Is there a need for T-handle hex keys?

[derosa]

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.

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Agree 100%. Just bought a set to distribute around the wood shop. Set screws on the planer are deep enough that turning an L by the short end ***** and dropping a chrome extension and ratchet on the edge of a new knife ***** worse. Uses a 3 and 4 and all set there. Bandsaw guides are nicely recessed which makes a T perfect. Any time I've had to deal with a recessed bolt I've been glad to have them. My set of L's has a ball end as that tends to be needed where the extra length of the Ts handle doesn't fit well or gets in the way of the limited area of rotation. Really its the hex sockets I have little need for.

 

[MikeF2316]

^ ^ 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 !!!

I think you'll need 2 of them.

We had this thread not long ago:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=341481

Personally, I'm not a fan of T handles. So I got some screwdriver hexes.

Metric:

Fractional:

And for good measure:

 

[Jacobson]

^ ^ 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 !!!

Try 60" for that photo.
But what are you waiting for?
Go plug it in! Takes a few minutes!

 

[Adam.C]

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.

Nailed it. I never used mine for automotive work much. The small ones wind too much to crack parts free. The big ones don't really have enough leverage. But I'm restoring an old mill. Almost all the fasteners are Allen heads and the tee handles spin fast and have just enough stiffness to redo hardware and just enough springiness to let you know you're done.

Only tip I have is don't buy them from harbor freight. Look for old craftsman (which were Elkind) or Ehlkind or bondhus.

 

[Deggs]

I use them a lot for aluminum extrusion.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Of course they are unnecessary for most people. That doesn't mean they can't save time and effort. I used to use them all the time at work, but haven't had a use for them lately. They're great because they are fast and very handy. Grab one from the stand vs open drawer, grab ratchet, grad extension, grab socket, etc. Carrying two is quicker and less fiddly than a ratchet, socket, and extension. Plus they are handier than L keys especially where I liked them, working up on a lift. Doubly so if it was up in the steel outside in the winter!

 

[ilovevocs]

My t handles are old
School craftsman and use the endlessly for power sports work.

Atv, motorcycle, dirt bike.

Can't remember isn't them in an automotive application lately.


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[SteveL]

I actually use a 5/32" t-handle a lot in my shop and could use a couple of new ones. Can anyone suggest where to get a good quality ball end type without having to buy a complete set? My favorite is a red handled version that looks like Bondhus brand handle but marked with the UpDate brand. Looks like they no longer offer it in a ball end style after looking at their site. The one I use the most is about 8 1/2" long.

 

[derosa]

Amazon has singles, the industrial supply place I shop mostly has them individually. Check the eklind and bondhus websites for nearest retailer and call, can be same as or cheaper then amazon