Handle-All

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Topmounter

Topmounter

Joined
Jun 1, 2008
Threads
16
Messages
848
Location
Evergreen, CO-USA
Quick question: Is the Hi-Lift Handle-All a reasonable alternative to carrying individual tools? I haven't put my hands on a set, found no reviews and was not sure whether I'd be kicking myself for not carrying a "real" shovel, axe, etc. if I need it.

The Handle-All set is expensive compared to individual tools, but I like the packaging and I could carry it 100% of the time rather than just when I might be driving in adverse conditions.
 
I have one and love it, very solid and compact. Although I did win mine, after using it I would buy one. And I do carry it with me at all times.
 
The only reason I didn't get it, although I think its a pretty neat kit, is because I didn't want yet ANOTHER package of tools to keep inside the truck. Shovel and axe sit in "their" spot on the rack outside the truck.
 
I have it also.
I keep the red Warn winch recovery bag behind the passenger seat, and the Handle-All behind the drivers seat.

Very high quality.
I use to carry a axe/shovel on the rack and I would put it on the night before a run.
I much prefer this setup having it stored in the rig full time.

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Anybody who owns one actually put it to use? I can appreciate the convenience factor of having a one handle and a variety of heads but what if you need to use two tools at once? How tight is the handle? Seems like any looseness in the connections would make it an aggravation to use. What about shock transmission up that metal handle when using the axe or sledge head? Once the tool has been used to grub around in the mud or dirt how easily is it to swap heads and assemble the handle since grit has a way of getting into everything?
 
Good questions as to how it actually works. We just did a story on this and the Max-Ax. I'll post a link shortly to the story which comes out in the upcoming issue. Basically, the Hi-Lift is a better shovel, but not as good an axe as the MaxAx. The two-piece handle, the pin can get in the way of an axe stroke. The shovel head is bigger on the Hi-Lift.
 
Thanks for the links! I've seen these systems advertised in fire supply catalogs, but wasn't sure about them.
 
DAVID, how these compare against just a regular old shovel and axe? Pitting one brand against another brand is cool and all but compared to the old standbys, that's what I wanna know :p
 
The Max is equal to any ax out there. It IS an ax. Not as good as a regular shovel because you have the constant weight of the ax blade each time you dig. The Hi-Lift shovel is as good as any shovel, but it's not as good as any ax.
 
NLXTACY said:
DAVID, how these compare against just a regular old shovel and axe? Pitting one brand against another brand is cool and all but compared to the old standbys, that's what I wanna know :p
Click to expand...

I think I'm going to stick to a separate axe and shovel. They are a lot cheaper when they break/get lost/fall off the rack. Nice article on the comparison though. Best 4x4 magazine I've found!
 
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