sliding T-bar question

[n8n]

Hi all,

I've managed to source an inexpensive used SK (actually SK-Wayne) 47153 3/4" drive sliding T-bar for the mostly Williams set of 3/4" drive sockets that I recently purchased off Craigslist. Now I've used flex handles tons before but I haven't ever had a T-bar (but that's what the Williams set originally came with, albeit destroyed by rust and having a crappy socket welded on it, and this one was priced right, that is to say, cheap.) Wondering if this one has an issue that I should be working on, or if it is the way it is by design. The bar is a simple round piece of steel, but it has a ball bearing in each end similar to those used to retain sockets. I can slide the drive off of one end of the bar fairly easily, however, the ball in the other end does not move and will not allow the drive to slide off. I can actually see this as being a desirable feature, but am curious if this is in fact how it is supposed to operate or if it is a typical spring loaded ball on both ends and I need to soak it in some ATF/acetone mix to have it functional "as intended."

thanks!

 

[rapid robert]

My SK 1/2 bar does not let the socket adapter off either end...the balls on both ends trap it on the bar...do not believe they were ever spring loaded like an extension.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

My old snap on ferret from the 30's does not let it come of either end, my craftsman v series 1/4 one is the same way.

 

[Farmall450]

It shouldn't come off. That being said it probably doesn't matter.

 

[anurag1990]

The balls at ends of T bar are fixed, are not spring loaded. Their function is as limit stops. I have a 1/2" drive T bar that has grooves cut at ends. Works similar to ball ends in function.
I can remove the slider by wrapping a thin cloth onto groove, and pulling the slider off. I saw a Stahlwille T bar on youtube and the guy could easily take slider off.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hi all,

I've managed to source an inexpensive used SK (actually SK-Wayne) 47153 3/4" drive sliding T-bar for the mostly Williams set of 3/4" drive sockets that I recently purchased off Craigslist. Now I've used flex handles tons before but I haven't ever had a T-bar (but that's what the Williams set originally came with, albeit destroyed by rust and having a crappy socket welded on it, and this one was priced right, that is to say, cheap.) Wondering if this one has an issue that I should be working on, or if it is the way it is by design. The bar is a simple round piece of steel, but it has a ball bearing in each end similar to those used to retain sockets. I can slide the drive off of one end of the bar fairly easily, however, the ball in the other end does not move and will not allow the drive to slide off. I can actually see this as being a desirable feature, but am curious if this is in fact how it is supposed to operate or if it is a typical spring loaded ball on both ends and I need to soak it in some ATF/acetone mix to have it functional "as intended."

thanks!

That's a feature not a defect.

People that used these heavily use(d) cheaters heavily to break bolts. Use nowaday is meh pretty much extension and ratchet is a better option. 3/4" I just don't see it being a thing because you won't be breaking bolts by hand with that size selection. If you can crack it by hand you're probably using something smaller drive wise. Any guys using a cheater setup like this with a t handle on axle nuts? Possible.

 

[n8n]

That's pretty much what I anticipate using it for, changing axles when it's just a quick swap & don't need to drag out/fire up compressor for any other reason.

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

 

[Wrenchinfool]

I use my 3/4 drive t-handle with a cheater pipe for adjusting wheel bearings on transit busses

 

[zkling]

Sounds like you might be missing the fixed ball on the other end. T handles are supposed to function as a breaker bar and a spinner of sorts. In 1/4 and 3/8 they are handy, but the larger sizes have limited use IMHO.

 

[bcradio]

You must have missed this deal on brand new ones:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182674&showall=1

 

[n8n]

I sure did, but that's not much less than what I paid for SK so I don't feel too badly about it. If nothing else, if I break it (snort!) I'll probably have better luck with SK than Sears...