So, enlighten me on Snapon hardhandles

[Joelfke]

Is there any difference between the different square hardhandles? Ive seen the black ones that seem to be better off in museums the way people handle them and ive seen red and green and orange...is there any difference other than the color??

 

[Merkava_4]

The first generation were a 4-sided square shape similar to MAC's hard handle, but the Snap-on's didn't have the corners nicely rounded like the MAC's.

The second generation hard handles are the Ergo Grips - they're made out of a tuff Tenite plastic and are the most popular hard handles.

 

[arkangel06]

The first generation were a 4-sided square shape similar to MAC's hard handle, but the Snap-on's didn't have the corners nicely rounded like the MAC's.

The second generation hard handles are the Ergo Grips - they're made out of a tuff Tenite plastic and are the most popular hard handles.

merk do you know when they started/stopped prduction of the ergo grip HH's?

 

[nate379]

What is so precious about the black handled ones? I have a set of those and they don't seem to be anything special.

 

[arkangel06]

What is so precious about the black handled ones? I have a set of those and they don't seem to be anything special.

I prefer the red bule yellow well anything but the black handle ones!

 

[Merkava_4]

merk do you know when they started/stopped production of the ergo grip HH's?

I'm thinking for the ratchets, it was sometime between the end of 1999 and before the 2001 catalog came out. I remember seeing a full stock of hard handles on the truck in 1999.

Then in the 2001 catalog, they had some orange hard handles for the screwdrivers, and were phasing in the first generation soft grips.

 

[arkangel06]

In Catalog 900 I think from 07 they still have some hard handles but were on their way out for good.

 

[tonydanzah]

every 10 hard handles adds 1/4" to your manhood

 

[caper]

My 1988 catalog shows both the older square handles,similar to Mac's,and the new,at the time,Powergrip Plus.The Powergrip Plus is the style everybody is looking for.Whether black,orange or any other color they are highly sought after.One of the main reasons is that many people find them very comfortable.The are also very tough and durable.

 

[caper]

every 10 hard handles adds 1/4" to your manhood

So that's why my wife doesn't mind me buying tools!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

every 10 hard handles adds 1/4" to your manhood

Sweet. I have an extra 5.5"!

 

[Joelfke]

this thread isnt supposed to be about your individual manhoods. no offense of course lol

 

[senlow]

The first generation were a 4-sided square shape similar to MAC's hard handle, but the Snap-on's didn't have the corners nicely rounded like the MAC's.

The second generation hard handles are the Ergo Grips - they're made out of a tuff Tenite plastic and are the most popular hard handles.

Hey Merk, don't forget the short lived Tri-Handle screwdrivers. Those were actually the second generation.

 

[TheCarbideRat]

The ergo HH's were available in 1987, for one, that's when I bought mine and they still rock.

 

[ron350]

Examples of handles discussed above.

 

[boogerboy72]

idk about the generations and what not, buy my orange one looks like the second from the bottom and makes a hell of a shift knob.

 

[06wt]

heres a couple more pics of the tri handles

 

[Joelfke]

but like...is there a "best" kind? why do the black hard handles go for so much?

 

[06wt]

because there is an high desire for the black handles. Why i dont know. i like them, because thats the snap-on tool i remember seeing the most when i was little, so i always conected snap-on with thoose handles. But the fact that they are not made anymore and the instinct drivers are not liked by most, also has to do with the rising prices.

 

[senlow]

heres a couple more pics of the tri handles

Those are very cool. Tri Handles are seldom seen in colors other than black.

 

[Bull]

But the fact that they are not made anymore and the instinct drivers are not liked by most, also has to do with the rising prices.

But aren't they made still, just with the Williams name stamped on them? Because, you can buy black hard-handled drivers from Williams that are dead-nutz the same looking as the old SOs.

 

[06wt]

well there is the williams ones but if people want the snap-on name then that dosent help and theres 4 different size snap-on handles in the parts catalog now. but for the most part theyare just "the thing to have" right now.

 

[Bull]

That's the part I don't get. People are willing to cut themselves to gobble up SO hard handles like there's no tomorrow, but you can buy the same product new with the Williams name. Who cares if it says "SO" or "Williams" on the handle if it's the exact same thing?

well there is the williams ones but if people want the snap-on name then that dosent help and theres 4 different size snap-on handles in the parts catalog now. but for the most part theyare just "the thing to have" right now.

 

[06wt]

i like my hard handles but i like other screwdrivers too, but i would not mind having some williams drivers

 

[X1 Mike]

I prefer the red bule yellow well anything but the black handle ones!

You are right, the red, blue, and yellow handles are the ones to have but I would throw in black also. Anyone with some of those ugly orange handles just send them to me and I'll dispose of them properly.

 

[The Muffin Man]

Who cares if it says "SO" or "Williams" on the handle if it's the exact same thing?

Sadly, the same people who care more about the color of the product, than the product itself.... :supergay:

 

[alex71]

I have the williams and the snap-on verisions, and while the handles are very VERY similar, they are not identical... I can't really feel the difference when I hold them in my hand, but when I look at them the williams handles a just a bit fatter.

 

[Bull]

I have the williams and the snap-on verisions, and while the handles are very VERY similar, they are not identical... I can't really feel the difference when I hold them in my hand, but when I look at them the williams handles a just a bit fatter.

Time to get the calipers out and measure in a few locations on each brand, then report the findings.

 

[alex71]

snap-on: .906
Williams: 1.050

this is measured at the collar, across the flats. different mold, has to be.

 

[Bull]

Damn, that was quick.

So, how would this work? SO owns Williams, right? SO says the hard handle molds were lost, right? So the parent company invested in creating new molds and producing a nearly identical line of drivers for the satellite brand?

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Hey Merk, don't forget the short lived Tri-Handle screwdrivers. Those were actually the second generation.

I wish I still had the set that I bought back in the early 70's. They seemed to fit me better than anything else I had tried back in the day. Of course after almost 40 years, a LOT of things seemed to be better back then....

 

[MC1983]

What is the best way to get a replacement blade? I just got handed down a ssdp42 and the blade is a bit worn.

 

[Zrexxer]

What is the best way to get a replacement blade? I just got handed down a ssdp42 and the blade is a bit worn.

Show up on your Snap On dealer's truck and make this face:

 

[MC1983]

Is there a way to find a dealer? This is my first snap on item so I don't know how it all works. I usually buy craftsman tools that I can just walk into any sears and get replacements.

 

[toms73novass]

I have the williams brand and I love the handles compared to all the other types I have (craftsman, gearwrench, mac) I never had the snapon.

 

[06wt]

Is there a way to find a dealer? This is my first snap on item so I don't know how it all works. I usually buy craftsman tools that I can just walk into any sears and get replacements.

theres a dealer finder somwhere on the snap-on website, but just stop by ur local mechanic and ask one of the guys for the snap-on guy's #