Non-Snap on tools that are as good

[ToolGlutton]

For some reason, I hate to see a full box of Snap on tools. Sorry Snap on worshipers. I just love diversity. So I own Knipex pliers, SK roto ratchet, Craftsman full polish offset wrenches, etc. I love them as much I love my Snap on tools.

What are the tools in your tool box that are not made by Snap on but are as good, or close, or even better than Snap on?

Below are summaries from replies (the order is random):

Craftsman professional combination wrenches,
Ingersoll Rand air tools,
Gearwrench ratchets and ratcheting wrenches,
Wera chiseldriver screwdrivers,
Mayhew Dominator series pry bar,
Proto torque wrenches,
Armstrong wrenches,
Williams wrenches(superrench),
Diamond adjustable wrenches,
OTC 5249 ball joint press,
Makita cordless tools,
Astro pnenumatic line disconnect set, pick set.. prybar set and scraper set,
Lisle caliper speaders(dual and single piston),
Estwing hammers,
Ingersoll impact guns (3/8 and 1/2") and air ratchets (1/4 and 3/8")
Matco universal impact sockets
Matco Top-Torque II (made by Witte with the fuzzy inserts) screwdrivers
Mayhew (most of them) stuff is fantastic
Grey Pneumatic regular impact sockets (the universal are not nearly as good IMO),
Knipex pliers
Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches
Matco XL spline drive ratcheting wrenches
Blackhawk ratcheting wrenches
Craftsman extensions
Fluke multimeters
PB Swiss punches, screwdrivers, bits, picks, hey keys
NWS pliers
Knipex pliers
Wera micro screwdrivers
Rennsteig screw extractors
Poly Impact dead-blow hammers
Mac KS2s (Flankdrives too thin for me)
Grip-on locking pliers
Proto, Hazet, PB Swiss, some Craftsman Pro, Knipex, some KD/Armstrong/Gearwrench(lump it into Danaher group),etc...

 

[eschoendorff]

I love pretty much everything in my arsenal as much as my Snap On Gear. I have select S/O pieces: ratchets, screwdrivers and a few wrenches. The rest is very eclectic in brand. I love my Facom tools... and my Cman pro wrenches area as good as anything else I have used.

 

[Fedwrench]

It depends on the user's preference because, there's a big difference between getting the job done and fit, feel, finish, etc. For me, Ingersoll Rand air tools, Gearwrench ratchets and ratcheting wrenches, Craftsman Professional series combination wrenches, Wera chiseldriver screwdrivers, Mayhew Dominator series pry bars, and probably most of the SK line can get the job done as well as anything off of a tool truck. I didn't list anything from a different tool truck as price would make it too similiar to Snap on. I listed over the counter type brands for this post. Tools are a personal choice that can evoke many emotion based arguments like politics, religion, etc. As always buy what works for you, what you like, and what you can afford. Your results may vary.

 

[Joelfke]

this thread is going to cause a S/O war....you realize that right?

 

[petty4243]

proto torque wrenches, armstrong wrenches, williams wrenches(superrench), diamond adjustable wrenches, otc 5249 ball joint press, makita cordless tools, astro pnenumatic line disconnect set, pick set.. prybar set and scraper set, lisle caliper speaders(dual and single piston), estwing hammers... i a sure i can come up with a few more given time to think

 

[RRmech]

Who cares?
The Snap-On junkies will always justify their high dollar purchases.
The idea of going into debt to buy tools, has baffled me for years?

Steve

 

[Gabriel J]

Although my impact guns (3/8 and 1/2") and air ratchets (1/4 and 3/8") are all Snap-On, I would buy Ingersoll over them in a heart beat. I bought them from Pawn shops at an incredible prices, so the cost was a huge factor...

Like someone stated already..it's really user preference. In my opinion Snap On makes the best wrenches and ratchets.

let's not forget that a good portion of Snap On/Matco/Mac/Craftsman tools are rebranded.......whoever produces the tools for them are companies worth looking at.

 

[MattPersman]

just off the top of my head thinking about stuff I use everyday:
Matco universal impact sockets
Matco Top-Torque II (made by Witte with the fuzzy inserts) screwdrivers
most Mayhew stuff is fantastic
regular impact sockets by Grey Pneumatic (the universal are not nearly as good IMO),
Knipex makes some nice stuff, but I do like the Snap on range of pliers in most applications, kind of a toss up
Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches are very hard to beat for the money
Matco XL spline drive ratcheting wrenches
Blackhawk ratcheting wrenches are good as well and can be had for a song on ebay
Craftsman extensions never had a problem with those
Fluke multimeters

 

[snapmom]

There are lots of good tools other than so. Kind of like what vehicle you drive, its what you like, thats the best one.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

let's not forget that a good portion of Snap On/Matco/Mac/Craftsman tools are rebranded.......whoever produces the tools for them are companies worth looking at.

I've seen a time or two, and read/heard about even more, where someone owns something that Snap-on rebrands, and the Snap-on salesman, trys to tell him, his Snap-on is better.
I believe the most expensive one was here, years ago, when I joined (a lift).

 

[bb1970]

Who cares?
The Snap-On junkies will always justify their high dollar purchases.
The idea of going into debt to buy tools, has baffled me for years?

Steve

I agree. 100%. Watch all the snap-heads gang up on us know.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I love threads that aren't like this one..

 

[garfunkle24]

For some reason, I hate to see a full box of Snap on tools. Sorry Snap on worshipers. I just love diversity. So I own Knipex pliers, SK roto ratchet, Craftsman full polish offset wrenches, etc. I love them as much I love my Snap on tools.

What are the tools in your tool box that are not made by Snap on but are as good, or close, or even better than Snap on?

Here are the tools I own which I believe are better than Snap-ons:

PB Swiss punches, screwdrivers, bits, picks, hey keys
NWS pliers
Knipex pliers
Wera micro screwdrivers
Rennsteig screw extractors
Poly Impact dead-blow hammers
Mac KS2s (Flankdrives too thin for me)
Grip-on locking pliers (although Snap-on does sell some of these, rebadged as both Snap-on and Blue-point.

 

[dxdexter]

I love threads that aren't like this one..

Me too.

For some reason it seems most of these types of threads are stated by the same OP. It seems to be an outlet the get reassurance for tool purchases other than Snap-on.

If you don't want to pay for Snap-on then don't. Some of you guys come across as having feelings of inadequacy and are compelled to constantly belittle Snap-on and justify the fact that you buy other brands. Buy what ever you want and let others do the same.

I think, secretly, if most of you guys had the coin, you're boxes would be over flowing with SO.

 

[ToolGlutton]

This is about open-minded! IMO, paying 500% more for a tool that is less than 20% better is not wise, at least for non-professionals.

We find the best tools that can serve us. We are not slaves of Snap-on or any brands.

 

[dxdexter]

This is about open-minded! IMO, paying 500% more for a tool that is less than 20% better is not wise, at least for non-professionals.

We find the best tools that can serve us. We are not slaves of Snap-on or any brands.

I stand by by arm chair psychiatric analysis of these types of threads and those who constantly perpetuate them.

 

[ToolGlutton]

I'm not saying Snap-on tools are not good. In fact, I have many Snap-on tools and obviously I assumed Snap-on is one of the best in this thread.

Let's focus on tools not ideology!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

This is about open-minded! IMO, paying 500% more for a tool that is less than 20% better is not wise, at least for non-professionals.

We find the best tools that can serve us. We are not slaves of Snap-on or any brands.

There's nothing open-minded about these threads, they're about Snap-on bashing and bitchy whining. If you can't afford Snap-on, tough ****. If you don't like Snap-on buy something else.

How about y'all who love Snap-on bashing grow a pair and then grow up an quit whining. We all know there are other brands out there, we all know there are other options out there.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I stand by by arm chair psychiatric analysis of these types of threads and those who constantly perpetuate them.

+1

 

[krusty the clown]

i feel like i'm living in the movie "groundhog day"....................

 

[Moose-LandTran]

i feel like i'm living in the movie "groundhog day"....................

Me too.

I think the Snap-on bashers are in some kind of a cult too..

 

[ToolGlutton]

I do not understand what you are talking about.

"they're about Snap-on bashing and bitchy whining" --- I'm not bashing Snap on. I love Snap on and have many Snap on tools.

"If you can't afford Snap-on, tough ****. If you don't like Snap-on buy something else."--- This is why I started this thread, we want to find the best valued tools. Is this forum for Snap on worshipers only?

"How about y'all who love Snap-on bashing grow a pair and then grow up an quit whining. We all know there are other brands out there, we all know there are other options out there." --- Again, we are not bashing Snap on.
See above.

There's nothing open-minded about these threads, they're about Snap-on bashing and bitchy whining. If you can't afford Snap-on, tough ****. If you don't like Snap-on buy something else.

How about y'all who love Snap-on bashing grow a pair and then grow up an quit whining. We all know there are other brands out there, we all know there are other options out there.

 

[ToolGlutton]

Show me the evidence that we are bashing Snap on, please. Did we say Snap on tools are not good? Did we say that they break easily? Did we say that Snap on tools do not last?

Me too.

I think the Snap-on bashers are in some kind of a cult too..

 

[oldtools]

Pittsburge Professional.

 

[Joelfke]

i feel like i'm living in the movie "groundhog day"....................

x100......

 

[Joelfke]

I do not understand what you are talking about.

"they're about Snap-on bashing and bitchy whining" --- I'm not bashing Snap on. I love Snap on and have many Snap on tools.

"If you can't afford Snap-on, tough ****. If you don't like Snap-on buy something else."--- This is why I started this thread, we want to find the best valued tools. Is this forum for Snap on worshipers only?

"How about y'all who love Snap-on bashing grow a pair and then grow up an quit whining. We all know there are other brands out there, we all know there are other options out there." --- Again, we are not bashing Snap on.
See above.

exactly...IMO it seems the thread was opened to try to find alternate tools that work well and are good alternatives.....not "hey what do you think can kick snapons ***! woo snapon *****! i hate snapon!"

 

[dxdexter]

You have to read between the lines. It all has to do with the underlying message that these threads have.

This is what these threads say to me; We all know that Snap-on is the best, but these are just as good because that's all I could afford, so now I must defend my purchase and make my self feel better by getting the affirmation of like minded individuals.

The truth is that there are many good brands of tools and I own many including a good percentage of Snap-on , but don't feel the need to indirectly trash other brands to justify my non Snap-on purchases. If I make a purchase and wish to share with the group, such as I did with my Gray prybars, then I will post about the qualities of these tools, not that they are just as good as Snap-on for half the price.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

You have to read between the lines. It all has to do with the underlying message that these threads have.

This is what these threads say to me; We all know that Snap-on is the best, but these are just as good because that's all I could afford, so now I must defend my purchase and make my self feel better by getting the affirmation of like minded individuals.

The truth is that there are many good brands of tools and I own many including a good percentage of Snap-on , but don't feel the need to indirectly trash other brands to justify my non Snap-on purchases. If I make a purchase and wish to share with the group, such as I did with my Gray prybars, then I will post about the qualities of these tools, not that they are just as good as Snap-on for half the price.

Hit the nail on the head, right there.

 

[dxdexter]

i feel like i'm living in the movie "groundhog day"....................

Somewhat similar. I didn't feel like contributing to all the other "handtool inferiority complex threads", so I thought now was the time. I wish I hadn't.

 

[Joelfke]

You have to read between the lines. It all has to do with the underlying message that these threads have.

This is what these threads say to me; We all know that Snap-on is the best, but these are just as good because that's all I could afford, so now I must defend my purchase and make my self feel better by getting the affirmation of like minded individuals.

The truth is that there are many good brands of tools and I own many including a good percentage of Snap-on , but don't feel the need to indirectly trash other brands to justify my non Snap-on purchases. If I make a purchase and wish to share with the group, such as I did with my Gray prybars, then I will post about the qualities of these tools, not that they are just as good as Snap-on for half the price.

thats kinda funny because i dont remember anyone on here saying "ah **** i bought a "lesser" brand tool! now i must justify it! gaaaaaa!!! make threads make threads!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

thats kinda funny because i dont remember anyone on here saying "ah **** i bought a "lesser" brand tool! now i must justify it! gaaaaaa!!! make threads make threads!

That's why seeing it is known as "reading between the lines".

 

[krusty the clown]

thats kinda funny because i dont remember anyone on here saying "ah **** i bought a "lesser" brand tool! now i must justify it! gaaaaaa!!! make threads make threads!

hence the word "indirectly"

 

[Joelfke]

hence the word "indirectly"

point is no one implied it or said it

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Seems to me you mean "i didn't pick up on it".

 

[dxdexter]

That's why seeing it is known as "reading between the lines".

Exactly .

It's implied by the title "Non-Snap on tools that are as good" meaning that Snap-on are the best tools, but these are just as good.

Otherwise I would have quoted the appropriate text.

 

[Joelfke]

Seems to me you mean "i didn't pick up on it".

i "didnt pick up on it" because its not there. its a decent thread to say hey i use this and it works better for me. i have some snapon stuff and i think theyre great however some tools I would prefer for comfort or "feel" from another company and hence a thread like this being good to try out some other brands from recommendations of other users on here

 

[ToolGlutton]

Thank you man. I think only people who are under-confident with the tools they worship will "reading between the lines", and assume other people imply "indirectly".

It's pathetic. I think Snap on tools are one of the best out there PERIOD I never doubt it, and I never need this kind of under-confident, and narrow-mined attitude to defend it. The difference is that I'm always open to other tool brands.

BTW, if someone open a thread saying "Let's find the Non-Toolglutton named guys who are as smart", I will feel honored because obsiouly they assume I'm one of the smartest guys.

i "didnt pick up on it" because its not there. its a decent thread to say hey i use this and it works better for me. i have some snapon stuff and i think theyre great however some tools I would prefer for comfort or "feel" from another company and hence a thread like this being good to try out some other brands from recommendations of other users on here

 

[dxdexter]

For some reason, I hate to see a full box of Snap on tools. Sorry Snap on worshipers. I just love diversity. So I own Knipex pliers, SK roto ratchet, Craftsman full polish offset wrenches, etc. I love them as much I love my Snap on tools.

What are the tools in your tool box that are not made by Snap on but are as good, or close, or even better than Snap on?

Please let me read between the lines for you: "Damn! I wish I had a box full of Snap-on tools like some of the other guys, but you know what; I love variety (since I can't have what I really want) and "well hell" these are just as good. Hey I got and idea. I think I will make a list of all the tools that look like the shiny Snap-on tools in my catalog and see if others agree, I got good value ."

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Please let me read between the lines for you: "Damn! I wish I had a box full of Snap-on tools like some of the other guys, but you know what; I love variety (since I can't have what I really want) and "well hell" these are just as good. Hey I got and idea. I think I will make a list of all the tools that look like the shiny Snap-on tools in my catalog and see if others agree, I got good value ."

Ahahahahahahaha

 

[ToolGlutton]

Man, you totally raped my views on that. Do not judge other people based on your own opinion.

Please let me read between the lines for you: "Damn! I wish I had a box full of Snap-on tools like some of the other guys, but you know what; I love variety (since I can't have what I really want) and "well hell" these are just as good. Hey I got and idea. I think I will make a list of all the tools that look like the shiny Snap-on tools in my catalog and see if others agree, I got good value ."