An obstruction wrench, also commonly referred to as a crow's foot wrench or a flare nut wrench, is a specialized hand tool designed to loosen or tighten fasteners that are located in inaccessible or hard-to-reach areas. It is primarily used when conventional wrenches or sockets cannot be used due to obstructions such as pipes, fittings, or other elements in the surrounding space.
Typically, an obstruction wrench consists of a short handle with a fixed opening or socket at one end, and a head designed to accommodate a specific fastener shape or size at the other end. The head of the wrench is usually configured at an angle or bent to allow for better maneuverability and access to confined spaces.
The fixed opening on the obstruction wrench may come in various shapes, such as hexagonal, square, or flare nut configurations. This versatility allows the tool to fit a range of different nuts, bolts, or connectors.
When applying the obstruction wrench, the user places the head of the tool onto the fastener, and then uses the handle to rotate it. The leverage provided by the handle enables the user to loosen or tighten the fastener with controlled force, even when access is compromised.
Obstruction wrenches are commonly used in automotive, plumbing, and mechanical applications, where limited space and awkward angles are frequently encountered. Their specialized design enables technicians or mechanics to work more efficiently and effectively by reaching fasteners that would otherwise be inaccessible, facilitating the assembly, disassembly, repair, or maintenance tasks.
