Snap-on comfort handle vs. chrome handle ratchets

[tshiel22]

I have been against purchasing any ratchets with the comfort handle due to the fact that that I dont feel i can maneuver the ratchets around a fastener as quickly. I dont know, I feel without the grip my hand wont get stuck or i can adjust my grip simultaneously while getting the fastener off whereas with the comfort grip i would have to completely take my hand off the ratchet to re-adjust. Any input on this?

 

[toolstools]

I have a HF 1/2 extendable ratchet and I don't experience these problems.also have ratchets in the other main drives w/o this problem. Prefer these over chrome handle. Unless of course I grab on of my blue points with ergo handle. The 3/8 blue point fits my hand perfectly

 

[ianguilly]

I own both chrome and comfort grip, but have pro and Cons.

 

[daturbosix]

i love my comfort grip stuff. its pretty much my go-to ratchet unless the i dont have the room.

 

[Subyroo651]

I bought an SHL80 a few months ago and after one use, wished I had got the SL80.

The grip is great for added leverage and comfort, but it is cumbersome and clunky in tight spots. Plus I m a neat freak so its an extra 10mins trying to clean it like new.

 

[noggs]

I LOVE the comfort SO grips! I don't know what I would do without them. I have used the chrome handled ones before; they are just like any ratchet, the but the comfort grips are so much nicer. I have never had any issues with re-adjusting or anything. The flex head 3/8 comfort grip is my go to ratchet.

 

[billymade]

Most of my ratchets are chrome; however, I have really come to appreciate the comfort grip on my FHLF80, which is my most used ratchet. I would say; buy one ratchet that you use the most with a comfort grip; see, how it integrates into your work process, use it, and try it out. You probably will end up being surprised; give it a shot and then you can evaluate it, go from there. I didn't have any comfort grips and then got one, which while clean up, oily situations are a issue, I have come to really appreciate it. Get one; evaluate it and let us know what you think. As with every tool out there; it comes down to personal preference, how the tool integrates into your working style. I have just come to the conclusion; that many comfort handle based tools, I had preconceived ideas, notions, prejudices about, after use... ended up enjoying and decide that they really work well for me. To each his own but you really should give them a chance; through real world use, that really only the true way to evaluate how a tool works for you. Good luck and keep us posted; a review would be nice... how about a chrome vs. comfort grip thread after you use one for awhile?

I would start with the FHLF80:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682403&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[dsimatt]

The comfort handle ones are just something I've never liked, just doesn't feel right I guess.

 

[plinker]

So far the only time I have wanted a soft grip ratchet is pulling oil filters off a Mack MP8 engine (I ended up using an air hammer to get the one filter off). The metal handle was gave me a sore spot in my palm for a couple days. Otherwise I prefer metal handle.

 

[taterdog]

I own 8 of the comfort grip dual 80's and 1 comfort grip breaker bar. Some with flex some without, some long some not. At first they do feel large and clunky but with a vast selection of ratchets, extensions, sockets, and swivels... i don't think i've ever complained about its size. Just a matter of having the right tool for the job. I see more pros than cons.

 

[Buckgnarly]

i love my comfort grip stuff. its pretty much my go-to ratchet unless the i dont have the room.

This.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I have both in Snap-On.

I like the comfort grip when cold and for leverage but the comfort grips do get ding'd up, scuffed and cut up if wedged against a sharp or abrasive surface.

Comfort grips can also be a slight more difficult to clean up but that is just a matter of using the right cleaning solution.
Is one better than the other? No.

It's just a matter of preference.

 

[Deej]

I have both in Snap-On.

I like the comfort grip when cold and for leverage but the comfort grips do get ding'd up, scuffed and cut up if wedged against a sharp or abrasive surface.

Comfort grips can also be a slight more difficult to clean up but that is just a matter of using the right cleaning solution.
Is one better than the other? No.

It's just a matter of preference.

+2
I've got both. I tend to use the chrome handles more, but I don't mind using either one. Long term, I think the chrome handles will be a better bet. Will you be able to get replacement soft handles in 10 or 20 years? I have no idea.

 

[Grigg]

I have both in Snap-On.

...comfort grips do get ding'd up, scuffed and cut up if wedged against a sharp or abrasive surface...

I have one because it was the only thing available when the dual 80 came out and I had to have something with that in it. Now it's my least favorite ratchet, the handle is to fragile, seems just a little drop or bump raises a bur on the end of the plastic handle. While not really a problem is aggravating to feel and then to remove them.

The chrome handles are the ratchets I reach for every time unless the one comfort handle is the only thing left in the box, it does work just fine after all.

Grigg

 

[jjjrmx5]

the handle is to fragile, seems just a little drop or bump raises a bur on the end of the plastic handle. While not really a problem is aggravating to feel and then to remove them.

Hahahahaha.

That's my biggest ***** with the comfort grips.

I'll grab my Dual 80's to go help a buddy wrench in his driveway or garage and the ends of the S-O handles always come back looking like a small dog chewed on them from scuff.

Not a big deal really as I;m not OCD but it does show the "down-side" of comfort grips quickly. LOL.

 

[rsanter]

I have both
I use both
I have really begun to like the comfort grip but there are still times you should use the Crome handle

Bob

 

[RatchetMan]

I just see the comfort handles as Snapon adding a maintenance cost to something. Snapon ratchets are built well so there's a chance that it's a lifetime purchase. By adding a handle that may have to be replaced every few years they turn a one-time purchase into a long-term revenue stream

 

[mebuildit]

I have both. If the job is really greasy, I use the standard chrome (easier to clean up) if the job is cleaner like building an engine or assembling something I use the comfort handle.
I do prefer the comfort handle one though.

 

[Rezeppa]

I hate the comfort fit handle. I have one a shl and I have a hard time telling if the handle is giving or the ratchet is flexing. I don't like how it feels it looks like my dog has chewed on it for weeks. Not I do like the hard handles but only on 1/4" ratchets. It is a space issue so I only have a few with the HH but I have a TM737 with the hard handle I love. It's all personal preference.

 

[TheGrooveking]

If I go comfort grip I go Matco. For chrome I dig Snap On.

TheGrooveking

 

[Subyroo651]

If I go comfort grip I go Matco. For chrome I dig Snap On.

TheGrooveking

I wish Matco made theirs replaceable. That's my only reservation with them. I own one anyway though.

 

[RV77]

I only like the CGH Ratchets for removing batteries or tightening cables on starters dont need to worry about handle arcing.

 

[wise]

I really don't like the comfort grip stuff... Chunky, Extra Cleaning time, and I don't like the way they look.

All my ratchets (Snap-On and others) are Chrome Handled.

I like the Hard Handle Swivel-head ones though. I wish Snap-On made a 1/2 Drive Version like all of there competitors do.

 

[Monte]

i like the comfort handle....especially in the winter...

 

[tjmonsen5]

The comfort grips actually get cleaned by getting them oily. Mine were really dirty after sliding them around on my driveway and garage floor. I tore down a motorcycle engine and got the whole thing covered in oil. After I was done, I wiped it down with a rag and it looked brand new again!

 

[wise]

I know people that just use some WD40 and a rag and yeah, they do clean-up well. I also know people that have there handles in tatters from some chemicals... No idea which chem's though... I'm pretty sure they're really resistant to common shop chemicals like Acetone, Brake Clean, Fuels, Carb Cleaners...

We have a client that always brings in machines from there Cement Plant... we use lots of Muratic Acid to remove the cement, that could be it.

 

[Skin]

I have both, prefer and use mainly the comfort grips. When it comes to the longer 1/4" ratchets it helps a big amount.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I wish Matco made theirs replaceable. That's my only reservation with them. I own one anyway though.

That makes me wonder as that if Matco has those handles made overseas that means they press them on, so why can't the dealers?

TheGrooveking

 

[CWP1616L]

The only thing I don't like about the steel handle is the turned grooves that are added for style, cut into my middle finger as I wrap my hand around it.

 

[shampoop]

For automotive uses, I prefer the comfort grip due to giving superior grip when dirty and oily, and due to the fact that you always have brake clean or something close by to easily clean them off with. You just have to deal with the fact that the comfort grip will end up looking ugly. Deal with it.

However, for now that I'm in the construction industry, I want to get a chrome handle dual 80 ratchet due to the fact that I don't encounter the oily situations that I did in automotive, and I will basically never clean it. It will just be dirt and mud that will wipe off easily.

 

[purplezr2]

I just see the comfort handles as Snapon adding a maintenance cost to something. Snapon ratchets are built well so there's a chance that it's a lifetime purchase. By adding a handle that may have to be replaced every few years they turn a one-time purchase into a long-term revenue stream

They will warranty them just like a screwdriver handle, how is that a revenue stream, more like money loser to me.

 

[abvw]

They will warranty them just like a screwdriver handle, how is that a revenue stream, more like money loser to me.

You smash plastic and rubber handle into cement, cast iron, steel, and other (much harder) stuff repeatedly and damages the handle.. Under what grounds will Snap On warranty that?

 

[fordnut85]

I have a set of the dual 80's and REALLY love the comfort grip. They do tend to get beat up after a year or so but my rep just swaps it out in a matter of seconds on the truck and shes brand new again and don't cost me a dime.

That said, i do have a set of the Gear wrench ratchets with the soft handle in the toolbox of my wheelin' rig that have the soft handle and they are holding up really well.

 

[devilsnight]

They will warranty them just like a screwdriver handle, how is that a revenue stream, more like money loser to me.

since when does (or at what point) snap on warranty screwdriver handles? All i've ever got was a new shank pounded in my old beatup, crappy handle. Matco gives you a whole new screwdriver at least. maybe snapon's just giving me the shaft

 

[candikid]

Loving this thread, and might I be so rude and try and extend the question a little bit?

Do most of us wear mechanics gloves? I mean, I'm on the look for all new ratchets, and I'm leaning towards the chrome handles, as I always wear gloves and it takes away a lot of the hazards of working with a slippery grip. I imagine I would be afraid of trying to break a hard nut loose with an oily chrome handle and bare hands?

 

[devilsnight]

never worn gloves, rarely bust my nuckles. Alot of it comes with experience, you know better as you learn. Use your other hand as a stop if your really reffing on something, etc.. As for that question and the OP, Soft handles just get chewed up and look like hell after 6 months of use. Chrome handles all the way!

 

[jjjrmx5]

Under what grounds will Snap On warranty that?

Wear.

Any driver that I have had would either give you a new handle or usually press on a new handle during your lunch break. The handles are a warranty item and SO knows it. It comes with the price of purchase.

 

[RatchetMan]

Wear.

Any driver that I have had would either give you a new handle or usually press on a new handle during your lunch break. The handles are a warranty item and SO knows it. It comes with the price of purchase.

Fair point if you are a pro mechanic and have a relationship with a local Snapon driver. But, Snapon also sells to the average Joe (like myself) and it's not as easy for me to grab the Snapon man when he drives by. That leaves me with having to buy some extra handles to replace those that get chewed up or send my tool in to the Snapon mothership.

For guys like me, it's just easier to buy the chrome handled option. Chances are it's a one-time investment and there is very little needed to keep my tools looking good.

 

[refried]

I have chrome and hard plastic handles on my ratchets and I the one I use most is a 8.5" flex head with a plastic handle (My 6.5" gets lots of use too but it's a little short). You don't need a plastic or comfort grip on everything but it's nice on the ratchet your using the most everyday, I don't know if the new grips are as durable as the old plastic ones but mine are pretty beat up but have no cracks or deep cuts and have become nicely worn from years of use.
The only time I can wear gloves while working is if I'm working on something sharp and I know I'll cut myself if I don't. I have found that Mechanics gloves are great for whitewater kayaking in cold water.

 

[nbruno]

Loving this thread, and might I be so rude and try and extend the question a little bit?

Do most of us wear mechanics gloves? I mean, I'm on the look for all new ratchets, and I'm leaning towards the chrome handles, as I always wear gloves and it takes away a lot of the hazards of working with a slippery grip. I imagine I would be afraid of trying to break a hard nut loose with an oily chrome handle and bare hands?

How about an oily mechanic glove on a chrome handle?
Rarely use mechanics gloves except for when cutting brackets out, or cutting panels, when working directly with sharp or rusty metal. But even then I prefer leather gloves.
For everything else, nitrile gloves.

As for comfort grip VS chrome... My box is about 30% snap on comfort grip, 40% Snap on & matco chrome, and 30% Matco soft grip. My go to 3/8" is a Matco soft grip, absolutely love how it feels. My go to 1/2" is a snap on chrome handle. My go to 1/4" is a Matco locking flex head chrome handle.
As mentioned, it's definitely a combination of the right tool for the job and personal preference in that order.



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