Crow foot wrenches

[reelynew]

Hey All,

I've got a random tool question, hoping to get some feedback.  Every so often I need to get a wrench/socket down into an area that isn't possible with a traditional wrench or socket. 

Has anyone tried crow foot wrenches for such situations or have you found better alternatives?

Thanks,

Matt

[Bill B]

I've tried them with minor success. If the nut or bolt is rusted or extremely tight good luck. It's hard to get a decent amount of torque out of them.  YMMV.  Bill

[jtwill98]

I used them with good success.

I used one to tighten a gas line that was behind the water heater that was impossible to maneuver an open end wrench. I've also use them to tighten the nuts under a sink faucet. 

However, like Bill said if the nut under the faucet is a rusty mess, you might not be able to get it off.   

Like any specialty tool, the crow foot wrenches were created to solve a certain problems like the tough to reach areas where you can't fit your hand and can't use a socket, like pipe fittings, gas lines, etc. 

[MisterStinky]

I have used them in tight engine bays. Sometimes you cannot use anything else without doing alot of dismantling.. have to be careful torquing bolts up with them. Will throw out torque wrench reading

[cbar45]

A distributor wrench with socket adaptor allowing for use of standard 1/4" or 3/8" sockets is another option. The longer right-angle bend allows for more torque (if space permits).

[Brewcrafter]

I'll second the distributor wrenches. - john

[CI_Seawolf]

Universals, crowfoots, wobble extensions, and offset wrenches all have some place in a mechanic's quiver.  Working on various machines for years, I have had a chance to work with a lot of different tools.  There is no one type works for all.

[MarkT]

I've never seen something so stuck a welding torch wouldn't loosen it up.  It can't be stuck if it's liquid!

[GerryR]

Very handy and if you get the right profile, you can get in real tight spaces.  The wrenches shown are both the same size one being 1/4" drive and the other 3/8" drive, but both are size 9/16.