Snap-on says, traditional hard handles are coming back!

[autoace]

I emailed Snap-on, rep. Tim says........................due to overwhelming requests, Snap-on will bring back the traditional hard handles for their drivers and ratchets. You can email SO directly through their site, in the online product info. section. If you want them back, email and you should get the same response.:bounce:

[autoace]

SO email form.

https://buy1.snapon.com/Snapon-Store/Feedback.asp

[bchee]

I wonder if prices on ebay will drop, or if people will still want the older ones, just because they are older. I also wonder if they will come back exactly the same, or if it will be like the Challenger, Mustang, and Camaro.

[walrus]

Love to have a 1/2 drive 80 tooth flex head with a black handle. Would order it on line today if I could get it

[toolnut]

I got this for free when I bought my last box.:willy_nil Of course I could never use these out of respect for Mr Earnhardt. Those hard handles are great!

[caper]

Love to have a 1/2 drive 80 tooth flex head with a black handle. Would order it on line today if I could get it

Make your own:

[X1 Mike]

This could get X-pensive..... :drool:

[The Muffin Man]

That person who bought the green hard handle set for $450 on ebay is going to feel like an idiot real soon.

[kwhitelaw]

I emailed Snap-on, rep. Tim says........................due to overwhelming requests, Snap-on will bring back the traditional hard handles for their drivers and ratchets. You can email SO directly through their site, in the online product info. section. If you want them back, email and you should get the same response.:bounce:

I'll believe it when I see it.....

[Thedroid]

I just sent them an email. Hopefully I get the same reply.

[TruckTech]

Once again, Ill never understand whats so great about those handles. A) Ive always thought they are very uncomfortable when on a ratchet, and B)I like the hard handle instinct screwdrivers more. Ill probably get shot for saying that, but I do. Ill probably get a set once I have a little extra $$$.

Will they be ditching the instinct line?

[Big Bad Jon]

I have sent an email. I would like to have a long flex handle 1/2 in dual 80!

[Hiball]

I fired a email off, Ill post my response if i get one.

[bushhawg73]

Sent an email also. I had a feeling after seeing them introduce an awl with the hard handle. Just a little newer shape but the hard handle non the less.

[kwhitelaw]

Sent an email also. I had a feeling after seeing them introduce an awl with the hard handle. Just a little newer shape but the hard handle non the less.

huh? how did i not see this?

link?

[caper]

I was fondling a set of orange hard handle scrapers on the truck last week,new stock since its a new dealer.

[KLars1]

I fired a email off, Ill post my response if i get one.

:+1: And I'm going to ask my dealer in about a hour.

[KLars1]

huh? how did i not see this?

link?

:+1: You guys are acting like this is old news!! :shocking:

[tatra]

merk is going to need more jammies..............:lol_hitti

[kwhitelaw]

:+1: You guys are acting like this is old news!! :shocking:

nah, I was referring to the post about the new hard handled awl... i havent seen anything hard handled and new other than the 1/4" socket driver they released a couple months back.

[Underdog]

I wonder if prices on ebay will drop, or if people will still want the older ones, just because they are older. I also wonder if they will come back exactly the same, or if it will be like the Challenger, Mustang, and Camaro.

If this is at all true, anyone that wants to unload hard handles better act fast cause the bottoms going to fall out on em. I think people that like the hard handles like them for the handles and not whats on the other end. I'd much rather have a 80's series end than a old 830 or 936 end.:shocking:

[rsanter]

the prices on ebay will drop, except on the special edition ones that are unique to a specific period of time

bob

[bushhawg73]

Here is my thread from March 13, 2009

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32035

[elect]

This is GREAT news!! It's about time they corrected the mistake that was removing them from the line up!!

[Speed-Racer]

The guy that paid $450 maybe the reason the decision was made to bring them back. Has anyone else gotten an email back about the reintroduction? I am interested in trying a 3/8 dual 80 with a traditional hard handle.

[Speed-Racer]

They need to call them the Classic Line, just like coca cola. Does anyone know if they still sell new coke?

[Vinko]

I just bought a #1 phillips and a 8" straight screwdriver in black hard-handle off the truck. There's still some 60's style handles left, and some Torx, but the stock is getting low. Just in time (if it's true) :)

[Merkava_4]

If Snap-on wanted to make some serious money, they'd put the black ergonomic Tenite plastic handle on the 80 series ratchet. For the life of me I can't understand what's holding them up.

[Moose-LandTran]

First i need to confirm this and get an ETA.

Then we need to celebrate and PARTY LIKE IT'S 1973!

(I know these weren't in production then, but i love soul music of the 70s. Especially to boogie to!)

[Moose-LandTran]

For the life of me I can't understand what's holding them up.

In a marketing perspective it's taking a step backwards and basically admitting that their soft grips and Instinct handles aren't as good as what they had before.

[Merkava_4]

In a marketing perspective it's taking a step backwards and basically admitting that their soft grips and Instinct handles aren't as good as what they had before.

They could call it their classic line and offer them along side the soft grips; that way they're perceived as providing increased selection to the end user.

Whatever the case, I'm thinking they should be doing what it takes to increase sales; and if that means admitting they're wrong, they should suck it up and move forward.

[peterbilr98]

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo261/mike550_photo/wratchets041.jpg
here is my mod on the duel 80

[Mr.Nutcase]

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo261/mike550_photo/wratchets041.jpg
here is my mod on the duel 80

nice!!! better....

[KLars1]

Is it true that you are bringing back the traditional hard handles on your ratchets and drivers?

When can I expect these to be available for purchase?

If it is true, that is very good news. All of techs I know where very disappointed when you discountinued those.

Snap-On's Response:

Hi Kevin


We have heard talk ourselves of the hard handles coming back. No confirmation as of yet.

You are my third email this morning requesting these hard handles. I have been forwarding them emails to the product managers so they know they are wanted!

Thank you for your input.

Tim

[bchee]

No confirmation as of yet.

+10 characters

[CamarosRus]

Interested to read any response from those open minded writers familiar with the TOPTUL Screwdriver Handle as to there form, fit, and practicality.

ALSO, how might the TOPTUL Green/Black Rachet Handle be compared to the more well known brands ?????

[Merkava_4]

Is it true that you are bringing back the traditional hard handles on your ratchets and drivers?

When can I expect these to be available for purchase?

If it is true, that is very good news. All of techs I know where very disappointed when you discountinued those.

Snap-On's Response:

Hi Kevin


We have heard talk ourselves of the hard handles coming back. No confirmation as of yet.

You are my third email this morning requesting these hard handles. I have been forwarding them emails to the product managers so they know they are wanted!

Thank you for your input.

Tim

Kevin, which link did you use to send that email?

I'll send a request too. :)

[Hiball]

Heres what the response i got from tim.

Hi Steven

I cannot believe my eyes, this is the 10th email in a row that has requested the old style screwdrivers. I have been forwarding them to the product manager to let him know the demand.

I appreciate your input.

Thanks!

[BigRed390]

I sent one too. Waiting on an answer.

[autoace]

Although I don't use Snap-on as my goto tools, Cornwell has that spot............................I will be one of the first to buy screwdrivers and ratchets with the classic hard handles on them. IMHO that is one area SO did do best at. They are the only SO tools I miss.:( Keep the emails going to SO, and the foreseen $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ will get the best of them.:bounce:

[KLars1]

Kevin, which link did you use to send that email?

I'll send a request too. :)


See Post #2 in this thread by autoace. :beer:

[Speed-Racer]

I sent in my email earlier, lets keep the pressure on them. Funny a dealer said this is a known problem over 6 months ago. If you miss the older handle style please send Snap-On a note.

[walrus]

My response wasn't so definite. He said he would relay my request for black handled tools and said he was getting requests for them and would forward the requests to the powers that be:)

[Thedroid]

Here's the response I got back.
"Andrew
Wow, I have gotten 8 emails today asking for these old screw drivers to come back.
Its awesome if you ask me!
I have forwarded all the emails today to the product manager. There is no solid word that these are coming back, but they have talked about it.
Thank you sir
Appreciate the input.
Tim"

[Merkava_4]

PM to Snap-on sent!! :pimpflash

[TruckTech]

In a marketing perspective it's taking a step backwards and basically admitting that their soft grips and Instinct handles aren't as good as what they had before.

Will someone please explain to me what exactly is so bad about the Instinct hard handles? Im not including the soft handle Instincts (Ive grown to hate soft grips on screwdrivers, but not ratchets for some reason :headscrat).

My dealer had a tool with Instinct handle on one end and an older hard handle on the other to compare turning force and the Instinct was much better. I also like the way they fit in my hand very much. I own prybars, gasket scrapers, and a few other misc tools with the old handle, and I gotta say, when I use the scraper for an extended period of time (cleaning head surfaces), they actually hurt my hands.

[Diesel-Mech]

Here was the response I received.

Brian


We get many request DAILY for these screw drivers, I let the product manager know each time!

This will be another email to him!

Tim

[Big Bad Jon]

Here is my response from snappy

Hi Jon


I cannot believe my eyes, every email I have done today has requested that we bring back the old screwdrivers.

I have been forwarding them to the product manager so he can see the demand is there.

I appreciate your feed back, but as of right now there is not ETA as to when/if they will come back.

I sure hope so, like I said, a lot of request for them.

Thanks!
Tim

I tell you what we need, is a special Garage Journal "limited addition" handle.

[Wesley B]

Has there been a thread dedicated to hard handle pics yet?

[tatra]

now that would be a collection i would buy, maybe..........has anyone notified s/o, tim, to this thread?...........

[DetroitDIESEL444]

Once again, Ill never understand whats so great about those handles. A) Ive always thought they are very uncomfortable when on a ratchet, and B)I like the hard handle instinct screwdrivers more. Ill probably get shot for saying that, but I do. Ill probably get a set once I have a little extra $$$.

Will they be ditching the instinct line?

I have a set for sale if your interested lol.

[caper]

now that would be a collection i would buy, maybe..........has anyone notified s/o, tim, to this thread?...........

I included a link in my email to them.:thumbup:

[tatra]

hopefully you included your avatar too to make sure he remembers to put this at the top of the to do list..........:beer:

[Big Bad Jon]

hopefully you included your avatar too to make sure he remembers to put this at the top of the to do list..........:beer:

Avatar no. That is an assatar

[bchee]

Has there been a thread dedicated to hard handle pics yet?

I don't know but here are Merkava's hard ones
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n284/MACDRIVE/TOOLS/DSCN1507.jpg

Here are TheToolMan's hard ones
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn23/ebexpo/miscpics017.jpg
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn23/ebexpo/miscpics011.jpg

I'm not sure if it's considered not cool to link to someone else's photobucket acct. I attached the picts just in case. I can remove the links too

[kwhitelaw]

heres some of mine.. mainly screwdrivers and socket drivers, and a custom skew driver in the middle..

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g6/kwhitelaw01/DSC00825.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g6/kwhitelaw01/DSC00826.jpg

trying to collect one of every screwdriver (phillips/flat) offered in black... have 24 more pieces to go, so if they rereleased atleast some of the hard handle pieces it would greatly help lol..

[bchee]

and a custom skew driver in the middle..

what does the custom one do?

[kwhitelaw]

what does the custom one do?


low profile bit driver... I use it alot for dash work etc..

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g6/kwhitelaw01/DSC00682.jpg

[bchee]

hey that's pretty cool. It's like a right angle drill. Snap on would sell that for $150

edit: LOL thought it was a misspelling, but it's actually called "skewdriver"

[kwhitelaw]

hey that's pretty cool. It's like a right angle drill. Snap on would sell that for $150

yah, you can get just the end of it in all metal for around $20. I think I paid under $10 for the black plastic setup, which came loaded onto a cheapy clear plastic handle that i just pressed out.

Had some handles left over from when i got that crazy ebay deal last yr that i sold a bunch to guys on here so i just reused on of them.

edit* all metal pieces are now $55+. you can see the one i bought for $15 on there.

http://www.spectools.com/spec.htm

[Fedwrench]

I got a Snap on tool order in today at work. I had ordered a couple of tire core removers. In the catalog they showed Blue Point handles. However, the tools showed up with fresh black ergo grip handles. I don't think the screwdrivers will be far behind. If they come back though, you guys will need to put your cash up to match your email demands to keep them available.:wtf:

[kwhitelaw]

I got a Snap on tool order in today at work. I had ordered a couple of tire core removers. In the catalog they showed Blue Point handles. However, the tools showed up with fresh black ergo grip handles. I don't think the screwdrivers will be far behind. If they come back though, you guys will need to put your cash up to match your email demands to keep them available.:wtf:

got a list of 24 pieces im prepared to buy....then..im done with tools..

after i get the 4 wrenches im posting about in the classifieds currently..

[Merkava_4]

Here's mine: :)

Vance

You could imagine, I get many many email request to bring the old handles back. In the past couple days, I cannot even count how many I have got.

I am forwarding them all to the product manager so he can see the large demand of them.

We always appreciate your feed back.

thank you

Tim

[BigRed390]

If they come back though, you guys will need to put your cash up to match your email demands to keep them available.:wtf:

I don't currently own any of the hard handled series, but I've heard enough about them to make me order at least a basic set if they become available. And now we wait.:drool:

[Merkava_4]

They don't even need to make multiple colors, if they just brought back the black handles, a lot of guys would be happy. :)

[X1 Mike]

They don't even need to make multiple colors, if they just brought back the orange handles, a lot of guys would be happy. :)


Fixed it for you. :beer:

[Bolster]

HEY GUYS, KEEP EMAILING THEM.

Here's what I wrote: "I heard you are bringing back the hard handle for your drivers! That's great news! Took you long enough but thanks for listening!"

Here's the email I got back: "It is not written in stone yet. I have been letting the product manager know about all the request so hopefully it will help!"

We can do this! Keep up the supporting emails!!

https://buy1.snapon.com/Snapon-Store/Feedback.asp

or

NCCCSupport@snapon.com

[X1 Mike]

HEY GUYS, KEEP EMAILING THEM.

Here's what I wrote: "I heard you are bringing back the hard handle for your drivers! That's great news! Took you long enough but thanks for listening!"

Here's the email I got back: "It is not written in stone yet. I have been letting the product manager know about all the request so hopefully it will help!"

We can do this! Keep up the supporting emails!!

https://buy1.snapon.com/Snapon-Store/Feedback.asp

or

NCCCSupport@snapon.com


Boy I must want them back bad. I just e-mailed customer service for the first time in my life. :thumbup:

[Moose-LandTran]

Has there been a thread dedicated to hard handle pics yet?

I think i made one for mine..

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/DSC00302.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/DSC00284.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/DSC00283.jpg

I have more now..

[joenero]

I have my 20 of the things that I would quickly trade for the hard handles. While the new ones are nice and you can apply a bit of torque there is something to be said about being able to easily clean the handle.

[toolnut]

Got my response today...

I appreciate the feed back, lately we have gotten many request for the hard handles. I have been forwarding them to the product team for review. I am hoping with all these request, they will dust off the old molds and start making them again!

Thanks
Tim

:thumbup:

[bchee]

I think it's amazing that with all the requests, Tim is taking time to write a PERSONALIZED response to each of you

[Bolster]

If the emails fall off, Snap-on will consider this merely an internet emailing campaign and ignore it. The requests have to be SUSTAINED for them to do any good.

[kwhitelaw]

Moose, what's the p/n on that extra long cotter pin puller? I've only seen the shorter version.

see you got the terminal pin kit also.. forgot I had one of those, need to dust it off..

[The Muffin Man]

Nice collection Moose :thumbup:

[toolnut]

Most of my hard handles...

:beer:

[Merkava_4]

Holy smokes Moose............. :drool:

[scottmlew]

If the emails fall off, Snap-on will consider this merely an internet emailing campaign and ignore it. The requests have to be SUSTAINED for them to do any good.

It's funny you say that. I was thinking that a much better strategy would be for one of us to email each week, on an irregular schedule, so they'd get periodic feedback over a longer period of time.

[Wesley B]

Very, very nice hard handles guys!!! Wish I had some:(

[Moose-LandTran]

Holy smokes Moose............. :drool:

I have about 32 more that aren't in the pics + about 12 handles without shanks.

[toolnut]

Hey Moose I like those deep drawers...What model is that box????:headscrat

[tatra]

If the emails fall off, Snap-on will consider this merely an internet emailing campaign and ignore it. The requests have to be SUSTAINED for them to do any good.
might i suggest that those of us that want these back do a co-ordinated effort by e-mailing s/o weekly by an alphabetical system?
ex. starting monday all those with a name starting with a, email them sometime next week,
second week will be the b's and so on
those without a letter starting their name will be the wild cards that email at will.........
gentlemen, the campaign starts at 0700 hours monday..........?
or just carry on...............

[Moose-LandTran]

Moose, what's the p/n on that extra long cotter pin puller? I've only seen the shorter version.

see you got the terminal pin kit also.. forgot I had one of those, need to dust it off..

That cotter pin puller/hose pick is a A1710, according to the handle. I've used one of the terminal tool, once..

Holy smokes Moose............. :drool:

I just went and counted them. I have 189 hard handles. May have more, can't remember.

Hey Moose I like those deep drawers...What model is that box????:headscrat

Top box is a Snap-on KRA4810, bottom is a KRA4107, side box is a KRA4820. :)

[bushhawg73]

might i suggest that those of us that want these back do a co-ordinated effort by e-mailing s/o weekly by an alphabetical system?
ex. starting monday all those with a name starting with a, email them sometime next week,
second week will be the b's and so on
those without a letter starting their name will be the wild cards that email at will.........
gentlemen, the campaign starts at 0700 hours monday..........?
or just carry on...............

Im in, do wo go by first or last name.

[tw33k2514]

I am just going to create several hundred email addresses and send them emails everyday from different proxy servers.

[Wesley B]

You're a crazy man if you do :pimpflash:lol_hitti:pimpflash:lol_hitti

[Bolster]

It's funny you say that. I was thinking that a much better strategy would be for one of us to email each week, on an irregular schedule, so they'd get periodic feedback over a longer period of time.

Actually you are right! That would be much more effective. :thumbup:

Hopefully we can keep this thread active to remind people to sustain the effort!

[billymade]

What about a online petition? Something like this?
http://www.ipetitions.com/

[X1 Mike]

I just went and counted them. I have 189 hard handles. May have more, can't remember.


Out of everyone in the world that I hate, I hate you the most. :lol_hitti :lol_hitti :lol_hitti

I have to make due with only about 25.

[PowderKeg]

They don't even need to make multiple colors, if they just brought back the YELLOW handles, a lot of guys would be happy. :)

Fixed it for you. :beer:

Nah, NOW it's fixed....:beer:

And bring the ratcheting drivers back in the Yellow hard handle as well - irritates the crap outa me whenever I look at that ergo/soft grip/whatever-the-h**l it is ratcheting screwdriver the driver swapped me for after he fouled up my trusty old yellow one replacing the split cap....

[tw33k2514]

Nah, NOW it's fixed....:beer:

And bring the ratcheting drivers back in the Yellow hard handle as well - irritates the crap outa me whenever I look at that ergo/soft grip/whatever-the-h**l it is ratcheting screwdriver the driver swapped me for after he fouled up my trusty old yellow one replacing the split cap....

Yellow is ugly, black and orange I do not mind.

[arkangel06]

Sweet i love the hard handles good thing i didnt buy one of those soft handle ratcheting drivers!

[caper]

Out of everyone in the world that I hate, I hate you the most. :lol_hitti :lol_hitti :lol_hitti

I have to make due with only about 25.

I counted 47 one day just in screwdrivers,didn't even look at the ratchets or picks,scrapers etc.:shocking:

[Garage_Mahal]

Im in, do wo go by first or last name.
Username. That way when we email with our real names, it looks random. Otherwise it would be suspicious. :lol_hitti

[J.A.F.E.]

I sent one but it was Friday evening so I'm sure it'll be Monday before I get a reply, if any.

[tatra]

garage mahal has the idea...........who said we're all abunch of dumbys?:lol_hitti

[X1 Mike]

I received a response to my e-mail to Snap-On this morning. :beer:

In the last week or so, I have been flooded with emails about the hard handles coming back into the line. We currently do not have that written in stone, nor an eta. I have been forwarding this to the product manager so he can see the demands though.

As always we appreciate your feed back!

Don’t forget about it, keep them coming. :thumbup:

[FiftyCalAl]

i think someone sent them the link to this thread; so they probably already know 'it's "US"', haha. just everybody suscribe to this thread, and when you get an email that there is activity, shoot Snappy an email

[KLars1]

I was talking to my dealer last week, he has been a dealer for many, many years and he said it was the same thing with the four sided design came out. All the mechanics thought the new larger four sided design sucked compared the tried and true 'old' design.

Through the years they became popular, as we know. His reasoning why they changed designs was interesting.

He said they went to Instinct because the four sided handle designed 'grabbed' so well that Snap-On was getting in trouble with OSHA because mechanics were suffering carpal tunnel syndrome from the old design. That is why they came out with Instinct and since, he hasn't seen a single instance of carpal tunnel.

hmmm...:wtf: :confused:

[84TurboBuick]

I wrote Snap-On and this is the reply I got.....

They are talking about bringing them out yet. Currently they are working on setting up the handles and blades as replacement parts. Nothing on bringing the whole line out.

Thanks!
Tim

[Hiball]

I wrote Snap-On and this is the reply I got.....

They are talking about bringing them out yet. Currently they are working on setting up the handles and blades as replacement parts. Nothing on bringing the whole line out.

Thanks!
Tim

Tim is prolly getting tired of responding to the hard handle emails. Then again tim is prolly a computer.

[stevejh82]

Do black hard handles all the way back to the octogrip style count? None of them are prom queens, but they have plenty of experience...

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv205/stevejh82/Snap%20on%20Tools/Picture095.jpg

http://i684.photobucket.com/albums/vv205/stevejh82/Snap%20on%20Tools/Picture094.jpg

[FiftyCalAl]

Here is some history and a reason it may not be so easy. The hard handles were made in a SNAPON factory about 20 miles from my place (Johnson City, TN factory). That factory closed down several years ago around the time the hrad handles were replaced by instincts. They opened another factory making tools about 30 miles away from me (Elizabethton, TN). I have a friend in planning that worked both places. His take on it is that the equipment to manufacture the handles was 'run up' before they closed to have enough for some models still using hard handles and replacements at that time; then the machines were gotten rid of (not sure if sold or what). Now Snap On has NO machinery to mass produce the numvber of handles for current production runs.

They would have to reinvest in them or contract the work out. This may not be a problem or it may be a hindrance to starting them up again. I am just passing on the information as I received it.

I sure would like to be able to buy new production lime green sets, instead of dreaming about spending $405 on Ebay. haha

[bchee]

Do black hard handles all the way back to the octogrip style count? None of them are prom queens, but they have plenty of experience...

beautiful collection:thumbup:

[bchee]

His take on it is that the equipment to manufacture the handles was 'run up' before they closed to have enough for some models still using hard handles and replacements at that time; then the machines were gotten rid of (not sure if sold or what). Now Snap On has NO machinery to mass produce the numvber of handle


Unless they were destroyed I don't see why they can't recover them. Also, what does "run up" mean?

[bushhawg73]

I wrote Snap-On and this is the reply I got.....

They are talking about bringing them out yet. Currently they are working on setting up the handles and blades as replacement parts. Nothing on bringing the whole line out.

Thanks!
Tim

I received that same basic response.

[Underdog]

Here is some history and a reason it may not be so easy. The hard handles were made in a SNAPON factory about 20 miles from my place (Johnson City, TN factory). That factory closed down several years ago around the time the hrad handles were replaced by instincts. They opened another factory making tools about 30 miles away from me (Elizabethton, TN). I have a friend in planning that worked both places. His take on it is that the equipment to manufacture the handles was 'run up' before they closed to have enough for some models still using hard handles and replacements at that time; then the machines were gotten rid of (not sure if sold or what). Now Snap On has NO machinery to mass produce the numvber of handles for current production runs.

They would have to reinvest in them or contract the work out. This may not be a problem or it may be a hindrance to starting them up again. I am just passing on the information as I received it.

I sure would like to be able to buy new production lime green sets, instead of dreaming about spending $405 on Ebay. haha

Maybe sold to Williams, they make their hard handles somehow.:headscrat

[autoace]

If SO flops, Cornwell may bring back their hard handles for drivers, they are still on their ratchets. Cornwell hard handles are very good also. I hate soft grip handles, never had on that held up, and maintained its comfort and curb appeal.:confused:

[Merkava_4]

If SO flops, Cornwell may bring back their hard handles for drivers, they are still on their ratchets.

I've been meaning to email Cornwell and tell them how I wish they'd bring back their 3/8" drive hard handle spin handles (AKA handled drivers).

[Bolster]

Do black hard handles all the way back to the octogrip style count?

What is OCTOGRIP?

(Don't tell me it has anything to do with Octomom!)

[stevejh82]

I guess from what I've read, it is one of the first styles of snap on screwdriver handles.

[Bolster]

Well, what does it look like?

Is it like the octogrip on the pliers? Never seen that on a driver.

[billymade]

We worked on a family tree together in the past on this post and some pics of the much vaunted "OCTO-GRIP" handle of yesteryear!:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18110&highlight=snapon+screwdriver+handle&showall=1

So, far we have come to the conclusions the "tree" is as follows:

This is the progression of of Snapon handles; this is what we came up with.... open to any corrections but I think this is correct!

Snap-On screwdriver family tree:

1. "OCTO-GRIP" slightly rounded edges?(octagon 8 sides)
2. 1st generation four sided plastic with slightly rounded edges (square 4 sides)
3. triangle plastic style grips with rounded edges (triangle 3 sides)
4. 2nd generation four sided plastic with indentation and more rounded edges (square 4 sides)
5. "soft grip" indented thumb rest (how many sides?)
6. Instinct Hard Handle (triangle three sides)
7. Instinct Soft Handle (triangle three sides)
8. the "future"; possible re-release of 2nd gen handles? Who knows! I'm sure they will come up with something to replace the "instinct"... eventually!

[forceyoda]

If SO flops, Cornwell may bring back their hard handles for drivers, they are still on their ratchets. Cornwell hard handles are very good also. I hate soft grip handles, never had on that held up, and maintained its comfort and curb appeal.:confused:

I got a set of those on ebay a few months ago for $50 and love them.

[autoace]

I got a set of those on ebay a few months ago for $50 and love them.

Greedings force yoda:) I was thinking of you today, i almost rebought the ratchet i sold to you earlier this year. I decided Cornwell goodness was too good to ever sell again lol. The SO stuff was fine, but Cornwell has grabbed my affection, and use preference. No more ebay tool sales for me, I don't care what the heck happens. I'll PM you my Cornwell dealers info. in case you need warranty of something.

[J.A.F.E.]

Actually, there is at least one more style:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/50100/50084.JPG

SO still makes these on their electronic service screwdrivers.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=671&store=snapon-store

In the past these were used on nutdrives and drive spinner handles (usually in clear yellow). I have a magnetic bit screwdriver with the clear yellow I bought new in the 70's so I can say they were used on non electronic screwdirvers in that application at least.

I have no idea when these were first put into service but the 60's at least, perhaps earlier.

I'm also pretty sure SO had wooden grip screwdrivers prior to the octogrip.

If anyone wants a set of the octogrip a swap meet vendor around here has a set for the last several months for about $100.

[Vinko]

Actually, there is at least one more style:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/50100/50084.JPG

SO still makes these on their electronic service screwdrivers.


I've been considering getting some of these. Can't really justify the expenditure right now. But every week or two, when I'm on the truck, I see them and want them.

[Monte]

In the August 2009 flyer snap-on Germany offers a toolset with orange hard handle screwdrivers.

http://snapon.de/pdf/messen2009/Flyer_KRA2007USET81%20web.pdf

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj347/mrblvd_album/snap.jpg

[forceyoda]

Greedings force yoda:) I was thinking of you today, i almost rebought the ratchet i sold to you earlier this year. I decided Cornwell goodness was too good to ever sell again lol. The SO stuff was fine, but Cornwell has grabbed my affection, and use preference. No more ebay tool sales for me, I don't care what the heck happens. I'll PM you my Cornwell dealers info. in case you need warranty of something.

I am regretting having sold some of the cornwell stuff but there is always more on ebay.

[chadster1]

Tim is prolly getting tired of responding to the hard handle emails. Then again tim is prolly a computer.

Tim is not a computer. He replies to some of my emails as well. I wish they would reinstate the orange handles as well. Dealers have been asking for this as well.

[Hiball]

Tim is not a computer. He replies to some of my emails as well. I wish they would reinstate the orange handles as well. Dealers have been asking for this as well.

Yeah i was just making fun at his responses to all the emails including mine.

[Hiball]

In the August 2009 flyer snap-on Germany offers a toolset with orange hard handle screwdrivers.

http://snapon.de/pdf/messen2009/Flyer_KRA2007USET81%20web.pdf

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj347/mrblvd_album/snap.jpg

Looks like Gold to me on Ebay. Do they sell the screwdriver sets alone or does it come with all that other stuff?

[Monte]

Looks like Gold to me on Ebay. Do they sell the screwdriver sets alone or does it come with all that other stuff?

It seems only the complete set with box and 185 tools together. The german snapon site has no online catalog so i can`t look if they are also avail. individually.

[bry@n]

my resHi Bryan

We are going to bring the handles and blades back out. But not complete. They are only coming out for replacement parts. (Which means you can put them together also :) )

Thanks

Tim
ponse:

[Bolster]

Woo hoo! Good enough for me!

[Speed-Racer]

This is good news, I hope they bring back the complete screwdriver and ratchets with the hard handles. Funny, wonder how long before the tooling for the new instinks equipment is depreciated. Maybe someone does not want a sales comparison. You really have to want a set of new hard handled screwdrivers to go thru the ordering hassles.

Does anyone know how well the new style handles are selling?

[Merkava_4]

I wish they would reinstate the black handles as well. Dealers have been asking for this as well.

Fixed it for you sir. :D

[kwhitelaw]

my resHi Bryan

We are going to bring the handles and blades back out. But not complete. They are only coming out for replacement parts. (Which means you can put them together also :) )

Thanks

Tim
ponse:

hopefully they are not too crazy with the a la carte pricing.. piecing together your own screwdriver will get expensive real quick.

[Speed-Racer]

I have wanted a torx set of screwdrivers with the traditional handle, it is a pain not to have the size engraved on the handle. Was hoping for a total reintroduction, any news on the date the handles can be ordered and color choices?

[nissan_crawler]

hopefully they are not too crazy with the a la carte pricing.. piecing together your own screwdriver will get expensive real quick.

Same price either way. I do the same thing to get my soft grips.

[kwhitelaw]

Same price either way. I do the same thing to get my soft grips.

just priced out a #2 phillips instinct driver. complete screwdriver was $18.85, shank alone was $16.95.

[DaMaN]

I'll buy any of the Instinct handles if any of you all perform surgery

[fordbroncodave]

the 4 sided hard plastic handles by snapon is the best invention since ford or the cotton gin.

i would order a hard plastic set of lime green right now!!!

i snatched a green prybar set from our local snapon get together night for $115 and it came with the 12 piece pic/driver set.

the 3 sided snap on hard plastic handles are good too but i dought those will ever be back (the old snap on logo)

[t100]

this is for you folks with hard handle fetish.

wish they are mine.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170385708017

[walrus]

this is for you folks with hard handle fetish.

wish they are mine.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170385708017

this might hit 4 figures:shocking:

[Big Bad Jon]

I can't believe this, its still at $200. I think this could end up being a sleeper.

[bry@n]

The reserve is not met and has to be close to $350.

[peterbilr98]

the ala cart price cant be eny worse than getting them off ebay and you dont have to be worred about getting riped off on some guys used hard handels on ebay.:thumbup:

[Big Bad Jon]

Starting to think that the thing to do here is to buy the set, and split it up. Then take better pictures and make some coin!

[Farmrod]

according to my Snap-On dealer this is not happening and wont happen.. when i asked he looked at me and laughed and i said no seriously he told me to hang on just a second pulls out his phone calls someone at corporate and asks them the question i just asked him when he got an answer he told person on the other end of the line to hang on then hands the phone to me where i in turn hear the same thing he just told me that this is not going to happen the old tooling to make the handles was lost the replacements they have as of now are ones they had sitting back on shelves.. I think a tear came to my eye when i heard this my SO guy told me he would make me a set of Dual 80 ratchets and warranty the handles on them for life i was pleased and told him to make em and get them to me so we will see on wednesday if he come through with it or not..

Chris

[Moose-LandTran]

according to my Snap-On dealer this is not happening and wont happen.. when i asked he looked at me and laughed and i said no seriously he told me to hang on just a second pulls out his phone calls someone at corporate and asks them the question i just asked him when he got an answer he told person on the other end of the line to hang on then hands the phone to me where i in turn hear the same thing he just told me that this is not going to happen the old tooling to make the handles was lost the replacements they have as of now are ones they had sitting back on shelves.. I think a tear came to my eye when i heard this my SO guy told me he would make me a set of Dual 80 ratchets and warranty the handles on them for life i was pleased and told him to make em and get them to me so we will see on wednesday if he come through with it or not..

Chris

Sounds like they're talking a load of s**t to me. Lost the tooling my ass..

[caper]

I got a black replacement handle for a screwdriver a month or so back,ordered 2 more a couple days ago to have as spares.

[Bolster]

... the old tooling to make the handles was lost ...

Yet, magically, Williams knows where they are?? :headscrat

EDIT: Caper I've been wanting to ask you for a long time about that avatar of yours: is it a ratchet or a vagina? I could swear it's the latter but your sig line implies it's the former. Yes, I need help, for I am confused.

[caper]

Bolster if your confusing what's in the avatar with a ratchet you'd better lay off the gopher!

That sig line was a quote from quite awhile back of something Eschoendorf said to Merkava.With my love for my ever growing ratchet collection I leave it there to remind me that somethings are more important than ratchets.That avatar just shows my Canadian pride.

[ourkid2000]

I don't know what everyone is freaking about........

I bought the Williams ones (8 pc set) and they're identical, made in the USA as well. Just buy those!

[caper]

I don't know what everyone is freaking about........

I bought the Williams ones (8 pc set) and they're identical, made in the USA as well. Just buy those!

They don't come in Orange,Yellow,Blue,Green,Pink or any other color but black.

[Merkava_4]

I always thought there was some kind of a puffy shadow right below the Canadian flag. :D

[caper]

I always thought there was some kind of a puffy shadow right below the Canadian flag. :D

Looking real close were you?:bounce:

[Speed-Racer]

Hey don't leave out red, it hard to loose a red handled tool. Wish Williams or snap on would start making these available. Maybe we should start asking Williams for color choices on the screwdrivers? They may be more agreeable to customer feedback.

Really disappointed with Snap-On, how many thousands of sets did they sell over the years. Now your warranty replacement is a piece of recycled tire rubber on a screwdriver blade. At least Coca Cola did it right, maybe that new tooling is not depreciated yet. Cannot recall the last time I saw a can of New Coke for sale. If given the choice how many recycled rubber sets would sell compared the the hard handled.

[Big Bad Jon]

this might hit 4 figures:shocking:

It hit $511. I cant believe that the reserve was not met! Wonder what the reserve was?

[Vinko]

Hey don't leave out red, it hard to loose a red handled tool.

Probably already mentioned earlier, but SO is still making the red hard handled pry bars. There were about 3 new sets on the truck and within a week almost all pieces were gone.

[autoace]

The traditional hard handles were the only ones I liked, won't be buying their new styles, nope.

[wreckercologist]

Here is my response:

"They are talking about it. There is not a set date....... I will forward this so they can see the request!
Thank you
Tim

So who is they? :headscrat

[Moose-LandTran]

Here is my response:

"They are talking about it. There is not a set date....... I will forward this so they can see the request!
Thank you
Tim

So who is they? :headscrat

You've never heard of them?

[Hiball]

this is for you folks with hard handle fetish.

wish they are mine.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170385708017

$500+ and his reserve wasnt met, Wonder what it was??

[tslabaugh]

Bringing back the post from the dead. Damn noobs. Anyways, I did email them requesting the hard handles!

Anyone know anything new about them?

[SKang]

IMO, they will not bring it back. it's like car business. they will not bring old model back.

[mrshaun]

we will see what the future has for us.

[wreckercologist]

we will see what the future has for us.

:headscrat That sounds like a hint! :headscrat

I'll take mine in black please!:thumbup:

[Moose-LandTran]

I sure hope they bring them back.

In the meantime, i'm just eating through my stash..

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/chrismca/DSC00643.jpg

[06wt]

didnt sombody a while back in this thread say that the handles and shafts would be coming back for sale in the parts catalog? any developments?

[mrshaun]

a few of the black handles are still out there. all part numbers are on a thread somewhere around here.
I am selling the handles weekly and installing the blade that the customer wants.
completing sets and making customers happy...

[06wt]

well shaun if u could pull up thoose #'s at your leisure that would be great, or mayb somone will chime in with them. They are in the parts catalog?

[mrshaun]

yeah I listed the handle numbers a few weeks back.
i think they have a few
sdd6r-1r and sdd6r1ro for orange no dash
sdd5r-1r and sdd5r1ro for orange no dash

sdd8r-1r and sdd8r1ro for...

this should help you a bit

[48548]

I need a replacement handle for my f747a, do you have the current part number? The older one was an SDD4R10R, I am just looking for something close to the same size and I can drill the inside out if I need to. Thanks.