Is SnapOn worth the extra $$$

[Hyster Gareth]

I would have a look at Williams Supercombo wrenches. They also brand the same wrench for CAT. They are probably more suited to heavy plant, construction, agriculture, diesel etc!

 

[FlatHeads_Suck]

You're going to get a lot of opinions, and thats what they are, so here is mine.
First, figure out what hardware is most used on what you will be working on(sae or metric). Start with these tools, for my career its sae, and this is the exact advice I would five to a new mechanic.
Harbor freight tool cart, the red one.
1/4" drive 12 point sockets, 5/32-9/16, deep and shallow. Craftsman easy-read.
3/8" drive 12 point sockets. 3/8-7/8" deep and shallow craftsman easy read
1/2 drive 6 point sockets 1/2-1 1/4. Deep and shallow, craftsman.
Ratchets, standard of all 3, stubby and flex head(locking preferred) in 3/8 and 1/4 snap on
Extensions, various. But atleast a 2-3" and a 4-6" of each size. Craftsman, or snap on.

Screwdriver set, snap on
Ratcheting screwdriver, with all 3 shank sizes and the stubby handle, snap on

Wrenches, combination, ratcheting, 1/4-3/4 gearwrench
Wrenches, combo, 1/4-1" cman pro
wrenches, angle, hf

Small pick set
Small punch set

24oz dead blow soft face.
16os ball peen
16oz rubber mallet

6" reversible safety wire pliers, snap on
Needle nose, snap on
Slip joints, snap on
Small dykes, snap on
Duckbills snapon

That would get nearly any aircraft mechanic started, and as you can see, I didn't recommend all snapon. There are a lot of tools where the difference just doesn't matter that much.

 

[MackMan]

Out of curiosity for myself... why do you recommend 12pt sockets? Other than the (very rare) 12pt head fasteners I don't see what the advantage is of 12pt for a socket. I can understand on a box end wrench where it gives you more options of where to position it, but with something like a snap-on F80 ratchet it would seem you should be able to orient a 6-point to fit...

 

[big g]

i would say yes so is worth the extra,but also when the tool breaks who gives the best service after the sale.SK is good Proto several others i would stick with american brands.I have thrown a set of Matco snap ring pliers away for being worn out in front of the dealer.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Out of curiosity for myself... why do you recommend 12pt sockets?

If you are doing any kind of motor work in a big diesel shop, there are a lot of 12 point fastners. You better have a good selection of std and metric as well.

Snap On makes good tools, but there are other brands that are equally good for less on some types of tools.

 

[unknow82]

To reply original question:
Try different products with your own hand, do not seek tools as what brand they are and pick best tools from each manufacturer.

 

[FlatHeads_Suck]

Out of curiosity for myself... why do you recommend 12pt sockets? Other than the (very rare) 12pt head fasteners I don't see what the advantage is of 12pt for a socket. I can understand on a box end wrench where it gives you more options of where to position it, but with something like a snap-on F80 ratchet it would seem you should be able to orient a 6-point to fit...

I wrote that list for another forum and just copy pasted it here. There are a lot of reduced head, 12 point fasteners on aircraft.

 

[CWP1616L]

Which one is the Snap-on wrench? None of those look like a Snap-on wrench that I've ever seen.

 

[dandan111]

I think wrench #7 is snap on.

 

[SMKS]

Which one is the Snap-on wrench? None of those look like a Snap-on wrench that I've ever seen.

Here's a pic I stole from the thread I linked to earlier.

They're definitely different than the normal SO wrenches available in the US and many other countries.

As I wrote before, the website no longer works and I read some posts saying they aren't sold anymore. I also read they were a lower-priced line. They definitely don't look as nice as normal SO wrenches.

 

[transittech]

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....

Thats a really good point, and to add to it: that's actually a well designed socket. If it was brittle (HF) it would have broken off in the head of the fastener, and then you might have had a real problem trying to get it out.

 

[transittech]

Out of curiosity for myself... why do you recommend 12pt sockets?

If you are doing any kind of motor work in a big diesel shop, there are a lot of 12 point fastners. You better have a good selection of std and metric as well.

Snap On makes good tools, but there are other brands that are equally good for less on some types of tools.

X2; 12 point show up in strange places to boot, you never know when you'll need one.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

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....

I broke a 9/16" hex today - I guess Proto must be using some defective steel these days.

 

[wornoutoldman]

To answer the original question. Yes SO is worth it. Not every item they sell. But shop smart and purchase the hardline stuff now while you have an opportunity to get it at the student discount. If you ever have/choose to sell those SO tools you'll get all your money back (can't say that for many other brands), if you stay in the trade those tools can be handed down to your heirs or sold for more than you paid for them 20-30 years down the road after they have paid for themselves many times over.

 

[Mscircle1]

Thanks everyone for the input Snapon has alot of special tool for the diesel trade which i am going to school for so look like as many SO tool i can afford before the discount is gone.

 

[CWP1616L]

I think wrench #7 is snap on.

Thank you for your reply.

Here's a pic I stole from the thread I linked to earlier.

They're definitely different than the normal SO wrenches available in the US and many other countries.

As I wrote before, the website no longer works and I read some posts saying they aren't sold anymore. I also read they were a lower-priced line. They definitely don't look as nice as normal SO wrenches.

I'm wondering why Snap-on had to make an entirely different wrench for the Euro market...

 

[Wrench 2201]

A risk of sounding like a parrot, some of the SO stuff is well worth it. Their Hardline tools are among the best.
Their scanners are awesome for about 90% of the stuff that rolls in the door (automotive wise that is, I have no experience with anything heavy duty).
I'm a big fan of their cordless stuff.
Meters, welders, and code readers on the other hand are best sought out elsewhere.
One of the items I've been meaning to pick up before my student discount runs out is the skull and flames welding helmet.
As for a box I've been working on filling my 54' C-man for almost 5 years and it still has a little room left so I'd say buy any used box that seems reasonable and get a new one when the student loans are paid down a bit first.
What ever you end up doing, Have fun shopping for toys, er, tools!

 

[Mscircle1]

THe great thing is i have no student loans im a US Army vet and the gi bill pays for school, books, and a living alowance for your area (mine 1100 a month) so i have no finacial worrys. Also my wife is a x ray tech. Figure since im not hurting for money like most students are i will buy the best and only have to buy once.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I have snap on tools at work their nice. i use their 12 point sockets in my impact. they don't rarely break. i don't pay for my tools at work. i use what they provide. my snap on box seems to be well built too.


moral of the story if I were you i would buy snap on. they seem to be the gold standard of tools.

 

[CWP1616L]

they seem to be the gold standard of tools.

You are absolutely 100% correct on that one.

 

[e-tek]

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

Raised panel version....

 

[e-tek]

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

Where??

 

[Mscircle1]

The mechanic named john has a youtube video of the 44 us general tool box full of alot of HF tools. The vid is 45min long bc he goes through and review all the tools he owns from HF. It is a good video from a mechanic that uses his HF tools everyday and he let you know whats good, justok, and what to never buy. Alot of good info.

 

[MackMan]

Out of curiosity for myself... why do you recommend 12pt sockets?

X2; 12 point show up in strange places to boot, you never know when you'll need one.

Thanks for the comments. In the home wrenching I have done I think the only 12 points I have come across are head studs in a 1955 Jaguar and a suspension setting bolt on a 1973 Porsche.

I do fastener testing for trucks at work and haven't run across a 12pt yet, but I also haven't done anything with engine stuff, just chassis components.

When yall are referring to "hard line" what are you talking about? I don't see anything on Snap-On website about "Hard line".

 

[joedodge]

I am a auto truck tech proffesionaly specializing in diesel biggest thing is there qaulity and have a warranty I have them all snappy mac matco sunex craftsman you name it. buy what you can afford and start making money with. you will find what you need to upgrade as you go ratchets are a biggy for me wrenches too. get a job get swingen them tools and go from there dont drink the cool aide that you gotta have this and that to be a good mechanic or have snappy only. keep them in safe operating condition be careful and make that money man. look at the tooltopia.com website those are the same tools you would by off the the private tool company trucks only discounted alot.

 

[Notwerk]

HF tools are hit and miss. Some of it is all right, but some of it really isn't worthwhile. My view - and I'm just a DIYer, mind you - is this:

• Ratchets, sockets and such made in Taiwan are usually pretty good quality. I've had no problem with breaker bars and such. Basically, it's as good as most other Taiwan stuff like Blue Point and Kobalt. For ratchets, I like Williams USA (B-52A, S-52A), but for reasons I'll note below, you might want to consider Bluepoint if money is tight.
  
• Pliers are terrible, across the board. They rust quickly and the metal is soft. I can't imagine them lasting more than a week in a pro shop. I prefer Channellock for most pliers. Grip-On for locking pliers. Yes, they cost you a bit more, but I've busted enough HF pliers to know for certain that it's a night-and-day difference between HF and Channellock.
  
• Wrenches are terrible. I know some users have defended these, but I just can't see it. They're made in India. Fitment is sloppy and the finish is awful. Good alternatives are Williams USA, Blackhawk USA, and even Craftsman RPs. Some reports have noted that RPs are a little dodgy on quality control, but if you get a good set - and warranty the bad ones - they'll fit the bill. For reasons I'll note below, you might want to consider Bluepoint if money is tight.
  
• Earthquake air tools are good, and most IR stuff has moved to China anyway. Save yourself a few bucks.
  
• Most HF consumables (razors, drills, cut-off discs, etc.) are OK-to-bad. My problem here is that they don't seem to last long, and that might cost you in the long run. What offsets this is that most of the drill bits and screw bits I've seen in the big-box stores are just as bad (and China-made) and twice the price. Might take some research here, depending on what you need.

I can't see building an entire tool collection out of HF tools. Perhaps if you're just doing stuff on the side, or wrenching for fun/around the house. But in an environment where you're on the clock and you need stuff to be dependable, I think there's spots where you're better served by spending the extra money.

Another thing to consider is that if you bust an HF tool, you have to grab your receipt and head back to the store to get a new one. Again, if you're on the clock, this will hurt you. The reason you pay more for truck tools is the support you get from the truck. He brings the tools to you, he swaps out or repairs your broken ones and there's a price to pay for that service. Of course, that's also a pitfall of high-end industrial tools, and not just HF. Blackhawk, Wright, SK, Williams, and Proto are all great. They're what I use because I don't need the support from a truck. But if you're doing this for a living and you bust a Wright ratchet (I know, I know, it's not too likely), you'd better have a back-up, because it's going to take a week to warranty that ratchet.

When you wrench for a living, your time is money. The truck support will probably come in handy. To that end, you might want to look at Bluepoint/Silver Eagle. Yes, they're not USA-made, but they'll fill out your kit and still have the support from your tool guy.

 

[JWILL]

I work in an extremely busy JD shop and started out here with mainly HF tools and CM. Though I dont buy much Snap On there are some tools they make that others do not and some that are just of better quality. As for wrenches and sockets I dont buy them from SO but as stated just above the truck support comes in handy. Its a good hour to get to the HF from where I live and about 45minutes to an hour to a decent Sears. However we only have a MAC and a SO truck that come here and they only stop every other week.

 

[MR_T]

HF tools are hit and miss. Some of it is all right, but some of it really isn't worthwhile. My view - and I'm just a DIYer, mind you - is this:

• Ratchets, sockets and such made in Taiwan are usually pretty good quality. I've had no problem with breaker bars and such. Basically, it's as good as most other Taiwan stuff like Blue Point and Kobalt. For ratchets, I like Williams USA (B-52A, S-52A), but for reasons I'll note below, you might want to consider Bluepoint if money is tight.
  
• Pliers are terrible, across the board. They rust quickly and the metal is soft. I can't imagine them lasting more than a week in a pro shop. I prefer Channellock for most pliers. Grip-On for locking pliers. Yes, they cost you a bit more, but I've busted enough HF pliers to know for certain that it's a night-and-day difference between HF and Channellock.
  
• Wrenches are terrible. I know some users have defended these, but I just can't see it. They're made in India. Fitment is sloppy and the finish is awful. Good alternatives are Williams USA, Blackhawk USA, and even Craftsman RPs. Some reports have noted that RPs are a little dodgy on quality control, but if you get a good set - and warranty the bad ones - they'll fit the bill. For reasons I'll note below, you might want to consider Bluepoint if money is tight.
  
• Earthquake air tools are good, and most IR stuff has moved to China anyway. Save yourself a few bucks.
  
• Most HF consumables (razors, drills, cut-off discs, etc.) are OK-to-bad. My problem here is that they don't seem to last long, and that might cost you in the long run. What offsets this is that most of the drill bits and screw bits I've seen in the big-box stores are just as bad (and China-made) and twice the price. Might take some research here, depending on what you need.

I can't see building an entire tool collection out of HF tools. Perhaps if you're just doing stuff on the side, or wrenching for fun/around the house. But in an environment where you're on the clock and you need stuff to be dependable, I think there's spots where you're better served by spending the extra money.

Another thing to consider is that if you bust an HF tool, you have to grab your receipt and head back to the store to get a new one. Again, if you're on the clock, this will hurt you. The reason you pay more for truck tools is the support you get from the truck. He brings the tools to you, he swaps out or repairs your broken ones and there's a price to pay for that service. Of course, that's also a pitfall of high-end industrial tools, and not just HF. Blackhawk, Wright, SK, Williams, and Proto are all great. They're what I use because I don't need the support from a truck. But if you're doing this for a living and you bust a Wright ratchet (I know, I know, it's not too likely), you'd better have a back-up, because it's going to take a week to warranty that ratchet.

When you wrench for a living, your time is money. The truck support will probably come in handy. To that end, you might want to look at Bluepoint/Silver Eagle. Yes, they're not USA-made, but they'll fill out your kit and still have the support from your tool guy.

that pretty much sums up my experience. I love my snappy wrench, but I shop around for pretty much everything else. Way too expensive for me even with my student discount.

 

[bcradio]

+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.

Must be nice.... I've had horrible luck with getting the one GW tool I had problems with warrantied. It was a locking flex ratcheting wrench and they gave me the biggest runaround in the world. I finally gave up.

How the #%$@ do you get yours warrantied that its so easy? And no these are not available at Sears to warranty.

 

[Cryptic1911]

SO is only worth the extra $$$ if you want to be perpetually in debt to a truck. If you have to make payments on tools, they are too expensive. There are PLENTY of other brands that do just as well, and cost considerably less, and are still made in USA if that's your gig.

 

[twincam00]

To the OP...

Snap-on tools at your student discount price are absolutely worth the extra money BUT NOT WORTH GOING INTO DEBT. Buy all you can with the money you have

Keep in mind that snap-on tools have great resale value, you can sell things for what you paid or sometimes more with the discounted SEP prices

 

[bcradio]

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.

Thats the ticket... spend all your money on a box to hold tools even though it will only be holding air since all your money will be gone.

You don't even have to tell people its empty. It'll be our little secret.

 

[joedodge]

exactly dont go into debt to the truck cash money or keep your balane low enough you know you can pay it off in one payment if need be. get the tools you need as you go youl learn what can be cheap and what can not. dont loose the passion for your new career getting wrapped up in the cost or the tools enjoy it be the best.

 

[dandan111]

Uhhh,
Braco I think you missed what I was saying...

 

[pilotman81]

About 70-80% of my stuff is SO now, but I started off 7 years ago with mostly CMAN and HF stuff. If you can afford the SO stuff at the discount, I would lay your hands on whatever you can afford from SO, especially a box. I built most of my SO from pawn shopping, flea markets, and trading with buddies who had doubles or upgraded some of their stuff. Just depends on what you want and how long you are willing to wait for the proper bargain. Good luck! Keep us posted!

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

im sure someone has already said this. but in my opinion it depends. not ever tool in my box is snap on but i lust after alot of things made by snap on. in my opinion unless snap on makes it better or is the only company making it then its not worth it.

I like there ratchets. ratcheting screwdrivers. some pliers. safety wire pliers (the top tier blue point ones) and a few other odds and ends. but most everything else can be gotten from other companies. (not made in china) for far less and still work just as good. you dont have to be loyal to snap on. my box is a mix match of craftsman. snap on. felo. whia. blackhawk. gearwrench. kobalt ect..... just find what tools suit your needs and buy them.

 

[MackMan]

Another thing to consider is that if you bust an HF tool, you have to grab your receipt and head back to the store to get a new one. Again, if you're on the clock, this will hurt you. The reason you pay more for truck tools is the support you get from the truck. He brings the tools to you, he swaps out or repairs your broken ones and there's a price to pay for that service. Of course, that's also a pitfall of high-end industrial tools, and not just HF. Blackhawk, Wright, SK, Williams, and Proto are all great. They're what I use because I don't need the support from a truck. But if you're doing this for a living and you bust a Wright ratchet (I know, I know, it's not too likely), you'd better have a back-up, because it's going to take a week to warranty that ratchet.

When you wrench for a living, your time is money. The truck support will probably come in handy. To that end, you might want to look at Bluepoint/Silver Eagle. Yes, they're not USA-made, but they'll fill out your kit and still have the support from your tool guy.

Word of caution... the truck service is very convenient but in the places I have worked that have truck support the truck still only visits once a week. It is still more convenient than taking personal time to go to a store-front, but if you need to get an item replaced you have to wait for the truck versus hopping in your car and heading down to Sears or wherever.

Maybe some shops have more frequent truck visits, but that's my experience.

THe great thing is i have no student loans im a US Army vet and the gi bill pays for school, books, and a living alowance for your area (mine 1100 a month) so i have no finacial worrys. Also my wife is a x ray tech. Figure since im not hurting for money like most students are i will buy the best and only have to buy once.

Sounds like you are doing things in a very smart way. I'll echo some other comments... stay out of debt, buy what you like and what you can afford.

I'd still encourage you to look for deals on used sets, as you can find these at a fraction of new SO price (still a little higher than Craftsman etc), and still has the warranty. I just got a cracked socket replaced yesterday that I had bought used for pennies on the dollar... no problem at all. Then again I also bought a single socket in the same transaction for $19...

 

[Notwerk]

Word of caution... the truck service is very convenient but in the places I have worked that have truck support the truck still only visits once a week. It is still more convenient than taking personal time to go to a store-front, but if you need to get an item replaced you have to wait for the truck versus hopping in your car and heading down to Sears or wherever.

And some places may not get much truck support at all. Or worse still, the particular franchisee might be a real a-hole. I've certainly heard stories of shop owners forbidding certain trucks from visiting their business because of something the truck guy did (or didn't do).

In my area, the Matco guy is really, really cool. He knows I'm just a DIYer, and that I don't really have the budget to buy lots of Matco stuff, but he's still really friendly, helpful and just loves talking tools. The lady that runs the Mac truck is also nice, though I don't really visit the Mac truck (she's friends with the Matco guy and they visit each others' trucks).

The Snap-On guy is kinda like big foot: I've heard he exists. I've kind of seen something I thought might have been the Snap-On truck. But I've never actually caught him.

So, as you say, it's definitely a "your mileage may vary" thing.

 

[MackMan]

Our shop used to get Cornwell, Matco, Mac and Snap-On.. Now we only get Snap-On, leaving all the guys that bought tools from the other brands in a tight spot...

Again something to be aware of.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Where??

He started out cheap with HF tools, worked hard, and now he has enough money where he can buy tool truck tools without worrying so much about the cost. IMO he was very smart.