Snap on ratcheting screw driver

[Jsf721]

I would like to buy several (5) snap on multi bit ratcheting screw drivers. Setting up a tool kits at home , the cars and office. I was going to get the WIlliams but if the snap on isn't much more I'd like the snappy warranty and I own one of each and like the knurled shaft.

Where's the best pace to buy new or like new.

Thanks

Jeff

 

[gdocktor3]

snapon.com or ebay are good places to start. I was looking on eBay the other day. They aren't cheap.

Please do me one favor though. Go to Home Depot and buy one of the Husky ratcheting screwdrivers. I promise you will be very impressed. Its only $10 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-236360100/204364629

 

[Bagherra]

I'm waiting the SO guy to come to my job tomorrow..gonna get one of those screwdrivers...

Used my co-workers and it felt nice in my hand..kinda like my ****...lol

 

[Jsf721]

You are probably right. I actually purchased a craftsman. Hands were greasy and I could not get the tip out totally frustrating. I purchased the Williams and a snap on to try both. Love them both. William and snap on are very similar and only difference is knurled shaft and lifetime warranty. If I could not get a good price on snappy I'll go WIlliams. The husky does not store tips on handle and that's a deal breaker for me as I'll loose them.

Like the magnetic tips and shaft. It just works well.

snapon.com or ebay are good places to start. I was looking on eBay the other day. They aren't cheap.

Please do me one favor though. Go to Home Depot and buy one of the Husky ratcheting screwdrivers. I promise you will be very impressed. Its only $10 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-236360100/204364629

 

[davethorik]

You are probably right. I actually purchased a craftsman. Hands were greasy and I could not get the tip out totally frustrating. I purchased the Williams and a snap on to try both. Love them both. William and snap on are very similar and only difference is knurled shaft and lifetime warranty. If I could not get a good price on snappy I'll go WIlliams. The husky does not store tips on handle and that's a deal breaker for me as I'll loose them.

Like the magnetic tips and shaft. It just works well.

The handles are slightly different between Snappy and Williams. Most of the ppl here think the Snappy is better, but if the Williams are still ~$35, they're a hard bargain to beat.

 

[Jsf721]

Tools delivered is 25 dollars

The handles are slightly different between Snappy and Williams. Most of the ppl here think the Snappy is better, but if the Williams are still ~$35, they're a hard bargain to beat.

 

[Bobioz1]

i'm assuming that means your co-worker had this one?

https://store.snapon.com/standard-handle-4-5-16-ratcheting-stubby-black-screwdriver-p630682.aspx

lol!

 

[shockwave]

If you stop by and ask dealer and say you are buying 5 I am sure dealer will get price down to Williams price point for you but keep in mind limited on bits as standard

 

[gdocktor3]

. The husky does not store tips on handle and that's a deal breaker for me as I'll loose them.
.

Actually, it does store them in the handle. The end cap pops off and there is a cylinder like a revolver that holds the bits. Deal back on.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm assuming that means your co-worker had this one?

https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-4-5-16-Ratcheting-Stubby-Black-Screwdriver-P630682.aspx

I literally just laughed out loud! Well done sir!

 

[Jsf721]

When you say limited on bits they are the same as the Williams correct.

If you stop by and ask dealer and say you are buying 5 I am sure dealer will get price down to Williams price point for you but keep in mind limited on bits as standard

 

[BBC71Nova]

I'm assuming that means your co-worker had this one?

https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-4-5-16-Ratcheting-Stubby-Black-Screwdriver-P630682.aspx

Now that right there is funny...

 

[L.Cheapo]

When you say limited on bits they are the same as the Williams correct.

You can use any standard 1/4" hex bit in a Snap On ratcheting screwdriver. I do it all the time.

 

[Finky198]

Once you start you gonna get addicted. I have 7 of them now, Some other guy has 100+ on here... Ebay seems to be the ticket for pricing... they make tee style handles as well... i havent bought those yet.

ENJOY

 

[gdocktor3]

I think the 5 position ratchet screwdrivers are the best choice.

 

[Gautama]

I'm waiting the SO guy to come to my job tomorrow..gonna get one of those screwdrivers...

Used my co-workers and it felt nice in my hand..kinda like my ****...lol

If your **** ratchets, please see a doctor.

 

[Gautama]

Once you start you gonna get addicted. I have 7 of them now, Some other guy has 100+ on here... Ebay seems to be the ticket for pricing... they make tee style handles as well... i havent bought those yet.

ENJOY

Really? 100+ ratcheting Snap-On screwdrivers? That's not ...normal.

 

[AnthonyJ124]

I bought 4 snap on ratcheting screwdrivers as wedding party gifts two years ago, direct from snapon.com. I couldn't get any of the local drivers to call me back so I went direct. Let us know if you have success getting to a local dealer if you're not a tech on their route...

I've had my snap on ratcheting driver for 6+ years and use it literally every day I'm at work. I've gone through a couple sets of bits- I find buying a bit sets cheap from lowes or HD works well to re-fill as needed. Ordering a second one this week after my homeowner use craftsman is getting annoying to use- the drive direction selector works the opposite of my snap on and it's exceedingly annoying. The snap on is clockwise for clockwise and the opposite for counter clockwise... Like you'd expect...The craftsman nicely made, but is backwards and takes too much thought to get it to ratchet in the desired direction.

 

[n8n]

I bought 4 snap on ratcheting screwdrivers as wedding party gifts two years ago, direct from snapon.com. I couldn't get any of the local drivers to call me back so I went direct. Let us know if you have success getting to a local dealer if you're not a tech on their route...

I've had my snap on ratcheting driver for 6+ years and use it literally every day I'm at work. I've gone through a couple sets of bits- I find buying a bit sets cheap from lowes or HD works well to re-fill as needed. Ordering a second one this week after my homeowner use craftsman is getting annoying to use- the drive direction selector works the opposite of my snap on and it's exceedingly annoying. The snap on is clockwise for clockwise and the opposite for counter clockwise... Like you'd expect...The craftsman nicely made, but is backwards and takes too much thought to get it to ratchet in the desired direction.

That's exactly why I bought SO... I'd bought the stubby and already had the Craftsman regular one, switching back and forth between the two was frustrating as I'd always get it wrong.

SO has WAY less backdrag too. CM would be OK if I'd never tried SO, but once you have...

 

[rlitman]

...Please do me one favor though. Go to Home Depot and buy one of the Husky ratcheting screwdrivers. I promise you will be very impressed. Its only $10 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-236360100/204364629

I got the Craftsman version of that with points for a little under $10:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-ratcheting-magnetic-screwdriver-with-bit-storage/p-00947144000P
In fact, it's in my desk drawer right next to me now.

It's an excellent ratcheting screwdriver (and clearly trying to emulate the best parts of the Snap On) for ten bucks (an impressive feat), but is also not in the league of the Snap On.

The bit storage with the rotating end is a pain in the ****, though it's better than nothing. The Snap On compartment allows you to hold longer bits or nut driver bits as needed. This one does not. That being said, while I really like the new style Snap On compartment with the turn-lock cap (and that AWESOME hex bit holder in the center for emergency stubby use), the older screw in version had the disadvantage of easily getting stuck.

The Snap On shaft is stainless. Sears claims their shaft is stainless too, but it sure looks chromed to me. The ratchet selector collar is oriented backwards from Snap On, just like the Gear Wrench clones (also a good driver), or the Kobalt clones of this design (which I'd swear were made by GW).

 

[n8n]

The bit storage with the rotating end is a pain in the ****, though it's better than nothing. The Snap On compartment allows you to hold longer bits or nut driver bits as needed. This one does not. That being said, while I really like the new style Snap On compartment with the turn-lock cap (and that AWESOME hex bit holder in the center for emergency stubby use), the older screw in version had the disadvantage of easily getting stuck.

Do tell?

Mine is what you seem to describe as the older version, although I bought it off a truck a year or so ago. Pics of new style? (damn you for making me want to spend money!)

 

[rlitman]

Do tell?

Mine is what you seem to describe as the older version, although I bought it off a truck a year or so ago. Pics of new style? (damn you for making me want to spend money!)

I don't have my Snap On screwdrivers with me at work, but I've seen three generations of back caps.

First generation came with the hard handle screwdrivers (non-removable shafts) had a flat rubber (I think PVC) gasket and a screw in cap. These got stuck a lot.

Second generation also came with the hard handle screwdrivers, but had a thick o-ring seal. Still a screw on cap. Still gets stuck, but not as much.

The new Instinct series of screwdrivers with soft handles and removable shanks have a totally redesigned back cap (also o-ring sealed). The cap is not threaded, but instead has locking lugs. And they put a hexagonal hole in the center that holds a bit, so you can use it as an exceptionally short stubby.

 

[n8n]

I don't have my Snap On screwdrivers with me at work, but I've seen three generations of back caps.

First generation came with the hard handle screwdrivers (non-removable shafts) had a flat rubber (I think PVC) gasket and a screw in cap. These got stuck a lot.

Second generation also came with the hard handle screwdrivers, but had a thick o-ring seal. Still a screw on cap. Still gets stuck, but not as much.

The new Instinct series of screwdrivers with soft handles and removable shanks have a totally redesigned back cap (also o-ring sealed). The cap is not threaded, but instead has locking lugs. And they put a hexagonal hole in the center that holds a bit.

OK so mine is the "second generation." It does get stuck but I occasionally swipe the O-ring with silicone grease to keep that from happening.

Are the hard handle ones currently being sold like the Instinct you post? I really don't like soft handle tools but that is a neat feature on the cap.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I don't have my Snap On screwdrivers with me at work, but I've seen three generations of back caps.

First generation came with the hard handle screwdrivers (non-removable shafts) had a flat rubber (I think PVC) gasket and a screw in cap. These got stuck a lot.

I bought one of these in 1994. It's been my most used tool ever since. It's never gotten stuck. I don't crank down on it like an angry gorilla, as there's no need to.

 

[rlitman]

OK so mine is the "second generation." It does get stuck but I occasionally swipe the O-ring with silicone grease to keep that from happening.



Are the hard handle ones currently being sold like the Instinct you post? I really don't like soft handle tools but that is a neat feature on the cap.

The silicone grease makes a big difference.

No, all the hard handles have threaded caps only.

 

[rlitman]

I bought one of these in 1994. It's been my most used tool ever since. It's never gotten stuck. I don't crank down on it like an angry gorilla, as there's no need to.

I don't crank down on the cap either. But they can get tightened or loosened if you're pushing the screwdriver into a screw with your palm. IMHO, the threaded cap was a mistake.

 

[gdocktor3]

I got the Craftsman version of that with points for a little under $10:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-ratcheting-magnetic-screwdriver-with-bit-storage/p-00947144000P
In fact, it's in my desk drawer right next to me now.

It's an excellent ratcheting screwdriver (and clearly trying to emulate the best parts of the Snap On) for ten bucks (an impressive feat), but is also not in the league of the Snap On.

The bit storage with the rotating end is a pain in the ****, though it's better than nothing. The Snap On compartment allows you to hold longer bits or nut driver bits as needed. This one does not. That being said, while I really like the new style Snap On compartment with the turn-lock cap (and that AWESOME hex bit holder in the center for emergency stubby use), the older screw in version had the disadvantage of easily getting stuck.

The Snap On shaft is stainless. Sears claims their shaft is stainless too, but it sure looks chromed to me. The ratchet selector collar is oriented backwards from Snap On, just like the Gear Wrench clones (also a good driver), or the Kobalt clones of this design (which I'd swear were made by GW).

I understand and won't argue with that.

EXCEPT ITS ONLY $10!!
Not $66

 

[Parrothead]

snapon.com or ebay are good places to start. I was looking on eBay the other day. They aren't cheap.

Please do me one favor though. Go to Home Depot and buy one of the Husky ratcheting screwdrivers. I promise you will be very impressed. Its only $10 http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-236360100/204364629

I've got both, and I am every bit as happy with the Husky as I am with the Snap On. I actually use it more than the Snap On.

 

[K-Dog]

I'm assuming that means your co-worker had this one?

https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-4-5-16-Ratcheting-Stubby-Black-Screwdriver-P630682.aspx

+35

 

[rlitman]

I understand and won't argue with that.



EXCEPT ITS ONLY $10!!

Not $66

Well I did say I own both and am happy with the $10 clones.

 

[Sine Swept]

The main reason I like the Snap On is the intuitive ratchet selector. Righty tighty. Not like my Milwaukee, which is backwards to forward thinking. Even though I like its build quality and function I hate it for the reverse thinking involved in using it.

 

[Jsf721]

Garage journal should get a snappy driver

 

[Rileysan]

I bought this set (pictured borrowed from eBay) around 2003. It is easily the best ratcheting screwdriver set I have ever owned. It has two handle sizes and removable shaft sizes depending on your needs.

IIRC, I paid less than $200 as a truck special.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Too...:g:CXAAAOSwFV9Xw2un&item=291858872881&vxp=mtr

Brian

 

[jeffmoss26]

Really? 100+ ratcheting Snap-On screwdrivers? That's not ...normal.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91828&showall=1

 

[davethorik]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91828&showall=1

I'm not going to judge, bc at least he is collecting something that will retain it's value, perhaps go up in value. Sounds like a wise investment to me.

I have these 3, and they suit my needs. I wouldn't mind having a stubby, but the Williams T handle works when you dont have handle room, and I think they offer a shorter one yet. TMR4 because Williams doesn't offer a 1/4 driver, at least not when I looked.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm not going to judge, bc at least he is collecting something that will retain it's value, perhaps go up in value. Sounds like a wise investment to me.

Maybe. Maybe not. I thought baseball cards were a good investment when I was younger. Wrong!!

 

[Jsf721]

My observation on ratcheting screwdrivers aftr buying and using all of the following is:

Williams Ratcheting Driver, Snap on ratcheting driver, Craftsman Gray Ratcheting Driver, and Husky ratcheting driver.

Snap on-Great unit, nothing bad to say and if the price point was lower, it would be a no brainer. My best price on 5 was $ 64.00/each. Righty tighty, lefty loosey set up makes sense to me.
Great feel, great magnetic bits and perfect back drag IMHO. Great magnetic attraction to screws

Williams Ratcheting Driver-Nothing bad to say, same review as the snap on other than the fact that it lacks the knurled shaft (I will survive). Best Price tools delivered 25 dollars each.

Craftsman Gray-More bits, they are in a holder, inside the handle so tight that will any grease or sweat on your hands they are hard to remove. Shaft is plastic covered, I don't like this as you cant spin the shaft to start the screw.
11 dollars on sale. reg price is like 15.99. Ratchet action is opposite common sense (opposite of snap on and Williams)

Husky-nice action, a lot of tips and good storage in handle, poor magnetic attraction to screws. opposite common sense set up of tight and loose. 10 bucks all day. Best value for money but I miss the magnetic attraction to screws. Plus is opposite common sense as well.

I purchased the 5 Williams and Tools delivered offers lifetime on defects so I will be fine. My original is over a year old and lately I have been rough on it before I purchase another 5 and its stood up. By rough I don't mean abuse, but I usually don't break screws with a ratcheting driver and lately I wanted to see if they could, and they have.

Williams for the win (IMHO)

I'm not going to judge, bc at least he is collecting something that will retain it's value, perhaps go up in value. Sounds like a wise investment to me.

I have these 3, and they suit my needs. I wouldn't mind having a stubby, but the Williams T handle works when you dont have handle room, and I think they offer a shorter one yet. TMR4 because Williams doesn't offer a 1/4 driver, at least not when I looked.

 

[T45]

Just an Idea...Buy the williams and then buy a new shaft from snap on for $20. this works alo really nice if you only need a couple go-tos ($45/each for both parts) and the rest are backups ($25/per) and anyway you can transfer shafts if one starts to get wonky.

 

[lazer50]

Seems like the op knows what kind he wants. His question is where to buy not what to buy. For buying 5 the best bet would be catch a tool truck you might get a break if thats not an option google the snap on store.idk if you could find a seller with 5 on ebay or not or would want to mess with different sellers.

 

[GTO]

Hard handles from Ebay,if you really work at it,you can find them pretty reasonable(new).I only have about 9 or so..