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Why are T-handle wrenches so expensive?
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Posted by: Casper250---------------------

I don't get it, it's a socket welded to 2 steel rods and a set of 8 is $60? What gives? :silly:

Posted by: super rat---------------------

It's not how much it cost to make it's how much people are willing to spend. T handles are worth the money.

Posted by: GETMETOCA---------------------

Did you try Sear's?? Craftsman set was half that.

Posted by: mdkuder---------------------

I bought mine, which are deep sockets, for $35. If I had to do it over I would go with the ratcheting t-handle and use the sockets and extensions I already have.

Posted by: Patman---------------------

Why are 4T exhausts so spendy? Because people want them.
Why are Hummer H2's becoming less expensive than 2 years ago? Less people are wanting them.
Why do people spend $500 for a 4 stroke exhaust to gain 2hp at peak but they won't drop the same to make their bike handle better? Can't see or hear it.

I have a T handle that I swap 1/4" drive sockets out on. Slightly less handy as having one of every size until you lay the one you need down somplace and can't find it. With the sockets your almost forced to keep them in a pocket or snapped back on the holder.

Posted by: JasonJ---------------------

Because the English have a pattent on the T handel design and we all know the English are partial to taxing Tea.

Posted by: thumbs---------------------

This is the one that I use.

Tool

Removable sockets on each end (8, 10 & 12mm) I can almost strip my CR down to the frame with this one tool. My KTM is a different story.

Posted by: JPIVEY---------------------

I bought a set of Motopro T's, paid over 90 bucks for them , I was so Jazzed with them until I read this thread, now I feel like I got gropped.

But hell, still worth it.

Posted by: Jaybird---------------------

I've wrenched for over 30 years and have never owned (or used) a tee handle.

Posted by: Lorin---------------------

I only started using t-handles a few years ago, but really like the convenience, etc., that they provide. Makes for quick adjustments, tear-downs, etc.... I think I gave around $40 for the motion pro set.

Posted by: yz250roost---------------------

If you know how to weld....make your own, that's what my buddy did. He just bought himself a bunch of sockets 1/4", then bought some metal rod that would fit nicely inside the 1/4", then he just spot welded the two together, took another shorter piece of metal rod, and spot welded it perpendicular to the other rod, and there you have a T handle, they've never broken in the past 12 years we've been riding together,

Posted by: Jaybird---------------------

Better to weld a tee on top of a 1/4" extension. (shrug)

Posted by: yz250roost---------------------

true, never thought of that one...

Posted by: Rich Rohrich---------------------

Quote:

Originally posted by Jaybird
I've wrenched for over 30 years and have never owned (or used) a tee handle.

LOL, same here, never owned a t-handle. :thumb: Eric and I were having this same discussion last Sunday in his shop.

I'll use his t-handles on occasion to break side cover and case bolts loose only because I'm afraid someday my 35 year old Snap On 1/4" swivel head ratchet will give up the ghost so I try not to put excessive torque on it. That ratchet is the first real tool I got when I was 10 years old and I've grown sort of fond of it. It's like a little chrome plated friend.

When I was pulling the engine out of Billy Who's bike at DW01 he came up to me and asked where my t-handles were. I told him I never use them and he looked at me like this :scream: He walked away shaking his head like I was from Mars as I spun bolts out just as fast using my trusty 1/4 & 3/8 swivel head tools.

Posted by: MrLuckey---------------------

When I go for a T-handle the only one I use is part of a socket set. The really nice thing I like about it is that the top bar has a detent in the middle to hold it centered but it can be slid to either side to act like a spinner. I break a bolt loose, slide the bar over and use one finger to spin away. I doubt I'd ever use a rigid T-handle.

Posted by: Ol'89r---------------------

Quote:

Originally posted by JPIVEY
I bought a set of Motopro T's, paid over 90 bucks for them , I was so Jazzed with them until I read this thread, now I feel like I got gropped.

Casper.

Got a flyer from Craparral a couple days ago. They have the Motion Pro set on sale for $29.99.

Sorry Jim.

Ol'gropenator.

Posted by: DougRoost---------------------

I'm like Rich in that I've been wrenching for a long time, also started off with auto repair, have never owned T handles, and my favorite tool is my 1/4" drive ratchet. However, my "chrome friend" is one of the old Craftsman fine tooth version with the quick spin disk under it, which they no longer make due to a lawsuit from a guy who patented it and sued them. Which also means I'm really afraid of breaking it since I can't replace it.

I'm not sure why all the dirtbike guys are so into T handles but I figure I should get one with 8/10/12mm sockets to keep in my Camelback for trail use. Maybe one day I'll understand....

Posted by: Camstyn---------------------

I made my own in high school, I brazed together a 3/8" extension and a steel bar, cost was about $6. Works on everything from 8mm - 20mm sockets, short or deep. It's the most used tool in my toolbox and the only one that's home made. :confused:

Posted by: motometal---------------------

Rich, what do you mean by "swivel head"?  Is that like an open end wrench with a swivel head?

Posted by: Rich Rohrich---------------------

Quote:

Originally posted by motometal
Rich, what do you mean by "swivel head"?  Is that like an open end wrench with a swivel head?

MM - it looks like this :

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/34800/34738.JPG

When the head is at 90 degrees it works like a speed handle and is every bit as fast as a t-handle IMO. At 90 degress the leverage is fairly minimal so it minimizes the chance of overtorquing small fasteners.

Posted by: Okiewan---------------------

I've seen Rich's head swivel. Wait, I mean I've used Rich's head to swivel. Nope. I've seen it. It's a little ratchet with a head that swivels

Posted by: XRpredator---------------------

Quote:

Originally posted by Okiewan
I've seen Rich's head swivel . . .

Does smoke come out his ears as he's speaking in tongues at the same time?

Posted by: Casper250---------------------

I ended up buying a set from a track vendor for 40$. I agree that these things are great, i have only had them for about 2 weeks and use them all the time now. There great for going over all the fender bolts before a ride.

Posted by: Zoomer---------------------

Quote:

Originally posted by Rich Rohrich

MM - it looks like this :

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/34800/34738.JPG

Very similar to the one I have,
I agree with Rich on this, put a 6 inch extension on that little bugger, and bolts are flying everywhere. :flame:

Posted by: mdkuder---------------------

www.bobscycle.com t-handle set for $29.99 which includes sizes 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17 & 19.

Posted by: motometal---------------------

thanks, Rich, I think I just found something to put on my Christmas list!

Posted by: Sawblade---------------------

Quote:

Originally posted by DougRoost
I'm not sure why all the dirtbike guys are so into T handles. Maybe one day I'll understand....

Because many of the factory wrench's use them.

I bought a T-handle from Bob's Cycle a few years ago for about $8 so I could change out size sockets. But, after getting the T-handle and twisting off a few 6 and 8 mm bolts. Its one of the least used tools in my tool box! About the only time I use it is to maybe take off the seat bolts.

Posted by: gwcrim---------------------

What, no one uses air ratchets? Zip, zip, zip and the bolts are gone!

Posted by: bclapham---------------------

ive got three of these special screwwdrivers with 6, 8 and 10mm nut drivers on the end- any more leverage and my big hands will over tighten everything

Posted by: storytime---------------------

I too have been on the wrenching band wagon for a LONG time!
Fact is you will never know just how fast you can work untill you get your self a set of GOOD t-handles. I have even worn out the socket they came with, then I go to sears buy a new (insert size here) socket weld it on and good to go for the next 5-6 years!
If you buy them you will use them!

Posted by: Tony Eeds---------------------

My story is similar to Rich's ..except my favorite rachet is a 1/4 inch Snap On rachet with a 3/8 inch head. I got mine about 20~25 years ago when I was wrenching on dragsters and it really came in handy because it would fit into my hand and I used a sliding t or breaker bar to bust the nut loose and spun it off with the ratchet. I could swap it out without removing the extension and socket for the nut. I don't think Snap On even makes them any more (at least I couldn't find them in the on line catalog).

I have a set of T handles, but spend too much time untangling them from each other.

We could start a real debate about the best BRAND of wrenches

Posted by: Gary B.---------------------

gwcrim- you're my hero. I was just reading through this thread and figured everyone of these guys must be paid by the hour. I've been working on cars for flat rate wages for twenty five or so years so the only tool I own that doesn't have an airhose coming out of it is my hammer. Oh wait, I've got one of those, too. Really, T-handles are useless on cars, so I've never had a use for them. I finally broke down and bought a set of Snap-On metric T handle Allens that I use all the time on my bikes, but even they aren't the ultimate weapon, as you can't access a lot of bolts with them, even on bikes. I have to laugh at the magazines pushing these $300 Makita cordless impacts. There is no way I could ever justify the money!

Air is truly the only way to fly!

Posted by: DougRoost---------------------

Okay, you guys brought up the other reason I don't use T handles -- air tools. Especially useful have been air impact guns for getting out bots -- even tiny ones -- that the previous owner didn't use anti-seize compound on. You know, like the ones that go into the brass nutserts in plastic gas tanks. But I'm not so hardcore that I bring a compressor with me out to the trails, so I kept wondering what was up with T handles since I noticed everyone in the dirt bike world using them.

I think Sawblade answered my question. Factory MX teams use them, so all the wannabes think they're a must. I can see having a compact set in a fanny pack on a long ride so I'll probably get something along those lines.

Posted by: jmics19067---------------------

The only possible thing I can think that t handles beat sockets at is only if you drop a 1/4 "drive 6mm short socket in the rocks while out in a trail. The welded t handle is worlds easier to see..... but you will probebly still have to look for the bolt

I use a combination of the above ratchet with this http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_...e&dir=catalogis

for my extension. it is gives me the ultimate versatility in using the screwdrive handle a ratchet or the ratchet straightened out.

Posted by: motometal---------------------

Another handy item is the 6 sided adapter thing that fits in a drill chuck.  You can get them in sets for 1/4, 3/8, etc.

If I have a whole bunch of 8mm headed bolts to remove (top end job, etc.) I use my cordless drill with a socket.  It's probably no faster than T handle wrenches, but it's always fun to use any power tool!

Posted by: mxer842---------------------

i wouldn't even get a set of t-handles for the trails, carrying one ratchet and a bunch of sockets makes more sense thena bunch of individual t-handles. especially when you can just toss your ratchets and sockets in the carrying case they came with.

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Why are T-handle wrenches so expensive?

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