FIXT has come out a new line of T-handle torque tools that they say will replace most torque wrenches. And they’ll be especially handy for those times when you wouldn’t bother to break out a torque wrench at all.
The new FIXT-T PRO were designed with motorsport enthusiasts in mind. For these types of applications, where most fasteners should be tightened within a specific torque range, proper torque can save time and money. For very demanding applications, the “feel” of how tight a fastener is just won’t cut it.
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FIXT-T PRO torque drivers are available in 3 measurement ranges: 4-20 ft-lbs and 48-240 in-lbs imperial, and 6-27 Nm metric. Measurements are laser-marked on anodized aluminum handles, while the shafts are made from stainless steel. Color options currently include black, blue, gold (orange), red, and green.
Right now, the FIXT-T PRO is only available with a 3/8″ square drive end, but we’re told that a 1/4″ version is in development.
Benefits
No presetting of torque is needed. Simply drive a fastener, keep an eye on the torque scale, and release pressure once the desired torque is read off the side of the tool.
Downsides
The downside is that you cannot dial in a specific torque level. The FIXT T-handle driver is best used for tightening fasteners to a desired torque range. It can hit target torque values, at least those lined on the scale, with decent accuracy and repeatability, but there’s a larger human error component compared to using a torque wrench.
How Well Does it Work?
FIXT sent over one of their new T-handle drivers last fall, and I was immediately in love with. I very much like T-handle drivers, and one with a built-in torque scale? Marvelous!
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I’ve kept it at-hand since then, looking for opportunities to use it. After all, I’m not very involved in motorsports, although I do use torque wrenches somewhat regularly.
I found the FIXT to be very well built. It’s made in the USA, and works exactly as advertised.
At times I longed for a wider readout, such as the larger scales found on beam-style torque wrenches. There were one or two times when odd angles meant I couldn’t maintain line-of-sight with the torque measurement scale. I found that contrast of the torque scale markings was excellent, and the contrast of the arrow on the stainless steel part was good and reasonably easy to read.
Recommendation
I’ve flip-flopped a little about this tool for a couple of months. It’s not what I would call an essential or must-have tool, but when it’s useful, it’s a time-saver, effort-saver, or both. The trick is to figure out whether it’ll be useful for your needs or not.
I’ve mainly used the FIXT T-handle instead of a torque wrench, and it is nearly as consistent and repeatable. It’s not as pin-point accurate as a torque wrench with click stop, but it’s bullseye-accurate in that you can get to a desired torque range pretty quickly. There are times when a torque wrench is the better tool.
It’s best to consider these as specialty tools for which the benefits become obvious to certain users. This is one of those times when I wish I could put a tool in front of every reader so they can see exactly what I see in it.
All in all, I think that the FIXT T-handle torque tools are well designed, well built, and potentially very handy tools. I recommend them, but only to users that can see the benefits of the design, if that makes sense. I suppose that the same can be said about torque wrenches as well.
If you don’t work with high-performance equipment, these torque tools might not be for you. They are definitely suitable for general automotive and motorcycle maintenance and work, but you won’t want to toss away your other torque wrenches. I consider the FIXT T-handles more as complementary products.
Each T-Handle, regardless of scale, is priced at $160 for the USA-made 3/8″-drive tool, and an imported dual-scale SAE (ft-lbs) and metric (Nm) version is reportedly in the works and will be available for ~$99.
This was a difficult tool to review because, other than initial proof of concept, I had to search hard for suitable test scenarios. I also had to remind myself that this isn’t a general purpose tool, although I did enjoy using it as a T-handle socket driver. It’s the kind of tool that a lot of users aren’t going to see the point of, and that’s what kept the review on the backburner for some time.
I think you’ll definitely see these tools at the track, in pit boxes, and in weekend warrior’s racing bags, but you’re not going to see them in every mechanic’s toolbox. I’m really hoping that FIXT comes out with a smaller version with 1/4″ hex bit holder. If the price is right, a T-handle 1/4″ bit torque screwdriver might be more popular with users that have less-demanding needs.
Price: $160
More Info(via FIXT)
FIXT promo video:
Quick “how it works” animation:
Thank you to FIXT for providing the review sample unconditionally.
Jerry
I could see where this would be a handy time saver for the right person. For example, just last week, I had to replace a CV joint boot on my ATV. The manual recommends the lug nuts be tightened to 125-150 inch pounds, and the A-arm bolts to 180-200 inch pounds. I think for situations like this, where you don’t need an exact torque spec, so long as it is within a certain range, it would be a real time saver. For things like my ATV chassis bolts, I would never bother spending the time to get out and set my clicker torque wrench because of the time and hassle involved. However, to be able to just look down at the wrench as the bolt tightened up to confirm proper torque would only take an extra second or two.
Joseph
I do a lot of wrenching on bikes, and the almighty T handles get a workout. I can really see using this a lot, instead of having to go from T handle to torque wrench, just straight T handle. The only issue I see is planning for the scale to be in the right place at the right time. It looks like the markings could have at least been put on opposite sides, or better yet, in three places, so there would never be a need to reset the tool to read torque value. Niggling complaint really, but I’ll still probably be adding one to the tool box to replace (hopefully) the 3/8″ torque wrench.
Allen
That is a really good idea.
BikerDad
Looks like a real winner for folks who wrench on motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and PWCs. I think that a good improvement would be to make indexed sleeves that basically expand the scale for easier readability. The sleeves could be removed for when the long-skinny reach is required.
I think I may add these to my wishlist.
Nathan
why the imported dual scale model? specifically why imported?
Stuart
The USA-made T-handles are their flagship products, but they wanted to also produce a more affordably model. The only way to make a more affordably model was to contract with a foreign manufacturer.
Think of it as akin to Proto and Blackhawk, Snap-on and Blue Point, Armstrong and Gearwrench, etc. Premium USA-made tool for users who want the best, imported tool for users who want a less expensive version.
Stan
Well if the dual scale model isn’t American made, I have zero interest in that. There is more than enough imported tools these days and not even American made items. At least there is a option for a proper USA made version in this case.
But then again, the general public only seems to see prices. Never mind the fact the amount of positively and progress this would create.
FIXT Products
Thanks for your comments everyone!
– The first revision of this product had markings on both sides of the collar. We found it was really difficult to control the accuracy during assembly. We have opted to keep the markings on 1 side for now to insure the most accurate readings.
-When We initially sent Stuart the sample we were working with an overseas manufacturer to try and reduce the cost. We were unsuccessful in getting a production model made that met our requirements. At this point we are focusing our efforts on US manufacturing for this product.
Allen
Good for you.
I don’t need one, but now I just might get one.
Allen
I went to your website, where is the tool box made please ?
FIXT Products
Allen, The tool boxes are made in China. We did take the time to source one that we were impressed with in regards to quality.
rhyino
Stuey-
What are the dimensions of the tool?
Thanks for the review!
FIXT Products
rhyino, The overall all dimensions are 11 3/8″ tall X 8″ wide.
Toolfreak
$160 is crazy for such a simple product.
It’s a T-handle.
Yeah, it’s got engraving on it, to measure how much it twists, but it’s not made of any exotic material.
Even $99 for a USA-made version would be kind of out there.
I realize these are targeted at tool nuts who spend $$$ but come on, you can get a USA-made beam torque wrench for $20-30.
These would be awesome for spark plugs, engine bolts, etc. and the like, but I can’t see spending the money and having to shell out $500+ for a few of these when one $30 torque wrench will do the job even better.
Production definitely needs to be higher to get prices down to a more reasonable level, or FIXT needs to spend less money on gimmicks and just produce the tools and sell them if they want to be around down the road.
Nathan
awesome – the manufacture comes on here to discuss their plan and product. Love it now I’m going to see what else you make. I can see this being a big thing for shops – like engine building – I’d use one for that. question – any thought to sliding T handle or something like that. (sliding with fixed stops etc).
jesse
This seems to be essentially a torque stick with a calibrated scale, which is fine. It also reminds me of a bar type torque wrench, the type with a scale running perpendicular to the shaft.
Clever idea just the same.