Snap On FH80 Issue

[bigredjeepone]

So to my extreme disappointment I ordered two FH80s only to discover that both had bent handles. This occurred during the manufacturing process and Snap On replaced both with no issue, but wth.

Oddly they didn't even want the old ones back and are aware of the situation, but the fact they actually continue to ship these leaves me a bit confused.

One was so bent that the comfort grip couldn't be fully installed. I guess this is one good reason to buy off the truck verses online.


The very badly bent one was turned over to my local guy and the other I gave a shot a straightening in my press. I was able to get most the bent out, but man those are some tough handles with a VERY good temper.

Anyone else run into this or see it? If anyone has an extra FHL80 (long handle 3/8) or T72 (standard 1/4) and wants to trade for the one I corrected let me know.

 

[bigredjeepone]

I should clarify, the bent section was the small diameter part that goes into the comfort grip. The bent was a result of how the die stamped the "wings" into it to hold the grip on.

 

[bobcatdan]

No matter how good QC is, stuff that shouldn't slip threw does from time to time. SO resolved the problem so what is the big deal.

 

[ecotec]

I should clarify, the bent section was the small diameter part that goes into the comfort grip. The bent was a result of how the die stamped the "wings" into it to hold the grip on.

The wings bigredjeepone is talking about can be seen in the How It's Made where they make a comfort grip dual80.

 

[bigredjeepone]

No matter how good QC is, stuff that shouldn't slip threw does from time to time. SO resolved the problem so what is the big deal.

No issue now, just sharing my experience and I even said they fixed it. Sorry if that rubbed you wrong. Just hated seeing SO miss that, not like it is going to soil my opinion of the Dual 80. I think its one of the best ratchets I have ever picked up. I thought the 936 was nice, but the Dual 80 is smooth as silk. My only issue now is having a draw full of 36t ratchets I wish were 80t.

 

[Loscaldazar]

For all the talk about you pay more for Snap On and get better quality control, I've never seen that. Their quality control is no different than any other company I've experienced.

 

[71firebird400]

That is too bad. Just another example of why I don't cut corners on ratchets; SK and Wright only for me.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

That is too bad. Just another example of why I don't cut corners on ratchets; SK and Wright only for me.

I love SK sockets and wrenches, but their ratchets don't even come close to a Dual 80. You're really missing out.

 

[ScottsGT]

That is too bad. Just another example of why I don't cut corners on ratchets; SK and Wright only for me.

Yea, 'cause Snap On is a cutting corner ratchet I had my old SO fine tooth replaced a couple years ago with a new one. Handle and all since the chrome was peeling off after 25+ years. I tell my grown boys they are NOT allowed to use that one. It's too nice for their level of expertise.
But I could not believe how accommodating they were to take something with a cosmetic blemish and make it right.

 

[71firebird400]

Guess I feel differently; none of mine have bent handles though so I've got no personal experience with the defective Snap On products. Best of luck. Hope it all works out.

 

[Stevenn1]

I love SK sockets and wrenches, but their ratchets don't even come close to a Dual 80. You're really missing out.

^^I agree.^^

The knurling on SK ratchets just ****.

 

[Wamsutta]

One was so bent that the comfort grip couldn't be fully installed. I guess this is one good reason to buy off the truck verses online.

That brings up a question I've always had in my mind. I wonder if the dealers take the time to check for defects as they're stocking the truck.

 

[Stevenn1]

It's been my experience years ago with Snap-on, the quality of customer service boils down to the individual dealer. The company will take almost anything back. It's the dealer (truck) who decides if he wants to please you. Some dealers just ****, while others will swap out almost anything for any reason. What some dealers don't realize is if he don't please you today on swapping out a $200 tool, for this reason you will choose to buy that $10k toolbox off the MAC truck tomorrow instead.

 

[Wamsutta]

I've decided to make a list of my Snap-on defect experiences:

1. combination wrenches with the box end broached off center
2. combination wrenches that skipped the beam rounding process
3. screwdriver handles that had the bore for the shank drilled crooked
4. ratchets that had the cover plate recessed instead of being flush
5. ratchets that have been nicked during the manufacturing process

Having said all that, I'm still a fan of Snap-on. I just inspect the tools carefully before using them.

 

[tr0n]

I have a set of SK metric wrenches that have bends in the middle because the "SK" was stamped way too hard.

**** do happen. Lucky the wrenches were a good deal

 

[mlum6969]

probably got a bad batch. why do you need two of the same ratchets though?

 

[Skin]

I love SK sockets and wrenches, but their ratchets don't even come close to a Dual 80. You're really missing out.

In terms of ratchet action I have to disagree. Ideal SK backdrag is extremely low, especially the 1/4". Remember its not just tooth count. Try a nicely broken in Cornwell or new or used Koken Zeal, they're also very nice despite being in the 30 tooth neighborhood. The Zeal in particular has almost no resistance to the mechanism at all. Makes dual 80s feel clunky.

On a related note on knurling the Ideal SKs also have a much kinder (soft) texture to them comparative to prior generations.