Sunex crowfoot wrench set ?

[gdocktor3]

Any input on Sunex crowfoot wrenches? I have a few full sets of Sunex impact sockets and they are top of the line. I don't know much about their chrome stuff. Am I better off finding a used set of SK or V series Craftsman on Ebay? I could have used a crowfoot today, but currently don't own any. I just want to be ready next time. Could be in 2 weeks, 2 months, maybe 2 years, but I'll be ready...

 

[bobcatdan]

I have the 1/2 set and in ways like them better then my comparable SO set. I like that the drive sticks out creating a very short handle. I often use them by themselves in tight areas. Also on hydraulic fittings where I use them the most, sometimes, the SO fit too tight where as the sunnex fits. I have broke one. On the larger sizes, the area around the drive is a little thin in compairson to the size of the tool. Zero issuse getting it warrantied.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the 3/8 drive "flare nut" style crows feet, metric and SAE. They're very cheap to buy, and grip well. Realistically, there's a limit to what a crows foot on a long extension (usually how I'm stuck using it), trying to grab a rusty/seized fastener, can accomplish. Flare nut style eliminates most of that issue.

I've never used the standard open-end style crowsfeet on anything automotive, only the flare nut style. Frankly, the open end style in any size just looks like a horrible way to round something out, while getting your hopes up that you may remove it.


I've seen other brands that are a bit slimmer, but they're a good product.

 

[OctoMan]

Crowfeet have a limited usefulness for the reasons stated above. However, they are widely used in aviation. The current Snap On crow feet are fairly thick, (You can check the catalog for dimensions.) the older Snap Ons were about 1/4" thick which was great for tight spaces. I would check Harry J Epstine to see if they have some Bonneys. The Bonney crow feet are thin like the S.O. Used to be. Crow feet are usually expensive, about $25/ea. so if you need more than one try to find a set or go used. The flare nut crow feet to me are pretty useless. They can be hard to use in a tight space, especially on an aircraft hydraulic lines. Determine your need and then check out used items. Good luck.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have the 3/8 drive "flare nut" style crows feet, metric and SAE. They're very cheap to buy, and grip well. Realistically, there's a limit to what a crows foot on a long extension (usually how I'm stuck using it), trying to grab a rusty/seized fastener, can accomplish. Flare nut style eliminates most of that issue.

I've never used the standard open-end style crowsfeet on anything automotive, only the flare nut style. Frankly, the open end style in any size just looks like a horrible way to round something out, while getting your hopes up that you may remove it.


I've seen other brands that are a bit slimmer, but they're a good product.

Well that's just the thing. I cannot justify spending big bucks on Snap On or another big name for a tool that I will use a few times in my life. With that said, if I'm grabbing a crowfoot wrench to begin with, I'm already in a tough spot. I don't want to make it worse by rounding it off. So you're saying you use the flare nut style on everything? Does a flare nut wrench fit the same on a normal nut? I know a normal wrench fits flare nut. Because that is actually a really good idea. You almost guarantee not rounding it off because it has such a secure bite.

 

[Rickss96]

In 40+ years there have only been two times when I had to have a crowfoot to get the job done. I just went out and bought the crowfoot wrench. Of course I am a DIY mechanic, not a pro, mostly work on autos and motorcycles. Can't see spending $$ on something seldom used.

But I do understand your desire to be prepared, so start looking for a used set with a more reasonable price. The arguments above for the flare-nut style make good sense too. And if you ever run into problems like OctoMan describes where you can't get a flare-nut style to fit, don't be afraid to modify your tool. Just pull out the cutoff wheel and turn the flare-nut into an open-end wrench.

 

[bcradio]

Sunex makes crowfoot wrenches?

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have never used a crowfoot socket, I gave my first set away. Then got another set in a tool box that I purchased. I still have not used them. Was you trying to speak of line wrenches?

 

[90zcar]

I'm hoping I will need one someday so I can buy some. Unfortunately I have never come across anything yet.
Someday....oh someday I will maybe


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PJNJ]

I have both regular and flare line style crowsfoot wrenches. Bought Craftsman USA sae and metric regular sets @ 10 years ago and both sae and metric flare line style from Neiko @ 4 years ago. Haved used them twice in the last two years. The flare style is good to make sure you don't round off the nut when you break it loose and then open end makes it easier to maneuver get the nut off once it is broken loose. The first time I used them on a '94 F150 to remove the power steering lines off the steering box (and later install new lines). The lines were on for 19 years and they looked every bit of it. The Neikos worked fine except that like the Sunex, there are no detents to hold them on the extension - one time the crowsfoot came off the long extension but fortunately it dropped to the ground underneath. The Craftsman open end style had the detent and there were no problems with them. The second time was last year on the AIR tubes going into the exhaust manifolds on a '96 Corvette. Again worked fine.

When I purchased them I was debating between the Neiko and Sunex. The only reason I went with Neiko was that I was able to get them cheaper. The Sunex should be fine and get the flare line style first. Later you may want to add the open end style.

And I like the way that you think - better to be ready. I was glad I had the crowsfeet when I needed them. If you needed them once, pretty good chance you'll need them again someday.

 

[sonvolt]

I have the Sunnex flare nut crowsfoot set in metric and SAE and only needed them once but I'm glad I had them. Good quality for the $$. The only thing to keep in mind there is no ball detent on the inside of the broach for your extension, etc

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I am a pro equipment guy - gotta have crowfoots for hydraulic fittings and a lot of what I work on is bigger sized stuff. I have really good ones for the smaller sizes up to 21mm / 1inch, but I bought the Sunex sets from there on up to 46mm / 2 1/4, also due to not needing them often enough to justify the cost of SO. They get the job done, but they lack a detent to hold them on an extension, so I have to be careful not to let 'em fall off. I rate them about a 7 outta 10 - they work, they fit well enough, the price was cheap enough, but not the kinda tools that just make you feel good picking then up outta the tool box (I know that only applies if you are tool junkie).

 

[bcradio]

Sunex makes crowfoot wrenches?

Ok, so you are looking for some jumbo crowfoot wrenches I take it?

 

[gdocktor3]

Well I appreciate the feedback. That's why I ask questions on here before purchasing. Now I will look for the ball detent. I can find that being extremely annoying if it just keeps falling off. Thanks

 

[Leoruiz]

If you're a guy that uses them a lot, and your wallet can handle it, these are the ultimate.
ASD crowfeet.
http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...to®-1|2"-Drive-15-Piece-Crowfoot-Wrench-Set-/

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Well that's just the thing. I cannot justify spending big bucks on Snap On or another big name for a tool that I will use a few times in my life. With that said, if I'm grabbing a crowfoot wrench to begin with, I'm already in a tough spot. I don't want to make it worse by rounding it off. So you're saying you use the flare nut style on everything? Does a flare nut wrench fit the same on a normal nut? I know a normal wrench fits flare nut. Because that is actually a really good idea. You almost guarantee not rounding it off because it has such a secure bite.

I've never used "normal" open end style crowsfeet, they just look sketchy. So yes, I only ever use the flare nut style ones. I can only think or a hypothetical situation where the flare nut style wouldn't work.

They bite well, and while you can round any faster with enough force, I haven't in quite a while, and I've put some excessive force through these 3/8 crowsfeet. Like, 1/2 drive 24 inch ratchet, on a reducer.



http://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-9710m.aspx

10-19mm costs less than $25.

"If you have the means, I highly suggest picking (some) up."

 

[2ndGearRubber]

For those having your crows feet fall off.... don't your extensions have a detent ball on them? I've never had that issue, except when I get the crowsfoot stuck on something and yank. :shrug:

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

For those having your crows feet fall off.... don't your extensions have a detent ball on them? I've never had that issue, except when I get the crowsfoot stuck on something and yank. :shrug:

On better tools, there is a corresponding divot in the tool for the detent ball to lock into. A totally smooth square broached hole, especially on heavier tools, will still slip off off regardless of the drive tool used.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

On better tools, there is a corresponding divot in the tool for the detent ball to lock into. A totally smooth square broached hole, especially on heavier tools, will still slip off off regardless of the drive tool used.

Yeah have had same thing happen even on good tools when they get used a lot. I usually wrap a piece of tape to help secure it. Had same issue other day I was using a SnapOn 2-3/16'' crowsfoot. It was only 3/8 drive.

 

[dutchgray]

Yeah my Snap-on flare 2 1/8, 2 3/16 are both just plain square broached, the 2 3/8 I have has a hole drilled in the side for the ball to latch into.

 

[MattVette89]

I have the Sunex metric flare crowfoot wrench set. I used it for my power steering work. I thought it was great quality for the price and I'd recommend it to anyone.