I’d love to have all styles eventually, but for now I just want to start with two new ratchets and build onto my collection down the road.
What would be your first choice to start with for “do it all” ratchets ?
Snap On ratchet handle preference?
- Thread starter WRLDmoto
- Start date
What would be your first choice to start with for “do it all” ratchets ?
nah I wouldn’t be outside in 17 degree weather doing anything without gloves. The only thing I ever had my bare hands on when it’s 17 degrees outside is the inside of some warm *** gloves
I'm a hard handle ho.
I generally won't use anything else. I still have the F836 black hard handled 3/8" ratchet I bought in 1994? and still use it all the time. It's never needed anything.
For me, the hard plastic handle is ideal: not painfully cold in the unheated garage--or painfully hot in the summer sun, generally wont damage anything if I accidentally bang it off of whatever I'm working on (saved my **** a couple weeks ago), and it's easier to clean than the soft grip. And no matter how I hold it or how hard I pull or push on it, it doesnt hurt my hand. I dont find them too bulky, and they aren't really much if any bigger than the soft grip. They're still easy to hold when your hands are slippery, and they fit my large hands.
I own one S-O soft grip ratchet and I hate it. Problem is Snap On has mostly discontinued the hard handle ratchets again, at least in 3/8 drive. There are still a bunch out there--I had my dealer get one from another dealer today. You might have to be flexible on the handle color if you want one.
Ratchets are a very personal decision--all of our hands are different. Good thing is you really can't go wrong with a Dual80 of any kind.
I generally won't use anything else. I still have the F836 black hard handled 3/8" ratchet I bought in 1994? and still use it all the time. It's never needed anything.
For me, the hard plastic handle is ideal: not painfully cold in the unheated garage--or painfully hot in the summer sun, generally wont damage anything if I accidentally bang it off of whatever I'm working on (saved my **** a couple weeks ago), and it's easier to clean than the soft grip. And no matter how I hold it or how hard I pull or push on it, it doesnt hurt my hand. I dont find them too bulky, and they aren't really much if any bigger than the soft grip. They're still easy to hold when your hands are slippery, and they fit my large hands.
I own one S-O soft grip ratchet and I hate it. Problem is Snap On has mostly discontinued the hard handle ratchets again, at least in 3/8 drive. There are still a bunch out there--I had my dealer get one from another dealer today. You might have to be flexible on the handle color if you want one.
Ratchets are a very personal decision--all of our hands are different. Good thing is you really can't go wrong with a Dual80 of any kind.
Dave455
Well-known member
You don’t start with the same basic forging. The soft grips will look like a round bar and the only machining they will get is a skim, but yes I’ll grant you there’s not going to be a huge difference in material.
The aim of forging, aside from obtaining the correct strength for the application, is to minimise the amount of additional machining. It’s even more of an issue with modern machines than with the old, as cycle time has got so costly.
The one thing you can say about Snap On, love ‘em or loathe ‘em, is that their manufacturing techniques are very efficient.
But all the time they offer both options everyone is covered.
Although I’m equally sure they would like to do away with the classic hard handle. They’ve tried to do this before with both ratchets and drivers, but the customers keep wanting them!
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This shows the difference between the two, 1/4 drive, with a 1/4 extension thrown in for comparison. If you think yanking on a 1/4" extension is comfy, then go for no comfort grip; all are around .31 diameter. The major diameter of the comfort grip is .83
in comparison.
These are both "LL" models, and I'm not sure why the cushion grip is longer, but Matco does similar. It looks like the same basic handle, but they chop off the chrome grip one for some reason.
I guess if you don't care about the grip type, then length could be the deciding factor.
in comparison.
These are both "LL" models, and I'm not sure why the cushion grip is longer, but Matco does similar. It looks like the same basic handle, but they chop off the chrome grip one for some reason.
I guess if you don't care about the grip type, then length could be the deciding factor.
honestly if SO still made hard handle ratchets thats what id be buying. But between soft and chrome I like chrome alot more tbh I don’t really like the soft handle.
so if they made hard handle I’d buy them but they don’t so they complain there’s no demand for them and justify not making them
honestly if SO still made hard handle ratchets thats what id be buying. But between soft and chrome I like chrome alot more tbh I don’t really like the soft handle.
so if they made hard handle I’d buy them but they don’t so they complain there’s no demand for them and justify not making them
What makes you say they don’t make hard handles anymore? There’s a lot for sale on their online shop and they come up on promo every couple of months
Boogerman
Well-known member
I have all 3; prefer chrome, hard and comfort grip in that order.
Think preference has much to do with use and attitude towards tools. Day to day full time mechanic, probably hard handle or comfort over chrome for most. Easier on the hands, and don't care about clean and looks. If handles get torn up, get new ones or use as is anyway. Probably have backup chrome handles for in case needed for clearance, or working with solvents.
Part timers, preference for keeping them clean pushes away from comfort grip to hard handle or chrome. Clean overrides small difference on hand comfort. Don't use enough to see benefit of less wear/tear on hands.
GJ tool polishers? Either chrome or hard handle. Depends on what the look desired in the boutique toolbox is. Some like color coordinated handles, some like shiny chrome throughout. Look at the tool box shows on here, you see mostly hard handle, although sometimes for those that don't seem to use the tools, they have clean, matched comfort grip.
I prefer chrome because I like the smaller diameter and the balance better. Like hard handle next for larger size and lower pressure on hands. Dislike comfort grip because don't like the feel, don't like how they get cut up, and don't like how they absorb grease/oil. I've never had a problem holding on to oily chrome tools, and I know I've had them in oily environments countless times.
Think preference has much to do with use and attitude towards tools. Day to day full time mechanic, probably hard handle or comfort over chrome for most. Easier on the hands, and don't care about clean and looks. If handles get torn up, get new ones or use as is anyway. Probably have backup chrome handles for in case needed for clearance, or working with solvents.
Part timers, preference for keeping them clean pushes away from comfort grip to hard handle or chrome. Clean overrides small difference on hand comfort. Don't use enough to see benefit of less wear/tear on hands.
GJ tool polishers? Either chrome or hard handle. Depends on what the look desired in the boutique toolbox is. Some like color coordinated handles, some like shiny chrome throughout. Look at the tool box shows on here, you see mostly hard handle, although sometimes for those that don't seem to use the tools, they have clean, matched comfort grip.
I prefer chrome because I like the smaller diameter and the balance better. Like hard handle next for larger size and lower pressure on hands. Dislike comfort grip because don't like the feel, don't like how they get cut up, and don't like how they absorb grease/oil. I've never had a problem holding on to oily chrome tools, and I know I've had them in oily environments countless times.
Snap On, at least on the USA site, has removed all 3/8" drive hard handle ratchets. On the truck today, my dealer confirmed they were largely getting away from hard handles again, aside from a few specialty ratchets. They're really pushing the 100 tooth ratchets and new style comfort grip. Deja vu.
Don’t those new 100 tooth ratchets come with a similar looking grip to the soft grip, except it’s actually a hard handle? Or perhaps I am thinking of a different model. That sounds like it would be great, considering it wouldn’t be overly bulky, and it would have the hard finish that shouldn’t stain or absorb grease and oil. Although, some say the regular hard grip isn’t bulky to begin with.
I like the concept of shorter arc swing, (3.6° vs 4.5°) and slimmer profile, but every review I’ve seen displays major issues with excessive back drag. This is a deal breaker for me. People say it loosens up after some use but still isn’t as smooth as the dual 80 mechanism.
Honestly I don't know. He only had the new style in chrome handles, so I didn't bother fondling them. I should have, and will next time if I remember. I mentioned to him I've read a number of complaints about them. He said he's sold about 200 of them in the past 6 months and hasn't had any come back and hasn't had to rebuild any yet, and that's pretty good according to him. We're acquaintances and he's never BS'd me before, so I believe him.
I just like the shape of the old style hard handles. Sometimes I find myself pushing near the end of the ratchet handle and that wouldn't be fun with chrome or the new style handle.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Some of those grooves they cut into the metal handles have sharp edges.
Dave455
Well-known member
Just for info, here is a still (not great quality) showing the manufacturing stages of a 3/8 soft handle ratchet.
As can be seen, the basic forging is very different from the chrome.
Note how far down the grip the handle actually goes. This is why you can’t switch soft grips for the shorter hard ones, without modification.
Note also the “crimps” that prevent the grip rotating. This is why you can’t twist ‘em off.
As can be seen, the basic forging is very different from the chrome.
Note how far down the grip the handle actually goes. This is why you can’t switch soft grips for the shorter hard ones, without modification.
Note also the “crimps” that prevent the grip rotating. This is why you can’t twist ‘em off.
Dave455
Well-known member
From what I understand, yes.
I thought there was going to be a hard handle and a soft, but they look similar. Much like the Instinct screwdrivers.
Not sure about the 100 tooth. I already had a fair few of the older ratchets before they introduced the Dual 80. Swore I wouldn’t buy the new but I did, as it was such an upgrade.
I just don’t see the upgrade from the Dual 80 to the 100 tooth though. Might even be a downgrade.
The Dual 80 is about the best out there. Tough act to follow.
One thing to consider, is that you don’t have to get 3/8 and 1/4 ratchets with the same handle. The chrome might be right in 3/8, but a standard handle 1/4 might feel a bit small. That might be an advantage, or it might not. Try before you buy…
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FWIW, I have a strong preference for Permatex’s gritless hand cleaner. Forget where I bought it, but it was cheap in the store and expensive on line. Anyway, that’s what I use to clean my hand tools. Hand cleaner works a treat on hard and soft grips. Use the same stuff to deep clean surface plates
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
Like these?
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KnurledNut
Well-known member
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I would love to.. I’ve been trying to touch base with my local SO guy, but I’m not sure if he’s been busy or just has bigger fish to fry with the shops on his route. Maybe I’m not worth his time for just two ratchets lol.
I also wanted to trade in my like-new 3/8” TechAngle torque wrench for a different model(or sell first, then buy a new one from him) but he might not be interested because I haven’t gotten a response. It’s seriously like brand new, he’d have no problem flipping it for close to full price, if not full price.
It’s unfortunate because there’s likely not another truck within 1.5 hours of me, and I don’t even know how I would contact them.
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
I don't have many Snap on ratchets. Had dealer issues back when I worked at the shop, so they didn't meet the cost benefit analysis for my needs (craftsman, easco, sk, quite a few others). I did have a couple or three (in the middle of a move). My first one was free, 
gift (3/8" in a 1/4" body) and to the best of my knowledge, only available as a hard handle. Standard length I tend to go with the hard handle (normally use another ratchet first, or the above). Extra long I went with the soft handles for leverage and to have a different color from others in the shop, so we didn't have confusion. (kind of wish they had pink so no one would try to grab mine, LOL) Used to have one guy always trying to "borrow" my tools to take home. (bought the toolbox, before the tools)
gift (3/8" in a 1/4" body) and to the best of my knowledge, only available as a hard handle. Standard length I tend to go with the hard handle (normally use another ratchet first, or the above). Extra long I went with the soft handles for leverage and to have a different color from others in the shop, so we didn't have confusion. (kind of wish they had pink so no one would try to grab mine, LOL) Used to have one guy always trying to "borrow" my tools to take home. (bought the toolbox, before the tools)Wow, at last there’s an advantage to living in the past (in SO Product terms). Looks like the flex heads are mostly out of stock til March (quite soon for SO UK backordering) but most of the rest are available:
They do list the RAT2 sets if you search by part number. No images, probably not in stock here. This is all we have under 3/8 hard handle ratchets now:Wow, at last there’s an advantage to living in the past (in SO Product terms). Looks like the flex heads are mostly out of stock til March (quite soon for SO UK backordering) but most of the rest are available:
TechAngles are unique for Snap On. There is no lifetime warranty on TechAngles. If they need service, you send them in and they fix them for a fee (approx $100?). At that point, is doesn't matter where you got the TA. Therefore, I think you would be better off selling yours on eBay or FBM and buying from the same. There's literally no advantage I can think of to buy a TechAngle directly from Snap On.
As to calling the local SO rep, they kinda don't work like that. If you need tools, just call 1-800 and order. You probably won't get a better deal from the truck. Alternatively, if you see the truck, I'd feel free to walk in. But be respectful of his time. Its not really a store for you to browse in for an hour (or ask how much time he has at that stop).
I'm a fan of the traditional hard handle but I can confirm the new style handle on the 100 tooth is pretty awesome. Not gooey and hard to clean like the soft handles.
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
On the 1/4”drive ratchets I prefer the soft or hard handle. From 3/8’ drive upwards, chrome. It‘s what fits my hand best. I had a couple of painful encounters with the 1/4” drive ratchet w/ chrome handle, and that is a pity because ultimately that is the ratchet that got me started with Snap-On. Still have it, but rarely use it.
Kind regards,
Olli
Kind regards,
Olli
I checked the poles today to see what they were at.. I’m surprised to see how little popularity the soft grip has. Chrome is by far the popular choice. I suppose that says something!
Man, I really like idea of the soft grip (and they look sweet) but there seems to be an issue with keeping it clean and it sounds like they just become gummy. Still waiting for my chance to check them out in person.
Man, I really like idea of the soft grip (and they look sweet) but there seems to be an issue with keeping it clean and it sounds like they just become gummy. Still waiting for my chance to check them out in person.
Dakotadadv8
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Only have chrome now planning to add soft grips. Always can use more ratchets.
When I started I bought almost all chrome handle. with the odd ball soft or hard handle ratchet. I work out of a service truck and the chrome ratchets get ridiculously hot sitting on whatever I’m working on. I bought a 100 tooth long handle ratchet from my snappy and it had a rough break in but it’s a lot better now. The new “hard” handle looks like the soft handle just doesn’t seem as porous or squishy. It’s hard to explain but when you feel them in your hand you’ll under stand. As far as comfort I like the new hard handle but damn do the old hard handles just look timeless.
One other thing. Snap on chrome handles are the only ratchet that I can comfortably hang on to when they are drenched in hydraulic fluid and I’m wearing nitrile gloves. I don’t really know why but MATCO, Gearwrench or Cornwell chrome handles mixed with gloves and hydraulic fluid is a slip and slide lol.
One other thing. Snap on chrome handles are the only ratchet that I can comfortably hang on to when they are drenched in hydraulic fluid and I’m wearing nitrile gloves. I don’t really know why but MATCO, Gearwrench or Cornwell chrome handles mixed with gloves and hydraulic fluid is a slip and slide lol.
I do too. I'm sure a few bad apples left the plant with the 100 tooth but Snap-on generally has their s@!& together.
I once saw a 1/2" ratchet that felt a little different than a normal one off the truck. I honestly sat there questioning if something was wrong and somebody grabbed it from me and used it for a day. Felt perfectly fine after that. Sure a few high spots had to wear down or something.
One or two bad stories about a product can spread like a wildfire on the Internet.
Anyways... I prefer chrome. I just assume any handle material is going to deteriorate into a goo or soften prematurely in Arizona sun or unconditioned garages. Any handle type other than bare chrome is a no go for me if around fluids (water, oil, etc.) since I'm in more of an industrial space. Bad enough to perhaps open up the internals to remove a liquid. Don't want to have to deal with behind the handle too.
Should ask about ratchet length. I could see guys having different answers depending on length. For the long ratchets, the ones we really yank on, I’d picking something with a handle over chrome any day. For short basic ratchets like an F80, a handle makes that tool clumsy in my opinion. Especially the hard handle.
Dakotadadv8
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Only have chrome in standard and long/extra long flex, never thought about soft grips. Will buy the rotos in soft grips and stubbies in chrome.
CGarage
Well-known member
Holy Halloween came early in April !
SouthernIllinois
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Chrome although I have a couple plastic hard handles
