In the new gray lever version (which I have), the selector is very recessed and shouldn't be easily knocked (some complain that makes it hard to switch, especially with oily hands). They are considerably longer than the old version and have flank drive plus open ends. The ring end is also significantly smaller as well as rebuildable. I find them vastly superior to the old version. Some people complain they break easily. I can't say because I am fairly gentle on ratcheting wrenches.So this isn't really a thread of why or why not I should buy this brand, but more like there is SOEXR and SOXRR. One has a black lever thats larger but flat, and one has a small raised gray lever.
Which is better for not being easily knocked.
In the new version (which I have), the selector is very recessed and shouldn't be easily knocked (some complain that makes it hard to switch, especially with oily hands). They are considerably longer than the old version and have flank drive plus open ends. The ring end is also significantly smaller as well as rebuildable. I find them vastly superior to the old version. Some people complain they break easy. I can't say because I am fairly gentle on ratcheting wrenches.
The old version is essentially still being produced under the Williams name so I would check prices on those before deciding what to pay for a used set.
The newer Snap-ons actually aren't rebuildible as they don't sell parts. You can service them (clean and lube) but it's debatable how realistic that is vs bathing any other brand in some oil or transmission fluid.
The length didn't change either.
The new style the lever is about as low profile as you get. Its actually too small and too recessed in my opinion. Kind of a pain to use especially with slippery fingers. The old style were prone to breaking since they stuck out so far but Snap-on sold lever repair kits for $2 or so at the time also.