Abstract: A packing hood handle adapter for providing an increased manual torque producing leverage to an elongated tool stem. The handle adapter includes an elongated body for providing the increased torque. The diameter or thickness of the elongated body is provided such that it can include an interior chamber defined by the body side wall which is large enough to receive the oppositely extending transverse handle or cross-member of the "T-shaped" handle. A longitudinal opening in the body side wall is in communication with the interior chamber and is wider and longer than the T-shaped handle to permit the cross-member to move into and out of the interior chamber. A transverse opening is provided to accomodate and seat the stem when the cross-member or oppositely extending transverse handle is in the interior chamber. The transverse opening is intermediate the ends of both the interior chamber and the longitudinal member, and in the case of the standard packing hook handle adapter, is at right angles thereto.