Crowfoot Flare Nut

Crowfoot Flare Nut

My husband loves tools but when he said that he needed a good flare nut wrench set, I had no idea what he was talking about!

Being the good wife I am, though, I decided to do some research. After all, a flare nut wrench set might be a good gift idea, right?

Flare Nut Wrenches are Designed for Soft Metals

This type of wrench is designed for soft metals like aluminum and brass that can crush or strip easily.

The flare nut wrench is similar to a box-end wrench, but with a small opening on one side.

A box-end wrench looks like a short bar with a completely enclosed circle on one or both ends, with the circle(s) available in several different sizes. The box-end wrench slips on one end of your fitting. It is designed to allow maximum contact with the pipe, nut or fitting that needs tightening or loosening.

This prevents damage to the fitting so that it does not get stripped or otherwise damaged.

Flare nut wrenches are similar to a box-end wrench, only with a small opening to allow the wrench to slide perpendicularly over the fitting or pipe. The "jaws" of the wrench are larger and thicker, allowing better contact with your fitting.

Picture working on a pipe. You can't get a wrench over one end of the pipe because it is a continuous piece, so this type of tool allows a small opening on one side of the wrench to slip it over the pipe.

Because pipes are typically made of copper, brass or aluminum, this type of tool is designed to tighten or loosen fittings on pipes with maximum contact.

You might think of a pipe fitting. If you use an open-end wrench to tighten it, the wrench may only make contact with 2, or at most, 3 spots on the fitting. This means that your pipe fitting could be crushed or dented when tightening or loosening, causing a loss of integrity for your application.

What Do You Use a Flare Nut Wrench for?

The most common uses for this type of wrench are plumbing applications (like copper pipe), automotive (since a lot of car parts and fittings are made of aluminum) applications, and hvac or heating and air conditioning applications.

For example, most automotive fuel and brake lines are made of soft metal and it can be quite easy to strip out a fitting or line, leaving you covered in brake fluid or gas!

These wrenches are also known by other names including "tube wrench" and "line wrench." The British equivalent is "crow's foot spanner."

What Does "6 Point" and "12 Point Fractional" Mean?

This type of wrench comes in 6 point and 12 point "fractional".

6 point means that there are 6 points of contact inside the wrench (picture your tool touching the pipe or fitting in 6 separate places), and 12 point means that there are 12 points of contact with your fitting or pipe application. Of course, 12 points means better contact and less potential for damage to your fitting.

12 point fractional tools, though, are less common than their 6 point counterparts.

Common sizes for these wrenches include metric and SAE (measurements in inches).

You can find wrench sets in multiples of ¼ to 11/16 inches, and 9 to 21 millimeter sizes.

Buy a Good Quality Flare Nut Wrench Set

Reviewers all agree unanimously - buy good quality wrenches!

Kobalt, Craftsman, Snap-On and Husky have all received good reviews.

People who have bought wrench sets from Harbor Freight and other bargain retailers have all recounted that their tools stripped out or damaged fittings, causing them to have to spend more money to buy the better quality tools to finish their application.

The good news is that once you've bought your quality wrench set, it will be in your tool box for years to come and ready to perform as needed.

It's a good idea to buy a good quality flare nut wrench set since it will last a lifetime!

Olivia has been a writer and researcher for more than 25 years, and enjoys helping others to learn new things. To read more of her experiences, please see Flare Nut Wrench and Ratchet Wrench Set.

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 7/16". Each $7.55 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 7/16", Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 7/16", Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 7/16", ToolWeb

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 3/4". Each $8.23 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 3/4", Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 3/4", Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 3/4", ToolWeb, W

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 3/8". Each $3.94 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 3/8", Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 3/8", Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 3/8", ToolWeb, W

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 9/16". Each $7.62 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 9/16", Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 9/16", Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench 9/16", ToolWeb

Martin Tools 3/8" Drive 12 Point Fractional Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 15/16". Each $32.21 Manufacturer: Martin Tools. Each. MRTBC30 Crowfoot Wrench 3/8in. x 15/16in. - 12 point - Chrome Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 12 Point Fractional Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 15/16", Buy 3/8" Drive 12 Point Fractional Flare Nut Crowfoot

Martin Tools 3/8" Drive 12 Point Fractional Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 7/8". Each $29.93 Manufacturer: Martin Tools. Each. MRTBC28 12 point Crowfoot Wrench - 3/8in. x 7/8in. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 12 Point Fractional Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 7/8", Buy 3/8" Drive 12 Point Fractional Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 7/8",

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 14 mm. Each $7.59 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 14 mm, Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 14 mm, Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 14 mm, ToolWeb

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 18 mm. Each $8.11 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 18 mm, Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 18 mm, Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 18 mm, ToolWeb

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 15 mm. Each $7.59 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 15 mm, Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 15 mm, Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 15 mm, ToolWeb

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 17 mm. Each $7.59 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 17 mm, Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 17 mm, Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 17 mm, ToolWeb

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 19 mm. Each $8.11 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 19 mm, Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 19 mm, Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 19 mm, ToolWeb

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 13 mm. Each $3.91 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 13 mm, Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 13 mm, Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 13 mm, ToolWeb

K Tool International 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 16 mm. Each $3.91 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Customers also search for: Discount 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 16 mm, Buy 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 16 mm, Wholesale 3/8" Drive 6 Point Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 16 mm, ToolWeb

Martin Tools 3/8" Drive 12 Point Fractional Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 1 1/16". Each $21.25 Manufacturer: Martin Tools. Each. Features Benefits: 3/8" drive; Size: 1-1/16" 12 point flare nut wrench Made of alloy steel and drop-forged Made in the USA This flare nut crowfoot wrench is designed to provide access to the hard to reach fasteners tha

Sunex 10 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Crowfoot Flare Nut Set. 1 Set $28.92 Manufacturer: Sunex. 1 Set. Features Benefits: Includes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19mm sizes Fully polished Flare nut style design Mounted on storage rail Customers also search for: Discount 10 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Crowfoot Flare Nut S

Martin Tools MRTBC34 3/8 Inch Drive 12 Point Fractional Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 11/16 Inch $50.84 Features and Benefits: 3/8 drive; Size: 11/16 12 point flare nut wrench Made of alloy steel and dropforged Made in the USAThis flare nut crowfoot wrench is designed to provide access to the hard to reach fasteners that aren t easily accessible with a conventional wrench. It s made with the strength and durability to last

Sunex 8 Piece 3/8" Drive SAE Crowfoot Flare Nut Set. 1 Set $24.35 Manufacturer: Sunex. 1 Set. Features Benefits: Includes 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4" and 7/8" sizes Fully polished Flare nut style design Mounted on storage rail Customers also search for: Discount 8 Piece 3/8" Drive SAE Crowfoot Flare

1088 - 1-5/8 inch 1/2Dr Flare-Nut Crowfoot Wrench 12-P $316.45 [875-1088] 1.86 LB

Wright Tool 1-1/4" 1/2" Drive Flare-nut Crowfoot Wrench 12-p. Each $33.78 Manufacturer: Wright Tool. Each. No. of Points = 12 Drive Size = 1/2 in Drive Type = Square Opening Size = 1 1/4 in Opening Type = Flare Head Width = 1 25/32 in Head Thickness = 7/8 in Overall Locking Type = Ball Material = Alloy Steel Finish = Chrome Pl

Wright Tool 1-3/8" 1/2" Drive Flare-nut Crowfoot Wrench 12-p. Each $40.7 Manufacturer: Wright Tool. Each. No. of Points = 12 Drive Size = 1/2 in Drive Type = Square Opening Size = 1 3/8 in Opening Type = Flare Head Width = 1 15/16 in Head Thickness = 15/16 in Overall Locking Type = Ball Material = Alloy Steel Finish = Chrome

S K Hand Tools 3/8" Drive Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 3/4". Each $23.28 Manufacturer: S K Hand Tools. Each. Features Benefits: Made in the U.S.A. - Made in the U.S.A., featuring quality workmanship and value. SuperKrome Finish - High polish SuperKrome plating results in a jewelry-like finish, providing long life and maximu

S K Hand Tools 3/8" Drive Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 1/2". Each $13.94 Manufacturer: S K Hand Tools. Each. Features Benefits: Made in the U.S.A. - Made in the U.S.A., featuring quality workmanship and value. SuperKrome Finish - High polish SuperKrome plating results in a jewelry-like finish, providing long life and maximu

S K Hand Tools 3/8" Drive Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 9/16". Each $14.72 Manufacturer: S K Hand Tools. Each. Features Benefits: Made in the U.S.A. - Made in the U.S.A., featuring quality workmanship and value. SuperKrome Finish - High polish SuperKrome plating results in a jewelry-like finish, providing long life and maximu

S K Hand Tools 3/8" Drive Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 17 mm. Each $20.79 Manufacturer: S K Hand Tools. Each. Features Benefits: Made in the U.S.A. - Made in the U.S.A., featuring quality workmanship and value. SuperKrome Finish - High polish SuperKrome plating results in a jewelry-like finish, providing long life and maximu

S K Hand Tools 3/8" Drive Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench 19 mm. Each $21.83 Manufacturer: S K Hand Tools. Each. Features Benefits: Made in the U.S.A. - Made in the U.S.A., featuring quality workmanship and value. SuperKrome Finish - High polish SuperKrome plating results in a jewelry-like finish, providing long life and maximu

S K Hand Tools 11 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Flare Nut Crowfoot Set. Each $145.24 Manufacturer: S K Hand Tools. Each. Features Benefits: Made in the U.S.A. Featuring quality workmanship and value. High polish SuperKrome(r) plating results in a jewelry-like finish, providing long life and maximum corrosion resistance. For Use on Soft

K Tool International 8 Piece 3/8" Drive SAE Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrench Set. Each $28.64 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Features Benefits: Used for air conditioning, fuel hydraulic line fitting Includes: 3/8 in., 7/16 in., 1/2 in., 9/16 in., 5/8 in., 11/16 in., 3/4 in. and 7/8 in. Heat treated Carded Packaged on a socket rail A

K Tool International 10 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench Set. Each $33.9 Manufacturer: K Tool International. Each. Features Benefits: Used for air conditioning, fuel and hydraulic line fittings Heat treated Carded with socket rail Includes sizes 10mm to 19mm Customers also search for: Discount 10 Piece 3/8" Drive Metric Fl

1081 - 1-3/16 inch 1/2 inch Dr. Crowfoot Wrench Flare Nut 12 Pt $240.51 [875-1081] UPC: 076799010810 1.14 LB

S K Hand Tools SKT4511 .38in. Drive Metric Flare Nut Crowfoot Wrench Set 11 Pieces $191.28 11 piece set is made in the U.S.A. featuring SK s high polish SuperKrome finish which protects the tools from the harsh working environments found in today s workplace while providing long life and maximum corrosion resistance. The SureGrip wrenching de

Astro Pneumatic 6 Piece Double Offset Flexible Flare Nut Wrench Set - Metric $87.95 ? Replace traditional flare nut wrench? Flexible ends? Bottom Flare Design? Folds up to 240 degrees? Use a flexible crowfoot wrench in hard-to-reach areas at up to 110 degrees? ANSI and DIN3118 standard- 6 points - 8 x 9mm , 10 x 11mm and 12 x 13mm- 12 points - 14 x 15mm, 16 x 17mm and 18 x19mm

Astro Pneumatic 6 Piece Double Offset Flexible Flare Nut Wrench Set - Fractional $100.95 ? Replace traditional flare nut wrench? Flexible ends? Bottom Flare Design? Folds up to 240 degrees? Use a flexible crowfoot wrench in hard-to-reach areas at up to 110 degrees? ANSI and DIN3118 standard- 6 points - 1/4'' x 5/16'', 3/8'' x 7/16'' and 1/2'' x 9/16''- 12 points - 5/8'' x 11/16'', 3/4'' x 13/16'' and 7/8'' x 15/16''

S.U.R. R. SRRBR150.520 Inverted Flare Nut $19.84 1/2 20 Inverted Flare Nut. Line Size: 3/16 . 4 Pack. Top quality Manufactured to the highest specifications.

5362Fl - Wr Crowfoot 1/2 Dr 1-15/16 Flare $71.82 [577-5362FL] Truck Delivery UPC: 662679182786

5364Fl - Wr Crowfoot 1/2 Dr 2 Flare $71.82 [577-5364FL] Truck Delivery UPC: 662679182793

5358Fl - Wr Crowfoot 1/2 Dr 1-13/16 Flare $53.53 [577-5358FL] Truck Delivery UPC: 662679182762

5350Fl - Wr Crowfoot 1/2 Dr 1-9/16 Flare $48.91 [577-5350FL] Truck Delivery UPC: 662679182724

5354Fl - Wr Crowfoot 1/2 Dr 1-11/16 Flare $51.64 [577-5354FL] Truck Delivery UPC: 662679182748

CA-3 Cap Nut 1/2 $17 FireMagic CA-3 Cap Nut 12 Flare