Snap-on hard handle ratchets - discontinued?

[D60]

What I believe I observed was that once SnapOn inverted their free shipping from free under $500 to only free over $500, ebay sellers quickly realized this and tack on a "shipping premium" (my term) to the auction/BIN price.

Whenever I run through SnapOn's cart, the shipping is borderline exorbitant. They're definitely not passing along any corporate shipping account savings. Their UPS charges seem to be full-boat retail with no discounts.

As such, most ebay purchases still wind up a couple bucks cheaper than going through SnapOn, and I can't believe this is an accident. Still, I never purchase because I don't buy on ebay to save a couple bucks.

 

[JHZR2]

What I believe I observed was that once SnapOn inverted their free shipping from free under $500 to only free over $500, ebay sellers quickly realized this and tack on a "shipping premium" (my term) to the auction/BIN price.

Whenever I run through SnapOn's cart, the shipping is borderline exorbitant. They're definitely not passing along any corporate shipping account savings. Their UPS charges seem to be full-boat retail with no discounts.

As such, most ebay purchases still wind up a couple bucks cheaper than going through SnapOn, and I can't believe this is an accident. Still, I never purchase because I don't buy on ebay to save a couple bucks.

Shipping isn’t the issue here though. It is if anyone is in the know relative to the continuation of hard handle ratchets.

Beyond that the price gouging of eBay sellers is interesting, but I can vote with my wallet. But the point of price gouging may be associated with my question of discontinuation… since if it really is the last in stock, they may raise the prices.

I know no seller would take $300 for one.

WRT shipping from snap on, they give free for $249.

At least now to let folks spend their Christmas $$.

And the shipping is high. I found the highest priced 1/2 ratchet that would be under the free shipping price as an experiment:

Yeah not cheap. This was for a soft handle non flex 1/2. But it validates the point that the eBay sellers are gouging. Shipping isn’t so high to justify the prices they’re asking.

So again, since this is about continuation of hard handle ratchets… are they being discontinued? Is the exceptionally high price due to that?

 

[Trav]

I would ask a Snap on truck operator, it does seem like they are discontinuing them though. Maybe sales of them are down to the point they throw the towel in on them? Hazet makes one of the strongest 1/2" ratchets on the market and has a hard handle, Made in Germany and cost less than 1/2.

 

[D60]

It would seem they were discontinued a few months ago, and this does explain the pricing on ebay.

Apparently there may be a new hard handle on the Cynergy 100s that is shaped exactly like the comfort grips, although looking on the website all I find is soft grips or all-metal

 

[burbguy82]

I would give Koken a try. They’re make a really nice ratchet at a good price point. I’ve got several and really like them.

@D60 said something good about the Koken also...... Would you say they are 8 out of 10?

 

[burbguy82]

I won’t support the Chinese war machine more than I have to.

The computer you’re typing on is made in China

Are their any personal computers made in the USA?

 

[Fair enough]

I shouldn’t have, but bought a Williams 1/2 round head for $39 a few days ago, it was $51-30% off. Will have warranty because retail seller, not ebay. It is made in USA. I think Snap On makes it.
I seems as good as the old Williams round head, which is very good. Different gear design.

 

[Trav]

I shouldn’t have, but bought a Williams 1/2 round head for $39 a few days ago, it was $51-30% off. Will have warranty because retail seller, not ebay. It is made in USA. I think Snap On makes it.
I seems as good as the old Williams round head, which is very good. Different gear design.

One of my favorite ratchets, the soft knurling on the grip is one of the best feeling ratchets for me.

 

[AutoMechanic]

My dealer ordered me another one I’m waiting on it. It’s Power Blue though. I am a huge fan of the hard handles. Some colors are limited time for certain years at a time is what he told me. Like for example my Combat Tan hard handle Snap-on ratchet was a limited edition for a few years. I bought it in 2021 and my teal is the same way. And some colors have been discontinued all together I think the yellow is one of them along with the old dark navy blue. I only buy the hard handles or chrome handles. I’ve got a couple soft grips but I’m not a big fan of them. If there is a certain one that you are interested in let me know and I’ll have him look it up and see if it’s available still. Most of these are made on demand because people don’t want the hard handles anymore according to Snap-on anyway.

 

[clinebarger]

SHFD80AO

My dealer can get a Dark Titanium one (Shows 33 in stock), They are being discontinued. PM me if interested

 

[wavinwayne]

..Most of these are made on demand because people don’t want the hard handles anymore according to Snap-on anyway.

I've used both soft and hard handle ratchets and much prefer the hard handle ones for DIY stuff. I might feel different if I wrenched for a living.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I feel lucky to own these, among a few others.

 

[JHZR2]

I feel lucky to own these, among a few others.
View attachment 258149

Yeah I have a bunch. Generally I prefer bare steel like yours, but for the bigger 1/2 stuff I sometimes like a handle…

 

[Max Thrust]

Hope it's ok to bring up an older thread. I prefer the Snap-On hard handles and I'm very disappointed to see them discontinued. I have an extensive collection of hard handle ratchets and I have the factory Snap-On handle press that allows me to replace damaged handles or change the color.

 

[Exhaustgases]

I guess the snap on designers have never used a ratchet? Fat handles are a no no in some very restricted places and some times a small pipe is also needed in those areas. Must be the same idiots that design the engines and transmissions that are now offered. And really who the heck needs a screw driver handle on a ratchet? I'd be melting all those stinking handles off the things.

 

[JHZR2]

I guess the snap on designers have never used a ratchet? Fat handles are a no no in some very restricted places and some times a small pipe is also needed in those areas. Must be the same idiots that design the engines and transmissions that are now offered. And really who the heck needs a screw driver handle on a ratchet? I'd be melting all those stinking handles off the things.

I never thought I’d like them.

I got a great deal once on the soft touch ratchets. I should really sell them, not a fan.

But the hard handle ones, when they are used in a spot that works, have a nice in hand feel to me.

In long 1/2 drive units, they’re great.

 

[JWC86]

I guess the snap on designers have never used a ratchet? Fat handles are a no no in some very restricted places and some times a small pipe is also needed in those areas. Must be the same idiots that design the engines and transmissions that are now offered. And really who the heck needs a screw driver handle on a ratchet? I'd be melting all those stinking handles off the things.

Each to their own. The hard handles have a big following, lots of people really like them(including myself). Most of us also have the plain chrome handle ratchets when needed.

 

[The Critic]

I never thought I’d like them.

I got a great deal once on the soft touch ratchets. I should really sell them, not a fan.

But the hard handle ones, when they are used in a spot that works, have a nice in hand feel to me.

In long 1/2 drive units, they’re great.

I am probably the only weirdo who likes the soft grip handles. I bought a few of the hard handle ratchets and I can't say I love them more than the soft grip.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I am probably the only weirdo who likes the soft grip handles. I bought a few of the hard handle ratchets and I can't say I love them more than the soft grip.

Gotta have both, cuz everyone knows, "He who dies with the most tools wins!"

And you're not a weirdo. You are a very helpful, and generous, person.

 

[JHZR2]

I am probably the only weirdo who likes the soft grip handles. I bought a few of the hard handle ratchets and I can't say I love them more than the soft grip.

I like the soft grip on the ratcheting screwdrivers. I have the hard grip one as well and it’s decent but the soft just feels good.

Ratchets I don’t need the same in hand feel. Everyone has their preference.