Breaker Bar 101

[NugeConstruction]

Down at the southside pawn shop I recently discovered Snap-on SN18B 18" breaker bars*, and, being very much impressed with the heft and apparent integrity of the tool, I decided to read up on the subject.

(*) Which was the same bar that 64merc sold here last month, and for a far sweeter price than the one I just ran across.

I found that Snap-on's online catalog** shows multiple models for most of their breaker bar lengths.

(**) https://buy1beta.snapon.com/catalog/parts/Product_Directory2.asp?cat_ID=333368

For example, there are four qty. 15" models (GS15B, SN15A, SN15B, SN15M), four qty. 18" models (SN18A, SN18B, SN18L, SN18M), and two qty. 24" models (SN24B, SN24C).

Concerning these different models, the exploded views of the breaker bars show an interesting difference in the components comprising the replacement parts.

The SN18A ***is shown to have seven*** replacement parts:

While the SN18B ***is shown to have*** three:

Does anyone have any thoughts on which of these two configurations is superior?

And are the bodies of the SN18A and SN18B themselves identical?

Also, are Snap-on breaker bars forged, or rather formed by that powdered metal process that Elroy tipped us off to, and, if they are, should I care?

Finally, how handy are breaker bar ratchet adaptors (e.g., the SV67)?

NC

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Concerning these different models, the exploded views of the breaker bars show and interesting difference in the components comprising the replacement parts.

The SN18A has six replacement parts:

While the SN18B has three:

Does anyone have any thoughts on which of these two configurations is superior?

And are the bodies of the SN18A and SN18B themselves identical?

Also, are Snap-on breaker bars forged, or rather formed by that powdered metal process that Elroy tipped us off to, and, if they are, should I care?

Finally, how handy are breaker bar ratchet adaptors (e.g., the SV67)?

NC

Three of those parts are the check ball (F), check ball spring (D) and plug (H). They probably just stopped listing them separately.

It's interesting the top image shows the drive bit at 45*, which SO stopped offering some time back and I believe account for two of the four configurations.

As to which handle is superior, you have just opened a subject of hot debate. Personally, I like the all metal handle. Others like various hard handle or soft handle config's. It's all personal preference.

I have no idea how these are made but a recent episode of "How it's Made" showed SO ratchet bodies being forged.

The all metal handle shaft is different than the ones that utilize a handle those handles are formed into a tang configuration. So they're made one way or the other.

Ratchet adapters probably don't see much use anymore. If you can't think of a reason for having one you probably don't need it.

 

[Delray]

I believe both my SN18B and SN24C have a torx head screw you can tighten while the older ones have a press pin holding the head. I use the S67 enough that I certainly would miss not having it.

 

[billymade]

If you would like to check out the "how its made" episode; you can download it from iTunes for $1.99! Check it out here: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTVSeason?i=299957485&id=288545262&s=143441

 

[Uncle Buck]

Ratchet adapters probably don't see much use anymore. If you can't think of a reason for having one you probably don't need it.

If you work on older V-8 GM stuff, a ratchet adapter and a deep socket work quite nicely for removing the crank bolt at the harmonic balancer when you leave the fan blade in place, or have other such obstructions, it is like having a 24" ratchet in your box. I know I use mine this way from time to time. I would not want to be without my ratchet adapter.

 

[35mastr]

Also ratchet adapters are good if you are torquing bolts down that require an additional degrees.Such as the Toyota 3.0 V6.45 and then a 90 degree.Or some require two 90's.

 

[Tool Pants]

This is on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...0381598980&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT&viewitem=

I think it is bent.

What is interesting is that it has a female on the end of the handle so you can use it as an extension. I have not seen that before.

 

[a390st]

I had a breaker bar similar to that one, except that it wasn't SO, and the head wasn't a 45 degree angle. It was the heaviest extension you could ever want to use. I never used it for that purpose, though.

 

[lbgradwell]

I think it is bent.

It isn't. That's an old Ferret F-10 and they came like that...

I have a pristine F-10-B from 1941.