Rube Goldberg wants his tools back.With regards to lug nuts, the 1/2 flex head speeder performs both functions. Speed on the nut and then swivel to tighten as you would with a breaker bar. Same for removal.
i.e. Snap-on SN4B
This brings to mind a YT video from several years ago where a guy made a longer version by welding a breaker bar to a speed handle:
Speed Handles --- What They Good For?
- Thread starter In The Doghouse
- Start date
NHtoolguy
Well-known member
I use my Snap-on SN4B frequently when removing single wheels for repairs, and don't want to get the impact wrenches. I can loosen the lug nuts with the breaker bar feature, then straighten the tool to run the lug nuts off in speeder mode. I find it quick and handy. When installing the wheel, I can tighten the lug nuts in preparation for the final torquing with a torque wrench.
d42jeep
Well-known member
It is necessary to have correct speeders to complete vintage toolsets.
Plomb
Walden
Early Thorsen
Mini Thorsen
Wartime Williams plastic knob spinner
Duro
Firestone
-Don
Plomb
Walden
Early Thorsen
Mini Thorsen
Wartime Williams plastic knob spinner
Duro
Firestone
-Don
d42jeep
Well-known member
More.
Plonb flex speeder and conventional.
1/4” drive Plomb
Mossberg
Walden
Custom P&C
-Don
Plonb flex speeder and conventional.
1/4” drive PlombMossberg
Walden
Custom P&C
-Donfour.cycle
Well-known member
True.
That's why I sent my NOS Thorsen 62J to @Tom "Python" Aycock!
Anybody need an Armstrong 1/2" drive model?
I have another 62J Thorsen here too.
I think I might keep the Penncraft and sell it with the rest of the set, though.
kinglukas38
Active member
I've seen a&p guys talk about how they use these for stuck panel screws, my coworker used on exclusively for the task (stuck screws or not) and I wasn't convinced he was any faster. Do you see use for them anywhere else on the aircraft you work on? Does drive size matter much?
cvairwerks
Well-known member
We uses them on panels that are installed with screws as well as ones that use bolts. Lots of different locations on the aircraft where reach is difficult or access is very limited. One particular area that I use one a lot is installing or removing saddle clamps or Adel clamps where I also have to hold piping, harnesses or duct work in position while getting the clamp hardware started. Lots easier on the wrist when loosening or tightening a run of multiple clamps, over using a ratchet or ratcheting screwdriver with tips.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I’ve used my 36” Snap-on speeder to drive undermount spare tire carrier hoist that have a 3/8 square female.
kinglukas38
Active member
I'm no stranger to tight spaces on our planes, I have a hard time visualizing how a speed handle gets around that constraint. I'll take a closer look at common adel clamp locations next rotation, generally I find them a pain regardless of tool I have in my hand. Maybe I'll just have to try one out for myself to see the benefit
cvairwerks
Well-known member
King: Early version of one area of my work home. Orange is Flight Test stuff. Access space in some areas is a bit limited.... 
kinglukas38
Active member
Got me beat for intricacy for sure, looks a lot cleaner than the metroliners I'm used to working on. Plenty of clamps to keep everything in place, are they mostly going into nut plates?
cvairwerks
Well-known member
Depends...nutplates, studs, nuts....varies by installation location and routing requirements. That photo is from prior to first engine run, which is why it's so clean. Not anywhere near that look after a few hundred hours. Worked on some Falcon 20's, way years back, where the grease and grime would practically jump off the structure to get on you as you got into various bays. Hard working bird get dirty and stay that way, as it's virtually impossible to keep everything clean and shiny.
Skyman
Well-known member
This thread nudged me to dig out the 3/8 speeder that I'd pretty much forgotten I had. Snap-On FV4A. Its handle was badly gummed up with dessicated grease. It's moving pretty well now after some cleaning and a drop or two of oil. Reviving it has me wondering about its internal construction. I'm guessing it has some sleeve bushings, but ??? Does anyone know? The handle appears to be captive, which I presume indicates that it was swaged onto the shaft.
I don't recall ever using it, but will play around with it a bit now. Can't even remember how or when I acquired it.
I don't recall ever using it, but will play around with it a bit now. Can't even remember how or when I acquired it.
yhprum
Well-known member
On the aircraft screw removal a ratchet adapter works well in tight areas. Also the larger the knob on the end the better, when you’re pushing hard to keep the bit from slipping out. I had one with a cylindrical handle that seemed like it was hearing a hole through my palm sometimes lol
rsparks64
Well-known member
I can’t remember the last time I saw one in person. I see one occasionally in a really old movie.
Great question, I also have a Snap On with some roughness in the handle. So far brakekleen and oil have not helped.
OP
In The Doghouse
Well-known member
Schurkey
Well-known member
I got rid of all of my name-brand speed-handles. I might still have some craptastic off-brand junk...somewhere.
The single actual use I might have for them is to "prime" oil systems on freshly-rebuilt engines. A speed handle and a 5/16 socket would be dandy for Olds V8 and--maybe--Ford V8 with the hex oil pump driveshafts. Speed-handle and a shielded straight-blade could work for Chevy, or Pontiac. Buick and Caddy could be done if you have all day and arms like Schwarzenegger, 'cause it'll take a million revolutions to draw oil to the non-submerged oil pump. Better to use a 1/2" air drill on those.
The single actual use I might have for them is to "prime" oil systems on freshly-rebuilt engines. A speed handle and a 5/16 socket would be dandy for Olds V8 and--maybe--Ford V8 with the hex oil pump driveshafts. Speed-handle and a shielded straight-blade could work for Chevy, or Pontiac. Buick and Caddy could be done if you have all day and arms like Schwarzenegger, 'cause it'll take a million revolutions to draw oil to the non-submerged oil pump. Better to use a 1/2" air drill on those.
I just use my regular old cordless drill….
Schurkey
Well-known member
1. Probably spins way too fast. A gear-reduction 1/2" version might be OK.
2. I've heard of more than one guy that burnt-up his cordless 3/8 drill "priming" an oil system, in part 'cause they don't know to quit as soon as you see pressure on the gauge.
The speed is variable…and I’ve yet to burn one up.
I have a couple of snap-on 1/4 speed handles and use them a lot. Nice for starting small screws where you have to use your other hand for holding parts in alignment and be certain the screw starts properly. WIth a ratchet, T-handle, or spinner handle it's hard to get more than about a half turn before you need to reposition your grip. A little practice with a speed handle and you can just keep turning one-handed.
I also have a 3/8 drive that I almost never use.
I also have a 3/8 drive that I almost never use.
98ssuck
Well-known member
I’ve got at least 4 of them. All were free. Which should tell you something about they’re perceived usefulness today.
My two 3/8. A Koken and a proto. It’s amazing how similar the two tools are. Yet how much more usable the proto is. The specs on paper and the real world ergonomics are two very different things.
The Koken was supplied as oem equipment with Toshiba breakers to rack them
My two 3/8. A Koken and a proto. It’s amazing how similar the two tools are. Yet how much more usable the proto is. The specs on paper and the real world ergonomics are two very different things.
The Koken was supplied as oem equipment with Toshiba breakers to rack them
four.cycle
Well-known member
Got rid of the Armstrong 1/2" speeder this afternoon! AND the Craftsman 1/2" speeder! WooHOO!
Guy called and wanted to buy my Craftsman "grab bag". I told him he'd be getting a few extras, and he was like "WOW! Great!"
(He also got a box of rusty impact sockets, seven pairs of rusty pliers, and a mess of other stuff I didn't want to deal with.)
When all else fails, resort to subterfuge!
Two down, one to go!
Guy called and wanted to buy my Craftsman "grab bag". I told him he'd be getting a few extras, and he was like "WOW! Great!"
(He also got a box of rusty impact sockets, seven pairs of rusty pliers, and a mess of other stuff I didn't want to deal with.)
When all else fails, resort to subterfuge!
Two down, one to go!
Got rid of the Armstrong 1/2" speeder this afternoon! AND the Craftsman 1/2" speeder! WooHOO!
Guy called and wanted to buy my Craftsman "grab bag". I told him he'd be getting a few extras, and he was like "WOW! Great!"
(He also got a box of rusty impact sockets, seven pairs of rusty pliers, and a mess of other stuff I didn't want to deal with.)
When all else fails, resort to subterfuge!
Two down, one to go!
Now that was cool
of you to do! GaryM909
Well-known member
I used my ½“ last October when I put my wife’s snow tires on her suv.
Yesterday I had to use it again to put the summers back on because my wife
drove off with my truck. I had left the impact in the box.
Yesterday I had to use it again to put the summers back on because my wife
drove off with my truck. I had left the impact in the box.
INSP380
Well-known member
I use ‘em to install the shank mag lug nuts on my vintage Americans. Then hand torque… been doing it this way for decades.
Steve
Steve
engineer2
Well-known member
I use mine for changing batteries. Everything holding a Honda battery can use a speed handle with a 10mm deep well. A battery swap can be done in a couple of minutes.
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I just spin mine on with my fingers then torque them….I use ‘em to install the shank mag lug nuts on my vintage Americans. Then hand torque… been doing it this way for decades.
Steve
They are good for nostalgia of bygone eras. It is very hard to sell used ones on ebay etc. Everyone had them. Now with battery impact etc they are almost useless. Maybe something you need to turn with more feel. But there is probably nothing it will do faster or better than impact now. I do not think they would make sense for taps relative to T handles. Battery impact has surprisingly good touch for just snugging things up if you do not go wild with it and it is faster and more compact and you can drive it needed torque with the same tool.
I save mine since it reminds me of changing tires etc with my father and grandfather when I was a kid. But they never get used and would not be worth the trouble to try and sell. I see from this thread some people like collecting them though.
I save mine since it reminds me of changing tires etc with my father and grandfather when I was a kid. But they never get used and would not be worth the trouble to try and sell. I see from this thread some people like collecting them though.
freudianfloyd
Well-known member
I have 4 or 5 of them and have never once used any of them. I usually pick them up for a dollar or so at yard sales.
Some people won't believe me though, but I will never forget going over to my dad's buddy's garage when he was rebuilding a 429 Ford out of my dad's dump truck and watching him break head bolts loose with a speed handle. I don't know how he was able to generate enough torque on that thing to do it, and if I wasn't there, I wouldn't have believed it.
Some people won't believe me though, but I will never forget going over to my dad's buddy's garage when he was rebuilding a 429 Ford out of my dad's dump truck and watching him break head bolts loose with a speed handle. I don't know how he was able to generate enough torque on that thing to do it, and if I wasn't there, I wouldn't have believed it.
Hand drills have more applications than speed handles. The brace and bid can help you easily cut mortises with very little set up. If you know the pitch of the lead screw, all you have to do is count the revolutions until you hit your depth. Very simple and if you’re cutting just one or two mortises faster than setting up a router.
Kap'n Kluge
Member
Sure, go ahead and scoff at them now. Just wait until we run out of electricity and air.
RTM
Well-known member
People ask me why I have 5' and 6' tree felling saws. Gonna be a mother of a storm/ earthquake/ energy crisis where those will be good to have going forward.