Product Review: Fixt Pro Torque 3/8-inch-drive T-handle

Your ATV Connection editors are always appreciative of tools that make the regular maintenance on our quads a bit easier. T-handles make for great portable additions to any tool box because they are essentially ratchets that take up very little room, offer decent leverage at the handle and are (usually) pretty hard to break.

We wanted to add the fact that they are usually relatively inexpensive to the list but at $169.95, perhaps that last point doesn’t exactly apply here. However, don’t give up on the Fixt T-handle just yet. Here’s what you get for your hard earned scratch:

The speed of a 3/8″ T-handle driver with the accuracy of a precision torque wrench.
Constructed of high grade stainless steel and 6061 anodized aluminum
Choice of measurement range 4 -20FT*LBS, 6-27N*m, 48-240IN*LBS
Choice of color
Laser etched markings
Hardened 3/8 socket end
No setting of torque, No need for re-calibration
Calibration chart specific to each driver insuring exacting accuracy
Made in the USA

Note that while we opted to test the 3/8-inch drive, this model is also available 1/4″ drive for the same price or a bits drive model if screwdriver/ Allen wrench tips are more suited to your needs.

In Action

So how does the Fixt Pro work? Closer to any other t-handle over say a traditional (and oft sensitive) torque wrench. No need to dial in your desired torque spec here, rather you snag the correct socket, and twist the t-handle on the desired bolt until the etched arrow on the shaft lines up to the foot pound readings on the handle (between 8-20/ odd numbers represented by hashes). It literally couldn’t be easier.

Accuracy

Taking the scientific approach, we spent an afternoon re-evaluating the torque settings on bolts we tightened with the Fixt Pro with our trusty Duralast 3/8″ drive torque wrench (purchased at Autozone for $21.95). Specs were spot on.

Conclusion

The Fixt Pro is a work of art of a tool that fully delivery on every single promise it makes. Perhaps the greatest benefit of having one is its rugged simplicity. Unlike costly digital gauges, which can be very fragile; the Fixt can get bounced around, dropped and pretty thoroughly abused and come out no worse for wear. Of course the downside is the initial cost. In a world where you can grab a torque wrench for $20 at the local auto parts store, $169 is no small potatoes. However this is a tool that you’ll likely have to buy once per lifetime and will use far more often than you’d expect. Ours has a permanent place in our track-day toolbox. Just be forewarned, once someone else sees it in action, you will be asked if they can borrow it. This is a tool you’ll want to make sure you get back!

On a final note it is clearly marked that this isn’t a t-handle designed for breaking / loosening nuts and bolts. For that you’d be better suited using a run-of-the-mill t-handle or ratchet.

More information
Click here to visit Fixt’s official site.