Groovy spinner handles in 1/4"?

[Kurt4440]

Here are a few of mine.
Wright
Snap-on
Williams
Link
Harbor Freight
The handles on the USA made tools are all too small. Seems counterintuitive.
The Link spinner handles came in a set with an assortment of locking extensions and two different locking universal joints in each drive size.






The Milwaukee is the more efficient spinner handle.

 

[ecotec]

These are the ones that I could find easily. I also have a Carlyle, a couple more old acetate SK, and an old yellow acetate Proto. The only ones that I bought new are the CAT and the Carlyle. The rest were found at garage/estate sales and flea markets.

I always wanted to find one of the Snap on ones that are like a stubby screwdriver, and one of the all steel Williams ones. The Koken wobble spinners have piqued my interest. On Amazon, they do not have free shipping. I will have to add them onto a tool order from somewhere else at some point.

 

[SweetD]

If you dont mind brown, the Edward Tools spinner handle is essentially the same thing and half the price. The shaft has wings and I ended up removing it and putting it in a Snap-on hard handle.

I grabbed this one from Amazon this week based on your post, it's a nice little unit!

 

[VolvoRyan]

Here's my fancy new Wright. I am unimpressed. Just a single place to engage the ratchet's ball detent. No divots on the three other sides as any quality tool would have. The form factor is a little weird, too. My Wright tool impressions have been going steadily downwards since the very high high of their combo wrenches.

The handles on the USA made tools are all too small. Seems counterintuitive.

I actually like skinny here. Can get in tight places. I'll put a stubby flex-ratchet on it, put it in my hand, and then turn the spinner with thumb and index. If I need torque, the ratchet is there. The key for me is being able to feel things out as I take apart and reassemble old car stuff.

I do have an M12 ratchet. That's the "BFH equivalent" of running screws.

-Ryan

 

[VolvoRyan]

On another note: Tekton *had* a really awesome 1/4" socket set. Little metric kit in a blow molded case. All you need, plus a spinner handle that you could put your ratchet into. The case even had a pocket that I filled with screwdriver bits. I got one for junkyarding. It's an awesome kit. So awesome, I got a second one for the house. They were like $30/each!

Unfortunately, Tekton changed it with a "USA-made" spinner handle. You can't put a ratchet on this newer one.

-Ryan

 

[Ohio Andy]

On another note: Tekton *had* a really awesome 1/4" socket set. Little metric kit in a blow molded case. All you need, plus a spinner handle that you could put your ratchet into. The case even had a pocket that I filled with screwdriver bits. I got one for junkyarding. It's an awesome kit. So awesome, I got a second one for the house. They were like $30/each!

Unfortunately, Tekton changed it with a "USA-made" spinner handle. You can't put a ratchet on this newer one.

-Ryan

If I wanted a ratchet version of that I would get

https://www.harborfreight.com/locking-flex-head-ratchet-and-bit-set-35-piece-58074.html

You can stick the bits and the ratcheting heads. You can use the extra piece as an extension to make it longer. You can use that extra piece as a t-handle. You can put the bits in the base and use it as a regular screwdriver.

My buddy wasn't interested until I showed it to him and then he's like I got to have one of these p

 

[Kurt4440]

Here's my fancy new Wright. I am unimpressed. Just a single place to engage the ratchet's ball detent. No divots on the three other sides as any quality tool would have. The form factor is a little weird, too. My Wright tool impressions have been going steadily downwards since the very high high of their combo wrenches.



I actually like skinny here. Can get in tight places. I'll put a stubby flex-ratchet on it, put it in my hand, and then turn the spinner with thumb and index. If I need torque, the ratchet is there. The key for me is being able to feel things out as I take apart and reassemble old car stuff.

I do have an M12 ratchet. That's the "BFH equivalent" of running screws.

-Ryan

My older spinner handles are skinny, but, unfortunately, big hands and arthritis don't work well with the smaller handles, but, it still use them for tight spots.

Yes, the M12 ratchet needs to be used with some finesse, but, like all tools, the operator is more important than the tool.

 

[VolvoRyan]

If I wanted a ratchet version of that I would get

https://www.harborfreight.com/locking-flex-head-ratchet-and-bit-set-35-piece-58074.html

You can stick the bits and the ratcheting heads. You can use the extra piece as an extension to make it longer. You can use that extra piece as a t-handle. You can put the bits in the base and use it as a regular screwdriver.

My buddy wasn't interested until I showed it to him and then he's like I got to have one of these p

Bit ratchets are terrific! Kits like this can replace a pile of things in the tool box. For the subject in this thread, I'm usually driving "sockets" (square drive).

My older spinner handles are skinny, but, unfortunately, big hands and arthritis don't work well with the smaller handles, but, it still use them for tight spots.

Yes, the M12 ratchet needs to be used with some finesse, but, like all tools, the operator is more important than the tool.

I appreciate this point of view. The M12 is here only because as I get older, the less fun it is to bend in every way possible at once.... and then swing a ratchet.

Thanks guys!

-Ryan

 

[Fedwrench]

here are a few I have at home:
Top Left to Right: Toptul, old Snap on short
Craftsman V Series, Craftsman short
Bottom Row Left to Right: Craftsman, SK green/white, SK Green, SK, Black, Armstrong, Snap on, Beta, Wurth, Snap on long w/locking adapter, King Tony. I think the Wurth and King Tony probably are the most comfortable handles but, the King Tony lacks a female 1/4 drive spot on the top of its handle. I have a few MAC red rectangular handled ones at work with a couple of old school VIM locking versions with the grey/blue handle.

 

[VolvoRyan]

here are a few I have at home:
Top Left to Right: Toptul, old Snap on short
Craftsman V Series, Craftsman short
Bottom Row Left to Right: Craftsman, SK green/white, SK Green, SK, Black, Armstrong, Snap on, Beta, Wurth, Snap on long w/locking adapter, King Tony. I think the Wurth and King Tony probably are the most comfortable handles but, the King Tony lacks a female 1/4 drive spot on the top of its handle. I have a few MAC red rectangular handled ones at work with a couple of old school VIM locking versions with the grey/blue handle.

Nice! I just tracked down and ordered the Wurth!

Many, many thanks!

-Ryan

 

[richfinn]

My older spinner handles are skinny, but, unfortunately, big hands and arthritis don't work well with the smaller handles, but, it still use them for tight spots.

Yes, the M12 ratchet needs to be used with some finesse, but, like all tools, the operator is more important than the tool.

I like the P B Swiss (30mm blade version) for my aching hands, mine is actually a 1/4" hex bit "insider" with a square drive adapter for sockets (more versatile as more tools in one but they sell nut driver versions in both ratchet and non ratchet versions too).

PB 6510 R-30

www.pbswisstools.com

 

[SteadyC]

Used for a reversible hold down tool mostly.

 

[stonesfan68]

A person could always spend more money I guess...plus get some sort of locking gizmo.

I've got plenty of hex handles + hex-to-square, so there's really no need for any more.

Hey, I wonder if there's a 9/32" drive spinner?

I have two of those Mac locking hand extensions. They work really well.

MacTools locking hand extension 1/4” drive

Hey...I remember these.

Those Vim tools are great, too, but they are no longer made.

Mac Tools make some of them in 3/8” drive as well.

Mac Tools X10EDLA

 

[VolvoRyan]

Here's the whole 1/4" set:

3-PC. 1/4" Drive Locking Hand-Drive Extension Set

Comfortable non-slip handle allows for use by hand or with a ratchet .1/4" Square drive end extends from rear of handle .Locking feature holds sockets firmly in place

www.mactools.com

I have the whole 3/8" 3-pc set. Made overseas, but really nice. Got pretty expensive after I bought mine, IIRC.

-Ryan

 

[ChevyEFI]

Off the top of my head, I believe I have
1/2 and 3/8 VIM locking pass-thru 2 lengths/ea.
3/8 and 1/4 Ko-Ken wobble plus 2 lengths/ea.
1/4 Ko-Ken wobble plus 2 lengths.
Cat 1/4 pass-thru. (and a spare for a handle project.)
I like them all.

But did the line of Matco burgundy square hard handles include one? Hmmmm.

IMO, Ko-Ken should make their 1/4 yellow handled pass-thru in another length.

 

[Stubby1743]

Custom Snap-on fitted to a screwdriver handle after original handle fell apart.
Snap-on TM4CSA.
Halfords with female square in end of handle.
Stanley 86-004. Not marked 'USA' as some are, and so I assume it was produced somewhere in the far east.

 

[HenryAZ]

Stahlwille make a locking, 1/4" spinner handle with a push button quick release.

Stahlwille 400QR QuickRelease Drive Handle, 1/4" Drive

Stahlwille 400QR QuickRelease Drive Handle, 1/4" Drive - high quality German engineering at the lowest price

www.kctool.com

 

[VolvoRyan]

The collection continues!

I added a pic showed off the 3/8" MAC handes I've had for some time. I like these a lot.

The Wurth showed up (very cheap and very fast!), and it is for sure a very groovy 1/4" spinner handle. Many thanks @Fedwrench for the rec! A nice, comfy tool. Already put it to use, and this will likely be the new favorite. For giggles, I checked to see if the wacky Wera ratchet will grab the detents. It does!

-Ryan

 

[four.cycle]

I received this little Ko-Ken today in the mail.
Exquisitely made. Well-secured bolster at back end of handle.


Ko-Ken 2769F 1/4" drive spinner handle

 

[VolvoRyan]

Koken looks neat!

Here's the mid-length Mac one. Mac has two other lengths, but out of stock.

Of the lot, the Wurth my be my new fave.

-Ryan

 

[AEAdam]

I have the Snap On models. The 3/8” F50CSA I believe is discontinued. I freaking love that thing.

Sometimes GJ threads go on about rare tools I’m not sure I really need. Just a word about this one:

I was re-installing a water pump on my Dodge Durango last Saturday. The threads in the block were fouled with leftover sealant. The fasteners were pretty chalky, and corroded. I had to align the pump, and a metal gasket, to the engine with about a dozen screws. This is a perfect situation to cross thread a fastener and turn a 2 hour job into an all day disaste.

I used my spinner handles so I could align things and feel for the existing thread. There was a little too much friction for me to simply use an extension.

Is this an essential tool? No. But it can make a difference. The Snap On models use HH screwdriver handles, feel familiar to me, and really offer great torque. I’m not sure why I bought this tool, but I’m really glad I did.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Here's my fancy new Wright. I am unimpressed. Just a single place to engage the ratchet's ball detent. No divots on the three other sides as any quality tool would have. The form factor is a little weird, too. My Wright tool impressions have been going steadily downwards since the very high high of their combo wrenches.



I actually like skinny here. Can get in tight places. I'll put a stubby flex-ratchet on it, put it in my hand, and then turn the spinner with thumb and index. If I need torque, the ratchet is there. The key for me is being able to feel things out as I take apart and reassemble old car stuff.

I do have an M12 ratchet. That's the "BFH equivalent" of running screws.

-Ryan

Yeah I had a Wright and was super in-impressed. The shaft was crooked as hell and the handle just felt odd. I definitely wasted money on that one.

 

[cherrybomb]

I have the Snap On models. The 3/8” F50CSA I believe is discontinued. I freaking love that thing.

Sometimes GJ threads go on about rare tools I’m not sure I really need. Just a word about this one:

I was re-installing a water pump on my Dodge Durango last Saturday. The threads in the block were fouled with leftover sealant. The fasteners were pretty chalky, and corroded. I had to align the pump, and a metal gasket, to the engine with about a dozen screws. This is a perfect situation to cross thread a fastener and turn a 2 hour job into an all day disaste.

I used my spinner handles so I could align things and feel for the existing thread. There was a little too much friction for me to simply use an extension.

Is this an essential tool? No. But it can make a difference. The Snap On models use HH screwdriver handles, feel familiar to me, and really offer great torque. I’m not sure why I bought this tool, but I’m really glad I did.

Great example of reaching in your toolbox and having a good tool to use to make a potentially difficult job a success. This thread has a lot of good ideas to upgrade your tools if you believe you have a difficult job that you could make easier by a change.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I used my spinner handles so I could align things and feel for the existing thread. There was a little too much friction for me to simply use an extension.

This is one of the many reasons I love these tools. Lots of fasteners on old cars around here that need some care. Too much friction with slippery, coolant hands.

The water pump on old redblock Volvos requires you to push and slide the pump along the block... and with your third hand, get some screws started. Once you learn how to put the right "English" on the pump, its easy. Spinner handles make it much easier to get the screws going.

P3 Volvo's have the belly pan anchored to the the chassis with plastic inserts (cheap/easy to replace). People complain about *plastic*, but I think it's brilliant. On other cars, I've had to drill/burn out broken screws where metal screws go into metal holes.

Just finished changing the oil on a P3. Used the trusty spinner handle and ratchet. Easy. No reason to nuke it with an impact driver.

-Ryan

 

[Jeeper99]

On another note: Tekton *had* a really awesome 1/4" socket set. Little metric kit in a blow molded case. All you need, plus a spinner handle that you could put your ratchet into. The case even had a pocket that I filled with screwdriver bits. I got one for junkyarding. It's an awesome kit. So awesome, I got a second one for the house. They were like $30/each!

Unfortunately, Tekton changed it with a "USA-made" spinner handle. You can't put a ratchet on this newer one.

-Ryan

I was just going to mention the Tekton handle tool I looked on their website and noticed the hard handle is discontinued and the comfort grip doesn't have the square for a ratchet. It works well. I have an older Mac at work I use a fair amount as well with a flex head long 1/4" ratchet it's pretty versatile. With cordless tools taking over I'm thinking they are becoming less of a necessity just like "speed handles", I can't remember the last time I've used one.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I was just going to mention the Tekton handle tool I looked on their website and noticed the hard handle is discontinued and the comfort grip doesn't have the square for a ratchet. It works well. I have an older Mac at work I use a fair amount as well with a flex head long 1/4" ratchet it's pretty versatile. With cordless tools taking over I'm thinking they are becoming less of a necessity just like "speed handles", I can't remember the last time I've used one.

I was really bummed that Tekton killed that handle. Those 1/4" sets were soooo good. They had just the right mix of things in the blow molded cases.... and the price was great, too.

I agree, cordless tools are making these handles seem old fashioned. In most cases, cordless does make a lot more sense.

-Ryan

 

[Beerhippie]

I was really bummed that Tekton killed that handle. Those 1/4" sets were soooo good. They had just the right mix of things in the blow molded cases.... and the price was great, too.

I agree, cordless tools are making these handles seem old fashioned. In most cases, cordless does make a lot more sense.

-Ryan

The folks who make thread inserts are going to be lovin' you all!

 

[username2]

The folks who make thread inserts are going to be lovin' you all!

I've got a sweet Apex 1/2" to 1/4" impact adapter I've been meaning to try out.

 

[tamaraw]

Got the larger Craftsman for free earlier today (traded in some glass lamp shades to a construction recycling/re-homing business) and I think I forgot to post the small one before:

 

[lugnut71]

 

[Pexto]

From left to right, all garage sale finds over the years:
1) Proto - sure wish a previous owner hadn't put Visegrips on it. Who does that?! Someday I'll shine it up.
2) S-K 40954. The handle is too skinny, I don't use this one much.
3) Unmarked except for "U.S.A." Sure looks like Craftsman (WF?) to me. This one has the best handle of the bunch.
4) KAL 1067F, made in Japan. It can be used as an extension, and that little shoulder on the shaft means that it mates up with the socket quite nicely.

 

[onetonbb74]

Top to bottom...

Snap-on TM9CSA
Snap-on TM4CSA
Jobsmart cheapie
SK Wayne 40954

 

[FigN⋅m]

Pretty basic - "Japan" marked with my token 12mm Snap-On socket. Any idea of mfr.?

 

[KnurledNut]

Picked up this old Caterpillar spinner. (Snap-on rebrand.)
Only one I have ever seen like it. Similar to the Par-X I posted in this thread but has the female square drive in the end.

 

[Nick Rivers]

Cheap, about 10 bucks, but this is the one I reach for.

• Telescoping shaft extends from 7-5/8 in. to 12-11/16 in.
• 1/4 in. end cap for additional torque
• Heavy duty chrome vanadium construction for durability
• Cushion grip

 

[mrjaw14]

The collection continues!

I added a pic showed off the 3/8" MAC handes I've had for some time. I like these a lot.

The Wurth showed up (very cheap and very fast!), and it is for sure a very groovy 1/4" spinner handle. Many thanks @Fedwrench for the rec! A nice, comfy tool. Already put it to use, and this will likely be the new favorite. For giggles, I checked to see if the wacky Wera ratchet will grab the detents. It does!

-Ryan

How many of you bought the MAC deal a few months back where you buy the 3/8 locking drive handle set and you get the 1/4 set free? I did and they are back ordered til september. but they'll be cool when the arrive

 

[wolf_from_wv]

3/8 custom
1/4
1/4

 

[wolf_from_wv]

Lowe's had this one...

 

[KnurledNut]

Apex with pin lock retention. Shown with a magnetic spring-loaded bolt clearance 5/16 socket.

 

[WWheeler]

I have several old SK and Craftsman spinners, none with a 1/4 female drive in the handle, that I've almost never used.

The only comparable tool I actually do occasionally use are Gearwrench ratcheting screwdrivers. I have a couple full GW ratcheting driver kits, but as a 1/4" socket driver is almost all that I use these for, as I prefer my Snap-on ratcheting screwdrivers for turning screws. Something about how the selector in each turns opposite of each other that I've gotten used to that now feels more intuitive to me for the different tasks, so I don't waste time / get frustrated twisting the selector the wrong way every time. The Snap-ons the selector twists in the direction you want to turn the fastener, and the GWs it twists the opposite. I tend to reach for some combo of these when I want to use a socket spinner. The varying handles and shafts gives me more options. That t-handle really lets me get more torque on a nut or bolt than I can with the standard screwdriver handles.