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Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers

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mooman

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Jun 9, 2005
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2,788
Location
CHICAGO, IL
What does everyone here prefer?
Hard handles or the grip type with the interchangable shafts?

I'm looking for one to buy and I can't decide...
 
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greenreese

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Aug 10, 2009
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133
I have some cheap stubby one, and a regular snap-on one. Never used the stubby and only used the snap-on just to try it. I got it from a friend and it skipped in reverse, so I took it apart and cleaned it out. Works perfectly now, but I still much prefer a regular driver. It's been sitting in the drawer since.
 
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petty4243

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Mar 13, 2009
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LuVerne Iowa
definatly interchangable softgrip version, i use mine often hard handle versions are also nice, just more limited in useage... the interchangable ones can also use 1/4 drive extensions if u need to get longer
 
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Flash21

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Jul 23, 2008
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2,173
I like the hard handle ones, they just fit my hand better. They are more limited in usage, because they all have a fixed shaft, but I did hear there was a mod to made them interchangable. (there might be a thread here at GJ)
 
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X1 Mike

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Dec 4, 2008
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Flagler, Fl
If you press the end of the screwdriver with your palm you will hate the soft grip. On the hard handle the end is fully screwed into the body of the handle, the soft grip uses a 1/4 turn to hold the end cap. It's too easy to have the soft grip end cap come off when turning a screw.
 
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Paullew

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Jan 13, 2010
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165
I like the new style being able to change the shanks. Plus you can get the 1/4" drive shank and use it as a nutdriver. Downfall is the soft grip wears out over time. The hard handle version is easier to clean up. Both have there ups and downs. Both awesome tools that everyone should have in there toolbox.
 
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Flash21

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Jul 23, 2008
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2,173
X1 Mike said:
If you press the end of the screwdriver with your palm you will hate the soft grip. On the hard handle the end is fully screwed into the body of the handle, the soft grip uses a 1/4 turn to hold the end cap. It's too easy to have the soft grip end cap come off when turning a screw.
Click to expand...


^^^ Yes, my experience as well.
 
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wreckercologist

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May 17, 2009
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1,813
Location
cyber-tool hell
Different strokes for different folks.

I hate the soft grips. Here's what I use on a daily basis:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...7&group_ID=706&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

and this one too:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=19798&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=19798&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I swapped the shanks in the 1/4" drive handles to better suit my needs.

By far, the tee handles get used more than any other screwdriver.
 
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wesmamyke

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Joined
Aug 22, 2009
Messages
104
I just did a Snap-on.com order and tried to order both the stubby and regular length hard handled ratcheting screwdrivers. Already own the T-handle.

Stubby was out of stock in black, regular one in black said it was in stock. Order details now say item #SSDMR4B QTY shipped 0, QTY back ordered 0.

But they sure did charge me for it...not to drag this off topic too bad but is that typical for Snap-on? The stock status being less than accurate?

They also charged me sales tax and I thought you couldn't do that if I was in a different state.

Sent them an email, well see how that goes.
 
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walrus

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Nov 12, 2008
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11,675
Location
Maine
wesmamyke said:
They also charged me sales tax and I thought you couldn't do that if I was in a different state..
Click to expand...

Ever seen a Snap On truck in your state? I assume you have, therefore they are an established business in your state, therefore you get charged sales tax. They charge me also
 
M

Merkava_4

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Dec 26, 2007
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14,518
Location
Clovis, CA.
The Williams T-handle with the extra long shank is the one I'd get if I was gonna get another one. Keep in mind, the black Williams T-handle is the exact same as the discontinued Snap-on T-handle unit.
 
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fatfillup

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Jan 17, 2009
Messages
10,282
Location
Finksburg, Md
I have used the Hard handle ratcheting screwdriver for 15 years or so. Probably my first SO tool and it was given to me as a Christmas present by a good friend. I love it. Got the new version with the interchangable shafts in a box I bought and was happy to see it sell. I just picked up a hard handle one with the 2 foot shaft at an auction and it is sweet. It is no longer listed on the SO site so I guess it is discontinued. It will sell I'm sure but if I get a stubby and a Tee handle, they are staying with me.

To the OP's question, HARD HANDLE with bits is my vote.
 
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ericthewrench

Active member
Joined
Apr 18, 2007
Messages
31
Location
rome, ga.
I prefer the soft handles, I can get more torque on stubborn fasteners, especially overtightened #3 phillips. I work 2 jobs right now and have soft handles at both and I also have a hard handle at home.
 
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bad daddy

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Oct 22, 2009
Messages
277
Location
North Vancouver, British Columbia
I have the soft grip, and the cap coming off is a bit of an issue.
However, that tool, and the flexi driver insert and 5/16" socket are my most used tools.
Perfect for working on hose clamps in cramped quarters.
 
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superautobacs

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Joined
Oct 31, 2008
Messages
3,997
Location
Vancouver, BC
Is it true that the Williams versions (and all the other rebranded ones) are not the same as the SO? I always thought the regular ratcheting screwdrivers were the exact same. :confused:
 
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plinker

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Feb 28, 2007
Messages
4,286
Location
Northern Wi
The soft grip handle is nice, you get more toque with it. It's end cap it a pain though (IMO) due to the 1/4 turn (comes off too easy for me)

The Hard handle screwdriver is my go to screwdrivers(s). I prefer using the 3" bit shank for most things.

See link for converting any ratcheting screwdriver (Snap-on) to interchangeable shankss/blades
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22536&highlight=snap-on+ratcheting+screwdriver


The "hard handle" stubby is shorter in legnth than the soft grip version(by about 3/4"). The shank legnth is the same however.

It kinda boils down to what type of handle style you prefer.
 
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bry@n

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Dec 29, 2008
Messages
2,785
Location
Ocean County, NJ
I have a few of both and like them equally. Which ever I grab first is the one I use.
The hard handle fits perfectly in my hand though.
 
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Moose-LandTran

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Mar 8, 2008
Messages
15,945
Location
The Brink of Insanity (England)
Snap-on Aston Martin Racing ratcheting screwdriver:

DSC00686.jpg
 
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