New snap on 1/2" ratchet. A question?

[Lbcwanabe]

I got a new stubby skf80 in th mail today. It is different from other 1/2'ers I have in because the screws that hold th mechanism together stick out further than the others I own. They also appear
To be sunk further than normal on the back side. I know I'm splitting hairs here, but it was expensive. Plus the slx80 I got along with it was an obvious return so it is going back in exchange. Does anyone have one to compare it too?

 

[M6erfan]

Where did you buy it? Snap on direct? eBay?

 

[Farmall450]

Let us know when that negatively affects your use of it.

 

[JJThrasher]

Let us know when that negatively affects your use of it.

Forum needs a like button for posts.

 

[Lbcwanabe]

It was new purchased new from snap on. I don't want to rub the screw on anything and mar it to the point of it being difficult to remove to rebuild. Plus non of my other ratchets have this issue brand regardless

 

[M6erfan]

I say just use it and if it becomes an issue down the road, well, you've got a great warranty behind you. If it bothers you, return it for exchange.

It's your hard earned money you spent, you should be happy with the purchase

 

[davethorik]

It was new purchased new from snap on. I don't want to rub the screw on anything and mar it to the point of it being difficult to remove to rebuild. Plus non of my other ratchets have this issue brand regardless

How far do those bolts stick out, like 1/32"? What is your style of wrenching, close eyes and run fastener down til head hits obstruction? I get the cosmetics aspect, but I think this is splitting hairs. Take the screws out and blip them on a grinder. Unless this is a tool going behind glass, then by all means try to return it and get a perfect one.

 

[Lbcwanabe]

I guess my main question would be are the screws too long, are they torqued down to much or could a seal or spacer be missing?

 

[OHMS LAW]

No,just use it and don't even worry about it. As stated its not a museum piece. only time I check for imperfections is from a new in box power tool. All manual rats and wrenches are mostly loose stock so a few nicks and scratches don't bother me much.

 

[gdocktor3]

Don't listen to some of these people. If it was their money they'd be concerned also. Aren't there tiny O-rings behind those screws? Maybe they forgot them. That could affect the ratchet eventually.

More importantly though, why did they send you a used ratchet? Are you sure it was used prior to them sending it to you? That's really weird. Is this the beginning of the end for Snap On???

 

[Empty Pockets]

Once my wrenches and ratchets/sockets go in my box, and get used, they'll have dings and scratches from normal use. As long as it works good, I wouldn't sweat it

 

[Loren871]

I'd say that's nothing to worry about at all. I actually have a 1/4 flex head with screws that stick out further then that,or it looks like it. Has never been an issue at all. Love that thing.If it breaks or has a default you have no worrys,that's why you paid the money for Snap On.

 

[1950mercury]

Don't listen to some of these people. If it was their money they'd be concerned also. Aren't there tiny O-rings behind those screws? Maybe they forgot them. That could affect the ratchet eventually.

More importantly though, why did they send you a used ratchet? Are you sure it was used prior to them sending it to you? That's really weird. Is this the beginning of the end for Snap On???

Who said it was used?

 

[Richard Cranium]

Yes, where did he tell us, that he thought it was used before he got it?

 

[zcbauer89]

On mine the screws don't stick out that far, but it certainly won't change it's function at all. But, it's YOUR money, if you're not happy with it, don't keep it.

 

[jeremy v]

The screws should be fine. Snap-on does seem to have some inconsistencies in how deep they countersink/counterbore their screw holes. That causes this issue. I see the same thing quite often with their flex hinge Torx bolts. One ratchet will have a Torx head that noticeably sticks out from the handle and there will be a couple threads not engaged on the threaded side of the hinge joint (I have one that way), whereas other ratchets will be countersunk more deeply and the Torx head will be flush with the handle edge and fully threaded/flush on the other side of the joint like it should be.

If you are worried about the screw tips scraping against your sockets, instead of taking them out and hitting the ends with a grinder, just find some thin brass or aluminum soft washers that can go under the screw heads to space the screws back into their normal position. That way your screws remain stock and they can be switched to another ratchet in the future without being too short. In terms of ratchet function internally, you should be fine no matter what you do, because the screws don't affect the tolerances for the parts within the ratchet head at all.

 

[Corndoggeh]

Now this is just me here but if I'm paying snap-on price I don't believe it to be too unreasonable to expect any form of disappointment or doubt when I pull it out the first time. Craftsman, sure. Harbor freight, sure. Williams/SK/equivalent, possibly. But snapon/Matco/equivalent, no, they cost far too much to be doubtful or unhappy with your purchase.

 

[anndel]

I have 3 1/2 in drive ratchets and all 3 sets of screws are flush. If you bought it from a dealer exchange it. If you bought it from Snap On, call their customer service number and request an exchange. They're really good about that and it's painless.

 

[Coolabah]

Now this is just me here but if I'm paying snap-on price I don't believe it to be too unreasonable to expect any form of disappointment or doubt when I pull it out the first time. Craftsman, sure. Harbor freight, sure. Williams/SK/equivalent, possibly. But snapon/Matco/equivalent, no, they cost far too much to be doubtful or unhappy with your purchase.

I have a problem with this. Snap On are selling a tool , which we all expect should work as a tool. If the mirror image shine is not perfect , then buy a mirror.
Thats my 2 cents, flame away.

 

[gdocktor3]

Plus the slx80 I got along with it was an obvious return so it is going back in exchange.

I took this as he receeved a tool that appeared to have been returned or used and he wants it exchanged for a new one. No?

 

[Adam.C]

Sorry, but that doesn't look right to me. I've never seen a Snap On ratchet that looked like that. The screw heads are usually pretty flush and the tails should be as well. Send that puppy back. I agree it looks like it is missing washers.

 

[DSLTRK]

I guess my main question would be are the screws too long, are they torqued down to much or could a seal or spacer be missing?

Quit worrying, and throw an external tooth lock washer under each screw. Done.

Same method Proto and Armstrong used for years, plus it adds a bit of protection from the screw backing out.

 

[Corndoggeh]

I have a problem with this. Snap On are selling a tool , which we all expect should work as a tool. If the mirror image shine is not perfect , then buy a mirror.
Thats my 2 cents, flame away.

Very true, but at the same time all the other companies are selling a tool as well. If you dont keep the "leash" tight then the quality will slowly start to go down, and if you're already paying in the upwards of $150 for a new one, then I don't believe it to be unreasonable to demand that kind of finish. The same principle occurred when snap-on removed the USA stamp on their ratchets a few years ago and a lot of people who were buying them were pretty pissed.

 

[anndel]

Very true, but at the same time all the other companies are selling a tool as well. If you dont keep the "leash" tight then the quality will slowly start to go down, and if you're already paying in the upwards of $150 for a new one, then I don't believe it to be unreasonable to demand that kind of finish. The same principle occurred when snap-on removed the USA stamp on their ratchets a few years ago and a lot of people who were buying them were pretty pissed.

Here's a photo of the 1/2 in ratchet i just bought. Note the screw ends are flush to the backplate. It's a SH80A and I have a bunch of 1/2, 3/8 and 1/4 SO ratchets. Some screw ends are flush, some recessed and 1 sticks out like yours and SO is not consistent. the one that sticks out is a 3/8 in locking flexhead comfort grip and I had that one for 5 years or more and so far it still works great.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[M6erfan]

Why is everyone on the OP's case about "mirror shine" and hairline scratches??? He never mentioned those issues.

The way I read it is the OP noticed a difference in the way his latest ratchet is machined and or assembled, and asked for feedback about it. Not about the finish, not about scratches, not about the mirror shine...he even posted pictures

Sheesh, god forbid you point out the slightest flaw or question the almighty SO gods....

 

[gdocktor3]

It's like buying a brand new $60,000 service truck you specially ordered from your dealer. The guy brings it around front and there are scratches down the side of it. You guys gonna say "oh well it's a work truck and it will get scratched anyways." Ya, I doubt it.

 

[M6erfan]

It's like buying a brand new $60,000 service truck you specially ordered from your dealer. The guy brings it around front and there are scratches down the side of it. You guys gonna say "oh well it's a work truck and it will get scratched anyways." Ya, I doubt it.

LOL, exactly! The fanboys get a little old...

 

[Hiball]

It's like buying a brand new $60,000 service truck you specially ordered from your dealer. The guy brings it around front and there are scratches down the side of it. You guys gonna say "oh well it's a work truck and it will get scratched anyways." Ya, I doubt it.

Everyone is entitled to there opinion, but do your really believe that's a fair comparison based off the information given in this thread? How about that 60k work truck having a handful lug nuts overtightened and there is 1/32" worth of extra stud pertruding?

In the End the OP is the only one who needs to be satisfied, the majority of everyone else just doesn't want to miss a opportunity to cry for or against the Big Bad Snap on Man.

@OP I see No reason that extra length will cause any problems, it could be the Head was countersunk too far, missing seals, was overtightened. If you don't feel comfortable digging into the head to verify, simply call Snap on and voice you concern.

Good luck.

 

[dave89iroc]

I'm more inclined to think the SCREWS that they sourced are not all the exact length ...........

 

[gdocktor3]

Everyone is entitled to there opinion, but do your really believe that's a fair comparison based off the information given in this thread? How about that 60k work truck having a handful lug nuts overtightened and there is 1/32" worth of extra stud pertruding?
.

No. I was comparing to the scratched mirror comments. That's why I said scratches down the side of it.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, I won't argue with that. So, in my opinion, if I buy something brand new, anything, especially something as small as a ratchet that costs $150, I want to be the one scratching it and dinging it up. The screws protruding out the back probably wouldn't bother me, unless they prevent larger sockets from sitting on the ratchet correctly or I install/remove a lot of recessed fasteners and it may damage the surface.

 

[T45]

Its not unreasonable that the counter-sink is mis-profiled, given the head is too sunk and the threads are too long. Either ask a driver to check it our or do a teardown and verify the parts are all there.

There shouldn't be any part of that portrusion which comes into contact with a work-surface or a socket. Test it out on a 32-36mm socket anc check. If it rubs, again thats a valid issue to either handle with a file or a call to snap on. It would take <45 seconds to file those bolts to spec. No big deal.

But you have options and nothing should stop you from ending up with a useful tool.

 

[Hiball]

No. I was comparing to the scratched mirror comments. That's why I said scratches down the side of it.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, I won't argue with that. So, in my opinion, if I buy something brand new, anything, especially something as small as a ratchet that costs $150, I want to be the one scratching it and dinging it up. The screws protruding out the back probably wouldn't bother me, unless they prevent larger sockets from sitting on the ratchet correctly or I install/remove a lot of recessed fasteners and it may damage the surface.

If it's your Money, it's your right to complain, I haven't seen any "scratched mirror" comments from the OP, that chatter is coming from outside the box.

Carry On...

 

[Wamsutta]

Looking at the pictures, it would appear that the screws are excessively countersunk, which would explain the screw tips protruding out too far on the other side.

 

[gdocktor3]

If it's your Money, it's your right to complain, I haven't seen any "scratched mirror" comments from the OP, that chatter is coming from outside the box.

Carry On...

My point exactly.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Get the head from a SF80 (not SF80A) and replaces yours with it so it's a better looking SKF80.

 

[Coolabah]

Why is everyone on the OP's case about "mirror shine" and hairline scratches??? He never mentioned those issues.

The way I read it is the OP noticed a difference in the way his latest ratchet is machined and or assembled, and asked for feedback about it. Not about the finish, not about scratches, not about the mirror shine...he even posted pictures

Sheesh, god forbid you point out the slightest flaw or question the almighty SO gods....

I can't see that anyone is on the OP's case about mirror shine. I thought we were all just messin about and having fun - like , you know , a discussion. I made a reference to mirror shine ( based on all the usual tool discussions preceding this ) . My point , and I do not think I was replying to the OP is just this : It is a tool . It could be a cheap tool , it could be an expensive tool. If it works , then it is a working tool. My thoughts - if this sort of stuff is important to you , then do not buy online , go to the store and hand-pick your tool. Or whatever. I am not a Snap-On fan boy , they are way overpriced in my part of the world so if anything I am a Stahwille fanboy. BTW, Stahlwille do not have a mirror shine on their tools

 

[Bluejoe]

For the money paid out for the tools someone did not do their job correctly. Sounds like a recall replacement.

 

[SMKS]

Do the screws actually touch the top of a socket when it's on the ratchet?

I suspect they don't. If they don't, then don't worry about it.

If they do rub on the top of the socket, then there's a functional issue.

 

[rsanter]

Manufacturing variance.
Likly well within the design specification

Use it

Bob

 

[Yankee]

Funny reading this thread... If it was a craftsman people would be all over it stating crappy Chinese quality. As even the "**** it up and just use it" people admit it's not right. But suggest just use it.

I only buy US made tools (if possible) but for what he paid for it, it's not right and I'm sure snap on will take care of it.