CollectingSnapOn.com

I have been watching 2 older style magnetic screwdrivers on ebay.Both are selling for over $100.00
Vintage Snap-On Magnetic Screwdriver with 4 Bits, SSDM40A, 8" long, nice shape.and Vintage Snap-On Magnetic Screwdriver with 7 Bits, SSDM80A, 12" long, nice shape.2nd one is up to $177.
Did someone get carried away with the bidding ?
I had one that i bought in late 1970's.There was something in the chemical makeup of the handle that started breaking down.My Snap-on dealer finally replaced it about 1997 because it had a very strong odor from the handle.Also when i put bits in the handle they would be rusted within a week
Am i missing something ,have they became SUPER collectables.

There are users who like the hard handle tools much more than the newer type, and they are willing to pay for them. Seems S/O has noticed and is bringing the hard handle back on some items.

I would pay no more than about 20 for each. The 80 I might pay a bit more for if it was in really nice shape and had the original cap. I have a 40A I bought new and an SSDM40 (clear yellow handle) I also bought new. Both came with four bits 2 flat and 2 Phillips.

There are a few items that are rare, and when they come up, it would justify a high bid, but i don't think this is one of them. There are a lot of folks that get carried away, or they just don't seem willing to wait. I think they can be had for a much lower price.

I also noticed that when I am selling, they are always a lower price.

They must have had bad batches of plastic in the 1970's, because I've come across plenty of screwdrivers and prybars with decomposing and stinking handles. They eventually will crumble apart.

JAMES

There was a problem with the composition of the plastic in some of the four sided handle (and later three sided handle) drivers. Some of them did decompose. I have a selection of the square handle and two of them have disintegrated but the others (so far) are fine.

Snap-on was apparently aware of the problem with the handles.My salesman told me (when he replaced mine) that he had several customers making complaints.