I’m not going to sugarcoat it – some of Craftsman’s Mach Series tools are a bit gimmicky and impractical. The Craftsman Mach Series tool lineup includes a ratcheting sliding adjustable wrench, an offset screwdriver bit driver that’s semi-decent, and a swivel-head push-pull ratchet that’s available by itself and as part of a set.
The Mach Series tools just aren’t what I would consider everyday tools.
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This T-handle driver is also part of the Mach Series lineup, but looks to be a big step above the others in terms of usefulness. I haven’t yet handled one, but it looks like the kind of tool that I could and would use on a regular basis.
To start off, you have a T-handle 1/4″ socket driver with two square drive ends. This means you can use it to quickly turn standard sockets. It also comes with a 1/4″ hex bit adapter that allows you to use the T-handle with standard screwdriver bits. You also get a 15 piece bit assortment with the set.
Then, you have the adjustable aluminum speed collar. It can be moved to 3 different lockable positions along the main handle shaft, and is free-spinning. This means you can hold the tool in place via the collar while you spin the handle to quickly install or remove fasteners.
This look quite similar to the T-handle speed wrenches I posted about a couple of months ago, but with one less collar position, the addition of a higher torque 1/4″ square drive on the short end, and the inclusion of a hex bit adapter and screwdriver bit assortment.
I wish that Craftsman would also introduce this with built-in 1/4″ hex bit holders, although my last experience with a Craftsman 1/4″ magnetic wrench was not that positive. Hopefully a 3/8″ size is in the plans for Father’s Day or next year’s holiday season.
Price: $20 “on sale”
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Buy Now(via Sears)
First Impressions
I’ve used free-spinning collars on a bunch of tools, most notably Wera Zyklop ratchets, Bondhus-made Park Tool L-driver handles, and a PB Swiss T-handle screwdriver bit driver. Such a feature can be a huge convenience at times, and it doesn’t really get in the way when not needed.
I’m not in love with Craftsman Mach Series tools, although I don’t object too much to their offset and convertible T-handle screwdriver. This one, on the other hand, looks to be a guaranteed winner.
There doesn’t seem to be any real downside to the design. If I had to nitpick, I would comment about how the aluminum collar could be a little smaller, but I think that its extra meatiness could even be a benefit. I won’t know for sure until I can get my hands on one to test out and play around with.
Here’s Craftsman’s promo video for the new Mach Series T-handle driver.
Steve Cox
I played with one in the store, it is well made and I can see it being useful.
On sale for 19.99 at the moment
jesse
These tools have been around for a number of years now in various incarnations. The Vim Tools models are one well known example: http://www.vimtools.com/Flyers/Turbo-t.pdf
Arthur Carr
Right now there is also $6.00 in “Save Your Way” points for a later purchase.
Tom
Great tip on the $6 bonus. I have some surprise points through the SYWR app, so I may have to pick one of these up!
Caleb
Is the app the way to get bonus points now?
Last year from mid May to Mid October I received $4 or $5 in free bonus points nearly every week. I kept using them and they kept sending them. Got a lot of $4-$8 tools to fill some holes in my tool sets. They have only done it once since then.
Tom
The app is a total pain. You have to check into the store that you are going to shop and then click on “deals”. That should give you a couple of coupon offers. Today, it gave me some surprise points.
This is all well and good except for the fact that I can’t seem to actually use the surprise points on the website. They appear on sears.com after loading them through the app, but they won’t apply to the cart. I did a webchat with a Sears rep, but I got nowhere.
MC
???
While the product you were looking for is no longer available, take a look at these related items.
Stuart
Shows up for me. Maybe you checked the Sears site when something was being updated – that happens to me from time to time.
joe
I would just like the tool with out the T and with a male ¼” on the back end. Basically a bit holder/extension with the adjustable collar.
Maybe I’m in the minority but I like to work fast paced. My ideal tool would be a drill with all sorts of attachments…even a drill driver with built in torque capabilities (iow, current clutch innovating). The T handles are slow turtles lol.
Ever since I got introduced to the cordless drill driver chucks that you turn to tighten and they click (forgot their technical name)… I use that to my advantage to apply the last bit of force to the screw/bolt/nut. IOW, set the clutch to a low setting as not to strip threads, then do the final tightening by using the drill as an L-handle driver (since the chucks don’t move freely now in the current drills like they used to back in the days).
Make the T handle and main shaft two pieces that can disconnect and become two bit holders/extensions and give both adjustable collars, I’ll buy it. Plus even include an attachment to make the T part connect with the main shaft to make one long extension too…lol..the possibilities…
fred
How about a Wera Zyklop extension (with rotating collar) and a plain T-Handle ??
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Zyklop-extension-Square-Extension/dp/B003GDIREO
joe
That extension looks nice since it also seems to hold the sockets in place (push the little button to release) and not worry about sockets coming off….but is laking this…
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Zyklop-T-Handle-Square-drive/dp/B003GDIRFI/
…plus the (magnetic?) 1/4” hex adapter and bits.
Nice find though…the ability to hold sockets in an extension pays for itself.
Bill K
Is there an advantage of a T-handle over a drill driver as Joe points out? I can’t think of one except that a battery is not needed.
Just as Joe points out, I often reach for my drill driver before a ratchet. Am I missing something?
P.S. Joe’s suggestions for drill driver extension accessories sound like a good ideas to me.
James C
These may not be important considerations for you personally, but a T-handle driver weighs much less than a drill, is much more compact, and makes much less noise when using it.
Stuart
A cordless drill simply doesn’t allow the level of control that you can get with hand tools. For applications where you need precision and control over speed and torque, hand tools are often going to be the better choice.
Plus, as James pointed out, a simple T-handle driver is going to less fatiguing to use over time. There’s going to be a crossover point. If you’re installing a LOT of fasteners, then it will be worth considering switching over to a drill or powered screwdriver.
Bill K
After watching the above video again and reading the comments of Stuart & James, I better appreciate the advantages of the T-handle driver. I can really see how the sliding collar would help when added precision is needed.
For the price, one is not risking much! I’m going to give a good look.
DonC
This looks like it would be great for wrenching bikes in place of dedicated t-bar allen and torx wrenches since I already have a complete metric allen socket set.
Hang Fire
I can see this tool being useful for heavily repetitive tasks with lots of clearance- assembly lines, putting 60 bolts back into an access cover for example. The second drive end is a nice touch, too. I just don’t see it being very useful to me.
firefly
Seem like a decent offering. I am not sure about the $20 sale price, should be a permanent sale price :).
Same as the rest of the Mach series seem decent but way over priced.
george
back in my mx days in the 70’s I made my own t handles. each one had a bit for each purpose. remember, this was before 1/4 in bits. they worked great but I would give them up for a small cordless screwdriver in a heart beat.
Matt
I love this tool and it is the first thing I will resort to when I think about tackling any home repair project. The only thing that prohibits me from using it for every project is the length of the shaft…which makes it impossible for use in tighter, smaller spaces.
If you dont have one of these (or a similar t-handle tool), you must get one. Like other posters mentioned, you feel like you have more control than a power drill with attachment, not to mention it is just a fun tool to use for some reason.