Do you use t-handles?

illinimx
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Sandwich, IL US
4/19/2020 5:34pm
Does the tin man have a sheet Metal cock?
4
captmoto
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Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
4/19/2020 5:50pm
illinimx wrote:
Does the tin man have a sheet Metal cock?
Does Frosty the Snowman shit ice cubes?
1
Falcon
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4/19/2020 6:00pm
illinimx wrote:
Does the tin man have a sheet Metal cock?
captmoto wrote:
Does Frosty the Snowman shit ice cubes?
Woohoo I'm not even sure if the answer is yes or no, but those are funny!
Micahdogg
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US
4/19/2020 6:02pm
I have a set of Kowas from the 90s, from ProCircuit. The #2 Phillips from that set is my favorite MC tool that I own. Probably...
I have a set of Kowas from the 90s, from ProCircuit. The #2 Phillips from that set is my favorite MC tool that I own. Probably because it is a JIS screwdriver.

I have a set of short T-handles from Motion Pro. I prefer these over the Kowas. I also like my Allen and Bondhaus T-Handle hex tools.

Recently added some nut-drivers. I like these for removing and installing the plastic/bodypanels.

If you want good Phillips screwdrivers for motorcycle use check out Vessel.





Ive got Vessels. That knurled section on the shaft should be mandatory on all screwdrivers!

The Shop

Keith72
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Omaha, NE US
4/19/2020 6:15pm
I have a set of Kowas from the 90s, from ProCircuit. The #2 Phillips from that set is my favorite MC tool that I own. Probably...
I have a set of Kowas from the 90s, from ProCircuit. The #2 Phillips from that set is my favorite MC tool that I own. Probably because it is a JIS screwdriver.

I have a set of short T-handles from Motion Pro. I prefer these over the Kowas. I also like my Allen and Bondhaus T-Handle hex tools.

Recently added some nut-drivers. I like these for removing and installing the plastic/bodypanels.

If you want good Phillips screwdrivers for motorcycle use check out Vessel.





Vessel is a great screwdriver. I have the Impacto in #2 and #3 JIS
Timo_2824
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4/19/2020 7:34pm


I mostly use one of these with 1/4 or 3/8 sockets.
2
FWYT
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4/19/2020 8:56pm
illinimx wrote:
Does the tin man have a sheet Metal cock?
captmoto wrote:
Does Frosty the Snowman shit ice cubes?
DUDE- "Does the Pope shit in the woods?"
1
FortyHat
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CO US
4/19/2020 9:51pm Edited Date/Time 4/19/2020 9:52pm
To me, half the point of the T handle is being able to spin it quickly in either direction. Common things like taking the seat and plates off to wash a bike. I was raised using them since the late 80s. Ratchets really only when the bolt is binding or tight, or due to space requirements.

I might be in the minority but when I take off things I use an electric impact wrench with sockets for 8/10/12.
dancolvin633
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4/19/2020 10:05pm
Most guys don’t even know we make these... not as easy to “spin” as Kowas or MP but they are comfortable to use and they don’t wear or or round fasteners
loftyair
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riverside, CA US
4/19/2020 11:01pm
Had them, got rid of them. Had the 'spinner' t-handle with sockets too, got rid. I prefer regular stuff.
FWYT
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4/19/2020 11:57pm Edited Date/Time 4/20/2020 12:09am
FWYT wrote:
I made a 4-way that has an 8, 10 and 12 and then the fourth is a male 3/8 drive receiver for whatever else. I use...
I made a 4-way that has an 8, 10 and 12 and then the fourth is a male 3/8 drive receiver for whatever else. I use that for everything; it has replaced all my T-handles. It frigging rules.
CG118 wrote:
Pic?
Please excuse the sloppy welding. I've gotten a little better . . . barely. Laughing
Anyway, just a 4-way I put together with whatever 8mm, 10mm and 12mm was laying around.
Then the fourth part is a 3/8" male receiver to use an extension, Allen, Torx, 14mm or whatever.

The 8mm is a smaller, 1/4" drive because it seems like a lot of times, like on cases and stuff, clearance is tight.
It's a deep socket only because that's what was handy.

Size is just about right to reach most places but still be compact and you can spin it with one hand- once
you crack the bolt free, the end opposite bolt rests in your palm and you spin it with your fingers like a wing nut.
It's so frigging handy it's stupid.

One area it doesn't clear is fork lug bolts. I'll grab a ratchet for those


Markee
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4/20/2020 12:04am
FWYT wrote:
I made a 4-way that has an 8, 10 and 12 and then the fourth is a male 3/8 drive receiver for whatever else. I use...
I made a 4-way that has an 8, 10 and 12 and then the fourth is a male 3/8 drive receiver for whatever else. I use that for everything; it has replaced all my T-handles. It frigging rules.
CG118 wrote:
Pic?
FWYT wrote:
Please excuse the sloppy welding. I've gotten a little better . . . barely. :laugh: Anyway, just a 4-way I put together with whatever 8mm, 10mm...
Please excuse the sloppy welding. I've gotten a little better . . . barely. Laughing
Anyway, just a 4-way I put together with whatever 8mm, 10mm and 12mm was laying around.
Then the fourth part is a 3/8" male receiver to use an extension, Allen, Torx, 14mm or whatever.

The 8mm is a smaller, 1/4" drive because it seems like a lot of times, like on cases and stuff, clearance is tight.
It's a deep socket only because that's what was handy.

Size is just about right to reach most places but still be compact and you can spin it with one hand- once
you crack the bolt free, the end opposite bolt rests in your palm and you spin it with your fingers like a wing nut.
It's so frigging handy it's stupid.

One area it doesn't clear is fork lug bolts. I'll grab a ratchet for those


Man did you use a coat hanger and a bic lighter?!

J/K, love custom tools!
1
FWYT
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4/20/2020 12:25am Edited Date/Time 4/20/2020 12:27am
Markee wrote:
Man did you use a coat hanger and a bic lighter?!

J/K, love custom tools!
LaughingLaughingLaughing
Bro, I asked to please excuse the shitty welding!!! I think a Bic and
coat hanger would have been a step up! hahahah
Actually, maybe this will shame me into doing a better version. Smile
CPR
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4/20/2020 2:52am
I like this brand of t-handle:


2
1
PK97
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4/20/2020 5:14am
chad_111 wrote:
I seem to be the only one who uses one of these [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/04/19/421523/s1200_8CC373EA_72A6_4447_8726_3B42B0541F9F.jpg[/img]
I seem to be the only one who uses one of these
Speed handle is great, I use it. Don't have T-Hnadles
Spooner
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Kansas City, MO US
4/20/2020 7:07am
I've mainly gone to a 1/4" drive ratchet with a flex head and an extension. Best of both worlds to me.

2
4/20/2020 7:18am
chad_111 wrote:
I seem to be the only one who uses one of these [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/04/19/421523/s1200_8CC373EA_72A6_4447_8726_3B42B0541F9F.jpg[/img]
I seem to be the only one who uses one of these
Used those daily for years building automotive engines. Especially, oil pan / valve cover bolts.
2
CPR
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4/20/2020 5:33pm
chad_111 wrote:
I seem to be the only one who uses one of these [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/04/19/421523/s1200_8CC373EA_72A6_4447_8726_3B42B0541F9F.jpg[/img]
I seem to be the only one who uses one of these
Used those daily for years building automotive engines. Especially, oil pan / valve cover bolts.
Yup, we called them speed braces though and have only ever known 't-handles' as 't-bars' in Aus.
Have always used t-bars for plastics, seats, clutch covers etc (anything easy access) and 1/4in drive ratchets for everything else besides engine mounts, axles etc.
2
captmoto
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Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
4/20/2020 8:12pm
illinimx wrote:
Does the tin man have a sheet Metal cock?
captmoto wrote:
Does Frosty the Snowman shit ice cubes?
Falcon wrote:
Woohoo I'm not even sure if the answer is yes or no, but those are funny!
Does Rageddy Ann have a cotton crotch?
4/20/2020 8:49pm
Anyone who makes a living from working with motos uses T-bars because they are just plan faster.
Koken out of Japan. Doubt many here would have heard of them. Very hard to get.
BobPA
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PA US
4/21/2020 7:11am Edited Date/Time 4/21/2020 7:20am
Anyone who makes a living from working with motos uses T-bars because they are just plan faster. Koken out of Japan. Doubt many here would have...
Anyone who makes a living from working with motos uses T-bars because they are just plan faster.
Koken out of Japan. Doubt many here would have heard of them. Very hard to get.
I make a living working on all kinds of motorcycles, ATV's, SXS's, and watercraft. I do not find them to be faster. I find them to be clumsy and lacking leverage to crack bolts loose easily. A DeWalt impact helps disassemble most things. But I use a normal ratchet for bolts that require precision, or that are on the verge of being stripped. I never tighten anything with an impact, it is always done by hand.

T-handles work OK on stuff that is clean and new. But in the real world, a lot of equipment is dirty, rusty, and hardware is stripped...not too mention way over torqued. I never understood why factory mechanics used T-handles, different strokes I guess.
2
4/22/2020 11:39am
I use the snap on sliding t handle with a extension slide it down to crack whatever loose then slide it back an use it as a t handle


dean122
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Upland, CA US
4/22/2020 1:19pm Edited Date/Time 4/22/2020 3:16pm
You want some t-handles?! Watch this, one of my favorite YT'ers. They were custom built for C-LO. JA21's mechanic.

4/22/2020 3:43pm
When I was a teenager I strictly only used T-handles... my twin brother bought me a set of Motion Pro T handles for Xmas and my god did it make me feel like a factory mechanic when I used them.

Fast forward a couple years and my snap on ratchets and power tools do the job just fine. And a bit quicker lol
paddyB745
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novato, CA US
4/22/2020 4:44pm
One of these will change your life, expensive, but so worth it.

1
4/22/2020 6:01pm
Motion pro are too short to spin to quicken the job. Yeah battery rattlers have taken over in the workshop for sure but they aren't the best thing to have sticking out your belt strap with a clip of sockets on the the other side running up and down the mechanics area.
4/22/2020 6:16pm
Anyone who makes a living from working with motos uses T-bars because they are just plan faster. Koken out of Japan. Doubt many here would have...
Anyone who makes a living from working with motos uses T-bars because they are just plan faster.
Koken out of Japan. Doubt many here would have heard of them. Very hard to get.
BobPA wrote:
I make a living working on all kinds of motorcycles, ATV's, SXS's, and watercraft. I do not find them to be faster. I find them to...
I make a living working on all kinds of motorcycles, ATV's, SXS's, and watercraft. I do not find them to be faster. I find them to be clumsy and lacking leverage to crack bolts loose easily. A DeWalt impact helps disassemble most things. But I use a normal ratchet for bolts that require precision, or that are on the verge of being stripped. I never tighten anything with an impact, it is always done by hand.

T-handles work OK on stuff that is clean and new. But in the real world, a lot of equipment is dirty, rusty, and hardware is stripped...not too mention way over torqued. I never understood why factory mechanics used T-handles, different strokes I guess.
Factory mechanics don't deal with rusted, worn out shit. They aren't stupid either. And they can't run around with rattle gun and row of sockets.

You must be using the removable socket types which I also find clumsy, cumbersome and time consuming changing over sockets all the time when your doing a strip. Jap bike 8, 10 and 12mm single hex Tees and spanners on the bike bench plus larger sockets on ratchet for the larger stuff like axles and swingarm when needed. 13's also for KTM. Done.

Koken and Blue Point Tees come in single hex or 6 point just like sockets. They don't slip. just like a socket. And just as precise. And have plenty of leverage where you can get two hands on them unlike Motion Pro which are too short to spin or undo tight shit.

I don't do over 5 years old as you more often than not loose money or end in an argument for the said problems listed that need to be fixed on top of what you already quoted for.

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