Best T-Handle Allen Set Needed

[PartsGuy27]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for a high quality metric set of t-handle allen wrenches.

I do a lot of work on motorcycles and they primarily use allen screws.

I have a crappy Harbor Freight set right now and I cannot believe I haven't stripped out a screw or snapped the tool yet.

Anyway, what would you guys recommend?

Thank you.

 

[racinfarmer]

Bondhus

/thread

 

[M6erfan]

Best?

Yeah, there are lots of good ones. Bondhus, Wiha, PB Swiss, Wera...

You might want to try some motorcycle specific 'spinner' type T handles like Ko-ken from Frankstools or USAG/Facom from UltimateGarage.

 

[PartsGuy27]

Bondhus

/thread

I was looking at them but they were like $26 for the set so I assumed you get what you pay for.

 

[PartsGuy27]

Best?

Yeah, there are lots of good ones. Bondhus, Wiha, PB Swiss, Wera...

You might want to try some motorcycle specific 'spinner' type T handles like KTC from Frankstools or USAG/Facom from UltimateGarage.

I have been working on motorcycles for about 10 years, I've never heard of these.

I will check them out

 

[M6erfan]

I have been working on motorcycles for about 10 years, I've never heard of these.

I will check them out

MotionPro makes a set too but I'm not a fan. They're ball end and I prefer straight hex, and the quality is 'meh'.

 

[M6erfan]

Oops, I said KTC above, I meant Ko-ken.

 

[PartsGuy27]

MotionPro makes a set too but I'm not a fan. They're ball end and I prefer straight hex, and the quality is 'meh'.

I've seen those and I have the same feelings on them.

 

[M6erfan]

I've seen those and I have the same feelings on them.

You won't regret pretty much anything Ko-ken, super quality. I have Facom hex drivers and they are very good as well.

 

[bpankratz]

Bondhus

/thread

True. I love mine.

 

[Spacey_G]

I was looking at them but they were like $26 for the set so I assumed you get what you pay for.

Most of the stuff made by Bondhus is a really good value and the t-handles are no exception. Good hex stock welded to a metal handle and dipped in vinyl. The handles are strong and also heavy, which improves the spinning action when you're running a fastener down.

Note that they have sets with 6" length, 9" length, and graduated from 4"-9". Straight and ball-end. I find the smallest sizes in the graduated set a little too short.

 

[PartsGuy27]

I think I am going to purchase this set.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00012Y38C/ref=psdcmw_553414_t1_B00012Y38M

Thanks guys!

 

[bpankratz]

I think I am going to purchase this set.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00012Y38C/ref=psdcmw_553414_t1_B00012Y38M

Thanks guys!

You wont be disappointed, I have that set, the metric set, and the torx set. The only thing I don't like about the torx set is they are all the same length.

 

[WhiteElder]

I've got a set of the power built standard and metric sliding T handles.

I've been using them in industrial electrical work for about six months they have been working well.

I definitely like the sliding T better than fixed. But we do have several sets of the Bondus in the shop. Both ball end and straight(preferred)

Usga, pb Swiss, facom, and beta are probably superior to the power built. But the cost is substantial higher.

Sent from my Android

 

[1foxracing]

If you work on Japanese bikes get the Kowa (Made in Japan) set, they come in the 4 only sizes you will need in T-Handles 4,5,6, & 8mm. Anything larger and I would be using socket type hex drivers.
Kowa is the same company that makes the best socket type T-handles.

You can order the from Webike in Japan.
https://japan.webike.net/products/1388745.html

 

[BigBoreFan]

You can get a set of VIM stubbies and Motion Pro 1/4 drive T-Handle. There are lots of options for hex.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQEUJK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BigBoreFan]

If you work on Japanese bikes get the Kowa (Made in Japan) set, they come in the 4 only sizes you will need in T-Handles 4,5,6, & 8mm. Anything larger and I would be using socket type hex drivers.
Kowa is the same company that makes the best socket type T-handles.


You can order the from Webike in Japan.
https://japan.webike.net/products/1388745.html

I always read your post in your voice...lol. Love your videos Mark. You may have a tool problem.

 

[1foxracing]

^ Look for a new video Friday, just received a new Vessel socket set I'll be doing a video on.

 

[IMStuner]

Another vote for bondhus


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Wamsutta]

I like the Eklind t-handle allens.

I do to. The handle springs into a temporary twist when the fastener gets tight. I consider it to be excellent sensory feedback.

 

[pstemari]

Yes, same is true for the Bondhus. I really love my Bondhus t-handles.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[Professional Tool User]

The easiest to find quality one would be Bondhus. There's a lot of European ones if you want something fancier. If you already have some decent hex sockets, you can improvise and buy one of those t handles with a drive end and just use that.

 

[bwringer]

Those Bondhus are nice and a real bargain. I have some too.

I mostly work on metric motorcycles too, and the real answer is that you will need "all the above", and will use pretty much every type on a regular basis.

I have all the below, and all end up being used regularly depending on the situation.

T-handle straight and ball end
Long socket straight and ball end
L-keys in straight and ball end
Stubby L-keys
Regular length sockets in straight and ball end
Stubby sockets
Long and short 1/4" and 5/16" drive bits
Straight and ball end drivers
Long ball end drivers with fastener retention
Picquick straight end multi-bit drivers
Impact sockets 6mm to 24mm
Probably a few other styles I've forgotten...

 

[JohnM45]

I have a set of these in Hex....I love them for working on the motorcycles. I plan to buy the matching set in Torx. Certainly a bit more than the other brands, but not what I'd consider crazy. I like the length and the grips. The rubber grip extends to the "stem" of the T quite nicely and you can grip that with your thumb and index finger and really spin the screws out once they're getting loose. The rubber snap-on uses for their soft grip stuff is nice ... when your hands are oily, they grip very well. The length is really good for reaching tough spots and its narrower than using a ratchet with extension, which is nice on a bike....many times you're reaching past painted trim or exposed / finished engine and frame surfaces, which I am fussy and like to keep things looking nice.

https://store.snapon.com/TORX-174-S...aped-Combination-TORX-Wrench-Set-P644327.aspx

 

[JohnM45]

Even if they are manufactured by Eklind, they are a different design with a torx or hex on the short leg.

I'm not sure if they are or not. The steel is from Spain, though. They're not US made.


The snap-on soft grip T-wrenches don't have a combination Hex and Torx, if that's what you meant. Oh wait....yeah, in comparison to other T-wrenches, the Snappies do in fact have two driver ends. They are essentially a glorified allen key.

I like them for that reason, too. You can turn to the short end on the screw and use the longer end for leverage...for a 100 bucks for the set, they're quite versatile, IMO. Not cheap....but I've sure blown 100 bucks on less things...

 

[Jure]

PB Swiss...

 

[bwringer]

Oh ****, I forgot about Torx stuff.

Yep, you need that too if European motorcycles ever stop in.

And you need all of it. One of everything...

 

[PartsGuy27]

Oh ****, I forgot about Torx stuff.

Yep, you need that too if European motorcycles ever stop in.

And you need all of it. One of everything...

Yeah my Ducati loves torx bolts

 

[JohnM45]

Yeah my Ducati loves torx bolts

I had a 2006 999S that I sold last summer...it was mostly hex. Are the newer Duc's torx now? My BMW's are probably 99.9% torx...which, I've grown to love, actually. Many people seem to swear at them; I think I'm in the "swear by them" camp.

 

[bonneyman]

I like the Eklind t-handle allens.

Also like the old VACO's with the molded-on plastic handle. I don't know if they still make them and if the quality is the same.
For really vintage drivers Allen made metal-winged T-handles, with the hex shaft held in by a set screw. made it really nice to change out a worn or bent allen.

 

[eschoendorff]

I do to. The handle springs into a temporary twist when the fastener gets tight. I consider it to be excellent sensory feedback.

Same here. I love the feed back when I use them on guitars. The Floyd rose locking term does not like to be over tightened!

 

[ptgarcia]

These:

Plus this:

 

[rick carpenter]

I think I am going to purchase this set.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00012Y38C/ref=psdcmw_553414_t1_B00012Y38M

Thanks guys!

You wont be disappointed, I have that set, the metric set, and the torx set. The only thing I don't like about the torx set is they are all the same length.

+1. You'll like them. We used Bondhus in the print shop I retired from. We had their screwdriver handle ball-end metric hex drivers, t-handle metric hex drivers, and torx drivers. The t-handles were wire loops and dipped wire loops. The screwdrivers had red-clear acetate handles. They all performed well in that environment. I used the t-handles in the bindery and when I moved to pre-press I used the ball ends sometimes elbow-deep in plate processor chemicals. The pressmen used the t-handles.

Based on that 30+ year history, I bought some Bondhus for myself: a few SAE t-handles like you have, a set of torx drivers, and a set each of SAE and metric nutdrivers. The nutdriver shafts are hollow, but not through and through hollow. I'm happy with them so far and fully expect to stay that way.

As far as customer service goes, I submitted a question and Bondhus' VP of Domestic Sales answered.

 

[Firebrick43]

The steel that bondhus uses is superb! I have tried all the high end brands and keep coming back to bondhus. On large CNC equipment 95% of our bolts are Allen and high torque. Bondhus will bend and flex and come back to shape every time.

The standard Allen packs many loose the smaller sizes so I collect the larger 1/4 and 3/8 sizes and cut the L off withe the cut off saw. Then using carbide inserts on the lathe turn the tips down and convert them into starter pin punches. Save my standard pin punches from being bent driving out stuck/rusted dowels.

 

[maxnine11]

Has anyone here tried the Klein T-handles??

 

[CallumRD1]

I've long used Bondhus T handle wrenches and think they're a phenomenal value for money, with exceptional quality. My only complaint is that they don't have a right angle bit on the side of the handle for getting additional torque.

Has anyone here tried the Klein T-handles??

[Snip]

I just ordered a set of these wrenches in metric and SAE wrenches with straight tips. I hope they end up working well.

 

[TS3g]

Has anyone here tried the Klein T-handles?

I have two sets of them (one in the shop, one in the race trailer) and have no complaints. I also have a set of long Bondhus T-handles. I tend to grab the Bondhus ones first because they feel slightly better in my hands, but if I need to crank down on a screw, the Kleins work great.

 

[PartsGuy27]

Update!

On Monday I replaced the o-ring on the cam position sensor on my Kawasaki Concours. You have to disassemble half the bike so I put the Bondhus t-handles to work!

They are phenomenal!! I regret waiting so long to buy them!

 

[MJO]

Best T handle ever made were the Unbrako ones, no longer made and as far as I know never available in metric. USA made Allen, Bondhus, Snap-On, etc. are all good.

 

[TONETools]

Hello everyone,

I am looking for a high quality metric set of t-handle allen wrenches.

I do a lot of work on motorcycles and they primarily use allen screws.

I have a crappy Harbor Freight set right now and I cannot believe I haven't stripped out a screw or snapped the tool yet.

Anyway, what would you guys recommend?

Thank you.

Check out pages 281,282 up to 290 on TONE online English catalogue. If those are what you might be interested in, shoot me an email!