t handle, speed handle

[jeejay]

That's why I thought it seemed backward, because the ordinary sliding T is compact (not that I was thinking of storage in particular), but I figured it could be useful for not wobbling as much too.

Not sure what's going on here though.

 

[honcho]

Can't say I use my t-handles much at all but I do occasionally use the 3/8 inch speeder wrench . However, one of my most used tools when working on bicycles and outdoor power equipment is the ASV Y-wrench Kind of like a T-handle but can attach three sockets or bits. Bicycle mechanics commonly have this type of tool with three fixed sockets or bits

http://asvinventions.com/yhandle

 

[Tony G]

I have several speed handles. I rarely use them but they look cool sitting in my box so I keep them.

 

[gdpolk]

I never saw the need personally. I regular ratchet can be plenty fast enough for hand tools. Once the bolt is broke loose you can always pop off the extension/socket and twist by hand if you want and don't have lots of clearance to crank on the ratchet. If I am really in a hurry there's always power tools and air tools that work extremely quickly.

 

[jeejay]

Can't say I use my t-handles much at all but I do occasionally use the 3/8 inch speeder wrench . However, one of most used tools when working on bicycles and outdoor power equipment is the ASV Y-wrench Kind of like a T-handle but can attach three sockets or bits. Bicycle mechanics commonly have this type of tool with three fixed sockets or bits

http://asvinventions.com/yhandle

Thats nifty. Thought I'd seen all the drive handles, thanks.

 

[Sloper0204]

I have a motion pro. Simple,cheap,strong. Sold through motorcycle type places. Enough mass to spin and just a good feel. Not fancy though.

Sent from my HTCD200LVW using Tapatalk

When I was wrenching on snowmobiles and dirt bikes full time, I came to love my Motion Pro T-handles. Would rather use them than a ratchet if I have access. Only use sliding T-Handles in 1/2 and 3/4, that is a holdover from working on farm and ranch implements as a kid when I needed all the leverage I could muster.

 

[pi_guy]

I use tee handles for adjustment. easier to count number of turn ins or out.
Speeders often get used with a deburring bit a little more control than using a power version.

 

[MShaw]

I have a 3/8" drive speed handle that I used for years for running down head bolts and installing valve covers. Long before cordless tools & etc.

 

[justme-]

Is this a sliding T/extension? Kinda seems backwards, what would you do, add different width T-handles, as opposed to different length extensions? All that to use the extension by itself, but not the T without an extension... okay. Maybe it would be smoother than those connected to the drive.

It is difficult to find one with a decent sized detent in the middle for spinning without it sliding otherwise (if using a separate rotating extension).

I think the point of this one is the handle slides out and it can be an extension also. The only time I ever use sliding t handles are when I know I need a pipe on the handle and don't want to blow out my ratchet since breaker bars never leave home.

I'm curious those using t handle stuff, why those over cordless tools? I use t handle Allen keys, bit popping the bit in my m18 driver is significantly faster, and if you've got a million to put in and take out...

 

[txlch]

Jermey, know and superatuobacs, thanks for the info. Got another ratchet to buy now

 

[rharman]

Can't remember the last time I used either of them. Seemed like a good purchase at the time though (40 years ago).

 

[BlackLS2]

I have the Felo T handles in 3/8, 1/4, and the 32350 1/4 hex, for times when the Milwaukee M12 is too much. Felo handles are big and soft; no sleeve. Super good for plugs on boats where the manifold is at an angle and right in the way (runnin the Gearwrench 80546 plug socket when ya got room...oh yeah), valve covers, case screws, hex cap screws, etc. Definitely not a must have, but nice to have. I love the 3/8 T handle when you want to avoid that 'too tight' feeling you get with a ratchet on small bolts into aluminum threads.

For the mighty 1983 V65 Magna...I have to rely on the Vessel 220 ball JIS cross point screwdriver (and the Megadora 980)...both awesome. In that vein, this thread gave me an idea...the Vessel ball with a 1/4 square drive would be sweet for speedy work! Wouldn't need no stink'n T handles.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I use the handle of my speeder to hold loose sockets from rolling around.

 

[ttpete]

I use 8mm and 10mm t-handles all the time on motorcycles -- just the thing when you have 4,312 friggin' case screws to remove just to get to the stator or clutch.

On cars, hardly ever have the room. I think I've used a t-handle for cam cap bolts and valve cover bolts a few times.

I use a 12V 1/4 hex drive Bosch impact for case screws. I also have a similar non-impact driver that works great on bodywork and all of the small screws used on bikes.

 

[PoorOwner]

Do you guys know why a 3/4" drive set comes with sliding T? I didn't notice this tool with smaller drive sizes

 

[T45]

Do you guys know why a 3/4" drive set comes with sliding T? I didn't notice this tool with smaller drive sizes

Obstruction avoidance in 3/4 range. Same reason alot of 3/4 sets are 12 point. You tend not to carry around huge varieties of spare 3/4 ratchet head/handles and etc because of cost and weight. and the sliding handle and 12 points allow more working agles with the large tools.


- 1 Piece T handles keep perfet balance, and so spin properly. (see Kowa). Hard to store outside the shop tho. Don't lie flat in a box without huge real estate.

- Two part breakdown design for storage (see Beta).

- Two part semi-permanant sliding design for obstable avoidance (eg facom)

- One part DIY T bar adapter (uses spare extension as handle) - this design breaks down for storage and is low cost but does not balance and spins poorly.

 

[Al Borland]

I have a few speeders, and use them when I don't feel like charging the cordless or waiting for/listening to the compressor fill up.

 

[Hexen]

I have one of these in 1/4 and one in 3/8. The price is right and surprisingly good quality. Could probably use the 1/4 with adapters for any given situation though.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-17-piece-mach-t-handle-driver/p-00948025000P

Bringing this thread back up... I passed up a Craftsman speeder wrench for $3 at an estate sale today, thinking it would be a hassle for me to store with limited space, and largely redundant to the Craftsman Mach spinner T-handles that I plan to be getting in the near future with Sears points. Glad to see the general consensus here doesn't see much use for speed wrenches; makes me feel more justified in my non-purchase (especially the guy who has one that hasn't left his toolbox in 40 years ).

 

[Outlander]

I use my speeder because I have a speeder

 

[Oldsmobile]

I like the speeder occasionally. I mostly work on cars, and there's limited clearance on a lot of jobs, but the speeder feels absolutely marvelous for running out lug nuts.

A few years ago at Carlisle, I found a nice Proto 1/4" speeder for a couple of bucks. Turned out to be exactly the right tool to remove the 8mm-head bolts at the bottom of the console in my Dodge truck.

Last year at flea market, I found a 1/2" S-K speeder on a dollar table. I had to buy it, being S-K, but I honestly haven't really used it.

In fact, I keep hoping to find a flex speeder in my flea market travels. I have an ebay search for the Plomb 5469, and I know Snap-on made one, but I want to find one of these for less money than ebay + shipping...the length of these things makes inexpensive shipping impossible.

 

[Outlawmws]

In fact, I keep hoping to find a flex speeder in my flea market travels. I have an ebay search for the Plomb 5469, and I know Snap-on made one, but I want to find one of these for less money than ebay + shipping...the length of these things makes inexpensive shipping impossible.

Flat rate game box?

Maybe not; - Still 18-20 bucks...

 

[Oldsmobile]

Yep. I feel like I can probably find one in person for $10 or so, given enough time. Besides, we all need some specific tool to go hunting for...and snap up unexpected good deals too. And who can pass up a quality ratchet for a buck or two? Not me.

 

[rharman]

< snip >
makes me feel more justified in my non-purchase (especially the guy who has one that hasn't left his toolbox in 40 years ).
< /snip >

In all fairness, I must report that they left my toolbox late last year.... I moved them to my new toolbox where I assume they'll sit unused for quite a few more years (I hope).

 

[Hexen]

In all fairness, I must report that they left my toolbox late last year.... I moved them to my new toolbox where I assume they'll sit unused for quite a few more years (I hope).

Thanks for the update

 

[Tonyuk]

I use a long facom t-handle all the time, its a 1/4 swivel. I use it with a bit adapter for stuff like taking headlights out etc...

Similar to this one;

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FACOM-1-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

 

[Snakebyt]

I have this one, and so far been really pleased with it, only used it a dozen or so times
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...et-wrench-19535/ratchet-handle/gm6126/4677150

 

[davethorik]

I think one of the plomb flex speeders would be handy.

Not mine: https://m.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-PLOM...140503?hash=item28549b1157:g:4yUAAOSwp-RacPD1

I feel like that is a little steep. But, it is ebay.

I have 3 speeders and never used them, but they're all 1/2. I think a 1/4 could be handy, but never seen one.

 

[Hexen]

I think one of the plomb flex speeders would be handy.

Not mine: https://m.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-PLOM...140503?hash=item28549b1157:g:4yUAAOSwp-RacPD1

I feel like that is a little steep. But, it is ebay.

I have 3 speeders and never used them, but they're all 1/2. I think a 1/4 could be handy, but never seen one.

At least a third to half of that $30 price must be covering the cost of the 'free' shipping on that listing.

 

[Outlawmws]

In case you guys don't know, those "flex" speeders aren't full swivel. its so it can be used as both a breaker or a speeder, without having to change tools or sockets and really can be used to break something loose, speed it off or speed it on and torque it (by feel...)

I could swear I have one around here somewhere, but I can't find it just now...

Hex, Probably closer to 1/2 - 2/3 for shipping...

 

[Al Borland]

I've got an ancient Craftsman (New Britain) 1/2" speeder I use at home sometimes as well as a 1960s 1/2" Craftsman with the "Doorknob" top.
For oil pans /valve cover, etc. I have a 3/8" Craftsman that sees occasional use.
I also have a 1/4" one, but that just keeps the others company in the toolbox and provides moral support to the 1/4" and 3/8" breaker bars.

 

[Hexen]

I think one of the plomb flex speeders would be handy.

Not mine: https://m.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-PLOM...140503?hash=item28549b1157:g:4yUAAOSwp-RacPD1

I feel like that is a little steep. But, it is ebay.

I have 3 speeders and never used them, but they're all 1/2. I think a 1/4 could be handy, but never seen one.

Sears does still sell Craftsman speed wrenches in 3 sizes - 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4". Just saw them in person at my Sears store today. Current production is from Taiwan. Here's the 1/4" one, if you want one: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-speeder-wrench-1-4-in-drive/p-00904281000P

Not a flex speeder like the Plomb you were looking at, but you could add a flex adapter.

 

[matthew]

I like speeders. They're fantastic for not overtorquing those plastic lugnut covers. I also use them regularly because it's often faster than charging the compressor and running air line when you're only running a few nuts or bolts. And since my cordless impact driver lives in the basement with my cordless drill, also quicker than digging that out. They're inexpensive, effective, and it's a ****** shame they're not a feature of standard socket sets anymore.

 

[CR888]

A sliding T bar coupled to an socket extension with a ratchet adapter makes an impressive HD 'T' setup. I do this with 1/2" sockets and its great. For small fasteners and small engine work, Wiha but drivers, hex, & torx drivers in T handle are the bomb. You just can't match them as far as torque compared to regular handles.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

My tee handles are used with extensions and tap sockets. Speed wrenches remain My choice for engine and automatic transmission reassembly.

 

[davethorik]

Sears does still sell Craftsman speed wrenches in 3 sizes - 1/2", 3/8", and 1/4". Just saw them in person at my Sears store today. Current production is from Taiwan. Here's the 1/4" one, if you want one: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-speeder-wrench-1-4-in-drive/p-00904281000P

Not a flex speeder like the Plomb you were looking at, but you could add a flex adapter.

Oh I know they're made but I'm not buying a 1/4 version new. If I run across one for cheap at a yard sale or flea market I'll grab it, I just haven't found one.

I have seen a few now that have had the drive cut off and re-profiled into a large flathead screwdriver tip. I don't buy any of those.

 

[PNWguy]

I bought speeders thinking I'd use them. Oops.

I bought metric t handle sockets, and use them constantly if I'm working on my bike. I recently bought an MG BGT, so I'l probably get a fractional set as well.

I bought a t handle socket holder, and don't use it nearly as much as I thought I would.

 

[Flatheadpopup]

I find speed handles to be really handy for running in oil pan and valve cover bolts--mostly with new builds still on the stand. I guess it really comes down to personal preference.

 

[straightcut]

I've got speed handles in 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I like them because they're quiet - I don't need to listen to the compressor. I use them fairly often, especially like today - rotating four tires with six lugs.

I did pick up a Plomb 1/2" #5469 - speed handle with the flex head end that can be used as a breaker bar and speed handle - as mentioned above by Outlaw. That's a good tool for certain situations!

 

[Jim c]

I have a speed handle from the 1970’s craftsman 1/2 with the door knob top and the embossed “ craftsman” handle. It is a beauty. So beautiful, that it has laid in my box for ever bit of 40 years also! ( doesn’t seem like 40 years). My thoughts are: these speeders were popular back in the 1960’s and prior, but in a manner similiar to “push” type screwdrivers they were popular in their time, but technology did away with them. Cordlessdrivers make the push type screwdriver obsolete and air ratchets make speeders obsolete as well. I really do love the style of speeders though. And, if I could find them in perfect condition, I would purchase snap on speeders sk and others just to collect them.

 

[GaryM909]

I used to use this 1/2" Gray Canada for lug nuts.