What tools do you buy snap-on?

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Their prices are too high for the pay range of todays mechanics. Unless you work for a company where you're getting paid $30+ an hour and making 50+ flag hours a week, it would be hard to own snapon tools and still retire with a half decent savings...

It all depends on the person....no matter what their pay, some will mismanage their money and be broke all their lives, regardless of what they buy and who they owe payments to.

 

[camd64]

I would recommend the ratchets, longer wrenches (like OEXM's and longer), specialty wrenches (flare, 4 way angle, etc.), and the 1/4" universal sockets (wobbles). IMO that should give you the best bang for the buck to start out. I like to pick certain tools over others starting with a couple questions.... 1. will it make the job easier on me (physically) 2. will it make the job go faster.

Ratchets will be your most used hand tools. I prefer the long handle flex heads. Leverage is your friend, use it. Beyond that it's really a personal preference you have to figure out.

The reason I say longer wrenches is because those will be the ones you most likely grab first, as well as the longer ones are going to be used more often on those stuck fasteners needing the extra strength of a top tier tool. Flare wrenches and angle wrenches also because of the strength and the SO ones tend to fit better and have a slimmer profile. Last thing you want is to have a rounded fitting because your cheap flare wrench spread and is now going to cost you.

The 1/4 universal sockets I use often for dash work. In tight confined spaces you want the joints to be nice and tight as well as being able to still work at extreme angles. SO are the best I have used so far.

Other sockets you could save some money on. I have Craftsman USA (not a fan of the broach depth on deeps though), Blackhawk, SK, GW, Carlyle along with my SO's and they are all holding up just fine. I wouldn't buy SO impacts, too much money for what they are. GP, Sunnex, Craftsman USA used are better options. Recently bought a set of Grey Pneumatic universal impacts and I like them a lot. Extensions for me as long as they are knurled and at the correct location I could care less who make them.

Prybars I like Mayhew striking ones and the Craftsman set they often have on sale has served me well. Screwdrivers you can find for less just make sure you find a set that includes some bolstered ones. Specialty drivers will depend on what makes and models you end up working on. I like Channel Lock for the basic plier sets and Knipex for the needle nose and cutters. Beyond that basic stuff honestly you want to know what you will be doing before investing.

 

[Adam.C]

I was writing a post describing how I like the Flank drive combos that they make and was going to suggest you to get an extensive set 8-36mm 3/8- 1 5/8" set but then I saw the price for the two sets is $3k+.

Tell me again when the last time you needed your 29mm combination wrench? Or the 28, 31, 33?, 25? Ditto for the SAE sizes?

I would not recommend buying those large sets. (Read my advice on sizes below).

The big wrenches are expensive and a huge waste of money if you never need to use them. If you encounter a weird size, use an adjustable wrench, or a Knipex plier wrench. If you need that wrench 5 more times that month, go spend the $40 or whatever to get that one wrench.

Otherwise, for modern automotive work, 10-19mm is fine. That will be about $160 on SEP.

I have since revised my opinion and suggest that you buy nothing from that company. Their prices are too high for the pay range of todays mechanics.

There are a ton of other companies making a hard commitment towards quality tools at way lower prices ranges than that turd of a company... I suggest you give them a try.

Bad advice. SEP is a great deal. And good for you OP for asking for our advice. I think you can buy stuff from Snap On and just throw your money away (as Mike suggests). Or you can buy Snap On smart and make money. I pay more for used wrenches and sockets than you will pay for new with the SEP. You can sell an awful lot of your SEP bought tools on ebay for a profit.

 

[SantaAna12]

If you know, then I too suggest buying for your field. This also will probably allow you to focus on metrics. What do you have in your existing box? Look at the "best value" threads. Does your Dad or Uncle have old spare Proto loaners for you?

That said, I suggest you buy boldly and thoughtfully with that discount.

good luck in your endeavors.

 

[BK13]

I'm just a DIY hack, but if I had 50%ish off on a Snappy truck, I'd get as many Dual 80s as I was allowed, the gold Torx and hex sockets, the BJP1 ball joint press, the angle wrenches, chrome 1/4" and 3/8" universal sockets, and flare nut wrenches. Money allowing, I'd look at the 1/2" drive semi-deep sockets.

 

[n8n]

Tell me again when the last time you needed your 29mm combination wrench? Or the 28, 31, 33?, 25? Ditto for the SAE sizes?

I would not recommend buying those large sets. (Read my advice on sizes below).

The big wrenches are expensive and a huge waste of money if you never need to use them. If you encounter a weird size, use an adjustable wrench, or a Knipex plier wrench. If you need that wrench 5 more times that month, go spend the $40 or whatever to get that one wrench.

Otherwise, for modern automotive work, 10-19mm is fine. That will be about $160 on SEP.

I agree with your point but I have had to use the 20-22mm sizes. Beyond that then yes, I agree.

 

[Air21]

You mention the angle wrenches, probably the only time you should ever buy those is on SEP. Otherwise buy them used. 1/2 Snap-On angle Wrench you see is like $35 alone, well This "Wrench" is the same 1/2 4 way angle wrench but it is restricted sale only to Caterpillar. It's on the website by mistake, I called trying to buy the whole set 1P-3515 for $166 and got bounced through a number of reps and finally got a call back from a supervisor that the items were never supposed to be online and they were refunding my money and the next day the item was taken offline.

Moral of the story, the markup on those is insane, so any time you can buy them for half off means your getting corn-holed only half as much.

 

[AmishFury]

Of course you can always buy used for far less than your 1/2 off. They work just as well...

unless you luck out on the rare cheap buy it now item, a craigslist find, a flea market/garage sale, or your local pawn shops aren't going full retard on the prices...

the few snap-on items i've bought used on ebay have been half off, slightly cheaper than half off, or a hair above half off... granted i haven't bought much but i've bid on far more than i've bought and watched USED go for significantly more than half price (hell i saw one item go within a few dollars of brand new)

NOTHING out there compares to the Snap on combination wrenches or their ratchets.

no... quite a few things compare... quite easily too... in an ideal world you can hold all the comparable products to see which feels best in your hand but the world is far from ideal... i will say this for the OP... i do like the dual 80s but i was far from wowed... keep expectations realistic because people around here talk them up like they are life changing

The picks are good too. Got a set of mini picks that do their jobs well. Don't put them in your fingertips, they hurt.

i think i just felt every spot where a pick slipped and found flesh... which reminds me i need to warranty my snappy right angle the tip is so dull you'd have to hammer it into your finger to break skin

 

[RedneckWelder]

The problem with the discount is while you are in school you aren't typically earning a ton, so it's hard to take advantage of it, even at the prices.

I advise a personal loan from the bank instead of their credit program if you must.

What do I advise considering buying?

-A large full drawer cart. Half off now, yes it's $1K but it will be a solid starter box and later when you buy your big box it will be what you work out of.
-Ratchets
-Wrenches
-Torx and Hex bit sockets, especially the gold ones
-Flare Nut Wrenches
-1/4 and 3/8 flex sockets
-Screwdrivers are really nice, also the ratcheting screwdriver.
-Maybe a tech angle torque wrench. The split beam torque wrenches are also nice, and can also be found elsewhere for reasonable prices. Anyway, you're gonna need some torque wrenches and the easier and faster to use the easier it's going to make your life. The micrometer style is fine for home but aggravating in a professional shop- real slow to set.

Stuff I wouldn't rush to get from them

-Electric corded and cordless tools
-Most air tools. Some are good, like the big *** air hammer. Others aren't worth the price IMHO. Some are Sioux tools rebrands, which is a pretty quality brand. Wouldn't waste my time with their impacts.
-multimeters

The scan tools, I don't know. I've heard they are great, heard others complain. They aren' relevant at all to my world so I don't have one- my work provides laptops and our diagnostic software.

 

[BottomLineReviews]

I'm currently in school for auto collision , but only because that's all that is offered at my high school. I don't want to pursue it long term, but I want to take advantage of the discount.

 

[BottomLineReviews]

I should also say that I do have a full set of basic hand tools, and am just looking to upgrade.

 

[Cato]

There are a lot of young mechanics who take on loads of debt with a ton of Snap On tools and box. They end up ruining their credit and taking on needless stress. Why not buy cheap tools like Harbor Freight (they work fine and are guaranteed for life) and focus on making money?

If you do end up making loads of money turning wrenches, then you can buy Snap On stuff to have and to hold.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

All of them!

 

[Wrenchinfool]

Unless your going to pursue this as a career don't buy anything discount or not you can find cheaper alternatives.. Most tools are personal choice from person to person

 

[rodsnratfinks]

I'm currently in school for auto collision , but only because that's all that is offered at my high school. I don't want to pursue it long term, but I want to take advantage of the discount.

I should also say that I do have a full set of basic hand tools, and am just looking to upgrade.

In that case:

Wrenches from 10-19mm
Flare wrenches
3/8 chrome sockets 10-19mm
Bit sockets, torx, hex
Mini pick set
One large hose pick (the one with a slight bend at the tip)
Striking pry bars (a set is fine, but I only really use 12", 24", and 36")
Possibly some hammers: a 32oz dead blow ball peen (for 12, 16, 24oz get Mac antivibe)
Needlenose pliers
Possibly the hand impact driver
I like the wobble plus extension set for things like spark plugs and other hand driven underhood work
Magnetic spark plug sockets (these are great)
Screwdrivers, if you like them. (I slightly prefer Matco for these, even over the hard handles)
Long 3/8" flex head ratchet (if you like the feel of it)
Long 1/4 ratchet (same)


Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[ritestuff]

unless you luck out on the rare cheap buy it now item, a craigslist find, a flea market/garage sale, or your local pawn shops aren't going full retard on the prices...

the few snap-on items i've bought used on ebay have been half off, slightly cheaper than half off, or a hair above half off... granted i haven't bought much but i've bid on far more than i've bought and watched USED go for significantly more than half price (hell i saw one item go within a few dollars of brand new)




no... quite a few things compare... quite easily too... in an ideal world you can hold all the comparable products to see which feels best in your hand but the world is far from ideal... i will say this for the OP... i do like the dual 80s but i was far from wowed... keep expectations realistic because people around here talk them up like they are life changing




i think i just felt every spot where a pick slipped and found flesh... which reminds me i need to warranty my snappy right angle the tip is so dull you'd have to hammer it into your finger to break skin

Well, I guess we have to agree to disagree on the Snap on combo wrenches and ratchets. My opinion is based upon professional wrenching for 40 years, mostly in the marine industry. I've tried just about everything out there, and for me at least, those items outperform the competition, and it ain't even close.

At the end of the day, it's mostly just experience based personal opinion and preference, and from where I stand, when someone says he can't tell the difference, that tells me all I need to know.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Finally someone recommending horror freight. Never fails

 

[BottomLineReviews]

I am primarily looking for the things that Snap-on excels at, I already have a complete set of snapon pliers that I absolutely love. Currently I have a mini screwdriver set, an instinct handle screwdriver set, picks, and a few of my most used sizes in the 0degree offset high performance wrenches on order. Is it true that snapon excels at flare nut wrenches?

 

[techenthusiast]

My best SEP buys were bluepoint 3/8 general service set(the one without the wrenches), bluepoint 1/4 general service set, mg725 set(came with standard and metric impacts) mg325 set(came with impacts also), standard and metric wrench sets, striking prybar set, click type torque wrenches 3/8 and 1/2, ratchets(although I Should have picked up a few more)

I regret not buying my FAR72c through the program, that was a very expensive air ratchet at full price

I regret investing in the 18v lithium line up but it's too late now as I'm already 3 essential tools into it - if I could do it again id go with m18

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I agree with your point but I have had to use the 20-22mm sizes. Beyond that then yes, I agree.

Basic alignments require stuff up to 24/26/27 and even a few beyond. 24mm is a common strut/shock bolt size, and you need to brace one side while you impact the other. EGR tubes aren't coming off with a pliers wrench, and some of those are up to 30mm.

I too, disagree with Adam.

 

[garfunkle24]

In my opinion, things that Snap-on excel at:

Prybars, particularly their heel (rolling head) bars
Dual 80 series ratchets
Torx and hex bit sockets
30/60 angle wrenches
Dead blow ball peens (by Trusty Cook but not bad pricing from SO at 50% off and good warranty)
Chrome sockets
Flare nut wrenches

 

[Brownsfan]

I do automotive electrical. The things I buy from snap on that I feel are better and worth the price.

1) panel removal tools (not the blue point ones)
2) plastic non marring pry tools. Best I have ever used
3) instinct soft grip screwdrivers. Best handle EVER made IMHO
4) hooks and pics (small and large) cotter pin tool is the best ever.
5) magnetic metric 1/4dr sockets. (They save your *** when taking apart dashes)

Now to someone who wrenches daily things like wrenches, sockets and ratchets I can definitely see the value in them. I only take apart the interior for the most part so I can get buy with stuff like SK Proto, Gearwrench etc. But I do like my Snap On ratchets. I do most of my work out my van , being mobile I don't like taking the more expensive stuff on the road with me . They too easily get left behind grow legs or get stolen out of the van.

 

[geartow]

I would buy the blue point hex and torx socket set when you break a bit he will replace with a snapon bit around these parts at least

 

[BottomLineReviews]

Thanks all of the knowledge you guys have shared. Are there things that You guys feel Matco, or Mac excel at?

 

[Air21]

MAC makes the lowest profile universal sockets and I personally prefer the Precision Torque wrenches. The mr4c is also the tiniest 1/4 ratchet you'll find if you need something like that. The new Mac ratchets are 90 tooth as well.

Matco has some interesting stuff, I think the zero ofset box/ratcheting spline wrenches are long and popular. Their palm ratchets are also 88 teeth.

 

[AmishFury]

At the end of the day, it's mostly just experience based personal opinion and preference, and from where I stand, when someone says he can't tell the difference, that tells me all I need to know.

and this just told me all i need to know... just sayin

 

[FMC1959]

I am primarily looking for the things that Snap-on excels at, I already have a complete set of snapon pliers that I absolutely love. Currently I have a mini screwdriver set, an instinct handle screwdriver set, picks, and a few of my most used sizes in the 0degree offset high performance wrenches on order. Is it true that snapon excels at flare nut wrenches?

Things you should consider, just about any SO mechanics hand tool (sockets, ratchets, wrenches....etc.) will be a top of the line product. This is my personal (unprofessional) opinion, but always like at what the alternative is.

Example, you mention flare wrenches, as mentioned many times in this thread and numerous threads on GJ and the internet. They are the best and there isn't much to consider as a close second.

Example 2, FD+ wrenches, excellent wrenches but myself I have Wright (WrightGrip) combo wrenches. I think they have a better feel and perform every bit as good as SO, so that is what I would get.

Lastly, I am just a DIYer but I know that anytime I need to head to the store, the trip kills my day; as a DIYer, not a biggy. If I was making a living at this, then the service and the price for that convenience would definitely play a factor (of course if you have a good reliable driver/rep), only you can decide how much value it is to you.

SO has great tools and reputation, there isn't anything bad to say about them, except their price. Valid arguments can be made both ways if they are worth the price, don't get lost in the SO hype that you have to have SO or pack up and go home. Getting SO is a good decision, in some cases the alternative might be better. Do your homework and make your own personal choices, you will sleep better at night listening to your gut.

 

[shoggoth80]

Coming from experience, there are other good brands that you can buy (and possibly should). There are cheaper brands that you can buy to get yourself started (nothing wrong with this). If using your tools often is something that is going to happen, there is a lot of good advice in this thread.

I have my share of less expensive stuff. From ratchets and socket sets, to wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers etc. IF wrenching is something that you plan to do for a living... you WILL want to upgrade some stuff if you go the "buy all HF" route. Don't get me wrong, some of their tools are absolutely a bargain for what you are getting. Some not so much. Some research goes a long way, and props to you for asking folks for feedback and opinions. It's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed at the start regarding what you should grab/prudent money choices.

At the end of the day, nuts and bolts don't give a rip about what brand tool is being used on it. I can say that cheap pliers SUUUUUCK. Teeth that are too soft or slip, will have you cursing and throwing your tools in no time. Wrench jaws that spread and slip will teach you the joys of busted knuckles. I think everyone gets some blood, sweat, and tears into this game.

If Snappy isn't your route, take a good look at Armstrong, Proto, SK, older CMan, Bahco etc. Take a good read through the tool truck equivalent thread. You can save some money that route, and still get some excellent tools. All that being said, my favorite ratchets are Snap On roto heads.

 

[BottomLineReviews]

Is the steel on the SO FD+ better than the steel used on the Wright grip wrenches? Remember that I'm hoping to get at least 10-15 years out of these tools, and I do have half off snap-on so there isn't much of a price difference.

 

[abvw]

Basic alignments require stuff up to 24/26/27 and even a few beyond. 24mm is a common strut/shock bolt size, and you need to brace one side while you impact the other. EGR tubes aren't coming off with a pliers wrench, and some of those are up to 30mm.

I too, disagree with Adam.

Yes, there are bigger fasteners than 24mm but those can be handled with a quality adjustable wrench. I've done plenty of EGR tubes and tie rod jam nuts with my WideAzz Channellock and a 4lb sledge, haven't failed me yet.

Anything bigger than 24mm on a vehicle are considered specialty tools, such as fan clutch wrenches (that you use with air hammer), oil filter sockets, axle nut sockets, pressure sensor sockets etc etc which you normally cannot access with a conventional wrench, so anything bigger than 24mm is really a waste of space and money.

A set of 10-19, 21, 22 and 24mm will be more than enough.

Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Yes, there are bigger fasteners than 24mm but those can be handled with a quality adjustable wrench. I've done plenty of EGR tubes and tie rod jam nuts with my WideAzz Channellock and a 4lb sledge, haven't failed me yet.

Anything bigger than 24mm on a vehicle are considered specialty tools, such as fan clutch wrenches (that you use with air hammer), oil filter sockets, axle nut sockets, pressure sensor sockets etc etc which you normally cannot access with a conventional wrench, so anything bigger than 24mm is really a waste of space and money.

A set of 10-19, 21, 22 and 24mm will be more than enough.

Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk

To each their own. I don't even own a single adjustable wrench, after spending much of my teen years rounding things with them. I do like my channel locks jumbo pliers, but there' plenty of times I prefer actual wrenches. FWIW: I don't work on one make, anything 1985-2015 is fair game.

Of course, my Sunex 8-32 inclusive set was like $150, and very good wrenches. Napa Carylye and Sunex take me from 1/4 to 1 1/4, for a similar combined price. Buying from SO, I could see wanting to avoid large sizes that approach $50 per wrench.

Different strokes. Regardless, I wouldn't be buying the super large sizes from SO anyway. Rarely used "just-in-case" tools are were the Taiwan imports thrive.

 

[Finky198]

Snappy adjustable wrenches are really nice they have small ridges and a finer movement than any others that i have used. there def not worth the retail price, but I use them a lot more than I thought I ever would. its a 4pc set I used alot with the knipex pliers Wrench for clean plumbing ie.. Brass and copper fittings

 

[tubamonster]

I bought SO ratchets. They are the only SO tools I have. I bought them second hand used (1/2) and unused (1/4 and 3/8). Even then they were more than a Proto premium ratchet, but still less than you would pay for a similar Mac, Matco, or Cornwell ratchet. Snap On was the only company that made a quick release, fine toothed, USA made, pear head ratchet that I liked. I figured if I buy anything Snap On, it should be a tool that is used a lot.

I plan to buy some Snap On Phillips screwdrivers. So far they are the only screwdrivers I've found that have Anti Cam Out Ribs and are offered with a hard handle. I prefer the hard handle because it's easier to keep clean.

 

[Wakefield]

Is the steel on the SO FD+ better than the steel used on the Wright grip wrenches?

Is that like asking Pepsi vs. coke? I think both (the drinks and the steels) are secret recipes

a post on another thread claimed that raw material for steel used in American manufactured tools actually came from China-I hope that isn't correct but I have been hearing disquieting things about our Coal industry-"We will shut you down"!!--is the Coal Industry vital to the American Steel industry? Does electric furnace steel still require raw iron made using coal? Can reprocessed/recycled steel ever be made as good as virgin steel? (I suspect not)
Iron that was made in pre Civil War times in Fort Valley VA using trees,charcoal,limestone and local sandy ores in such structures as the Elizabeth Furnace and Boyer Furnace? Was that iron then made into steel?

The working,heat treating,quenching,machining of the steel tool as important or more important than the exact materials alloyed into the steel?

 

[hoston23]

Snap On's core hand tools like wrenches, ratchets, sockets, extensions, screwdrivers, pliers and prybars really are top notch. I'd focus there and look elsewhere for power tools, specialty tools and diagnostic equipment with a few exceptions.

this!! don't get a snap on cordless anything. you can do just as good/better with Milwaukee or Makita. been there done that

 

[WhiffySpark]

this!! don't get a snap on cordless anything. you can do just as good/better with Milwaukee or Makita. been there done that

That's subjective. Each person has their own taste

Milwaukee feels like cheap junk to me. Especially their ratchets. I doubt the 1/2 gun would hold a candle to my snapon one

 

[BottomLineReviews]

I do have the cts561 screwdriver and 7.2v 1/4 impact and I'm actually a big fan of them. Plus, with the discount it's not a Crazy price.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Actually some of its cheaper than miluawkee I think with discount. I know they have some good packages

My next purchases will be a hand vacuum pump and a few other small things through sep. even large impact sockets are affordable

 

[1950mercury]

In my opinion, things that Snap-on excel at:

Prybars, particularly their heel (rolling head) bars
Dual 80 series ratchets
Torx and hex bit sockets
30/60 angle wrenches
Dead blow ball peens (by Trusty Cook but not bad pricing from SO at 50% off and good warranty)
Chrome sockets
Flare nut wrenches

Trusty cook does NOT make the dead blows.......

 

[hoston23]

That's subjective. Each person has their own taste

Milwaukee feels like cheap junk to me. Especially their ratchets. I doubt the 1/2 gun would hold a candle to my snapon one

I sold my snap on 1/2 because it couldn't keep up with my Milwaukee, and plus their batteries are cheaper and the warrenty is better. 3 on tool and 5 on the battery