(re-)Discovering T-handles

[Hohn]

Until recently, I'd never owned a t-handle drive in standard square drive sizes. After watching them in use recently, I decided to grab a Koken in each of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" drive.

I love them. As I've posted before about fixed breaker bars, there's just something to the "feel" of having no ratcheting mechanism. There's an immediacy to the connection that makes you feel like you can really tell what's going on with the fastener.

The t-handles take all the things I love about my fixed breaker bars and step it up a notch. The Kokens have superb fit and finish (MIJ) and are perfect on the socket retention.

I need more t-handles in my life.

 

[Max]

Until recently, I'd never owned a t-handle drive in standard square drive sizes. After watching them in use recently, I decided to grab a Koken in each of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" drive.

I love them. As I've posted before about fixed breaker bars, there's just something to the "feel" of having no ratcheting mechanism. There's an immediacy to the connection that makes you feel like you can really tell what's going on with the fastener.

The t-handles take all the things I love about my fixed breaker bars and step it up a notch. The Kokens have superb fit and finish (MIJ) and are perfect on the socket retention.

I need more t-handles in my life.

Both Vessel and Williams have nice t-handle screwdrivers. They are great for things like carb screws where you want a precise torque but a torque wrench is overkill.

 

[Ditchdigger]

When I was in Italy I noticed that for the most part, mechanics primarily used T handles with a universal on the end instead of a ratchet

The way they spun them around, they were definitely fast. two hands on the tommy bar to break it free then they would spin it with the shaft by putting both hands flat on the sides and moving them across each other.
I assembled a 1/4" version after seeing how efficient they were, but I rarely find any places I can fit them in most engine bays.

 

[KnurledNut]

I feel much the same way about speed handles.

 

[txvwnut]

For some odd reason I switched from my speed handle(which I've used for 40 years) to using a T handle when doing engine assemblies. And yes there is definitely something positive to the feel of the T handle.

 

[Ditchdigger]

oddly enough, just looking through an Alfa Romeo manual and there is the T handle

 

[Phang]

I am the opposite, I added a few speed handles to the toolbox recently, to compliment the T-handles

both gave great and delicate feel/feedback to the hands


unlike breaker bars and ratchets

T-handle also allows torque to apply in a coaxial way

 

[JradM]

T-handles are commonly used on motorcycles - I have a couple sets of fixed-sizes as well as some square-drive. I like them both for the speed and, like the OP, for the feel they provide.

There are lots of smaller-sized fasteners on motorcycles that are removed relatively frequently. If you had to torque each one, it would not only be slow but I sort of suspect that might lead to MORE inconsistency. It's easy to be fast and precise with a T-handle.

I've never really used them much for automotive work though. Seems like they'd be excellent for covers and sensors and other items where there might be a bunch of fasteners to deal with and that don't need a torque wrench per se. I guess I just don't think about my t-handles when I'm under the hood near as much as when I'm next to a bike.

 

[Hohn]

I am the opposite, I added a few speed handles to the toolbox recently, to compliment the T-handles

both gave great and delicate feel/feedback to the hands


unlike breaker bars and ratchets

T-handle also allows torque to apply in a coaxial way

I love speed handles also. I just generally need something shorter.

 

[humber2]

Batteries not required.

YMMV

 

[Beerhippie]

I use flex-head breaker bars about as often as--or more often than--I do my rats. Break the fastener loose with the breaker bar, turn it up and spin the fastener out.

I'll give the T-handles a try next time I'm doing something that needs more feel.

I keep a speeder bar in the rig for lugnuts and scissors jack, but around the shop, I use a drill or impact driver for that sort of stuff.

 

[CGarage]

Until recently, I'd never owned a t-handle drive in standard square drive sizes. After watching them in use recently, I decided to grab a Koken in each of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" drive.

I love them. As I've posted before about fixed breaker bars, there's just something to the "feel" of having no ratcheting mechanism. There's an immediacy to the connection that makes you feel like you can really tell what's going on with the fastener.

The t-handles take all the things I love about my fixed breaker bars and step it up a notch. The Kokens have superb fit and finish (MIJ) and are perfect on the socket retention.

I need more t-handles in my life.

We need pictures of these Ko-Kens!

 

[ecotec]

I feel much the same way about speed handles.

I have every size… twice over… and have never used any of them.

 

[DAustin]

I never owned a real T-handle. I have always used a Sliding T-Handle with whatever sized extension I needed at the time.

 

[Chipm]

Is anyone using these in a professional environment and able to provide feedback? I love the idea of having speeders and t-handles for simplicity and the classic style, but the electric ratchet and impact just seem so much more convenient for fastener removal. I think I'll try a speed handle the rest of this week and see how it goes.

 

[Beerhippie]

Is anyone using these in a professional environment and able to provide feedback? I love the idea of having speeders and t-handles for simplicity and the classic style, but the electric ratchet and impact just seem so much more convenient for fastener removal. I think I'll try a speed handle the rest of this week and see how it goes.

Well, it should amuse the other wrenches in the shop.

 

[Chipm]

Well, it should amuse the other wrenches in the shop.

That's the good part about working for myself, haha. Sometimes style matters.

 

[GaryM909]

I just used a breaker bar and a speed handle last Sunday when I changed the rear brakes on my wife's Escape.
It was easier than walking to my pickup and digging out my impact.
The only time I ever used one of my T handles was for changing spark plugs although if I was a mechanic I might have used them more.

 

[NHtoolguy]

I used a sliding tee handle, ratchet adapter, and long extension to remove and replace the spark plugs on my '93 Passat VR6. It gave good feel when working with aluminum threads and could "spin" the plugs in when the handle was centered and I rotated the extension with my fingers.

 

[cherrybomb]

Sliding tee handles,tap adapters will give you a good feel while tapping

 

[steve855]

I posted this in another t-handle thread a couple years ago. Thread is a discussion of Kowa T-handles, but I have Koken ones with integral socket. They are very good quality and I use them a lot.

One advantage of a speed handle though- you can rotate a screw multiple turns in a very controlled way and apply pressure to it with one hand. For example, lining up something (like the seat brackets on MX bike) with one hand while turning in the screw with the other, a speed handle beats a t-handle in my opinion. The t-handle makes it awkward to rotate more than 1/2 turn without resetting your grip. Hard to explain.

Kowa T Handle Socket Wrenches

Here's a thread resurrection for you..... Who makes these T's in this video? They look very nice.

www.garagejournal.com

• Dec 29, 2023

I have the Koken T's in 8mm and 10mm. As someone mentioned earlier, you can do a lot with those two. I can have the seat, tank, bodywork off my MX bike in less than 5 minutes. Dirt bikes are the application where these tools are worth having. Drop them in the footpegs and they're right where you need them.
Yes you can also use a spinner handle, speed handle, or ratchet. Yes, a 1/4 M12 impact is slightly faster. Here's where the T handles are indisputably better- the sockets can't fall off, ever. It's integral with the t-handle so it cannot get knocked loose and drop into your skidplate, or other inconvenient spot. Not a big deal in your garage with a nice concrete floor, but it can be a very important detail at the trail or track. If you've ever spent valuable riding time searching through the grass or mud for a lost 1/4 drive 8mm socket, you'll understand.
Also they don't need batteries.
I did a complete top & bottom end on a kx125 for my son last year, I used my makita 1/4" impact to disassemble all those m6x1.0, 8mm hex head case screws. Engine was sitting in my garage on a workbench, socket gets knocked on the floor, no problem, pick it up.
Bike toolbox that stays in my trailer has t-handles.

 

[seber]

I keep ratchet adapters on my sliding Ts. But I usually forget to use them instead of a flex head.

 

[Hohn]

I'm loving my T-handle square drives from Koken.

But now I want a T-handle that takes 1/4" bits. I've found some good units from Felo and Wiha, but they are sort of thick and chunky. I'd like to find something svelte like a Fix-it Stick almost, but without the absurd markup.

Any pointers? I suppose the thicker tee-handle isn't so bad, but I don't think it will work as well for faster-spin type things. Too light and too bulky.

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

When I was in Italy I noticed that for the most part, mechanics primarily used T handles with a universal on the end instead of a ratchet

The way they spun them around, they were definitely fast. two hands on the tommy bar to break it free then they would spin it with the shaft by putting both hands flat on the sides and moving them across each other.
I assembled a 1/4" version after seeing how efficient they were, but I rarely find any places I can fit them in most engine bays.

You work on Italian cars you should know better to trust their judgment
I kid I kid! Now back to looking for Fiat 124 (classic sedan and not that horrible modern abomination)

 

[Wamsutta]

Do any of you guys hold a 1/4 drive ratchet and extension like a T-handle? I do that if I want to limit the torque.

That technique is perfect for 2-cycle carburetor mounting bolts.

 

[BWWgarage]

T-handles are commonly used on motorcycles - I have a couple sets of fixed-sizes as well as some square-drive. I like them both for the speed and, like the OP, for the feel they provide.

There are lots of smaller-sized fasteners on motorcycles that are removed relatively frequently. If you had to torque each one, it would not only be slow but I sort of suspect that might lead to MORE inconsistency. It's easy to be fast and precise with a T-handle.

I've never really used them much for automotive work though. Seems like they'd be excellent for covers and sensors and other items where there might be a bunch of fasteners to deal with and that don't need a torque wrench per se. I guess I just don't think about my t-handles when I'm under the hood near as much as when I'm next to a bike.

I only use my t-handles for dirt bikes / motorcycles ... and mostly on plastics, fork/wheels, and cockpit. There’s always enough room and ergonomically a thandle feels good. I don’t think that’d be be the case for general maintenance on a car? Engine building, where there’s lots of room, I could see that.

Many of the supercross/motorcross pro mechanics use the titanium t handles to keep weight done when in the kits ... $399 for 8 10 12 13 14 17 19

 

[BWWgarage]

I'm loving my T-handle square drives from Koken.

But now I want a T-handle that takes 1/4" bits. I've found some good units from Felo and Wiha, but they are sort of thick and chunky. I'd like to find something svelte like a Fix-it Stick almost, but without the absurd markup.

Any pointers? I suppose the thicker tee-handle isn't so bad, but I don't think it will work as well for faster-spin type things. Too light and too bulky.

I use motion pro (not the spinner)

 

[JDtime]

Beta t-handle 910/42-3/8 made in italy.​

Pair that with Wera - 5003592001 locking extension with spinner




Or just buy the Koken 3715SLK

 

[Brandon_oma#692]

Is anyone using these in a professional environment and able to provide feedback? I love the idea of having speeders and t-handles for simplicity and the classic style, but the electric ratchet and impact just seem so much more convenient for fastener removal. I think I'll try a speed handle the rest of this week and see how it goes.

Motion pro t handle set with the sockets built in plus a 1/4 and 3/8 drive for other bits. Works well with all the small bolts threaded into aluminum. Good feel of how tight you are. the ones with the 1/4 and 3/8 drive also have have a socket on the handle and then you have a breaker bar from the same tool if needed. I couldn't imagine working on motorcycles without them. Occasionally use in automotive.

 

[Hohn]

I use motion pro (not the spinner)

Beta t-handle 910/42-3/8 made in italy.​

Pair that with Wera - 5003592001 locking extension with spinner




Or just buy the Koken 3715SLK

Those are all square drive. I'm looking for a similar tee handle with a 1/4" female hex to hold insert bits.

Preferably magnetic.
I went ahead and ordered the Felo, I'll live with the bulk.

 

[DAWrench]

Just use a magnetic adapter on the male 1/4 drive for use for bits

 

[JradM]

Those are all square drive. I'm looking for a similar tee handle with a 1/4" female hex to hold insert bits.

Preferably magnetic.
I went ahead and ordered the Felo, I'll live with the bulk.

Just for options, Motion Pro has bit driver t-handles.



Or Felo if you want a more traditional shape for bits.

There's also a Motion Pro non-spinny version.

 

[Hohn]

Thanks, I went with the Felo. Seems to be a good unit.

 

[Ditchdigger]

This thread revival just made me break down and order the Beta 910/40 from Zoro

Why not, right?

 

[Hohn]

That^ is the kind of tool that almost CERTAINLY gets used. Seems to be about the ultimate spark plug drive tool

 

[BWWgarage]

This thread revival just made me break down and order the Beta 910/40 from Zoro

Why not, right

Why not, right?
... story of my tool box!

 

[whateg01]

I've made a few and I do find them handy. A few years ago I watched tom Lipton make one with, iirc, two sizes of hex key and thought, I need that. Then I made a few more for different applications.

 

[bongkar_YES_pasang_NO]

Workpro, SK11 and Sunflag

 

[T45]

PB swiss used to make one--a full size t-handle with 1/4 holder.

 

[designer485]

One of my favorite T Handle set-ups (Williams 3/8 T Handle, Williams 3/8 Ratchet Adapter, Williams Extension, Socket of Choice):