Best Crowfoot wrenches for Hydraulic fittings?

[SamV]

Group,

I have an older excavator (Kobelco K903b) and I need to get to a line that is deep in the machine and need a crowfoot to get to it. Is there any brand that is better for these hoses? I see regular configuration and then the flair nut versions. Looks to me that the flair nut version would be a better bet. I also saw them with a ratcheting feature. I would like to get a decent set without breaking the bank.
Thanks

Sam

 

[Bob Bancroft]

Group,

I have an older excavator (Kobelco K903b) and I need to get to a line that is deep in the machine and need a crowfoot to get to it. Is there any brand that is better for these hoses? I see regular configuration and then the flair nut versions. Looks to me that the flair nut version would be a better bet. I also saw them with a ratcheting feature. I would like to get a decent set without breaking the bank.
Thanks

Sam

With a similar goal in mind I shopped around on the internet until I found a set I could justify. I was concerned about size. My set goes up towards three inches if I remember correctly.

 

[SamV]

With a similar goal in mind I shopped around on the internet until I found a set I could justify. I was concerned about size. My set goes up towards three inches if I remember correctly.

Bob, Do you remember what the brand is?

 

[drsportster]

"without breaking the bank" ---- avoid Snap-On

 

[gmccool]

Mine are Snap-On. They aren't cheap $$$

 

[John Garner]

What wrench size and what drive size?

 

[Fixingfarmer]

I’ve had an ATD set for 15 years or so it’s a “jumbo” up to 2 and a half I believe the Mac tool man sold them for 100 bucks back then they came in a red carrier that they are still in

A quick google search came up with the set

They received rather heavy use somewhat infrequently and were just fine

As I moved to chasing fertilizer equipment they did not corrode like some things did so there’s a decent finish on them

half inch ratchet size for the excavators and skidsteers at caterpillar they are very handy

 

[jimg.allentown]

There could be some sort of a trade-off here. Most importantly, you need tools that will get the job done without damaging the fittings you are working on.
I have found that most of the major brands (Mac, Matco, K-D) are about equivalent to Snap-On, but I would avoid the cheap ones. There could be issues that don't always come out in reviews.

 

[trackrat]

NORTHERN TOOL has a set 1 inch thru2 inch good set

 

[m16ty]

NORTHERN TOOL has a set 1 inch thru2 inch good set

I’ve had that set for probably 20 years. Have always done what I asked, and I’ve dealt with some pretty nasty fittings.

 

[urbancase]

I have Blackhawk for English and a midrange for metric. Had for over 20 years.

 

[Ol 54']

I'm a retired aircraft worker and spent most my time in plumbing, fuel, hydraulics, oxygen etc.etc. I have a set of Proto crows feet I paid around $75.00 some years back. Depending how much plumbing you are up against, you could probably buy the one crows feet, or get real brave and buy a 1/2" set of flairnut crows feet in a brand made in USA, hoping like you were saying not to break the bank? Sometimes some of those nuts can really be a _ _ _ _ _.. A flairnut crows foot, if you are on your nut straight will not slip off.. Shoot a little penetrating oil on it for while. Hopefully you can hold the adjacent fitting if it wants to rotate while your trying to break the nut? Good luck..

 

[Bob Bancroft]

Bob, Do you remember what the brand is?

I'll have to try to remember to look.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

Bob, Do you remember what the brand is?

Sorry- wrong again! It only goes up to 2 inch. 14 piece set starting at 1 and 1/16. There is no ID anywhere!
I just looked- they're all over the internet. Still the same red plastic tray. Prices from $55 on up.

 

[504]

Buy locking extensions while you’re buying. Nothing like the crows foot falling off and you spend the next half hour dragging it out with a magnet.

 

[trackrat]

Buy locking extensions while you’re buying. Nothing like the crows foot falling off and you spend the next half hour dragging it out with a magnet.

If you even can drag it out one of mine is in the belly pan of a dozer

 

[Hobo,NC]

This is why mechanic have so many tools : ) I hope you get lucky and a standard 6 point style crow foot does the job. The cheap ones are pretty good now I would buy a HF set and never look back.

I have quite a few specialty tools for this job I have crow foot in 12 point and a couple sets of EZ Red butter fly wrenches. Even tooled up I still don't have all that's needed.

My tip, a impact and a crow foot work quite well it amazes me sometimes how well a impact will rattle a line nut free.

 

[chvet73]

My Harbor Freight crow foot wrenches have worked perfectly.

 

[Hobo,NC]

Crow foot on a impact

Another

 

[SamV]

Well an update on this. I ordered a cheap set. 65.00 on Amazon and with a little bit of heat and that set I got the lines off. What A PIA but it is done. Thanks for the input on this..