Snap on 210RAFSMA

[hand tools nerd]

I bought a brand new snap on 210RAFSMA off the tool truck and when I tried to put the ratchet on the sockets or the sockets on the ratchet they were really hard to get on and then on top of that they were really hard to get off the head that I had to use a flathead screwdriver to get them off. Why could that be? Update but then I've already texted my snap-on dealer.

 

[AEAdam]

A lot of new Snap on sockets are pretty tight fitting out of the box. The tolerances are very tight. I would add a few drops of 3 in 1 oil to the square drive on the ratchet and put a larger one (easier to remove) on and off a dozen times. Just the thickness of the black oxide finish on the anvil can cause this.

I have this exact same set. While I don't need a screwdriver, they are very tight (and I've used them VERY little). I think a plastic pry bar is a better tool for removing sockets. You probably wouldn't damage the chrome with a mini screwdriver, but I wouldn't risk it.

When my 1/4" drive were new, I needed a tool to remove especially the smaller sockets that are difficult to get a hold of. Now they are perfect.

 

[tamaraw]

Impossible to know without close up photos and precise measurements.

I did have a TMS70A a while back that was extremely tight and would not fit many sockets. Sloppy chrome job from the factory brought the drive end out of tolerance and I had to file it down carefully checking with a pair of calipers.

I ended up buying a second one later, the square drive worked fine but the knurled band was rounded over with almost zero bite compared to the first one.

I have also seen brand new socket sets with inconsistent stampings and screwdriver handles with sharp flashing. Point being, Snap-on QC is very hit and miss, work with your dealer until you get a good tool.

 

[hand tools nerd]

Impossible to know without close up photos and precise measurements.

I did have a TMS70A a while back that was extremely tight and would not fit many sockets. Sloppy chrome job from the factory brought the drive end out of tolerance and I had to file it down carefully checking with a pair of calchecking

I ended up buying a second one later, the square drive worked fine but the knurled band was rounded over with almost zero bite compared to the first one.

I have also seen brand new socket sets with inconsistent stampings and screwdriver handles with sharp flashing. Point being, Snap-on QC is very hit and miss, work with your dealer until you get a good tool.

The close up pictures I can get but I don't know about the measurements

 

[AEAdam]

The close up pictures I can get but I don't know about the measurements

Precise measurements was the key term. We’re taking about sub .001” measurements. I think that’s a waste of your time. Try oil and a little usage. I can guarantee they will loosen up over time. And drive some oil into the ball detent. That should have been the first thing you did. Use a pin punch to compress the ball's spring and put a couple drops of oil in the gap that forms.

 

[hand tools nerd]

I got a new 10mm socket under warranty because that was the only issue after all