Snap-on Ratchets questions

[Lurch67]

I'm debating whether to purchase soft grip snap-on ratchets vice the standard.

Are the soft handled ratchets the same standard ratchets minus the soft handle? (T72 vice THL72)

Are the soft grips worth the extra cost for a small Diyster?

 

[hifi_hokie]

1. Yes.

2. I prefer the non-soft grips because they're easier to clean, but that's just IMHO.

 

[jetmech09]

As far as I know they are the same ratchet.
If you like them, buy them. I personally don't prefer the grips.
They are quite possibly the best ratchet out there if you can afford it.

 

[plinker]

Thebiggest problem with soft handles is they tend to pick up dirt and grit and eventually will need to be replaced. Some like them some dont. I prefer metal handle ratchets myself. My Brother likes the soft grip ratchets.

The "hard handles" have a following as kind of the best of both worlds in regards to comfot and durability. The soft or hard handles can increase the overall length of the ratchet so that's something to consider as well.

 

[96snma]

I know with the f80 it is the same head but about 2 in shorter than the soft grip
There is a YouTube video of a 6'8" guy comparing the two and he dwarfs the f80

edit: it was actually a thread on GJ
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18016

 

[matt1977]

I would imagine the normal ratchets would be stronger as well due to the fact that the handle is thinner under the soft grip.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I would imagine the normal ratchets would be stronger as well due to the fact that the handle is thinner under the soft grip.

^^^^
The head "design" and internals are the same between the chrome grip and the soft grips, but the handles themselves are two different designs meaning they do not just slap a soft grip on a standard chrome handled ratchet.

The soft grip ratchet handles are indeed turned down during mfg. to allow the rubber handle to fit over the ratchet handle yet maintain a close profile and size to the chrome handles. So yes, soft grip handles are a bit thinner at the handle end from a metal standpoint.

I have chrome, soft grip and hard handle. I like the feel of the soft grip if working without gloves or in the cold, but as mentioned above they can be hard to clean and pick up a lot of grease and grime and the handles can scratch or mar if ran against something sharp or , say, ground against concrete if working in a driveway.

Soft grip Handles are easily replaced, but they can look a little chewed up over time if used daily.

 

[CWP1616L]

If you're talking about 1/4 drive get the soft grip. The regular steel handle version is tiny. It's like trying to hold onto a tooth pick.

 

[Skin]

i have and use both, prefer the comfort grips. The hard handles arent comfortable in my opinion and make the handles of 1/4" ratchets quite large.

The comfort grips clean up just fine. They will get torn up over years of daily use, but for someone just looking for a ratchet to do oil changes/filter replacements on their vehicle it will be fine. Plus when it does become time, they're cheap (handles $8-$10).

 

[Lurch67]

Thanks for the answers, leaning to the solid handle ratchet.

 

[autoace]

The soft SO handles are only good if you have clean hands, in a non-greasy environment! lmao.... They wear bad, like an eraser....hard handle ratchets or regular are my choice, not much for the soft handle. They feel ok, they just grease up, and wear bad...... I find it annoying, but you may not.

 

[e30bradley]

I have a few soft handles and they don't really wear out to quickly.. nothing like an eraser. They are nice when your working in freezing temps. or colder.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have soft handles going back to when they first came out and never replaced one working on car then ag equipment and noe construction. Personally I like the old hard handles better. 100% personal opinion.

 

[2mJps]

I dont like the soft grip. I had a hard handle SO ratchet that a liked and a lost it some how. I was at the bank chashing the check that I got from the job i lost my ratchet on and a SO truck pulled up. I went to replace it all he had was the regular I dont like it at all some day i well trade it for a hard handle.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

If you have to pick one, go with regular. because soft handles are too bulky around tight spot.

I use regular ratchets more than soft handles.

 

[bsaint]

Yea I prefer non softgrip. If you want a plastic handle, I prefer the Matco 88

 

[ajchien]

It's easier to put a cheater pipe on a bare metal handle.

 

[pupjoint]

depends on usage i guess. i prefer bare handles myself.

 

[transittech]

I prefer the screwdriver handles, but as previously mentioned, the soft grips are great when working in the cold.

 

[cattleranchmarch]

If you get the soft grip can you put one of those hard green handles on the ratchet?

 

[davesnothere]

I used to be die hard chrome handle or die. Thedn I started using a soft grip one. It really grew on me. Got some more, and don't use the chrome handles as much any more.

 

[Kurn]

I find the soft handles are easier to wrap my old,arthritic hands around.

 

[Lurch67]

If you're talking about 1/4 drive get the soft grip. The regular steel handle version is tiny. It's like trying to hold onto a tooth pick.

I purchased a 3/8 ratchet without soft grip handles. Boy is regular steel handle ratchet small in my hands. Just goes to show you, you can lead a horse to water, but can't make him drink.

 

[rmsg0040]

^^ exactly how I felt about the TL72, returned it for a THLFD72

 

[redwrench60]

It's easier to put a cheater pipe on a bare metal handle.

Well, somebody had to say it..........