1/4 breaker bar

[plinker]

I've seen a few threads on these now and again debating about the need for them, from not needed at all, to filling a space, to actually being used.

I actually use the one I have (old unmarked S-K) as a 90* offset wrench when space is tight, kinda like a offset box wrench. I use all my breaker bars for this type of thing as well, I also prefer them over a combo wrench to "back up" a ratchet/impact.

So if you have one, do you use it? If so how?

 

[beerdog]

I rarely use mine but I can't resist buying them for a few bucks at the flea market of estate sales. I mean, how many times do you come accros a small bolt that is so tite you need a breaker bar. I guess you limit the risk of breaking a 1/4 ratchet if you use them.

 

[lilredex]

My long time companion....that bar goes through the handle to make a "T" wrench. Have used it ocasionally.

 

[theamcaddict]

I would get it.

 

[toolmutt]

I've never used one. I filled it's position in the blowmolded case with a locking extension.

 

[rlitman]

I have that exact SK 1/4" breaker bar. Got it at the flea market for $1, because it was so darned cute. Had to have it, but I've never used it.
My SnapOn breaker bar came with the set. Never used it either.

My 3/8" breaker bar really only gets used when nothing else will fit. If I can't break it with a 3/8" ratchet, I'll just step up to 1/2".

My 1/2" breaker bar doesn't get used much either. The impact wrench does all the work with so much less effort.

In all three sizes, I use my slide T handle bar frequently with an extension. They spin nicely in the hand. I really like my speeder handles if I have the room, and I just want something hand tight. Breaker bars, not so much, but that's probably just me.

 

[shoturtle]

Not worth the space in the tool box imho. Some like it as a filler though. Never ever needed a 1/4 breaker bar working on my motorcycles. with 10mm and smaller fastener.

 

[kippieland]

No Point to have one for me. I just use a longer 1/4 ratchet for hard things.

 

[transittech]

I have one, but have never used it, (bought it cheap), so personally I don't understand the need for one, especially with long handle ratchets.

A t-handle is different in my book, they're great for tapping.

 

[KinzeMech]

handy for backing up an impact when a wrench won't reach.

makes me cringe when I see guys backing up an impact with a ratchet...Also makes me not lend them my ratchets...

Useless for instances when you need more torque than a ratchet...I don't think there's much difference in the break points of a ratchet or a breaker bar in 1/4"

 

[shoturtle]

anything smaller the 10mm, even impact is not the hard to break with a box head, or a standard ratchet. Only abover 10mm, impact stuff gets tough, but I would use a 3/8 or 1/2 breaker with a step down.

 

[pfbz]

Have an SO 1/4" breaker, but I rarely use it.

Most of my work is on motorcycles. Lots of M6, M8 bolts and other smaller fasteners with torque specs just beyond hand tight. By far my go-to drive combination is this:

• Snap-On T72 ratchet.
• Snap-On SGT4 handle/extension.
• Snap-On 1/4" drive 6pt deep socket.

I use the handle/extension without the ratchet for fast install and remove, and pop on the ratchet to break a bolt loose or put a final torque on a bolt.

If I didn't have this combo, I might use the breaker bar more as it can be flipped up to quickly spin a socket, and down to put torque on the fastener. Not as convenient as the handled extension, but better than spinning the socket with your fingers.

My go-to 1/4" combo, along side my rarely used Snap-On 1/4" breaker bar.

Unfortunately, I think SO has stopped making this version of the SGT4 and the latest versions may not have the 1/4" female on the top of the driver?

 

[plinker]

I use the spinner handle & ratchet combination quite a bit as well. I never really liked them at first but then bought a Craftsman version with the drive square in the end.
I use it most of the time now.

 

[maddawg308]

I don't have a use for things that small. My 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets and breaker bars get all the use. In fact, sometimes I wish I had bigger tools. The little stuff stays in the box. Everything small enough to need a 1/4 inch ratchet or breaker bar, for me, I end up using a nutdriver for.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I have one and i have used it only because I have one and i wanted to find a use for it.

 

[ajchien]

For small fasteners, I break the bolt loose with it, flip the handle straight and then spin it off like a nut driver.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

I bought one at a swap-meet a long time ago and really never used it. It was more a novelty then anything else.....

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

For 1/4 drive, I would not go any bigger than Snap-on TF72.

 

[harrycaul]

Bought a Craftsman to use on some seat bolts- used once.

 

[mercman86]

My dad's craftsman set that he bought in 1980 came with one. I havent seen any sets lately that still include them. Still shines like brand new. Ive only used it a couple times when I couldn't find the 1/4" ratchet!

 

[Jim85IROC]

Some have mentioned that they use their 1/4" breaker in a method similar to a roto ratchet. Once you break it free, you use it like a nut driver to spin the fastener off. I like the idea, since that's what I use my flex head ratchet for.

 

[bart1]

I have a new Wright contour grip. Cute lil thing, don't know if I've used it. I bought it because I thought I might need the angle feature and can turn it straight like a screwdriver. Also of note, and surprising to me, my 1/4" ratchets are thinner at te head.

 

[richfinn]

I would rather slip a cheater pipe over a cheap disposable breaker bar than a nice 1/4 drive ratchet any day.

I use 1/4 drive stuff more than 3/8 nowadays, Euro cars are getting very cramped for space.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I think I have used mine maybe three times?
But I can't pass one up if it's cheap!

 

[theoldwizard1]

First, I use my 1/4" sockets a fair amount because I do not have any nut drivers (they take up too much space in my toolbox). 1/4" sockets are perfect for working on home appliances and small engine. Most of the time I use them with a spinner/screwdriver handle like this

except mine is the old clear and blue and has a 1/4" female socket in the handle (like the Snap On one in the other picture)[/I

I do NOT have a 1/4" ratchet, so when I can not get enough torque out of the handle, O break out the breaker bar.

I am putting together an extra 1/4" set from spares/leftovers. I was very happy I had a breaker bar to add in to that set.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I marked "limited use" but now I'm wondering if I have one.


If I don't have one, it's going on the list.

 

[Jason280]

I have a couple of the Craftsman versions, and I don't think I've used them more than a couple of times.

 

[rlitman]

First, I use my 1/4" sockets a fair amount because I do not have any nut drivers (they take up too much space in my toolbox).

If you're driving hex head screws and bolts, 1/4" sockets on a handle are just fine.

Nut drivers shine, when driving nuts. The act like a super deep socket, with their hollow handle, so you can run a nut down a threaded stud, long after a socket wouldn't be able to reach the nut any more.

 

[wafrederick]

I use mine for breaking loose bleeder screws where a 3/8" breaker won't fit.

 

[RedFordTruck]

I Have a Craftsman USA made 1/4'' drive breaker bar. Only got it cause it was $6.99 and seemed neat.

Like others have said I really only use it to take the torque off a nut then I flip it straight and use it like a nutdriver.

Kinda nifty and for $7 it has its uses.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I use mine for breaking loose bleeder screws where a 3/8" breaker won't fit.

I did that, then after I broke it loose I switched to a box end.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

does anybody have a model number for the SK 1/4 breaker bar. I searched and couldnt find anything.

 

[egnorant]

For small fasteners, I break the bolt loose with it, flip the handle straight and then spin it off like a nut driver.

Beat me to it! Use it all the time!

Bruce

 

[firebox40dash5]

does anybody have a model number for the SK 1/4 breaker bar. I searched and couldnt find anything.

40952

8" ratchet for me, I've got a 1/4" bar, but I don't think I've used it. Usually break stuff loose with the 8", switch to the flex head if I want to speeder-bar it out... just my preference though. I might switch if I could find an 8-10" 1/4" breaker bar.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

Thank You

 

[Toolhorder]

For 1/4 drive, I would not go any bigger than Snap-on TF72.

I would. Matco makes an 88 tooth 8 inch 1/4" ratchet that is the bees knees

 

[ken w.]

I use my 1/4" drive stuff more now than anything else.I have a few 1/4" breakers bars,but tend not to use them.If the ratchet won't break it free,I will use the 3/8" drive if it will fit. I keep the 1/4" breaker bar in the tool box I keep in the car.

 

[Exceller8]

I use mine once in a blue moon, so I voted for limited use.

 

[Paco Pena]

I love mine. I use it to break the bolt loose then straighten it and use as a nut driver.

Paco

 

[Gareth68]

I've never had one, but I used to have one of the early craftsman 3/8 breaker bars with the hole in the handle like the 1/4 one shown in this thread.

I used to use it all the time. Of course, my choices back then were the good breaker bar, or ****** craftsman ratchet.

I would break the nut free, straighten the bar and slip a phillips screwdriver through the hole to use as a t handle.