Why are tool companies, reinventing the wheel, with their damn handles???????????

[autoace]

I wanted some hard handled screwdrivers, nut drivers, ratchets, etc......Cornwell makes traditional handled ratchets........that is it. I love the older Snap-on hard handles, but can't stand their new ones in comparison. MAC has some goofy neoprene junk, Matco have "gear shifter" blobs for handles.

Why the heck did all the companies feel it necessary to give up and already fine and loved design, for these new hard to clean, poor wearing handles:headscrat It really pisses me off.:mad:

I was looking at some Proto ones at Grainger, but the tool trucks have nothing I like anymore.

Anyone else ticked off about "not needed" change?????

rant over :)

[wrenchr]

My guess is that rubber/plastic is cheaper to make.

[Nealcrenshaw]

You make good,good point,Vance!!! They are alot easier to clean,then the soft grips,Just add soap and water.

Maybe thats why they're selling for ridiculous money on the bay!

[autoace]

You make good a good point,Vance!!!

Maybe thats why they're selling for ridiculous money on the bay!

It Vince! LOL Merkava is Vance:)

[Merkava_4]

I love the older Snap-on hard handles,

You and me and a lot of other guys too. :D

[ImportTuner]

You make good,good point,Vance!!! They are alot easier to clean,then the soft grips,Just add soap and water.

Maybe thats why they're selling for ridiculous money on the bay!

Vance?? did Merkava delete another post ..

[Nealcrenshaw]

It Vince! LOL Merkava is Vance:)

I knew that Vince, i was just making sure you knew :lol_hitti

But you make a good point.

[autoace]

You and me and a lot of other guys too. :D

My older Snap-on collection had some "well worn" hard handled ratchets, drivers, etc.... For warranty they would give a crappy soft grip for replacement:confused: Even though I had problems with SO...............I would own many hard handles SO tools if they still made them. Cornwell's traditional handles they still use on their ratchets are good. MAC's new handles are..............:(:(:( Matco's "sand paper" handles suck IMHO..............................wtf

[Merkava_4]

Somebody please call me Neal so I can wake up tomorrow morning with a gigantic industrial finish dick. :)

[autoace]

I found these on grainger, plain, but traditional and non-tacky at least.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2RDY2

[Merkava_4]

I found these on grainger, plain, but traditional and non-tacky at least.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2RDY2

It says "Session Expired." :D

[autoace]

It says "Session Expired." :D

Works when I click on it.....................Proto yellow handled acetate drivers.

[Nealcrenshaw]

Somebody please call me Neal so I can wake up tomorrow morning with a gigantic industrial finish dick. :)

:headscrat :dunno::headscrat

[Bull]

Somebody please call me Neal so I can wake up tomorrow morning with a gigantic industrial finish dick. :)

Ok, that actually gave me a pretty good laugh. It was clever, the industrial finish bit especially:beer:

[yellowbox]

I wanted some hard handled screwdrivers, nut drivers, ratchets, etc......Cornwell makes traditional handled ratchets........that is it. I love the older Snap-on hard handles, but can't stand their new ones in comparison. MAC has some goofy neoprene junk, Matco have "gear shifter" blobs for handles.

Why the heck did all the companies feel it necessary to give up and already fine and loved design, for these new hard to clean, poor wearing handles:headscrat It really pisses me off.:mad:

I was looking at some Proto ones at Grainger, but the tool trucks have nothing I like anymore.

Anyone else ticked off about "not needed" change?????

rant over :)

i too like the hard handles
and i really hate screwdriver handles with holes in them

[Bull]

Works when I click on it.....................Proto yellow handled acetate drivers.

Worked for me, too, just now.

[Bull]

He's jealous, Neal!

:headscrat :dunno::headscrat

[Speed-Racer]

The new stuff must be disposable, how many years before they look awful and start falling apart. I really hate how hard it is to clean them, other than breakout out a can of solvent. Surprised a company or two has not brought this design back. Thinking about trying the Wiha hard handled torx. I posted a pic of some JH Williams that are still available.

We must be in the minority on this one, were people upset when wooden handled screwdrivers were replaced with plastic? I think the auction prices will continue to rise until other alternatives are reintroduced.

[J.A.F.E.]

To sell more stuff. The handles and tool designs in a broader sense have become fashion items. This years handle design is better than last years so you buy new stuff you don't need to replce stuff that's still good. Next year's design will make this years undesirable and the circle continues.

[billymade]

autoace, why not get some Williams screwdrivers; they are identical to the old Snapon (aside from the logo)!

http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/cat-24-1-6/Screwdrivers.htm

http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/DSN/wwwjhwilliamstoolgroupcom/Commerce/ProductImages/pdf000095.pdf

https://www.powertool-box.com/home.php?cat=469&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=3

[Merkava_4]

My biggest beef with the soft grip Snap-on ratchet handle is the finger indentation; I'm thinking it would be better without it.

[Speed-Racer]

" Grab em, Hold em, Sqeeze em Ahhhhhh! "

Looks like a traditional hard handled screwdriver, with a piece of PVC Heat Shrink attached. At least it looks to be removable, if you dislike it.

http://www.wihatools.com/pro_SoftFinish.htm

[autoace]

autoace, why not get some Williams screwdrivers; they are identical to the old Snapon (aside from the logo)!

http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/cat-24-1-6/Screwdrivers.htm

http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/DSN/wwwjhwilliamstoolgroupcom/Commerce/ProductImages/pdf000095.pdf

https://www.powertool-box.com/home.php?cat=469&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=3

Thanks Billy, those handles are great, SO still sells nutdrivers with those handles, I had better get the last of them before they are gone also.

[HankMurphy]

How about these SK screwdrivers?

http://www.sktools.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=83002

I have the 85114:

http://www.sktools.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=85114

...and it seems to have a pretty good grip. Never owned the hard handle SOs though, so I'd be interested to hear what others think of them.

Good luck,

[Garage_Mahal]

i really hate screwdriver handles with holes in them
Why do you hate the holes?

[35mastr]

Mac still offers the hard handles.

I have 2 new sets in my sig that are still new and never opened.

[Art From De Leon]

To sell more stuff. The handles and tool designs in a broader sense have become fashion items. This years handle design is better than last years so you buy new stuff you don't need to replce stuff that's still good. Next year's design will make this years undesirable and the circle continues.


This is true.

[yellowbox]

Why do you hate the holes?

cause it looks like shit and does not serve a purpose in my opinion, as i will not use the hole to hang the screwdriver while not in use
next thing you know they will put holes in open end wrenches so you can hang them too

[nissan_crawler]

How about these SK screwdrivers?

http://www.sktools.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=83002



I threw mine away.

As for the rest, I'll take the soft grips over the old hard handles any day of the week. I've never had a problem with cleaning them, or them wearing.

[walrus]

https://www.powertool-box.com/home.php?cat=469&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=3

Has anyone bought from this company? these are identical to the old snap on drivers?

[southpier]

SK still has hard handles - square/ traditional green

[HandyManny]

I wanted some hard handled screwdrivers, nut drivers, ratchets, etc......Cornwell makes traditional handled ratchets........that is it. I love the older Snap-on hard handles, but can't stand their new ones in comparison. MAC has some goofy neoprene junk, Matco have "gear shifter" blobs for handles.

Why the heck did all the companies feel it necessary to give up and already fine and loved design, for these new hard to clean, poor wearing handles:headscrat It really pisses me off.:mad:

I was looking at some Proto ones at Grainger, but the tool trucks have nothing I like anymore.

Anyone else ticked off about "not needed" change?????

rant over :)

I agree. I prefere hard acetate handles on all my screwdrivers. That's why I buy USA made Stanleys and Craftsman screwdrivers anymore. For ratchets I only want a checkered steel grip. I don't mind a coated grip on pliers as long as it's low profile like the plastic dip coatings on Channellock or Klien pliers. I hate that heavy thick rubber stuff on lots of tools today, too cumbersome and gets in the way.

[billymade]

I have a a bazillion old Snap-On hard handle screwdrivers; I like them. I recently got a full set of instinct hard handles; I will say they aren't as bad as I anticipated and the gripping power is really good! One of the main things I noticed; they are very light compared to the old models, don't have the same "heft"; I always associated quality with that feeling but maybe lighter is better! Fatigue maybe less with a lighter tool and if the tip quality is similar; then, its probably a good thing! Another thing; the handles seem a bit on the "fat" side, this probably is a personal thing; I have small hands so, this may not be a issue with the bigger pawed members here...

[The Muffin Man]

My biggest beef with the soft grip Snap-on ratchet handle is the finger indentation; I'm thinking it would be better without it.

I concur, especially with swivel ratchets.

I feel that the indentation is too subtle to really have any effect on ergonomics rendering it a nuisance.

[superautobacs]

This is true.
:+1: It's just like fashion or any other consumer product.


Mac still offers the hard handles.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=37821&stc=1&d=1250701776



... these are identical to the old snap on drivers?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=37822&stc=1&d=1250701776







I wonder who supplied the handles. A&L?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=37823&stc=1&d=1250701879

[Speed-Racer]

Do a search for the Williams Screwdrivers on GJ, the quality is surprising for the price. The tips seem to be just as good as my Snap-on's, I wish they would offer more tools with that handle. Powertoolbox has a great deal on that set, good tools cheap.

[The Muffin Man]

Do a search for the Williams Screwdrivers on GJ, the quality is surprising for the price. The tips seem to be just as good as my Snap-on's, I wish they would offer more tools with that handle. Powertoolbox has a great deal on that set, good tools cheap.

http://www.powertool-box.com/product.php?productid=18216&cat=469&page=3

:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:

[lauver]

The new stuff must be disposable, how many years before they look awful and start falling apart. I really hate how hard it is to clean them, other than breakout out a can of solvent. Surprised a company or two has not brought this design back. Thinking about trying the Wiha hard handled torx. I posted a pic of some JH Williams that are still available.

We must be in the minority on this one, were people upset when wooden handled screwdrivers were replaced with plastic? I think the auction prices will continue to rise until other alternatives are reintroduced.

Speed-Racer,

Where do you get Williams screwdrivers? Can you post a link????

EDIT: Never mind, several people posted links...

[Merkava_4]

Does anybody care to speculate when Snap-on will come out with a new ratchet handle?

[lauver]

Somebody please call me Neal so I can wake up tomorrow morning with a gigantic industrial finish dick. :)

Merk,

These kind of racist comments are not funny and have no place on this forum, or any other forum for that matter. I think you owe Neal and the other members here an appology.

And if the Admin's were to ban you for this, it wouldn't bother me one bit.

[tw33k2514]

Merk,

These kind of racist comments are not funny and have no place on this forum, or any other forum for that matter. I think you owe Neal and the other members here an appology.

And if the Admin's were to ban you for this, it wouldn't bother me one bit.

....wow, I don't normally get in the middle of stuff like this..but I personally saw Merks comment as humerus, and in no way racist.

If anything it was a compliment.

[lauver]

....wow, I don't normally get in the middle of stuff like this..but I personally saw Merks comment as humerus, and in no way racist.

If anything it was a compliment.

tw,

Ask Neal how he interpreted it.

And, I know I didn't think it was funny.

[Underdog]

I threw mine away.

As for the rest, I'll take the soft grips over the old hard handles any day of the week. I've never had a problem with cleaning them, or them wearing.

Thats because you work on aircraft. Their is a big difference in cleanliness between a Citation and a Caterpillar.:lol_hitti

[volvo420coupe]

Merk,

These kind of racist comments are not funny and have no place on this forum, or any other forum for that matter. I think you owe Neal and the other members here an appology.

And if the Admin's were to ban you for this, it wouldn't bother me one bit.

Also jealous. LOL

I thought it was funny, sorry if it wasn't to Neal. But it seems that he and Merk are good enough friends to establish their own "joking boundaries".

[Speed-Racer]

I would try www.all2ools.com, go under williams and then enter the part number for pricing, it may be case and dash sensitive. They are currently not my favorite company, they send an older model, not the item I wanted/ordered, they are not making good on the replacement. To be fair it is a small cost item and I am not going to chase them for a few dollars. I guess with the lower price = less customer service.

Another good souce for williams is www.powertoolbox.net, they will provide quotes for all Williams tools. www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com for the online catalog. Motion Industries is another place, but the pricing is not a good.

[ZRX61]

Can't stand the Craftsman screwdrivers with the red/gray handles. prefer the older solid black ones.
It appears they may have sold off the tooling as there are now screwdrivers offered by ATD tools that look exactly like them.

[Garage_Mahal]

cause it looks like shit

So it's a fashion thing for you . . .

and does not serve a purpose in my opinion, as i will not use the hole to hang the screwdriver while not in use

I will.

next thing you know they will put holes in open end wrenches so you can hang them too
Sounds like a great idea, I'm gonna go drill my set. Thanks!

[paranoid56]

Merk,

These kind of racist comments are not funny and have no place on this forum, or any other forum for that matter. I think you owe Neal and the other members here an appology.

And if the Admin's were to ban you for this, it wouldn't bother me one bit.

LOL WAT? there was nothing in there that was racist. pusification of America right here. Please get a clue.

[Merkava_4]

Merk,

These kind of racist comments are not funny and have no place on this forum, or any other forum for that matter. I think you owe Neal and the other members here an appology.

And if the Admin's were to ban you for this, it wouldn't bother me one bit.

That was not a racist comment; that was a joke!!

I am the furthest thing from a racist!! There is not one single milligram of racism in my soul!!

You sir are a damn idiot. :mad:

[yellowbox]

So it's a fashion thing for you . . .

not really a fashion thing , just seems like someone over designed the handle
my roll cart has holes in it to put my screwdrivers and prybars in , hence no need for holes in the handles



I will.


Sounds like a great idea, I'm gonna go drill my set. Thanks!

go ahead and drill away seems like a waste of time and effort , not to mention the potential of lowering the value of the tools

[superautobacs]

go ahead and drill away seems like a waste of time and effort , not to mention the potential of lowering the value of the tools


How come there's no love for peg boards? :dunno: ;)

[Monte]

holes are your friend :)

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj347/mrblvd_album/IMAG0008-3.jpg

[Adam McLaughlin]

That Hazet stuff just doesn't seem to have the "bling" that our Kenosha stuff does....

Adam

[daveblank]

cause it looks like shit and does not serve a purpose in my opinion, as i will not use the hole to hang the screwdriver while not in use
next thing you know they will put holes in open end wrenches so you can hang them too

Ours do serve a purpose. They are bolster holes. You can put another screwdriver in it for extra torque.

[Tlag]

To sell more stuff. The handles and tool designs in a broader sense have become fashion items. This years handle design is better than last years so you buy new stuff you don't need to replce stuff that's still good. Next year's design will make this years undesirable and the circle continues.

Try saying "Fifty's fender fins" ten times fast.

[volvo420coupe]

Maybe you should have a confederate flag welding helmet avatar Merk. LOL.

You know I'm joking, :bounce: but I had to put that disclaimer in for some of the other members.

[wantedabiggergarage]

Has anyone bought from this company? these are identical to the old snap on drivers?


I bought from them and the last time I looked at them on their website, some sets were marked in stock. When I ordered mine, I was second in line, as they were backordered. Williams, had moved one factory, and whoever was the source for one shank, was at issue at the time. In my case, one of the screwdrivers, came with the square shank, since it was the only thing holding up the set.


And yes, the holes are for bolsters. Other screwdrivers have hex, and some screwdrivers (Craftsman, etc) have none. I prefer the hex, because a wrench is less likely to bend, then a screwdriver. It seems to me, they might try to claim warranty abuse, and they should ship a bar for the bolster hole.

[lauver]

That was not a racist comment; that was a joke!!

I am the furthest thing from a racist!! There is not one single milligram of racism in my soul!!

You sir are a damn idiot. :mad:

Merk,

Your so called joke was based on a racial stereotype; so let's call it what it was...a racist joke!

And Neal's reply to your joke was this: :headscrat :dunno::headscrat

Let me translate that for you: WTF?

Does this sound like Neal thought your so called joke was funny? And maybe you've noticed that Neal has not posted anything else on this thread since.

I'd say the guy was offended, and rightly so!

So why don't you man up, admit to your racism and offensive joke, and appologize to Neal!

No need to reply to me; I'm done with you and your jokes!

[Garage_Mahal]

go ahead and drill away seems like a waste of time and effort , not to mention the potential of lowering the value of the tools
It was a joke. Every tried to drill a wrench? It is an exercise in frustration without some high-end tooling.
:lol_hitti

[Monte]

:thumbup:

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj347/mrblvd_album/DSC00027-3.jpg

[Merkava_4]

So why don't you man up, admit to your racism and offensive joke, and appologize to Neal!


If I thought an apology was in order, it would have already been said; but since my remark was not intended to be racists in any way shape or form, I don't feel an apology is in order.

I could however, apologize to Neal for indirectly causing you to make the accusations that you have towards me publicly on the board; I might have to do that!! :mad:

PS. You have misspelled the word apologize in your post by spelling it as "appologize." Make a note of it or activate your spell check. :wtf:

[volvo420coupe]

Your such a troublemaker Merk, Every last member has had it up to here with your shenanigans. I honestly think the only reason you weren't banned 10,287 posts ago is due to the pity a tiny penis creates. :bounce:

Sorry I hope I didn't cross the joke line, But seriously, guys have been joking about penis size in shops since the first shop was built.