T Handle wrenches - do you use them and why?

[OaklandF4i]

Probably not as controversial as two vs fourstroke... but maybe not a bad SIP discussion.

So some folks have an extensive range of T Handle wrenches and seem to use them extensively. Other than allen bolts being removed from bodywork on bikes, I don't use them. I see other folks that like to use them for all sorts of work on bikes.

If its a socket, torx, and even allen head, I'll always reach for any number of my extensive socket wrenches in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, extensions, wobblers, and sockets deep, shallow, 6 or 12 pt.

For you guys that do more and tear down your bikes with T Handles, what is the advantage or why do you prefer them? Always felt like I've been missing something when I see a pro mechanic in a supercross pit do most of the work with a T Handle.

 

[Gravisman]

It’s just so much quicker and easier for many bolts. Long stem means you can access most everything well and you’re also unlikely to run into anything when you twist them. If you’re using a ratchet set, you’re probably changing keys all the time, which is much more cumbersome than just switching to the other size t-wrench. Basically, they’re just convenient. It’s not like they’re expensive, so I say give it a shot.

 

[budman]

They proved awesome for quick wheel changes when I was doing endurance racing. So much so that we welded Allen heads onto the axel bolts.

Sure Team Suzuki, Honda etc had powered tools but the Bay Area Fast Boys figured out how to beat the competition with some innovation.

I don’t have a set.

 

[doc4216]

I use them. I just find them super convenient and quick.

 

[ejv]

I use them. I just find them super convenient and quick.

Same. Super quick and easy as long as they fit where I need them...I figure it out pretty quickly. I am not much of a wrench but the work I do on my bike I mostly use T handles.

 

[bikewanker]

Seems like once I break a nut loose with a ratchet I often just spin the extension, more efficient to just use a T handle. Plus my 10 mm T handle rarely escapes.

 

[motomania2007]

The wrench I use the most is my 1/4" drive Motion Pro T handle with 8/10/12mm sockets.
It fits most bolts and is quick and easy to use.

 

[cheez]

The wrench I use the most is my 1/4" drive Motion Pro T handle with 8/10/12mm sockets.
It fits most bolts and is quick and easy to use.

+1. Plus, unlike with the ratchet, I almost never over-torque bolts with the t-handle. It's much harder to achieve gorilla strength torque levels with it.

 

[Cabrito]

I like the mini t-handle combo, and keep one in the tool chest, and the moto tool kit. One gripe is that sometimes a socket will fall off while using it. I'm talking about one that's on the T that gets pushed off by my hand.

+1. Plus, unlike with the ratchet, I almost never over-torque bolts with the t-handle. It's much harder to achieve gorilla strength torque levels with it.

I have a set of long handle ones, but find that these ones will totally over tighten bolts if I'm not careful.


I think I use the t-handles more than the ratchets. Could be that the long handle set I have live on a rack and not in the tool chest so they are easy to access.

 

[Maddevill]

Way better initial breakaway power. Allows you to rapidly spin the loose bolts out. A real time saver. Different tools for different things.

Mad

 

[berth]

We actually bought one of those glider benches for the front porch, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it came with a T-wrench instead of your typical, commemorative allen wrenches.

It was really handy save for the couple time I would have appreciated the longer handle of the allen wrench when things were tight and I needed a little extra leverage.

 

[dravnx]

It's true, once the fastener is broken free, I end up pulling the ratshit and spinning the extension by hand.
Yay, more tools to buy while I SIP.
Freshman high school auto shop. Teacher holding up tools and explaining their uses and names. He held up a 3/8" drive ratchet and said "this is a ratchet, not ratsh*t" Ever since, it's always been a ratsh*t to me.
Love my Motionpro hex drivers.

 

[Pushrod]

Spin factor, pure and simple.

I do food processing machinery service/repair. Lotsa' hex head cap screws that retain covers or hold components in place. Spin off - spin on, all day long. A spindle with 22 blades is held with 44 bolts. Got three of those units to do. Without the spin factor I'd be all day at it not counting the blade repair aspect.

 

[thedub]

I use Motion Pro T-Handles 90% of the time. In fact I recently noticed I'm starting to wear out my 8 mm, it's kind of sloppy on the bolt head so I ordered a replacement.

For the 8, 10 mm hex bolts, and 4, 5, 6 mm allen bolts that are all over a motorcycle, you can apply more than enough torque to remove and replace those bolts with a T-Handle.

I just find it much easier to grab the T-Handle you need, crack the bolt loose, and spin it off then mess around with constantly putting the right socket on the right extension on the right ratchet.

 

[bobl]

I use a 10mm T handle with a swivel built in for removing cam covers and cams. For the fairing bolts, nothing beats an electric screwdriver. I can get the side fairings off of my GSXR in about 5 minutes.

 

[OaklandF4i]

Good stuff.

I'd guess I've been using my ratchet wrench with extensions like a T Handle. Break loose and spin the extension with my fingers, though a T Handle might be a more efficient tool.

Gotten into the habit gripping my ratchet wrench over the head with 1/4" drive and not at the end of the handle on small bolts like 8 and 10mm so as to not over torque over the years.

Motion Pro has a pretty cool T Handle spinner with a swivel head in the 3/8" size which would replace a spinner/wobbler extension. 1/4" drive would probable get more use, maybe not. Then again having just the basic 8, 10, 12, and 14mm T Handle "Racer" kit would cover probably 99% of the bolts on my dirt bikes.

Sockets wouldn't get lost on my shop floor as often when Anytwowilldo visits.

 

[Cabrito]

a bit off topic, but does anyone know what this is tool is called? I saw a video of a guy using one and it looked like it made quick work of removing nuts and bolts.

Screen grab from video so it looks like he's using it wrong, but he was just lining it up on the bolt.

 

[dravnx]

Speed wrench
It’s what we used in the days before electric screwdrivers Very effective in pulling panels off aircraft that had a gazillion screws. I still use one when I have a panel screw that's hard to remove. A little valve grinding compound on the tip and you can put the handle on your shoulder and really put some torque on the fastener.
I haven't seen one in a long time but they used to make a flat metal pad that would fit over the handle so you can push with your shoulder.

 

[Cabrito]

Speed wrench
It’s what we used in the days before electric screwdrivers Very effective in pulling panels off aircraft that had a gazillion screws. I still use one when I have a panel screw that's hard to remove. A little valve grinding compound on the tip and you can put the handle on your shoulder and really put some torque on the fastener.
I haven't seen one in a long time but they used to make a flat metal pad that would fit over the handle so you can push with your shoulder.

I thought that was it.. Should have googled.. Thanks dravnx

 

[OaklandF4i]

a bit off topic, but does anyone know what this is tool is called? I saw a video of a guy using one and it looked like it made quick work of removing nuts and bolts.

Screen grab from video so it looks like he's using it wrong, but he was just lining it up on the bolt.

Looks like my great grandfathers hand drill......