Hard Handled Snap On Ratchets

[oldschoolcraft]

I wasn't able to find any threads discussing hard handled versus chrome SO ratchets. Only discussions of comfort grip. It would seem to me that the hard handles get away from the negatives of comfort grip (too easy to get damaged and dirty/oily).

But it also seems like SO keeps discontinuing the hard handled ratchets so maybe people don't like them?

I got mostly interested in them for roto style because then it makes the ratchet feel more like a nutdriver when used in that mode. What are the experiences of the board with the hard handles and why doesn't SO make them part of their full time line up?

 

[neuralsnafu]

I only have one. I like it.

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[Dave455]

I think you are 100 percent correct.

When I first bought Snap On it was the all metal handles I went for, and to be honest they are still best for most applications.

But, if you are working in a cold environment, or if you are doing repetitive work, the bigger 'hard handle' has the advantage, with none of the disadvantages of the soft comfort grips. They don't pick up grit, they wipe off easily and are really durable.

Sadly, I only realised this after Snap On discontinued the majority of the hard handles. I've managed to pick up quite a few, as they often produce special runs, but you need to keep your eyes open!

You're right about the roto head too. Doesn't really work with the metal handle, but a superb tool with the hard handle. I actually bought one of these with a soft comfort grip, but it was just as bad as I expected. Managed to get a hard handle roto head on special thankfully.

I suspect the reason they discontinued these was cost. Don't know what the material was that they used, but it was obviously first class - you only have to feel it, or see how it wears over time, to realise this. I've seen the colours they use before in DuPont materials, so maybe one of the Zytel family?

I also have to say that I sometimes question U.S. market research. You ask a bunch of Snap On fans what they think about the new soft handles and they all say "wow, yeah, great". It's really nice when people want to be so positive (ask a Brit and he'll always say "it's shite") but you can end up believing everybody wants a change when most don't. Remember the Coke recipe fiasco - same problem.

Although not shown in the latest catalogue I have, some hard handles have crept back onto the website as regular items. 1/4 inch in regular and long flex, and the same in 3/8 are there for sure! There are often deals as well, buy a hard handle ratchet and get pliers or cutters in the same colour. Good deal.

 

[neuralsnafu]

I think you are 100 percent correct.

When I first bought Snap On it was the all metal handles I went for, and to be honest they are still best for most applications.

But, if you are working in a cold environment, or if you are doing repetitive work, the bigger 'hard handle' has the advantage, with none of the disadvantages of the soft comfort grips. They don't pick up grit, they wipe off easily and are really durable.

Sadly, I only realised this after Snap On discontinued the majority of the hard handles. I've managed to pick up quite a few, as they often produce special runs, but you need to keep your eyes open!

You're right about the roto head too. Doesn't really work with the metal handle, but a superb tool with the hard handle. I actually bought one of these with a soft comfort grip, but it was just as bad as I expected. Managed to get a hard handle roto head on special thankfully.

I suspect the reason they discontinued these was cost. Don't know what the material was that they used, but it was obviously first class - you only have to feel it, or see how it wears over time, to realise this. I've seen the colours they use before in DuPont materials, so maybe one of the Zytel family?

I also have to say that I sometimes question U.S. market research. You ask a bunch of Snap On fans what they think about the new soft handles and they all say "wow, yeah, great". It's really nice when people want to be so positive (ask a Brit and he'll always say "it's shite") but you can end up believing everybody wants a change when most don't. Remember the Coke recipe fiasco - same problem.

Although not shown in the latest catalogue I have, some hard handles have crept back onto the website as regular items. 1/4 inch in regular and long flex, and the same in 3/8 are there for sure! There are often deals as well, buy a hard handle ratchet and get pliers or cutters in the same colour. Good deal.

Ive got the quarter inch in orange... My driver has a bunch of hard handles on his truck.

Im contemplating getting a 3/8 in orange as well. Makes it a lot eaiser to see when i drop it into the abyss

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[pi_guy]

They just came out with a new catalog and there not in there.
I have a number of ratchets & screwdrivers in black hard handle. They have started to re-release them and have added a couple of new versions and colors.
If you have a good SO guy who stocks and orders hard handles you would be surprised at the applications. Have made a few shock tools with them.

 

[lugnut71]

They just came back with hard handled ratchets year or so ago, My dealer probably has dozen or so on his truck. I know he has green, blue, black, yellow and red.

 

[L.Cheapo]

You can still buy a fair number of hard handled tools new from Snap On. Its not like the 90s, where everything had a hard handle, but they're enjoying a bit of a resurgence.

Personally, I will always buy the hard handle if available, and have since I bought my first Snap On tool in the mid 90s. Just fits my hand so well.

Off the top of my head, you can currently buy:
1/4 & 3/8 ratchets
Screwdrivers
Nut drivers
Brake shoe hold down tools
Ratcheting screwdrivers
Ratcheting 1/4" square drivers
Robertson drivers
Pocket screwdrivers

 

[WittHay]

I thought the hard handle ratchets and screwdrivers would be in the new catalog, as the dealer always has a selection on the truck

Other hard handle items are scrapers, tire valve tools, 1/4 and 3/8 drive spinner handles and lots of specialty tools such as the flywheel turner

 

[Htscheg]

Im not a fan of the new comfort grip at all, too hard to keep clean! I actually prefere the hard hanfles, orange please!!!

 

[pi_guy]

I thought the hard handle ratchets and screwdrivers would be in the new catalog, as the dealer always has a selection on the truck

Other hard handle items are scrapers, tire valve tools, 1/4 and 3/8 drive spinner handles and lots of specialty tools such as the flywheel turner

I believe they are making a limited number of them.

 

[anndel]

I bought the pearl blue 3/8" version as my driver had a promo on it. I hardly touched it and they're only for looks sitting in my drawer as I use the regular metal handle or soft comfort grip more.

 

[Dave455]

I bought the pearl blue 3/8" version as my driver had a promo on it. I hardly touched it and they're only for looks sitting in my drawer as I use the regular metal handle or soft comfort grip more.

I know how you feel when you have just shelled out lots of cash!

I can assure you though that those hard handles wear well.

I work in the aviation industry here in the U.K. and a lot of the engineers have both those hard handle ratchets and drivers. Some of them are clearly quite old (lots of the original black and orange handles) but despite lots of regular use they are all in good shape. The material just polishes a bit.

If they get really rough, you can even sand them down and polish them up again!

 

[MaverickDMD]

The hard handles are of an expensive material. The soft handles aren't, so they are favoured by the company as profit margin increases. Chrome handles cost more as there is more cost in producing more metal. Thus chrome handles cost more, comfort handles are pushed because of their lower cost to produce and hard handles are discontinued or made less available and of lesser quality. The company wins.

 

[Rickster]

I have big hands and you know what that means...thats right; big gloves! The larger hard handles just feel more comfortable to me.

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

Snap-on steel handles only here, tougher than a $2 steak.