Snap-On Crescent wrench - Best Tool?!

Post by **scot850** » 31 Aug 2015, 15:07

I finally thought I had lost it completely. I had difficulty finding a tool to loosen the rear hard brake lines on my 2000 V70R rear end re-build. Finding an 11mm crescent wrench is like trying to find rocking horse droppings. I eventually found a set at Auto Value and set to work. Immediately they new wrench started to round the coupling. I decided I would just have to leave it, but had read good reviews on the Snap-On crescent wrenches. (Strange North American tool supplies. Why no 7or 9mm Hex/Allan Wrenches!?)

I couldn't find a retailer so went direct to Snap-on Canada. Found the tool and nearly fell off my chair when I found with shipping it was $50 CDN! I have never spent that amount on a single wrench. I pressed the buy button and 2 days later it arrived this morning. Sprayed the connection with Deep Creep, cleaned with a small wire brush and sprayed DC again and left for 10 minutes. Tried the wrench and straight away it loosened the joint. Some more careful brushing with a brass brush and more DC and it came apart beautifully!

I'm sorry to rave, but as an sceptical old Mech. Eng. I seldom believe the hype for stuff ever measures up to reality, but in this case it has. Very well made tool and one I will treasure and possibly give a name!

Seriously, I do not work or have connections with the company, but this tool is work the money even if it is expensive.

Neil.

Post by **RussB** » 31 Aug 2015, 16:02

I always thought a "Crescent" wrench was a brand name of the company that invented the adjustable wrench?

Oddly, I just bought a Kobalt brand from Lowe's 11mm/12mm flare nut wrench for my 2000 S70's brakes. I needed the 11mm. $7.99. It worked great!

Post by **erikv11** » 31 Aug 2015, 16:16

Sounds like a great wrench, nice tools are very nice.

The 11/12 mm flare nut wrench I use comes from Craftsman, also works great.

Post by **scot850** » 31 Aug 2015, 16:59

I'm glad the versions of the flare wrenches you use work for you. I've heard of both brands but heard mixed reviews on Craftsman wrench, but have not seen Kobalt brand around here. I'd rather have spent the price of those tools, but like I said, if has saved me from more expense on parts (probably obsolete as everything seems to be becoming on this car!). Just love stuff that works!

Neil.

Scholz · Post by **Scholz** » 31 Aug 2015, 17:18

I'm a craftsman guy myself, like my father before me. Hard to think of an instance where it has done me wrong.

On second thought, I once had an issue pulling a seized oxygen sensor off an old Honda where the craftsman socket warped and ruined the sensor.

Had to pull a replacement exhaust manifold to fix that boo-boo.

Post by **tryingbe** » 31 Aug 2015, 17:44

This guy agrees.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/show ... hp?t=28741

Post by **RussB** » 31 Aug 2015, 18:01

But the question remains...what does a Crescent wrench have to do with this thread?

https://www.google.com/search?q=crescen ... 8&oe=utf-8

Post by **dosbricks** » 31 Aug 2015, 18:44

RussB wrote:But the question remains...what does a Crescent wrench have to do with this thread?

https://www.google.com/search?q=crescen ... 8&oe=utf-8

Neil is from Canada, so like the Brits, maybe they have different names for stuff?

I have a Kobalt flare-nut wrench set--they work awesomely well.

On edit: It has just come to our attention that Neil is a former Scot. So very plausible that this is the origin in terms:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crescent

Post by **erikv11** » 31 Aug 2015, 19:47

I am certain the Craftsman wrenches I have come nowhere close to the quality of the Snap-on tool, just wanted to mention it as an option.

Post by **dosbricks** » 31 Aug 2015, 20:47

This is way less costly and will not slip on a bleeder screw or brake line fitting.

https://www.amazon.com/Vise-Grip-Adjusta ... R160%2C160_

It's worth having one of these for the unexpected super-difficult small fitting.