Thread: I need a reasonably priced 1/4" speed handle

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A long time ago my 1/4" speed handle "disappeared". I've been looking at eBay and the local Craig's list for a reasonably priced replacement. Either none, an unknown brand or junk.

With that said, I'm looking for an American made tool, and at $20 or less (the local Snap-on man said his was $35 )

Thanks

We've got a killer good swap meet here.

If you don't find one, let me know.

I've been putting together a junkyard tool box.
Tools are a touch mismatched, but all American made.
Some found at garage sales, but most from the swap meet.

Along those same lines, what do you think about doing a European style speed wrench?

A "T" wrench that's nothing more than the slider bar and a 10" extension.
Craftsman based and the slider was brazed on center many years ago.
Better imo because it's not dedicated to a particular socket size.

Mine is 3/8" and I use it probably more than I do the speed handle.

Got the idea from the opening scenes of Cinerama's Grand Prix starring James Garner.

Far as I know gennie European speed wrenches or whatever they call them are a dedicated size.

If I were to make another one I'd use JB Weld to hold the slider on center.

Meant to add I've seen these with a tilting ratchet head.
One way a ratchet, the other a speed wrench with ratcheting capabilities.

Originally Posted by C9x

We've got a killer good swap meet here.

If you don't find one, let me know.

I've been putting together a junkyard tool box.
Tools are a touch mismatched, but all American made.
Some found at garage sales, but most from the swap meet.

Along those same lines, what do you think about doing a European style speed wrench?

A "T" wrench that's nothing more than the slider bar and a 10" extension.
Craftsman based and the slider was brazed on center many years ago.
Better imo because it's not dedicated to a particular socket size.

Mine is 3/8" and I use it probably more than I do the speed handle.

Got the idea from the opening scenes of Cinerama's Grand Prix starring James Garner.

Far as I know gennie European speed wrenches or whatever they call them are a dedicated size.

If I were to make another one I'd use JB Weld to hold the slider on center.

I do have a 1/4" Snap-on version of the slide center 'European' wrenches that probably hasn't been used 5 times and have had it for years.

Since I do use my 3/8" and 1/2" versions fairly often, figured that the 1/4" would be welcomed back to my tool box after a long absence.

I do have one more source that I had forgotten about and will run in to town tomorrow for a look.

My luck with swap meets and tools lately has been bad. I went to a swap meet early January and a guy must have had 2 of every tool made - that is but a 1/4" speed handle. Another last fall was about as bad - and I don't buy rusty and abused tools.

I'll let you know

You might look for a Proto dealer (its is generally considered an industrial line/distributor).
I have one in 1/4 drive and like it very much!

Originally Posted by ScooterCO

You might look for a Proto dealer (its is generally considered an industrial line/distributor).
I have one in 1/4 drive and like it very much!

It depends on the vintage - Stanley now owns Proto(read 'Made in China' now). If I can find an older version, it will be considered- thanks

I hear you on the rusty tools stuff, but if it's not too bad simply using them usually cleans them up.

Or you can use some oil and 4/0 steel wool to clean them up.
That works fairly well on old guns.
As does a cloth and oil.

Originally Posted by C9x

I hear you on the rusty tools stuff, but if it's not too bad simply using them usually cleans them up.

Or you can use some oil and 4/0 steel wool to clean them up.
That works fairly well on old guns.
As does a cloth and oil.

I don't mind a couple of rust specks - but some of the junk I've seen locally looks like the tools were stored in a swimming pool. A couple of years ago I was able to get a nice set of Snap-on combo shorty wrenches (cheap) to complement my long set.

Denny,
Since I never got notified, I never responded - back to the same crap - occasionally no emails. I really wish that Brent would get another program

I have been using an adapter, 3/8>1/4 but really want to fill out my tool box.

Soooo - I just got a NEW 1/4" S-K, Made in the USA , for $12, and well within my $20 max 'budget'.

Hope that I don't need heat resistant gloves when I use it

To my knowledge Proto was never made in china and I did know that Stanley/Proto are one company.

Sears.com shows a 1/4 drive speed handle/wrench for $16.99

Originally Posted by roofcam

Sears.com shows a 1/4 drive speed handle/wrench for $16.99

Thanks - but got a $12 S-K