Do you use a speeder?

[Bolster]

Found a Duro Chrome speeder in my dad's tools. Looks cool. But I've never used a speeder. Does anybody use them? When are they the best tool for the job?

 

[Fedwrench]

Low torque applications such as valve covers, oil pans, trans pans etc. Also good for starting several fasteners loosely like on an intake. Rendered obsolete by the 1/4 inch air ratchet and the flat rate pay system.

 

[Red Green]

I use mine when putting an engine together to run the nut or bolt down before using the torque wrench.

 

[justinmc]

I use mine when putting an engine together to run the nut or bolt down before using the torque wrench.

Thats how I've always seen them used... basically puts the fastener into place and then you torque them to spec as needed. I don't use one a whole lot but I have a buddy who's an engine builder and he keeps a 3/8" one in his apron..

 

[tatra]

thats what i use my long handled flex head ratchets for.........

 

[Merkava_4]

Bolster, what kind of tool are you calling a "speeder?"

 

[Red Green]

I assumed this is what he was talking about

 

[Gregster]

I use mine for removing plastic engine covers or plastic under trays.

 

[dwilliams35]

I've used them to put in spark plugs: lots more "feel" without putting too much torque on a misthreaded plug. Use them all the time for 1/4 drive stuff.

 

[Bolster]

I assumed this is what he was talking about

Yeah, that's what I meant. Did I use the wrong term?

So, based on the responses so far, I think I should clean up some of dad's speeders and give them a try. Apparently they are not so old-school as I thought they were. I had just assumed they were a tool of years gone by.

 

[ImportTuner]

Haven't used my Craftsman speeder in over 30 years ...

 

[Bolster]

This is the speeder I'm referring to...

 

[autoace]

They are good for engine assembly on a stand, usually along with an extension. You can lightly/quickly run the fasteners down, before using a torque wrench. I don't like air tools for precision assembly. Speeders are ok in my opinion, but not used very much.

 

[nordstar]

I use mine for removing the plastic cover when changing out the air filter. It goes a lot faster than using a ratchet. I have a nice older Snap-on and a few Proto's.

 

[Merkava_4]

This is my speed handle here. It's a 3/8"drive with a large hard plastic door knob. I don't use it very often, but I have used it to drive 3.5" wood screws into stuff.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I use mine for valve cover bolts etc if I don't have air available.

 

[eschoendorff]

I've used them to put in spark plugs: lots more "feel" without putting too much torque on a misthreaded plug. Use them all the time for 1/4 drive stuff.

I agree with the "feel..." you cannot really feel what is going on with an air ratchet nearly as well....

I've used mine anytime I want speed and tactile feedback.

 

[Frank Elson]

we call those a "speed brace" in the UK.
Many of us reach for them for spark plugs and, as above, where you want some speed but some feel as well.

 

[dxdexter]

I have a 1/2" drive SO speeder and it just takes up drawer space. I can't recall ever using it.

 

[wrenchr]

I use mine when putting an engine together to run the nut or bolt down before using the torque wrench.

Yup, if you build or rebuild engines / trannies they are valued and make life easier. They are like a flywheel turner, you do not use it much but when you do you are glad you have it.

 

[helgrind]

i use a 1/4 and 3/8 speeder almost everyday. aircraft mechs use them quite a bit.

 

[old salvage]

Bought a few since I started hanging out here. I have yet to use them.

 

[Jay H 237]

I bought a set of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" Cman (plus a 1/2" SK that I got at an estate sale in a box of tools later on) and have only used the 3/8" so far for valve covers. I'm just a weekend mechanic though who has only been starting to buy tools the past few years.

 

[john w]

I keep my 1/2 dr. speeder, 21" breaker bar, and deep well 13/16 socket in my pickup - it has allow wheels with recessed long-shank lug nuts. Comes in real handy when rotating tires, etc. Also, I've found the 21" breaker bar a lot easier to use than the 18" bar.

 

[kartracer55]

Like the others have said, I use them a lot for trans pans, oil pans, valve covers etc. I only use them for assembly though, 3/8 air gun 9 out of 10 times for taking stuff apart.

I've got a vintage snap on that's actually in pretty good shape.

 

[jay50]

Nope, got rid of mine years ago.
Air ratchet now.

Haven't missed it one time.

 

[Bolster]

When I need to get a long bolt in quickly, I confess my current go-to tool is a small cordless driver, such as a Makita or a mini driver like the Hitachi Li-Ion below. Chuck a 3/8 or 1/2 lug into it, put on the extension and socket, set the clutch so it is really light, and press the trigger.

But maybe I should do this old-school with a speeder to see how the forefathers did it.

 

[paramudduck]

I use them all the time. But, 1. I'm old fashioned. 2. Most of the time I'm in BFE and it would take longer to run the air or dig out the battery pack and hope it's not dead. then it does to speed the things in or out.

 

[Stanger]

I never use speeders.

 

[kbs2244]

I am like you Bolster.
I have both 1/2 and 3/8 speeders, but I also have
a DeWalt with a 6 inch extension almost permanently mounted in it.

 

[jjkrjh]

I used to use speeders on engine assembly. Purchased a flex-head ratchet with the off set handle. You flip the handle up and you have a speeder, flip the handle down and it's a ratchet to finish tightening.

 

[speed bump]

With an air ratchet or impact gun I don't really need one unless I was out in the field without cordless tools.

 

[Flash21]

I've used mine anytime I want speed and tactile feedback.

x2!!
I like speeders for some reason, I have 3, 3/8" drive and one 1/4" drive and one 1/2" drive right now...although, the 3/8" drive are all different lengths

I have to admit, when guys post pics of their boxes I don't usually notice a lot of speeders.

 

[Merkava_4]

Am I the only guy in the world that calls them a "speed-handle?"

 

[wrenchr]

Nice sig Merk

 

[senlow]

Am I the only guy in the world that calls them a "speed-handle?"

No, I also call it a speed handle. I prefer to use a speed handle for engine and transmission assembly work.

 

[speed bump]

Am I the only guy in the world that calls them a "speed-handle?"

I have heard speeder, speeder handle, speed brace and speed handle. I really don't care about what someone calls it, I know what it is and what it does. therefore a specific name becomes irrelevent.

 

[russlaferrera]

My favorite speeder is a old 1950s Craftsman with the ball bearing crank handle.

The extra weight makes the handle rotate faster when you wobble the top.

Great for bench work.

IMO speeders are a tool that you would use if you were use to using. With all the affordable air tools out there newer people or flat rate tecks bypassed using this tool because of speed and money.

In the 60s most shade tree mechanics did not own a hyd. jack.

 

[terabyte]

i LOVE the using my speeder. I work on bikes a lot too so taking and removing body panels it's perfect. I put an allen socket on the thing and go to town. it's faster than t-handles. i also love it for spark plugs.

 

[48548]

I have about 3 snap on, and 1 husky, but got this to try out... The one on the right. Not sure what to think, but the price was right.