Snapon or Craftsman?

[nick.koehler6]

Hi guys, I am a new member here. I am 15 years old and I love turning wrenches. I have a 2000 Jeep XJ that I work on. I was wondering what Snap-on tools do you have? What Craftsman tools do you have? What's your preference and why, I have a buddy that swears by Snap-on,Matco and Mac tools. He refuses to buy anything else.

Thanks guys, Nick.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

that will depend on what you can afford.
Snap On, Matco, And Mac, cornwell
are professional tools. Expensive,
Craftsman is better for DIYer

 

[gsingh]

If you are just starting out, there is nothing wrong with craftsman tools. I use craftsman at home, but have snapon, mac, matco, sk, wright, proto at work. Many have stopped buying craftsman tools because the production went to china.

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[softailgarage]

Well Nick, First of all, welcome to The Garage and second, um, well, that question, whats better Snap On or Craftsman? is going to open doors you wish you hadn't. I say, go with what you like.

 

[nick.koehler6]

If you are just starting out, there is nothing wrong with craftsman tools. I use craftsman at home, but have snapon, mac, matco, sk, wright, proto at work. Many have stopped buying craftsman tools because the production went to china.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

That is the reason I want to TRY snap-on. Even if that does mean buying used. I do not like Craftsman due to the fact that the production went to China.

 

[gsingh]

I would get the ratchets first.

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[nick.koehler6]

Anymore opinions? I love my tools. They are my pride and joy.

 

[Hafen_Kafer]

Get everything snap on. No one is going to tell you craftsman is better than snap on

 

[chadster1]

Hi guys, I am a new member here. I am 15 years old and I love turning wrenches. I have a 2000 Jeep XJ that I work on. I was wondering what Snap-on tools do you have? What Craftsman tools do you have? What's your preference and why, I have a buddy that swears by Snap-on,Matco and Mac tools. He refuses to buy anything else.

Thanks guys, Nick.

I have a few Snap-on tools.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Well Nick, First of all, welcome to The Garage and second, um, well, that question, whats better Snap On or Craftsman? is going to open doors you wish you hadn't. I say, go with what you like.

Welcome indeed.

And go with what you can afford. There are several choices above C'man that are far cheaper but very capable, than truck tools.

But then again, my dog shits $20 bills so I buy Snap-On.
But ALSO keep in mind my dog eats the DROPPED $20 bills out of my pocket so it's a net loss on my end in reality. LOLZ

Stick around for the GJ antics.
Time well spent and much knowledge gained.

I have a few Snap-on tools.

Well look who's still poking around GJ.
Holy Shiznit.

 

[RedneckWelder]

The bolts won't care whether you turn them with Craftsman or SK or Snap On. I might not buy Craftsman China, but I would not be adverse to seeking out Craftsman USA.

I have a buddy that swears by Snap-on,Matco and Mac tools. He refuses to buy anything else.

And how does he pay for them? Those three brands are quite a bit more expensive than Craftsman or others. Not saying they aren't worth it, but for a 15 y.o. with probably NOT the vast financial resources to collect Snap On your money might be better spent elsewhere.

The good news is that since you are not under a tight time constraint to build a box of tools you can hunt and pick at yard sales, ebay, craigslist and so on in order to build a collection of tools vs buying new. Beware that some of the tool makers are getting balky on warranty for secondhand buyers so you might want to research that issue.

 

[nick.koehler6]

I have heard of people getting a 50% off Snap-on stuff. If I gave them the money could they get it off the truck and send it to me? I know it's a longshot. 50% off is a lot.

 

[48fordnut]

Made a living in the acft industy, started with a C man box in 54, still have some of them. I have used all kinds .When I worked in acft, that was not a high paying job,Money was a premium, and I bought cheap tools and expensive torque wrenches. Just because something is made in another country say that it's inferior.Just buy what you can afford now and when you get more money buy better. Locally I can buy good used SO/and other tools for pennies on the dollar.Paid 6 bucks for a 1/4 s/o ratchet. There are deals out there. Just look

 

[Todd.Brock]

I'm not sure how you are currently bank rolled but at 15 I was working out of a popular mechanics set in a blow molded case. I didn't even know about snap on. GJ Saves... Can I get an amen ?

Seriously, you have options others didn't b/c of the internet. Craigslist is good, eBay can be your friend. Snappy makes great ratchets and screwdrivers. Start small and find a ratcheting screwdriver. That thing will be your best friend. The hard handled Williams screwdrivers are reasonable enough. Same driver , just no logo.


Chadster, nice to see you back .

 

[n8n]

The one thing that it is worth buying a "better" brand more than any other tool is flare wrenches. There's a thread going now about them; Snap-On, S-K, and Mac have all been recommended; I would NOT buy Craftsman flare wrenches, they just aren't good enough, and will spread on you and round off overtightened or corroded flare nuts. For sockets, I would probably watch eBay or the classifieds here for sets of old production Craftsman USA stuff. SK, Mac, Snap-On are all better quality than Craftsman so if you can get them for the same price I would. Williams is a mixed bag; check country of origin of the products you're considering. For screwdrivers, everyone seems to really like Williams if you're buying new. I'm partial to S-K sockets and combination wrenches, but Williams Supercombos are also some highly regarded wrenches.

Proto is another brand to keep an eye out for, they're more marketed to industrial users (as is Williams currently) but seem to make consistently good products.

Craftsman raised panel ratchets are, I'm sorry to say, **** - I've realized this after having used them for years and then being exposed to better tools. My current go-to are a pair of old Williams dual pawl ratchets but those are sadly no longer produced, but can be found relatively inexpensively used. Gearwrench 120XP are highly regarded around here, and of course Snap-On Dual 80s will ruin your wallet because once you've fondled them you just start saving for them. Kobalts are a bit chunky but aren't that bad really. Pittsburgh composites just seem like cheese but are actually pretty good as well. Of course all I've mentioned save for Williams and Snap-On are made in Taiwan (better than China I guess.)

 

[1cargarage]

I started out with ALL Craftsman tools when I was ~15. That was when they were all made in the USA. They were and still are great. I still have pretty much all of them. One exception is their ratchets, which are complete garbage (36 tooth, loose pawl connection, sloppy action). In recent years, I have upgraded pretty much all my tools to Snap On.

MY OPINION: Get yourself a high end (Snap On, Matco, Cornwell, etc) fine tooth 3/8" ratchet to start off with; your 3/8" ratchet is the most-reached-for tool in your box regardless of what car you're working on.

As far as sockets and wrenches go, Craftsman is no longer made in the USA, and others have said (I can't verify), that the quality of their tools has dramatically gone down. A smart option would be to go with an intermediately priced brand like SK. Their sockets and wrenches are great and won't break the bank at all. Also, since you have an XJ (I had a '98 XJ), don't waste your time or money (right now) buying SAE tools, especially if they're high end tools.

• 
  Use GarageJournal.com to your advantage.

• Shop Ebay & Craigslist for deals. Knowing exactly what you want/need will make this easier.

• Be patient; smokin' deals do come around, you just have to keep at it and jump on them when they appear. Again, knowing what you want/need will make this easier.

Happy hunting

 

[-Brent-]

For a first set of wrenches, though, I wouldn't get geared wrenches of any brand. You'll likely put a regular combo wrench through treatment that ratcheting wrenches aren't made for.

I agree with finding a decent set of used Proto wrenches (I really like mine) but for starting out, Cman box wrenches didn't bother me. I guess it's because I didn't know better but I still maintained vehicles, built a few from the ground up, and even earned money with them.

More than anything I'd impress the idea that it's MOST important to use the correct tool for the job. Get the tools that you can afford and, like the rest of us, improve as you go along.

Ratchets, knowing what I now know, I'd opt for a used, better-quality ratchet over a Craftsman. I've broken a bunch of them over the years, even US made ones.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Older Craftsman, Made in the US, are better quality than what you can buy now a day.

 

[jsharpphoto]

If I had to start over, I would start looking at gearwrench stuff. The stuff I have of theirs is excellent, and when it's on sale it's usually a little cheaper than craftsman stuff. Yes it's Taiwanese, but it's lifetimed and you'll likely never break one.

 

[sonvolt]

Welcome and buy what you can afford at this time. I'm sure 90% of all the members here started with Craftsman. Look on EBay and Craigslist for older Craftsman stuff, that is a good starting point.

 

[n8n]

Another thing to consider is *what* tools to buy first.

Had I to do it over again, I probably would get a good set of combo wrenches, probably either S-K Superkrome or Williams Supercombos.

Next, I would buy a good 1/2" drive ratchet (Kobalt for a budget?) and a breaker bar (a 18" Snappy is not that expensive used in the grand scheme of things) and some impact sockets. The Pittsburgh Pro sets in shallow and deep would be a good place to start. Why impacts? Because you'll want them someday, and there are only a few instances where you can use a chrome socket but not an impact; get the chrome ones later when your immediate tool needs have been met.

Then 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets and a complete set of 1/4" and 3/8" sockets, shallow and deep, buy 6 points first then buy 12 points if you have a need for them. Get a 1/4" spinner handle with a drive recess in the handle, very handy.

Then extensions, universals, etc.

Then get some line wrenches/flare nut wrenches/whatever. as I said before this is one tool where good quality matters. Snappy, S-K, or Mac.

Then it's time to decide if you want a bit driver or a real screwdriver set. I'm using a ratcheting Craftsman handle with bits (looks like the Snap-On one) because I'm under real space constraints for my tools and it takes up much less space than a full set of screwdrivers.

Also you will need pry bars, a ball pein hammer, an engineer's hammer, some Channellocks, Kliens, slip joints, side cutters, needlenose, etc.

If you're working on cars, I would also get the HF caliper service kit, and a Kastar/Lang ratcheting caliper press. HF lug nut sockets. Torque wrench from CDI or Precision Instruments.

here's a good thread about buying truck tool quality for cheaper

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136120

here's a thread I started regarding young pro mechanics but it may be worth a read for you as well.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=242021

edit: Dropbox disabled the document link in my thread for some reason; it's been edited now.

I also meant to mention that if you prefer separate screwdrivers the Williams black handle ones seem to be very well regarded although I have not tried them.

 

[Zapp Branigan]

When I was your age and started buying tools in the late 70's and early 80's, Craftsman was all the DIYer really needed. It's a crying shame to see what has become of that brand. At 15, I wouldn't recommend running out to buy Snap on stuff unless you have a big trust fund or something, or plan on making a living with them when you finish school. In fact, I would say get some basic stuff from Harbor Freight, or buy used brand name stuff at flea markets or Craigslist for a fraction of new. Save your money for car insurance. You'll have plenty of time to get better tools as you get older, and then you can use the cheaper stuff for the junkyard or as loaners. Just don't get too cheap on ratchets or screwdrivers.

 

[-Brent-]

Another thing to consider is *what* tools to buy first.

Had I to do it over again, I probably would get a good set of combo wrenches, probably either S-K Superkrome or Williams Supercombos.

Next, I would buy a good 1/2" drive ratchet (Kobalt for a budget?) and a breaker bar (a 18" Snappy is not that expensive used in the grand scheme of things) and some impact sockets. The Pittsburgh Pro sets in shallow and deep would be a good place to start. Why impacts? Because you'll want them someday, and there are only a few instances where you can use a chrome socket but not an impact; get the chrome ones later when your immediate tool needs have been met.

Then 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets and a complete set of 1/4" and 3/8" sockets, shallow and deep, buy 6 points first then buy 12 points if you have a need for them. Get a 1/4" spinner handle with a drive recess in the handle, very handy.

Then extensions, universals, etc.

Then get some line wrenches/flare nut wrenches/whatever. as I said before this is one tool where good quality matters. Snappy, S-K, or Mac.

Then it's time to decide if you want a bit driver or a real screwdriver set. I'm using a ratcheting Craftsman handle with bits (looks like the Snap-On one) because I'm under real space constraints for my tools and it takes up much less space than a full set of screwdrivers.

Also you will need pry bars, a ball pein hammer, an engineer's hammer, some Channellocks, Kliens, slip joints, side cutters, needlenose, etc.

If you're working on cars, I would also get the HF caliper service kit, and a Kastar/Lang ratcheting caliper press. HF lug nut sockets. Torque wrench from CDI or Precision Instruments.

here's a good thread about buying truck tool quality for cheaper

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136120

here's a thread I started regarding young pro mechanics but it may be worth a read for you as well.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=242021

Excellent post.

 

[BFHtime]

Get the 3/8 flex head soft grip snap-on dual 80. Even get one used and put a new handle on it. It will be close to new that way. Take it home lube it up and you won't want to use anything else, except maybe the 100 tooth roto ratchet.

Check ebay, craigslist, the classifieds here. Ask someone who goes to a local tech school to see if you can get a discount. Some schools have discounts for students. Snap-on drivers sometime have used tools, but dual 80's don't usually get turned in, and if they do it would sell quick. You can buy other used tools. Pawnshops may have some. Get to know the prices so you know a deal when you see one. Snap-on drivers have buy one get one deals which are great when you are starting to build your set.

Really try that ratchet, if you don't like it you can always sell it, but usually people get a collection of them. In the beginning I think eBay auctions are the way to go. Watch those prices and do not overspend. There are plenty of good used tools out there.

 

[Super Sport]

Nick, are you plan on going into wrenching as a profession? If so, that's where the "truck brands" are worth the extra money.

It's been about 7 years since I started buying tools back when I was 15 (22 now). I've probably got over $5k invested now, but have a hell of a collection for a DIYer. Most of my tools are still Craftsman (USA), and I think that's where you should start since you can still find them. Nothing else that is USA made comes close in price point. Upgrade when you find things that don't work well or break. Look for deals, there are plenty to be had.

The 283pc and 348pc sets from Sears are still likely to be USA-made, and they cost less than $300 or $400 on sale. I'd recommend buying one of these as most of Cmans stuff works decent. As time goes on, upgrade the screwdrivers to a bigger, higher quality set. Get some better ratchets, perhaps Snap On. Get a more expansive wrench set, from SK or another mid-level brand. Get some decent pliers, anything from Craftsman up to Knipex or SO. Find some impact sockets and get a cordless impact wrench, I'm happy with my Craftsman C3 lithium.

If you're set on USA-made stuff, read up on this site. If not, there are decent imported tools that cost much less. Again, info on those can be found here as well. I'm a big fan of USA-made stuff, but sometimes I just can't justify the extra costs.

 

[warmpancakes]

buy used craftsman sockets


get snap on, ratchets, line wrenches



for wrenches Get the craftsman professionals or industrial

screwdrivers too many good choices

 

[woody 73]

Interesting post; just Today I went to a bank sale of a home it was a pigsty, but I dug through piles of trash and for $22.00 dollars I picked up:

8 craftsman sockets.
1 Estwing Rock hammer
10 thorsen sockets.
1 snap-on socket.
4 sk sockets.
3 craftsman ratchets.
5 punches.
2 crow bars.
12 drill bits.
10 taps.
4 craftsman wrenches.
1 Williams wrench.
1 file.
1 snap on ***** punch.
2 channelock pliers.

At age 15 start looking at your local CL and have some fun looking for all that old American Gold... PS: if it makes any noise in the old sheds, run like hell if you start seeing rat nests

 

[customh]

I'm with all the guys that say definitely buy Snap-On ratchets if you get other brands of everything else. They are the best out there and well worth the money. All but two of my 6 are used. I like a quality set of screwdrivers too. I got the 300pc craftsman set on sale for sockets and wrenches. Also I love Snap-On deadblows. Trusty Cook are supposed to be good too- bought a little ball pein but haven't had cause to use it yet.

 

[bcradio]

I have a few Snap-on tools.

Good to see you back

Stop by more often.

 

[Givl Reggin]

Built into the Snap-On pricing structure are things that add extra cost that have nothing to do with making a better quality tool. In essescence you're paying a premium price and getting a lot of nothing in return. These added costs include a markup for things like time-payment financing, tool truck delivery, dealer markup, distribution/warehousing and lifetime warranty replacment costs. Things you may not need or even want. The Williams brand is as close as you're ever going to come to getting Snap-On in terms of quality without all these extra costs added on. Some seem to think Snap-On and Williams come off the same production line and are exactly the same, just with different brand names stamped on them.

 

[Hantke]

Welcome, I assume that you already have basic tools since you have a 2000 jeep XJ, what do you already have? If you have everything, by all means, start upgrading to Snap-On (SO) or Matco, they are a different league and quality, but if you are worried about COO (Country Of Origin) you can get older craftsman, or harbor freight (cheap tools can last you long enough to save up and buy what you really want) and then buy the Snap-On equivalent of it when you can afford it or when yo need it. Test out both Snap-On and Matco and see which is more comfortable in your hand, than get those.

In my opinion, the 12 PT socket is worth a hell of a lot more than a 6PT socket in 3/8 shallow, especially since you have a 2000 Jeep, not too worried about the rust issues.

 

[n8n]

In my opinion, the 12 PT socket is worth a hell of a lot more than a 6PT socket in 3/8 shallow, especially since you have a 2000 Jeep, not too worried about the rust issues.

That's sarcasm, right? It's 14 years old, and an XJ. Rust is a HUGE concern.


Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

 

[rsanter]

Nick
There is a lot of good used craftsman made in the USA stuff that can be found at yard sales and swap meets.
Get a basic set together and add some snap on stuff here and there as you can

Bob

 

[bobemmerich]

Go with what you can afford. I personally like Snap-On and Ace ratchets. As far as wrenches, a good set is all that's needed. I'd personally look for K-D tools. Not the Gearwrench, but the older USA K-D stuff. Tough as nails and I haven't broken any yet in 25+ years....
I also have Allen USA sockets, wrenches, etc.
The Imports (Taiwan) I like are Ace hardware brand. They hold up pretty good, but get them on sale, 'cause sometimes they're sold at USA tools prices.

 

[Farmall450]

I am also 15, and I recommend US Craftsman wherever possible, with the exceptions of ratchets and screwdrivers. Go to Snap-on for those, a few dual 80s and a 6 piece set of instincts make a huge difference!

For me, all my sockets are Craftsman USA. I have one snappy set, they're nice, not all that much better tho IMO.

Wrenches I have US raised panels, which I use the most, and US cman industrial full polish (which I baby) and of course gearwrench ratcheting flex heads.

Ratchets are all cman, wright, Mac, etc besides a few dual 80s, and I almost always use the dual 80s.

 

[Hantke]

That's sarcasm, right? It's 14 years old, and an XJ. Rust is a HUGE concern.


Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

I'll assume that was a joke.

It's not like he is working on a '77 F250 or something like that. rust is NOT a huge concern for a 2000 era vehicle, sure, there may be surface rust, but the chances of a seized bolt or other penetrating rust capable of breaking a 12 PT Snap-On socket? Not likely.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I have heard of people getting a 50% off Snap-on stuff. If I gave them the money could they get it off the truck and send it to me? I know it's a longshot. 50% off is a lot.

50% off SnapOn list is still really expensive...

 

[Farmall450]

I'll assume that was a joke.

It's not like he is working on a '77 F250 or something like that. rust is NOT a huge concern for a 2000 era vehicle, sure, there may be surface rust, but the chances of a seized bolt or other penetrating rust capable of breaking a 12 PT Snap-On socket? Not likely.

The socket won't break, but the bolt will round off.

A 2000 vehicle in the rust belt could be so bad it needs to be parked...salt is a mean mother.

 

[UIUC-Mech-E]

Another thing to consider is *what* tools to buy first...

...a breaker bar (a 18" Snappy is not that expensive used in the grand scheme of things) and some impact sockets. The Pittsburgh Pro sets in shallow and deep would be a good place to start. Why impacts? Because you'll want them someday, and there are only a few instances where you can use a chrome socket but not an impact; get the chrome ones later when your immediate tool needs have been met...

This should be etched in stone somewhere. A couple of good breaker bars (I'm kinda partial to proto) some impact extensions and impact sockets (pittsburg are fine to start with) will carry you a long way. I used cheapo ratchets until had the money for better stuff but I never busted a knuckle doing it because my breaker bars took the abuse instead.

As others have said, use CL, ebay, garage sales to your advantage. And if you want to be organized about it get a notebook and put every type of tool you want on its own page. Then list the brands you would consider. Search ebay completed listings for what these things sell for used and write that down. That way when you're bargaining at a flea market you'll be able to spot when someone is trying to screw you.

Good luck, and be sure to be patient in your tool buying habits. You have many years of tool buying ahead and if you do end up turning wrenches for a living people will think better of you for using a few tools well than they will if you just have a lot of tools.


(Insert catchy saying here)

 

[nick.koehler6]

He is 47. Been in the trades since he was 18