Tool you gotta have: Crow Feet Wrenches

[David Conner]

Well, I've found quite a variation in quality.  I managed to break one of
the flare wrenches I bought from JC Whitney, and the whole set is crap...
you can watch the flare ears flex under pressure, and one just snapped
right off.  But I really like the "S" shaped box end wrenches I got from
them...$10 for a set of five.  They aren't the greatest quality, but have
really been handy at times, and haven't broke yet.  This style is perfect
for reaching that hidden bolt head for the starter motor.

Their flare crowfoot is about the same price as the regular style, but
usually a flare style costs more.  I think the manufacture process would be
inherently more expensive.

Generally I think the open end type of tool provides the least secure grip
of all, box type is best, and flare is a compromise on the box stlye that
allows it to be used on line fittings.  Of course, when space is really
tight, like working on the turbo, etc, a person's gotta use what a person's
gotta use... including custom bent/mangled, or whatever is available.  And
as you said earlier, the crowfoot is mainly an adaptation for accessing
tight spaces.
-------------
Dave C.

At 10:44 AM 3/1/02 EST, JShadzi at aol.com wrote:
>The flare wrenches are for hydraulic lines, for most fasteners you will want
>the regular style.  Frankly, on a piece like this, I can't imagine a set
from
>snap on costing say $150, when the same ones from JC whitney are only $10.
>I've been using them for a while, they havn't broken in half or anything, I
>can't imagine how the quality could get better really??
>
>Javad
>
><<<<<Javad,
> JC Whitney has two versions of the crowfoot... flare and regular.  Which do
> you recommend?
>
> JC Whitney's quality may be suspect, but after I give these a try I may
> consider buying the higher priced stuff, maybe instead of a set just a
> couple in the sizes needed.
> thanks,
> Dave C.>>>>>>>
>
> Javad wrote...
> >Just had to write a quick note to say that they are my favorite tool as of
> >recently, if you are working on a Audi, esp. a turbo one, they are a must
> >have.  They will almost always save you when a standard wrench is just a
> >little off.  JC Whitney has a great set for like $10.
>
>
>  >>
>
>