discount snap on

[edl]

why is it that when i see a "discounted" snap on item say on ebay or overstock.com and then try to find the model on the SO site, i never seem to be able to - are they fakes? or just obsolete and no longer a current model?

for example, i have seen this Snap-On 3/8 and 1/2 Air Impact Wrench Model IM3100 in a couple of place for around $120-160 - supposedly, the retail price is $350 or so...but search as i might on the SO website, can't find this impact wrench...what gives??? - thanks, ed :headscrat

[edl]

ok...so i might have found part of the answer...here is an article debuting the product from a snapon e-news bulletin dated 12/02:

"Product Spotlight: One does the work of eight

Did you ever wish there was an impact wrench that worked with more than one size square drive? There is: the revolutionary new Snap-on IM3100. Called the VERSADRIVER, this powerful impact wrench is a lightweight power tool capable of 275 ft. lbs. of torque, with a phenomenal new innovation, patented interchangeable square drives, a Snap-on exclusive. The VERSADRIVER impact wrench allows you to interchange the eight different drivers by simply removing a spring clip and retainer bushing.

The wrench's multiple anvils offer maximum use in a wide range of applications: maintenance, machine repair, assembly, set-up and tear-down. The easily replaceable drivers install in seconds, providing unlimited versatility and limiting down time when changing the anvil. You can chose from the pinned-style anvil that locks a socket securely in place or friction ring anvils. Both styles are available in either standard or extended lengths. The replaceable square drive allows for multiple driver configurations, in both 3/8" and 1/2" options. The IM3100 comes with a friction ring style 3/8" and 1/2" square drive anvils. With the other six optional drives available you have eight different options to choose from.

The IM3100 has torque output typically found in much larger tools. The IM3100 offers a patented muffler bypass, which gives the tool two modes of operation open and closed. When open, the tool delivers torque output up to 275ft. lbs. The aluminum housing is also seven times stiffer than plastic, this helps to absorb vibration and provides a lightweight, balanced design that reduces user fatigue.

The patented cushion grip, is field replaceable. It also is contoured for ergonomic fit, gives the user superior tool control while helping to absorb vibration and shield the user's hand from cold, reducing fatigue and making the tool comfortable and easy to use.

The IM3100 offers a patented overall design and replaceable drive not found on any competitive product. Additional patent applications are pending for improvements to grip design and muffler bypass controls.

If you want to do more with one tool and increase your productivity, order an IM3100 today."


So i am now guessing that although these are "new" - they are well-outdated models - but i guess that can still be a good deal...although, the fact that there is so much obsolete inventory around, particularly on a non-traditional item like this, may mean that it was a flop and never sold when it was a new model...what are your thoughts?

[Blacknwhitepit]

why is it that when i see a "discounted" snap on item say on ebay or overstock.com and then try to find the model on the SO site, i never seem to be able to - are they fakes? or just obsolete and no longer a current model?

for example, i have seen this Snap-On 3/8 and 1/2 Air Impact Wrench Model IM3100 in a couple of place for around $120-160 - supposedly, the retail price is $350 or so...but search as i might on the SO website, can't find this impact wrench...what gives??? - thanks, ed :headscrat

They are real. As I recall, there were many issues with the reliability of that gun. They are just moving it out of their stock.

Speaking of "discount"-"tinued" :) Snap on!

Check out this Air Hammer that is going for about $50.00 new on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLOW-OUT-New-Snap-On-PH2040-in-line-air-hammer-2-BITS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34999QQihZ003QQite mZ130183347032QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Search PH2040 on ebay and you will see that they are flooded with them and they are no longer sold on the Snap on website.

If I were a betting man, I would bet that they are getting rid of them because they are not compatible with any standard Air Hammer fitting. But they can be had for a great discount!.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w209/blacknwhitepit/soham.jpg

-BWP

[NSXSOON]

I think you almost answered your own question. The impact wrenches and a few other items for sale on Overstock.com are discontinued by Snap-on and being liquidated there. There are only two ways I know of to get a significant discount on Snap-on tools:

1) Hook up with someone who is attending a trade school. Snap-on offers the students 40% as a general rule on most catalog items.

2) If you work for a large company (Northrop Grumman in my case) call the Procurement Department and find out who the Snap-on Industrial rep is, these are not the guys who drive the Snap-on trucks. As an employee they will generaly sell to you at 30% off list and it is not ordered or billed to the company but rather direct to you. Well worth doing a little leg work if your going to buy any significant amount of tools from them.

[edl]

thanks for this guys - so it seems the one may have had reliability issues - the other may have had compatibility issues - what do you think might be the issue with this one that is another one i am seeing out there

Snap-On 5-piece 3/8 Metric 12-point Socket Set
Model #: 205IPDFMY
Condition: Brand New
Package: Retail
Warranty: 1-Year Manufacturer
SKU #: 10000428-01
Quantity:

Features
Set includes Snap-on socket rail with clips
Tool set comes with 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, and 15mm impact swivel sockets
Flank drive technology
What’s in the Box
Set includes Snap-on socket rail with clips
Tool set comes with 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, and 15mm impact swivel sockets
Flank drive technology

??

[Blacknwhitepit]

thanks for this guys - so it seems the one may have had reliability issues - the other may have had compatibility issues - what do you think might be the issue with this one that is another one i am seeing out there

Snap-On 5-piece 3/8 Metric 12-point Socket Set
Model #: 205IPDFMY
Condition: Brand New
Package: Retail
Warranty: 1-Year Manufacturer
SKU #: 10000428-01
Quantity:

Features
Set includes Snap-on socket rail with clips
Tool set comes with 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, and 15mm impact swivel sockets
Flank drive technology
What’s in the Box
Set includes Snap-on socket rail with clips
Tool set comes with 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, and 15mm impact swivel sockets
Flank drive technology

??

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w209/blacknwhitepit/impacts.jpg

These? They should be great.

But the 1 year Warranty is what I am puzzled by. :headscrat


BTW, the IM3100 issues were from guys who used it everyday if I recall. If you are a weekender, it probably isn't a bad deal.


-BWP

[TNToy]

The IM3100 sucks. It's heavy, and weak.

Buy an IR Titanium in 3/8 drive instead. Costs about the same if you snap up a good deal on eBay, and it's got a lot more power, and a longer lifespan.

There are two things I won't even look at from Snap-On. Welding equipment and impacts. Both are grossly overpriced, and underperform.