Snap on ratcheting screwdrivers??

[90zcar]

Ok I am a little behind on the times and don't own one. I just bought a 41 piece snap on bit set and my dealer asked if I had one. He showed them to me and they seem nice. He had a red soft grip and a black hard handle one. The soft grip is nice and has the removable bit extension where as the hard handle doesn't but to me the soft grip one seemed way to bulky?
Am I crazy? I mean I own the soft grip instinct normal screwdrivers and they are fine but the soft grip ratcheting just seemed monstrous.
I have skinny little girly hands so maybe that's why ...I dunno
Are these pretty durable?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cburnscrx]

I've got the hard handled version, and it's fine, it works and does what it should, but truthfully I think they're overrated. Many people on here swear by them, so maybe it's just me. I bought mine used for $30 and probably wouldn't do it again. Again, just my opinion.

 

[neonlazer]

I have both soft grip's, but I do agree with the large a bit, that is why I use the small version much more.

 

[Scout Driver]

Myself and many others will say that Snap On makes the best ratcheting screwdriver. They will stand up just fine.

You mention the feel of the handle..... if a screwdriver is uncomfortable, it doesn't matter how good the quality is. An uncomfortable driver is going to sit in the tool box, un-used.

Another option for you may be Williams. I have read that they have the same ratcheting mechanism as the Snap On, but are lower priced. Different shaped handle too if I remember correctly.

Scott

 

[steveo3002]

ive had the hardhandle one for over 20 years , i use it alot and like it very much , i would go out and buy another if i lost it

 

[Jsf721]

I have a SO hard handle Ratcheting Driver. I purchased it to see what the hype was and it works fine but so does by Williams

 

[rjwilliams]

I always hated ratcheting screwdrivers in the past but I use my hard handle one quite a bit. Really convenient and smooth ratcheting action. Like anything else, you get what you pay for.

 

[lugnut71]

I have the hard handled one but it has the shank to accept 1/4 sockets on it. use it all the time, works well on hose clamps, sometimes with a swivel socket on also.

 

[dogdad]

Bought a ratcheting soft handled SO screwdriver today...preferred it over the hard handle.

 

[kblazer87]

I have both and several of them at that. The soft grip one is a lot larger than the hard handle, but not something that I notice. I like the fact I can use it as a ratcheting socket driver as well as a screwdriver. I also have 3 different length shanks for the soft handle one which makes it a lot more versatile.

 

[rlitman]

The hard handle doesn't accept different length shanks, but it is sold in different lengths.

I've got long short and stubby hard and soft handles. With the soft handle being thicker, it's easier to use when you need more force. Otherwise, I like them both.

The hard handle's storage cap that threads in gets stuck. The soft handle's end cap is much better.

 

[98ssuck]

My frist snap-in tool was a soft grip ratcheting screwdriver. It is big there's no doubt about that but I find the cap/stubby really useful. You can make the hard handle ratcheting ones take the interchangeable shanks. All you have to do is take the old non remove able shank out and buy a new removable one.

 

[rmsg0040]

I think they are great.

Turn selector to right and it ratchets clockwise, turn selector left and it ratchets counterclockwise.

I have other brands and they are opposite making it annoying at times

 

[Papas63]

Can someone post pics of the 2 hard and soft handles being discussed...

 

[daddy2coull]

I refuse to buy anything with a soft grip. I can't stand the stuff. I do have 6 hard handles. I love them. Even bought my mum one lol

 

[Papas63]

I'm reluctant on buying the snap-on soft instinct handle screwdrivers also, I think they will be a pain in the *** to keep clean. I'd actually like to get a complete new set of the older black or red hard handles.

 

[dirtydogintex]

I'm reluctant on buying the snap-on soft instinct handle screwdrivers also, I think they will be a pain in the *** to keep clean. I'd actually like to get a complete new set of the older black or red hard handles.

For black'uns try Williams They're so similar they're the same as SO new generation hard handles.... except for the printing.... plus they're a lot less expensive.

 

[Papas63]

Thank you...they are similar, but i prefer the shape of the older generation snap-on hard handles.

 

[stovebolt6]

Just my two cents but I have the Klein ratcheting screwdriver and my buddy has a SO, and I prefer my Klein. Fits my hand better and seems heavier duty. That being said, the SO is still nice, but pricey.

 

[BFalfa]

I have a red one..i really like it.

 

[Farmall450]

I also went with the hard handles, storage & smaller.

And what I've grown up with. Also more streamlined as you pointed out.
Worth the $.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Thank you...they are similar, but i prefer the shape of the older generation snap-on hard handles.

+1....

 

[KnurledNut]

Just my two cents but I have the Klein ratcheting screwdriver and my buddy has a SO, and I prefer my Klein. Fits my hand better and seems heavier duty. That being said, the SO is still nice, but pricey.

In my opinion, the Klein has a lot of backdrag or resistance when your ratcheting it. However, it does feel heavy duty.

I use my SO hard handle frequently and have grown to love it. They take a little getting used to, but once you've got the hang of it, its great.
And they are very durable, even when used for prying.

 

[mrborohachi]

to the original poster did you notice there's a third direction on the selector full lock

+1 hard handle, get a bright color orange, green or yellow I have a hard time finding my black handled one at night

 

[90zcar]

to the original poster did you notice there's a third direction on the selector full lock

+1 hard handle, get a bright color orange, green or yellow I have a hard time finding my black handled one at night

3rd direction? I didn't notice anything except left and right and then the center pisition which allows you to lock it which it would act like a normal screw driver


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mrborohachi]

that's what i meant "full lock" center position, I have a 1/4 ended model which I like because it double duties for small sockets car interior jobs that a screw driver handle can handle. I just keep a 1/4dr bit socket in it's storage handle compartment

 

[rhuff86]

I bought a yellow one almost two years ago to get a giant Snap on Umbrella. The handle of the umbrella is like a soft grip screwdriver. I think I have used it once, lol. But I love the screwdriver. Have not tried the soft grip but it looks bulkier, I love my soft grip drivers so I am thinking of trying one.

 

[cheechi]

I prefer the hard handles, the soft are just way too big. I have the Williams and the long SO. Originally I got the Williams 'just to see what all the fuss was about' just like above. I had a Stanley prior to that and it lasted a while but it failed miserably. Compared to the Williams, the Stanley was never really that smooth.

Just picked up some GW ones going to have to put them through their paces but they are nice out of the box at least.

 

[tomshep]

I had a Cman pro ratcheting that I didn't care for. Read all the hype about the SO and bought a black hard handle used in excellent condition with a small case. Leaps and bounds better than the Cman. I really like it. The handle is a little larger than my other hard handle screwdrivers and you can really get some twist on it.

My only regret is not getting the handle in a color so it is easier to spot.

Go for it. You won't regret it.

Tom

 

[90zcar]

Thanks for all the responses guys. Didn't expect this to blow up like it did. Wouldn't mind seeing some pictures of some of the hsrd/soft handles

I think I am leaning more towards the hard. I think I should go with what felt right at first which was the hard handle compared to the soft. It just felt too big in my hands and after seeing some of the similar responses that matched my concern I think that's what I'm gonna go with. I also like the bright color suggestion


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dogdad]

Google snap on ratcheting screwdriver,,,,gives bunches of pics.

 

[tjpavlov]

How do these compare with the Enderes ones?

 

[Givl Reggin]

Wouldn't mind seeing some pictures of some of the hsrd/soft handles

I bought my father one of each a while back - he's a woodworker and prefers the hard handle.

The soft handle, he says is hard to keep clean and loads up with fine saw/sanding dust.

 

[cheechi]

Here is a thread with some additional photos, as well as some good info for you.

 

[j.c.whitney]

Bought the SGRMINI for electronics repair, love it. Why that version is nla I don't know. Bought the HH regular version, love it. Then bought the stubby HH, not so much. Bought the ergonomic version and love it. Wide assortment of accessory and replacement bits are like $1.65 each from Snap On and are of very high quality. About 10 bits will fit in the handle.
The banana looking ergonomic version looks funky but is way handy in use.

 

[daddy2coull]

Bought the SGRMINI for electronics repair, love it. Why that version is nla I don't know. Bought the HH regular version, love it. Then bought the stubby HH, not so much. Bought the ergonomic version and love it. Wide assortment of accessory and replacement bits are like $1.65 each from Snap On and are of very high quality. About 10 bits will fit in the handle.
The banana looking ergonomic version looks funky but is way handy in use.

i forgot when i counted up, i also have one of these bad boys

 

[littletoes]

Somebody said you can change the shank lengths!!!

Which drier can you do this with???? I've hit several instances where a 12" shank would have made life much easier, or a shorter shank, with the same grip.

Pic's?? Model??? Pic's???

 

[j.c.whitney]

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=snap+on+ratcheting+screwdrivers&FORM=HDRSC2

 

[brit road garage]

How much are they?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jeffmoss26]

Retail price on the Snap-on website is around 65 bucks for a hard handle ratcheting.