Awhile back Snap On had all the different lengths and variations of the 13/16 diameter handles but since they've switched to 15/16 now there's only one, or rather half since it's about half 13/16 half 15/16. I'm using a L72H but looking for a longer handle at the moment. I've seen Williams has an extendable handle (No. 33013 I believe) that's supposed to be 13/16 and was wondering if anybody has checked if they're fully compatible, lock pin and diameter, or found a different brand that happens to use the same specs? Plus if extendables are worth even looking at since I've heard a mix of they're ok and they're junk.
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Snap On L72T/Williams 3/4 Handles?
- Thread starter Jacobs976
- Start date
As far as I'm aware the 3/4" and 1" handles and ratchets are all the same with only differences in finish.
The snap on 3/4 switched to 15/16 from 13/16 when they moved to the L872 from L72 . Think 1 inch is 7/8 but not 100% sure since I've never really looked into them. From what I could figure out the William's HB something or another is it's a L872 clone with 13/16 handle but that's where it gets confusing unless you have the parts in hand. The William's extendable handle 33013 is supposed to fit on the HB meaning it should be usable on L72 as well but people have been saying it doesn't fit the HB. Then the locking pins I haven't seen anything on whether they match up on the different handles to be "universal" or if they're a different position than the L72 handles. Basically it looks like something along the line has been miscommunicated by Snap On Industrial or I'm missing something.
And for finish you can get the Snap On G series, hot sulfur bath treatment, or chrome plated then I believe the same treatments for Williams. G series/Industrial finish is standard for workplaces where chrome flaking might cause issues for machinery. Also same finish used on impact grade sockets.
3baygarage
Well-known member
The handle you’re looking at is likely an import. The 3000 series stuff was the import line, the H- series was the US Snap On clone stuff and followed previous type numbering.
I haven’t kept up with what Williams offers these days, and don’t know the answer to whether it fits. I will tell you that I think the US Williams (Snap On era) handle bars had some bending issues. Several reported cases on here, also seen a number for sale online, and found one bent this year.
Maybe they were a bad run, maybe they were weaker than Snap On, idk. Guys always like to question that on here.
So hopefully the import handle is built stronger.
The US handle fits Snap On.
I haven’t kept up with what Williams offers these days, and don’t know the answer to whether it fits. I will tell you that I think the US Williams (Snap On era) handle bars had some bending issues. Several reported cases on here, also seen a number for sale online, and found one bent this year.
Maybe they were a bad run, maybe they were weaker than Snap On, idk. Guys always like to question that on here.
So hopefully the import handle is built stronger.
The US handle fits Snap On.
Probably simplest to just call Snap-on or Williams to confirm.
The newer Williams stuff isnt full polish chrome, its either industrial or a satin chrome.
Probably but they most likely wouldn't know if the pins line up between the two brands. That's where the hands on is needed more. Didn't know about the satin vs polish but my stuff is actually G series with a finish that's been worn down over 56 years so it's practically bare oiled steel so satin or industrial would look about right more than polished anyhow.
The handle you’re looking at is likely an import. The 3000 series stuff was the import line, the H- series was the US Snap On clone stuff and followed previous type numbering.
I haven’t kept up with what Williams offers these days, and don’t know the answer to whether it fits. I will tell you that I think the US Williams (Snap On era) handle bars had some bending issues. Several reported cases on here, also seen a number for sale online, and found one bent this year.
Maybe they were a bad run, maybe they were weaker than Snap On, idk. Guys always like to question that on here.
So hopefully the import handle is built stronger.
The US handle fits Snap On.
Same issue here on keeping up with all the different Snap On Industrial brands. Heard the same thing about bending but not much current, as in new stock, but it wouldn't be surprising. I'm sure you're right on the import vs clone stuff. Seems alot of people are getting confused by it and buying the wrong handle. Think it even said in catalog it fits but didn't have the diameter and I know distributors are linking the two plus the actual HB handle. If H series is only handles that fit then closest thing to a new handle from Williams would be the same style I'm already using unfortunately. Fortunately the longer bar would be more for convenience than a necessity. I have a 5 foot torqometer that breaks everything loose like the bolts aren't even torqued in the first place and my t head can sit around till I need to spin something loose.
Also speaking of bending. A few weeks ago I found a 3/4 general service set that was a chinese, not HF but presumably the same quality. Guy was trying to get $150 for it and the breaker bar was practically a steering wheel. Assuming someone tried the run it over trick a few times and it wasn't even heat treated.
And update. Checked catalog again and handles are separated by series but no diameter mentioned other than H-A1 which says 13/16. So one whole series is non specific and 1/3 H series are specific. I'm sure you can see why people, including me, are confused by it all. Nothing saying the don't work other than the few reviews on distributors pages.
Found a 40 inch breaker bar for 25 dollars along with some Williams sockets at a sale so now I have a designated "it'll break or the stud will" and "screw the next guy that has to deal with this" set. 600 ft/pd torqometer and 40 inch breaker set. So in the end the standard bar is fine as a ratchet/ t bar spinner and the heavy work will be all on the disposable and indestructible bars.
Zimbo
Well-known member
I have had both the snap on 3/4 handles and must say the 15/16 ones rusted, bent and had the chrome flake off, I now just run my older 13/16 36 inch handle which flexes but does not bend and is much lighter as the 15/16 handle is a heavy unit .
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I have had both the snap on 3/4 handles and must say the 15/16 ones rusted, bent and had the chrome flake off...
Normally I go for the oldies, almost always higher grade steel IMO. My L72H is a 65 I think but it's still a high-ish vanadium steel and that stuff takes a lot to corrode it instead of being left out for a bit, assuming finish isn't intact. Just picked up a 3/8 new britain breaker bar for a dollar, can't find any date match but thing looks brand new and only issue is the spring steel used for the detent spring corroded/failed. It's probably closer to early 1950s or earlier and it's pure high grade vanadium steel. Plus the pair of craftsman pliers I've had in my box forever, I think 1936, have been in service since they were bought way back then by the original factory mechanic then passed down to auto and finally to general service still look new minus a few hammer marks and the paint is 90% gone off the handles. Overall the tools might not have been the fanciest but they were made to last. Now it feels like there's less vanadium content to the point it's more an additive than a major component and all the strength is based more on heat treatment than the metals standard strength. Plus the high vanadium stuff looked nicer with age once the vanadium starts darkening the metal.
Well to make matters worse, from 42 and back the bar is 7/8. The L72N bar is 7/8
So basically the newest version is also the thickest bar. Never heard anything bad about 13/16 and I'd imagine back when they switched over to it they were thinking of limiting steel consumption but also making it a lighter while not decreasing functionality. Also imagine the 7/8 were practically indestructible and light since it would've been nice high grade vanadium steel. Think the high vanadium went out of fashion in the late 60s so might be interesting to compare the series weights including "old" and "new" 13/16 bars since they would've changed composition without any design change. Don't know what composition is used now but I'd think the newest would be the more unwieldy out of the lot.