Which o2 sensor tool is better: deep socket with slit or crowfoot?

[impactsocket]

Which o2 sensor tool is better: deep socket with slit or crowfoot?

low profile crowfoot:

If I cut off the wires, will a regular deep impact socket fit over the o2 sensor or do I have to hack off the top part of the o2 sensor? But I still need the o2 sensor tool to torque it to spec.

 

[fsae0607]

To remove, always cut the wires so you can use a regular deep socket and put some good torque on it since they usually rust on.

To install, either one depending on access.

 

[Marc Benjamin]

I have all three of those and I use the ofset one on the sensors thats on the manifold and the deep one seems to work better on the ones on the cat.

 

[wild cowboy]

this is one case where buying Snap-On probably makes good sense, because this is an iffy tool in the first place, so I reach for a Snap-On version of the deep well with slit version as my go-to first choice.

The most important tip I can give you is to soak the sensor threads with Kroil - 24 hours before doing the job

 

[fsae0607]

The most important tip I can give you is to soak the sensor threads with Kroil - 24 hours before doing the job

This x1,000,000

 

[u118224]

this is one case where buying Snap-On probably makes good sense, because this is an iffy tool in the first place, so I reach for a Snap-On version of the deep well with slit version as my go-to first choice.

If this is more than a one time job go with Snap-On or equivalent. I have a China made deep well, Pro Value I think, and it spreads. I had to put vise grips on it to keep it from spreading.

 

[T45]

Why not just use a 22mm box-end wrench?

(I mean if you are considering cutting the wires?)

edit: just saw you wanted a torque adapter as well.

 

[unslow1]

this is one case where buying Snap-On probably makes good sense, because this is an iffy tool in the first place, so I reach for a Snap-On version of the deep well with slit version as my go-to first choice.

If this is more than a one time job go with Snap-On or equivalent. I have a China made deep well, Pro Value I think, and it spreads. I had to put vise grips on it to keep it from spreading.

I put a hose clamp around one once. I have both styles but will use a box end combo wrench if at all possible.

 

[wild cowboy]

Why not just use a 22mm box-end wrench?

(I mean if you are considering cutting the wires?)

a 22mm box is an excellent choice in theory, but all too often there is no room for a nice long one to swing, so you are forced to use some type of socket, and when reinstalling, often the connector will not pass through the box end.

 

[Rosso]

Snap on do a kit which has all of the required 02 sensor tools in it, an extra deep socket with slit, normal depth and a number of crow foot setups. It's pretty cheap too. I've never had to use anything else other than that kit in 8 years of wrenching.

I've never seen anyone torque an 02 sensor to spec, just nip it tight and your done.

 

[devoncoolman]

Schley products make a wrench and so does otc i have both and almost exclusivly use these.

Otc
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0075XWO1I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1416940827&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

Sp tools
http://www.sptool.com/index.php?pag...ategory_id=13&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=11

 

[sac02]

I have a deep slit O2 socket, but rarely use it unless I know for sure beforehand that the sensor will remove easily. In my experience the crowsfoot style are much stiffer, I've never had one of them spread and slip like I have with the deep slit socket style.

To answer your question, yes you can use a regular socket if you cut the wire on the old sensor. Please ignore previous advice about ignoring torque specs.

 

[rednotch]

depends on the car some times only one style will work... best trick I learned was soak it in brake fluid first, if its rotted to hell and feels like its pulling the threads with it soak it again and run it back and forth.

 

[T45]

a 22mm box is an excellent choice in theory, but all too often there is no room for a nice long one to swing, so you are forced to use some type of socket, and when reinstalling, often the connector will not pass through the box end.

Good point. I just checked a spare 02 sensor and the wiring harness is massive.

Who designs these things

In a pinch, still might make sense to try this. The new one will spinn on by hand, and can be snugged-to-torque with the open end. Granted this is not a perfect solution for every application.

Hopefully if the bung is wrecked thats also being swapped out or cleaned up.

 

[shockwave]

i have best luck with socket (i prfer the 3/8 drive for access reasons)

some its better for crowsfoot (non shielded o2 sensors (lamda probe)

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

I have both, but I greatly prefer the deep socket with slit, assuming you can get a clear shot at it. You can also put a swivel joint on it if it's at a funny angle.

The "crowsfoot" style just feels very awkward and slips out very easily, at least in my experience. The only reason I can see for using that style is if it's in a really awkward angle and that's the only way to get access to it.

I did not need to cut the wires with either style.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have the deep and the offset and each have their place. If you are using it for one particular vehicle just find out which one will fit. Where I work on many different makes/models is the reason for having more than one.

I also like to use a box end wrench when able to and just snake the plug through the box end. I have found this to be able to provide the most secure fixation on the hex.

I too recommend soaking prior to removal with either PB Blaster or Kroil. Had good success with both.

Mike.

 

[djb2]

There is no "best".

You'll almost certainly need a different style for each car you work on. I especially like the sensors that you can clearly see, but not put any type of socket or wrench onto.

I use penetrating oil, even though I know it's pointless. The sealing gasket will keep any oil from reaching the threads.

 

[blown94conv]

I prefer the socket style, but have both just in case. Haven't used the style with the handle attached to the crowfoot style.

 

[veks]

This thread is gold for someone like me who recently got a P0420 code on my Honda.

 

[Nessal]

Get the one on the bottom. You will see why the one in the first picture is not ideal once you have done a few 02 swaps.

 

[signcrafter]

I have the snap on wrench style and it is amazing. It gets in places that nothing else will. O2 sensors are one of those things that you want the best to avoid headaches.

https://store.snapon.com/Oxygen-Sensor-Wrench-Oxygen-Sensor-Flex-Head-7-8--P644013.aspx

 

[shockwave]

This thread is gold for someone like me who recently got a P0420 code on my Honda.

You will have a catalytic converter not O2 sensor with a 420 or 430 Oma Honda

 

[wild cowboy]

I use penetrating oil, even though I know it's pointless. The sealing gasket will keep any oil from reaching the threads.

This is completely incorrect - the gasket doesn't do squat to keep out a good penetrant like Kroil, try it with and without, huge difference!

 

[T45]

I have the snap on wrench style and it is amazing.

^^^That's a nice looking tool. The hex-end wrench is super thick, and the lever point for in line with the applied torque. As a breaker, that looks like the business.

 

[wild cowboy]

here is the exact socket that I have the best luck with on O2 sensors

buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=635717&group_ID=675562

 

[Skin]

Cutting the wires and using a standard deep 6pt socket is best. Just make absolutely sure the replacement is the correct one before you waste your time and destroy the existing sensor. The issue with the ones that have cut-outs for the harness is they spread. Handy for installation, less so for removal. Not everyone has the luxury of a 24 hour penetration soak. Sometimes all the soaking and heat doesn't do a damn thing and the threads come out with the sensor which is always nice.

This thread is gold for someone like me who recently got a P0420 code on my Honda.

Cat efficiency codes are usually not caused by the O2 sensor. Usually its the cat itself that's on its way out.

 

[DodgeMech]

y'all are all wasting your time until you buy this fucker...i thought it was pointless till i used another guys...it is well worth the 100 bucks if r&r'ing O2's is a regular job for you...

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675562&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[joecon]

I have a lot of different ones and the one that works best is one I have that can
be used with a air hammer. It has a punch that fits it and the air hammer and a
square drive for a ratchet. Once you hit it with the air hammer you can turn it with
your fingers.I have get to see it fail.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have a lot of different ones and the one that works best is one I have that can
be used with a air hammer. It has a punch that fits it and the air hammer and a
square drive for a ratchet. Once you hit it with the air hammer you can turn it with
your fingers.I have get to see it fail.

Lisle 43900

 

[bcradio]

here is the exact socket that I have the best luck with on O2 sensors

buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=635717&group_ID=675562

How many cars does that size actually work on?

I usually cut the wires on mine... also not too worried if the replacement is the wrong one as I'll just reinstall the old and splice the wires back temporarily until I get the correct part. Easy as pie and your car will drive just fine like that for 100k miles if need be.

 

[impactsocket]

Which of these tools work best on Honda Civic Si hatchbacks and Acura RSX?

 

[wild cowboy]

How many cars does that size actually work on?

most cars, maybe 90%

especially on the business O2 sensors (pre-cat), as opposed to the tattletale O2 sensors (post-cat) that are there solely so that you can skip the old fashioned emissions testing stations!

 

[veks]

You will have a catalytic converter not O2 sensor with a 420 or 430 Oma Honda

Cat efficiency codes are usually not caused by the O2 sensor. Usually its the cat itself that's on its way out.

I still need to remove the secondary O2 sensor to replace the cat.

 

[Cmjl67]

Any gods amount of 22mm sensor sockets available, but try finding a 17mm one (1995 jaguar xj6) - i'm going with cutting slot in 17mm deep socket and strapping jubilee clip round end of it to get out after soaking in plusgas

Despite large car and mostly reasonable access, some bits are still a pig to get at

Going to tackle slowly and one at a time as the hope is I can get generic o2 sensors (MUCH cheaper than jaguar) and relink to original connectors

c

 

[lakota]

Have a deep socket 22mm non brand name that works. As mentioned soak with penetrating fluid as ling as you can. Had a tight fit on one so used a 7/8" open end wrench to remove.(7/8" a close 22mm equivalent)
Bought an off set crow type to have on hand.

 

[impactsocket]

Does the crowfoot o2 sensor tool spread?

 

[devoncoolman]

I still need to remove the secondary O2 sensor to replace the cat.

Personally i have seen a bad post cat o2 cause a p0420 cat eff code but more rare. It's more the likely the cat. I recommend replacing the post cat o2 while you do the cat. O2 sensors are consumable items. They typically last 100k miles. If youve ever had missfire issues or anything of the like then the o2 sensor has been compromised and you should replace all the o2 sensors. If your going to go aftermarket for the cat i rec buying a walker high load cat or i guarantee you will be doing it again in a year or 2 sometimes sooner. Issue is alot of the cheap cats they don't put enough precious metal in it causeing the ecu to think its bad which technically it isn't doing its job up to the cars expectations.

 

[dnschmidt]

I use a 22mm 12pt flare nut wrench. Works great on my car. The opening takes care of the wires and it fits on the exhaust manifold just perfect. My car is a GM 3800 engine.

The guy with the jag might want to try one of these as well as they are available in 17mm. PM me if you would like to buy one as I have these available.

 

[Peoria Man]

Which o2 sensor tool is better: deep socket with slit or crowfoot?

Often, access is the determining factor. I've seen a number of cars where the deep style just won't fit; actually, it DOES fit, but the top end where the ratchet (or wrench) goes is now tight up against something. Hence I go for the crowfoot.