Socket Speed Wrench & Thumb Wheel Review & Comparison

Here's a discussion about thumb Spinners and Spinner handles very handy items but not very common in the toolbox . .

[@richardsawdon3401]

This was a nice video. Thank you for it. I learned several things from it. Hopefully, I'll be able to contribute something to the discussion here. Gedore Red sells a couple of tool kits that are 1/4" + 1/2". In other words, the sockets go up to around 13mm in 1/4", and then the 1/2" ones start at 10mm and go up from there. They just eliminate the 3/8" sockets from the set entirely. This is not necessarily a common approach, but they do it in a few instances to save space in order to make room for other tools. You can only fit so many things into a case, and if you want it to be more universal, then you have to leave out some things. In a situation where you have only 1/4" and 1/2" sockets available to you, an increaser would allow you to take a tool from outside the kit such as a 3/8" torque wrench and use it with a 1/2" socket. I generally try to use torque wrenches in the middle of their scale and avoid the extremes if possible, because I believe they are more accurate in the middle of the scale. My lawn mower's rear wheel lug nuts are 3/4" / 19mm and are set to 40 ft. lbs. I prefer to use a 3/8" torque wrench for that, and the increaser allows it to work with the appropriate socket in 1/2" drive from such a kit. At home, I could have supplied the 3/8" drive socket, but in a situation where you are porting your tools to some other location, then an increaser could be helpful if you are choosing the 1/4" + 1/2" approach. Another instance would be that I have a 3/8" spinner that I like to use with 1/2" drive sockets, also requiring an increaser. 3/8" drive spinners are not common, and I've not seen a 1/2" drive spinner. This can be a useful way of quickly checking that a fastener is reasonably tight and hasn't loosened up. Or, you could use it to run the fastener off if you broke it free using some other method. For instance, I have a storage lift that attaches to studs in the ceiling. To check the tightness of the screws in the studs, I used the 3/8" spinner with a 10mm 1/2" drive deep socket requiring an increaser because 1/2" drive deep socket had the depth that I wanted whereas a 10mm 3/8" deep socket wasn't long enough to clear obstructions. I hope that helps to hear from someone who uses increasers.

[@drengskap]

Nice idea using ratchet anvils as finger spinners, thanks for the tip. The best purpose-made spinners I've seen are made by Ko-ken. As for speed handles/speed braces, they are one of those old-fashioned tools that can actually be really handy. I have Facom and Beta ones that are shorter - seems like the US-made ones tend to be longer than the European ones.

[@robg836]

Neat tip on the ratchet anvil. Love it!

[@jayyk31]

I've used the increasers when I rebuild rear ends or have to torque the pinion nuts. Need a huge socket, typically 3/4" drive but need a 1/4" drive dial torque wrench so thats the scenario for me. Love your videos dude!

[@outspokeninsider752]

Came for some rare speed wrench (aka crank wrench aka speeder wrench aka high-speed knuckle-buster) reviews, and got that excelent tip on thumb wheels. I still use speed wrenches regularly working on engines and motorcycles. The feedback you get is invaluable when working on older stuff. Picked most of them up at yard sales. Wish I had two thumbs to give this video... wait a minute....

[@jaidmaf]

The speed handle with a bit adapter comes handy when removing aircraft panels. Especially if you are depaneling the whole aircraft! I'd imagine the thumb wheels have a higher chance of falling and getting lost inside the aircraft because of its size.

[@CatusMaximus]

I did that combo review because I didn't think those individual items deserve their own videos. Yes speed wrenches would be great on aircraft and so would thumb wheels in the right situations, although I would admit that if you're removing many Fasteners such as exterior panels you would use an impact driver to run them out quickly. I have familiarity with aircraft and there's a variety of specialty tools you would use with them as well as many standard tools used by everybody.

[@rwbishop]

@@CatusMaximus Hmmm... I think Jaian above was referring more to removal/replacement of the millions of inspection plate & like screws; where an impact driver would wreak havoc. The aircraft crowd in particular liked the 1/4" Snap On version with the large diameter knob that could be 'leaned' into. They're still in use, but power drivers now dominate. 'Dog Leg' drivers were also popular... some of those are still around as well. I have a couple.

[@alimohammedhaider6611]

@@rwbishop absolutely true. I prefer the 3/8 version of the snap on speed handle you referred to as it allows more torque. Fuel tank panels for example can only come off using speed handles as electrical tools can spark.

[@AppalaShane]

Spotted the Phase guy!

[@TheFlick175]

The god tool of Screw extraction

[@lane5477]

Only use for the speed handle now a days for me is to remove very tight or stripped screws. Particularly on aircraft panels. Can really lean your whole body weight into the knob.

[@1337penguinman]

Speed wrenches are how I used to take off skid plates in my lube tech days. Plus, you put a claw on one and they're great for pulling oil filters as well.

[@LilasTools]

1/4 torque wrench for spark plugs and att drain plugs, most of the time increaser is needed! ☺️

[@harveysmith100]

Good Point

[@derekbryant6137]

Engine builders use those spinner ranches a lot That's about the only place you see them or a machine shop that does fixture set up. They're still a very useful tool.

[@mattslawncare5651]

I found a snapon 1/2 speed wrench at the pawn shop for 15 bucks!!! I use that thing much for tighting lugs before a torque wrench you could really feel and make sure it's going on correct some of 1000ft lbs air tools could cross thread and ya won't even notice

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes I like to speed wrenches too their convenient and handy, and that was a great price

[@shawbros]

I found an old Snap On 1/2" speed wrench (part # A-2004) with some surface rust, at a flea market about 25-30 years ago. I think I bought it for 2-3 bucks, and I bought it because I saw "Snap-On" stamped into it. Haven't used it since I bought it. I just recently oiled the spinning handles, and cleaned most of the rust off. It looks like a decent tool for what I paid.

[@justinwoods240]

I just used one in auto tech and I love it I’m gonna order one wish they had a ratchet version

[@jameshall4385]

I have never used a speed wrench. I never felt the need to purchase one. Now I have power and pneumatic tools, and have never looked back. I have bought a ratcheting thumb spinners from harbor freight. They are the cheapest pieces of garbage, and I love them. Once I get the fastener loose they work great.

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes thumb ratchets are very handy, I do use the speed wrenches every once in awhile

[@robertrollins8506]

I have the 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch made by craftsman an another 3/8 I cant remember the name now . I used it to take some stuff apart when I was scrapping like the heads off the push mowers I would collect before I scrap out

[@Pauleh123]

Increasers are needed in very tight spaces. The KTC 1/4 to 3/8 increaser / ratchet spinners are very thin and useful for Subaru sparkplugs and valve covers or other bolts that have very limited access. 1/4 Matco 88 9 inch locking flex + KTC adapter will get just about anywhere. Especially as a pro, stuff like that can be a big time saver. Speed handles are also great, use one at least once a week. I have a Par-X 3/8 spinner, used the crap out of it just today. Not perfect for every situation, but when you need it you'll be glad you had it.

[@CatusMaximus]

I have a couple of Grey's double universal joint spark plug socket which are perfect for ej25

[@Pauleh123]

@@CatusMaximus increasers are also useful for removing passenger side axles on Dodge Journeys and Chrysler minivans so you can sneak a 1/4 air ratchet in. The passenger side axle is long and has a pillow bearing that is hard to get to without some trickery.

[@martinschaffmeir7729]

Hello sir. I have never used a thumb wheel. I can see how they would come in handy. I have an old speed wrench, I really don't remember when or where I got it, it's a fleet made in the USA. Came in handy when used on many of the same size nuts or bolts, I can see how most guys now use impact guns

[@CatusMaximus]

They're pretty good for running in bolts as well

[@TheCanadianAME]

They are long so one apply a lot force to remove stripped screws ,and avoid drilling them out .

[@nanocyde_artist]

Do a video on the Plomb 5469 and Snap-On NS4

[@douglasseely8137]

they're long so u can get your hands away from what ever thing your working on so u can actually use the tool. hope that answered questions.

[@mattslawncare5651]

I'll try the speed wrench for screws I have some 5/16 and 1/4 drive bits

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes they're not bad for screws because you can maintain a lot of pressure so that the bit doesn't slip out as much

[@samuelgranados776]

Those are old old old old school .. brushless impact drivers and ratchets make job 80% more faster

[@lucifchristo]

I like having a T-ratchet instead

[@danh2134]

one tool I don't own , probably won't get one either

[@justinadams2449]

DE-TENT not DEN-TENT

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you

[@justinadams2449]

Love your videos, It's just one of the things that drives me crazy when I watch them haha