I'll grade them on a 10-point grading scale. I'll judge the brands I use and exclude others that I really don't have enough experience with to form a worthy opinion (Mac, Matco, Wright, etc..). Remember that these are only my opinion!
Snap On
Pro's:
-World class quality on most tools, arguably the most well rounded companies out there.
-Best customer service/warranty in the business. Hassle free.
-Convenient. They come right to your place of business. All that I have seen finance interest free as well. Feel the tools in your hand before you buy. You can trade in for credit.
-Tools are extremely functional, stylish, and ergonomic.
Cons:
-Very pricey.
-Drills aren't very good from what I have seen.
-Some of the trucks drivers are kind of dicks, but I have yet to see one that hasn't honored the warranty.
Really not many knocks on SO other than the price. You pay for the warranty and convenience, but if you have the money.
Overall: 9.5/10, only thing keeping them from being a 10 is price. As a Proto loyalist, I hate to admit it, but they're probably the best company top-to-bottom in terms of quality.
Other brands in this price range to consider: Mac, Matco, Koken.
Proto:
Pro's:
-Professional quality at a fraction of the cost of truck brands. Most tools are just as good as the truck brands, some are better. Only company that makes a better wrench is Wright.
-Very well rounded, sockets/wrenches/screwdrivers are some of the best out there.
Con's:
-Tools are a tad bit harder to warranty.
-Selection really isn't as wide as SO, Mac, Matco.
-Unless there's a store, you can't feel them in your hands (very important to a mechanic.
-No trucks.
Overall: 9/10.
Other brands in this price range to consider: Wright, Martin.
SK
Pro's:
-Mostly professional grade tools for just a bit more than Craftsman.
-IMO make the best sockets in the world, at a fraction of the price of the more expensive brands. I've never seen sockets that can touch my SK Wayne's, and they were made decades before I was even born.
-IMO the best 1/4" ratchet in the world. Better than SO, Koken, Mac, Proto in my experiences. I've owned them all. Bought the SK first and still have it, sold/traded the rest.
-Improving quality.
-Excellent screwdrivers.
Con's:
-Consistency. Their tools are hit and miss. Don't get me wrong, they're all better than Craftsman or Taiwan/Chinese, but some of their tools are kind of 'meh'. Wrenches are pretty as hell, just wouldn't put them anywhere near the top guys.
-Warranty. I've never had to warranty an SK tool, which speaks volumes, but their trucks aren't around everywhere, which means you have to mail in tools.
Overall: 8.5/10. You're safe using these if you turn wrenches for a living, and you can afford/justify them if you don't.
Other brands in this price range to consider: Armstrong.
Best quality from top to bottom: Snap On.
Best quality for someone who can't/won't break the bank on tools: Proto.
Best bargain: SK
Best ratchets: Snap On or Koken.
Best wrenches: Wright. Proto is a close second.
Best sockets: SK or Koken.
Widest range of professional grade tools: Snap On.
Best screwdrivers: Wiha.
Best boxes: Snap On.
Most durable without having to warranty: Wright or Proto. You can't break them, I have tried.
Sorry if this post is illegible, it makes perfect sense to me, but I've also had a few.
