Spinner handles

[cheechi]

How often do you use screwdriver/bitdriver style spinner handles? I'm not talking about speed handles for engine building.

I have two, both part of sets. I am always finding a situation where a ratchet doesn't work as well as a nut driver would and/or just happen to have it out (stolen from the set) and end up using it throughout a whole project.

I have on the way about 6 of them to put at different parts of the shop and garage. Probably still won't be enough, and I have a 'full' set of nut drivers in the garage (not in the shop) but I'm hoping I can avoid stealing it out of the car or the other 'go' set as often. I think I might have some ratcheting setup that could do this lying around but it's never convenient when I want it.

I know it's not the most modern or **** way to use sockets but it's just one of those things I have always needed and rarely had when I wanted. How bout you guys?

 

[winlinmac]

The one from Felo is nice, has a 1/4" bit holder, no ratcheting mechanism though

 

[CoogarXR]

I have a set of nut drivers, but I almost always choose the spinner handle and a socket instead. I especially like the spinner handles with the 1/4" drive square on the top of the handle, that way I can stick a ratchet on there for the initial break. It can also double as an extension if needed. I love 'em.

 

[submariner]

I use mine quite often. You'll get plenty more uses with a bit holder socket.

 

[martin666]

Have set of nut drivers, but I use these too. Handy when a swivel or deep socket is needed

 

[redm18]

It took me forever to figure out what they were called and for some reason I never saw them at the store or anything but I remember using one from a cheap set my dad had as a kid. I found one at the Restore and picked it up then picked up a couple more at the restore. Really handy for electronics type work and car interior work.

 

[Wamsutta]

I use them all the time. Nobody makes a 3/4'' nut driver, so spin handle it is. By the way, I call them "spin handles." Matco nomenclature.

 

[Big Pete]

I use them a lot, in both 1/4 and 3/8 drives, really handy for dry builds where you want to just nip stuff up, but it needs to be a bit tighter than you can do with a bare extension.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I use them too. Sometimes for getting into a tricky place a spinner can be better than a rachet and socket. - Paul

 

[Moose-LandTran]

How often do you use screwdriver/bitdriver style spinner handles?

I must have 5 or 6 of them in 1/4" and 3/8" drive. I occasionally use the standard-length 1/4", mostly for hose clamps. Not sure if i've ever used the others. Definitely something i could live without.

 

[four.cycle]

used one yesterday to fix the dryer.
use them all the time working on lawnmowers - all 1/4" drive - no need for a whole mess of torque except for removing blower housing bolts that morons hog down to 900 ft. lbs.

 

[theoldwizard1]

This is probably my ALL TIME FAVORITE tool ! I love the square drive on the end so I can add a 1/4" breaker or ratchet for that little bit of extra torque !



As mentioned they are great substitutes for nut drivers when working on appliances or outdoor power equipment.

I don't know if Craftsman still makes one of these, but you HAVE TO get the one with the square drive in the top !

 

[davethorik]

I have 2, a Wright 2442 with the 1/4 female in the handle. Also just picked up a Snap-on TMR4 ratcheting 1/4 driver. I'm quite happy with both.

 

[panknuckshovel]

This is probably my ALL TIME FAVORITE tool ! I love the square drive on the end so I can add a 1/4" breaker or ratchet for that little bit of extra torque !



As mentioned they are great substitutes for nut drivers when working on appliances or outdoor power equipment.

I don't know if Craftsman still makes one of these, but you HAVE TO get the one with the square drive in the top !

Craftsman still has one part #43393. Snap-on ratcheting TMR4 is pretty freaking sweet as well

 

[wolf_from_wv]

I use mine with ratchet on the end sometimes. I've never seen a 3/8 drive spinner handle...

I use my "1/4" drive" pass through spinner handle - would like to find a "3/8"" drive.

 

[shockwave]

Yes handled drivers in 1/4 and 3/8 work great I use them all the time great on spark plug installation too the best gave the female drive end aswell

 

[panknuckshovel]

I use mine with ratchet on the end sometimes. I've never seen a 3/8 drive spinner handle...

I use my "1/4" drive" pass through spinner handle - would like to find a "3/8"" drive.

vim has a set on sale in the red hot deals section, part #HD375. Do not know if it has a female end though.

http://www.vimtools.com/store/page7.html

 

[honcho]

I have a ratcheting 3/8" drive one, I think it was made by Browning. It has not seen much use. I do use the 1/4" drive straight versions. I have the hots for the Koken 2769H but not quite ready to pony up $30 for it.

 

[NthoozEist]

I have a Motion Pro spinner T-handle that I use religiously. Can put anything 1/4" on it and go to work.

 

[zkling]

Quite often, although much less after I got a nice roto ratchet. Love nut drivers and with the spinner you can pretty much build your own. As mentioned above, I prefer the ones with the square recess for extra leverage when needed. Always leery of putting much torque on the ratcheting drivers, but for low torque they are handy. The craftsman/motion pro and other T handle spinners like NthoozEist posted are very handy as well.

 

[MJD1]

I like the harbor freight one that is extendable, with detents to change the length. Also has the female square drive on the handle.

 

[decableguy2000]

I have these in 1/4" and 3/8" and made in the US

http://www.bowerstool.com/product-p/h8.htm

 

[Jim C.]

I use nut drivers and spinners fairly often. If I have a lot of the same size fastener to tighten and/or loosen, I like to use my Snap On 1/4" drive ratcheting spinner/driver (#TMR4). It was expensive, but it works well, and sometimes it's the best tool for the job at hand.

 

[stonesfan68]

vim has a set on sale in the red hot deals section, part #HD375. Do not know if it has a female end though.



http://www.vimtools.com/store/page7.html

I have that set and love them. They are very handy.


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[panknuckshovel]

I have that set and love them. They are very handy.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

do they have the female end in the handle?

 

[raiderhillbilly]

This is probably my ALL TIME FAVORITE tool ! I love the square drive on the end so I can add a 1/4" breaker or ratchet for that little bit of extra torque !



As mentioned they are great substitutes for nut drivers when working on appliances or outdoor power equipment.

I don't know if Craftsman still makes one of these, but you HAVE TO get the one with the square drive in the top !

The Proto J4769 is the greatest. The shaft goes all the way through the handle.

 

[cheechi]

That Proto is on the short list of the ones I don't have. Probably going to have to buy about 6 more after starting this thread and seeing the variety available.

Just like someone mentioned my main issue with getting more was I had no idea what they were called until recently.

 

[R.Anderson]

Have at least four 1/4" ones, one in a older Stanley tool set that stays in my truck, and three in my tool box. Yellow handle one no brand but says Japan, Powerkraft with with female end on the handle, and older Spintite made in the USA. For 3/8" and 1/2" drive I just use a extension, I add a thumb wheel when I need a little more.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I have a Taiwan made Allen, right before apex gave up that brand, that has the female side on the top. Also lots of Proto's including one old one that I acquired broken where the shaft doesn't go all the way through like an overmolded extension. Apparently someone asked too much of the plastic. Also have a Mac one with that glorious red handle. I would love a 3/8's drive one but haven't come across one yet.

 

[Rrumbler]

Handy tool, these things. Grab whatever sockets you need, the handle, and you have whatever nut driver you need in less than a quarter the space; a quarter inch socket and a few driver bits plus the handle, same scenario. I have several, a few fixed handle and a couple of ratchet ones.

 

[notlob]

vim has a set on sale in the red hot deals section, part #HD375. Do not know if it has a female end though.

http://www.vimtools.com/store/page7.html

I have that 3/8 spin handle set from Vim. Excellent quality, and it does have the female 3/8 drive recess on end of the handles to enable use as an extension.

 

[cheechi]

so the two on the bottom are what i was stealing from sets, both meant to live in different cars.

now i have some that have female options for use as extensions as well as the williams ones that i guess i can use a cab tip driver as a T bar.

and i think i have started a new collection in the process. the proto might be next.

 

[bryan750]

I like using spinner handles because you get a better feel for the torque you are applying.

 

[winlinmac]

I prefer the ones from Williams, feels right in the hand, they're a couple available on Amazon in 3/8" and 1/4" drive configurations

 

[drink]

I have several of the 1/4" drive spinner handles. They are a favorite to do work with. My small Craftsman mobile tool set has one in it and I use it frequently. I also have a few sets of nut drivers also. I think Klein makes a bunch of nut drivers with long shafts on them so they can reach deeper in hard to reach places. All I have to do is add an extension to my Craftsman spinner to be able to reach in tight spots. However, sometimes the separate pieces can fall apart and pieces can fall into tight spots. A long shaft can be helpful.

 

[winlinmac]

I find these useful in hard to reach areas in the car (especially around the fuse box and glove compartment).

I've never come across any made in 1/2" drive.

 

[Sine Swept]

I've got a few spinners, Snap On w/ Female 1/4 on handle, Proto Classic, many no name in acetate. The worst I used was the Mastercraft Maximum that came in my carry socket set. I left it open in the driveway while working on a car in the summer, my spinner spun itself loose inside the handle, utter junk!

I have unfortunately a Mastercraft set (missing key sizes) of nut drivers, a very nice Pro Point in metric that doesn't skip too many sizes and are rubber handled and I keep a set of Milwaukee's in a custom holder on my small work bench.

 

[four.cycle]

I think Klein makes a bunch of nut drivers with long shafts on them so they can reach deeper in hard to reach places.

^ originally made by "Vaco", until Klein bought Vaco. I see them now and then on Ebay - NOS sometimes - in the long-shaft version.

 

[drink]

^ originally made by "Vaco", until Klein bought Vaco. I see them now and then on Ebay - NOS sometimes - in the long-shaft version.

From what I understand Klein still has a line of long shaft nut drivers and some with magnetic tips. These can be a big help.

http://www.kleintools.com/sites/all/product_assets/catalog_imagery/klein/646m.jpg

 

[four.cycle]

^ correct. the older Vaco models are the ones with the color-coded handles. do a search on Ebay and you'll see what I mean.
(now and then somebody will list one or two of them way cheap.)