I need help finding the best t-handle bit driver
- Thread starter jeremy v
- Start date
I have the Williams 3 piece set and the internals are well documented here as they are the same as the SO ratcheting bit driver with the straight handle that is so popular. I would highly recommend them as they are useful in situations where a 'normal' T handle might not be ideal, the T wings are not that big so it's not an obstruction. All mine are USA.
That said, I have not put 'high' torque through them and wouldn't really do that.
My other T handle that I do really like and recomend is the HF 'pro' driver. This thing is surprisingly comfortable and I could probably crank on it pretty hard but again I have not done so. This one I think is Taiwan.
Of those two, the Felo looks more comfortable. In regular driver handles I think Felo and Wiha are pretty similar fwiw.
That said, I have not put 'high' torque through them and wouldn't really do that.
My other T handle that I do really like and recomend is the HF 'pro' driver. This thing is surprisingly comfortable and I could probably crank on it pretty hard but again I have not done so. This one I think is Taiwan.
Of those two, the Felo looks more comfortable. In regular driver handles I think Felo and Wiha are pretty similar fwiw.
in-hand comfort the offset handle is better. But the real 'hidden' beauty of the SO/Williams design is i can put my hand flat into a place my fist (with tool inside) wouldn't fit, and I have enough room I can palm grip it and turn. That's where the ratcheting becomes especially helpful; usually I will go for a ratchet if I can.
In fact, if I could find a breaker bar that was reasonably short it might even get into spots the roto head HF ratchet (or any, that just happens to be the one I have in 1/4") won't. That would be my next recommendation for you to look into either of those styles if you don't have one or don't like them. Even with the 1/4" to hex bit adapter they are fairly small.
I feel like I agree with you almost 100% in how you described not wanting a ratchet for certain things. I bought one of those titan bit ratchets last time they came up here. The handle is just too short to be really a great choice for most things. I use it some but it isn't usually the first or even second thing I grab. I understand why they are short, but I really wish I could get a bit ratchet with a decently long handle, like say the standard 3/8" ratchet length.
But back on topic, I have and love the Bondhus T handle set for hex; If I were going for a fixed T handle tool or set I would want something like that. I would still be happy with the Felo you linked for that.
In fact, if I could find a breaker bar that was reasonably short it might even get into spots the roto head HF ratchet (or any, that just happens to be the one I have in 1/4") won't. That would be my next recommendation for you to look into either of those styles if you don't have one or don't like them. Even with the 1/4" to hex bit adapter they are fairly small.
I feel like I agree with you almost 100% in how you described not wanting a ratchet for certain things. I bought one of those titan bit ratchets last time they came up here. The handle is just too short to be really a great choice for most things. I use it some but it isn't usually the first or even second thing I grab. I understand why they are short, but I really wish I could get a bit ratchet with a decently long handle, like say the standard 3/8" ratchet length.
But back on topic, I have and love the Bondhus T handle set for hex; If I were going for a fixed T handle tool or set I would want something like that. I would still be happy with the Felo you linked for that.
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matt stott
Well-known member
I have the PB Swiss T-handle bit holder and love it. I put plenty of torque on the thing all the time and it still looks new. I have the full-metal version, not the comfort grip style.
Matt
Matt
matt stott
Well-known member
This guy:
<a href="http://s4.photobucket.com/user/mstott/media/tools/PB-T_zps42e59a70.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/mstott/tools/PB-T_zps42e59a70.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo PB-T_zps42e59a70.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s4.photobucket.com/user/mstott/media/tools/PB-T_zps42e59a70.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/mstott/tools/PB-T_zps42e59a70.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo PB-T_zps42e59a70.jpg"/></a>
I have a "Super-T-Driver" insert bit holder (see attached photo.) It is manufactured by BTI Tool (Better Tools for Industry) in Santee, CA. They come in 6, 12, 18 and 24" lengths. The tool has a set screw in the end to secure the bit or you can get an optional 1/4" drive quick release. The main shank is heat treated 4140 steel broached to 1/4".
I got mine from McMaster but if I recall correctly you can also purchase on the manufacturers Web site.
I got mine from McMaster but if I recall correctly you can also purchase on the manufacturers Web site.
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nicksnothereman
Well-known member
I was eyeballing one recently. Was it facom? Don't know...but it was around 10 bucks old stock. Not too shabby and probably the best you'll find at that price. Didn't buy it myself though so don't know if that's the case.
check out some ideas in here as well
https://store.snapon.com/Turbo-T-Ha...e-Turbo-Speed-Blue-Point-1-4-hex-P795753.aspx
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25334
I like the PB swiss style or the blue-point one, both look solid and have spinner handles. But I don't as of yet own one myself. The issue with many t-handles is that they are not stiff enough, so that would be a critical variable to assess.
The other issue is reach, and if a 6 in is long enough? Or an 8-10 inche is more appropraite for your needs.
https://store.snapon.com/Turbo-T-Ha...e-Turbo-Speed-Blue-Point-1-4-hex-P795753.aspx
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25334
I like the PB swiss style or the blue-point one, both look solid and have spinner handles. But I don't as of yet own one myself. The issue with many t-handles is that they are not stiff enough, so that would be a critical variable to assess.
The other issue is reach, and if a 6 in is long enough? Or an 8-10 inche is more appropraite for your needs.
knobby
Well-known member
Titan tools version of the bluepoint turbo T handle bit driver
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069TT26E/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The free spinning handle is a cool gimmick IMHO
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0069TT26E/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The free spinning handle is a cool gimmick IMHO
Dave455
Well-known member
Try the Snap On! Although it doesn't look comfortable, it is!
I like these so much I have them in 3 different lengths now! Have done a lot of assembly work with them and they have lasted well! They keep your hand at a natural angle so are a pleasure to use, and have a decent hard handle too, so they don't pick up grit!
The only other one I'd advise is the PB 'Cross Handle' No. 255! Lovely tools to use and the ratchet is superb. Only downside is the pesky soft handle! If you're in a clean environment they're fine, otherwise, go for Snap On!
If you are not bothered about the ratchet, and just want something for hex bits, consider the hex bit drivers from KoKen or Facom! You will need one of each size, but they are not too badly priced! The Facom come with a nice free turning sleeve too! Very nice to use!
I like these so much I have them in 3 different lengths now! Have done a lot of assembly work with them and they have lasted well! They keep your hand at a natural angle so are a pleasure to use, and have a decent hard handle too, so they don't pick up grit!
The only other one I'd advise is the PB 'Cross Handle' No. 255! Lovely tools to use and the ratchet is superb. Only downside is the pesky soft handle! If you're in a clean environment they're fine, otherwise, go for Snap On!
If you are not bothered about the ratchet, and just want something for hex bits, consider the hex bit drivers from KoKen or Facom! You will need one of each size, but they are not too badly priced! The Facom come with a nice free turning sleeve too! Very nice to use!
Bighead38
Well-known member
Dave455
Well-known member
Yes, that's too much money for the PB Swiss. Here in the U.K. they are comparable to, or even a bit cheaper than, the Snap On!
Yes, the long shaft Snap On was worth buying! You have tore member that with these T handles your knuckles are much closer to the work, and you can't really hold the things any other way!