All Hand tools

XLMOTO T-handle and Y-handle Tools: Invaluable Additions to your Toolkit

T-handle and Y-handle format tools are invaluable additions to your workshop or motorcycle tool kit. Whichever style you choose, XLMOTO has the tools you can’t do without at the best prices.

What is the T-handle and Y-handle tool?

As their name suggests, T and Y-handled tools feature a handle shaped in their namesake letter. This type of tool allows for better handling and ergonomics. A T-handle is perfect for leverage, while a Y-handle has multiple heads. There are many reasons to choose T-handle workshop tools, including leverage, faster handling, and ergonomics. If we compare a T-handled Allen wrench (or hex key) to the more common L-shape, the L-Allen wrench may excerpt too much leverage on the bolt, leaving it over-tightened.

In comparison, a T-handle tool offers more balanced leverage, and the shorter handles of the T make it less likely to over-tighten. As for faster handling, once you’ve loosened the bolt, a T-handle makes it easier to spin and fully release the bolt. This feature is handy for long-threaded or recessed bolts. Most T- handles are ergonomically shaped and comfortable to hold. The Y-handle tool also gives added leverage, but due to its configuration, it can offer three separate and different-sized fixed heads. The three heads can either be a combination of the crosshead and flat-blade screwdrivers or a selection of three sizes of Allen or Torx wrench.

Best use for a T-handle tool

The T-handle hex wrench is a vital addition to any tool kit, especially when it’s part of a set. T-key sets often come with a holder making them easy to organize as the sizes are marked clearly on the side. In addition, the holder usually has holes to allow for wall fixing. T-handle wrenches are also available with an end fitting capable of attaching metric or imperial sockets plus hex head and Torx and screwdriver sockets. With all these features and the availability of kits and sets, the T-handle tool is more suitable for a workshop or pit lane toolbox.

Best use for a Y-handle tool

Nothing prevents you from having one of these convenient 3-1 tools in your workshop; they’re tough, easy to use, and practical. The Y-handle or 3-way comes into its own, though, as part of your on-bike tool kit. Whether a weekend away or a long-distance road trip, every motorcycle tool in your kit must earn its place. A 3-way tool is the perfect roadside partner, offering three alternative sizes of hex, Torx, or screwdriver heads in one compact package. The Y configuration provides excellent leverage for undoing stubborn fasteners or tightening them enough to get you safely home.

Additional features

The additional leverage offered by a T-handle tool places more strain on the shaft, so make sure it’s high-grade steel such as chrome vanadium. This feature is vital for long shaft T’s. Another great feature available in the T-handle format is the ball end. This tool is only available in hex head format and allows the hex head to screw at almost any angle, which is a must for hard-to-reach Allen bolts. The best way to choose the configuration of a 3-way Y-handle tool is by checking the fasteners on your bike. If you find the most common sizes of either Allen key Torx fastener or crosshead/screwdriver, the Y-handle tool will take the place of a complete set of wrenches.

Whichever configuration of the T or Y-handle tool you choose, XLMOTO’s impressive range of high-quality and keenly priced equipment will make an invaluable addition to your tool kit.

Find the Right Tool for the Job with XLMOTO Motorcycle Hand Tools

Motorcycles and maintenance go hand in hand, so ensure you have the right tools for the job. The XLMOTO range of hand tools covers everything from a motorcycle torque wrench to a set of bolt extractors. A well-equipped workshop makes any job easier, whether routine maintenance or an engine strip. The good news is with over 350 hand tools in the XLMOTO collection, you'll find exactly what you need. Let's divide these hand tools into different categories to make choosing easier.

Gripping tools

Here, you will find all the hand tools that use a scissor-type movement and extended levers to exert added pressure on a component. Typical examples of gripping tools are pliers and adjustable locking grips, also known as mole grips. There is a whole range of gripping tools for specific jobs. Getting the right tool is essential to prevent damage when removing a component. Some bearings and bushes, for example, are held in place by a recessed circlip. It may seem tempting to pry the clip out with a screwdriver. Yet, needle nose or circlip pliers make the job much easy and prevent damage. Additionally, specific gripping tools are necessary if you compete in track events. You need lock-wire or automatic pliers to secure sump bolts with wire ties. This action prevents them from coming loose during a race.

Specialist hand tools

As you get to know your motorcycle, you will find some components that require specialist hand tools. Oil filters are a perfect example, with external filters needing a strap wrench or an oversized socket for removal. Also, rear suspension may require a C- spanner to adjust spring tension. Meanwhile, recessed spark plugs need an extended spark plug spanner. This category also includes tools such as thread cutters and screw extractors. Hopefully, you won't need either regularly. Yet, you only know how useful they are when you need one.

Hand tool sets

If you're on a tight budget, building a reliable tool kit one piece at a time is possible. However, XLMOTO tool sets are a cost-effective way of ensuring you have everything you need. The XLMOTO range of tool sets offers the best deal in terms of price and quality. Moreover, when it comes to socket and spanner sets, they can save you time and money. A socket set becomes invaluable for any motorcycle job that requires constantly undoing fasteners, such as removing a fairing or engine cover. Most tool sets include metric and imperial sockets along with extension bars. Yet, best of all, it's easy to increase the range of the set by adding specialist sockets. For example, somewhere on your motorcycle, you'll find over-size nuts on places such as the steering head or axle. If you buy the relevant size sockets and add them to your socket set, you'll have a range of tools, whatever the job.

Useful tools

Useful tools don't fall under any specific category but are extremely useful when things go wrong. For instance, if you drop a nut, bolt, or washer inside the engine and don't have a flexible picking tool, you may need to strip the engine. These long-handled grabbing tools have a retractable claw on one end and are ideal for retrieving things from tight spaces. This category should also include a motorcycle torque wrench. These tools are indispensable for everything from rebuilding your engine to re-tightening your drive chain components to factory settings.

Whatever mechanical job you undertake, from routine maintenance to a complete engine rebuild, the correct hand tools make it much easier. XLMOTO's vast collection of tools and tool sets includes everything you need for a well-equipped workshop.