.

 

[bimmerZ5]

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...e=Wrenches&sName=Crowfoot+Wrench+Sets&prdNo=1

in addition to the Craftsman above, I found the Gearwrench and KD-Tools sets (this is for the smaller sizes):

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NI93V6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KRUKI0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm pretty sure the Gearwrench and KD-Tools sets are identical just re-branded. But since they are basically Danahar brands, and I recall Craftsman also for a time was a Danahar brand (or currently?) and since the sets look almost identical with the same sizes, is the cman set basically the same set just re-branded?

Also found the SK superkrome set:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063K8Y4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

but seems a bit on the pricey side....

As for the larger set, I think I'm going to go with the V8 set...

 

[nateplumb]

For up to 19mm there is a buy it now kd tools set on ebay for $29 and its made in the USA just recieved mine in the mail today and I am impressed with the qaulity fit and finish of them!

Not to steal your thread But I also got a large set of armstrong today that I won on Ebay 15/16" - 1 1/2" and they are the most heavy duty crowsfoot wrenches I have ever seen in my life and they also have a beautiful fit and finish great AMERICAN MADE tools. I know everything can be broken but I am in doubt that there is a 1/2 drive tool out there that could break one of these before shearing the head?

 

[hammergodthor]

It sounds like you have your mind set on the Jumbo, just wanted to add my 2 cents: I have the V8 jumbo SAE set and I have had those hooked to a 25" Snap On ratchet with all my weight hanging off it (250lbs.), and they didn't show a hint of jaw spread. They get a thumbs up from me.

 

[nateplumb]

heres a link if this helps http://www.ebay.com/itm/KD-TOOLS-3-..._Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item519c7e1453

 

[bimmerZ5]

heres a link if this helps http://www.ebay.com/itm/KD-TOOLS-3-..._Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr&hash=item519c7e1453

ha ha.. sweet! thanks man... after i saw your post i started searching and just found it seconds before you posted the link! appreciate it man.. that's a good deal... but it breaks up my deal on the V8 set at ToolTopia for free shipping...

 

[bimmerZ5]

It sounds like you have your mind set on the Jumbo, just wanted to add my 2 cents: I have the V8 jumbo SAE set and I have had those hooked to a 25" Snap On ratchet with all my weight hanging off it (250lbs.), and they didn't show a hint of jaw spread. They get a thumbs up from me.

awesome! thanks for that... that was sort of the type of feedback I was hoping to hear about the various options. i was already leaning towards the V8 set because it had more than the Neiko set and the sizes covered more of what I'm more likely to need. knowing that they stand up to some torque is good to know... i think in most cases my needs will be under 200 ft-lbs.

 

[bimmerZ5]

For up to 19mm there is a buy it now kd tools set on ebay for $29 and its made in the USA just recieved mine in the mail today and I am impressed with the qaulity fit and finish of them!

Not to steal your thread But I also got a large set of armstrong today that I won on Ebay 15/16" - 1 1/2" and they are the most heavy duty crowsfoot wrenches I have ever seen in my life and they also have a beautiful fit and finish great AMERICAN MADE tools. I know everything can be broken but I am in doubt that there is a 1/2 drive tool out there that could break one of these before shearing the head?

hey, how about some pictures of those Armstrongs?

well, i did some number crunching on getting the V8 set + the KD-Tools/Gearwrench set from ebay vs tooltopia, and it's about the same:

From ToolTopia:
1. V8 7917 Jumbo crowsfoot set - $73
2. KD-Tools 81909 crowsfoot set - $45
I get free shipping if i get both (over $99), but otherwise $7.

Ebay:
KD Tools 81909 (or what it appears to be) - $30 + $7S&H

So, if I split it (V8 from tooltopia, KD from ebay):

$73+$7S&H + $30+$7S&H = $117 (no tax)

Get everything from ToolTopia:

$73+45 = $118 (no tax, free S&H)

I think i'm just going to go ToolTopia...

 

[nateplumb]

This is a close up of one wrench the 1 1/2" is huge
Side by side with Snap On obviously the snap on isn't new and would shine as well if it was Just thoughtI would compare them to "the best"
Here is a side view see the thickness of the armstrong on the rt. Although there may be clearance issues due to it.

Over all I am very happy with the armstrong I bought them for working on heavy duty trucks and the thickness may keep me from rounding brass fittings as easily. The only wierd thing is there is no 1 5/16" or 1 3/8" with the set? If anyone has those in qaulity 1/2" american made to part with PM me I may be interested.

 

[jvitez]

How about Wright? Not as cheap as V8 but US made. Wright doesn't list open style wrenches in complete sets, but you can get them individually from Royal Supply. Just type in the Wright code number in their search function. I haven't purchased from them yet, but I'm tempted. Love Wright tools. Here's an example:

http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc...r=&iPageCurrent=1&pageStyle=&incSale=&IDSale=

 

[bimmerZ5]

well, got my V8 jumbo set and the Gearwrench small size set today from tooltopia. Very happy with the Gearwrench set as far as product finish goes, but I can't say the same for the V8 set. I can't say anything about how strong or well they work (i'm going to measure to make sure they are actually the size they say they are), but the craftsmanship of the pieces is rather poor. A few of the wrenches didn't get the size number stamped properly and so it looked like someone used a screwdriver or something to scratch in the numbers on the metal. There are two main sizes I was looking for, 32mm and 36mm.... the 32mm wrench is warped if you look at it from the side. The wrenches are also inconsistent in thickness... it almost seems like they were crudely cast and then had some cheap labor grind them down by hand. I don't know... am I being too picky on a $73 set of crowsfoot? The $45 Gearwrench set, albeit smaller sizes, was 10x better in finish quality.

 

[pipsters]

Just an FYI but the Craftsman crow feet are now Chinese.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Just an FYI but the Craftsman crow feet are now Chinese.

actually, i suspect they are taiwanese rather than Chinese. the reason i say that is because i think the craftsman crowsfoot set is also by Danahar and rebranded as Craftsman, Gearwrench, KD-Tools, etc. The Gearwrench set I just got says "Manufactured in Taiwan for Danahar" on the back. Taiwan is capable of manufacturing quality products when their customers demand it; China on the other hand seems like a different story, as far as hand tools are concerned.

 

[otis66]

I would go with SK or Wright. It's very frustating when a crows foot spreads on you. I personally would buy Snap On, well worth the money, no spreading.Cheap crow foot wrenches will disapoint you big time.

 

[dede2897234]

I have recently done some research on open end, crows foot wrenches. One of the top offerings available for order at industrial tool supply stores are from Proto. Proto manufactures 3/8" drive crows foot wrenches from 9mm to 24mm. The two design features that enhance their ability to remove rusty or damaged fasteners are the following:
- Anti-Slip Design Open End (ASD) has locking grooves that help prevent the wrench from slipping off the fastener when turning.
- The arched surfaces are designed to spread the contact forces over a greater area and they keep the loads off the corners of the fastener which helps prevent fastener rounding.

Here is the first page on the Proto website showing their metric, open end, crows foot wrenches:
http://www.stanleyproto.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=MET+CROWFOOT+WRNCH&strSiteName=PROTO&strDefaultCatalog=PROTO.

I am thinking about buying a handful of Proto metric sizes from an industrial tool supplier in Lorain, OH after receiving my income tax return refund.

Dave

 

[e30bradley]

yes, I just saw those last night while searching! this set right?:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I1RQ76/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I definitely have to also get a set of smaller sizes... need something in the 17mm and 19mm sizes..

anyone know how good these V8 or Neiko or Northern tools are?

where are those made?

 

[dede2897234]

e30bradley,

I believe the V8 jumbo crowfoot wrench set is made in China.


Dave

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Go with PROTO.

 

[dede2897234]

Go with PROTO.

Do you own and have used the Proto crows foot wrenches with the anti-slip drive feature?

If yes, how does Proto's performance compare to the other high end brands?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Do you own and have used the Proto crows foot wrenches with the anti-slip drive feature?

If yes, how does Proto's performance compare to the other high end brands?


Thanks,

Dave

I do not own and Proto crows feet. I have some Proto sockets that I consider to be 1st rate quality. I suppose not actually owning the crows feet may disqualify my opinion to a certain extent.

The Proto PDF catalog says that their crows feet have a side lock hole so that you can use a pin lock extension if you want to - that seems like a very good idea - I'd want that feature if I was shopping for some crows feet.

As far as the anti-slip design, I have not tried any of their wrenches with that new feature yet; that disqualifies my opinion even further.



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