Anybody else hate that all Snap On tools are going to soft handles?

[Grimly]

My jury's still out on this - my older ones were solid steel and my recent ratchets are soft grip. So far, it's been much more pleasant to pick up a rubberised handle in the cold of winter, so that's a plus.
I can see the downside of difficulty of cleaning, though.

 

[1950mercury]

Square hard handle screwdrivers i dont like, they **** for spinning a loose screw when you are loosely spinning the screwdiver from the top.atleast insticts are round on the top

Hard handle ratchets i like

Soft handle ratchets i like so far...only had them a couple months

I have friends that have soft handle ratchets that are a couple years old and the handles are wasted,peeling,blistered etc. So the jury is stil out

 

[Jalaska907]

I have found on my soft grips and drop light, that if I clean them with wd-40 the goo wipes right off, lubricates the tools, and isnt as toxic as other methods.

 

[n8n]

Count me into the group that prefers metal handles, hard handles, and soft grips in that order, with soft grips being very much below the other two options.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think the argument is going to be different for each individual. Those who use their tools purposefully as tools and just see them as a means to make money will base their decisions off of value, longevity, comfort, etc. Those who polish or like the looks of nice chrome will value ascetics, resale value, etc.

Personally I have all hard handle tools. I tried comfort handle tools from different manufacturers, but didn't fit my style meaning I didn't like how the felt in the way I used them. Even the handles of my NWS pliers got all greased up, but they still wiped very clean with a wd-40 soaked rag. The very soft rubber will get beat up and dirty, but will keep someone's hands much more comfortable for extended sessions of use day after day. I'm not that person, but can understand their mindset when purchasing the comfort handle styled tools.

 

[Zedexseven]

I own both hard and soft handles, I'm not sure if I have a preference, for ratchets I prefer the all metal short handle ones for clearance but I like the longer soft grips, screwdrivers I love my instinct hard handles!

 

[Alienbaby17]

Count me into the group that prefers metal handles, hard handles, and soft grips in that order, with soft grips being very much below the other two options.

^^^^This.^^^^

I found a modern 1/4" Snap On ratchet in the road. It had the soft grip handle and had been deformed from being run over. My dealer got me a new handle for around $6. I think it's so-so at best. I definitely prefer chrome ratchets about 98% of the time.

One of my favorite features of the chrome ratchets is that you can put a small pipe on them for leverage without wrecking the handle. Try that one the new soft grip ratchets and they won't last long.

I do have a set if the soft grip screwdrivers and am indifferent about them compared to my old, ergonomic hard handled ones. I definitely feel the soft grips don't hold up as well and start to get 'gummy' with age and use.

 

[duanedragon]

In ATF or coolant those rubber handles are every bit as slippery as chrome, and feel slimy. The comfort grip stuff is obnoxious. I wish the tool mfg's would just make a damn fine tool and stop trying to reinvent the wheel because of the results of a focus group.

 

[ttpete]

^^^^This.^^^^

I found a modern 1/4" Snap On ratchet in the road. It had the soft grip handle and had been deformed from being run over. My dealer got me a new handle for around $6. I think it's so-so at best. I definitely prefer chrome ratchets about 98% of the time.

One of my favorite features of the chrome ratchets is that you can put a small pipe on them for leverage without wrecking the handle. Try that one the new soft grip ratchets and they won't last long.

I do have a set if the soft grip screwdrivers and am indifferent about them compared to my old, ergonomic hard handled ones. I definitely feel the soft grips don't hold up as well and start to get 'gummy' with age and use.

I don't put cheaters on ratchet handles. If I have a tight one, I'll use a breaker bar.

 

[Alienbaby17]

I don't put cheaters on ratchet handles. If I have a tight one, I'll use a breaker bar.

I'll bet I haven't picked up a breaker bar in years. Honestly, in 20 years of using 'cheater bars' I don't think I've ever broken a ratchet.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I personally like soft grip stuff. Instincts as well. But I have big paws, so maybe that's why. Also, I have a damn strong grip, and I can get hard handles to damn near bruise the inside of my hand.

Before I came to GJ I was using the Cman hard handle screwdrivers, and those things will cut ya hen using a death grip on them.

 

[offroadford4x4]

ive had a set of orange instinct screwdrivers for lil over a year and love them. Use them daily and they are dirty, but never put them un unless I wipe them off so there is no grease or oil. they are dirty looking but never had an issue with them getting all gummy and sticky. I just got a comfort grip ratchet a few weeks ago and haven't realy used it much yet. But the 2 times I did I really liked it.

 

[Zeroek]

I like both but don't like the slimy feel of the soft grips. I do like the comfort of a soft grip. Matter of fact tomorrow when the snap on guy comes in I may get me a 3/8 in soft grip. hmm.

 

[rtole]

I personally like soft grip stuff. Instincts as well. But I have big paws, so maybe that's why. Also, I have a damn strong grip, and I can get hard handles to damn near bruise the inside of my hand.

Before I came to GJ I was using the Cman hard handle screwdrivers, and those things will cut ya hen using a death grip on them.

I would think you would have bent a soft grip ratchet by now. They turn down the area the comfort grip goes on. I use my 3/8ths for chevy half ton alignments 21 mm deep socket, bent 2 in a month. Back to hard handles for me.

 

[rtole]

I mean back to chrome handles. Sorry.

 

[Speed-Racer]

I do not like Snap-On soft grip handles on the screwdrivers or ratchets. Purchased the dual 80 1/4 and 3/8 with the limited edition hard handles. Great product especially with the cold weather.

Just finished cleaning the 3/8 ratchet after a brake pad/rotor replacement. No way I would have purchased these ratchets with the soft grip, would still be trying to get them clean. They should bring back the hard handles into all the ratchet choices and into the catalog.
The dealer has to special order these and if you call to order online, it's like they have to pull out something from under the desk to find the part #(blue handle).

 

[Bruce57]

Where did you hear they are going only to soft grip?

 

[tibwd]

Don't have garage, so all work done outside, and in NH winter temps, tools can get mighty cold. Have 8 vehicles to maintain and repair, so winter work is just part of routine. Soft grips make it a bit more tolerable, along with a campfire!!! I also have and use chrome handles. As for cleaning the soft grip ratchet handles, I use the same gojo stuff I clean my hands with ....

 

[derwin75]

I love soft grip handle better. I like it thick because I have big hands.

 

[KamiCrit]

Y'all need to jump ship and go with those new Proto hard handles: http://professional-power-tool-guide.com/2014/03/proto-duratek-screwdrivers/

 

[Trucky]

OT: Prefer the soft grip stuff for anything that I'm going to be throwing my full weight into. Anything else, doesn't matter.

A little off-topic: Has anyone else seen the new Kobalt screwdrivers? They're... interesting.