My Snap-On Hard Handle Conversion

[JWC86]

I have a strong preference in ratchets. Snap-On Dual 80s with quick release, flex head, long handle with hard handle. However Snap-On doesn't sell this configuration(hard handles with QR)

I have two 1/4" versions if this, one with the "long" handle and another "extra long". I've obtained these buy swapping handles from non-QR ratchets to QR ratchets.

I wanted a 3/8" version and since I couldn't find any good options on Ebay for a handle swap I decided I would get a soft grip handle version and swap a screwdriver hard handle on, I can't take credit for this, I saw this here on the forum.

Here's what we have, my desired 3/8'' ratchet with soft grip and the screwdriver hard handle(PN SDD6R1RR)


I'm glad I'm swapping this soft handle out, the misalignment of the handle would drive me nuts, Snap-On QC at it's finest...


From what I read if you soak the soft handle in hot water for a few minutes you can pull the grip off easily, this was not the case for me. I soaked it in boiling water for min and really struggled to get it off. Since I didn't care about saving it I just used a big pair of pliers and it still took quite a bit of manhandling and some choice words.


Next I wrote down measurements of the ODs on the shaft, made a schematic, then I started drilling. Luckily using drills from a standard index I had a bit that was 0.003-0.005" smaller than both ODs on the ends and only 0.002" bigger than the one in the middle. This was absolutely ideal.

The upset where the grip meets the hanldle is bevelled a bit so I chamfered the hard handle to match so it should seat nice and flush.


After ensuring the alignment was perfect a few times I used a deadblow to hammer the hard handle on. With the 0.003 - 0.005" interference fit it went on perfect, took about 20-25 blows with a medium sized deadblow to seat it.



Perhaps my favourite part, since I used the screwdriver handle, my ratchet now has a warning not to use it as a prybar, chisel or punch on the back.


With the two 1/4" ratchets.

 

[Wamsutta]

How do you keep the handle from rotating as you're hammering it on?

And do the wings of the shank cut their own path into the plastic bore?

 

[JWC86]

How do you keep the handle from rotating as you're hammering it on?

And do the wings of the shank cut their own path into the plastic bore?

I didn't do anything other than making sure to hit it strait and I checked alignment every few blows to ensure it was still strait.

Yes the wings just cut their own path, I didn't do anything to accommodate for them.

 

[Wamsutta]

I didn't do anything other than making sure to hit it strait and I checked alignment every few blows to ensure it was still strait.

Did you have to keep the handle flat on the table as you were hammering it on?

 

[JWC86]

Did you have to keep the handle flat on the table as you were hammering it on?

Nope, standing upright

 

[Wamsutta]

Nope, standing upright

That's amazing. I don't see how you could've kept the handle from rotating.

 

[Catcher1984]

I recently did this as well and what worked for me was having the entire ratchet in boiling water. I removed the ratchet heads and the soft handles came off easily. Here are my 1/4 and 3/8 Rotos

 

[08h3]

Just did the same/ similar thing Saturday. I just bought a new FHLD80A off eBay for cheap and wanted a better feeling handle on it so I used an old black handle off a #2 Phillips head screwdriver. Much better in hand now!

 

[ricleh]

The easy way to remove and install screwdriver and ratchet handles.

 

[Grimm_the_Grey]

The easy way to remove and install screwdriver and ratchet handles.

have one you'd like to sell? snap on is dead-set on killing the hard handles off and I refuse to lay my hands on one of those dild-- , ahem, I mean soft handles. I'm gonna be replacing a lot of handles in the future, unfortunately.

even a part number would be supremely helpful. thanks

 

[ricleh]

have one you'd like to sell? snap on is dead-set on killing the hard handles off and I refuse to lay my hands on one of those dild-- , ahem, I mean soft handles. I'm gonna be replacing a lot of handles in the future, unfortunately.

even a part number would be supremely helpful. thanks

The part number is SPP1710.

 

[stonesfan68]

Show Your Custom Handled Ratchets

 

[isb cornbinder]

I didn't do anything other than making sure to hit it strait and I checked alignment every few blows to ensure it was still strait.

Yes the wings just cut their own path, I didn't do anything to accommodate for them.

Strait? Maybe you were not thinking straight. This is where going farther can go straight in the dumpster.
I prefer the hard handle on my tool. Sadly I have had to get used to a softer handle, in my old age. Maybe like Santa, I could lay a finger aside my noise, give a nod and rise.