choosing handle type for breaker bar

[scottmlew]

I'm looking to augment my current lone breaker bar (1/2 Craftsman 18") with high quality bars (looking at Snap On, but I'm not a Snap On zealot, so I'm open to other suggestions) in all 3 drive sizes that I use (1/4, 3/8, 1/2). For the 1/2 I want 24", and it doesn't look like I can do much better than 6" and 12" for the 1/4 and 3/8, respectively (I can get slightly longer with a comfort grip, which is a good lead in to my actual question!).

Do you guys recommend all metal or comfort grips? Before you flame and point out the 8 gazillion discussions of handle styles and that it's a personal preference, remember this is about a breaker bar, NOT a ratchet. I could imagine that making a difference in what you recommend -- if you're really pulling on something, the bigger, more comfortable, less slippery handle might be better...on the other hand if you're really beating on the bar trying to break something loose, maybe the plain metal is better.

Thoughts? Other ideas and opinions?

 

[X1 Mike]

A thicker comfort grip handle may be too big too slip a pipe over. Breakers I prefer all metal.

 

[senlow]

Why spend the money for a 1/4 drive breaker bar. I just don't see a use for it. I have one, and it just takes up space in my box.

I prefer the steel handles over plastic handles for the same reason as X1 MIKE - they accept cheater bars more easily. Also, I don't like knurled handles. They are uncomfortable for me.

 

[scottmlew]

Why spend the money for a 1/4 drive breaker bar. I just don't see a use for it. I have one, and it just takes up space in my box.

Are you actually suggesting I not buy a tool?!? In seriousness, your point is well taken...I've been wondering if I really need this myself. I'm not sure I could exert more torque on a 1/4 ratchet than it can handle.

 

[Fedwrench]

What's wrong with the Craftsman bar you have?
You really answered your own question. It's up you as to how the handle fits your hand and to whether or not you like the shape. If you use your breaker bar handle for other things, say to give something a couple of loving taps of persuasion, you may want to stick with the Craftsman as the squarish shaped handle is better suited for that.
I care more about the stoutness of the bar and strength of the head than a breaker bar's handle shape. I guess that's because, I'm only breaking a fastener loose with the breaker bar so, I can use another faster tool like an air ratchet.

 

[wreckercologist]

Why spend the money for a 1/4 drive breaker bar. I just don't see a use for it. I have one, and it just takes up space in my box.

I prefer the steel handles over plastic handles for the same reason as X1 MIKE - they accept cheater bars more easily. Also, I don't like knurled handles. They are uncomfortable for me.

There are times where a ratchet and socket won't fit, but a breaker bar with a socket will. I use my 1/4" snap on breaker every once in a while. I bought it used, and I would buy snap on anyway, but they are expensive. I use my 24" snap on 1/2" drive quite a bit on belt tensioners and other stuff.

I have my fathers Craftsman breaker bars at home and they are over 40 years old. they have their limitations(strength, I keep breaking the drive tang on the 1/2") but are overall good tools and quite a bit less expensive.

Maybe you have some buddies or friends with different brands or styles of handles you could try out?

I know you said you're not really a snap on guy, but their bars are second to none in both price and performance. The handle on the snap ons can be hard to hang on to if they get grease or oil on them(I don't care for plastic handles on breakers either) so maybe SK? They have a very high quality knurrel, but are harder to clean. Sk makes a nice tool, very nice chrome.

Good luck, in the end, your opinion is the only one that really matters.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I have a 24 in Matco.... handle is ok....

 

[scottmlew]

What's wrong with the Craftsman bar you have?

Nothing wrong with it at all...it's served me very well! I would like a longer 1/2" bar, though...although I live in TX now, one of my cars is from my days when I used to live in Rustachusetts, and the extra leverage would be useful from time to time (yes, I know I need to be careful I don't just snap the bolt head completely, which I've also been known to do!).

I don't "need" the 3/8 or 1/4 bars, but it seems they could be useful, especially the 3/8...different access possibilities than I can get with a ratchet, and less cumbersome than using my 1/2 with an adapter if I need to use a socket I have in only 3/8. I also figure I can use the 3/8 for 1/2 applications where an 18" bar won't fit.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I never use a 1/4 breaker bar.....,. I have 3 of them..
I have a 2 3/8, i use those for belts

 

[scottmlew]

Maybe you have some buddies or friends with different brands or styles of handles you could try out?

Alas, none of my friends are into wrenching

I know you said you're not really a snap on guy, but their bars are second to none in both price and performance. The handle on the snap ons can be hard to hang on to if they get grease or oil on them(I don't care for plastic handles on breakers either) so maybe SK? They have a very high quality knurrel, but are harder to clean. Sk makes a nice tool, very nice chrome.

Oh, I don't have anything against Snap On at all (after all, we all know there is a difference ) but I'm just not wedded to Snap On like some people are (not knocking that viewpoint mind you...I've gotten my first SO tools in the last couple of months and am very impressed with them). But I was sort of leaning towards Snap On because other threads on here have convinced me that their head design is the strongest and most reliable. The SK's were also interesting because of the knurling, although I'm not sure how comfortable I'd find that.

Speaking of head strength -- can anyone tell me the difference between the SN24B and SN24C? And does the SHBB24 have the same head design as an SN24B or SN24C?

Good luck, in the end, your opinion is the only one that really matters.

True...but I tend to really overthink these things, so I need help from all of you! Plus, I really value everyone's experience on here...many of you use your tools so much more than I so, so you come across the little benefits and gotchas with them much more quickly than I could ever discern them...and for that I'm appreciative to you all!

 

[wreckercologist]

The SK's were also interesting because of the knurling, although I'm not sure how comfortable I'd find that.

Speaking of head strength -- can anyone tell me the difference between the SN24B and SN24C? And does the SHBB24 have the same head design as an SN24B or SN24C?



I believe the difference between the "B" and the "C" is the "B" has a standard drive tang(parallel to the handle) and the "C" has a drive tang at a 45 degree angle in relation to the handle. I have a "B" and have always wanted a "C" but as of yet, ....

They Snappy bars are damn tough. They are almost like a spring. They bow alot, but always return back to the original shape. I believe this adds power. I don't like using cheater's but it sometimes has to happen:

The shops 1" impact would not budge the lug nuts on a 6500 chevy(rotted on) so I took my 3/4" Snap on with a 8' pipe and stood on the end of the pipe. the handle bowed almost 10". no problems.

Sorry, I brag about my tools like some guys brag about their kids!LOL!!! Anyway, The SK's have a really coarse knurrel, which can be hard on some peoples hands but they are easier to handle when greasey.

 

[Kurt4440]

All metal..

 

[scottmlew]

I believe the difference between the "B" and the "C" is the "B" has a standard drive tang(parallel to the handle) and the "C" has a drive tang at a 45 degree angle in relation to the handle. I have a "B" and have always wanted a "C" but as of yet, ....

I think you're thinking of the SN25A, which has the 45 degree drive angle. I'm interested in that for that reason, it would complement my Craftsman nicely....it's what I'd try to get if I go all metal, although they're harder to find.

Sorry, I brag about my tools like some guys brag about their kids!LOL!!! Anyway, The SK's have a really coarse knurrel, which can be hard on some peoples hands but they are easier to handle when greasey.

Not a problem, don't apologize...I appreciate the first-hand feedback!

 

[wreckercologist]

I think you're thinking of the SN25A, which has the 45 degree drive angle.

My bad, brain fade. I should have realized the B and C indicate a revision or design change. I think my bar is a "B" and it has a pressed in pivot pin, maybe the "C" is the one with a Screw instead?

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I have use a 1/4" breaker bar twice. Once on something really rusted that I kept spraying pb and turning it back and forth a bit (would have broke off with a larger bar, took a while but came out clean), and once with a socket, kind of like an offset wrench (tight location). I would say this is a good tool to find used (cheap) but few people have them.

3/8" handle or no, whatever you get a good deal on and feels comfortable to you. Pipe issue, use a larger pipe or better yet, go up one drive size.

In 1/2" I have an old Indestro (if I remember correctly) as well as a 24" Snap-on that I bought through here. Before getting the 24" one, if I needed larger, I used my $15 3/4" Armstrong one I bought, or a cheater pipe (I prefer a larger bar, but have had to use a cheater pipe on lug nuts before).

 

[X1 Mike]

I needed my 1/4" breaker bar for one really good reason.
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When I bought the Snap-On plastic box to put my 1/4" drive tools it had a slot for a breaker. Couldn't have an empty slot now could I?

 

[Elroy]

Elroy likes his Snappy bars:

Actually Elroy was under the strict impression that collection of matched sets was a mandatory goal:

Truth be known, Elroy has probably used his 1/4" breaker the most and the 3/8" the least.

Oh that's right

Great Neck. That's the one to have. Truth be told, they last about 18 years then they turn into a torque wrench at midnight. Just like in the fairy tale.:tard:

 

[volvo420coupe]

I use all my breaker bars very often, I have all metal handles, the 1/2" is by choice so that a cheater bar will fit nicely, my 3/8" and 1/4" were both free and I haven't had a need to replace them yet, I would prefer a hard plastic handled snap on for those 2 if I got to choose though. I use them almost always because of depth clearance where a ratchet/socket will not fit.

 

[volvo420coupe]

Elroy, you will be my hero if you make a matched set of cheater bars to go with them. exact fit and proportional length I know would be your minimal standards.

 

[Elroy]

Ya mean like some 4140 tube

It's all fairy tails and 24 year old bull ****.

 

[autoace]

I prefer regular handles, non-comfort, alot of times I use breaker bars and have them lean up against something to hold them, while I have another tool on the other side. Comfort grip handles will just get chewed up. In general you only use breaker bars for break loose a stuborn fastener so, I don't think a comfort grip handle is a benefit IMHO.

SO, Proto, and Cornwell breaker bars are very good. Look to Grainger ,com for the Proto ones.

 

[scottmlew]

Thanks everyone for the great comments...appreciate it!

Elroy, thanks for the cool pics. Do you really use your 1/4 bar the most? Or was that just some "Elroy humor"?

 

[BB26]

All metal for sure. Especially if you plan on using it hard.

I have 24'' SK and 18'' Wright bars with knurled handles. The knurling is light and the grips are oversized so they are really comfortable for me. Plus, they don't slip out of my hands.

I have a couple of 1/4'' bars but have never used them. I do like and use 3/8'' bars though. Proto makes a nice 12'' model.

 

[Nebraska03]

I have a couple 1/4" breaker bars, that surprisingly, I find myself using often enough. My uncle bought me a small toolkit (Ohio Forge?) for Christmas one year when I was probably 11 or 12, and I tend to keep it in the car when I go places. It has a bunch of screwdriver-style bits and about 20 sockets, and instead of a ratchet, it has a flexible 3-position ratcheting screwdriver.

It seems whenever I have a friend who wants me to "look at something" because it "makes a funny noise," the bolts holding on a cover panel will be quite snug, and since I can fit the 1/4" breaker bar in the kit without snapping the plastic hinges, it seems to work well at breaking loose those over-snugged bolts.

 

[rusty65]

I would get a wright breaker bar with the comfort handle i have a 40 year old wright my dad has beat the heck out of since new.

 

[Hetman]

And a word of advice: if you feel the need of cheater pipe on 24", it's definitely time to go 3/4" .

 

[Roots]

I needed my 1/4" breaker bar for one really good reason.
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When I bought the Snap-On plastic box to put my 1/4" drive tools it had a slot for a breaker. Couldn't have an empty slot now could I?

I know the feeling