T-handle for Allen wrenches

[NeiljohnUK]

As apprentices we made a set of brass leverage extenders from hex bar, great for breaking 'ball' ended Allen keys. My son recently bought a set of finest chinesium steel hex keys in a book style case, thus far it's cost him several skinned knuckles and a number of rounded out hex heads, he's finally starting to understand why I buy Bondhus keys, Britool Expert E121201 keys and Britool Expert E030707 socket drive keys as they are properly sized/ground and hardened. I like the idea and I can see some of the 4" long scrap brass nptm to nptm links I've recovered from scrap ConCoa autochangeover units being re-purposed.

[patlamb41]

I wasn't going to post to this thread because after all, we are "homemade" tools. But, per a few posts and Marv's request, here are pics. These were purchased in the mid-80's. I searched for the company but no joy. Either end of the wrench fits into the handle and the spring-loaded, brass, toggle then snaps closed. Two sizes fit almost all my needs.
Attachment 24636Attachment 24637Attachment 24638

Great pics. Another project for the project collection. I've been looking for tools like this for a long time. Thanks.

[desbromilow]

for me the original design of Marv's tool needs the slot to break out at the end of the handle so the long arm can also fit in the handle, and the short arm used as intended. The handle would then give a shorter handle 180 degrees offset for tight work, and for some size keys add a measure of comfort when turning.

[mklotz]

for me the original design of Marv's tool needs the slot to break out at the end of the handle so the long arm can also fit in the handle, and the short arm used as intended. The handle would then give a shorter handle 180 degrees offset for tight work, and for some size keys add a measure of comfort when turning.

Look carefully at the first picture in my original post. The slot extends to the end of the handle as you wish. The plastic retainer conceals that fact in the other pictures but it's still there.

That said, I've never had occasion to use the handle in the way you describe. If the job requires that much torque I have several ratchet wrenches that can directly accept a 1/4" hex Allen tip. Much more comfortable than trying to put huge torque on the short end and the ratcheting ensures one can obtain a good wrenching position.

[eimerbuilt]

Such a simple idea but so useful. Genius!

[mklotz]

Such a simple idea but so useful. Genius!

Thanks for the kind words; I'm pleased that you liked it.

[mbshop]

Never saw this nor the other styles. Next time I need that tool I may make one. But for my whole career I have always just used a deep socket and and extension or just a piece of pipe. In my early days I dont think there were t handled ones. In my dirt bike years I had to make my own long shank t handles for all the screws and such on the bikes. No cordless nothing back then. So, now I have another project to add to the list. Great idea.

[uv8452]

a propos style: See the genealogy of my T-handles

#1 was a makeshift for an imperial size (dowel with groove and shrink tubing - too weak)
#2 & 3 is what I use daily for small key sizes down to 0.9 mm (keys are clamped; each key with its own handle - changing handles is a nuisance)
#4 epoxy glued handle for an imperial key
#5 wooden handle glued (quite robust, pleasant feeling, looking not so nice)
#6 (un-numbered) luxury version:
('springy' clamping screw, pleasing to use, almost never used)

[Elizabeth Greene]

Here's an example of a commercial unit, I *think* from a wal-mart house brand set.

Notable features. There are muliple size slots for different wrenches clocked around at 120 degree intervals. Some of these are inconveniently placed i.e. the 6mm one is at the end instead of the center. A better design might be to have the smaller ones in the bottom of the larger ones and let the wrench decide how deep to sit in the holder.

If I get the time to try to make a 3-d printable version, I'll try to make it square so it's less inclined to roll away, probably try that deep/shallow trick, and add compliant mechanisms (bendy bits) so small wrenches don't flop in the big and hold the slider in the open and closed positions. It's a great idea. 10/10.

[DIYer]

Thanks uv8452! We've added your Allen Key Handle to our Fastening category,
as well as to your builder page: uv8452's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Allen Key Handle by uv8452

tags: wrench