Self-adjusting Spring-Loaded Crowfoot Wrenches

[JradM]

There's a few of these on the market now and I'm trying to figure out if this would be useful of if it just looks that way. It seems like it could be, in certain situations - especially if you're working mobile and not carrying a complete set of crowfoot wrenches. Anyone tried them?

I first saw the set from Ares:



Then MichaelPro:



And I recently spotted a version from VIM - which I consider to be a legit professional tool brand:



Powerbuilt also has them - they look identical to the version from Ares and MichaelPro.

On Amazon Canada, where I'm shopping, the MichaelPro set is the cheapest and I appreciate the metric markings too. I like the EVA foam tray you get with the Ares set, but I probably wouldn't end up using it. One Vim wrench costs more than the 3-piece set from MichaelPro.

 

[Cruzan80]

They look like a plumbers wrench, or a masterench that was turned into a Crowfoot. Guessing they are not terribly useful due to size/length, but may work for you.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Every once in awhile you might find a pipe that needs a reach around.

 

[WWheeler]

That's what she said.

 

[xjfish]

I have the Matco ones (VIM?) and really like them, actually just added the smallest unit as initially it was just the larger two sizes available. Great for already rounded or rusty line fittings such as P/S or brakelines.

 

[rharman]

Looks like the mechanics of a basin wrench to me.

 

[neophyte]

Those aren’t “CrowsFoot” wrenches.
It’s basically a “CrowsFoot” square drive version of the Heller “Masterench”.
If the geometry was copied correctly, and the steel, and manufacturing process was done tight, it could be useful.
It likely won’t get into anywhere near as tight a location as regular CrowsFoot flare wrenches.
I can see it being useful for certain highly corroded fasteners though.

 

[JradM]

I agree, these aren't really crowsfoot wrenches, but that's how they're usually marketed. I'm not envisioning these taking the place of traditional crowsfoot wrenches either - more like just one more tool to have in the arsenal when trying to find something that works (maybe for rounded or rusty fasteners).

The Powerbuilt/MichaelPro/Ares design has a male square drive on the end for use with an extension. I suppose you could use a breaker bar on the VIM female square in much the same way.

 

[rancherbill]

In my grumpy old man view they should be on the "Father's Day Gift" list. Stuff on the list looks cool but a) never gets used, b) doesn't work, or c) busts your knuckles.

Scroll down and look at the pics on this page. (I have been given some and have bought some for myself - they never get used)

https://www.google.com/search?q=uni...XBLgQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1154&bih=526&dpr=1.66

 

[JradM]

In my grumpy old man view they should be on the "Father's Day Gift" list. Stuff on the list looks cool but a) never gets used, b) doesn't work, or c) busts your knuckles.

Scroll down and look at the pics on this page. (I have been given some and have bought some for myself - they never get used)

https://www.google.com/search?q=uni...XBLgQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1154&bih=526&dpr=1.66

That's fair. I wouldn't have been asking if I wasn't worried about the same thing.

How about this contraption?

 

[Cruzan80]

I could see that being slightly more useful. Depends on how the square drive is broached (will it only work one way without loosening). IIRC, one of the major brands did an adjustable crowfoot like that (JH Williams)?

 

[rancherbill]

That looks COOL !!!

It is so cool that it might overcome my aversion to having stuff that is on the Father's Day list.

 

[JradM]

That geared one I posted is from "Sealey", if anyone is looking. Not cheap though.

 

[JradM]

Matco has them too:

Or there's the Snap-on:

 

[driftpin]

I have NAPA/Carlyle spring-loaded flare nut wrenches.

 

[seber]

That is an unhandled version of a parrot beak. My most used pliers and sometimes wrench. Without the slip joint you need several but I expect it will still become a most used tool. This site just cost me AGAIN.

 

[JradM]

That is an unhandled version of a parrot beak. My most used pliers and sometimes wrench. Without the slip joint you need several but I expect it will still become a most used tool. This site just cost me AGAIN.

I just ordered a set too. Your comment comparing them to pliers was just enough to put me over the top.

They're not expensive afterall - I've spent more money on worse things I'm sure.

 

[lzenglish]

My Imperial Eastman Ratcheting Crowsfoot USA Set, Vintage 1976, as i remember. Some of My User Tools from Back in the Day, to Present Day.


LZ

EDIT: Meant to be posted in Vintage Tools Forum, My Mistake.