Craftsman T-Handle 3/8" Drive

[hancock1701]

Got some surprise points at Sears again, so looking for something good to buy.

I played with this Mach 3/8" Drive T-Handle in store and it seems very nice. Made in Taiwan. It has drives on both ends, so looks like I can use one to break free the fastener, then switch to the other end to spin it off quickly.

Does anyone have one of these, and how do you like it?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-14-piece-mach-series-t-handle-driver/p-00950014000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[dnschmidt]

In Europe they love this stuff in the United States people just don't use them. I sell some TOPTUL swivel socket tee handles which I think are fantastic but they don't sell. Apparently, in Europe they fly off the shelves. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

I bought the 1/4" version sometime last year. I honestly have yet to find an instance where it would be beneficial to use this over a standard ratchet with an extension. I've gotten more use out of the included 1/4" to 1/4" hex bit adapter.

A ratchet is enough to break the fastener free 99% of the time (need a lot of space to use the end of the T-handle). For spinning the fastener off, unless it spins freely or is an exceptionally long bolt, I think using the same ratchet that broke the bolt free is faster than pulling the socket off one end of the T-handle, moving it to the other end, then reseating the socket on the bolt to be removed and spinning it free.

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

In Europe they love this stuff in the United States people just don't use them. I sell some TOPTUL swivel socket tee handles which I think are fantastic but they don't sell. Apparently, in Europe they fly off the shelves. Different strokes for different folks.

I just looked these up and they seem more practical than the Craftsman variant. The slide bar at the end of the handle allows additional leverage to break a fastener free, then centering it to twist the fastener off more quickly. The socket on a swivel is a bonus too, but makes it a very limited tool that takes up a lot of space.

Is there a universal version with a 1/4" or 3/8" square at the end?

 

[Kensgarage]

I just looked these up and they seem more practical than the Craftsman variant. The slide bar at the end of the handle allows additional leverage to break a fastener free, then centering it to twist the fastener off more quickly. The socket on a swivel is a bonus too, but makes it a very limited tool that takes up a lot of space.

Is there a universal version with a 1/4" or 3/8" square at the end?

Probably the best option for you would be Motion Pro and a set of swivel and/or reg. sockets
The cordless impacts took a bite out of the T-handle story but ********* bike guys(like me) still like the T-handles like Toptul hanging in front of the tear down-assembly table, right beside the torque wrench.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201291652423

 

[rlitman]

I've got 1/2" and 3/8" sliding tee-handles from SnapOn, and love them. I'm usually using the 3/8" with an 8-12" extension, and the 1/2" with a 6" extension.

When I saw the Craftsman Mach T-handle, I picked up the 1/4" one on sale with surprise points for $6 out of pocket (about all I was willing to spend on it). I haven't had it long enough to say how much I like it, but since I use speeders all the time too, I'm sure I'll be happy with it. If I didn't already have what I use in 3/8", I'd probably own that too.

That Motion Pro looks strikingly similar to the Craftsman, though I would say that on features, the Craftsman is superior. The second square drive is a nice touch (so you can use it like an allen key), and the repositionable spinner seems to me that it will come in handle when the spinner gets in the way of something.

 

[dodge610]

I have the one you are looking at and have used it numerous times to reach hard to get too fasteners. I do not use it everyday granted but it has pulled me out of enough tight spots to make it worth the money. It is also pretty tuff for its size i have put it thru the wringer a few times.

 

[sac02]

I have these, which are similar - kinda. both in bit driver and 1/4" square drive. Use them often.

 

[sberry]

I saw a pit crew assembling an engine about 20 some yrs ago using them. It was before battery tools.
Its something I might pick up on a super sale.

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Probably the best option for you would be Motion Pro and a set of swivel and/or reg. sockets
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201291652423

This is pretty much the exact same tool as the Craftsman with less functionality and about the same price, maybe even more once surprise points are factored in.

 

[matty d]

I bought the Craftsman T-Handle and it is awesome and very practical. I also bought the Craftsman Mach adjustable wrench which I am not too crazy about.

I just bought the Extreme Grip socket and ratchet...very satisfied. Yes Im guilty for buying gimmicky tools once in a while...