Snap-On vs Matco Tap and Die Sets

[Smitherines]

Hey guys, I see that Matco has their 675TD tap and die set on sale this week for $253.95, and I was wondering who makes the better kit, Snap-On or Matco? Personal experience in welcome!

 

[chadster1]

They are both made by Irwin

 

[Smitherines]

They are both made by Irwin

So they're essentially the same?

 

[nicholasbailey1993]

I wouldn't mess with either of them. I got an Irwin Hanson set last year and it has been great. They're high quality and u.s. made.

 

[Syndicate]

Apples to Oranges. As Chadster pointed out, made by the same company. Just rebadged. Both are good. Have used both brands and have no problems. Price is the only difference and if you find them on sale on your truck, then it is a bargain.

 

[balane]

Wouldn't it be Apples to Apples?

Tooltopia has that kit for $183

http://www.tooltopia.com/irwin-hanson-vise-grip-26376.aspx

.

 

[JASTECH]

I have the MAC 117pc set, also made by Irwin in the USA. That being said, make sure it's made in USA sence Irwin has a bunch made in China now a days.

 

[Syndicate]

Wouldn't it be Apples to Apples?

Tooltopia has that kit for $183

http://www.tooltopia.com/irwin-hanson-vise-grip-26376.aspx

.

I meant price wise, but yea it is the same so app to app it is

Is that set made in USA? If it is that is a comparable buy for sure

 

[billymade]

One thing to remember; Irwin doesn't have a lifetime warranty on their taps/dies (they used to); so, the tool trucks usually do (confirm that). So, in that case; it might be worth the extra money for the service and lifetime warranty; if you use them allot, something to consider.

 

[jjpp]

The Snap-On dies used to have a set screw in the dies to make changes in thread depth. I have not seen a new set to know if they still do. I have the Mac set and the dies are solid as are the Matco ones if I remember correctly.
And yes if you use them alot you will break or wear some out so the warranty my be of use to you.

 

[Rocky1999]

Wouldn't it be Apples to Apples?

Tooltopia has that kit for $183

http://www.tooltopia.com/irwin-hanson-vise-grip-26376.aspx

.

No longer in Business Guys. Sorry they closed for good : (

 

[ricleh]

Snapon dies used to be double hex so you could turn them with a socket or a wrench in a tight access situation. It was a proprietary Snapon design. I don't know if the new dies are double hex.

 

[whateg01]

Snapon dies used to be double hex so you could turn them with a socket or a wrench in a tight access situation. It was a proprietary Snapon design. I don't know if the new dies are double hex.

Why would that be desirable? A regular hex shaped die can also be turned by a wrench. A double hex would require a 12 point tool though.

 

[WhataTool]

The only tool truck that has recognized we're in the 21st century and includes a ratcheting T handle now is Matco that I'm aware of

 

[Snaparxon]

Reserrected from 2012. Nice! Snap on taps and dies are **** junk.

 

[tradesman]

I have Snap on taps from the early 2000's, worked when others wouldn't.

 

[Snaparxon]

I have Snap on taps from the early 2000's, worked when others wouldn't.

My original Snap on's from the 80's were good, nice shiny steel appearance, but once warrantied with Irwin satin finish looking gray ones they were brittle. I got a bunch of used taps from a machine shop on Ebay 15 years ago, opened my eyes to how ****** Snap on and store brand taps are, still using the 3/8-16 3-fluted tap from 15 years ago, no chips or breaks and still sharp.

 

[pelletman]

Hex dies are generally for cleaning up threads, round are for cutting new threads and often adjustable

 

[nicks78camaro]

The new style Snap On taps and dies are made in USA (I believe in house?) TDTDM500B. Came out within the last year or so.