Snap on hard handle vs new soft hndl screwdriver?

[sickytwisted]

I recently watched a couple of auctions on four different sets of Snap on screwdrivers. All four were the 8 pc. set(I'm sure you're familiar with that set, 6 regular sized screw drivers and a stubby flat along with a stubby phillips). Two sets were the older hard handle and two were the new, soft handle INSTINCT'S. THe two hard handle sets sold for about 128 a piece shipped and the newer ones sold for 89 shipped and 93 shipped. Is there a market for the older stuff and why? I'm just curious. I come across those all the time at the Pomona swapmeet here in southern California and I'm wondering if I should be picking them up more often. WHat do you say?

 

[rjohnson]

Older hard handles are sought after by people because they are no longer made and many people find their grips to bery very comfortable. The main reason, however, for their high selling amounts on eBay is because they are no longer made.

 

[Deej]

I like the new snap on handles a lot better than the older ones. I know people that can't stand the new ones though.

 

[rsanter]

I just got one of the new type soft handled ratchets
I like it

bob

 

[t100]

I found the soft handle is a ***** to clean up. I'm not a pro wrencher, I like to and I have the time to keep them clean after use. the hard handle is a breeze but the soft is just too gummy. the worse is the grip on CT4850HO cordless impact.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have 5 or 6 complete 8-piece sets.

 

[sickytwisted]

I have 5 or 6 complete 8-piece sets.

Why? As a collection i'm assuming?

 

[MotoDave]

The old hard handle are becoming sought after by people that don't like the new Instinct handles.

Please seem to overlook that you can get hard handle instinct now. I handled a set on the truck last week and really liked the feel of them. I will be picking up a set sometime down the road.

 

[Blwnsln]

I found the soft handle is a ***** to clean up. I'm not a pro wrencher, I like to and I have the time to keep them clean after use. the hard handle is a breeze but the soft is just too gummy. the worse is the grip on CT4850HO cordless impact.

I have no problem cleaning mine up, try a general purpose degreaser first, then I use rubber care or as some know it gummiplegde, it works wonders on soft plastic.

 

[NH Gearhead]

Dumb question: How do you remove the existing hard handle, to install a new one?

I've got a Snap-On 3/8" with the hard plastic handle (black). I like it a lot but can't seem to find any to match...probably obsolete.

I agree about the soft handle ones, they always look dirty and don't clean up as well. If I can buy the new Instinct hard handles seperately I might swap them onto my existing ratchets.


Thanks.

-G

 

[heelsroll]

Dumb question: How do you remove the existing hard handle, to install a new one?
I've got a Snap-On 3/8" with the hard plastic handle (black). I like it a lot but can't seem to find any to match...probably obsolete.
I agree about the soft handle ones, they always look dirty and don't clean up as well. If I can buy the new Instinct hard handles seperately I might swap them onto my existing ratchets.
Thanks.
-G

G,

Good discussion of this elsewhere w/r/t ratchets, Moose has posted some good pictures.

The gist:

Chuck that screwdriver shaft in a vise, using some rubber to protect it. Use a pair of prybars to pry the handle off. A block of wood, line wrench, or crowfoot socket beneath the handle will protect it from the pry bar ends, though if you're careful it can be done without them.

The trick is really locking that driver shaft into the vise, and tasking your time with the pressure.

I can do this in about 2 minutes now, but the first time took quite a bit longer.

 

[NH Gearhead]

Thanks for the leads.... I'm finding some good stuff now in the archives.

I've got a Snap-On F836 with the hard black plastic handle, and would love to find another one like it so I can have a few different sockets loaded up at the same time and just grab the wrench I need. I seem to spend a lot of time just swapping from 1/2" to 9/16" sockets on my current project.

I just found the hard handle thread showing all the part numbers (and COLORS!) that are available from Snap-On directly. Now I'm thinking I may swap over to the red ones to make the wrenches easier to spot on my toolbench....those black-handled ones seem to get invisible among the clutter.

EDIT: I just bought a 20-ton hydraulic press, so I might be able to build a pressing fixture to get my new handles on easily. With some creativity, I might even be able to use it to press the old ones off... [/rubs beard thinking]



-G

 

[heelsroll]

No problem, it can be tough to figure out exactly what to search and there is a lot of stuff here!

One thing about the new handles from Snap-On, many are out of stock already. Your driver may have them but online the most popular size is OOS.

I love the looks of the classic black handles but I'm also going for high visibility. I just sold a set with red and blue handles, I think so far my favorites are the light blue/aqua/turqoise ones. I'll post a pic once I get the set together.

 

[woody 73]

If you like the hard handle screwdrivers I would suggest buying a set of williams screwdrivers, they will not have the snappy name and better yet not cost a kings ransom ( they are made by snap on).

 

[heelsroll]

If you like the hard handle screwdrivers I would suggest buying a set of williams screwdrivers, they will not have the snappy name and better yet not cost a kings ransom ( they are made by snap on).

Agreed with Woody73. I have a set of the Williams hard handled torx drivers and the handle is identical to the old shape Snap-On handle. (Don't know if they've since changed to the new style or not.) The torx drivers are a bright bright orange that will not get lost, for sure.

 

[heelsroll]

EDIT: I just bought a 20-ton hydraulic press, so I might be able to build a pressing fixture to get my new handles on easily. With some creativity, I might even be able to use it to press the old ones off... [/rubs beard thinking]
-G

I use a 3-ton arbor press to place my handles, because I have it. I've also just tapped them on with a soft-face dead blow hammer. I prefer the arbor press to hydraulic ones because I like the feedback it gives me, and like it better than a dead blow because I can make a little tighter press fit.

There are couple of ways you could use it to pull the handles, I have thought about it much during otherwise idle time but it really is pretty simple with the vise and pry bars. If there's speed or ease or care to be had it's probably just in getting the perfect piece of scrap wood to protect the handle.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Make sure the hole in the wood is large enough to accept the bolster if it has one. Two prybars is best, but one will often do the job. Hardwood is best although i did split a 1" piece of hardwood yesterday removing a handle with a 24" prybar. (Hard plastic would be the best option.) As mentioned before make sure the shank is clamped securely, use an old serp belt, some wood, aluminium sheet or whatever if you want to pull the shank without damaging it.

You can use a press, but make sure you use some kind of padding on the handle. Yesterday a guy i work with destroyed a very rare red handle using a press on it. A plastic hammer of soft face deadblow works fine.

So far i've pulled about 70 and have only marked two.

 

[MrMark]

Now that is a great shot!



SO dealer I have seen just beats them off with a hammer and open end wrench and clamps the chrome shaft in the knurled vise jaws. He then beats the new handle on with a ball pein.

He could take some lessons from the Moose.