Author Topic: Do you ever use a sliding t handle  (Read 16338 times)

Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #15 on: December 03, 2018, 10:38:11 PM »
I use one on occasion sometimes just for the novelty or to spin something out as HnS mentions.

My most used one is a 3/4 SK that was the only drive tool I had in that size for a long time.
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline DeadNutz

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #16 on: December 03, 2018, 10:59:22 PM »
I use one on occasion sometimes just for the novelty or to spin something out as HnS mentions.

My most used one is a 3/4 SK that was the only drive tool I had in that size for a long time.

I only had a sliding T and a breaker bar for a long while in 3/4 drive before I got a couple of ratchets.

Offline Uncle Buck

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #17 on: December 04, 2018, 06:58:15 PM »
I use my 3/8 the most. I put a ratchet adapter on the drive end, then extension + 8pt socket + tap. Very sweet setup when needed.
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!

Offline Davethorik

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #18 on: December 06, 2018, 06:26:59 PM »
I have a Williams 1" drive sliding T that I picked up somewhere. It's the only 1" drive anything I own. I don't have one in 3/4 or 1/2.
I have a 1934 Snap-on Ferret sliding T in 3/8 that I've used the most of any of my sliding Ts, and I have a Plomb 1/4 drive I got with a set.

Offline lauver

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #19 on: December 10, 2018, 11:32:58 AM »
Gang,

Like others, I used a 3/4 drive STH with my 3/4 sockets for decades.  It was my only drive tool other than a lone extension.  I saw no need for a ratchet in 3/4 drive.

I now own 4 vintage 3/4 drive ratchets just because I like them.

In smaller drive sizes, I still like the STH for assembly work and as a tap driver.  They just seem to work well in certain applications that require a good "sense of feel". 
When my wife leaves me, my dog dies, and they repossess my home, I'll still have my tools.

Offline fatfillup

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #20 on: December 10, 2018, 02:09:47 PM »
Was at a buddies house last night, removing feet off a saw stand to exchange for casters.  One foot was coming off hard and it was hex shaped.  I asked him to find a socket that fit the foot, and he came back with a 3/4 drive socket and a sliding tee bar.  It was the only 3/4 drive tool he had.  Was he grandfathers and liked dated back to the 40's or so.  Worked well and ended up having to retap the threads they were so chewed up. 

So I have used one :))

Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #21 on: December 10, 2018, 03:11:20 PM »
It's surprising how many who have only one 3/4 drive tool end up having a sliding T.
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline hickory n Steel

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #22 on: December 10, 2018, 04:51:44 PM »
It's surprising how many who have only one 3/4 drive tool end up having a sliding T.
I still don't own any 3/4, but the sliding T was how it was with me with 1/2" for the longest time.
Now I've got the PLOMB T , a Proto flex head 1/2", and two Craftsman 1/2".
I don't have many 1/2" sockets though.
The sliding T had an old NAF socket on it and this was my grandfather's lug wrench,
Always lookin' to learn

Offline cherrybomb

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #23 on: December 30, 2018, 06:55:59 PM »
I do have and use my sliding tee handles.They work really well as a tap handles.You can run fasteners down real quick.A piece of pipe on the larger sizes  is sometimes better than a breaker bar,break the fasteners, take the pipe off and center it up, quickly spin it off.You get a real good feel,tapping especially.don't throw this tool under the bus IMO.

Offline Uncle Buck

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #24 on: December 31, 2018, 11:33:49 AM »
I do have and use my sliding tee handles.They work really well as a tap handles.You can run fasteners down real quick.A piece of pipe on the larger sizes  is sometimes better than a breaker bar,break the fasteners, take the pipe off and center it up, quickly spin it off.You get a real good feel,tapping especially.don't throw this tool under the bus IMO.

I totally agree, especially the 3/8" drive one I use for tapping with a ratchet adapter. If you really want to experience heaven add the ratchet adapter to the mix.
You boys better hold on cause I'm gonna have to stand on it!

Offline lauver

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Re: Do you ever use a sliding t handle
« Reply #25 on: December 31, 2018, 10:51:45 PM »
T-Handle Gang,

I'm guessing that the reason there are so many T handles out there is because the lower priced socket sets of the 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's did not come with a ratchet.  A metal box, 6-8 sockets (in common sizes), an extension or two, and a T-handle.  Simple, inexpensive tool sets for the home owner, farmer, car owner, motorcycle owner, handyman, or do-it-yourselfer.

If you check the old tool catalogs, you'll see these simple socket sets in damn near every catalog during this period.

My dad had an even simpler and lower priced socket set; an L-handle with 7 or 8 sockets that stored on the L-handle.  This set was hex drive, not square drive.  I originally saw this tools set in the trunk of his 1956 Packard.  I may still have this tool set out in the garage somewhere.  Haven't run across it or thought about it in years.
« Last Edit: January 03, 2019, 09:41:06 PM by lauver »
When my wife leaves me, my dog dies, and they repossess my home, I'll still have my tools.