T-handle for Allen wrenches

T-handle Allen wrenches are comfortable to use and can exert a lot of torque. On the other hand, a full set takes up a lot of room in the tool box.

But trying to exert a lot of torque with a conventional L-handle wrench is difficult and uncomfortable. In my mind the solution was to make a single removable handle to convert an L-handle wrench into a T-type.

The first photo...

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/f...e/114068-1.jpg

shows the handle. It's nothing more than a three inch length of 3/8" steel with a hole drilled through the center and a channel milled from one end to the central hole. I mostly use the smaller size wrenches so my handle is sized to fit wrenches 5/32 and smaller. (Larger wrenches would require a larger handle.) The hole is 3/16 and so is the width of the channel. Also shown is a piece of heavy gauge plastic tubing with a nominal 3/8 ID. This is used to secure the wrench in the handle and make the channel edges less irritating to the hand.

This photo...

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/f...e/114068-2.jpg

shows how the wrench passes through the handle hole and the short arm of the L drops into the channel. The plastic retainer has been slipped partway onto the handle.

This photo...

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/f...e/114068-3.jpg

shows the underside of the handle with the protruding wrench. The plastic sleeve has been slipped all the way on, retaining the short wrench arm in the channel. A notch in the plastic aligns the wrench and pins it against the side of the hole to keep the wrench orthogonal to the handle.

A side-by-side comparison...

https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/f...e/114068-4.jpg

Great idea Marv! I use Allen wrenches a lot and this will be a great addition to my toolbox.

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Thanks mklotz! We've added your Allen Wrench Handle to our Fastening category,
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<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-allen-wrench-handle"> <img src="/uploads/215694/homemade-allen-wrench-handle.jpeg"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-allen-wrench-handle">Allen Wrench Handle</a> <span> by <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/builder/mklotz">mklotz</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href='http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/wrench'>wrench</a>, <a href='http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/handle'>handle</a> </div> </div> </div> </div>
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I agree! They do take up a lot of space and I'm SEARCHING for the best way to store them. (still haven't found it) The typical wall rack some come with are a pain when you go to put them back and have to fish thru the holes! Argh!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bobs409

I agree! They do take up a lot of space and I'm SEARCHING for the best way to store them. (still haven't found it) The typical wall rack some come with are a pain when you go to put them back and have to fish thru the holes! Argh!!!

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I have to agree that those racks are an annoyance. You can reduce the (rack) size a bit by drilling more closely spaced holes in a block of wood but the interference of the handles still prevents a package as compact as that obtainable with the L-type wrenches. A healthy countersink on the holes in the rack will guide the wrench placement and make it easier to put them back in the rack.

For wall storage, a magnetic bar such as those given away by Harbor Freight works well and the induced magnetism in the wrenches can be a help when placing fasteners in difficult to reach locations.

I buy the cheap, plastic-handled T-type (as shown in the first photo), as a supply for dedicated wrenches left where they are used so they are seldom returned to the rack. My bench top wrenches, including the tiny jewelers' screwdriver types as small as 0.7 mm AF, are kept in wooden holders.

I have a commercial version of this, came with a set of allen keys. Multiple sizes can be accommodated. Very handy but rarely used since I have several t-handle keys already.

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Originally Posted by Rorschach

I have a commercial version of this, came with a set of allen keys. Multiple sizes can be accommodated. Very handy but rarely used since I have several t-handle keys already.

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Who makes the commercial version? I'd like to see it. My version was designed in the shower so I'm interested in the nuances provided by the professionals.

It came with a set of allen keys I bought at a supermarket (lidl), the keys were cheap but superb quality steel. I'll try and remember to take a picture for you tomorrow.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mklotz

Who makes the commercial version? I'd like to see it. My version was designed in the shower so I'm interested in the nuances provided by the professionals.

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I too have a commercial version of this. Mine is a bulky plastic job that also holds the allen wrenches. I's have to search for it but I think it is in my motorcycle tool bag.

This is brilliant!
For years I've used a piece of tubing or a short piece of pipe to accomplish something like this. I was usually just generating enough torque to remove the faster. But this is more simple(?) simpler and straight forward, Remember the K.I.S.S. principal? (Keep It Simple, Stupid...) Well Marv sure isn't stupid, just a gr8 guy with something between his ears besides cobwebs.

Simple yet genius, a must have in my tool box. Awesome homemade tool OP! Thanks for sharing!

Marv
Very nice tool and the tube rap to hold the key in. The only thing maybe add a piece of the tubing on the naked side.
Ha!Ha!
Nelson

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mklotz

Who makes the commercial version? I'd like to see it. My version was designed in the shower so I'm interested in the nuances provided by the professionals.

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Well Marv, I can direct you towards the concept. It's a plastic barrel about an inch in diameter with a variety of cross holes for hex keys, roughly 5/32 [?] thru 3/8. Each hole has a slot at a depth coinciding to hole size, not different than your design. A plastic ring slides over the L section of the wrench to contain it in the slot, again like your solution. They are sold through well known big box stores, especially one with orange prominent in their logo. The blue one might as well.

a simple mod to this would be to drill a 3/16 hole ,an inch deep in the end that is solid, and a hole 3/32 also on the solid end ,both holes would be offset in a lathe and drilled,this would help in hard to reach areas.and also make tube cover out of AL or SS for hard to remove ones,said tube could be stored on solid end, opposite plastic tube,or if your cramped for space and weight, just use only SS one.it can be made thin ,and have holes drilled to lighten it,as can solid handle.another thought, since the tube and operators hand are what keeps wrench in handle, is too NOT drill hole in center of handle and instead to cut slot deeper into handle,then put wrench into slot and use tube to hold it all together,all preasure pushing down ,would be on the handle..not the operaters hand or tube.

I like to use the wrong tool for the job whenever I can. I slip a box end wrench over the short end as a "persuader" for leverage. I also like the round hole of a crescent wrench handle to motivate anything that will slip into it.

Hope I do not offend anyone.

Vic

This is very similar to mine.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Nene...430114927.html

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vic Lane

I like to use the wrong tool for the job whenever I can. I slip a box end wrench over the short end as a "persuader" for leverage. I also like the round hole of a crescent wrench handle to motivate anything that will slip into it.

Hope I do not offend anyone.

Vic

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Not offensive to those who spend their own money on tools...I'll do certain equivalents of what you admit for that little 'extra'; as long as reasonable to not worsen a situation. If it occurs again [or potentially will] it's time to spend some $$.
There are limits. For example, I'll buy plumbing tools off craigslist, ie pipe wrenches. But NOT if the handles are bent, where an unnamed horse slipped a cheater on a 18" or 24" inch to work on a too-tight or too-large fitting. I've got them from 6" to 48".
Also have such an extensive inventory, I'm thinking of starting a rental service...

When it comes to hex key (Allen wrenches) I have a tendency not to invest in the cheaper variety. That being said though I have coffee cans full of them that I have no idea why I accumulated. Those plastic handle "T"'s are usually good for a 1 time use if that(for me at least).
I have several Folding sets of various brands and types.For some reason I find my self buying Elkind a lot Though by far nowhere near the highest quality keys.
Using a box end as a cheater, yep do that far too often sometimes even clamp a pair of 10" vicegrips to the L for stubborn socket head or grub screws, almost always wind up having to break out the 3/8 drive hex key sockets even then a lot of times wind up twisting the hex off of them. Fortunately I have a few sets of them as well and some even have replaceable bits.
As handy as those ball end keys are at times I find that they are only good for running up of removing an already loosened screw.
I mistakenly bought a "T" handle set of ball end hex wrenches once they were really handy but as per usual my heavy handed use broke the balls off of most of them.
The nice thing about Marv's idea is any L wrench can instantly become a "T" handle and all is not lost when 1 gets twisted like a pretzel

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vic Lane

I like to use the wrong tool for the job whenever I can. I slip a box end wrench over the short end as a "persuader" for leverage. I also like the round hole of a crescent wrench handle to motivate anything that will slip into it.

Hope I do not offend anyone.

Vic

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Vic
Not offended but I use some of the same tricks.
Nelson

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vic Lane

I like to use the wrong tool for the job whenever I can. I slip a box end wrench over the short end as a "persuader" for leverage. I also like the round hole of a crescent wrench handle to motivate anything that will slip into it.

Hope I do not offend anyone.

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I'm not offended but I might suggest that advocating the wrong use of tools in a venue where many novices look for advice isn't the best of practices.

You may know what you can "get away with" but others might be tempted to try things that are dangerous without realizing the threat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mklotz

I'm not offended but I might suggest that advocating the wrong use of tools in a venue where many novices look for advice isn't the best of practices.

You may know what you can "get away with" but others might be tempted to try things that are dangerous without realizing the threat.

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That is a proper viewpoint.
'Novice' is not an offensive term; by definition they are without or hampered by lack of a judicious sense of feel. A lot of discretion builds up with experience, not all of it well-founded. Skirting good practices without incident is often just plain old luck.

Good point. I will change my attitude accordingly.

Vic

Marv
You are right, when it come to safety it is not wise to use methods that are not proper use of tools or tooling. Using a screwdriver for a pry bar will let you down before you know it. I think the biggest variable is how far I would go with something incorrectly and some with no knowledge of what might happen would go a lot farther and go too far. Bad habits are just that BAD.
Marv thanks for the adjustment.
Nelson

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vic Lane

Good point. I will change my attitude accordingly.

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Thanks for accepting my remark so graciously.

Finger and knuckle saver for sure!

HI , Hope you are well. That gismo for Allen wrenches is the cats meow. I am most definitely going to make a few. I always hate using pliers to loosen
any bolts. Most of the time I bend, or break, or strip the bolts. Thanks a million for the great idea. AL

Awesome solution to a pesky problem. Your T handle does the job.

Marv. Here's the one Rorshach was speaking about. I got much the same from ALDI for $10AUD. Always handy, but mine are about 150-200mm long and the twist is substantial, so not good for high torque...but works a treat tightening the pulley set screw on my table saw arbor for the drum sander...so, all up, a useful if a bit compromised tool. Your idea maintains the integrity of standard sized keys. Cheers

Attachment 26144
Jim in sunny south coast NSW

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Vic Lane

I like to use the wrong tool for the job whenever I can. I slip a box end wrench over the short end as a "persuader" for leverage. I also like the round hole of a crescent wrench handle to motivate anything that will slip into it.

Hope I do not offend anyone.

Vic

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I do as well.

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Saltfever

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

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

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

Such a simple idea but so useful. Genius!

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Originally Posted by eimerbuilt

Such a simple idea but so useful. Genius!

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

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.

a propos style: See the genealogy of my T-handles
Attachment 46977
#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)
Attachment 46980

Attachment 46978

Attachment 46979

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.

Attachment 47009

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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:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-allen-key-handle"> <img src="/uploads/261653/homemade-allen-key-handle.jpeg"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-allen-key-handle">Allen Key Handle</a> <span> by <a href="https://www.homemadetools.net/builder/uv8452">uv8452</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href='https://www.homemadetools.net/tag/wrench'>wrench</a> </div> </div> </div> </div>
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