Snap-on Hard Handle Swappers - Logo Question

[89MustangGX]

I decided to try my hand at swapping over some soft handle ratchets to hard handles. I did my homework and ordered the hard handles I wanted by part number (SDD5R1RG, SDD6R1RG, SDD8R1RG). Problem is, they are not all the same. The #5 and #8 handles are what I was looking for - essentially universal. The #6 handle looks like it is straight from the screwdriver assembly line and has the thicker font and screwdriver part number on it. I know I'm picky (that's why we're here, right?), but I'd like them all to match and prefer the non-part number handle. So my question is, are they switching them all over to the new style or did I just get unlucky and someone grabbed one from a different bin? At this point, I've already removed a couple soft handles, so I'm committed to doing swapping, but wondering if I should try to find another matching #6 or not.

 

[AEAdam]

I think that’s just how they are? Have to look at mine.

Just remember that the chrome for a soft grip is longer than the chrome for a HH. That or the hole in the HH may not be deep enough for a soft grip ratchet.

 

[3baygarage]

Whether it fits or not, you got a screwdriver handle. Maybe they ought to send you the one you ordered.

 

[89MustangGX]

Whether it fits or not, you got a screwdriver handle. Maybe they ought to send you the one you ordered.

I purposely ordered based on the screwdriver number, they are half the price and i picked the sizes I wanted knowing I would have to modify them. I just didn't get what I expected for the #6 size. The others are exactly what I expected.

 

[89MustangGX]

I went ahead and swapped the handles on. My first time doing the swap and it wasn't bad. Took longer to boil the water than to get the handles drilled up and slid on.

 

[Wamsutta]

The ratchet handles always had their own special size even though they look like screwdriver handles.

That handle you put on the 1/4 drive looks to me like a #2 Phillips handle.

 

[KSJeff]

Anybody know of a generic version of these hard handles? I love my snap on 80s, but I have a few gearwrench soft grips I'd like to put hard grips on and I'd prefer they didn't say snap on or come with a snap on price.

I've thought about trying to find some used Williams screwdrivers buy I like the slightly different ratchet handles. Don't really care about the color and I could use screwdriver handles if I have to.

 

[EDRJR]

I had a couple of Snap On black handles disintegrate due to age (1978). After trying off and on to get replacement handles from Snap On, I finally bought a 3 pack of these:

Blank Handles

Blank Handles

blankhandles.com

Very happy with the results. I put one on a long gasket scraper and the other on my long pry bar using two part epoxy. Hope this helps.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I had a couple of Snap On black handles disintegrate due to age (1978). After trying off and on to get replacement handles from Snap On, I finally bought a 3 pack of these:

Blank Handles

Blank Handles

blankhandles.com

Very happy with the results. I put one on a long gasket scraper and the other on my long pry bar using two part epoxy. Hope this helps.

That's a pretty neat site you found. Thanks for sharing.

 

[KSJeff]

Looking around I found these. I went ahead and ordered them and I'll see if the handles are a good fit. They're not blank, but they're plenty cheap.

Amazon.com

 

[will335i]

IIRC, in order to use the correct hard handle ratchet grips both the hole in the handle and the shank have to be modified. Using the screwdriver handles allows for the swap to be done without as much modification.

I chose to use the ratchet grips when I did my swap because I didn't want to see the screwdriver part number. Others don't mind it.

 

[KSJeff]

Looking around I found these. I went ahead and ordered them and I'll see if the handles are a good fit. They're not blank, but they're plenty cheap.

Amazon.com

So, these handles, while slick, are a pretty nice fit... However, I can't seem to seperate them from the shaft of the screwdriver. So far I've put them in a vice, with a washer underneath and used two pry bars. Next up is the washer/adjustable wrench and hammer process.

After that I'll try to apply some heat, but I'm not sure how well that will work.