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Replacing handles

C

Crashman

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This should be an easy one for all the Snap On fans out there. I have bought a replacement soft handle for the 3/8 soft handle ratchet I have. But what is the best way to change it over? Do I need any special adhesive? any surface prep?

All help appreciated as at the price I don't want to stuff this up

Cheers
 
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D

DanCo

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There is no special adhesive, just remove and replace. There are tangs/wings on the shaft just line them up with the new handle and press in. IMHO I'd join them using a vise, others might just use a dead blow hammer, but if you hit it wrong you can split the handle. Or you can just ask ask your dealer to do it.
 
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Blacknwhitepit

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Just make sure the handles are warm... Leave them in the sun or something. It will help them from splitting. I have replaced a few of these and have used a dead blow hammer just like I saw the SO guy do it.

-BWP
 
C

csp

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So has anyone put a hard handle on a ratchet that didn't originally come with either a hard or soft handle?
 
S

shotgunfatcat

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csp said:
So has anyone put a hard handle on a ratchet that didn't originally come with either a hard or soft handle?
Click to expand...

I don't think anyone has, if you want to grind down the handle, or use a **** load of epoxy, be my guest and show some pics while your at it.:thumbup:
 
C

csp

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Exactly, a ratchet that wasn't originally setup for a hard or soft handle.

I don't care to turn one down or use a buttload of epoxy. Just curious if there's another way that someone may have come up with.
 
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BlindViper

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When I replaced the soft grip handle on my FHNF100. I was able to pull it off with my hands. I replaced it with a green one the same way.
 
M

MrMark

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What is the correct way to replace a screwdriver handle on a SO?

Chadster?

Do you clamp it in the vise and then use an open end wrench on the handle as an anvil to beat the handle off?

Copper jaws in the vise, I assume.
 
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heelsroll

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csp said:
Nevermind I guess...... :headscrat
Click to expand...

I haven't tried with a soft grip. The problem with the hard handles over the standard chrome handle is the 'bulb' shaped grip.

I don't have access to a lathe like the other poster, but I have a drill, and a file, and....

chucked.jpg


which leads to:

quarterhandle.jpg


(I know, the handle's "too big", I was trying something. It might still be comfortable, if ungainly.)

No one will mistake me for a machinist but it worked.

MrMark said:
What is the correct way to replace a screwdriver handle on a SO?
Chadster?
Do you clamp it in the vise and then use an open end wrench on the handle as an anvil to beat the handle off?
Copper jaws in the vise, I assume.
Click to expand...

This has been discussed quite a bit about ratchets. Your SO dealer may have a hydraulic press to pull the shaft. Moose has posted pics using a vise, block of wood with a hole drilled in it, and two prybars. I desperately want a more 'elegant' solution but this one totally works, and after you do a couple it takes no time at all.

Moose uses and old serpentine belt to cushion and grab the driver shaft, I use a bit of rubber mat. Chuck the driver shaft in that vise, hard, then pry up on the block of wood to pry up on the handle of the driver (a flare nut crow foot socket will also work in place of the wood block). It will come off with steady pressure, you'll hear it 'talk' to you as it does.

Hope that helps!
 
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MrMark

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Thanks a lot! I seem to recall the SO driver just putting the chrome blade in the knurled jaws of the vise and beating the handle off with a hammer. It struck me as a poor method at best. Good reason to save the old belts!

It seems the best method would be to pry up from opposite directions if you follow my thinking.
 
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heelsroll

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MrMark said:
Thanks a lot! I seem to recall the SO driver just putting the chrome blade in the knurled jaws of the vise and beating the handle off with a hammer. It struck me as a poor method at best. Good reason to save the old belts!
It seems the best method would be to pry up from opposite directions if you follow my thinking.
Click to expand...

Glad to help -- I'm thankful Moose and others posted, it allowed me to get it done.

I have a few ideas I'm working out. There's no need for a better way, really, but it's an intellectual challenge. Gotta stay sharp in my old age. :beer:
 
C

Craftman

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since we are on the subject...

I have a FHF80 and I have difficulty to remove the soft handles any trick without tearing it??
 
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heelsroll

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Craftman said:
since we are on the subject...

I have a FHF80 and I have difficulty to remove the soft handles any trick without tearing it??
Click to expand...

Some PB B'laster sprayed in there and allowed to work may help free it. I've only pulled one soft handle, but after the PB I just chucked it real tight and used a pair of 18" prybars to move it. I used a flare nut crowfoot socket under the soft handle so the prybar ends wouldn't tear.

And for the record, the prybars were the standard Craftsman red handles. :)
 
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DanCo

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heelsroll said:
And for the record, the prybars were the standard Craftsman red handles. :)
Click to expand...

It was my first attemp, and the handle was from an old POS Buck Bothers multi-tip screwdrive that I had in an old toolbox . I'm still hunting for a red Craftsman prybar handle. and the handle is just tight enough and I can twist it off by hand. I considered taking one off my Craftsman prybar, but the handle still looks new(2 years old) I want a beat up one to more or less match the look of the ratchet

Please note; no vintage ratchet was harmed during this modification :bounce:
 
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