Snap On ratchet soft grip conversion

[Rosso]

Hello,

Apologies if this has been covered recently, on searching i found lots of old info im not sure is still accurate.

I have the following two soft grip ratchets:

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...p-Long-Handle-Flex-Head-Ratchet-(Red)/SHLF80A

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Dua...gy-Soft-Grip-Long-Handle-Ratchet-(Red)/SHL80A

I would like to, if possible change them to hard handles (black)

Is this still possible ?

If so what needs to be done ? I've read about having to modify the ratchet whilst others say not to and drill the handle etc etc.

Thanks

 

[mhejl]

You'll need the largest SDD8 handles if you don't want to cut the shaft. I tried them and found them too large and I have rather large hands. I went back to the soft grip on 1/2 ratchets.

The SDD6 on 3/8 ratchets is about as big as I can tolerate and they're probably 30% bigger than the factory-equipped hard handles (but they're 2x the cost of the SDD handles - why?).

It's also problematic drilling the handles out and staying straight. Go 1/64" bit size at a time.

The only one I had an issue with was a FHNF100 - mine had 3 different diameters on the grip shaft. Only one I cut was an FH80 to get a smaller "official" FHD80 handle on (smaller/shorter than the SDD6, thinner than a SDD5).

 

[Iowafox]

It's very easy I recently replaced a hard handle on a old snapon that the handle was worn out and I found boiling water on the handle that is on it currently o loosen it up. Then take a flathead screwdriver and work it off. Then use a vice and some soft jaws or wood pieces to hold the ratchet and then take a hammer and a spare 2x4 piece and pound the new hard handle on. It might not be the best way but it worked for me!!

 

[Rosso]

SDD8 is a screwdriver handle isn't it ?

Size might not be an issue, i wear an XXL glove.

 

[mhejl]

SDD8 is a screwdriver handle isn't it ?

Size might not be an issue, i wear an XXL glove.

Yes. That's what all the old threads are based on. SO didn't come out with modern Dual 80 1/2" hard handles until (fairly) recently. I'm not sure how they'd compare to the SDD8 or if they'd retrofit directly. SO lists the SHD80A12 hard handle for $41 (!).

Hint: the Williams USA screwdrivers use exactly the same handle. You can buy a sacrificial whole set, and then individuals for a particular handle size. I've done that to re-handle a bunch of old crumbly '80's handles like scrapers, awls, prybars, etc. Black only, though.

Including the following as I haven't seen a "new" 3/8 soft handle (orange) vs older smaller handle (red) pic. Also shown is difference between SDD handles and factory hard handles (for 3/8 SDD6 and 1/4 SDD2). I had SDD6 hard handles on the 3/8s but swapped them back to the new, larger, soft grips.

I don't think they increased the soft grip size on 1/4 or 1/2 - anyone know?

Edit: The loose orange SDD2 handle at the top right is "fatter" than the factory hard handles on the 3 ratchets at the left. Feels awkward on a 1/4, not too bad on a 3/8. To convert a 3/8 soft handle to a factory FHD80-12 or SDD6 you'd have to cut the ratchet shank. However, I don't think this won't work for an FHNF100 - the shank is fatter than normal at the top end.

 

[designer485]

SDD8 is a perfect fit for a 1/2" Ratchet. I pulled the soft handle from a 936 series and replaced it with a hard handle. Drilled the SDD8 out to 7/16" to match the shank length on the ratchet.









Comparison between the SDD6 on 3/8" Ratchet and the SDD8 on a 1/2" Ratchet.

 

[Rosso]

I've had the soft grips off in the past as i've replaced them with new ones, they have two "wings" either side, the above doesn't appear to have them ?? Im not sure how that's going to work on the hard handle ? On the soft ones the wings bite into the plastic to stop the grip spinning.

 

[mhejl]

I've had the soft grips off in the past as i've replaced them with new ones, they have two "wings" either side, the above doesn't appear to have them ?? Im not sure how that's going to work on the hard handle ? On the soft ones the wings bite into the plastic to stop the grip spinning.

Same with the hard handles. They'll be fine.

 

[dsaabm]

I've had the soft grips off in the past as i've replaced them with new ones, they have two "wings" either side, the above doesn't appear to have them ?? Im not sure how that's going to work on the hard handle ? On the soft ones the wings bite into the plastic to stop the grip spinning.

I put SDD2 handle (3-5/8" overall length), much smaller than the SDD6 handle on my 3/8" flex and had to trim the wings down, even with that you can see the slight distortion in the handle from what's left of them in the photo attached. I'd do the SDD6 like the other guys are recommending if you don't want to screw with the wings/tabs.

 

[Rosso]

Wont the SDD8 be better as it should go on with just a small bit of drilling and hopefully not show the wings as it's a bigger grip ?

 

[ChevyEFI]

Anyone boiling the handle prior to install? To soften it for the 2 wings?

 

[mhejl]

Anyone boiling the handle prior to install? To soften it for the 2 wings?

No. Just pound it on with your favorite Trusty Cook dead blow. That's what the SO truck droids did when I was a mechanic.

 

[Iowafox]

Anyone boiling the handle prior to install? To soften it for the 2 wings?

I did with the old one to remove it. I heard that doing that for the new one isn't the best but you can warm the ratchet handle up and it makes it easier to wack it on.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Where did you score the purple handle? I’d like that.

 

[designer485]

Where did you score the purple handle? I’d like that.

Ordered direct from Snap-On. SDD8A2DP.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Ordered direct from Snap-On. SDD8A2DP.

Thanks.