Crows Foot Wrench Sources

missing_the_cheese · Mar 20, 2014

Guys,
I'm installing a parallax tactical keymod rail on my AR and I'm running into an issue with the barrel nut. Their proprietary design is a sleeve nut with 1-1/8" x 1/2" flats so to torque it I would need a crows foot socket to go on my wrench. Problem is that I'm trying to find a socket that big and I've nearly exhausted all sources (HD, Lowes, Sears, Auto stores, etc). I've seen the part on the snap-on site however I'd rather not drop $50+ bucks on a one time use tool. Do any of you have an idea on where I should continue the search?

Here's a link to the rail itself:
http://parallaxtactical.com/products/pxt-ffssr-keymod-free-float-rail-13-for-ar-15

wbw2123 · Mar 20, 2014

missing_the_cheese said:
Guys,
I'm installing a parallax tactical keymod rail on my AR and I'm running into an issue with the barrel nut. Their proprietary design is a sleeve nut with 1-1/8" x 1/2" flats so to torque it I would need a crows foot socket to go on my wrench. Problem is that I'm trying to find a socket that big and I've nearly exhausted all sources (HD, Lowes, Sears, Auto stores, etc). I've seen the part on the snap-on site however I'd rather not drop $50+ bucks on a one time use tool. Do any of you have an idea on where I should continue the search?

Here's a link to the rail itself:
http://parallaxtactical.com/products/pxt-ffssr-keymod-free-float-rail-13-for-ar-15

The torque rating, for the barrel nut iirc is 30-60ft-lb. That is not a lot of torque. If you have a die grinder, I would say just make one from a piece of low carbon plate, but that depends on your tools and abilities.

SRD · Mar 20, 2014

Would a box end work?If so I'll lend you one.

Matlack · Mar 20, 2014

Try McMaster carr or harbor freight.

Don H · Mar 20, 2014

Something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-TOOLS-1-1-8-Chrome-Open-End-Wrench-Crowsfoot-Socket-1-2-SCO36-vintage-/201053954216?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item2ecfbfe0a8&vxp=mtr

My favorite online hardware store has them.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#crowfoot-wrenches/=r6gxyc

madchestermonkey · Mar 20, 2014

If its only a one time thing then buy a cheap stubby 1 1/8 combination and get a bolt and a few nuts, Lock the nut and bolt together and then put a socket on the combination end. the length of the wrench will add to your torque so stay on the low end of the settings.

missing_the_cheese · Mar 20, 2014

Srd thanks for the offer but I'm going to need an open end. I think I will check flea bay, I might make a few calls to a local pawn shops too

csbwill · Mar 20, 2014

ebay link from donh will be your best bet, it doesn't need to be a crows foot like a line wrench, witch would be better but may not exists .

dbledoc · Mar 20, 2014

I installed the same rail. The first crows foot I got on Amazon was too thick to fit the flats. So you need to check that dimension too. It was too hard to grind down. Ended up just using a box wrench.

Wiley · Mar 20, 2014

My biggest crows foot is 1" - Can you use a regular socket (standard or deep) or open end wrench? Be glad to loan to you if convenient.

IndispensableDestiny · Mar 20, 2014

Why not call the vendor and ask if they have a wrench for that nut? Failing that, doesn't everybody have a collection of one time use expensive tools?

RT468 · Mar 20, 2014

I opened up a 27mm open ended wrench a hair,thinking needed 1 1/16 and then narrowed it to fit in the slot. $10 Lowes wrench must have had too much leverage or 30-60 lbs isn't all that much torque.T.R.I.M nut cracked in three spots that I can see.Bought a set of the crowsfoot wrenches after that but wouldn't you know it they are too wide.Hate to modify one of these to make it work,although I don't think Wilson Combat will send out another free replacement if I eff this one up.Tough call to make.Modify the tool and void the warranty or break it down to the cost factor.Probably cheaper to buy an unmodded crowsfoot than to have to buy another barrel nut.That's my related dilemma.

akkiller · Mar 20, 2014

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/wrenches-and-sets/crowfoot/metric/
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=674856&store=snapon-store
this is my two Sources for tools

TyFromMD · Mar 20, 2014

How about a crescent wrench and no torque wrench?

Overboost44 · Mar 20, 2014

Where are you located?
If that doesn't work, go buy one and return it. Also Harbor Freight should be able to help you... cheap.

sxs · Mar 21, 2014

It's been a pretty good while since I bought them, but I got a set of crows foot wrenches from Harbor Freight for something like $14. They're cheap, but they work.

Blazin · Mar 21, 2014

Been there, done that, with my Parallax Tactical handguard. Ended up having a machinist mod one to fit, then afterwards I found these guys;
http://www.mcmaster.com/#drive-sockets/=r6xwua

jessebogan · Mar 21, 2014

Where are you located? I am in Rockville and could loan you one, as long as loan don't mean forever...

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