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Snap On Black Screwdriver handles

Rosso

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Jan 17, 2014
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Scotland, UK
Hi,

I want to change out my screwdrivers, currently have green Instinct soft/hard grips with various blades etc etc. Fancy myself some new sets.

One thing l learned is that green was a bad idea, nightmare to keep clean so im wanting to go to black, however looking over the snap on wesbite which is poor in listing all the options at the best of times they appear to hardly do black screwdrivers.

I really need long ones, like these:


And the standard lengths.

All i can see listed is a 7 piece hard handle set with normal lengths.

Does anyone know if they do offer more options and they just aren't listed ?

Thanks
 
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cgrutt

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designer485

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Orange County, CA
I would grab a set of these. Exactly the same as the Snap-On versions for a lot less money. The shanks are even stamped with the Snap-On "S" if you pull one from the handle.

If you cant find the longer handles drivers you are looking for in black, you can always buy the black handles and long shanks and put them together via parts from the Snap-On website.

81-1gT2dYlL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

As an example, I wanted a longer shank stubby. I grabbed a Williams #2 and a Snap-On stubby from eBay and swapped the shanks. Snap-On parts makes it easy to create your own.

i-SwfsZhJ.jpg

Before:
i-MgnNQMh.jpg

After:
i-D9TpDx6.jpg
 
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AEAdam

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Depending on what you are working on, hard handles may be a downgrade from instincts. Instincts are physically bigger, grippier, yet easily spinnable compared to hard handles.
If dirt like brake dust is the issue, consider hard instincts. If grease and oil is the issue, instincts excel at providing grip when slippery.

I have both, use both, like both. I clean both with gritless hand cleaner and I think that works great. Over time, my hard handles (30 yrs old?) have worn pretty smooth.
 

clutchee

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TX- Near the Telephone
One thing to think about. Depending on environment you work in, the black handles can get lost. I worked on heavy equipment and only lost one, black flat blade.

Later co worker found it, in belly pan that was removed.
 

Steve_P

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Sep 15, 2010
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As an example, I wanted a longer shank stubby. I grabbed a Williams #2 and a Snap-On stubby from eBay and swapped the shanks. Snap-On parts makes it easy to create your own.



After:
i-D9TpDx6.jpg

I did a similar swap after I saw it here- maybe your post. I wanted a short shank #2 phillips on a full-size Williams handle. It's really easy to do, just clamp the shank tight in a pair of aluminum vise jaws, and only takes a few minutes.
 
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Rosso

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I could buy the Snap on hard handle set.

I don't mind buying handles and swapping out others etc but aren't the blade shanks and handles all different etc ?
 

Wamsutta

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Amarillo, Texas
I could buy the Snap on hard handle set.

I don't mind buying handles and swapping out others etc but aren't the blade shanks and handles all different etc ?

The blade shanks correspond to their designated handle and visa versa. The shanks are replaced under warranty, but it's extremely rare that a dealer will replace the handle.
 

AEAdam

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I bet they cost at least double the price of the Williams set.
Some here have reported that Williams quality is not the same as Snap Ons. I recall crooked handles, rotated , such that the logos don't line up with the blade, and tip quality issues. I think we need to be clear that Williams is not the "same" as Snap On, just cheaper.

I personally don't need my screwdrivers for automotive as much as I used to. I don't use them as chisels or pry-bars. But, I probably bought them around 1995 and they are still fine tools. I'd recommend spending whatever for a tool that could last that long. My advice is pick what you want. Don't buy another set of screwdriver you don't love.
 

BarrelRoll

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Jan 10, 2006
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Alaska
Some here have reported that Williams quality is not the same as Snap Ons. I recall crooked handles, rotated , such that the logos don't line up with the blade, and tip quality issues. I think we need to be clear that Williams is not the "same" as Snap On, just cheaper.

I personally don't need my screwdrivers for automotive as much as I used to. I don't use them as chisels or pry-bars. But, I probably bought them around 1995 and they are still fine tools. I'd recommend spending whatever for a tool that could last that long. My advice is pick what you want. Don't buy another set of screwdriver you don't love.

Snapon and Williams parts are interchangeable. My snapon guy has put a blade in a Williams screwdriver for me. Are they the same exact quality? I'm not sure though a good snappy rep may take care of you if you break a Williams screwdriver.

I've started using my snapon ratcheting screwdriver a lot for general purpose stuff to the point it's the only phillips I carry in my work tool bag.

SSDMR4B.jpg
 

AEAdam

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Snapon and Williams parts are interchangeable. My snapon guy has put a blade in a Williams screwdriver for me. Are they the same exact quality? I'm not sure though a good snappy rep may take care of you if you break a Williams screwdriver.

I've started using my snapon ratcheting screwdriver a lot for general purpose stuff to the point it's the only phillips I carry in my work tool bag.

SSDMR4B.jpg
Ratcheting screwdrivers are things that one may not appreciate.

This is my guest toolbox. That little green instinct ratchet is my favorite. I like it more than the big one.
066BB059-99B2-4E13-A9B6-DC2765CAF6CE.jpeg

The long shaft in with the screwdrivers is really helpful.

The little screwdriver set with the sockets is nice, but I think they are expensive.
 

cgrutt

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Used set on ebay $125 no bids. Ends in about 1 Hr.

 
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cgrutt

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That doesn't make any sense. The handles look brand new but the shanks are trashed. A real mystery right there.
Probably why no bids lol. IDK it's not my listing just thought OP might be interested in taking a look.
 

Wamsutta

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Amarillo, Texas
Probably why no bids lol. IDK it's not my listing just thought OP might be interested in taking a look.
That's one tool I would never buy used is a screwdriver. People in general either use the wrong size for the fastener, or they let the screwdriver slip and trash the tip.
 

humber2

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Downunder
I no longer buy black handle tools as they have a habit of hiding themselves.

But I’m thinking yellow handles might hide away on Cat machines.

YMMV
 
OP
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Rosso

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Scotland, UK
Hi,

So i ended up going with numerous Hard handle black kits, got pretty much everything swapped like for like but in black.

Last few include these:


Is anyone aware of a black hard handle part number that i could purchase and swap them onto these shanks ? They don't make long Torx screwdrivers with hard handles, let alone black.

Both of these too:

 

ecotec

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5,437
You might want to look for a CAT screwdriver set. I think they are made by Snap-on for Caterpillar.
I put in four orders for Caterpillar tools during the Covid time period. I bought a **** ton… and, I wish that I had bought a bunch more. Soon after that, the Caterpillar website became unusable.

You put in your order on the Caterpillar parts.cat.com site, and then picked them up at your local Caterpillar dealership when they came.

The sockets were my favorite buy, but the screwdrivers are pretty great.
 

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lynnbilodeau

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I know there are a lot of SO haters on this site; mainly because of price. About 60% of my tools are SnapOn, most purchased in the 70s and 80s. Can't beat the flare nut wrenches IMHO. Big fan of most SO tools.

But.... when it comes to screwdrivers (and I have a lot of SO) you can't beat the newer Proto set here:
You can probably find it cheaper.

If you leave one of those SO handles sitting on a rag that happens to have carb or brake cleaner on it (or anything with acetone) it will ruin the finish on the handle.
The Proto stand up to EVERYTHING. Even saw a test where the guy soaked it overnite in acetone.

JMHO.
 

ecotec

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On a budget, I would look for a sale on a set of Williams black hard handles. I have Snap-on, Williams and Cat… and I am happy using all of them.
 

InjectorService

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Dec 11, 2019
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Canada
The blade shanks correspond to their designated handle and visa versa. The shanks are replaced under warranty, but it's extremely rare that a dealer will replace the handle.
Strange you say that. My driver gives me a whole screwdriver every time.
 

johninct

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Dec 21, 2010
Messages
2,595
Strange you say that. My driver gives me a whole screwdriver every time.
If your handles start to really smell or just fall apart, the dealer will replace them. My dealer wanted to replace all of my old black handles. I said no and will replace them only when necessary.
 

Wamsutta

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Amarillo, Texas
Strange you say that. My driver gives me a whole screwdriver every time.
That's up to the driver but he doesn't have to because Snap-on provides the shanks separately. They figure you're not supposed to ever wear the handle out and they frown on you if you ask for a new handle.
 
OP
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Rosso

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Jan 17, 2014
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Scotland, UK
Just to follow this up. I bought the Snap on 7 piece hard handle screw driver set. The 7 piece Torx screwdriver set, some odd ones too.

The torx screwdriver set handles accept a number of different blades.

So i now have a full set of radiator picks with black hard handles, trim clip removal tools with black hard handles etc etc. Each handle was around £20 (UK) Piece of cake to swap over.
 

isb cornbinder

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Nov 3, 2010
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Pacific South West, BC, Canada
Hi,

I want to change out my screwdrivers, currently have green Instinct soft/hard grips with various blades etc etc. Fancy myself some new sets.

One thing l learned is that green was a bad idea, nightmare to keep clean so im wanting to go to black, however looking over the snap on wesbite which is poor in listing all the options at the best of times they appear to hardly do black screwdrivers.

I really need long ones, like these:


And the standard lengths.

All i can see listed is a 7 piece hard handle set with normal lengths.

Does anyone know if they do offer more options and they just aren't listed ?

Thanks
Are suggesting that green screwdriver handles get dirty sooner than black handles? Maybe the dirt just shows better on green. I have all SK screwdrivers in green. Vive la difference! I also have a full set of black handle HAZET screwdrivers.
 
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Rosso

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Jan 17, 2014
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454
Location
Scotland, UK
Are suggesting that green screwdriver handles get dirty sooner than black handles? Maybe the dirt just shows better on green. I have all SK screwdrivers in green. Vive la difference! I also have a full set of black handle HAZET screwdrivers.
Not so much they get dirty sooner, obviously they get as dirty as they will doing any given job, i just found the Soft grip Instinct handles didn't last well, they got chewed up easily and this held dirt etc which just made them look rubbish.
 

oldschoolcraft

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Dec 31, 2017
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Bay Area, California
How do you actually change the shafts and how do you know what the correct handle is? There's a few snap on tools, like hose picks that only come in the instinct handles and I want only hard handles.

Is there a fixed number of handle sizes? Looks like maybe 3 or 4 sizes only?

A few people in this thread said it's easy. Just yank it out, but I'm afraid I'll damage the shank.
 

seber

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May 31, 2016
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Deep East Tx.
How do you actually change the shafts and how do you know what the correct handle is? There's a few snap on tools, like hose picks that only come in the instinct handles and I want only hard handles.

Is there a fixed number of handle sizes? Looks like maybe 3 or 4 sizes only?

A few people in this thread said it's easy. Just yank it out, but I'm afraid I'll damage the shank.
Clamp the shank in a soft vise jaw with a box end over the shaft. Bang the wrench with a soft hammer and the handle will pop right off.
 
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