Most socket spinners (do you love ’em or hate ’em?) have straight shafts and are designed to be used in the same manner as a screwdriver. The Facom 1/4″ drive R.142 hinged handle driver is half socket spinner, half T-handle driver, half stubby breaker bar.
I think I can see the appeal of this drive accessory. Straighten the shaft for fast spinning, bend it at a right angle for higher torque applications, or use it at an angle to help access fasteners in tight spaces.
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To be honest, despite the slight appeal, I wonder if this is an answer to a problem most industrial users, professional auto maintenance workers, and home mechanics don’t have. I think I would be much more confident about this tool if the hinged joint had a locking mechanism to keep the pivot set to the desired angle, or at least at 0° and 90°.
If the hinged handle strikes your fancy, the price is reasonable – $26 at Stanley Supply as a special order item, and $34 at the Ultimate Garage.
Buy Now(via Stanley Supply)
Buy Now(via Ultimate Garage)
More Info(via Facom)
fred
Ko-Ken makes a similar product:
http://www.frankstools.com/ko1hihadr27.html
Kent
This could be a great part of a motorcycle tool kit, rather than a ratchet.
Joseph
Based on the picture, it does look to have some kind of ball detent, at least at 90*. While it may not be a full lock, it would at least keep it from flopping around.
I don’t think I need it, but that was before I knew it existed.
Allen
Could have at least put a female end on the top of the handle.
Looks good, don’t need it.
Phil Wilson
i bought one this week, new old stock at Cardon tools in Perth. used it this morning. yes, a recess at the top to connect to another drive unit would be an improvement, i have an old Williams 3/8 breaker bar that has that feature, and a Proto screwdriver style 1/4″ socket handle that also has that feature.
i don’t regret my purchase, will use it more, but not quite as much as i would if it had a 1/4″ receptacle on top too.
Robert Wdowiak
Or use GearWrench Roto Ratchet (and other Mfgs) with or without extension bar. Much more versatile.
JML
I’ve had one of these for years. Think of it as a cross between a speeder bar and a breaker bar, in 1/4″ drive. Easy to spin between your fingers, with a thin handle, after turning the handle’s angled section to start the nut or screw. I’ve used it on bicycles, mostly.
The detent is only in the fully straight position.
tom
Needs moar 1/4″ female… I do enjoy a good euro odd tool, having a whole roller full of ’em, but dont see this in my future. Add a 1/4″ female drive on fat-end + stamp “France” on shaft, then Ill bite. Boarder line godsend/worthless. Spinners rule, btw, especially the flexible ones from German.
M. Bolton
I have a vintage SK 1/4 drive SPIN-KIT. Which has a screw on cap on the handle and stores sockets inside.
It’s like having a compact nut driver set.