Why snap on is better(sometimes)

[Nuit Damnant]

I just got proof last night. I have some snap on tools. Torque wrenches, a couple extensions, random stuff really, but never felt the need to have sockets or universals that cost 3 times as much as others. My buddy on the other hand, has alot of snap on, he's the full time dealer tech. We were working on an f150 changing plugs and coils. Easy stuff, except that one coil below the FPR. Nothing I had would get in there to undo the bolt for the coil pack. Well a quick trip to the dealership to grap a snap on extension, u-joint, and some sockets out of his box and it was out in less than a minute. The u joint was so much smaller than the Cman's I had, the socket was shorter as well. I had everything he had but in a different brand, yet I would've had to take the fuel rail off to get to that stupid little bolt.

But I'm not telling you guys anything, I'm just excited that I got schooled. Bad for the wallet though I'm sure.

 

[Danglerb]

Its not just Snapon, many brands have special tools for specific jobs.

Many times its knowing what combination will work.

OTOH I just dropped about $100 to buy some Snapon tools I've been looking for months for, finally got my FLXM804 set.

 

[Merkava_4]

Snap-on tools are always better - I could go on and on forever telling you why. If I was a young man again, I'd be working in one of their plants.

 

[Fedwrench]

Snap-on tools are always better - I could go on and on forever telling you why. If I was a young man again, I'd be working in one of their plants.

No, you would probably be taking an extended vacation as production hours have slowed. Better is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[autoace]

Snap-on tools are always better - I could go on and on forever telling you why. If I was a young man again, I'd be working in one of their plants.

Snap-on tools are damn good, but..........They are not always better than Cornwell, Hazet, Wiha, Matco, PB Swiss, AST, or Wright.

Snap-on has the best MARKETING technique, that's for sure.

 

[Merkava_4]

They are not always better than Cornwell, Hazet, Wiha, Matco, PB Swiss, AST, or Wright.

Most of the time they are, yeah.

 

[autoace]

Most of the time they are, yeah.

Compared to Matco and Cornwell, Snap-on has "soft" impact sockets, that wear fast. Snap-on is just out done here, especially when it come to impact swivel sockets.

Snap-on screwdrivers don't wear well, compared to the German brands.

Snap-on torx bit sockets break easy, compared to Hazet.

Snap-on got rid of the best handles they ever had, for ratchets and screwdrivers.

Some of their stuff is phenomenal, but then there is the Snap-on hassle to deal with.

I like Snap-on tools, but I don't snap-off to them.

 

[Merkava_4]

Some of their stuff is phenomenal, but then there is the Snap-on hassle to deal with.

Refer to post #15 in the PB Swiss thread.

 

[autoace]

Refer to post #15 in the PB Swiss thread.

The above post is quality experience, not preference. Since I use tools heavily everyday, I can tell you with sincerity, Snap-on does not make the best of everything. I have been appalled, at how weak, some of their tools were for the money.

 

[Merkava_4]

I have been appalled, at how weak, some of their tools were for the money.

That would make an excellent thread topic right there.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

hating on snap on - a popular past time

 

[eschoendorff]

Its not just Snapon, many brands have special tools for specific jobs.

Many times its knowing what combination will work.

OTOH I just dropped about $100 to buy some Snapon tools I've been looking for months for, finally got my FLXM804 set.

There is you answer. It wasn't the brand, it was the particular tool. Man, some of you guys have got it bad!

 

[Nuit Damnant]

As for better than Cornwell, and Matco, i can't say, I'm more comparing them to CMan and others similar to that. I do like my Mac wrenches, and I'd say in my experience they're just as good as snap on. And as for the combination of tools? If it's not in your box(it wasn't in mine) it's not ussually an option. Maybe I should've been more specific and say that I was shown the difference between a snap on universal and a craftsman

 

[Uncle Buck]

hating on snap on - a popular past time

You will never hear me say I hate their tools, on the whole I can find none better! It's their crappy warranty I have issues with, it ***** so bad that the high cost of the tools is just stupid money for the non pro? Who in their right mind would give the Snappy asking price for tools with a worthless guarantee!

For the essential lack of warranty for the non pro it is still a no brainer, Craftsman is hands down the better brand when I take into account the issues with Snap-on lack of warranty for guys like me!

 

[Merkava_4]

You will never hear me say I hate their tools, on the whole I can find none better! It's their crappy warranty I have issues with,

Some of the dealers will have their own interpretation of what the corporate warranty is. You and autoace ought'a sough your wild oats by looting the truck.

 

[kwhitelaw]

Compared to Matco and Cornwell, Snap-on has "soft" impact sockets, that wear fast. Snap-on is just out done here, especially when it come to impact swivel sockets.

Snap-on screwdrivers don't wear well, compared to the German brands.

Snap-on torx bit sockets break easy, compared to Hazet.

Snap-on got rid of the best handles they ever had, for ratchets and screwdrivers.

Some of their stuff is phenomenal, but then there is the Snap-on hassle to deal with.

I like Snap-on tools, but I don't snap-off to them.

I'm intrigued... as a devout SO screwdriver user, in both a std driver (hard handle only) and a bit insert driver, im interested in seeing what a "better" brand would be... And hopefully not just by the handle as I'm quite content with SO hard handles.. Is the German quality of steel better?

Links to what your opinion of a better no.2 phillips screwdriver would be for me to purchase.

Thank you

kevin

 

[kwhitelaw]

You will never hear me say I hate their tools, on the whole I can find none better! It's their crappy warranty I have issues with, it ***** so bad that the high cost of the tools is just stupid money for the non pro? Who in their right mind would give the Snappy asking price for tools with a worthless guarantee!

For the essential lack of warranty for the non pro it is still a no brainer, Craftsman is hands down the better brand when I take into account the issues with Snap-on lack of warranty for guys like me!

Concerning warranty, would you be against shipping the damaged items back to SO directly? Obviously a major hassle, but you could atleast bypass the dealer (who it appears is the problem, not SO).

I personally can understand a SO dealer's frustration with guys (not you persay) just coming on the truck with beat up, rusted, possibly misused, purchased off of ebay, tools and demanding replacement.. Not mechanics all the time, some guy off the street who literally runs you off the road to get you to swap some ************* screwdriver with the shank snapped off that he found behind a dumpster. What real payoff is there for the dealer to handle those items..? To have to pay freight for some stuff that will more than likely come back denied because it wasnt taken care of (excessive rust, bent handles from pipe being placed over for leverage, impacted sockets, etc etc etc).

I have a good relationship with my SO dealer and im no mechanic. I dont ******** him and he doesnt me. But some of the stories he tells me of guys trying to get stuff swapped are just outrageous..

Again, not speaking on anyone here, just the topic in general.

kevin

 

[wrenchr]

You will never hear me say I hate their tools, on the whole I can find none better! It's their crappy warranty I have issues with, it ***** so bad that the high cost of the tools is just stupid money for the non pro? Who in their right mind would give the Snappy asking price for tools with a worthless guarantee!

For the essential lack of warranty for the non pro it is still a no brainer, Craftsman is hands down the better brand when I take into account the issues with Snap-on lack of warranty for guys like me!

I could have not worded that any better

 

[wrenchr]

Concerning warranty, would you be against shipping the damaged items back to SO directly? Obviously a major hassle, but you could atleast bypass the dealer (who it appears is the problem, not SO).

I personally can understand a SO dealer's frustration with guys (not you persay) just coming on the truck with beat up, rusted, possibly misused, purchased off of ebay, tools and demanding replacement.. Not mechanics all the time, some guy off the street who literally runs you off the road to get you to swap some ************* screwdriver with the shank snapped off that he found behind a dumpster. What real payoff is there for the dealer to handle those items..? To have to pay freight for some stuff that will more than likely come back denied because it wasnt taken care of (excessive rust, bent handles from pipe being placed over for leverage, impacted sockets, etc etc etc).

I have a good relationship with my SO dealer and im no mechanic. I dont ******** him and he doesnt me. But some of the stories he tells me of guys trying to get stuff swapped are just outrageous..

Again, not speaking on anyone here, just the topic in general.

kevin

Kevin,
That is the price of doing business!!
Take the good with the bad, is it ok they mark a tool up 30% of what they pay from snap on? That is the good and the bad is the warranty.
Just my opinion

 

[Uncle Buck]

For me it is all a mute point. I quit buying Snap-on new years ago. I only buy used Snap-on tools at dirt cheap prices because of their worthless warranty. If I buy anything new I like to buy my tools with a bulletproof warranty like those I have found with Craftsman and Harbor Freight tools!

 

[kwhitelaw]

Kevin,
That is the price of doing business!!
Take the good with the bad, is it ok they mark a tool up 30% of what they pay from snap on? That is the good and the bad is the warranty.
Just my opinion

while I agree, they have to make a living.. If everyone bought their tools from now on only off the internet, there would be no one around when a service is needed..

I know the response I'll probably get but hear me out...

tool driver pulls up to dealership. mechanics run out side door because they dont want to have to pay for the tools that the dealer has already fronted them.. dealer heads to next dealership and encounters more of the same. on his way to next dealer, he is stopped by some guy holding some rusted out pliers that obviously were not taken care of. demands a swap of course and the SO dealer knows he's gonna get bit by SO on it.. so whats the dealer supposed to do? help some random guy out who doesnt put any money in the dealers pocket? its a give and take and I feel that most dealers nowadays are getting the shaft..you have guys on here who have admitted to their dealers that they bought stuff online and they still get the warranty swap. if I was a dealer and I wasnt in tight with my mechanics, i'd tell them to send it to SO for warranty swap. you'd be down some time but you are already not using the tool as its damaged so whats the loss?

anyone who has what they feel is a valid warranty case that they have been rejected on, pm me details and pictures and ill talk to my guy. he's straight up and believes in the SO value. He'll understand that swapping these tools does him no real benefit but sometimes you gotta pay it forward...

kevin

 

[wrenchr]

while I agree, they have to make a living.. If everyone bought their tools from now on only off the internet, there would be no one around when a service is needed..

I know the response I'll probably get but hear me out...

tool driver pulls up to dealership. mechanics run out side door because they dont want to have to pay for the tools that the dealer has already fronted them.. dealer heads to next dealership and encounters more of the same. on his way to next dealer, he is stopped by some guy holding some rusted out pliers that obviously were not taken care of. demands a swap of course and the SO dealer knows he's gonna get bit by SO on it.. so whats the dealer supposed to do? help some random guy out who doesnt put any money in the dealers pocket? its a give and take and I feel that most dealers nowadays are getting the shaft..you have guys on here who have admitted to their dealers that they bought stuff online and they still get the warranty swap. if I was a dealer and I wasnt in tight with my mechanics, i'd tell them to send it to SO for warranty swap. you'd be down some time but you are already not using the tool as its damaged so whats the loss?

anyone who has what they feel is a valid warranty case that they have been rejected on, pm me details and pictures and ill talk to my guy. he's straight up and believes in the SO value. He'll understand that swapping these tools does him no real benefit but sometimes you gotta pay it forward...

kevin

Well it is a business and money flow is the key to any business. When ever I get a hassle free warranty I buy something, not big but maybe a ratchet or a screwdriver or....you get it. But getting a hassle free deal is like sitting on a treeline waiting to see bigfoot!!

 

[kwhitelaw]

I'll be honest, the willingness to purchase something in return for a warranty swap is outstanding.. unnecessary, but appreciated im sure..

I gotta wonder if some of these dealers are just burnt out on the profession and are taking it out on some warranty seeking individuals..

kevin

 

[wrenchr]

I'll be honest, the willingness to purchase something in return for a warranty swap is outstanding.. unnecessary, but appreciated im sure..

I gotta wonder if some of these dealers are just burnt out on the profession and are taking it out on some warranty seeking individuals..

kevin

I'm sure but some idiot that is dodging him for payment has nothing to do with me.

 

[Merkava_4]

What I get tired of is the guys who complain about the warranty (or the lack thereof) and don't write in the post the details of the tool they want warranted. If you got refused warranty on a tool, I want to know the minute details of the tool in question and the circumstances that led up to the tool breaking or wearing out.

 

[kwhitelaw]

I'm sure but some idiot that is dodging him for payment has nothing to do with me.

haha true.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I'll be honest, the willingness to purchase something in return for a warranty swap is outstanding.. unnecessary, but appreciated im sure..

I gotta wonder if some of these dealers are just burnt out on the profession and are taking it out on some warranty seeking individuals..

kevin

If that is the case I guess it means I only met one in 20 years or so of purchases and warranty issues that was not burnt out!

No lie, good warranty service for the non pro is more like the exception and not the rule! I hate all the BS excuses everyone always offers up for the crappy warranty on Snap-on tools! Simply put, for the god awful high cost of their brand of tools they should warranty anything anyone happens to drag on a truck!

The great part about Sears is I don't have to take along a pair of knee pads and assume the position, or make another tool purchase to appease the tool gods to get a tool warranted. All I have to do is walk in, get my new tool and leave, no muss, no fuss. And no putting on those knee pads and assuming the position either!

 

[wrenchr]

What I get tired of is the guys who complain about the warranty (or the lack thereof) and don't write in the post the details of the tool they want warranted. If you got refused warranty on a tool, I want to know the minute details of the tool in question and the circumstances that led up to the tool breaking or wearing out.

If you used your tools you would know
From a ratchet needing rebuilt to a worn out phillips screwdriver, but to be honest I did not think I was obligated to say all of that to you
Now go bash HF!!!

 

[kwhitelaw]

If that is the case I guess it means I only met one in 20 years or so of purchases and warranty issues that was not burnt out!

No lie, good warranty service for the non pro is more like the exception and not the rule! I hate all the BS excuses everyone always offers up for the crappy warranty on Snap-on tools! Simply put, for the god awful high cost of their brand of tools they should warranty anything anyone happens to drag on a truck!

The great part about Sears is I don't have to take along a pair of knee pads and assume the position, or make another tool purchase to appease the tool gods to get a tool warranted. All I have to do is walk in, get my new tool and leave, no muss, no fuss. And no putting on those knee pads and assuming the position either!

I browsed through some of your posts on other topics, didnt look through them all, but do you have any pics/stories/etc where you were denied warranty on stuff? im just curious.

kevin

 

[kwhitelaw]

If you used your tools you would know
From a ratchet needing rebuilt to a worn out phillips screwdriver, but to be honest I did not think I was obligated to say all of that to you
Now go bash HF!!!

wow, you couldnt get a phillips shank replaced (im assuming it was worn/shipped)?

does seem weird.

kevin

 

[wrenchr]

wow, you couldnt get a phillips shank replaced (im assuming it was worn/shipped)?

does seem weird.

kevin

No I'm not talking abused stuff I'm talking normal wear stuff.
But to be honest at the prices they charge it should not matter abused or not. JMO.

 

[Uncle Buck]

What I get tired of is the guys who complain about the warranty (or the lack thereof) and don't write in the post the details of the tool they want warranted. If you got refused warranty on a tool, I want to know the minute details of the tool in question and the circumstances that led up to the tool breaking or wearing out.

Not at all realistic, to do what you are suggesting I would have to have some little black book of notes on my 20 years of Snap-on **** warranty! Please, you don't think that is a bit un-realistic?

You really do not want a point for point description do you? If you do I will list my first warranty issue with Snap-on in 1979 when I was still in high school! I suppose we could really drag this out and I could share every last one of my tales of Snap-on woe. I cannot believe anyone really wants to hear those though.

 

[wrenchr]

Not at all realistic, to do what you are suggesting I would have to have some little black book of notes on my 20 years of Snap-on **** warranty! Please, you don't think that is a bit un-realistic?

You really do not want a point for point description do you? If you do I will list my first warranty issue with Snap-on in 1979 when I was still in high school! I suppose we could really drag this out and I could share every last one of my tales of Snap-on woe. I cannot believe anyone really wants to hear those though.

Not only that I had a dealer just turn me away last week!! He did not even look at my tools period. My work gave out a bonus and I was going to buy a 80 tooth 3/8 flex head stubby that would have been around $90.00 to I reported that scumbag

 

[Merkava_4]

You really do not want a point for point description do you?

Yes I do - that would do wonders to add credibility to your claims of warranty dissatisfaction. Start with the very first tool and work your way up. Doesn't have to be all in one day either.

 

[wrenchr]

Yes I do - that would do wonders to add credibility to your claims of warranty dissatisfaction. Start with the very first tool and work your way up. Doesn't have to be all in one day either.

I have one for yuh!!
I had a worn out tip on a flat tip screwdriver, the idiot changed the shank I thanked him and went on my way, great right until I got home and realized he cracked the handle when driving the new shank in so the next week I took it back to him and he denied doing it and refused to replace it!! Oh by the way I did not use it and then it cracked either.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I browsed through some of your posts on other topics, didnt look through them all, but do you have any pics/stories/etc where you were denied warranty on stuff? im just curious.

kevin

Man, I guess I can go through all the gory details. I will start with my first bad service story.

1) In 1979 I had a regular blade Snap-on screwdriver that had a messed up blade. I was still in high school. A guy I knew at our church started driving for Snap-on so I decided to check out his truck, the first time I went I took my old screwdriver and gave it to him for blade replacement since he did not have any new blades on the truck. I say thats cool, he will get it back to me. I buy a basic set of interchangable tip snap ring pliers and leave. Fast forward six months later, I have seen this guy at least twice a week at church for the last six months and have asked him to either bring the screwdriver, or let me come and get it countless times without success. Finally after about eight months total I finally drive over to his house un announced to ask him to just return the screwdriver. The guy answered the door and finally admitted that he did not even have the screwdriver, says he lost it months ago. He gets his truck keys and we go to his truck, he grabs a screwdriver that was less than 1/2 the size I had given him and says here you go. I said oh no, this one was the size of the screwdriver I gave you and I removed the one like mine from the roof of the truck, He offered no arguement cause I am sure he knew damned good and well the size screwdriver I gave him. This was in KC Missouri in 1979 and it was my very first experience with Snap-on warranty service.

Let me know when you want story number two cause I have a number of them. (I do not have any 8x10 color glossy pictures to offer as evidence though!)

 

[Merkava_4]

I have one for yuh!!
I had a worn out tip on a flat tip screwdriver, the idiot changed the shank I thanked him and went on my way, great right until I got home and realized he cracked the handle when driving the new shank in so the next week I took it back to him and he denied doing it and refused to replace it!! Oh by the way I did not use it and then it cracked either.

That's a good description, a few run on sentences, but I'll take it.

I agree with you that the dealer should have replaced the whole screwdriver after wrecking the handle, but I also think you should have tried to contact the same dealer sooner; better yet, right after you walked away from the truck would've been ideal, had you inspected his work immediately.

 

[wrenchr]

Yes I do - that would do wonders to add credibility to your claims of warranty dissatisfaction. Start with the very first tool and work your way up. Doesn't have to be all in one day either.

Oh I posted back in the summer of good service from a dealer he just handed me a new 3/8 ratchet in place of one that needed rebuilt!! But since then I have had very poor dealings with them.

 

[kwhitelaw]

Man, I guess I can go through all the gory details. I will start with my first bad service story.

1) In 1979 I had a regular blade Snap-on screwdriver that had a messed up blade. I was still in high school. A guy I knew at our church started driving for Snap-on so I decided to check out his truck, the first time I went I took my old screwdriver and gave it to him for blade replacement since he did not have any new blades on the truck. I say thats cool, he will get it back to me. I buy a basic set of interchangable tip snap ring pliers and leave. Fast forward six months later, I have seen this guy at least twice a week at church for the last six months and have asked him to either bring the screwdriver, or let me come and get it countless times without success. Finally after about eight months total I finally drive over to his house un announced to ask him to just return the screwdriver. The guy answered the door and finally admitted that he did not even have the screwdriver, says he lost it months ago. He gets his truck keys and we go to his truck, he grabs a screwdriver that was less than 1/2 the size I had given him and says here you go. I said oh no, this one was the size of the screwdriver I gave you and I removed the one like mine from the roof of the truck, He offered no arguement cause I am sure he knew damned good and well the size screwdriver I gave him. This was in KC Missouri in 1979 and it was my very first experience with Snap-on warranty service.

Let me know when you want story number two cause I have a number of them. (I do not have any 8x10 color glossy pictures to offer as evidence though!)

gotta think you were just dealing with a *************.

thank you for writing that though. im not trying to annoy anyone, im just curious as I keep hearing complaints..

thank you

kevin

 

[kwhitelaw]

right after you walked away from the truck would've been ideal, had you inspected his work immediately.

true, but one would ASSume that a simple shank change could be handled and not need to have the work inspected immed.

I keep ordering a burger from this place up the street. never check the order and every 4th time I get it home its wrong.. my fault but sometimes you just assume someone knows what they are doing.

kevin