Weatherhead sockets or Crowsfoot Wrench

[Zewnten]

Frequently need to remove very tightly packed hydraulic fitting on excavator control valves. Wrenches and regular crowfoots don't fit between them but sockets and 12pt (or some manufacturers call them flare) crowsfoots do. I was told to find deep weatherhead sockets but 1) I can't find any deep ones 2) never seen a weatherhead socket in person, I don't know if these are the better choice for breaking loose fittings compared to a 12pt/flare crowfoots that I have been using.

Or another option I considered is O2 sensor sockets but those are only available in limited sizes that I can find.

 

[Danglerb]

Picture of the fitting might help.

 

[ChevyEFI]

The thinner socket may spread more easily. But, may give more access clearance when it clears the line. I'd start w/ the 12pt flarenut crows and pick up the WH as an easier-to-use option when clearance allows.

 

[bobcatdan]

I'd say 12 pt flarenut style crowfeet. They are great for tube lines, buy useless for hydraulic hoses as they can't fit over a hose. They definitely have their spot. As for weatherhead sockets, I never tried them. They look to be handy, but they don't make them big enough to be useful.

 

[Snaparxon]

Weatherhead fittings work well on 90 degree and 30 degree pipe fittings and o-ring boss fittings.

What sizes are you talking? Over 1" , 1-1/4"? I had the larger Snap on 12 point crow feet in 3/8" dr and they would spread on tight fittings. I use regular crow feet and have some special 12 point ones for Case equipment that work well. When I worked on a few excavators I also used these on short 90 degree fittings https://www.ebay.com/itm/OTC-Caster...811326&hash=item1ef8bab5a0:g:JPcAAOSwIztcspU0

 

[Zewnten]

Usually the tube 90's are 1-1/16 or bigger and the usually about 3" from the fitting to the top of the tube.

 

[Snaparxon]

Here is a pic of a Case backhoe tool. I have 1" thru 1'1/4" and they work well.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-on-To...fgAAOSwBlBdADe6:sc:USPSFirstClass!97814!US!-1

 

[Zewnten]

Thanks I'll look into those, I know John Deere has some made for their stuff too but I have no idea what they're called. The terms on the eBay listing don't seem too turn anything up