Cruiser
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A buddy of mind loves Snap-On tools so much he keeps two sets of tools. For everyday he uses Craftsman tools and the Snap-On draws are for viewing only. Oh,well........
CRUISER
CRUISER
Snap-On Tools are they really that good ?
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mrholeshot
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Maybe Snap-On should rethink charging 100 dollars for a standard 3/8 ratchet. If a company like Wright can build a great ratchet for 35 dollars, Craftsman 84 for 49, Thin profile 32 dollars,Williams(snap-on 936 copy) for 26 dollars in the US it tells you something.
mrholeshot
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That statement is a lot more accurate than most people think.A buddy of mind loves Snap-On tools so much he keeps two sets of tools. For everyday he uses Craftsman tools and the Snap-On draws are for viewing only. Oh,well........
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jethro29
Well-known member
nothing else even comes close,as a pro tech who wrenches 60 hours a week at work and all weekend somtimes at home,i will not use anything else.
MrMark
Well-known member
I agree that 50 would be plenty for an F80. A great product at a fair price. Problem is that SO sells on credit to people on trucks so this creates a different marketing environment as you well know. The price gets jacked up, quite frankly, because it can in that tool truck credit model. The market will bear that price so that is what the price is set at. You can't blame them for that, can you? Your point is well made though, if not buying from a tool truck on credit, the price is too high for what you get.
Honestly, Snap-on is better than anything else all things being equal, and that holds true pretty much with everything I personally have used that they make. Their hammers are unparalleled, their ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches without equal. Everything in their product line is super high quality, even the things they source from others. Their products are worth 20-50, hell even 100 percent more to me. Problem is that they are often retailed at 300 percent more than Craftsman, which for me is the alternative.
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mrholeshot
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50 dollars would be a fair price. I don't question the quality of Snap-On's hard line. Maybe they need an outlet store instead of the buy here pay here method of sales they currently use. I shouldn't have to pay inflated prices because the pimple face newbie can't afford to pay cash. Snap-On is the loan shark of the tool business. i've been caught up in it so I know all about it. I was that pimple face newbie years ago.
A buddy of mind loves Snap-On tools so much he keeps two sets of tools. For everyday he uses Craftsman tools and the Snap-On draws are for viewing only. Oh,well........
CRUISER
I thought everyone had two sets of tools!!
I use the HF **** for everyday jobs but save my SO and SK for special occassions. Isn't the term "tool box jewelry"?? I don't want to scratch up the good stuff.
Theloniousmonk
Well-known member
I love how some statements are so close to the verbage in the sales flyer its erie. Just an observation.
Well like you mentioned they do sell williams tools that are clones of older snap-on tools for a fraction of the cost. That should give a little insight into the markup involved to support the snap on business model (trucks, credit, robust lifetime guarantee, advertising, plus all the specialty stuff they need to keep up with). Take off the snap on name and they become nearly invisible to buyers (besides us) even though they carry a good warranty and are the same quality.
And to add to the discussion, the only snap on tools I have are 4 dual 80 ratchets and they are the ratchets I like to use but I only bought 1 new the rest were bought "like new" (quite literally) for 55% off. The rest of my stuff is SK, williams, wright, craftsman, gearwrench, pb swiss, knipex, bahco, facom etc. because of the value they offer.
mrholeshot
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Maybe if you wern't buying anything but Snap-On you could take a day off. Been a pro wrench for 45+ years. A lot of stuff comes close and a lot exceeds Snap-On. I like their hard line tools the best (wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers,etc) but a lot of stuff they sell they don't build and can be purchaced for 1/3 the price or less somewhere else. There is not a single tool they build that someone else builds to do the same job just as good and do it for less. Snap-On has a Unique and brilliant sales technique. It's like buying a new Mercedes at a buy here pay here lot. Selling top quality at super inflated prices and easy credit.
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have a lot of different brands of tools and like I have always said everybody sells some tools that are great and some they they sell are junk Snap on included, OTC specials are now mostly made in Taiwan and work perfect then have a Snap on ratchet that has broke quite a few times etc.. I try out all brands before I condemn them or approve them I never drank the S-O kool aid and no body should .
SO is the most expensive option, so they must be the best, right?
It's no different than buying a Cadillac, or a Harley, or Peterbilt, or a Subzero refrigerator, or a Rolex watch. All are the most expensive (American made) options in their class, so they have to be the best, right? Regardless, they sure make great status symbols to impress your friends and co-workers that you spend a lot of money.
I say if you can afford it, and it's high on your priority list, go for it. There's nothing wrong with showing off. However, there are lots of good tools out there that will do the job for a lot less money, and are ultimately a better value.
Personally, I prefer my HF composite ratchet over my SO for all but the toughest bolts. It's just lighter and more comfortable. If the bolt is stubborn, I prefer an impact over a ratchet anyway. I prefer my Cman professional wrenches over my older SO combos. They're so similar it's hard to tell the difference. But I do like my SO hard handled screw drivers over all of my others. They're just comfortable. Others will argue otherwise. There's no right answer here. Just try multiple brands and decide for yourself.
After you try the most expensive products out there, you can usually find flaws in all of them, and there are usually less expensive options that will perform as good, or better, but without the bling factor.
SO makes great tools, and I would welcome new additions in my box. But there is no way I would pay list price for them.
It's no different than buying a Cadillac, or a Harley, or Peterbilt, or a Subzero refrigerator, or a Rolex watch. All are the most expensive (American made) options in their class, so they have to be the best, right? Regardless, they sure make great status symbols to impress your friends and co-workers that you spend a lot of money.
I say if you can afford it, and it's high on your priority list, go for it. There's nothing wrong with showing off. However, there are lots of good tools out there that will do the job for a lot less money, and are ultimately a better value.
Personally, I prefer my HF composite ratchet over my SO for all but the toughest bolts. It's just lighter and more comfortable. If the bolt is stubborn, I prefer an impact over a ratchet anyway. I prefer my Cman professional wrenches over my older SO combos. They're so similar it's hard to tell the difference. But I do like my SO hard handled screw drivers over all of my others. They're just comfortable. Others will argue otherwise. There's no right answer here. Just try multiple brands and decide for yourself.
After you try the most expensive products out there, you can usually find flaws in all of them, and there are usually less expensive options that will perform as good, or better, but without the bling factor.
SO makes great tools, and I would welcome new additions in my box. But there is no way I would pay list price for them.
mrholeshot
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My Rolex was made in Switzerland.
Ha! Yeah, it probably is. I was trying to keep the comparisons to "high end American" stuff, but I guess I don't know who the high end American watch company is.
I wear a Timex.
Dale
Ha! Yeah, it probably is. I was trying to keep the comparisons to "high end American" stuff, but I guess I don't know who the high end American watch company is.
I wear a Timex.
Dale
You are right though rolex is an analogy. People think they are the best but they are in fact laughed at as far as watch connoisseurs go. Their movements are not finely finished, they don't keep that great of time, not very complicated and their cases and bracelets are not as nice as they should be. The are tough watches though but for the price not worth it. Rolex like snap on rules it's brand with an iron fist and that keeps prices high.
mrholeshot
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I havent worn my Rolex in a few years. Personally I'd love to sell it. I have a Citizen Eco Drive I like much better. My Casio work watch keeps just as good time as any of the others. I love the Ecodrive. It looks like a Hubcap on most peoples arms. I'm big(fat) enough to pull it off.Ha! Yeah, it probably is. I was trying to keep the comparisons to "high end American" stuff, but I guess I don't know who the high end American watch company is.
I wear a Timex.
Dale
wafrederick
Well-known member
Snap On did get in big trouble about a couple years ago,copied Matco's pinless impact swivel design.Matco put a patent on it and took Snap On to court.Most of Snap On's toolboxes are made in Mexico and Canada.Matco is the only to make their toolboxes in the USA with a toolbox plant in Jamestown,NY.Snap On does make better 3/8 drive air ratchets over IR.Tried both and the Snap On has impressed me more with more power.
Theloniousmonk
Well-known member
Nice ecodrive, i wear a similar E210 every day... great watches, good heft and alot of quality for the $$$. I hate rolex.
I seems to me, whether it be tools or watches or cars, some people purchase things with little previous knowledge other than an absorbing of marketing and hearsay (like never owning a tool until tech school, buying a MB because they hear they are good and expensive, rolex cause it's rolex)... and the guys that spend a lifetime around such objects have a very different and indepth opinion, formed form experience and a gathering of knowledge.
When I first started out, the real oldtimers that I worked with used Cman exclusively, and proto for very large fastener sizes cause you couldn't get a 3" combo from Cman. These were guys that only needed a hammer, 1/2 ratchet, a couple sockets and an adj. wrench to fix damned near anything that was screwed together and made of metal. Guys whose index finger was thicker than a garden hose. Guys who would pop a bear bottle w/ their teeth. Guys who where guys.
I seems to me, whether it be tools or watches or cars, some people purchase things with little previous knowledge other than an absorbing of marketing and hearsay (like never owning a tool until tech school, buying a MB because they hear they are good and expensive, rolex cause it's rolex)... and the guys that spend a lifetime around such objects have a very different and indepth opinion, formed form experience and a gathering of knowledge.
When I first started out, the real oldtimers that I worked with used Cman exclusively, and proto for very large fastener sizes cause you couldn't get a 3" combo from Cman. These were guys that only needed a hammer, 1/2 ratchet, a couple sockets and an adj. wrench to fix damned near anything that was screwed together and made of metal. Guys whose index finger was thicker than a garden hose. Guys who would pop a bear bottle w/ their teeth. Guys who where guys.
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My God.. How bout everyone just buys whatever tools they want to and we call it good. There no reason to bash someone for buying Snap On just like there is No reason to ridicule someone for buying Import tools. Its Ultimately there money and they can Spend it however they choose. I swear sometimes i miss the Import bashing we used to have here. (Come back MickeyO ) It seems now everyone who chooses to buy Snap on is buying them for the Prestige factor, Wasting Money or a Fool. I spend my Money When and Where i Choose and with what companies that have faith will take care of me as a Customer.
I have a Eco Drive Citizen myself, Great watch... But the Fake Rolex has to Go... LOL
http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watches/yacht-masterii/introduction
) It seems now everyone who chooses to buy Snap on is buying them for the Prestige factor, Wasting Money or a Fool. I spend my Money When and Where i Choose and with what companies that have faith will take care of me as a Customer.I have a Eco Drive Citizen myself, Great watch... But the Fake Rolex has to Go... LOL
http://www.rolex.com/en#/rolex-watches/yacht-masterii/introduction
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mrholeshot
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My God.. How bout everyone just buys whatever tools they want to and we call it good. There no reason to bash someone for buying Snap On just like there is No reason to ridicule someone for buying Import tools. Its Ultimately there money and they can Spend it however they choose. I swear sometimes i miss the Import bashing we used to have here. (Come back MickeyO
Thats good reasoning if everyone would be in that thought process. The problem is this. Nobody ever says how well I support the USA when I post up my USA stuff but are quick to tell me how I am the reason that American tool plants have shut down when I buy a Duralast or Gearwrench ratchet. I supported American tool companies for over 40 years and my tools and tool boxes were built in either the USA (some boxes Canada) for anything but what absolutly had no choice but to import. The same guys sticking the flag up my keister are buying their tools off ebay and flea markets. That doesn't help the economy at all unless it gives the buyer more disposable income. Buying a high quality non domestic tool does the same thing but adds in all the people it took to get that tool to the selling point.
mrholeshot
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I took the Rolex as partial trade on a 67 GTO I built some years ago. I had it authenticated at 3 differant places before I would even consider it. It's not something I would have gone out an bought. The guy didn't have quite enough to buy the car so he threw in the watch to cover the rest. I can't stand fake watches. I rather have a real Timex than a Fake Rolex,Omega, Britterling. Not a big fan of them
You're right there, Hiball. And I'm sure that in the end, "everyone does buy whatever they want to and we call it good."
I'm not bashing anyone. I was just giving my honest opinion based on the OPs original question, "Snap-On Tools, are they really that good?"
They are good. I've used them. They're probably just as good as Matco, Proto, Armstrong, SK, Craftsman, Mac, and several others. Where SO truly excels is in the "bling factor" that you "own the best", because everyone knows they are the most expensive.
So by all means, if I wanted to impress others, I would definitely buy SO. They are that good. If I just want to remove bolts, I believe I have lots of options.
Dale
MrMark
Well-known member
So Snap-on KRL series are not US made? Thanks for that info, I was looking into getting one.
wafrederick
Well-known member
Snap On Makes good toolboxes.Have a Snap On top fuel dragster edition at work and it says made in Canada on the label
The Date stamp at the bottom is pretty much a dead giveaway, If you look at the Yacht master II you will see that there is a (2nd) Second counter it that location. Can we see a picture of the Back of the Watch?
Fake Yacht Master II
Real Yacht Master II
I hope the guy didnt own you any more than $81 bucks. LOL
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MrMark
Well-known member
Those aren't good jobs, and they aren't jobs created by buying import products. With the exception of China Freight, those stores are going to be there whether they sell China or not. It's like George Bush bragging about jobs being created in McDonalds.
I think you are being a little too sensitive; I don't think anyone has bashed you as a person, my only commentary would be that your reviews have been slightly exaggerated in your conclusions. I think you will even agree that this is a fair critique. We know how much you have and continue to support made in USA tools.
Many have really enjoyed your input and experience, myself included. I have noted that there are several people who post regularly on here who are extremely bitter at having purchased Snap-on tools from the truck and do everything they can to bash them. Not saying you are in this boat at all, but I want to note that no one put a gun to their head and told them they had to buy those tools on Truck Credit. They did it because it was convenient and easy.
If anything, this Forum has turned into the China Freight "it works fine" forum.
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That yacht master is nice and will hold its value (though not as much as an a stainless model). I had a submariner I got as a gift from my ex wife but I sold it and never looked back. Just to service the watch (like you need to every 5 years or whatever) is like $300 last I checked. Rolex wathces are nice enough but like there are better "fine" watches for 25% the cost.
Diesel-Mech
Well-known member
No he is incorrect, Snap-on KRL, Epic and KRA Classic series boxes are made here. Heritage KRA and below series boxes are made in Canada.
The forum hasn't "turned into" anything. Web forums are fluid, flowing this way and that as members come and go. This section has always been about tools, which is a broad topic covering all types of implements. We've got plenty of people walled-up in their fortresses of preference, and plenty more who take-up position in no-man's land. Which side is the most vocal at any given time is bound to change, constantly. Some guys freak out about that and steam off to more familiar-feeling harbors. Oh well.
well if you want to hang out with all the "diehard USA" tool crew just go to the forum they all post at, they are all still around. I for one am glad that that you can actually discuss import tools like adults here unlike before where you would get stomped on. I think most people here still would prefer USA brands but these days you have to have your head in the sand to ignore the quality tools that are being produced in china and taiwan.
$300 dollars every 5 years is a drop in the bucket to people buying 30K dollar watches. I think ill just keep wearing my citizen.. LOL
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GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
Also note that the KRSC series of carts is made in Canada. If the box or cart has a Snap-on label on it, it is made in either the USA or Canada. If it is a Blue Point, it will made in Asia (as far as I know...).
treasureseeker
Well-known member
I think line mechanics can better answer if Snap on is that good, which I am not. I am thinking mainly of their ratchets at this point and while their price is pretty high off the truck that cost includes more than just the ratchet but the warranty and having a payment plan and support if needed. To answer the question I would consider a down time comparison with other tool companies vital to the question asked. Most of my ratchets are current Snap on offerings. Most of my other tools are older Snap on. I like the current ratchet design. Their 1/2 “drive ratchet is built like a tank. With doing occasional work on a vehicles do I need a tank or something a little lighter. I don’t know but it is nice to have on hand just in case.
They talk about Imports over there too, Ill admit its More Civil but they are discussed. I think there main issue wasnt with the Quality of the Tools produced overseas but the Infux of Imports in our Market and outsourceing of our Manufacturing Jobs. To be fair to them... Most of those "Die Hard USA" Guys where older and anyone who was around imports from the Late 80's into the 90's cant in all honesty say there wasnt ALOT of Junk out there. I can personally remember my Grandfather buying Buffalo tools by the Truckload to re-sell and you would literally find broken tools that had never been out of the package. There's No doubt in my Mind that the Newer stuff is Better but the Question is: "Is it Better for you?" Thats a choice each consumer has to make and its there Right to choose and Regardless of there Choice they shouldnt be harassed. I honestly Miss alot of those Old Guys, They carried alot of Knowledge and kept the board moving with Variety....
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
it's they vs themThey talk about Imports over there too, Ill admit its More Civil but they are discussed. I think there main issue wasnt with the Quality of the Tools produced overseas but the Infux of Imports in our Market and outsourceing of our Manufacturing Jobs. To be fair to them... Most of those "Die Hard USA" Guys where older and anyone who was around imports from the Late 80's into the 90's cant in all honesty say there wasnt ALOT of Junk out there. I can personally remember my Grandfather buying Buffalo tools by the Truckload to re-sell and you would literally find broken tools that had never been out of the package. There's No doubt in my Mind that the Newer stuff is Better but the Question is: "Is it Better for you?" Thats a choice each consumer has to make and its there Right to choose and Regardless of there Choice they shouldnt be harassed. I honestly Miss alot of those Old Guys, They carried alot of Knowledge and kept the board moving with Variety....
doctorschmullus
Well-known member
Contact Snap on websites, there are three dealers in the humble town of toowoomba alone so there should be tons in brisbane. But go the stahwlille avenue or log on to the sears website and get whatever cman pro you can. Blackwoods has a sale on stahlwille atm like 12 wrenches for 163 bucks thats not much more than sidchrome
mrholeshot
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Well years ago you didn't have choices like you have now. When I first started out the closest sears was 40 miles away and everything else except Snap-On and MAC was at Hardware stores or western Auto. It made sence to buy tools off the truck for shear service. Now with quality tools everywhere the choices are extensive. I just bought a nice selection of Williams tools. One of the items is a 3/8 ratchet that is basicly a 936 Snap-On with Williams on it. it was 26 dollars. Now a Duralast 936 copy is 20 dollars. While I would rather have the Williams for the fact it is a USA built Snap-On ratchet with Williams on it and a little differant handle if that Williams ratchet breaks it will take a few weeks to get it replaced. The Duralast you can stop by Autozone and they hand you a new one. The quality of the ratchets are near equal. If American tool companies could service what they sell people would pay the upcharge to a point. When you get up to 80 dollars then you get the service. Personally I would love to see Snap-On open retail stores and sell tools at about 60- 70% of the truck price. I'd sure shop there and leave the Duralast on the rack.
FYI There are Many Industrial stores who will warrant Williams tools, I expect there not as Readily available as Auto Zones but there are Options. Now about that Rolex? LOL...