The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest clutch head bits

anybody know a good source for these, preferably with a web site to order from?

Snap on link. but you can find better deals with google.

Hard to beat the warranty with the Snap On bits.

A slot head driver will work.

E-Bay, always look there just to compare prices. Just checked complete sets under $30, 1 bit $6. I know there not as good as Snap on.

They can be used for pry bars, hole punches and a lot of other things too. But it damages them. Some people prefer having the right tool for the job.

I have found the clutch head bits, atttached to a 3/8 drive socket at local swap meets. Usually there are a set of 6, in a socket rail, and go for bout $15 a set, Usually, the sets are found at the vendor tables, the ones that sell the assorted tools and other "imported" stuff.

Using the correct tool in the wrong way can damage the tool, fastener or person using it as well. The implication that using a flat blade drive will in some way automatically damage things is simply wrong. I bought one clutch head driver back in the '60s when I went into body & fender work. When an old timer showed me the flat driver trick I rarely used it and never bought another.

I tried the flat blade screwdriver because it looked like it would work, and it can if things aren't very tight or stuck, but I didn't have very good luck with it. It is hard on the screwdriver and on the screw, not a good method....

Using the proper clutch head bit works much better.
I sure won't be trying that straight screwdriver "trick" again.

Grigg

these look to be priced about right

You can buy the individaul bits from Ace Hardware. I ordered the clutch head driver set from Chevs of the 40s (price was right around $20 bucks for 5 bits and the driver).

I couldn't find the bits at any hardware store ... in fact the employees looked more puzzled than my dog when I ask if he wants a 'blue gopher sock'. (...dog people will get it.)

I just added a driver and bits for $20 something to an order I was already placing with americanclassic.com. I figured I could also use the bits with a ratchet if additional torque is need.

the SnapOn truck has them, and most NAPA locations can get them

Bill

Charlie I gotta agree with you and Grigg on this one. I’ve found that using a flat blade screw driver didn’t work to good on a tight clutch head. There isn’t enough support and the tips of the blade tend to bend. Works ok after they are broke loose though but then you already have the right tool in place so why bother.

Just can’t see where Snap-On can justify the prices they charge, never could and at this age probably never will. There are tons of tools even including some of those, forgive me, Chinese wrenches that are just as good that are much less expensive. But I suppose it’s the same as anything else, to some it has to be Mercedes rather than a Ford even though they both get the job done and get you there in relative comfort. My hang up is Levi’s, been wereing them since I got into long pants, lots of guys I’ve worked with over the years buy jeans for half the price I pay and I have to admit, they both get the job done and get you there in relative comfort. So it’s a status thing I guess.

Like to see a link to those eBay sets your talking about Ruff, all I see are the same old four piece sets that all the vendors sell. The only set with 6 sizes is some old dinged up military surplus and it isn’t really clear whether they are different sizes or all ¼”.

Bluedot, love to find that vendor at a swap meet, I’ve never seen any of those. Next time get his name so we can order a set, bet he’d get about a ton of orders from here alone.

nrdesieyes now that’s a usable link, in fact I ordered two sets of drivers from him, the one with the double ends and the 6pc socket set. I haven’t heard back from him yet but I might be getting whizzed on double shipping even though I asked that he combined the two orders. I’ll retract this if he’s a stand up vendor.

Looked many times at many hdw stores Kent, Ace included and have never seen them and the sales people (mostly retired office workers or HS kids) have never heard of them.
That is a nice little set from Chev’s of the 40’s, John gave away a set of them at KC reunion last year, dang it, I’m to shy and I dint speak up quick enough.

Did ask at several NAPA stores here, same blank stare that the BLUEMEANIE got.

DG

I have made finding a complete set of clutch head drivers one of my quests. Picking through the screw driver bins at flea markets, tools at the hardware stores (the good ones), among other places, I have found 3 different sizes - Looking for 1 more illusive size. If nothing else, it is fun to look. In the meantime I borrow J. Milliman's when I need the size I do not have.
HB

Try The Filling Station.
They have a full set for ~$25. I have seen them from several of the big supply houses as well.
Mine are Chanel-Lock (sp) but, don't know where they came from.
Peter

or try these guys
http://www.shoptoolsshoptools.com/shopexd.asp?id=25816

Posted this last year Very hard to beat this price and warranty .SNAP-ON CLUTCH HEAD BITS ,Life time warranty about $2.55 each.part numbers are
SDM242G
SDM243G
SDM244G
SDM245G
SDM246G
Hope this can help.

It does help,
I've got a set and have posted those numbers several times before as well...

Perhaps one of these threads should be a sticky in this section, seems we go through it all over again every month or two.

Grigg

Sorry to be redundant. Just trying to be helpful.

You are helpful, looks like a good link and tool.

The comments about the frequency of these clutch head post were not directed at anybody, only an observation, and with luck will lead to a sticky thread or something which can quickly and easily help new folks.

Grigg

Thanks for taking the time to reply, Grigg.
The forums have been a great learning too for me.
I am still new to the forums and not sure about "sticky" things and such but, am learning as I go.
Peter

No sweat Peter, it's unreasonable to expect someone that is new to the fold to
know what was discussed a year ago. And as far as the search engine goes,
I find the search engines to be cumbersome and generally useless and I've
been on the internet since it was started back in the 80's having worked
in the scientific field at a national accelerator lab.
I’ve always felt that if one is bored or hasn’t got the time to hear a
question repeated, then one has the option to simply skip over the thread
and not join in on the discussion.
I'm all for a FAQ section but I'm against a sticky running for a long period.
As I posted to Scott's thread, lets put this one in the Tech Tips but please,
NO MO STICKIES!!

Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Denny, You wondered why Snap On prices are high,I spose it could be the development cost or the life time replacement, who knows,maybe it's the name.
In some cases, mostly stemming from wrenching for a living, a snap on tool could be worth it.
I wrenched for over 25 years, full time and found that a snap on tool is what got the job done best, a lot of the time.

For a pro it's about speed, feel/comfort, strength, and that all important big snap on truck that rolls into your place every week to sell or replace anything you need.

Now, that was yesterday and I use my tools in a different setting today and beings that snap on truck hasn't been seen lately I buy tools based on getting the job done, which could mean the name on the tool will be anyone's name including, hate to say, made in Chxna.

It comes down to this today...If the tool will get the job done and I don't use it every day, plus I'm not working against the clock, and the price is better....I buy it.

And that Snap On guaranty isn't so useful now, more like a pain in the butt. I called Snap on and they won't give out the dealers phone number, they had a reason for that. They took my number and said he would call.
I'm glad I wasn't holding my breath waiting for his call, plus I'd have to travel to where ever he happens to be, which around here could be some great distance.
I'd be better off going to Sears.

I'm pleased I had Snap On at that time, but today is a different time.

Dan

Wouldn't argue with anything you said there Dan. I've not made a living as a mechanic but have been a wrench twister ever since I was a baby having a dad that was a mechanic and older brother that was a hot rodder. 99% of my tools have always been Craftsman and recently I've snuck in some of those Chinese wrenches which do the job just fine and are 1/3 the price of sears and 1/10 the price of Snap-On.
I would however like to add a set of those 'G' style clutch heads to the collection even if I have to buy them from Snap-On.
I just have to get in the mood to spend the money again and put up with their web site.
DG

The first snap-on ratcheting screwdriver I got came with a few bits and I was shocked when the dealer said to not loose them that even the bits were guaranteed!
I figured if anything on that truck was going to be considered a consumable and not guaranteed it would be insert bits, but that's not the case.
They are really good bits but even so I've broken, twisted, and worn out several by now, and it is nice to have them replaced at no charge. Nice enough that I paid more than I wanted to for a whole bit set, and now several years later I'm glad I did.

I can see why Snap-On stuff doesn't suit everyone but insert bits and the regular screwdrivers have to be about the best value and quality of the lot. Even non snap-on folks can appreciate the quality and guarantee, if they'd only give them a try.

Grigg

I found the MAC brand well made and chose them for the same reasons Grigg states about Snap on. The MAC guy rolled into my garage every week but the S-O guy hardly ever came by, maybe twice in 10 years. So guess who got our business.

Unfortunately I've lost many of the the best tools I've owned over the years. Now tht I'm retired I only buy what I need for the job at hand so I've got an eclectic collection of great, good and not so hot stuff now. At least I've still got all those beautiful Winchesters.

...dave, I like Mac tools myself. I'm still trying to wear out a Mac impact wrench and ratchet that bought in 1986.... and yee, I use them a lot...but I do keep them oiled like the rest of my tools.
And, like most everyone, I have my favorite Wizard, Craftsman, and a few others. I might could find ONE snap on...maybe.
I do have a set of Westline sockets that I bought back in 1969 that I still reach for. They're like the energizer bunny.

Thanks, I just purchased a set!

clutch head bits that is.

I have a set of the snap-on bits as well and like them. Their customer service dept. was helpful when our local rep. retired and no one replced him for about 6 months. They drop shipped me a new 1/2" breaker bar when the pin in my old one cracked with no problem. Didn't want the old one returned either. Our new guy is o.k., like others have said you have to meet him, but he is fairly easy to reach and willing as he likes the prospect of paying customers in his truck with this economy being what it is.