Anyone have T-handle speeders?

[NewShockerGuy]

I've got a gift card for Amazon and figure might as well buy something.

These caught my eye. T-handle speeders. I have normal SO speeders that but they are much larger. These actually seem like I'd use them on my motorcycle or other stuff.

I'm torn between two that look pretty much identical but not sure if one brand is better than the other?

Titan:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MVBC6S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Astro:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HZBWWKI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Anyone have anything like these or use them? Would you prefer one over the other.

Note that below is what I have in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2.

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

[cvairwerks]

I personally can't see any real usefulness of them in the type stuff that I do.

BTW, want to make a regular speed handle more useful? Drill a hole in a golf ball or baseball and drive if on the end of the handle. Less pain when you need to really apply lots of force to keep the bit or socket on the fastener.

 

[Westozfixer]

Ive got a 3/8 one, use it quite often on bikes, especially doing things up when I don't want to use a power tool, like into aluminium.

 

[four.cycle]

A thread came up on these some time back - can't recall where it is.
Old design that's been updated and is apparently popular with motorcycle mechanics.
Definitely not a new design (other than the sleeve around the shaft):

 

[mbshop]

Shoot, back in the day wrenching mx I made my own. Got to admit those sets look good though.

 

[Westozfixer]

Ive got the Beta T handles as well but rarely ever use them.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have a 1/4 drive VIM t-handle spinner that I slap a 1/4F X 3/8M instead of buying more than one. I use it mostly for transmission pans & starting upper intake plenum bolts. I find it handy. However, with cordless everything, it doesn't get used a lot.

 

[RBFD415]

Sears C-man has an amazingly similar looking "T" drive handle like the links you had above. Major difference is the "T" has an additional square drive- in effect giving you 2 drive tools. It's sold as a kit with adaptors and the typical 1/4" hex drive screwdriver bits in a holder. Forget the price. I saw it there 2 days ago- both 1/4 & 3/8" drive. Personally I'd wait till it goes on sale- but I already have a similar 1/4" drive "T" .

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[alfazer]

Really useful on my motorcycles but rarely use it on a car. They are great for fairings, brakes, engine cases. I bought a MotionPro 1/4" with the spinning sleeve handle after reading good reviews but mine doesn't fit the sockets too well. It's like the ball spring is too weak and the sockets fall off easily. Also, I don't find the spinning handle any big advantage, in fact I have less control over it.
If you work at bikes a lot, it's better to buy a set of individual sizes.

 

[dnschmidt]

Almost an absolute certainty they're made in the same factory so go with the cheaper of the two. Sunex also makes the same thing but omits the 1/2" drive so they sell their set cheaper. Don't see where the 1/2" drive of a tool like this would be used so that's the set I bought. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XIJ8FE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kythri]

I have the Astro set. They're very well made, very nice - though, I haven't had call to use them yet.

They're probably sourced from the same manufacturer as the Titan.

I'd recommend the Astro set, if only because Astro has reps that are active on the forum.

 

[knobby]

I personally can't see any real usefulness of them in the type stuff that I do.

BTW, want to make a regular speed handle more useful? Drill a hole in a golf ball or baseball and drive if on the end of the handle. Less pain when you need to really apply lots of force to keep the bit or socket on the fastener.

Another option would be vintage C-man speeders they have a large ball type handle on top.

For the OP if you want a nice set of T handle speeders those would work and the position adjustable spinner makes them slightly more desirable than the blue-point offering.

 

[Jbizzle]

I have the Craftsman T-handle as mentioned previously. I got the 1/4" on Amazon for $15. Just rebuilt a 2 stroke engine and it got plenty of use. Actually built pretty good considering the garbage the have been putting out.

 

[M6erfan]

I'll second the "I use on motorcycles but not on autos" sentiment. I have some T handles and they can be convenient with the MC assembly, otherwise I dont put them to use on other stuff. Though I think aviation guys use them frequently as well...

 

[Al Borland]

I've got a couple sets of t-handle allen wrenches.
Same idea, different tip (or not, with an adaptor on the 5/16 it fits drill/driver socket bits)
Mostly just use regular allens, or a regular speeder.

 

[Finky198]

I have the Craftsman set. I've used them quite a bit, with discount they can be had for 15-20 each... I like using them on my chain saws and general bench work.

 

[Fluxion]

Back in my MX days I really got used to the T handles. I had a set I bought from the local KTM dealer and I don't remember the brand. One handle in the set was a 1/4" drive so you could put a socket on the end and I used it a lot. My tool box was stolen back in 2011 so I have been replacing what I need as I need it. I don't work on bikes much anymore but for Christmas I got the Mach series T handle from Craftsman in both 3/8" and 1/4". They seem pretty nice so far, I don't see using them much on auto repairs but I have used them a bit tearing down and rebuildig some Kohler K series engines so far.

 

[1foxracing]

I have the Kowa's from Japan.

Available from Webike http://japan.webike.net/products/1347662.html

 

[M6erfan]

I have the Kowa's from Japan.

Available from Webike http://japan.webike.net/products/1347662.html

Those are nice. Also available here (cheaper & local to U.S.)...

https://www.procircuit.com/kowa-7-piece-t-handle-set.html

 

[RBFD415]

Just an FYI on those 7 piece "T" handle sets. I picked that exact set up around mid 2016 from an online bike shop along with some Moto parts. Can't quote you the price off the top of my head, but I'm pretty sure I didn't spend $80.00 on the whole order. Might pay to cruise around the web a bit for prices. The wrenches are decent, but basicly nothing special & unlabled. The storage bag was even identical to the pics.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[ptgarcia]

If you have a dirt bike T-handles are a staple. I prefer the Kowa style without the speed sleeve and own a set myself. My T-wrenches never even go in my box. I use them frequently and almost exclusively on my motorcycle and keep them hanging on the wall next to my bike.

Paul

 

[rharman]

I have both styles and they are the least used items in my toolbox over the last 40 years....

 

[kythri]

Dumb question: What about a bike makes T-Handles a desirable tool, yet they're undesirable for other work?

Why wouldn't a ratchet and extension work just as well on a bike?

 

[cvairwerks]

In all the years wrenching on airplanes, the only "T" handle I ever used, was the one for the F-16 JFS accumulator ground pump. When some doofus dumps the accumulators and there isn't a mule handy...about 700 pumps to get enough pressure to start the JFS....

 

[flyt100]

I got the Astro set for Christmas, and really like them. I like that they have the grip that spins on the shaft. It makes things easier. So far used them for spark plugs, valve cover bolts on the mower, starting lug nuts, etc. Anything where i need a bunch of turns and afraid of overtightening. I have electric and pneumatic tools, but these make quick work where i need a lot of turns and need some feel...

 

[M6erfan]

Dumb question: What about a bike makes T-Handles a desirable tool, yet they're undesirable for other work?

Why wouldn't a ratchet and extension work just as well on a bike?

They come in handy when you have lots of same size screws/bolts to turn, but don't want to risk over tightening. Example would be motorcycle case/cover screws. I can have 20-30 to do, and these are aluminum cases so I won't use a power driver for fear of stripping. I'd have carpal tunnel issues by now if I had to use a traditional ratchet, some of the screws are very long...

The post above reminded me that I did use a t-speeder on 10mm valve cover bolts on an S38 motor (aluminum head/cover, easily warped), so I guess there are automotive applications too. But personally, I use T-handles almost exclusively on bikes

 

[alfazer]

Dumb question: What about a bike makes T-Handles a desirable tool, yet they're undesirable for other work?

Why wouldn't a ratchet and extension work just as well on a bike?

It's not that a ratchet won't work on a bike, it's just that t handles are faster. You can't use T handles on a car because most places there's no room to get the t-handle in there. Except maybe undertrays when the car is on a lift.
On a bike, most fasteners are straight access from each side of the bike, especially motocross bikes.

 

[dnschmidt]

TOPTUL offers a huge variety of T-Handles and I've always wondered why as I never use them. I can see the motorcycle angle now that you mentioned it. The problem on a car is you never have that access.

 

[rharman]

I have both styles and they are the least used items in my toolbox over the last 40 years....

It's not that a ratchet won't work on a bike, it's just that t handles are faster. You can't use T handles on a car because most places there's no room to get the t-handle in there. Except maybe undertrays when the car is on a lift.
On a bike, most fasteners are straight access from each side of the bike, especially motocross bikes.

I raced motocross, flat-track, and desert for YEARS. Modded/Rebuilt my engines and those of all my friends. Yamaha, Suzuki, CZ, Husky, etc.

Still, t-handles were/are the least used tools I've owned.

To each his own, but they just take up space for me. But... I still have them for that rare occasion they may be needed.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Welp, I ended up ordering the craftsman 1/4" t handle on. I like that the collar can be adjusted up and down which is neat to me. Plus it's cheap on amazon right now for $14, which is cheaper than Sears is selling it for...lol

I want to pick up the 3/8" one on Sear's website because they have it listed for $20 for members, and when I click add, it shows $20. But when you go to your car it's listed for $25 which makes no sense at all. F'ing Sears..

-Nigel

 

[NewShockerGuy]

Received the 1/4" Craftsman T-handle today... much bigger than what I thought. I was imagining a smaller tool but oh well. Not necessarily a bad thing. The 3/8" is on the way. I was thinking I would need a 1/2" but probably not honestly.

I like that the collar slides up and down in three positions, plus if you want to completely remove it you can do that as well. Overall pretty pleased with the tool and the fact that you can stick a socket on the t-handle itself is a nice touch.

I recommend!

When the other comes I'll snap pictures of them next to something so people can see a size reference.

-Nigel

 

[rharman]

Being able to put a socket on top sounds like a good feature.

 

[Matt M PA]

For the last two Christmas seasons, I've looked at the Craftsman offering. (My elderly Mother still likes KMart, so I manage to see them on display)

As much as I like the idea...and it's a tool I don't have...I just have yet to bring myself to buy them as I just don't see how I'd use 'em. Maybe I just "need" them and then I'll find a use....