Snap on vs gearwrench xp120 question.

[sk farmer]

apex, gearwrench, armstrong, matco, husky, craftsman and some i probably missed. all of them have had a version in this same basic design. 60, 84, 88, 120, etc., pick your number. they are very similar and some parts interchange. some are quick release and some are not.

most of them are good but in my opinion, for some reason the 60, 88 and 120 versions are the best with 60 and 88 being my favorite. they just seem to work better and according to what i hear, that is pretty common. i don't know why but i would lean toward the versions that have those tooth counts.

 

[mach2mack]

There is no advantage unless you're able to recognize the advantage. Most people won't be able to recognize the advantage, but thankfully, Snap-on is not marketing their products to those clueless people.

Haha clueless? I've done just fine with my craftsman tools and 1 craftsman and 1 US general box as a master tech for 8 years now. I'm not saying snap on isn't great but is it 5x the price greater? Personally I don't think so. I'll save the money and put it into my bike.

 

[MrGiggles]

To tell the truth, I had same trouble with two XP120 3/8 dr. regular length ratchets I bought at Advance. I took the first one back because I wanted to see how the warranty process would work (argued for 5 min with store manager before he let me grab one off the shelf). The second one had similar issues and I just popped the cover off and squeezed a drop of lube in there - now its perfect.

I will give that a shot, but I may have to send Apex an email. Sometimes the ratchet selector will jam and is a pain to release, and I have a 10mm wrench that I still can't get loose.

Seems like the wrenches are way too easy to accidentally reverse as well, and it happens way too often.

 

[sk farmer]

Haha clueless? I've done just fine with my craftsman tools and 1 craftsman and 1 US general box as a master tech for 8 years now. I'm not saying snap on isn't great but is it 5x the price greater? Personally I don't think so. I'll save the money and put it into my bike.

ha! i missed that comment.

there are all sorts of reasons why people like what they like depending on their needs, wants and what works best for them and what they can afford. snap-on is not the be all end all for everyone and calling those that choose other things clueless. well...... i won't say who may really be clueless.

 

[gdocktor3]

Opinions are like buttholes, everyone has one and they all stink. Buy the tools you can afford and like best. No matter what you have or like, someone from the other team will be here to tell you theirs is better. I personally buy a tool when a deal comes along. For instance I've been searching for a 1/4" and 3/8" qr ratchet. I have SK, snap on, gw 120, Mac, craftsman, and a crescent roto ratchet, but didn't have a 1/4" qr. I searched around on eBay and found a bluepoint for like $15 or something. I use it when my hands are greasy or oily. Every so often I hop on eBay and do a quick search for a better one. When the time comes and I find one in my price range I'll jump on it. Until then, I can still get the job done with what I have.. My girlfriend always says "do you need it, or do you want it?" Most the time I just want it. But her voice rings in my mind when I'm looking at a $120 ratchet. Funny this is, I'm not even a mechanic.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

There is no advantage unless you're able to recognize the advantage. Most people won't be able to recognize the advantage, but thankfully, Snap-on is not marketing their products to those clueless people.

I'm going to print this quote and frame it.


But, to recognize the advantage, and justify the cost are two separate issues. If they were all the same price, which brand would be the winner?? My guess is SnapOn.

 

[mach2mack]

If the main advantage is service like people have said then since the snap on truck doesn't come to my shop and I would have to call him every time I needed something then there is no real advantage for me.

 

[stihlntime]

I am not a SO fan, own SK,Craftsman,Pro America,Stahlwille,Cobalt,Gearwrench ratchets. A couple years ago after lurking on here bought my first SO ratchet. I will tell you its the best ratchet I own,smooth and strong,but its not my favorite. Been working on my own vechiles and farm equipment over the 40 years,its what suits you,my old Pro America just fits, had it prolly 20 years or more. Its a personal preference, not the best the SO is much smoother.Get whatever floats your boat,the gear wrench I20 just feels cheaper to me,sloppy selector and the grip isn't up to par with some of the others. See if anyone has one you can use for a day. But it may suit you taste in it will be a big step up from CM raised panels.

 

[mach2mack]

If the tool truck came to my shop I'd probably buy a set of snap on ratchets just to try them but since he doesn't come here it would be a hassle for me. I think I'm the only tech in the world that has no tool truck hand tools. All my tools are craftsman except a few snap on diag tools. I guess I'm one of the strange ones that actually like craftsman. Like I said i have done fine with out super expensive stuff for 8 years now so I guess no reason to snap my trend.

 

[Adam.C]

If the main advantage is service like people have said then since the snap on truck doesn't come to my shop and I would have to call him every time I needed something then there is no real advantage for me.

Snap On's truck service is fast and convenient for sales and warranty. But it's not always a "just when you need it" asset. Many of us have to order what we need. Sometimes a driver will find what I need on another truck and bring it by that same day. Sometimes I wait weeks.

I have never broken a ratchet. But I keep a spare rebuild kit for 3/8" Dual 80. I recommend you do the same (for whatever ratchet you choose). Since all my ratchets are dual 80s, I only need one kit (for each drive size). But I only keep a 3/8" kit. If I snap a handle, I'm in the same position I'd be in had I chosen any other manufacturer's tools....likely waiting for a replacement.

Point I'm trying to make is, since you are asking, I wouldn't make the choice based on whether a Snap On truck visits your shop or not. Find the right ratchet for you.

Tho I love my Snappy ratchets, I don't think I could financially justify the std length or stubby models. The long ones are worth their weight in gold to me. If you were my son, I would strongly recommend you try the composite HF ratchets. I used to love my Craftsman flex head stubby. It just nestled into my palm. You need to find a ratchet that you like as much. Buy what strikes your fancy. If somebody here talks you into Snap On, make sure you choose the longest model they make.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Snap On's truck service is fast and convenient for sales and warranty. But it's not always a "just when you need it" asset. Many of us have to order what we need. Sometimes a driver will find what I need on another truck and bring it by that same day. Sometimes I wait weeks.

I have never broken a ratchet. But I keep a spare rebuild kit for 3/8" Dual 80. I recommend you do the same (for whatever ratchet you choose). Since all my ratchets are dual 80s, I only need one kit (for each drive size). But I only keep a 3/8" kit. If I snap a handle, I'm in the same position I'd be in had I chosen any other manufacturer's tools....likely waiting for a replacement.

Point I'm trying to make is, since you are asking, I wouldn't make the choice based on whether a Snap On truck visits your shop or not. Find the right ratchet for you.

Tho I love my Snappy ratchets, I don't think I could financially justify the std length or stubby models. The long ones are worth their weight in gold to me. If you were my son, I would strongly recommend you try the composite HF ratchets. I used to love my Craftsman flex head stubby. It just nestled into my palm. You need to find a ratchet that you like as much. Buy what strikes your fancy. If somebody here talks you into Snap On, make sure you choose the longest model they make.

Plus you can order SO online... that's pretty painless. Honestly you probably do anything with ANY of today's tools. It's just sometime using nicer tools in more enjoyable or time saving.

I know if I do a job in our shop I can get anything done, in reasonable time (big tool selection and mostly SO). At home, I probably could do most of the same tasks, but it takes more time and sometimes aggravation. However it gets done as well.

I'd say having a smaller selection of tools (at home) is really the difference and brand to a smaller extent. Because of that, sometimes I need to remove more things to get at what I need to do or use tools in "creative" ways.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

The 1/4" and 3/8" drive are nice in all of the above brands mentioned. The 1/2" drive Snap-On is definitely in a league of its own. I have a set of Armstong Maxx's and the 1/2" mechanism feels awful compared to any of my 1/2" Dual 80's. You can find them on eBay for as low as $100 or $125 depending on handle length. Just make sure you get the stronger "A" variant (SF80A, SLF80A) where the screws come in from the back of the ratchet head. You will not be disappointed in your purchase.

I agree about the 1/2 dual 80's, nothing compares. That being said I would recommend the GW set. You would be money ahead and since the truck doesn't come by the Snapon isn't the best choice in your situation. I truly believe that the Snapon ratchets are un matched when it comes to special applications such as extra long length.

 

[PJNJ]

I have the two piece set of 1/4 and 3/8 comfort grip flex 120xp. They're very good. I got the comfort grip because I don't have a heated shop and in cold weather, they're helpful. Since you work in a professional shop, comfort grip isn't important. Get the four piece set. I bet they will do just fine. And for the price, even if you decide later get other ratchets, they would be great back-ups. But they'll probably end up being your main ratchets. I don't have the Snap On and I don't doubt that it's better but is it better enough to justify the price difference for you? Probably not.

I took mine apart and added a dab of Super Lube to the front and back of the gear and the teeth of the gear along with the pawls then put a few drops of Marvel Mystery Oil (or you can use ATF) in before closing them back up. Smoothed out the action. Very good ratchets at a very good price.

How are those 84 tooth Cman ratchets working for you? I have the old 60 tooth 3/8 USA version and it works pretty well as long as I only use ATF or MMO in it. I tried Super Lube but it made it lock up.

 

[mach2mack]

I have the two piece set of 1/4 and 3/8 comfort grip flex 120xp. They're very good. I got the comfort grip because I don't have a heated shop and in cold weather, they're helpful. Since you work in a professional shop, comfort grip isn't important. Get the four piece set. I bet they will do just fine. And for the price, even if you decide later get other ratchets, they would be great back-ups. But they'll probably end up being your main ratchets. I don't have the Snap On and I don't doubt that it's better but is it better enough to justify the price difference for you? Probably not.

I took mine apart and added a dab of Super Lube to the front and back of the gear and the teeth of the gear along with the pawls then put a few drops of Marvel Mystery Oil (or you can use ATF) in before closing them back up. Smoothed out the action. Very good ratchets at a very good price.

How are those 84 tooth Cman ratchets working for you? I have the old 60 tooth 3/8 USA version and it works pretty well as long as I only use ATF or MMO in it. I tried Super Lube but it made it lock up.

I like the 84 tooth craftsman ratchets. I just put some super lube in them 5 mins ago and it smoothed them out a lot.

 

[PJNJ]

I just noticed that Amazon (and CPO outlets also) is offering the two piece (1/4 and 3/8) comfort grip for $57.99 with free shipping. Pretty remarkable price for the two of them together.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXUY4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Heck of a price even if they are for comfort handles.

 

[Adam.C]

I just noticed that Amazon (and CPO outlets also) is offering the two piece (1/4 and 3/8) comfort grip for $57.99 with free shipping. Pretty remarkable price for the two of them together.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXUY4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Heck of a price even if they are for comfort handles.

I guess I feel, if you are paying for a chi-com tool, it should cost like one. Like $20 for HF ratchets. Otherwise you can buy a Snap On ratchet on eBay for $60.

This seems on the edge to me. I feel, if I'm paying more than $50 for a tool it had better be USA made. Won't pay USA prices for Asian tools.

 

[gdocktor3]

I just noticed that Amazon (and CPO outlets also) is offering the two piece (1/4 and 3/8) comfort grip for $57.99 with free shipping. Pretty remarkable price for the two of them together.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXUY4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Heck of a price even if they are for comfort handles.

The 3/8" comfort grip flex head is $65.25 and the 1/4" comfort grip flex head is $37.26, but the pair of 1/4" and 3/8" comfort grip flex heads are $57.99. WTF???

I'll buy the pair then sell the 3/8" to the OP for $50 lol

 

[PJNJ]

I guess I feel, if you are paying for a chi-com tool, it should cost like one. Like $20 for HF ratchets. Otherwise you can buy a Snap On ratchet on eBay for $60.

This seems on the edge to me. I feel, if I'm paying more than $50 for a tool it had better be USA made. Won't pay USA prices for Asian tools.

Good for you. Stick to your guns. Yeah $58 bucks shipped for two new flex handle ratchets, both very good and 120 tooth in 1/4 and 3/8 sizes. Lots and lots of USA deals like that floating around. Bartender, I'll have what he is drinking.

 

[PJNJ]

The 3/8" chrome flex head is $50.38. The 3/8" comfort grip flex head is $65.25 and the 1/4" comfort grip flex head is $37.26, but the pair of 1/4" and 3/8" comfort grip flex heads are $57.99. WTF???

I'll buy the pair then sell the 3/8" to the OP for $50 lol

I have a feeling that this deal won't last too long and soon the price will go back up again. If anyone is interested in it, I wouldn't wait too long.

 

[gdocktor3]

I guess I feel, if you are paying for a chi-com tool, it should cost like one. Like $20 for HF ratchets. Otherwise you can buy a Snap On ratchet on eBay for $60.

This seems on the edge to me. I feel, if I'm paying more than $50 for a tool it had better be USA made. Won't pay USA prices for Asian tools.

I'm not one to argue on here, but GW is better than any HF tool. Plus, you can never get a new Snap On flex head ratchet for $60. Not even in 1/4" drive. And that's what we're talking about. New tools. Not to mention, its not $50 for A tool, its two tools. I think that's an excellent deal for anyone who wrenches.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Yeah I was going to say $60 for a flex-head on eBay.... maybe if you have the patience of a saint. I seriously wonder how people charge more for new SO, then from SO (shipped free) itself.

However, HF Pro ratchets for $20... you have to be real ignorant to say they aren't awesome at that price. Better than ratchets 2-3x more money. Not made in the USA, but super nice. That's coming from a guys who use dual 80s during the day at work. I have a few at home, but a HF pros as well....

 

[ADSR]

I just noticed that Amazon (and CPO outlets also) is offering the two piece (1/4 and 3/8) comfort grip for $57.99 with free shipping. Pretty remarkable price for the two of them together.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXUY4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Heck of a price even if they are for comfort handles.

That's a pretty good price for a point and shoot sale. After using a locking flex, I don't care for the regular flex head knuckle busters anymore

 

[MWEric]

I have around 25 dual 80's. My Armstrong Maxx's are the ones I use. There locking flexes are better IMO. I will echo everyone here though, the 1/2" SO are very smooth. All my 1/4" dual 80 seem to skip at times. With that said go with the Gearwrench 120's. A co worker has them and loves them. Or as lord said, the Armstrongs at Epstiens

 

[cliftonbros89]

I have the newer 84 tooth ones not the older sealed head ones.

Yeah mine are the older sealed U.S. made ones. Like I said they're not bad. But I feel my Snap On ratchets grab better and drag less. That goes for all sizes. But I think the 1/4" CMan 84 is probably the better in the set. Seems to grab better than the 3/8" or 1/2".

 

[Adam.C]

Good for you. Stick to your guns. Yeah $58 bucks shipped for two new flex handle ratchets, both very good and 120 tooth in 1/4 and 3/8 sizes. Lots and lots of USA deals like that floating around.

Yeah, this sounds like a pretty good deal. $30 a piece is cheap in my book.

My point was only that sometimes these Taiwan tools start getting close to what you can get a decent US made tool for. Many times, people talk about what a great deal they are getting on this or that and I think, hang on, for another $10......

That's all I was saying.

I'm guessing the OP would be happy with the SO clones from HF. He's gotten this far with Craftsman. New HF will be a step up and he can probably buy a drawer full for $100.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I think I'm the only tech in the world that has no tool truck hand tools. All my tools are craftsman except a few snap on diag tools. I guess I'm one of the strange ones that actually like craftsman. Like I said i have done fine with out super expensive stuff for 8 years now so I guess no reason to snap my trend.

You are not alone in the real world, only here. Just the other day I had a tire emergency and had to stop at a strange shop, their regular tire guy was on a call so the lead mechanic did mine, as usual I talked tools with him because I find other people's opinion's interesting, he said he uses virtually all harbor fright. Meanwhile I know of three older, experienced technician's who use all old US craftsman sockets. These people are among the best in the business and cover everything from ag to trucks, splitting tractors to complete overhauls.

 

[jerseykat1]

I have the comfort grip 120 xp flex head set (professional Auto tech here) and i love them. I use them everyday and i like them better than my buddies comparable SO ratchets. I did a review on them as well. click the picture below to see the review.

 

[71goldss]

You are not alone in the real world, only here. Just the other day I had a tire emergency and had to stop at a strange shop, their regular tire guy was on a call so the lead mechanic did mine, as usual I talked tools with him because I find other people's opinion's interesting, he said he uses virtually all harbor fright. Meanwhile I know of three older, experienced technician's who use all old US craftsman sockets. These people are among the best in the business and cover everything from ag to trucks, splitting tractors to complete overhauls.

I believe I saw an episode of Chasing Classic Cars, where Roger Barr was using a Craftsman raised panel wrench on one of the exotic cars in the shop!

 

[Adam.C]

I know of three older, experienced technician's who use all old US craftsman sockets. These people are among the best in the business and cover everything from ag to trucks, splitting tractors to complete overhauls.

I think its harder to work with lesser quality tools. Craftsman raised panel wrenches are not good. If you can use them professionally, you are sensitive to what you are working on and probably have gobs of experience. I used Cman for many years with mixed success. Snap On tools are easier to work with in almost every way in my experience.

This has nothing to do with ratchets, btw. I just think, sometimes pro grade tools are MORE appropriate for weekend warriors than pros. I fix my cars to save money. If a specialty tool saves me an hour on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, that tool is worth A LOT to me. The amount of money I save fixing my own cars more than outweighs the expense of my tool kit.

 

[mach2mack]

Yeah mine are the older sealed U.S. made ones. Like I said they're not bad. But I feel my Snap On ratchets grab better and drag less. That goes for all sizes. But I think the 1/4" CMan 84 is probably the better in the set. Seems to grab better than the 3/8" or 1/2".

I had a 3/8 one of the sealed head models but I didn't have good luck with it. The little screws in the head kept coming out. That happened on 2 of them.

 

[mach2mack]

I think its harder to work with lesser quality tools. Craftsman raised panel wrenches are not good. If you can use them professionally, you are sensitive to what you are working on and probably have gobs of experience. I used Cman for many years with mixed success. Snap On tools are easier to work with in almost every way in my experience.

This has nothing to do with ratchets, btw. I just think, sometimes pro grade tools are MORE appropriate for weekend warriors than pros. I fix my cars to save money. If a specialty tool saves me an hour on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, that tool is worth A LOT to me. The amount of money I save fixing my own cars more than outweighs the expense of my tool kit.

I don't have the cheap line of craftsman. Almost all my craftsman stuff is the made in USA pro series stuff. The cheaper craftsman stuff is junk but I find the pro series to be pretty good. I'm hourly not flat rate and I'm a fleet tech for enterprise Alamo national car rental so I don't work on customers cars and I don't have to be super fast. I'm certified on a lot of different brands so I can do warranty and recall work on ford, GM , Chrysler , and Toyota so they don't really care if something takes me 10 mins longer or something.

 

[DSLTRK]

I had a 3/8 one of the sealed head models but I didn't have good luck with it. The little screws in the head kept coming out. That happened on 2 of them.

Same here, the little button screws kept falling out, cover plate would get loose and then the gear would bind up.

Sold them for 2x what I paid for 'em of eBay and stuck with the Dual 80s.

Oddly enough, my first set of thin profiles I've had since 2004 are still my go to ratchets.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I had a 3/8 one of the sealed head models but I didn't have good luck with it. The little screws in the head kept coming out. That happened on 2 of them.

I actually have 2 of each. I haven't had any trouble with them. However, my dad had purchased a 3/8" for himself. He's on his third one. The first two locked up on the first use. It was a hassle trying to warranty them too.

 

[jerseykat1]

I don't have the cheap line of craftsman. Almost all my craftsman stuff is the made in USA pro series stuff. The cheaper craftsman stuff is junk but I find the pro series to be pretty good. I'm hourly not flat rate and I'm a fleet tech for enterprise Alamo national car rental so I don't work on customers cars and I don't have to be super fast. I'm certified on a lot of different brands so I can do warranty and recall work on ford, GM , Chrysler , and Toyota so they don't really care if something takes me 10 mins longer or something.

how did you get certified on those car lines working at enterprise? can you PM the details please.

 

[mach2mack]

how did you get certified on those car lines working at enterprise? can you PM the details please.

I did ford accelerated credential training in school then started in the business at a ford dealers and got all the ford certs there. Enterprise has a deal with ford , GM , Chrysler , and Toyota where we get to do warranty and recall work in them if we are certified on them. We have dealer codes , factory scan tools, service info ect for all those. When I started here I had to do all the online corse's then get sent out to the schools for GM , Chrysler and Toyota. When ever I mention it everyone asks the same thing lol. Hell I didn't even know enterprise worked on their own cars until I got the job here. It's actually a sweet job. We have all factory equipment we sell the cars at about 30k miles so all the cars are new. It's nice. I'm a ASE master tech and ford senior master tech as far as the others I don't know if there are different levels or what my actual level is they just told me I had to get certified on them so I did all the corse's and the schools they sent me to so I could do warranty and recalls on them.

 

[jerseykat1]

I did ford accelerated credential training in school then started in the business at a ford dealers and got all the ford certs there. Enterprise has a deal with ford , GM , Chrysler , and Toyota where we get to do warranty and recall work in them if we are certified on them. We have dealer codes , factory scan tools, service info ect for all those. When I started here I had to do all the online corse's then get sent out to the schools for GM , Chrysler and Toyota. When ever I mention it everyone asks the same thing lol. Hell I didn't even know enterprise worked on their own cars until I got the job here. It's actually a sweet job. We have all factory equipment we sell the cars at about 30k miles so all the cars are new. It's nice. I'm a ASE master tech and ford senior master tech as far as the others I don't know if there are different levels or what my actual level is they just told me I had to get certified on them so I did all the corse's and the schools they sent me to so I could do warranty and recalls on them.

Man that's an awesome deal.. How's the pay? I saw that they were hiring a few months back but I didn't bother because the pay didn't seem too great.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[mach2mack]

Man that's an awesome deal.. How's the pay? I saw that they were hiring a few months back but I didn't bother because the pay didn't seem too great.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Pay varies depending on location it's pretty good here in WA I'm at $29.67 a hour hourly not flat rate. I still need to get my L1 ase that's the only one I don't have that will give me another $1 a hour. We get yearly performance raises from 3.5-5%. I like it a lot I can't complain.

 

[BFHtime]

The craftsmanship premium ratchets are nice if you can find them. I would suggest getting one dual 80. Wait for a deal, find a local snap-on guy, buy the ratchet on a buy one get one deal.

I once got 2 ratchets free with buying the heavy duty torx set, IIRC. I didn't pay full price for the torx set either.

With buy one get one deals, you can do well. Get the monthly, make a deal, get what you want.

You already have most of what you need. Try something new, when the deal is right.

 

[chipss36]

within the family we have an auto repair shop as well as a custom bike shop,
nothing like getting your ear chewed off about "snap on"....by the guy who:

1 Is in deep with a monthly payment.
2 Has wife begging us all to keep him off the truck.
3 Is asking to borrow tools because he will only use snap on, and cant afford them all right now, so he gets to use that hf torque wrench you got just for him till he can go into yet more debt , for a techangle....


but what do I know

There is no advantage unless you're able to recognize the advantage. Most people won't be able to recognize the advantage, but thankfully, Snap-on is not marketing their products to those clueless people.