replacement screwdriver handles

[OSAO]

I have used the search function, and read many, many posts about SO hard handle screwdrivers. One thing I have not been able to figure out, is there an affordable alternative to the new SO replacement handles?

I have about a dozen SO screwdrivers that are missing the handles (turned to dust inside tool box), and replacing all the handles with new SO would cost more than it would be worth to me, as I already have plenty of good useable screwdrivers.

Since I am not concerned with having the SO name on the handle, is there an affordable way to make these blades into useable screwdrivers?

Side note: I know how new users get reamed out for asking basic questions without using the search first.. I DID search, I did wade through tons of posts about SO hard handle screw drivers, just didnt find information about affordable handle alternatives. If I missed a thread that already covers this, please post a link. Thanks!

 

[HookWorse]

Side note: I know how new users get reamed out for asking basic questions without using the search first.. I DID search, I did wade through tons of posts about SO hard handle screw drivers, just didnt find information about affordable handle alternatives. If I missed a thread that already covers this, please post a link. Thanks!

My ears are burning! There are some good guys on here, and hopefully one of them has some guidance for you.

 

[MattT]

Warranty them thru' corporate. They'll send you new screwdrivers. You'll probably get Instinct hard handles as replacements.

 

[plinker]

I have about a dozen SO screwdrivers that are missing the handles (turned to dust inside tool box),

If they disentigrated (old style hard handle?), that is a warranty issue. You would Instinct style back though if you sent them in. I would try and call them and see if you can get a set of the new hard handles to replace them under warranty.

 

[lbgradwell]

If they disentigrated (old style hard handle?), that is a warranty issue. You would Instinct style back though if you sent them in. I would try and call them and see if you can get a set of the new hard handles to replace them under warranty.

+1. This is a known warranty issue; the Instinct drivers were the replacement but now that SO has re-introduced the hard handles, I'll bet they would send those...

 

[OSAO]

Yes, these are the old style hard handles that fell apart. As I understand it, the SO warranty applies to the original owner of the tools. In the interest of full disclosure, I purchased these from the original owner, so I wouldnt really expect to recieve the waranty..

 

[OSAO]

Since I do not care if the screwdriver handles say "snap on", does anyone know if Williams sells replacement handles?

 

[DanCo]

Call Snap On corporate, first. Explain the situation if you are completely honest with them like you have been with us they should issue you warranty replacements. Take pictures of what's left of the handles, offer to email them as proof of their condition. Keep us posted.

 

[ihredo4]

Another alternative would be to put the wooden file handles on them,

 

[gf0012-aust]

if not resolved, you can buy (green) Mac handles separately

periodically see them on ebay $10-12 each

 

[mrshaun]

just call and them send them in. problem solved. if you were in my route it would have been taken care of with out question.

 

[rocklobster]

So aside from the warranty route, does anybody have a line on some good cheap screwdriver handles (non tool truck$$)?

 

[lauver]

OSAO,

Forget about new replacement handles. Go to a pawn shop and find some old screwdrivers that have handles that you like the look and feel of. Buy up a bunch of the ones you like, they're cheap (usually about $0.25 - $0.75 a piece). Take them home and let the fun begin:

1) put the driver shank in your vice,

2) heat the shank with a butane/propane torch about 3" away from the handle while pulling on the handle with your other hand. When the temperature is just right the handle will let go. Now you've got a donar handle for your old snappy screwdriver.

3) if necessary, drill the donar handle to fit your snappy driver shank. Measure the shank and use the next drill size below the measured size. You want to end up with a press fit.

4) if your snappy shank has flat ears that protrude from the shank, you will need to heat these a little as you drive the donar handle on with a rubber mallet.

5) Done. You and your snappy driver are back in business...

PS-- Check out Gtamazing's thread "Show off your custom handled ratchet" for some ideas on how you can tastefully adapt screwdriver handles on ratchets (or other tools for that matter).

 

[OSAO]

Thanks for all the replies. SO corporate took care of the screwdrivers under warranty, it was much easier than I expected.

 

[mrshaun]

enjoy the new ones osao......

 

[eburke197]

So aside from the warranty route, does anybody have a line on some good cheap screwdriver handles (non tool truck$$)?

Search "williams screwdriver" on eBay and you will see the different lots they sell. Less than $10 per screwdriver isn't horrible for new screwdrivers.