Snap-On Ratcheting Screwdriver Mod

[CBassB]

Hi all!

I recently came across a video on YouTube demonstrating how to convert an old hard handle ratchet screwdriver to the interchangeable blade type. I was pretty happy because I'm a fan of the hard handles.

That all got me thinking of the endless possibilities. The video shows a set of screwdriver tip blades with a 1/4" square drive. That is model SGDMRC60, but it is discontinued. There is also a selection of different lengths of multi-bit shanks or socket driver shanks.

Now, the Snap-On purists won't like me... Is there any other source for something similar to the discontinued fixed blades? I saw that Gearwrench has interchangeable nut drivers of the same style (I'll probably just purchase the individual sizes I use the most). Are they interchangeable with Snappy? Any other sources for something like that?

I use that driver a lot, so I'm curious of all the options.

Thanks,
S

 

[rlitman]

Those SO shanks are stupidly overpriced on eBay. I'd love a set, if I could get them for a reasonable price.

I know that Gearwrench shanks fit the SO handles (and vice versa). But I'm not familiar with screwdriver tipped shanks from them. Their quality is not as good as the SO shanks though. SO is stainless instead of chrome, and has nicer knurling.

I will say this. I have a Gearwrench shank that has 1/4" square drive on both ends. I use this with my SO handles with nut driver sockets. 95% of the time I use nut drivers, I don't have a need for the hollow shaft, and I have sets of fixed handle nut drivers, so I don't see much utility in the nut driver shanks (at least for me), and the Gearwrench shanks aren't fully hollow either. But screwdriver tipped shanks have lots of advantages in tight spaces over bit driver shanks.

 

[KnurledNut]

My Gearwrench shanks will not fit the SOFT GRIP SO driver. I havent tried them on the hard handle version.

EDIT: I just tried the GW on the SO HARD HANDLE. Mine will fit with force, but do not turn freely and scratched the chrome.
My GW shafts measure .008 over SO.
Hope this helps.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have a SnapOn reversible ratcheting screwdriver in the same green as shown. The drive is .250" hex-drive. I like this screwdriver because it works. I have to admit that the SnapOn bits may be a little more expensive, but the Tool Truck will come to my home shop, when I call. The MAC tool truck guy stopped for a visit. Of course, I bought something. This saves me lots of wasted time in traffic and so much frustration.
I have never regretted buying quality tools at higher prices.
I have never been disappointed with SnapOn, MAC or anything SK.
I have an SK reversible screwdriver with a sprag drive. I paid $165cdn for this unit and I have no regrets. The drive is metric, but, it came with SAE adapters.

 

[CBassB]

Thanks for your replies. I guess that limits my options even more.... I might still order the cheapest Gearwrench shank just to give is a try. If any other manufacturers come to mind please do share.

I measured my hard handle screwdriver, the shank comes in at 0.315" and the opening in the handle is 0.323", so it is pretty tight clearances.

S

My Gearwrench shanks will not fit the SOFT GRIP SO driver. I havent tried them on the hard handle version.

EDIT: I just tried the GW on the SO HARD HANDLE. Mine will fit with force, but do not turn freely and scratched the chrome.
My GW shafts measure .008 over SO.
Hope this helps.

 

[Spacey_G]

My Gearwrench shanks will not fit the SOFT GRIP SO driver. I havent tried them on the hard handle version.

EDIT: I just tried the GW on the SO HARD HANDLE. Mine will fit with force, but do not turn freely and scratched the chrome.
My GW shafts measure .008 over SO.
Hope this helps.

Does Snap-on make a hard handle version with interchangeable shanks? I was under the impression that style was only available with soft grip. Hence the DIY swap.

 

[KnurledNut]

Thanks for your replies. I guess that limits my options even more.... I might still order the cheapest Gearwrench shank just to give is a try. If any other manufacturers come to mind please do share.

I measured my hard handle screwdriver, the shank comes in at 0.315" and the opening in the handle is 0.323", so it is pretty tight clearances.

S

Yes, i got the same measurements on my SO.

Does Snap-on make a hard handle version with interchangeable shanks? I was under the impression that style was only available with soft grip. Hence the DIY swap.

They do not. Soft grip only. I pulled my hard handle apart to see if it would fit for the OP.

 

[CBassB]

That's some dedication there, thanks @KnurledNut.

@Spacey_G the conversion is really easy, you only need to remove the clip inside, and then you also need a new shaft with the detent ball. But it is worth it to me, since I already have it, and I prefer the hard handle anyway. And it's kinda cool to have something that doesn't really exist. Having screwdriver tip shanks or nutdrivers would be a nice bonus.

S

 

[KnurledNut]

I dont know how thick GW chrome is, but if you turned down or wet sanded a few thou off, they would work fine.

 

[Spacey_G]

Just watched the video - Super easy modification.

Does the soft handle have a detent for the retention ball and the hard handle does not? In other words, does the soft handle that's intended for removable shanks hve better retention?

 

[J.A.F.E.]

The shanks retain fine if they have a detent ball. The earlier shanks on the hard handles did not all have detent balls. The ratchet guts are the same between the hard handle and soft handle screwdrivers (and palm ratchets).

 

[ChevyEFI]

Those SO shanks are stupidly overpriced on eBay. I'd love a set, if I could get them for a reasonable price.

I know that Gearwrench shanks fit the SO handles (and vice versa). But I'm not familiar with screwdriver tipped shanks from them. Their quality is not as good as the SO shanks though. SO is stainless instead of chrome, and has nicer knurling.

I will say this. I have a Gearwrench shank that has 1/4" square drive on both ends. I use this with my SO handles with nut driver sockets. 95% of the time I use nut drivers, I don't have a need for the hollow shaft, and I have sets of fixed handle nut drivers, so I don't see much utility in the nut driver shanks (at least for me), and the Gearwrench shanks aren't fully hollow either. But screwdriver tipped shanks have lots of advantages in tight spaces over bit driver shanks.

Contrary to popular SnapWagoning, not all the shafts and interchangeable shafts are stainless. Online results say that particular set is chrome. This has come up on this forum before.

Every blade is interchangeable with every handle in the Soft Grip Ratcheting Screwdriver System. Choose just the right combination of blade and handle to meet your job needs. Non-magnetic blade is ideal for electronics applications. Vapor blasted tip resists chrome peeling. Knurled shank for finger tip control.
Interchangeable Blades
SGDMRC60

 

[KnurledNut]

Just watched the video - Super easy modification.

Does the soft handle have a detent for the retention ball and the hard handle does not? In other words, does the soft handle that's intended for removable shanks hve better retention?

The soft handle has machined detents. They are a little different than socket detents, in that they are squared off notches.

 

[2barevo]

I have this set but hardly ever use it. Would rather just pick up a regular driver.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

[ChevyEFI]

Just watched the video - Super easy modification.

Does the soft handle have a detent for the retention ball and the hard handle does not? In other words, does the soft handle that's intended for removable shanks hve better retention?

No. The inner piece of the soft grip handles is the same as the hard handle. I have owned soft grips, disassembled them, and ordered replacement internals, hoping to find detents. It is actually the tension of the rubber seal installed into the cap, and the spring-loaded ball in the interchangeable shafts, that keeps the interchangeable shafts in the handles.

The soft handle has machined detents. They are a little different than socket detents, in that they are squared off notches.

Who machined yours?

 

[plinker]

I have both of the blade sets, I thought they worked rather well. Not sure why they discontinued them. The Gearwrench shanks can work as mentioned, but I found they are a bit larger dia., which can be fixed.

 

[KnurledNut]

No. The inner piece of the soft grip handles is the same as the hard handle. I have owned soft grips, disassembled them, and ordered replacement internals, hoping to find detents. It is actually the tension of the rubber seal installed into the cap, and the spring-loaded ball in the interchangeable shafts, that keeps the interchangeable shafts in the handles.

Who machined yours?

I cant speak for yours, but mine MOST DEFINITELY has detents. The shaft that came with mine has a 2003 date code.
And the rubber seal does not provide retention in mine.

(In the original thread years ago, IIRC another member referenced the detents in his as well, and it was basically glossed over. Maybe only ours have them. Or maybe we just have better eyes.)

 

[Indexmill]

The video linked by the OP is not the best video out there. There is one that does the same thing but includes how to use a small metal/rubber ring that goes in the same spot as the original metal clip in the hard handle. That additional little part makes the mod the best it can be. Just browse you tube for additional hard handle conversion videos. The video give the part number for the ring; it is some ring for a GM air-conditioner. Works perfectly.

 

[Logik8522]

Does anyone have information about making your own detents for the original shank(nodetent) that came with the driver? For a 1/4"drive tip.... what size detent or ballbearing/spring should be used or is there a ball plunger(press In/thread in) that can be machined and installed?

 

[Logik8522]

The video linked by the OP is not the best video out there. There is one that does the same thing but includes how to use a small metal/rubber ring that goes in the same spot as the original metal clip in the hard handle. That additional little part makes the mod the best it can be. Just browse you tube for additional hard handle conversion videos. The video give the part number for the ring; it is some ring for a GM air-conditioner. Works perfectly.

I have searched and searched for this additional video with no luck. Do you have any idea what keywords might have been used to find this other video?

 

[ricleh]

Try this link