Basin Wrenches

I was replacing a faucet and wishing that I had a "basin wrench" to try. If they work on faucets (especially in removing old corroded nuts) then it looks like this would be a good automotive tool for certain situations. Do mechanics have a similar tool? Or don't such wrenches work well?

we use 'monkey wrenches' too, usually only on things that arent going to be reused.

i use one plumbing tool on cars all the time, its this funny thing that looks like a cross, its used to remove the integrated strainer from kitchen sinks. the 2 prongs on the back are PERFECT for getting exhaust hangers off.

Can you give a link to a page that has a picture of that tool? I don't think I've seen one.

In fact, perhaps I should give this link to a "basin wrench":

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=prod...19558-943-03811

It isn't a pipe wrench. The head pivots on the shaft and the above picture doesn't show it pivoted like it would be when you use it on a sink. It would be pivoted so it was at a 90 deg angle to the shaft. That way you can stick the end up under the faucet and use the handle to tighten the connections between the supply lines and the faucet valve.

You can use vice grips. That is what I use as a last resort when the nut or bolt starts to strip. It can give a good grip.

Actually, I can see where a basin wrench could come in handy, for grasping a nut in an inaccessible area, perhaps. However, I'm with everyone else, for most applications which require a grippy but adjustable grasp on something, a pair of Channel locks or vice-grips would be the tool of choice.

Most places on a car have limited space and a basin wrench might not fit.