Are crowsfoot wrenches very useful?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 103
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From: Waco, TX
Are crowsfoot wrenches very useful? I am always trying to increse the size of my tool collection, and I don't have a set of crowsfoot wrenches yet. They are cheap enough, but if I will never use them, I can find other places to spend the money. So basically, those of you that have them, do you use them often enought to warrant having them?
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I've only used mine for the bottom (egr I think) header block-off plate, with a long extension. I inherited most of my tools, so I was glad I had those crow's feet, and I happy I found a use. What's cool about tools you never think you'll need is that the time seems to come when you really do need them.
I've heard of a few people using them to torque LCA's bolts because of the lack of space to get a socket on. Not sure how accurate the torque is using them though. I don't own any either and have gotten by so far. 
I wouldn't worry about torque on lcas if you can stick an impact on there and get em good and tight. If you do use crowsfeet to torgue something you have to add 1 foot pound for every inch away from the head of the torque wrench the end of the crowsfoot is. When you buy a torque wrench they include the formula to adjust your torque for useing various adapters and such.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 521
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From: Farmingdale NJ
I'm a mechanic and if I've used the 2 times in my life that's probably too much.
Although when you have a need for one, you pretty much have no choice. 99% of the time you can work around it though, just takes a little more effort.
I think the last time I used one was before I was at a dealership, and it was on a late 80's Ford diesel van, so unless you're working on one of those I'd put the money elsewhere, or just buy a cheapie set.
Although when you have a need for one, you pretty much have no choice. 99% of the time you can work around it though, just takes a little more effort.
I think the last time I used one was before I was at a dealership, and it was on a late 80's Ford diesel van, so unless you're working on one of those I'd put the money elsewhere, or just buy a cheapie set.
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TECH Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Hartsdale, NY
...cheapie set at harbor freight is $12 USD. I have 4 sets, 2 standards two metric. Two sets have ends that wrap around the nut/bolt and grab from 5 of 6 sides... the other sets only grab from two sides like an open end wrench.... natuarally, I prefer the 5/6 sided grabers for strength...
Also check www.jcwhitney.com too!
Depo tools (Husky) has these for about $60. There are nice but only grab on two sides..
Also check www.jcwhitney.com too!
Depo tools (Husky) has these for about $60. There are nice but only grab on two sides..
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Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 103
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From: Waco, TX
Originally Posted by robertbartsch
...cheapie set at harbor freight is $12 USD.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Waco, TX
You can go to their website and look under retail stores. There are four in NY. I don't know the geography of NY so I don't know if they are close to you or not, but they are in Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, and Utica. You can go to the website for their exact locations. You really ought to go check out a store. I love going there and just looking around. Plus, if you think the prices in the catalog are good, some of the specials they run in the store blow those prices away.
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11
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TA12sec, you work at a porsche dealer? what tools?? Just entered the field and my friend is getting me into a dealer in a few months, so I'm trying to aquire as many tools as possible, as for buying wrench sets: offset, open-end, shorty, crowfoot, etc..what sizes to cover in a set, up to 24mm is OK? And what sizes can('t) be skipped.
Thanks,
Aaron
If you can rec. any other specialty must haves I really would appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Aaron
If you can rec. any other specialty must haves I really would appreciate your input.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by aarononymous
Just entered the field and my friend is getting me into a dealer in a few months, so I'm trying to aquire as many tools as possible, as for buying wrench sets: offset, open-end, shorty, crowfoot, etc..what sizes to cover in a set, up to 24mm is OK? And what sizes can('t) be skipped.
Thanks,
Aaron
If you can rec. any other specialty must haves I really would appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Aaron
If you can rec. any other specialty must haves I really would appreciate your input.
Depends..
I work at a GM dealership, 13, 15 18 mm are most common, dont get too many SAE tools because the big 3 and most imports use metric. Buy some good tools, snap on is great but pricey, I would recomend you buy snap-on tools for your most used tools. example wrenches you use most often, screwdrivers, a 3/8 ratchet, most used sockets. Dont bother with snapon or blue point air tools tere ok but not the best buys. Ingersol rand is the only way to go for air tools. Talk to the guys who work there. they know wich tools you need everyday
