Anyone still use speed wrenches?

Dick2

Well-known Member
Dad had a couple 1/2" drive speed wrenches around that he liked to use if there was room to spin the crank. Haven't seen one of those in tool stores for many years. Maybe some company still makes those? Or have they been replaced by ratchets? Simple design; just hold the top and crank in one direction or the other. No electric motor and no batteries.
 
I have a 1/2" drive Craftsman speed wrench from the early 1960s around here somewhere.

Years ago I would use it to remove head bolts on my 327 Chevrolet after first breaking them loose with a ratchet/extension/socket. I did it so many times that I had it down to a science.

Dean
 

I have 2 of them in 3/8. Both were furnished with tool sets purchased in the late '60s, early '70s. Both of them are showing considerable wear from laying in the bottom of the tool box.
 
got a 1/2 and 3/8 new in the early 1970's with craftsman tool set. They have never been used. They are they 2 wrenches I did not care if the boys lost them working on cars, but they did not use them either. I put steel grain bins together in the mid to late 1960's, last time I used 1.
 
I googled "speed wrench" to see what this thread is about. "So that's what that thing is called," I said to myself.

When I bought my place the previous owner left some tools (and lots of junk, and there was much overlap) in the shop. One was a 3/8 speed wrench. I had never used one before but I have come to appreciate it for certain uses. I use it regularly.
 
I still use them occasionaly usually for oil pans, and head gaskets. I think about any major tool company still sells them. I know as of 5 or 10 years ago they were still part of the recommended tool kit you could order thru snap on or mac for mechanics school.
 
(quoted from post at 00:12:17 07/03/15) Dad had a couple 1/2" drive speed wrenches around that he liked to use if there was room to spin the crank. Haven't seen one of those in tool stores for many years. Maybe some company still makes those? Or have they been replaced by ratchets? Simple design; just hold the top and crank in one direction or the other. No electric motor and no batteries.

Yes I have a 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2"... The 1/4 gets the most work...
I am addicted to 1/4" tools if they make it in 1/4" I have it...
My biggest mistake was getting started with SK there warranty is a issue. As I ware'em out I replace the SK's with tools with a good warranty...
 
I have a 3/8 and a 1/2. I use then when I have a lot of bolts to remove. Wouldn't mind having a 1/4.

I have mostly SK's. There was a time when I could take my SK's to the local mom and pop hardware store for warranty. Now I have to
mail them to Omaha and pay a service fee.
 
Yup, air and electric tools have about made them obsolete. However, I used one today for the first time in years. I used it to snug down the mounting bolts while installing a new air compressor unit. No air, no air tools. (smile)
 
I have a few of all 3 sizes.
The one I used the most was the 3/8" which worked well on pan bolts and transmission cover bolts.
I picked up a combination breaker spinner wrench at a yard sale 10 or 12 years ago which I use quite often.
I had never seen such a thing before but strangely, a couple of years after getting the first one, I found a second one at another yard sale.
The first one (chrome)is a Proto and is built pretty well; the second one is a Snap-On and although it doesn't look as hefty as the Proto, it is probably as good.
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I have three or four somewhere around here, one or two were my Dad's. Haven't used one in years, I just set a 3/8 air wrench on low and run bolts to snug then torque them.
 
I have a couple that came in a Craftsman wrench set that my dad bought in 1940. I have a friend that was a crew chief in Thailand during Vietnam, said he used one a lot for removing inspection panels on F4's. I mostly use a cordless drill for that sort of thing now.
 
occasionally.....even use a speed wrench style hand drill once in a while (starter hole for tree steps)

In the garage, I use an old oft-repaired almost junk air ratchet
for oil pan bolts etc.
worn out, it never completely stops and has no muscle at all.
perfect for oilpan bolts.lol
 
The people I know and work with call those speed handles, which I use every day. A speed wrench looks like an open end wrench except one side is shorter than the other and has a raised area to grab the bolt. Used on 12 point.
 
I got used to using them when I worked in the alternator shop and still use them whenever I have enough clearance.
 
They have their place. I have a 3/8 and 1/2 in my toolbox just in case I need them...and I will have them in the future.....just in case I need them ;)
 
I have a couple of 3/8" ones. About the only thing I use them for is to reach down beside a battery to unbolt the hold down block. They're great for that, just the right length.
 
Use one when ever have a engine on the stand. Have a better feel when snugging up panbolts then with air or electric tools.
 
I only used a speed wrench on certain jobs. Never owned one though.

I prefer my Snap-On Flex head ratchets. I can adjust it to use as a speed wrench then adjust it quickly to use as a ratchet without removing it from the bolt. I like it because you can use it in tight areas.

Then I have a Snap=On cordless 3/8 impact which is what most mechanics use now days. It's great for removing exterior engine parts without an air hose getting in your way.
 
Have a 99 GMC 3/4. Use one to put on the stupid idea plastic lug nut covers they used to hold the center caps on.
 
I've used mine mostly to remove/re-install lag screws that hold the lattice skirt on my deck to get access underneath it. Faster than dragging out a cord or air hose for a couple of fasteners. I guess I could use my cordless drill but when I grab the 7/16" socket for the lag screws, the speed wrench is sitting right there in the tool box. Otherwise, I'd spend time searching for the cordless.
 

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