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Which Snap-On screwdriver handle do you like the best?

billymade

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Which Snap-On screwdriver handle do you like the best? I have thought about this issue for quite awhile and would like to buy a "complete" screwdriver set from Snap-On but the current models seem to be going with soft handles. So, am I the only one who likes the old school hard plastic handled Snap-On screwdrivers? I haven't gotten any of the new mushy ergo handled type yet but I sure like my old style ones! Would appreciate any and all comments on peoples experiences, preferences and opinions! Hopefully, I can make up my mind on which type to buy! :)
 
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Uncle Buck

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I have already said it this morning, and on numerous prior posts, I like the old style plastic Snappy handles. I have one of the new ones and do not like it at all! Say no to mushy and ergo!
 

paramudduck

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As much as I like to go against the flow. I like the old style hard handles a lot better.
 

Slide

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I saw somewhere on SO's site that the Instinct handles are available in a hard version.

I have a set of the old ones, and I like them. Haven't tried the new ones, so I can't really weigh in on that.
 

Mike83

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I guess I am in the minority with my preference for the new soft Instinct handles. However, I never owned the older style SO hard handle...only Craftsman screwdrivers before I stepped up to better tools. The soft instinct are not mushy or anything, but a mixture of hard material and softer outer material at the edges of the triangle. My favorite part is that they don't roll away from me.
 
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billymade

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I guess this is whats being sold right now:
53408.JPG

Snap-On Instinct Hard Handle (orange)
53400.JPG

Snap-On Instinct Soft Handle, (Orange)
32429.JPG

Snap-On Screwdriver, Soft Grip, (Red)
18870.JPG

Screwdriver, Hard handle, Orange, (2nd generation)
These must be in transition because many are coming up as "This item is currently not available" but many unique drivers are still available with this handle)

e538_1.jpg

Screwdriver, Hard handle, Black (1st generation )
and the earliest not being sold right now AFAIK.

Other unique styles:

21990.JPG

Screwdriver, Black , Electronic Thin Blade

I ran into a "TRIANGLE SHAPE" style (no photo) that seems pretty rare; anyone else seen these before?
 
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Mike83

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18870.JPG

Screwdriver, Hard handle, Orange, (2nd generation)
These must be in transition because many are coming up as "This item is currently not available" but many unique drivers are still available with this handle)

If I recall correctly, my new Snap-On catalog shows the instinct handle for nearly ALL handled drivers, such as torx and even the picks and scrapers and stuff. Sales for the Instinct style must be good, or they would not have made such a commitment!
 

Blacknwhitepit

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Don't Forget the OCTO-GRIP! Now and again you run into these at Flea Markets. Not that anyone probably likes them though....


I like the traditional Soft Grip.

-BWP
 

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Moose-LandTran

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18870.JPG

Screwdriver, Hard handle, Orange, (2nd generation)

These are my favourite by far. i have a lot of ratchets, breaker bars, screwdrivers etc with these handles. all the small 4-piece sets (tyre, screwdriver, hook and torx) 10 or 11 ratchets with these handles, two breaker bars, a few screwdrivers and some other random things. i prefer the orange over any other colour, but the black ones are good since they don't show marks and dirt.

i am however getting a set of red/industrial hard instinct handle screwdrivers when my dealer gets me a set. i'd prefer an older black hard handle/industrial set, but can't find one anywhere.
 

wilbilt

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e538_1.jpg

Screwdriver, Hard handle, Black (1st generation )
and the earliest not being sold right now AFAIK.

I would consider those 2nd generation, and the Octo-Grip to be the 1st generation plastic handle.

Oops...BWP beat me to it...
 
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billymade

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Ok, I stand corrected! I was going by what I have purchased over the years but I even have another one that I have seen. I would call it a three sided "triangle" with each corner being rounded off. Maybe someone can put a designation on each generation; so far this is what I know below from earliest to newest. Please correct any and all mistakes!

Snap-On screwdriver family tree:

1. "OCTO-GRIP" slightly rounded edges?(octagon 8 sides)
2. 1st generation four sided plastic with slightly rounded edges (square 4 sides)
3. triangle plastic style grips with rounded edges (triangle 3 sides)
4. 2nd generation four sided plastic with indentation and more rounded edges (square 4 sides)
5. "soft grip" indented thumb rest (how many sides?)
6. Instinct Hard Handle (triangle three sides)
7. Instinct Soft Handle (triangle three sides)
 
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CharlieBrown

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2 though 8

pretty much have a set of them all..or full set at one time..few missing now of course

27 years of buying will do that

personally..I like the old triangle shaped ones
 

Merkava_4

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I like the hard plastic ergo handles the best. If Snap-on quits making those, I'll just move over to the MAC Comfort Grip screwdrivers. ;)
 
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wilbilt

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I have an Octo-Grip, and photos. Unfortunately, I can't login to my Photobucket account right now.
 
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billymade

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Anyone and everyone post some pics of your favorite screwdrivers; in particular would like to see the "octo" and "triangle" models. :)
 
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Ducroix

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I like the blue handled hard plastic pry bars, unfortunatly I could only find one of the 3 I had

HandleSnapOn.jpg
 

krusty the clown

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Ok, I stand corrected! I was going by what I have purchased over the years but I even have another one that I have seen. I would call it a three sided "triangle" with each corner being rounded off. Maybe someone can put a designation on each generation; so far this is what I know below from earliest to newest. Please correct any and all mistakes!

Snap-On screwdriver family tree:

1. "OCTO-GRIP" slightly rounded edges?(octagon 8 sides)
2. triangle plastic style grips with rounded edges (triangle 3 sides)
3. 1st generation four sided plastic with slightly rounded edges (square 4 sides)
4. 2nd generation four sided plastic with indentation and more rounded edges (square 4 sides)
5. "soft grip" indented thumb rest (how many sides?)
6. Instinct Hard Handle (how many sides?)
7. Instinct Soft Handle (how many sides?)

i know my memory is fading but i think the triangle handles came after the smaller 4 sided plastic handles mentioned in 3. anyway i really prefer ones in the pic by moose.....i have three sets, one at work, one in the shop, and a set for the house :beer: all orange since i'm getting old and feeble and they are easier to find!
 

wilbilt

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Anyone and everyone post some pics of your screwdrivers; in particular would like to see the "octo" and "triangle models. :)


Here is an "Octo-Grip" of unknown vintage. I think they date back to the '40s. The blade is a 1980s replacement. I originally dug it up in my parents' front yard around 1978 or so.

octo1.jpg

octo2.jpg


It is your basic 8-sided screwdriver handle. I do prefer the next-generation square handles or the subsequent "concave" style.
 
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billymade

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Fascinating, I have never seen one in real life; hmmm, "digging for Snap-On", I never thought of doing that! Where is my shovel? :bounce:
 
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billymade

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I found this official Snapon video about the new "instinct" handled screwdrivers; interestingly enough it turns out the new handles are actually "triangles" which is going "back" to a earlier design! Check it out here:
The propaganda is working, the coolaide is pretty tasty....hmmm, maybe they arn't so bad after all....
 
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wilbilt

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Yeah, I guess you're right. I'll peel it off :spit:

You guys got it wrong. I love stickers. I'm going out today to buy a bunch of them and plaster them all over everything I own.

I may even buy a filing cabinet and some hanging folders to store any that are left over. :bounce:


















:lol_hitti
 

eschoendorff

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You guys got it wrong. I love stickers. I'm going out today to buy a bunch of them and plaster them all over everything I own.

I may even buy a filing cabinet and some hanging folders to store any that are left over. :bounce:

















:lol_hitti

Or, you could get some stickers to go with that yellow with red flames car you have :spit:
 

SocketDeviler

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I like how Snap-On disses the competition in this Instinct Handle commercial.

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Kti2jMWqZa8&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Kti2jMWqZa8&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
 

DavidtheDuke

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I like how Snap-On disses the competition in this Instinct Handle commercial.

Took awhile for SO to get onboard the Youtube wagon didn't it?

I like the hard handled Instinct, though sometimes I don't use a screwdriver but a few times a week, so that might be because I don't have any old handled screwdrivers except for what my dad has.
 
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