Snap-on screwdrivers: soft grip or plastic handle?

[bmwpower]

Looking to upgrade my screwdrivers in the near future. Pondering the possibilities. I have a single Snap-on screwdriver that I got somewhere, but I'm finding myself using it more and more since it really works well. The rest of my collection is Craftsman, but they just don't cut the mustard anymore. I'm tired of stripping the heads off of screws.

I'm leaning towards Snap-on because they seems to have a wide array of choices. I'm wondering if I should go for the soft grip or the plastic handles. Any thoughts?

[eschoendorff]

I have all of three Snap On screwdrivers: 2 soft grip (I like them, but I actually prefer the grip on the Cman professionals, althought the blade and tip of the SOs if far better than the Cman), and a ratcheting screwdriver with the standard plastic handle. If I had to do it again, I would get the soft grips. Just make sure that you get a phillips #2 with the ACR (anti-camout rib) design... that will bite into phillips screws and reduce the chance of slippage. You can also buy just the phillips ACR bits. I bought a bunch, but they don't last long in a power driver. :sad:

[bmwpower]

I looked at the Cman pros, but they don't have any long handled screwdrivers. I think they missed the boat there. I'm using my current long handles more than I thought.

[Fast Orange]

It's strictly a matter of personal preference.I have both types and like them both. The plastic grips are more durable and easier to keep clean,but the soft handles are better to get a good grip on when you need a lot of torque.
The S-O phillips with the anti- cam out tip is the best I've ever used-you can get screws out that otherwise you'd have to drill or slot.

George :3gears:

[djjack]

I have a few of both. The hard plastic ones seem to clean up easier. The soft handle ones feel better on cold or sore hands. Overall I like the hard plastic ones best. However if I was a pro mechanic I may opt for the comfort grips. Their hands must hurt like hell after 8 hours.

[stupidjet]

it's a f-in screw driver...are u kiddin me?

[Fast Orange]

Speaking of S-O screwdrivers,I've got the answer for those all-day jobs with a zillion screws that a batt. drill is too much to deal with.
S-O has two types of ratcheting screwdriver handles that really make those jobs go better. The first is a hard plastic T handle that's great when you need to push to get the screw started in the hole-sheetmetal and wood screws in new work for example.It has more area on top to push against,and the ratchet and handle shape let you really apply the torque when the screw starts to bite. The 5 position soft grip has much the same benefit as the T,but gives you more leverage for even higher torque.
Both of these handles have changable shanks,so you can change the length for different situations,or you can get different length shanks with a 1/4" sq. drive for use with sockets.

George :3gears:

[bmwpower]

it's a f-in screw driver...are u kiddin me?

Some people like tools that work...I'm one of them. Just looking for everyone's opinion.

[wythors]

I just replaced my Mac screwdrivers due to the lack of long shanked one. I got a 12-piece set of SK's like these for Christmas.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000234L3W.01-A1787XOD7Q2I4M._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
I haven't had a chance to use them yet, but they're very comfortable in the hand and seem to be very well made.


Stupidjet, if discussions like this bother you, you're probably on the wrong website. :wtf:

[bmwpower]

wythors, now look what you have done...gone and thrown a money wrench in my thinking process. I guess I gotta try some of these before I make my decision. I didn't even realize SK had a screwdriver line...

[Thumper]

it's a f-in screw driver...are u kiddin me?



Aparrently youv'e never worked with tools for a living :lol_hitti

[wythors]

wythors, now look what you have done...gone and thrown a money wrench in my thinking process. I guess I gotta try some of these before I make my decision. I didn't even realize SK had a screwdriver line...
:beer: Just doin' my job man.

For the price, they look like they'll be great. My wife paid less than $60 for the set.

[bmwpower]

:beer: Just doin' my job man.

For the price, they look like they'll be great. My wife paid less than $60 for the set.

Cheaper is good. When you get a chance to try them out, let me know what you think. Any info on the tips would be appreciated, too. Thanks!

[wythors]

Cheaper is good. When you get a chance to try them out, let me know what you think. Any info on the tips would be appreciated, too. Thanks!

I'll try to take some pictures when I get home. :thumbup:

[Uncle Buck]

Just remember this, if those snap-on sdriver handles go south on you for whatever reason, I have never met a snappy man yet that will warranty them,(my unfortunate experiences) unless you have a running account with him, you are on a route stop at a shop, or have shown him that you have and will be spending a buttload of money with him! I still say it again, for the home shop guys like me, at least with cman when my sdriver shoots craps I get the whole sdriver, not just the shaft (no pun intended).

[wythors]

Here ya go bmwpower.

[kartracer55]

wythors, now look what you have done...gone and thrown a money wrench in my thinking process. I guess I gotta try some of these before I make my decision. I didn't even realize SK had a screwdriver line...

Yeah, they have a bunch of them. They have basic hard plastic (alot liek snap on but the plastic is smoother, and green) and they have thier Expert2 line, which he posted. they are VERY comfortable to use, I like those better than the hard snapons, I havent tried the comfort grips. See if you can find an SK dealer to check this stuff out on. Facom was big on ergronomic stuff and that rubbed off on the Sk line.

Jim

[chrislib]

Snappy soft grip all the way. They are`nt hard to clean (and I get them dirttty) just hit em with some brake cleaner and wipe with a rag...good as new. I`ve used just about every brand there is and IMO there is no comparison, sure there are lots of "nice" drivers out there but there has to be a best. Just my .02...edit, just realized this is my first post so, HI!

[eschoendorff]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000234L3W.01-A1787XOD7Q2I4M._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg[/img]
I haven't had a chance to use them yet, but they're very comfortable in the hand and seem to be very well made.

I have those and they are awesome! Those are my "inside" screwdrivers, and I reach for them first. Try them - you'll love 'em!!! :beer:

[Elroy]

it's a f-in screw driver...are u kiddin me?



Aparrently youv'e never worked with tools for a living :lol_hitti

Elroy can see both sides of the fence on this one. And I can tell you its more important how the driver fits the screw than how the damn handle fits your hand.

At one time I took a count of all my screw drivers and I had 63 of them. And I have never heard anyone talk about "pozidrive" compared to a "phillips". There is a difference. For gods sake I even have a few screw drivers that have hammer marks in them. Some of my best or should Elroy say: my favorite screw drivers started out as a phillips and ended up reground on a beach grinder as flat "turning iron".

Get on with it and buy a few different kinds. They are not THAT expensive. Some are even given away as free samples. The small "free" ones work real good ground down for "pot" adjusters and o-ring picks.

[Thumper]

I have used them all from the Stanley "thrifty" models to the top of the line Snap ons. They all have there good and bad points. The handles do make a difference to me but then my hands are all busted up from too many years of fixing John Q. Public's grocery getter. It's a matter of buy what ya want and use what ya got.

[kartracer55]

IIt's a matter of buy what ya want.



you mean what you can afford??? I know the story well :sad:


Jim

[JeeperAz]

http://members.cox.net/desertcruiser/snappy_comfort.jpg

[JeeperAz]

Hope the attachment works...

[bmwpower]

Hope the attachment works...

You like?

[JeeperAz]

You like?


Wasnt mine.

I helped a friend take pictures and list all of his tools on Ebay. He was a deisel mechanic for a number of years before getting out of the trade.

He had a few breaker bars and ratchets with the comfort grip... the 3/8" ratchet was the only one that looked bad.

[Wolverine]

These have been VERY GOOD for me:

[eschoendorff]

These have been VERY GOOD for me:

Me too, although I do own a couple of the Snap On comfort handle screwdrivers, too. I gotta say that for the $$$, the Cman pros are very hard to beat. That's probably why they never go on sale!

[Fast Orange]

I bought a set of C-man Pro s/d when the handles were all black with gold lettering and the quality/durability of the tips did not seem any better than the regular C-man with the clear/red handles.The blades were all black,with roughed surfaces on the working part of the tip. I gave them to my wife for her "toolbox".
Have the new C-man Pros changed in this area?

George :3gears:

[eschoendorff]

Yes, see above pic. Although, if you compare a Snap On screwdriver tip to a Cman pro, you will see that the SO is better machined and finished IMHO...

[Canadian Charlie]

I'm using the Snap On hard handle screw drivers, they work great

[Rickster]

I bought a small set of the Craftsman Pro's and am not entirely happy with them. I don't like the feel of the handle where it has the plastic inserts. As I use them the alternating grip feel just bugs me. I was thinking of getting a set of the SK hard handle ones. I have a couple of the Snapon hard handles and I really like them and the SK looks to be a pretty close imitation of them.

[Wolverine]

The Snap-on hard handles if you use them hard everyday. If not then the soft grip. Most mechanics I've spoken to, don't like any of the soft grip tools because after awhile the handles deteriorate poorly with oils, grease, cleansers and dirt. The rubber gets worn usually in a year or two. Where-as the hard handles wear well over a long period of time. I've had my hard plastic handled ratcheting screwdriver for over 12 years and is still in great shape, I use it so much that the Snap-on logo is almost worn off. I've had the same ratcheting screwdriver in a soft grip now for just over a year and barely use it, it just doesn't feel as nice as their hard plastic handles. It's really personal preference, but I think the Snap-on hard plastic handles have the best ergonomics, best balance and their tips are hard to beat. This all depends on the size of your hands and how you hold a screwdriver, like I said, personal preference. The only downside is the cost, I think the 8 piece set in soft grip or hard handle is roughly, $125-$135 US. And they have many more sizes and configurations, especially with shank length in torx and posidrive as well. I have between several hundred to a thousand dollars in Snap-on hard handle screwdrivers and there aren't many, maybe one drawer or a drawer and a half. IMO, when it comes to screwdrivers, the Snap-on hard handles are the best. :thumbup: But like I've always said, if you're not earning a living with your tools, then Snap-on pricing is very hard to justify. Those Craftsman pros look well made, the next time I'm in the US or if a friend of mine is going, I'll be sure to pick up a set of them.




Great points! Glad to see you on this site! It's been a while since I've seen you post. With your experience and great tool collection we need to have you on here more often. Not to mention we need more pics of that awesome mustang! Love that car! That thing needs to rest in my garage for a while. :lol:

[bmwpower]

I just replaced my Mac screwdrivers due to the lack of long shanked one. I got a 12-piece set of SK's like these for Christmas.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000234L3W.01-A1787XOD7Q2I4M._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
I haven't had a chance to use them yet, but they're very comfortable in the hand and seem to be very well made.

wythors,
Just bought small set. Gonna try a couple brands out before I drop some more money on screwdrivers. Thanks for the recommendation.

[wythors]

wythors,
Just bought small set. Gonna try a couple brands out before I drop some more money on screwdrivers. Thanks for the recommendation.
Cool beans. I hope you like them. :thumbup:

[MrHappy]

My Snap-On dealer told me that they are discontinuing the current style PLASTIC handles?
Has anyone else heard this rumor?
FWIW, the Soft grips are garbage.
I use my tools every day. To make money.
The Soft grips deteriorate quickly, and easily become slimey when oil or solvent soaked.
I wish they would just leave some things alone, rather than engineer them into inferior quality.

[sberry]

Klein has a screwdriver line, could get 5 for the cost of one snappy. Do cars have those types of screws anymore? hahahahaha

[eschoendorff]

In the past year, I have bought many screwdrivers ('cause I'm nuts), but I only have three Snap On screwdrivers: a ratcheting model and a soft grip standard blade that I found at a pawnshop... and a soft grip #2 phillips. Ever household needs to have a few GOOD #2 phillips (and there are many good ones besides Snap On), but I bought the Snap On #2 because it has the anti-camout tip (the only brand that I could find that does) and because I have heard such great things about them. I needed to find out for myself. Other than those three (an only one of those three was bought new) I really don't see the need for anymore Snap On screwdrivers (unless I find them at a garage sale or something). I have too many other favorites from SK, Craftsman, and Facom.

My .02....

[BarrelRoll]

I have a bunch of the old style and new style craftsman pro screw drivers and the new ones are junk compared to the new ones. The tip on the 5/16" short handle new style was bent the 1st day i had warentied out on old style for the new style. The standard craftsman screw drivers are more durable then the new style pros in my mind. If your hard on your tools look into something else besdies a craftsman pro.

[dink]

I still thoroughly enjoy my Wera screwdrivers....most ergonomic handle....lazer etched heads for anti-cam.....S2 steel

[Jared]

I just bought a couple of the snap on hard plastic handle screwdrivers from a pawn shop for 1$ definitly the nicest scrwedriver in my opinion

[z28toz06]

I bought a small set of the Craftsman Pro's and am not entirely happy with them. I don't like the feel of the handle where it has the plastic inserts. As I use them the alternating grip feel just bugs me. I was thinking of getting a set of the SK hard handle ones. I have a couple of the Snapon hard handles and I really like them and the SK looks to be a pretty close imitation of them.
Rickster, i've been thinking of getting a set of pros, do you want to sell them to me? PM me if you do.

[z28toz06]

I still thoroughly enjoy my Wera screwdrivers....most ergonomic handle....lazer etched heads for anti-cam.....S2 steel

Where did you get them?

[Rickster]

Rickster, i've been thinking of getting a set of pros, do you want to sell them to me? PM me if you do.

Sorry no, I have two son's who always benifit from my upgrades. This also helps to justify to the wife my buying new ones...