Thoughts on Crowsfoot Wrenches

jeepinmatt

jeepinmatt

#1 WEBWHEELER
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Mar 24, 2005
Location
Stanley, NC
My dad mentioned a few weeks ago about wanting some crowsfoot wrenches, and I started looking around. Couple of questions:
1. The kind for flared or just straight?
2. 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2"?
3. Taiwan, Craftsman/Kobalt/Husky, or big $$?
4. Do you ever actually use them?

Main use would be fitting and bolts in engine compartment/etc.
 
Funny you should bring these up. I have had them for years and only used them for distributors. Today I had to use them to take the hood off of a Scout 800. So I guess they do have some uses, but they are definitely not on my "must have" list. The set I have is 3/8" from harbor freight and work just fine as much as I use them
 
both styles have their advantages, and dis-advantages.

I have gotten a flare crows foot wedged in a tight spot before, thought I was going to have to cut it out to remove it. The open end tend to spread under high torque app's

get the best you can afford, the "better" name/quality don't tend to spread out as easily when under high torque, this can make the differance between creating a situation, or completeing a project.

there have been times when I wished I had a full set, of both styles, I work on a lot of hydraulics, LP fuel lines and tight engine compartments, they come in handy.
 
THey are one of those tools that when you need them, nothing else will do. I wish I had a set of the flare style, but I have seen where both have thier uses. Mine are Craftsman 3/8
 
Couldn't have gotten my Banks header on without them. HF is definitely cheaper than Craftsman and will get the job done for as much as they get used.
 
Its a tool that you will use less than 1% of the time working on your or someone elses rig. When you need them they're a must have and nothing else will do, they will save your tail though. Usually when you have to depend on them you need them to do something that is a real pita. Buy good ones and be done with it. 3/8 drive with a end similar to a line wrench, the standard ones don't cut it for me. I'm sure snappy can get you set up with some.
 
I have a set of flare nut crows foot and use them a fair bit, but then I hate having to wait on a new line after I rounded off the fitting so I take no chances.
 
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