So Snap-On sent me a replacement #2 Phillips head shank

[Krause]

The tip of one of my classic hard handle Snap-On screwdrivers started to get a little worn out so I called them up to see about a replacement. The person over the phone was very nice and didn't even require pictures when I explained it. I read her the handle part number and explained what it was and she said she thinks the found the replacement part.

A few days later this arrives.

First though was "The ****"

But after doing a bit of research it seems this is from a 5 piece diamond tipped screwdriver set where the blades are made by a german company (not sure which). I popped the old shank out and they were the exact same length, the tabs that stick out of the side go down slightly more but i'm pretty sure the channels are cut all the way down.

It pressed in just like it should, so now I have this frankenstein:

You can see that the side channels aren't covered but aside from that it seems pretty cool.

 

[Strouty]

That is weird, I wonder why they replaced it with that? All the drivers that I have seen are exactly like your other one.

 

[ssdave]

That's funny, in the past 2 months they sent me two #2 replacements that were exactly the same as my 1980's black handles had in them.

 

[davethorik]

Coo Czech Republic = Wera?

 

[Krause]

Coo Czech Republic = Wera?

That was a lot of peoples guesses in a thread on here about that 5 piece set, but I don t know if it was every confirmed for sure.

It does look just like theseWera Kraftform Diamond Tipped Screwdrivers though:

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

that is strange, I have the same driver in Black and called a few months back for a replacement. It looked just like the original, round shaft, with the bolster

 

[Fedwrench]

That replacement blade needs a bolster to cover up those slots in the handle. it works but, I don't think I'd be happy with it.

 

[Krause]

What country are you from krause?

United States, so it wasn't like they sent me a local German replacement or anything!

 

[chipss36]

but your last name is Krause.....lol

 

[Wamsutta]

It looks like a real good replacement shank, but I can't figure out why Snap-on wouldn't send you one of their own...

 

[blown94conv]

The correct blade for that would be a SSDP42IRRB. That will have the bolster to cover the lines from where the blade is inserted.

 

[Dave455]

A couple years back I saw some drivers on the Snap On truck that had those exact blades!

My dealer was giving them the big sales pitch as though they were the hottest thing since sliced bread so I pointed out that : -

1) Max Bauman of PB Baumann / PB Swiss has done extensive tests with these diamond coatings, and proven that they work well the first one or two times, but after that are pretty useless.

2) When I want a Snap On driver I specifically want one with inch sized tips (not an issue with a 2 PH, but was with the rest of the set)

3) I won't pay Snap On money when I can buy the exact same driver, less the Snap On handle, elsewhere for a fraction of the money!

The things disappeared shortly after and have never been seen again in the U.K. Maybe in the U.S, if you havn't got the same drivers in every DIY shop, some folks might like 'em!


Now down to business! You, sir, have a desirable set of the old style 'hard handle' screwdrivers! What's more, they are in a beautiful, and undoubtedly rare and valuable, shade of bright blue! May I congratulate you on your good taste in your initial purchase!

You are, however, being very generous in considering your 'frankendriver' quite cool! It may be, but it's trashed the value, not only of that driver, but of the whole set! Get straight back on to Snap On and obtain the correct replacement part!

Then enjoy using a set of drivers that few others will own!

 

[Krause]

Ehh I am able to replace these shanks myself so I figured there was no harm in trying this blade now that I had it as I can always call and get a regular replacement standard shank again and press that back in. It's not like I had to drill it out or anything.

If I end up liking that blade better then I'll have a cool screwdriver in my favorite handle that you can't normally get, if it ***** I'll go back.

 

[Pipe]

That teal is kickin it old school

 

[shockwave]

I don't believe I have ever seen a hex shank on the older hard handle it should have the standard chrome shank on those

 

[wolf_from_wv]

My dealer was giving them the big sales pitch as though they were the hottest thing since sliced bread so I pointed out that : -

1) Max Bauman of PB Baumann / PB Swiss has done extensive tests with these diamond coatings, and proven that they work well the first one or two times, but after that are pretty useless.

2) When I want a Snap On driver I specifically want one with inch sized tips (not an issue with a 2 PH, but was with the rest of the set)

3) I won't pay Snap On money when I can buy the exact same driver, less the Snap On handle, elsewhere for a fraction of the money!

And... They don't fit everywhere because hex shank is a little bigger than the round...

 

[G_P]

It looks like a real good replacement shank, but I can't figure out why Snap-on wouldn't send you one of their own...

Whoever he spoke with on the phone did not seem to understand what he was looking for and they sent him the wrong part.

 

[Krause]

Well I swapped out that hex blade without the bolster for a standard one!

Thats right! T25 tip! (Im sure this is going to give at least 1 person a mild heart attack since it isn't the stock blade type)

I wanted to get a spare set and use the handles for some often used drivers that weren't available in the set (longer Phillips #2's, 1-2 Torx sizes that I often use, etc) and figured I might as well do that to this handle since I already need to change the blade again.

I have to say the tips on their Torx drivers are incredible. Way better than any of my German Torx keys.

 

[bwringer]

I'm still baffled as to why they wouldn't replace the whole screwdriver.

Is this some sort of Snap-On fetish thing I'll never understand?

 

[Krause]

I'm still baffled as to why they wouldn't replace the whole screwdriver.

Is this some sort of Snap-On fetish thing I'll never understand?

They were willing to but it would of been a current production model, not the older hard handel (and definitely not in that color).

 

[MattPersman]

In the last 6 months or so some of the CS reps ask if you are comfortable swapping the blade yourself if you are they send you a blade to save warranty cost same with a bit type socket they want to send you a bit if that's all that's wrong with it same type of treatment you would get on the truck.

 

[Jure]

nice snap on(wera,and awesome color of the handle

 

[franzdom]

Snap-On made by Wera

Wera and Snap-On definitely work together

 

[platform389]

One of my favorite tools. The shank comes out of the handle for use in a cordless screwdriver and those gold bits are very tough. Best Phillips bits I have ever used. Very resistant to damage from camming out.

I added a selection of Wiha bits for tamper proof Torx and larger slotted screwdriver sizes. Added a RAT72 ratchet handle as well with the hex bit adapter for those low profile situations. Could not be more pleased.

 

[ssdave]

I'm still baffled as to why they wouldn't replace the whole screwdriver.

Is this some sort of Snap-On fetish thing I'll never understand?

They're made as replaceable parts. Saves resources to not replace the whole thing, and lets you keep the matched sets complete instead of introducing newer models to the set. Most owners like that, and see it as a benefit, not a detriment.