Thoughts on speed wrenches? Worth having?

[Jay H 237]

I have a 1/4" and 3/8" C-man speed wrenches and a 1/2" SK one. I've only ever used the 3/8" one putting a 307 together.

I also have C-man sliding T handles in all three sizes, never used them yet.

The wierd thing is even though I've never used 2 of the speed wrenches and my sliding T handles I won't get rid of them, some how I have a feeling I may need them someday and my toolbox wouldn't be complete without them.

 

[paramudduck]

I have used mine a lot working on equipment in the fields. Really nice to take panels off.

Use them all of the time on oil crank and ****** pans as well. I can feel the bolts going in better then I can with air equipment.

But I must also state I'm not under time restrictions and can take the extra time. The sliding T handles are nice to beat on to break frozen nuts and bolts loose.

 

[wrenchr]

They are good for any fastener that is long and you do not want to use a power tool.

 

[ImportTuner]

My Craftsman speeder has not been used in over 25 years ... but I won't get rid of it ...

 

[eschoendorff]

I have a 1/4" and 3/8" C-man speed wrenches and a 1/2" SK one. I've only ever used the 3/8" one putting a 307 together.

I also have C-man sliding T handles in all three sizes, never used them yet.

The wierd thing is even though I've never used 2 of the speed wrenches and my sliding T handles I won't get rid of them, some how I have a feeling I may need them someday and my toolbox wouldn't be complete without them.

Similar feelings here. I have stuff that I haven't used yet... but I sure as hell am not getting rid of it!!

 

[wilbilt]

I have speed handles in three sizes. I used them daily in the shop. Only occasionally now.

I also have Craftsman sliding T-handles, 1/2" drive, two different lengths, both bent. No warranty.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have speed handles in three sizes. I used them daily in the shop. Only occasionally now.

I also have Craftsman sliding T-handles, 1/2" drive, two different lengths, both bent. No warranty.

No warranty?????

 

[T56 Impala]

This was covered not too long ago. I love speed handles. There is no better tool for breaking down or assembling an engine! Though mine doesn't get used daily, they are a real gem when they do get used. I reach for them before I reach for a ratchet assuming that there is space for one.

I only have 1 T handle. I wish I could find more. Mine is an old Craftsman 1/4. I seriously doubt it has ever been used. I know I haven't used it. I'll ask my father if he ever did.

 

[foul_ball]

Hi there, guys

I've been lurking for a while and reading through a lot of good posts =) had to jump in on this one- I work for a heavy equipment dealer putting together Kubota tractors with the front end loaders and backhoes and whatever else. I find that in this work, my 3/8 and 1/2" speeders and t-handles get used all the time. I guess the assembly stuff is pretty similar to engine work because in both , you have to get a lot of bolts started and snug before you can torque them all down. In addition to bolts, I use my speeders and square sockets a lot for running taps through different parts to chase paint and junk out of the threads, I love the speeder because it gives positive control like a tap wrench, I can turn 1 or 2 revolutions and go back a 1/4 turn then go forward all without having to switch a ratchet back and forth.

p.s.- included a pic of me and one of my Ranger tool box with the $.50 Hinsdale 1/2 speeder I scored at a local thrift store.

 

[Bob Paulin]

I use several scissor jacks to move things around and hold things in position on my chassis jig.

I buy scissor jacks for a buck or two at lawn sales, then weld 50-cent, 1/2" drive sockets on which I drive with one of several speed handles I have purchased.

I use "T" handles on my lathe chucks. Far better than those puny chuck wrenches supplied by the manufacturer. I have chucks with square and hex socket heads, and one with a square-headed bolt on which I use an eight-point socket on a "T" handle.

I buy many of these tools quite inexpensively at the somewhat famous Liberty Tool Co. in Liberty, Maine.

I have no connection whatsoever with the business.....just a customer.