Do AN Wrenches work??

[SicMonte]

Before I invest in them I would like to know if those AN Wrenches really work? Do they not mark up the an fittings??

[sik68]

My an10 wrench does slightly mark up the fittings because it is slightly oversized for some reason. It does much better than regular wrenches though, and the relatively short handle is much more maneuverable.

[Yelcamino]

Yes they work unless you try to overtighten the fittings, then there's a chance they'll make marks.

[brans72]

Whata about what AN wrenches do you guys recomm for $? This might help alot of guys out, by knowing what to get right off. Brandon

[Yelcamino]

Whata about what AN wrenches do you guys recomm for $? This might help alot of guys out, by knowing what to get right off. Brandon

This is the set I bought from Summit (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-900101/).

So far they've worked good for me!

[Jim Nilsen]

It cost very little for the material to make them and if you have access to a mill it makes it easier but regular woodworking tools can achieve good enough results if not perfect results. A router will machine aluminum very easily.

[brans72]

Jim do you mind shring more info of using a router with aluminum? I hve always been curious as seen stuff posted etc about they made it but never seen details on what to use etc nd wanna know lot more!!!!! Brandon

[Rod]

we sell AN wrench's at the shop, but really when we assemble our own set ups or those for other people we just use good crescent wrenches and take your time

[parsonsj]

I use ordinary short wrenches. No marks if you work carefully. I've always wanted an AN set, but never could justify the cost.

[Vegas69]

I like my Jegs AN wrenches for tightening and loosening fittings. I use a crescent wrench during asssembly of the hose ends. I don't mind a little wear and tear on the fittings. It just means you actually use your car and work on it.

[HarleyR]

I bought a set of XRP wrenches... but rarely use them and I work with AN lines daily.... I have a set of Snap On mid length wrenches that I prefer... basically dont be an idiot and have a little common sense and you'll be fine.Also Knipex plyers work very well too... they have smooth jaws and clamp parallel on the fitting and leave no marks

[Jim Nilsen]

Jim do you mind shring more info of using a router with aluminum? I hve always been curious as seen stuff posted etc about they made it but never seen details on what to use etc nd wanna know lot more!!!!! Brandon

A 1/3 to 1/2 hp router and a good router table and a straight largest diameter carbide bit you can put in and be able to do the job and cover the sides of the material is all you need. Leave your pieces in a block and do your slots for tool and then cut out the wrench shape after you are done with the open wrench area. Go very slowly and you can even trim out the area with a band saw to reduce the amout you will remove. Just use the router to trim up and get the dimension you need. You might even drill and tap a hole and put a bolt in to hold on to the the part if you want.

Just be careful and use common sense and you will be all right, Always wear a face shield and some thing to cover you arms as the aluminum shaving can be hot sometimes.

Working with aluminum the same as a really HARD wood is comparable.make sure your tools are the sharpest and use WD 40 as lubricant if needed for the bit and don't go too slow or too fast, let the tool do the work.

You must use carbide tooling with aluminum !!!!

[fordsbyjay]

AN sizes seem to vary depending on brand. I have two different sets of AN wrenches and I use large crescent wrenches instead. They have a lot of surface area and don't scratch unless you really lean on it. You always try some tape on them but I never have. Personally the two sets of AN wrenched I have was a waste of money I would suggest not to waste your money.

[WildBillyT]

I've used Summit's wrenches without an issue. Cheapish and effective.