How to Use Snap-on Tools

High-quality tools are one of the things that set a professional technician apart from a shade tree mechanic. Snap-on tools are limited in production and only factory-trained franchisees sell them directly to technicians at their workplace. You cannot just go to your local hardware store and pick up a set of Snap-on screwdrivers.

Things You'll Need

• Snap-on ratchet wrench
• Snap-on breaker bar
• Snap-on socket set
• Snap-on open-box end wrench set
• Snap-on screwdriver set

Instructions

Using Snap-on Ratchets and Sockets

1. Snap the square hole in the bottom of a Snap-on socket onto the square driver of either a Snap-on ratchet wrench or a Snap-on breaker bar. If working with the ratchet wrench, set the ratchet wrench to either remove or tighten a fastener by flipping the switch on the back of the ratchet to the right side if loosening a bolt and the left side if tightening the bolt. There is no adjustment for the breaker bar. Breaker bars do what they get their name from -- break bolts loose.

2. Slip the socket over the target nut or bolt.

3. Turn the bolt to loosen or tighten it, depending on the need by turning the handle in the desired direction. Turn the fastener as far as possible, reposition the socket and repeat if using the breaker bar. If working with the ratchet, turn the fastener as far as possible, then move it in the opposite direction. The gears in the ratchet will allow the handle to go in the opposite direction without turning the fastener. Repeat until the fasteners are either tightened or removed.

Using Snap-on Wrenches

1. Slip the box end of a Snap-on open-box end wrench onto the hex head of the fastener.

2. Turn the handle of the wrench counterclockwise to break the fastener loose.

3. Slip the open end of the Snap-on open-box end wrench onto the hex head and turn the handle counterclockwise as far as possible. Remove the wrench and reposition it. Repeat as necessary until the fastener is removed.

4. Reverse the order of the steps above to tighten the fastener, rotating the handle of the wrench clockwise.

Using Snap-on Screwdrivers

1. Choose either a Phillips or standard screwdriver, depending on the type and size of the screw.

2. Grasp the screwdriver handle and insert the tip of the screwdriver into the screw.

3. Turn the handle of the screw either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on whether the fastener needs tightening or loosening.