Is SnapOn worth the extra $$$

[Mscircle1]

I am currently a diesel tech student at a local college. Even with the student discount these tools can be price well above others. Just looking for input bc i dont want to buy to cheap and be replacing everything within the first 6 months.

Also other quality tool brand recommendations are welcome.

 

[CWP1616L]

Get some experience using cheap inferior tools and find out for yourself.

 

[E.T.Privott]

hold off as long as you can and keep lookin' around for a big box (you well fill it) thats in good condition, alot of guys are losing there stuff right now so it's out there. stay off the tool truck for as long as you can... it adds up quick !! there always tool boxes out there even if you have to buy only to resale later on (alway buy boxes in good condition and not beat, because you can always resale good boxes - beat boxes are cheap and $ lost). learned the hard way about that one, your box and tools are an investment and hold value if cared for. besides it shows better on you as a mechanic to keep your stuff clean and not beat all to hell.

 

[PAPERMAKER]

If you can get them at the student discount then yes, if not there are less expensive tools that will do the same job for way less money.

 

[CWP1616L]

Get you some Indian made tools to start out with and maybe pick up a box of bandages while you're at it.

 

[ng8264723]

Craftsman are a pretty good compromise. I also have a lot of gearwrench. I actually reach for my Gearwrench stuff over my snap on stuff 99% of the time. If you buy them at Sears you can return them there

 

[transittech]

1. It depends on who you ask.

2. It depends on what you buy.

Snap-On (and the other trucks) sell rebranded tools for a substantial markup. Be aware of these; some times its worth it to spend the extra money and sometimes not, mostly depending on the warranty service. You could fill many internet forums on which is made by who, it gets confusing.

A few highlights I would recommend from Snap On with your discount:

dual 80 ratchets
tap and die sets
re-threading kit
PH3050A air hammer and bits
PDR5000A air drill (lots of torque and reverse for left-handed drill bits)
their new welded impact universal sockets
dead blow ball pein hammers
heavy-duty removal torx bits

There are things you may want to avoid from Snap-On such as pliers - I would take Knipex pliers over Snap-On pliers anyday.

Make a list and update it every month or so. Some things you will notice needing more than others, so move them up in the list. Good luck!

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I am currently a diesel tech student at a local college. Even with the student discount these tools can be price well above others. Just looking for input bc i dont want to buy to cheap and be replacing everything within the first 6 months.

Also other quality tool brand recommendations are welcome.

You'll get alot of opinions and at times these sort of threads get heated.

I've been wrenching since the 1970s and have many brands of tools. I've broken a few things here and there over the years and all of the different brands I have are about on par with each other.

Just my personal preferences on things you can't go wrong with....

Ratchets-- snap-on, craftsman thin profile, craftsman premium, armstrong

Sockets--snappy, crafty, wright or s&k

Wrenches- crafty raised panel and s&k long pattern

universals--snap on

flare line wrenches--snappy, craftsman professional and s&k

pliers--knipex, crafty, channel lock

wire cutters-knipex or klien

extensions-crafty (36 in snappy comes in handy)

screwdrivers- klien, wiha, or craftsman professional

torx bit sockets-snappy (crafty and gearwrench are good back ups)

ratchet wrenches- gearwrench

air tools-- ingersol rand

impact sockets- grey pnuematic (I also have some harbor freight impact sockets that have held up well)

Napa has a new house brand-carlyle. I've bought some of these tools and have been putting them through the paces but since they are new it's too early to tell how well they perform in the long haul, but so far I like them.

Which ever route you go, don't get into a deep debt situation. Buy what you need and can afford

 

[e-tek]

Good thread - no trashing, just good info from experienced guys. Keep it that way!

I have a set of Craftsman flare wrenches that flex....I'm gonna try a SO set.

 

[Mscircle1]

thanks fordguy i have been doing alot a pawn shop shopping resent purchaces

Armstrong 10pc ratcheting wrench set sae pick up for 60 retails around 280

Old set of challenger by proto 17pc metric wrench set 25 retail on new blackhawk line set that the same 180

 

[CanUK]

Get you some Indian made tools to start out with and maybe pick up a box of bandages while you're at it.

That's a rather myopic perpective (although not really surprising on this forum). You may have missed it, but Monte posted a link to this test:

http://wiesemann.eu/_UPLOAD/files/Oldtimermarkt.pdf

...in this thread:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2526093#post2526093

...which shows a 1 Euro ($1.28USD) made-in-India combination spanner outperforming (applied torque) one Snap-On spanner, and matching the performance of another.

The Snap-On performance on the open-end, and consequently their ranking in the test is unimpressive. Their may be other valid reasons to choose the brand, but suggesting someone should choose them to save injury their knuckles is apparently poor advice.

 

[V70R]

Definitely worth the money. Get your hardline and items of daily use via your student program while you can, and add to it when you're into the field. Win win!

 

[CWP1616L]

That's a rather myopic perpective (although not really surprising on this forum). You may have missed it, but Monte posted a link to this test:

http://wiesemann.eu/_UPLOAD/files/Oldtimermarkt.pdf

...in this thread:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2526093#post2526093

...which shows a 1 Euro ($1.28USD) made-in-India combination spanner outperforming (applied torque) one Snap-On spanner, and matching the performance of another.

The Snap-On performance on the open-end, and consequently their ranking in the test is unimpressive. Their may be other valid reasons to choose the brand, but suggesting someone should choose them to save injury their knuckles is apparently poor advice.

That PDF took forever and a day to download and when I finally got it, it's in German... You got a link to the English version?

 

[CanUK]

That PDF took forever and a day to download and when I finally got it, it's in German... You got a link to the English version?

I don't, but Nm are Nm in any language fortunately (and even if you deal exclusively in lb-ft you can still make sense of the relative differences). The numerical rankings in the various categories are also pretty straight forward.

"Nm max. Maul" refers to open end.

"Nm max. Ring" refers to the ring end (obviously)

If you want to read the body of the article you can always copy and paste into Google Translate.

BTW - The pdf only took a second or so for me to download (even after clearing my cache) - Snap On isn't running your ISP by any chance is it? (just kidding)

 

[CWP1616L]

If you want to read the body of the article you can always copy and paste into Google Translate.

As per your suggestion, I tried that. Google Translation does a very poor job of translating German to English. Only some of the German text was successfully translated; not all of it and certainly not in any kind of readable format. Are you seriously suggesting that Indian produced wrenches are just as good, if not superior to Snap-on produced wrenches?

 

[CanUK]

Are you seriously suggesting that Indian produced wrenches are just as good, if not superior to Snap-on manufactured wrenches?

That's not what I've said at all, although the test itself ranks the Indian spanners in 4th and 7th place, with the Snap Ons in 16th and 17th.

I have pointed out that a cheap Indian-made spanner was able to apply as much and more torque than the two Snap On spanners tested, without slipping, bending, or breaking.

Your original post suggested that he would be risking injury by purchasing Indian-made spanners instead of Snap On. The test shows that that is untrue, at least for the spanners tested.

I did also state that there may be other reasons someone might wish to purchase Snap On. Likewise there will certainly be spanners made India that don't perform as well (and spanners made in America, Germany, China etc).

We can definitely conclude that brand-name, COO, and price have no direct bearing on whether the user will injure themselves.

 

[dappledachsund]

heres my take on this. when i started i bought alot of cheap tools ,at first. then i bought my first set of professional wrenches from mac. once i got my knuckle saver set it was over everything i bought cheap needed to be replaced because the cheap tools just didnt feel the same. so in my opinion. i would not bother to buy cheap unless u know u are going to like using it everyday. go out nd use a mac wrench or snap on, matco, or cornwell, then use a cheap wrench and see if u feel the difference. as far as hand tools buy the best you can get it will only cost you more down the road when you are replaceing all of your cheaper tools. most specialty tools can be bought from other companys because the big tool distributors just rebrand other brands specialty tools at a higher price so those id shop around for.

 

[Alx]

That's a rather myopic perpective (although not really surprising on this forum). You may have missed it, but Monte posted a link to this test:

http://wiesemann.eu/_UPLOAD/files/Oldtimermarkt.pdf

.

Gotta love Hazet: "Maximum is reached, the most stable wrench in the test"

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Early in the game you'll want to keep your truck purchases to a bare minimum. I've seen new guys get over their heads quick on the Snappy, Mac and Matco stuff, even with the student discount.

That said, there's some things outlined above, and a few others like ratcheting screwdrivers that Snapon just does a better job on than most.

Sometimes the dealers will cut students some killer deals on Bluepoint stuff as well. I've still got a bunch of Bluepoint from when I first started out that I've never had any complaints with, and I got it for around the same price as Craftsman.

 

[cgv69]

I have a set of Craftsman flare wrenches that flex....I'm gonna try a SO set.

Are the craftsman the Pro line or raised panel version? If pro line, USA or Chinese made?

 

[darkk]

NO, NO, and NO.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

BMW or a Ford, Rolls or a Chevy.. Don't Blanket your tool purchases with a brand name.. All the manufacturers have some tools that I like or dislike... Pawn shop finds can save you a bundle on quality tools.. 42 years ago this fall; I was in your shoes and purchased a bunch of ProTo tools at a nice discount, but Nothing was charged... Over the YEARS, I have spent my share of money making payments to the SnapOn Dealer.. Good tools can be had;; But the best thing I can stress is not to dig yourself a big financial hole that you will have to dig yourself out of...

 

[unknow82]

All tools I have broke are Snap-on and I only got few, I like to keep broken ones as reminder of difference:
Snap-on got great waranty, but with European tools you do not need to use waranty...

Here is small comparisom, 10mm wrenches.
First I tought when I bougth that used 10mm Snap-on, that I got fake one as clumsy tool it is. Neck of open box side is so huge that, even cheap Chinese tools got thiner. Handle edged are sharp and surface feel slipery even among with these clean tools.

Ring side is worse; compare that ring thiknes to Hazet or Stahlwille, more like double and still you need to use waranty?

btw, Stahlwille, Hazet and all other are 1/3 of the price from Snap-on...


Issue is not the tools themself, USA made tools feel soft and it is well known fact that USA steel got more carbon, compare to European steel. When I turn ratchet or wrench USA origin, it bends and does not "Snap"

 

[unknow82]

If I would buy new tools today, here would be my choise:

Socket set: Beta or Facom

Wrenches: Hazet 600N and Stalhwille Open Box 13

Pliers: NWS or knipex

Screwdriver: Snap-on

 

[MackMan]

I'll put in my $0.02.

I'm a hobbyist, not a professional mechanic, but I do work on a daily basis with mechanics and technicians. Lots of people here have Snap-On, but plenty are still using Craftsman, and MSC Direct stuff among others. I personally have mostly Craftsman, but have started collecting Snap-On to finish out my set, and once I have a mostly full set I might go through and start replacing some of the C-man with Snap-On.

As a "new professional" I would say to invest in what gets the job done and be very very careful about the debt you are committing to. I'm an engineer, and I know a lot of other engineers who graduate with $700-$1,000/mo student loan payments... that's what I pay for a mortgage!

Consider economically where you want to pay the Snap-On prices. I'd say it's well worth it for the items you will use all day every day (ratchets for instance), and if you are looking for a specialty tool ask on here what the best brand is for that particular tool (for instance I recently was looking for flare wrenches and seemed like though there are other good options, Snap-On was most respected so that is the route I went).

I have no idea what the Snap-On student discount is, but I would also say to watch the classifieds on this forum, Ebay and pawn shops. I picked up the flare wrenches ($184 on SnapOn.com) for $53 shipped on Ebay... Got 14 deep 6-point sockets for $45 off the classifieds here (included a ~$220 set plus some duplicates). It may do well to look for these type of deals and then fill in the gaps with single units from the Truck.

I understand that many of the professional mechanics on here have different opinions and I'm sure when tools are how you make a living it changes the perception of value, but in our uncertain economy and job market I just don't think it makes sense to start out a career with $50,000 in Snap-On "credit". I've known people in your position who took their pay check directly to the Snap-On guy and he gave them whatever was leftover after their payment was made. I understand you need tools to do your job, just try to be "smart" about getting what works and what you can afford... and what you cannot afford to be without.

 

[SMKS]

All tools I have broke are Snap-on and I only got few, I like to keep broken ones as reminder of difference:
Snap-on got great waranty, but with European tools you do not need to use waranty...

Here is small comparisom, 10mm wrenches.
First I tought when I bougth that used 10mm Snap-on, that I got fake one as clumsy tool it is. Neck of open box side is so huge that, even cheap Chinese tools got thiner. Handle edged are sharp and surface feel slipery even among with these clean tools.

Ring side is worse; compare that ring thiknes to Hazet or Stahlwille, more like double and still you need to use waranty?

btw, Stahlwille, Hazet and all other are 1/3 of the price from Snap-on...

That is either not a real Snap-on wrench or is a strange one that isn't available in the US. Is there a part number on it?

I'm not a Snap-on defender. I don't think SO is worth the extra cost over other quality brands. As a DIY'er, it's not worth it to me.

This is a what a real Snap-on wrench looks like.

 

[unknow82]

It reads:
ISO7738 ECXM10

 

[carterbeauford]

I also have a lot of gearwrench. I actually reach for my Gearwrench stuff over my snap on stuff 99% of the time.

+1 for this, Tooltopia has GW stuff heavily discounted too. GW makes a lot of stuff that makes working on my John Deeres a lot easier. I ******* love their ratcheting tap and die sets. there is no better way to rethread implement mounting studs on an old John Deere. I occasionally break their tools but they send me new ones no questions asked, even taps.

I have a love/hate relationship with Snap-On, I like their vintage stuff mostly because it looks cool. I could take or leave their wrenches and sockets, but they make a lot of cool tools I can't find anywhere else, like an oil funnel that threads onto the top of my Cummins engine.

 

[bart1]

It reads:
ISO7738 ECXM10

Not a great pic, but my few SO wrenches are longer than my Hazets. I prefer Hazet due to finish and ergonomics, but that SnapOn you have is very different from any I have. (note this is a 12mm Mac, 13mm SO and 14mm HZ.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I have a bunch of different brands in my home box, but If it were me I wouldn't buy anything other than Craftsman or tool truck brand items due to ease of warranty, they are much more convenient to replace when you're so dependent on them. I really like Cornwell or Snapon, thats what I use at work.

 

[RCStocker]

Get you some Indian made tools to start out with and maybe pick up a box of bandages while you're at it.

You are right. Indian made tools are good. I have had a set of metric for almost 40 years. I picked them up in an auto parts store. They were not expensive and have ended up being the best buy for my mony on tools in 40 years. They still have a good finish. I use them on my sail boad. The engine is metric.

Buy used tools. You can get everthing you need for way under a thousand dollars if you look. I just piced up a 9 drawer cabinet with berrings for $75 and it is like brand new. Unless it is a special tool buy it used. You can buy turck brand for the prices of Craftsman if you look. Snap-on are more but I am supprised at what I have been finding for the past 50 years. 2 months ago I got a full set of Wright SAE wrenches in a roll. They were new. 5/16" - 1-1/4" the are satin finish. The cost me $50. Hit yard sales, estate sales. Craigslist is always high but once in a while you can really pick up a good deal. Check E-bay for prices. That can vary buy a huge percent for the same thing when it comes to Snap-on but other brands don't vary that much. E is setting the price. Go from there. If you find a good set at a good price don't pass it up. It will not be there when you go back for it. I have been buying and selling for 50 years. Money talks and don't be afraid to dicker on price. If you find a better set later on sell what you have or keep it for a back up. Stay off the truck and con't owe your soul to the credit man.

 

[NWphotog]

hold off as long as you can and keep lookin' around for a big box (you well fill it) thats in good condition, alot of guys are losing there stuff right now so it's out there. stay off the tool truck for as long as you can... it adds up quick !! there always tool boxes out there even if you have to buy only to resale later on (alway buy boxes in good condition and not beat, because you can always resale good boxes - beat boxes are cheap and $ lost). learned the hard way about that one, your box and tools are an investment and hold value if cared for. besides it shows better on you as a mechanic to keep your stuff clean and not beat all to hell.

Well said!

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Maybe go the MechanicNamedJohn route and get a HF setup. Look where he's at now.

 

[SMKS]

It reads:
ISO7738 ECXM10

I did a little googling of this and found it's a part number in Snap-On's Eurotools line, which appears to be a line of tools that Snap-on markets (or used to) in Europe. A couple posts I found referred to the Eurotools as a lower-priced line.

There aren't too many threads on the topic, but here's one.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48223

So, the ECXM10 is not representative of the "regular" Snap-on wrenches that most people are referring to when they talk about Snap-on tools.

Needless to say, I think the OP is in the US, so he would be buying the regular Snap-on wrenches.

 

[Hiball]

Issue is not the tools themself, USA made tools feel soft and it is well known fact that USA steel got more carbon, compare to European steel. When I turn ratchet or wrench USA origin, it bends and does not "Snap"

Who here hasn't twisted a small hex bit in there lifetime? I guess I should rephrase that, Who here who works on Automobiles hasn't twisted/broke a small hex driver? Geez....

 

[Jim C.]

I'm not a pro mechanic, but I recently bought the Craftsman premium grade 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive ratchets and used them extensively this past weekend. I was impressed with them and would recommend them as high quality alternatives to the more costly snap on versions.

Jim C.

 

[MackMan]

Also, shouldn't more carbon mean the steel is harder not softer?

And I'd prefer my tools to bend rather than snap!

 

[Hiball]

Your gonna get a Million and One different responses to your questions here at GJ, Snap on is more or less 1 step above Osama Bin Laden to some of these guys. Anyone who says or tells you that you need a box full of Snap on tools to complete your training or enter the diesel field is trying to sell you something. I live in Mid Missouri and in my "Buying" Experiences ive personally bought "3" of the Basic Student packages off kids that changed there mind or Parents who had to pay off some debts. I Honestly dont think you can go wrong with utilizing the Student program and "Picking and Choosing" what you want, Ratchets, Sockets (Chrome), Hex/Torx and Most Drive tools etc are all "Safe" purchases IMO. I wouldnt go to Crazy right off the bat... Just remember that you are just starting out, Dont put yourself in a sitsuation where you cant pay your bills or enjoy life because your in debt up to your eyeballs. I think alot of the animosity towards Snap on here is because people got in over there heads and found out Easy payments arent always easy. Maybe hook up with some Local diesel shops and see what the guys are using? I dont know what kind of Discount you get through the student program on Toolboxes but i would be leary of trying to get into a Huge box right off the bat. Unlike the Drive tools i mentioned earlier, They are harder to move and dont bring anything near what they initially cost if for some reason you change your mind down the road. Anyways... Good luck on your journey and dont be afraid to spend some time researching each purchase, Things are not always how they seem.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I did a little googling of this and found it's a part number in Snap-On Eurotools line, which appears to be a line of tools that Snap-on markets (or used to) in Europe. A couple posts I found referred to the Eurotools as a lower-priced line.

There aren't too many threads on the topic, but here's one.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48223

So, the ECXM10 is not representative of the "regular" Snap-on wrenches that most people are referring to when they talk about Snap-on tools.

Needless to say, I think the OP is in the US, so he would be buying the regular Snap-on wrenches.

Just came from a internet SnapOn Euro tour myself... Have two USA SnapOn 10mm combo wrenches in front of me.. OEXM 10 USA standard length and a OEXM 100 USA long.... Looking in the Euro online catalog for these two wrenches:: the USA is replaced by a B on their version of these same appearing wrench.... Looks like the Europe guys can purchase the GOOD Regular stuff if they choose........

Unknown 82's wrench number EXCM10 is not found in my box up here in Minnesota, either...... So I searched that number on the SnapOn USA online tool catalog........NO CIGAR.......
Yep,,, Appears that SnapOn has offered a "weekend warrior" line of tools on that side of the pond... Like apples to oranges... Thank's to Unknown82's response to the OP,, We all got to learn something about SnapOn tools and their vast world market... We all come out a winnner!!!

 

[dandan111]

I would for sure get a good box. A used snap on or mac will hold up better that a new cheap one. I would buy craftsman or kobalt tools. If you are a pro you may want to bite the bullet and get pro tools. Sk,snap on or mac.