So-called because it resembles a crow’s foot, a crowfoot wrench is a unique-looking tool, used often by mechanics, plumbers, and DIYers, to name a few, due to its ability to fit into confined spaces.
But if the user operates this type of wrench incorrectly, they won’t benefit from the tool, so we have created this short guide on crowfoot wrenches.
Whether you have recently acquired a crowfoot wrench or are considering doing so, you should understand how to effectively use one after reading this blog.
What Is A Crowfoot Wrench?
A crowfoot wrench is used to tighten or loosen fasteners in hard-to-reach places and also provides more torque than an ordinary wrench can.
This type of open-ended wrench has a short, stocky handle and, as mentioned, a head resembling a crow’s foot. It is available in small and large sizes.
If you want to reach nuts and bolts in tight spaces, you’ll need a crowfoot wrench and a ratchet.
A ratchet will give you a further reach, enabling you to extend to difficult-to-get-to fasteners and provides the leverage to turn them.
You will also need a torque wrench to achieve precise torque. It will enable you to measure the tension on fasteners, improving the accuracy and efficiency of your task.
In times gone, repairing steam trains was one use of crowfoot wrenches. These days, mechanics, engineers, electricians, plumbers, and DIYers often use them.
Types of Crowfoot Wrench:
Crowfoot wrenches are versatile tools, handy for various tasks. You can also acquire one that is designed for specific purposes. Below are the different types of crowfoot wrenches available.
1. Flare Crowfoots
Arguably the most common type of crowfoot wrench is a flare crowfoot wrench. How the end of a flare crowfoot wrench is shaped allows you to fit it snugly around fasteners.
This type of wrench is often used in the automotive industry, particularly in fluid lines, such as the ones that run a brake system’s hoses.
2. Open-End Crowfoots
If you have a fastener, such as a nut or a bolt, that is not overly tight or loose, an open-end crowfoot is the tool you’ll need to turn it.
It is a versatile and easy-to-use wrench since it only has to grip two sides of a fastener, making it a popular choice for mechanics and DIYers.
3. Box-End Crowfoots
When fasteners are very tight or very loose, you will need a box-end crowfoot wrench.
You can acquire a box-end wrench and an open-end wrench separately.
Alternatively, some wrenches are open at one end and box-shaped (closed-circle shaped) at the other, enabling you to use either end, depending on how tight/loose the fastener is.
4. Adjustable Crowfoots
Often used by plumbers to work on various different-sized pipes, adjustable crowfoot wrenches fall under the category of open-end wrenches; however, they are designed for a more generous variety of object widths.
To adjust your wrench, you can screw the adjustable head in or out, changing the jaw opening size.
You can also acquire a self-adjusting crowfoot wrench. This type of wrench has a spring-loaded inner bar and a flexible lever. Because of the high torque level, a self-adjusting wrench can apply, and a tighter fit is created on the outer bolt head.
5. Ratcheting Crowfoots
This type of wrench is similar to standard crowfoots; however, ratcheting crowfoot wrenches have a mechanism that allows you to turn it without removing and repositioning it after each twist.
Without the stopping and starting that is often part of tightening/loosening fasteners, you will save time and energy, helping you to complete your task more efficiently.
How Do You Use A Crowfoot Wrench?
How can you use a crowfoot wrench to ensure you use it the way it was designed for?
- First, acquire a ratchet that is compatible with the kind of crowfoot wrench you have. Your crowfoot wrench must fit the square head of your ratchet wrench.
- Your crowfoot needs to be correctly aligned; otherwise, the tool could slip, damaging equipment or causing injuries. Hold the wrench in your dominant hand with the jaws facing the way you plan on twisting the fastener. The part of the jaw resting on top of the fastener should be positioned closer to you than the part sitting beneath.
- Next, attach your crowfoot wrench to your ratchet. Slot the square drive of your wrench into the square drive of the tool.
- Wrap your wrench around the fastener by ensuring the jaws grip the sides of the nut or bolt. Keep the handle at around 90 degrees to enable optimum visibility and mobility.
If you require different types of wrenches, Heamar has various options in stock, so you can find one that suits your needs.
