(re-)Discovering T-handles

[BWWgarage]

Surprisingly, one of my most used tools ... husky ratcheting t handle. It was an HD clearance blowout. Ratchet makes RTA furniture (ikea stuff for daughter in college, Adirondack chairs, etc) assembly fast but with feel to not blow through it. I keep looking at upgrading to pbswiss, beta, etc, but the husky keeps going. The other pieces of set are pretty bad.

Pardon Our Interruption...

ebay.us

 

[Hohn]

Another option for hybrid shap/mobile applications is the TM4CSA

You can leverage it with a sliding T-handle quite effectively, pairs with a 6 inch extension for pretty good reach, and it packs very small.

It's only downside its its relatively heavy vs something like the SK, so whiile its very portable, if you are needing UL or weight sensitve (hand carry vs tool cart etc), YMMV.

Again it depends on what you are working on in what location.

That vessel L-key solution looks pretty light and very low-volume, so probably has its place somewhere.

I see Tekton just dropped a near clone of that in 1/4” drive.

 

[lund]

To me, one of the best uses of t-handles not supersceded by impact is with taps. You need to wiggle back and forth to break chips and any slop in that causes issues. So i use t-handles with tap sockets for the task. Usually sliding handle t's to help deal with any obstructions.

 

[mikey03]

this place is expensive

 

[Hohn]

To me, one of the best uses of t-handles not supersceded by impact is with taps. You need to wiggle back and forth to break chips and any slop in that causes issues. So i use t-handles with tap sockets for the task. Usually sliding handle t's to help deal with any obstructions.

That was my first real experience with a t-handle. I have a craftsman ratcheting t-handle tap wrench that is awesome. Ratchets in either direction or locks to a rigid t-handle.

 

[lund]

That was my first real experience with a t-handle. I have a craftsman ratcheting t-handle tap wrench that is awesome. Ratchets in either direction or locks to a rigid t-handle.

I have the same in two sizes and I use them when there is space. I only very rarely use the ratcheting options.

Sliding T-handles with tap sockets are more compact though and still very rigid. So I use tap sockets in both 1/4 and 3/8 square size depending on the tap. I also use smaller 1/4 and 3/8 drive breaker bars similarly to T-handles when space constrictions renders them more convenient. Small taps require a lot of touch and a lot of reversing to keep from breaking them and having a nightmare trying to remove the hardened steel bit from whatever you are working on. The very direct connections maintain good feel for jams etc.

 

[Typhon]

Another option for hybrid shap/mobile applications is the TM4CSA

You can leverage it with a sliding T-handle quite effectively, pairs with a 6 inch extension for pretty good reach, and it packs very small.

It's only downside its its relatively heavy vs something like the SK, so whiile its very portable, if you are needing UL or weight sensitve (hand carry vs tool cart etc), YMMV.

Again it depends on what you are working on in what location.

That vessel L-key solution looks pretty light and very low-volume, so probably has its place somewhere.

I do the same. I've collected various lengths of spinner handles to pair with my sliding T-handles. Last month, I ordered a stubby sliding T-handle, and it finally cleared customs the day before yesterday.
I can't wait to get my hands on it!

 

[Chipm]

I got the new Icon bit set, where the ratchet and extension can be assembled into a t-handle. I used it around the house for some projects and love it. So, I ordered a 1/4" sliding t-handle to try for a bit with extensions and bit holders before getting a fixed-T type driver.