Tool question - Crows foot sockets, good or bad?

[scot850]

I've had a metric set of crows foot sockets for years. I'm thinking I have maybe used one once. It is not a tool I use very often as you can see.

My question is this. I have the original set, not the greatest quality but what I'd call adequate. Recently I had the opportunity to but a 2nd set that has more positions you can use. The one issue I had with the original set was they were only hexagonal (6 flats) so had limited use in tight spaces, but they were at least solid on the nut/bolt. The new set has probably twice the number of positions to grip a nut. However I have concerns they may not be strong enough on a tight nut/bolt not to slip/round a nut or bolt.

Those that use crow foot sockets regularly, what is your experiences and thoughts on the 'new' set. Should I just return them or keep them for that small likelihood I every use them just to find they are more trouble than use?

Thanks,

Neil.

[abscate]

No reason to add to the stockpile of seldom used tools, but allow me to rant

When will toolmakers figure out that if you offset the square drive relative to the hex bit asymmetrically you get a more useful tool? This lets you have applied positions in tight corners where you can’t swing the wrench for example, with out the weakness of a small geared ratchet

OXS sensor socket is a prime example

[matthew1]

When will toolmakers figure out that if you offset the square drive relative to the hex bit asymmetrically you get a more useful tool?

Can you explain this further? I don't follow, but I know there's wisdom in here I can use.

For instance, do you mean a wrench angle off the flat plane (ecliptic)?

Or maybe I'm reading too much into it, and you mean an actual offset between the force center and the hex bit? i.e.: force at X=0, Y=0, but bit not at X=0 and Y=0 in this:

[FireFox31]

I'm curious to know what crows foot sockets you're working with. Want to post pictures of the two sets?

I bought a set of flare nut crows foot wrenches to replace my power steering high pressure hose at the rack. I used them a second time to replace a power steering high pressure hose on another vehicle. They were great for applying firm pressure to a fragile fitting in an otherwise unreachable area. Well worth the $125 I paid for them used (in new condition) on eBay. It's far better to have the right tool for the job than to struggle with the wrong tool, potentially damaging things.

[xHeart]

I'm curious to know what crows foot sockets you're working with. Want to post pictures of the two sets?

Harbor Freight is adequate https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-met ... 68999.html; I've both metric and SAE.

The SAE fits better at steering rack.

[BlackBart]

I have a couple of these - not the flare nut shape. My limited experience is that it's easy to round a nut with the leverage of a ratchet if you're not careful. It's like putting an open end wrench or a crescent wrench on a head or nut. If that's the only possible way to get at it, it's worth a try, but make sure the threads are soaked or you used some heat first and it's likely to come loose. I would think the ones with the flare nut shape like posted above would work much better.

[abscate]

Those Harbor Fright ones are great because the have off set the drive , just like I mentioned above. In tight corners , this gives you a way to make small turns to get something off…I’m thinking of you, power steering rack line flares ( actually oring fittings)

Picture if the offset concept, hereafter called raven foot sockets

[xHeart]

Those Harbor Fright ones are great because the have off set the drive , just like I mentioned above. In tight corners , this gives you a way to make small turns to get something off…I’m thinking of you, power steering rack line flares ( actually oring fittings)

+ 1

After few days of struggle, I discovered crowfoot flarenut. Worked perfectly for taking off the two fluid lines at the steering gear with 3/8" extension and wrench.

I was surprised that the nuts were 3/4" and 5/8", and NOT 16mm and 18mm.
Added both SAE and Metric sets to my toolbox.

...more here viewtopic.php?t=54721

[volvolugnut]

Those Harbor Fright ones are great because the have off set the drive , just like I mentioned above. In tight corners , this gives you a way to make small turns to get something off…I’m thinking of you, power steering rack line flares ( actually oring fittings)

Picture if the offset concept, hereafter called raven foot sockets

Corvidae wrenches?

volvolugnut

[BlackBart]

"Nevermore"