Changing Pittsburgh into Snapon

[Unruh]

Customizing Harbor Freight breaker bar

I just bought some Harbor Freight tools. I know that a lot of people love some of their tools here, but I also know that Harbor Freight will always fight their reputation and stigma of being poor tools. I have seen members remove badges from toolboxes and other things as well. I recently watched a video about replacing the handle on a Snapon ratchet and wondered if you could replace the handles on the Pittsburg ones as well.

So I have seen some custom ratchets done on the custom handled ratchets thread...

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96359&highlight=Custom+handled

But I wondering if anyone has tried to put a Snapon handle on the Pittsburg 1/2 drive 25in breaker bar? I have a 1/2 red Snap-on handle sitting around. My brother gave me a green handled ratchet and I was going to swap it.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-Drive-25-in-Professional-Breaker-Bar-62729.html

 

[Lelandwelds]

Put $40 effort in a $10 tool? I knew a guy who soaked picture frames in coffee and screened vacuum cleaner dirt for "aging" antiques. He is the most polite thief I know.

The reason HF gets little respect is the lack of quality control and product support. Also, they offer the same product from two sources at the same price. They look nearly identical.
One may be good. The other may be ****. Learn which is good and HF will quit selling it and replacement parts for it next month with no notice.

Who are you trying to fool or impress? Most people wouldn't care. Those that do, know the difference.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Why not go to Dollar General and buy some colored duct tape? There are several colors to choose for wrapping ratchet handles.

If desired; You could wrap the entire ratchet, and claim it is a SnapOn

 

[zendriver]

This reminds me of a bit I saw in Mad magazine 50 years ago.

If you are vain, buy these designer labels to sew to the inside of your cheap clothes.

If you are really vain, sew them to the outside of your cheap clothes.

Funny thing is now days most designer clothing has the labels on the outside.

Why not just buy and use the HF tools and be proud of them?

You are getting the exact same job done for 1/10 the price of snap on.


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[d.mcfarland]

This sounds like someone wants to sell on eBay...

 

[Mikeske]

I have over the last 45 years used cheap tools and I have used expensive tools. You know what they both did the job. Some the cheap tools actually surprised me on how robust they actually were and taking a lot of abuse and still working. Some the expensive tools actually disappointed me by not being really all the robust or they had fussy designs.

I do know that low bids win in the government and some of the tools I have used in the military were crude but did the job. I was never impressed by any name on a tool and actually I will default to the cheapest if I find that it does the job.

In my tool box I have both cheap and expensive tools but the expensive tools were got cheap. I have for years used pawn shops, flea markets, swap meets and the last few years eBay.

45 years ago I started with a basic set of wrenches, sockets, ratchets and screwdrivers from Craftsman and I still have that set. Over the years I bought a basic set of Bonney tools SAE and Metric and I used those professional as a aircraft mechanic until I retired last year. Still I have accumulated over the years all the major brands and I have a what works for me.

 

[brianmc02]

Not to point out the obvious, but putting a Snap-on handle onto a Pittsburgh breaker bar will not magically make the thing into a Snap-on breaker bar. There's more to Snap-on than just the handle!


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[ex-x-fire]

Some guy got busted on here about 5 years ago, he was putting snap on handles on a hf round head ratchet and selling them.

 

[Vantastic]

:supergay:

 

[ocloc24]

Yeah just a heads up a handle from snap on is around $25 depending on which one. A $25 handle on a $10 tool?

As for the prybars, their current 4PC set is such complete trash it would be a disgrace to even bother putting new handles on. They break with little force.

As for the ratchets, I actually like their low profile flex ratchets, I have 2 in every size for the cars. I actually had a spare new instinct handle laying around and while I was bored put it on my 3/8" flex head that I use around the house. I did it for the hell of it, and I actually really like the feel of an instinct handle on a ratchet. If you wanna do it for fun, do it. As long as you arent trying to sell dishonestly.

 

[pepi]

OH great counterfeit Snap-on tool... what a concept ...hope it fails

Have a distinct thought, the old saying lipstick on a pig, is still a pig

 

[Mr_B]

For the price of one snapon handle you could buy the 4pc wilde pry bar set from craftsman ...
I guess if grip needs changing could use a snapon as repair but as pitts pro lifetime warranty be better swapping it out, I would make some knurled sleeves myself and epoxy on as cheaper and more slender, done this to some carlyle ratchets as soft grips went scruffy and also wanted more slender handle plus can adjust length 1"-2" .
with base price of item plus a handle you be best buying better taiwan branded item to start with generally but if wanted put snappy or other handles on the tools it pretty easily done .

 

[jonshonda]

Username flagged for future fire sale of snap on tools.

 

[Travisnd]

Camarotoolman?

 

[Unruh]

I kinda knew I would get this kind of response. I guess if you knew me you would understand more, but I thought it would be a fun project for me. No intentions of selling or even claiming they were something different. If I showed it to anyone, I would say “Hey look at this, I put a Snapon handle on this. I think it looks pretty cool.” I thought maybe someone had tried to do this and had some success.

Maybe it is vanity. You all have brought me back off the ledge!

Just for understanding...I picked snapon, not because I wanted snapon, but more I didn’t want The stigma that I have with the Pittsburg name. Once again my own Stigma.

Guy in the back with your hand up...”Why did you buy it then?”.

Great question. I went with my brother. He likes going there. I saw the breaker bar and have read some reviews on them. They seem to be pretty good. Thought I would give them a chance.

 

[Musicinabottle]

One thing I've learned in life, and the hard way at that, is when you make a wrong turn, man up, get directions and set a new path!

 

[BuffettFan]

View media item 80720
Why's everyone bashing Pittsburg? They're just as good as S.O.!

To be honest, there aren't any markings on this ratchet, so I have no idea who sold it or even where I got it.
It didn't like the big cheater I put on it though. To it's credit, it still ratchets. Kinda.

 

[ssdave]

I read a lot of the Snap-on bashing threads on here. There's a huge contingent of HF users that post about how stupid SO users are to buy the expensive tools, and they tout the virtues of HF, all the performance at 2% to 10% of the price.

Therefore, i don't understand how they're so ashamed of the HF name and label that they try to make their HF toolboxes and tools look like SO. Seems like that would be a badge of shame, not a desired feature. Since the HF are so much superior and it shows how astute you are to buy them, having the brand prominantly apparent would seem to be the desired condition. Especially if you have to buy a Snap-on Handle or badge at what you perceive to be an inflated price.

The only conclusion I can come to is that the people that are trying to relabel are just trying to rip someone off by passing a cheaper copy off on someone as an expensive tool.

If you just want a plastic handle on your HF ratchet, why don't you buy a HF screwdriver or HF pry bar, and use the handle on that for your HF ratchet or breaker bar. All the performance, the low price, and you get to keep the desirable HF brand name on your tools.

 

[zendriver]

One thing is for sure, if you want to live a good life, you have to feel comfortable in your own skin.


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[Unruh]

One thing is for sure, if you want to live a good life, you have to feel comfortable in your own skin.


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Great advice. I’m putting that breaker bar away in my toolbox and never gonna look back.

 

[Ryan]

This is gross.

 

[ocloc24]

View media item 80720
Why's everyone bashing Pittsburg? They're just as good as S.O.!

To be honest, there aren't any markings on this ratchet, so I have no idea who sold it or even where I got it.
It didn't like the big cheater I put on it though. To it's credit, it still ratchets. Kinda.

Whole new meaning to flex head ratchet

 

[Shadowdog500]

View media item 80720
Why's everyone bashing Pittsburg? They're just as good as S.O.!

To be honest, there aren't any markings on this ratchet, so I have no idea who sold it or even where I got it.
It didn't like the big cheater I put on it though. To it's credit, it still ratchets. Kinda.

That isn't a current Pittsburgh tool. The stuff HF has today is not anywhere near Snap on's league, but it isn't the **** they were selling 10-15 years ago either. I picked up a cheap HF ratchet set a handful of years ago when in a pinch when on the road. it was the multi color socket 3/8" drive set. When I got home and didn't need it anymore so I decided to do a destructive test on the set. I had a cheater pipe and pulled like hell trying to break something, The 5/8" head grade 8 bolt failed and I couldn't get the ratchet or socket to fail. My old Craftsman socket would have failed for sure with the torque I was applying.

I wouldn't re brand the stuff. There is no shame in using what you can afford when just starting a new trade. Just use it until it fails and hopefully by then you will be established enough to buy Snap On with cash.

Chris

 

[bonneyman]

I just bought some Harbor Freight tools. I know that a lot of people love some of their tools here, but I also know that Harbor Freight will always fight their reputation and stigma of being poor tools. I have seen members remove badges from toolboxes and other things as well. I recently watched a video about replacing the handle on a Snapon ratchet and wondered if you could replace the handles on the Pittsburg ones as well.

So I have seen some custom ratchets done on the custom handled ratchets thread...

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96359&highlight=Custom+handled

But I wondering if anyone has tried to put a Snapon handle on the Pittsburg 1/2 drive 25in breaker bar?

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-Drive-25-in-Professional-Breaker-Bar-62729.html

Or maybe the 4 pc Pry Bar Set.

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-pc-heavy-duty-pry-bar-set-69281.html

Yeah, some of those rehandle jobs are freaking awesome. I gotta say the shape of the S-O driver handles sure makes it tempted to slide on onto a ratchet you like that has a bad grip. Go for it!

 

[Parrothead]

I put Craftsman hard handles on my Pittsburgh rotator head ratchets. Two reasons, first I like the hard handles and two I don’t like lime green. I went with the clear Torx handles.

Ready for the flame.

 

[Unruh]

Maybe I’ll try to make a Binford Tools Handle and try that.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I thought this was one of those water into wine, sand into gold threads. Bigly disappointed.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

One thing is for sure, if you want to live a good life, you have to feel comfortable in your own skin.


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I think I understand what you're trying to say but some of the most evil people on the planet are totally comfortable in their own skin. Just sayin'.

 

[PugetDude]

I think I understand what you're trying to say but some of the most evil people on the planet are totally comfortable in their own skin. Just sayin'.

Yes she is.

 

[jacked_72]

:supergay:

Someone will have to explain the LGBT aspects of putting a snap on handle on a harbor freight wrench. I've really missed that reference.

 

[zendriver]

I think I understand what you're trying to say but some of the most evil people on the planet are totally comfortable in their own skin. Just sayin'.

I'm sure they are. I would hate to think that deep down, Hitler was a nice guy who just did bad things.

My point is if you want Snap-On Tools you should buy snap on tools.

But
If you'd rather have something less expensive, but buy snap on tools anyway, because you think other people will look down on you, imo you're not being true to yourself and instead focusing on " keeping up with the Joneses"

I have tried to avoid that trap, but admittedly it fell into it from time to time.

Fortunately, I feel like I have outgrown it at least to some extent, can focus on real value more than status, with everything, not just tools.






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[woody 73]

I myself find this post to be not in good standing, seems we had one very bad apple pull this kind of **** on ebay and the buying public fell for it.

Not sure what became of that member???

But I seem to recall it did not bode well for him.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I'm sure they are. I would hate to think that deep down, Hitler was a nice guy who just did bad things.

My point is if you want Snap-On Tools you should buy snap on tools.

But
If you'd rather have something less expensive, but buy snap on tools anyway, because you think other people will look down on you, imo you're not being true to yourself and instead focusing on " keeping up with the Joneses"

I have tried to avoid that trap, but admittedly it fell into it from time to time.

Fortunately, I feel like I have outgrown it at least to some extent, can focus on real value more than status, with everything, not just tools.

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Gotcha zen. Well said!

 

[McFarmer]

View media item 80720
Why's everyone bashing Pittsburg? They're just as good as S.O.!

To be honest, there aren't any markings on this ratchet, so I have no idea who sold it or even where I got it.
It didn't like the big cheater I put on it though. To it's credit, it still ratchets. Kinda.

The first guy who came up with an obstruction wrench probably saw something similar.

Maybe you should fill out a patent application.

 

[bwringer]

I guess you could put Pittsburgh handles on your Snap-On stuff to deter thieves...?

 

[4x4gearhead]

Maybe I’ll try to make a Binford Tools Handle and try that.

When I was a little younger I felt the same way about these cheap stigmas, but now I realize that its just a ******* fashion show for some people and there is no point to it. The key is Use the tools you want to. who gives a **** if other people scoff at your tools, as long as they work and youre happy with them what does it really matter!? I like my snap on tools but i like a lot of other cheap tools that ive bought. Also hated some snap on and cheap tools. The brand is not everything. It is much more about the work you do with the tools, and the skilled hands holding them. You will find anyone that is worth a **** will tell you the same thing.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Camarotoolman?

HAHA!.... thought the same thing... wonder what that shitbag is up to?

Still selling...
https://www.ebay.com/usr/camarotoolman?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

 

[Unruh]

When I was a little younger I felt the same way about these cheap stigmas, but now I realize that its just a ******* fashion show for some people and there is no point to it. The key is Use the tools you want to. who gives a **** if other people scoff at your tools, as long as they work and youre happy with them what does it really matter!? I like my snap on tools but i like a lot of other cheap tools that ive bought. Also hated some snap on and cheap tools. The brand is not everything. It is much more about the work you do with the tools, and the skilled hands holding them. You will find anyone that is worth a **** will tell you the same thing.

My words are clearly my weakness in this thread. I thought it would be a fun project, that’s about all. Sure the stigma thing is what made me think of the project, but I never had plans of selling or trying to make money from this. I should have called the thread “Show me your Harbor Freight Breaker Bar Mods”.

Please put down the pitchforks, I’m not an ogre, I’m just fat and ugly.

 

[jdlong]

Ummm. How does replacing a Harbor Freight handle with a Snap On handle strengthen the ratcheting mechanism and decrease back drag????

 

[Indy125]

I have both, HUGE difference in quality obviously. The Snapon’s handle/shaft is much thicker than Pittsburgh, and the ratchet head is much thicker and beefier as well. Pittsburgh head flops around vs the SO is nice and stiff. Back drag on the Pittsburgh is much less however.

Other than a quick glance, the two don’t compare at all, and I would never swap parts between the the two. Saying that, I don't think the two parts would physically fit due to the different sizes. But hey, to each their own! Thats just my opinion. [emoji1306]