Snap On screwdriver....changing handles?

[Jason280]

Finally killed an old Snap On SDD4 flat head driver, to the point is was no longer usable. Tip chipped a couple times before on stubborn fasteners (with combo wrench applied), so I called up Snap On. The SDD4 is no longer available, so they sent me an SHD4...which I hate. The handle is entirely too bulky, and not nearly as comfortable (to me) as the older SDD4.

Is it possible to easily switch out the handles, or am I SOL?

Here are a few pics of the dead SDD4:

..and comparison with the new model:

 

[abvw]

I'm sure you can, drivers do it on the truck all the time.

The method isn't exactly elegant... Needs a vise and a rubber mallet.

Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk

 

[ryan20021982]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111234

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I've switched blades before, actually not that hard, I just rap the blades with tape in stick 'em in the pipe jaws of my vise, a couple smacks with a ball peen and a old extension and the handle usually loosens up and I just keep hitting till the handle flies off and repeat the proses with the other one. Just remember, do this at you own risk if you don't want the top of your handle messed up try putting tape on the extension or using a rubber mallet and if it don't loosen up in a couple whacks don't keep trying I've also cracked handles before, I've heard that boiling them can help to loosen them so they will come off easier but never tried it. Good Luck

 

[rlitman]

I first drop a washer on the blade, and then clamp the blade in either my copper or aluminum vise jaws. Then I use prybars between the vise and washer (which protects the handle) to remove the handle.
You can use a soft faced dead blow to reinstall.

 

[Bobioz1]

rlitman describes exactly how to do it. Suprised snap on sent you a whole new screwdriver instead of just a shank.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I first drop a washer on the blade, and then clamp the blade in either my copper or aluminum vise jaws. Then I use prybars between the vise and washer (which protects the handle) to remove the handle.
You can use a soft faced dead blow to reinstall.

Yep..That's how I do it with ratchets, except I use a flare nut wrench as my "shim".

Pry off, hammer on. Be gingerly.

 

[JonnyMac]

The blade shaft has a couple of flat lugs on it, make sure they are aligned when you reinstall it. I split a stubby handle once by not doing that...

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I first drop a washer on the blade, and then clamp the blade in either my copper or aluminum vise jaws. Then I use prybars between the vise and washer (which protects the handle) to remove the handle.
You can use a soft faced dead blow to reinstall.

Just did this a few weeks ago worked like a charm.

 

[redwrench60]

I also hate Instink handles. The blades will service either screwdriver. Just follow above instructions and take johhnymac's advice and line up the tangs of the shank with where they were on the old handle. This will prevent handle damage and make installation smoother.

 

[shanny19]

You can still get the SDD4 from Williams.

 

[Ramblin Man]

I do R&R as the others, except I use a piece of fuel line or vacuum line, about 2 inches, split along its length to place on the shafts for holding and protecting.