Is there a need for T-handle hex keys?

[Jacobson]

When do I need these over my hex sockets?

 

[rsanter]

I think they are easier to use than the hex sockets for most applications.
when do you NEED them? well never if you have all the sizes you use in hex sockets and L allens.

but when has that even stopped us from buying another tool

bob

 

[Brownsfan]

Like above. When you need them you will be glad you have them. Things like recessed screws in steering column shrouds come to mind. Socket is too fat and the multi hex Key units are not long enough. So I have a metric and standard set. I actually bought the last Craftsman USA made sets at my local Sears hardware. Also got the tamper torx and nut drivers. I love the nut drivers.

 

[FigureItOut]

Like above. When you need them you will be glad you have them. Things like recessed screws in steering column shrouds come to mind. Socket is too fat and the multi hex Key units are not long enough. So I have a metric and standard set. I actually bought the last Craftsman USA made sets at my local Sears hardware. Also got the tamper torx and nut drivers. I love the nut drivers.

What has a hex screw to get the shroud off, out of curiosity? I think I've only ever seen Phillips, Torx and 7mm.

 

[Brownsfan]

Nothing newer. I just remember encountering it a few times way in the past. I bought a cheap set back then for this reason. Who knows maybe they were torx or Phillips and someone replaced them with hex. But you are right. Everything I have worked on recently has been what you listed. The only other I have seen was a 5.5mm.

 

[pstemari]

The other nice thing about good t-handles is that they spin well. I have a set of metric Bondhus i keep by the lathe for tool holders, saddle lock, carriage stops, etc.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[YotaGuy]

IMO if you pick up a set, get the ball tip set. They give like a 30 degree angle from the head of the screw/ bolt, just don't try to over torque them or the ball will snap off.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

 

[Sine Swept]

Bench top assembly in easy to access locations

 

[FigureItOut]

Personally I've never needed them. I have hex sockets, bits, L-keys and the fold-out sets, probably reach for the fold-out most often. IMO and for my use, T-handle take up too much room for infrequent use and limited utility. If I came across hex screws more than once a week, I'd get some.

 

[tonyciambrone]

Does Anyone Really Need X?

If it is not food, air, or water, then no. This will save you time and keystrokes in your future endeavors.

 

[pstemari]

... If I came across hex screws more than once a week, I'd get some.

While I probably use mine more often than Phillips and slotted heads combined. Different strokes!

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Motorman55]

Am I nuts or is there something satisfying when you break them loose or tighten them as you spin the T-handle?? I use mine all the time. Mostly just SAE because that's all I have on my Harley.

Have mostly Allen Heads fasteners thru out from the motor/trans to the brake caliper and front forks and you name it. Probably my favorite type of fastener.

 

[foompla]

I asked a good friend of mine this exact question and he told me they were very helpful for motorcycles

 

[PelicanPines]

Smaller than 5mm flexes to much for me. I tried to take a pin nailer apart using 3mm T and it flexed way more than I was willing to torque it.

Used a stubby socket hex key... easily removed the eight small bolts. Noticed they were assembled using threadlock.

Larger sizes??? All day long... love them.

 

[David0858]

I just used mine (an older version of that set, probably close to ten years old) about 30 minutes ago. I've got the metric and STD and I get a good bit of use out of them. I've twisted pretty hard of them and haven't broke or stripped one yet.

 

[bixxjs]

I've got T handles,screwdriver type handles and sockets.You need to be prepared for any event.

 

[kctyphoon]

Good for motorcycles. Also the extra long models. Sometimes they need to pass through the frame.

 

[anurag1990]

Gedore DT-2142
Gedore DTT-42 T handle style hex wrench.
Beta tools 96T and 96T/AS
Beta tools 951 and 951AS T handle style hex wrench

If you do decide to buy t handle hex wrenches, check out the above styles.

I am not advertising any brands here, just want to bring slight different styles of hex wrenches available should you decide to buy a set for yourself.

 

[kctyphoon]

Holy picture size Batman.

 

[matt_i]

IMO if you pick up a set, get the ball tip set. They give like a 30 degree angle from the head of the screw/ bolt, just don't try to over torque them or the ball will snap off.

Lol, I was going to post the exact opposite. In my mind, the ball drives are fairly useless for using the T-handle to guide a socket head screw into a tight location, as it won't actually "guide". Also, I find when you have a really tight screw I like using the T-handle (no ball) better because you can wind up the shaft about 1/2 turn (seems like) of elastic deformation whereas the hex bits with a short stub get overpowered and twisted up more often.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a similar set, while they are convenient from time to time, unless you need then for a specific task, you can probably live without. That said, extra tools are always good

 

[RBFD415]

Well, for a completely different view point- I've worked on wheelchairs (yes- wheelchairs ), they make extensive use of Allen head fasteners (internal hex), after alot of frustration - I would reverse that question to -do I really need the hex sockets over the "T" handles. Virtually everything I touch on a chair would NOT allow a socket style hex socket room to get to the fasteners' head. As others mentioned - same deal with motorcycles.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[sberry]

Same guy asking same questions. Depends but I use mine if possible. I would replace them if they were lost.

 

[mbshop]

Just used my set. Clearances would not allow the use of my socket allen. So glad I had them sitting in the corner.

 

[morgantm]

Like others have said I use mine all the time working on different metric bikes. The Bondhus set lives on top of my toolbox

 

[sberry]

Is there a specialty type of work you do? This would be helpful.

 

[ssdave]

I use mine hundreds of times more than I do sockets. But, that's for non-automotive uses. They're extremely handy for working in tighter quarters, and you get a better feel for the work, so not as likely to strip out or break a fastener. Also a lot handier for alternating directions, to work out a rusty or stuck fastener. And, for fine tuning an adjustment, which hex head set screws often are used for. Plus, you can twirl them between thumb and finger to drive the screw fast. Quite often, hex head set screws are in a deep recess that can't readily be reached with most sockets.

I'm also in the no ball end camp. What I end up using them for is lock screws on shaft collars, scope mounts on guns, assembly screws on machines. Those are usually torqued so tight and sealed with thread locker that you're lucky to get them out without drilling them. Ball ends won't even begin to work.

 

[Bluejoe]

I'm working in a small engine shop on lawn equipment and seeing a lot of hex,torx and star head fasteners on machines. I'm going to have to purchase some sets.

 

[ez-duzit]

You need them if you suffer from arthritis. DON'T get the ball-end ones; get standard. Bondhus are great.

 

[APEowner]

I never use them for automotive but I use them a lot for bench top assembly of instrumentation and automation stuff. I also keep a set next to the lathe for various tooling.

 

[ptgarcia]

I use T-handles more than sockets on my dirt bikes, even T-handle screw drivers. They're much faster than sockets.

 

[Mecha]

I only ever used them for engine, ****** work, but before that only machine shop work.

I actually have a full set of USA made metric and SAE T-handles that I bought after my machine shop days. I believe I have used them once in 10 years. I used L keys and sockets all the time instead.

 

[469 runner]

I use mine for adjusting valves. Pressure must be applied when turning the adjustment screw to ensure all clearance is taken up minus the feeler gauge. This is nearly impossible with a hex key or ratchet. The T-Handle is perfect for valve work on solid lifter engines.

 

[fabjunkie]

I use them daily, but don't buy them from HF as they rust easily. I like the Husky ones from HD.

 

[bagged150]

I always wanted a set just because I think the function would be better than all other forms if you have the room.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Empty Pockets]

Here's an option from HJE

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/6-pc-craftsman-balldriver-set.html

 

[CNGsaves]

Holy picture size Batman.

^ ^ Ditto !!!

I just got a 27" Dell UltraSharp monitor and this thread is just the "nudge" that I need to pull it out of box and try it out !!!

 

[Mhyde52]

I don't own many, but I just used one yesterday. Bit socket was too short and I don't own long ones. Key was long enough, but couldn't turn it without pliers. T handle was just right! For reference, was replacing a tilt steering assembly on a John Deere tractor.

 

[Avplayer]

Lol, I was going to post the exact opposite. In my mind, the ball drives are fairly useless for using the T-handle to guide a socket head screw into a tight location, as it won't actually "guide". Also, I find when you have a really tight screw I like using the T-handle (no ball) better because you can wind up the shaft about 1/2 turn (seems like) of elastic deformation whereas the hex bits with a short stub get overpowered and twisted up more often.

I agree...i rarely use mine but when i do its the only one that will work...i have some Eklind

I like the ones without the ball end because if the head is slightly stripped the ball end will just spin

 

[pstemari]

I haven't seen that with the Bondhus ball-ends, but if I have to apply a lot of torque I'll use a short socket with a square end. Long sockets and t-handles tend to wind up and limit torque.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk