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How buying Snap On may actually cheaper than Harbor Freight

speed bump

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I can't find it now but there used to be a ban hammer or some similar warning for people who brought up asinine subjects like Harbor Freight versus Snap-on.

As far as this thread I would suggest visiting your local flea market or pawn shop first before making assumptions of market value.
 
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stikman56

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Just buy the used HF for $0.00

Silly

Yeah this. Now about 4 years ago I bought a HF 1/2" extendable ratchet for 15 bucks. I still use it, it's perfect and it's by far my favorite ratchet and the only 1/2" ratchet I will use. I'm out 15 bucks ,will always be. If it was a Snappy I'd be out $150.00 and would be at least until I can't use tools any longer, IF, and I say IF that day ever comes. Flawed logic to me as well, and are you going to buy the tools you need waiting for them to come up on Craigslist and drive every time you buy one tool, or a few tools? Who has the time and gas money?
 

L.Cheapo

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When I was a young lad of 14 working my first job, my boss at the time was trying to explain to me that when I did things on my own, my time had value, and that whatever I was doing, if I was not making money, it was costing me money.

I thought the dude was nuts, because, of course, at 14, I knew it all.

Now that I'm fast approaching 40, I realize more and more that he couldn't have been more correct. Time is the one thing they don't make more of. And I'd rather not spend it standing in line behind some stinky guy arguing about a coupon to try to exchange a broken tool with someone who probably cant make change of a dollar without a computer. Or worse yet, sitting and rotting in the ER waiting my turn to pay my ever-increasing deductible because some second-rate tool failed.

There's cost, and there's value. I know which I prefer.
 

d.mcfarland

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I think owning and flipping tools are two different things. Can't cost less to own a tool if you buy it and never sell it. If you buy low and sell high, then it's not yours. The tool is just inventory in a business.
 

Parabellum

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The choice is simple either support a nation that has missiles pointed at us or the American worker?
No Harbor Freight for me.
 

kctyphoon

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The choice is simple either support a nation that has missiles pointed at us or the American worker?
No Harbor Freight for me.

I love how people like you always find a way to link buying ANYTHING made somewhere else to supporting foreign military that will on day kill us.. Where's the guy that's gonna accuse someone that bought HF tools of supporting ISIS? he's about due in here too.. :lol::lol::lol:

I think I posted a link in here once for a raffle off the Velocity Channel that supported a children's hospital, and there were like 3 of you claiming it was secret plot that supported Al Qaeda. :willy_nil:willy_nil
 
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Parabellum

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I love how people like you always find a way to link buying ANYTHING made somewhere else to supporting foreign military that will on day kill us.. Where's the guy that's gonna accuse someone that bought HF tools of supporting ISIS? he's about due in here too.. :lol::lol::lol:

I think I posted a link in here once for a raffle off the Velocity Channel that supported a children's hospital, and there were like 3 of you claiming it was secret plot that supported Al Qaeda. :willy_nil:willy_nil

Hmmm.....I think you're deluded, and cut off from world events. Ever heard of BRIC?

I am not deluded in my statements....http://33-minutes.com/33-minutes/chinese-nuclear-missiles.htm

http://www.thenewamerican.com/world...threatened-to-nuke-u-s-leads-delegation-to-dc

Continue to drink the KOOL AID buddy....I think you need to stop buying Harbor Freight and support the American Worker. Whos going to have jobs when people like you support the Chinese Worker?
 

kctyphoon

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By your own accounts the world has nothing to fear. As you've said before - everything that comes out of China is absolute junk and it all breaks in the fist 5 minutes of use.. So I'm not sure what Chinese planes or missiles you'd be worried about. :lol_hitti:lol:
 

Parabellum

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By your own accounts the world has nothing to fear. As you've said before - everything that comes out of China is absolute junk and it all breaks in the fist 5 minutes of use.. So I'm not sure what Chinese planes or missiles you'd be worried about. :lol_hitti:lol:

To each his own, I won't argue anymore, its pointless. You don't get it...instead insult me.
 

DanInVA

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Sorry, but I just have to point out the irony of this argument. You can't very well criticize people who buy from HF of not supporting the American Worker, when the alternative that you suggest to buying cheap tools is to buy used Snap on.

The first person to buy the Snap on tool can say he supported the American Worker. In fact, there were Americans working in HF the last time I was there. But buying used? The only American Worker benefitting from that transaction is you.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 

Parabellum

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Sorry, but I just have to point out the irony of this argument. You can't very well criticize people who buy from HF of not supporting the American Worker, when the alternative that you suggest to buying cheap tools is to buy used Snap on.

The first person to buy the Snap on tool can say he supported the American Worker. In fact, there were Americans working in HF the last time I was there. But buying used? The only American Worker benefitting from that transaction is you.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Pointless argument. I would rather buy used than give the Chinese money to fund their rapid armament. Its the 1930s all over again. Now its the "Nine Dash Line" China is the the new Imperial Japan and I won't. I will NOT SUPPORT PEOPLE THAT WANT TO KILL US!

AND STOP CALLING ME CRAZY!!!!

Hasn't anybody been paying attention to world events? Cuddle up with your harbor freight tools and look how much funded the China's military machine.

I am not doing harm when others are doing harm by buying Harbor Freight ****.

Tell that to the Iron Range worker that lost their job thanks to cheap Chinese steel.
Tell that to the Fender factory worker that had their jobs sent to China
Tell that to the GM worker that had their jobs sent to China
Tell that to the many people in Michigan that lost auto parts manufacturing jobs thanks to China
Tell that infinity to the many American Workers that you put out of a job buying cheap stuff.
 
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Adam.C

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If ratchets aren't a good example, what about tool boxes? If I buy a used KRL for $2000, will I lose more money on that than a $1000 HF box? I think we all know the OP is right.
 

kctyphoon

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Sorry, but I just have to point out the irony of this argument. You can't very well criticize people who buy from HF of not supporting the American Worker, when the alternative that you suggest to buying cheap tools is to buy used Snap on.

The first person to buy the Snap on tool can say he supported the American Worker. In fact, there were Americans working in HF the last time I was there. But buying used? The only American Worker benefitting from that transaction is you.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Save your breath, trying to reason with him is a waste of time..

He started this same argument in another thread too. When I pointed out that myself and 40,000 other union workers are currently out on strike without pay or health benefits for a month now, with the outsourcing of work being the main sticking point between the unions and the company (you can easily Google this info, it's the largest work stoppage since the last time we went out 3 years ago over similar issues) he accused me of being selfish, un-American, and only caring about my own job - (despite that there's 40,000 of us out right now and it's not even my specific job in danger of going overseas). The REASON he said this to pme, was because I "recommended" an Extreme toolbox instead of a Snap On, to someone who is not even a professional mechanic. He doesn't seem to understand that people who are not professionals are not even in the target market for a place like Snap On or SK, and that trying to shame people about not supporting those companies is the equivalent of me shaming him for not supporting the American made dog food companies despite him not owning a dog. If snap on wanted the average person as a customer, them OF ALL THE TOOL COMPANIES, could easily come out with a budget friendly American made line of sockets and mechanic tool sets. Crafstman had one, husky had one, Koblat had one.. The market is wide open for an alternative to be presented to a home user like myself and many other people on here. I have tons of American made craftsman and husky sockets, why wouldn't I buy a cheaper line of American snap on if they made one??? :eyecrazy:

Still, you would think someone "so committed" to supporting every American tool company on earth, to the point he feels the need to shame everyone else - would not have a business selling used tools on eBay, which only puts money in his own pocket. At least people's HF or Autozone purchases support a local business with local employees that does in fact sell DOZENS of products that are made in American.. Maybe not the tools - but if he did some more of that research he keeps talking about he might learn a few things.

When craftmsan, husky, Koblat were all made in America many people bought them. To criticize the average person for not buying snap on despite their absurd prices is just stupid. And again, selling a bunch of 20 year old tools on eBay does NOTHING to help any local economy.. I should be the one calling you selfish and not supporting Americans. Many people will do their part when it makes sense to their lifestyle and finances. People should not have be harassed on this forum from people like you who likely doesn't even follow their own advice.

AND BTW EVERYONE - here is the link to his eBay listing for a new Gearwrench combo wrench. Remind me again where that one is made :thumbup::willy_nil

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=331843958274

Remind me again what you were just saying about oversea's tools - oh yea it was :

Pointless argument. I would rather buy used than give the Chinese money to fund their rapid armament. Its the 1930s all over again. Now its the "Nine Dash Line" China is the the new Imperial Japan and I won't. I will NOT SUPPORT PEOPLE THAT WANT TO KILL US!

AND STOP CALLING ME CRAZY!!!!

Hasn't anybody been paying attention to world events? Cuddle up with your harbor freight tools and look how much funded the China's military machine.

I am not doing harm when others are doing harm by buying Harbor Freight ****.

Tell that to the Iron Range worker that lost their job thanks to cheap Chinese steel.
Tell that to the Fender factory worker that had their jobs sent to China
Tell that to the GM worker that had their jobs sent to China
Tell that to the many people in Michigan that lost auto parts manufacturing jobs thanks to China
Tell that infinity to the many American Workers that you put out of a job buying cheap stuff.
 
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kctyphoon

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If ratchets aren't a good example, what about tool boxes? If I buy a used KRL for $2000, will I lose more money on that than a $1000 HF box? I think we all know the OP is right.

You can consistently find HF tool boxes being either sold for half their value or more used, or being paraded as snap on boxes and being sold for twice their retail prices.. So I think you might lose that argument.. Does that $2800 toolbox look familiar??

image.jpg
 

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv

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Pointless argument. I would rather buy used than give the Chinese money to fund their rapid armament. Its the 1930s all over again. Now its the "Nine Dash Line" China is the the new Imperial Japan and I won't. I will NOT SUPPORT PEOPLE THAT WANT TO KILL US!

AND STOP CALLING ME CRAZY!!!!

Hasn't anybody been paying attention to world events? Cuddle up with your harbor freight tools and look how much funded the China's military machine.

I am not doing harm when others are doing harm by buying Harbor Freight ****.

Tell that to the Iron Range worker that lost their job thanks to cheap Chinese steel.
Tell that to the Fender factory worker that had their jobs sent to China
Tell that to the GM worker that had their jobs sent to China
Tell that to the many people in Michigan that lost auto parts manufacturing jobs thanks to China
Tell that infinity to the many American Workers that you put out of a job buying cheap stuff.

Dude, we got a lot bigger problems in this country than people buying tools at Harbor Freight.:eyecrazy:
 

Loscaldazar

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10/10

It's been a while since we've had a thread this good.

It only gets funnier when you think about the fact that this is a bunch of 30-50 year old men typing furiously away at each other on the internet.

Poor logic, beaten to death topics, and people that aren't going to change their opinions.

10/10
 
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bobcatdan

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Many tools should be considered a lifetime investment. There is no reason minus losing a 3/8 ratchet I bought when I was 21 shouldn't be around 60 years later. At that point I think it's initial cost is mute because it has paid for itself countless times. Tools are part of what provides my income. I have about one year of income invested into tools. My tools will owe me nothing as they have paid for everything I own.
 

Fordman7795

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Hey, I actually agree with the OP because I did the same thing. I had a complete set of craftsman for home use but I started working at a new place and needed a second set. I bought mostly used Snap-On and also new Snap-On when there were B1G1 deals. I have since moved out and only need one set of tools now which I am debating on keeping the all USA craftsman or Snap-On. If I sell off the Snap-On at the absolute worst I will break even. But I expect to actually make a small profit. So over 5 years of use the Snap-On will cost me nothing. OP's model holds up :)
 

stikman56

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I challenge anyone here to buy "all American". I say it can't be done if you have anything at all. Almost everything you see for sale everywhere you go is made in china.

One guy wants to tell people how bad we are if we don't support Snap-On because it's made in "Merica". Whatever dude, everything out there almost is Chinese made now, it's just the way it has become. I don't like it either, but when some a-hole builds a tool box or a ratchet and thinks he can extort stupid money out of me for it, I ain't biting. I need some money left for other things too, and I flat out don't like feeling like I'm getting ripped off when I buy something.
 

cliftonbros89

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I agree to an extent. I won't get involved in all the arguments going on here. I'll just put it as I put it in a few other threads.

Granted I do not buy everything Snap On, I do have several Snap On tools. I do think I however could've saved myself some money had I just immediately bought Snap On. If I would've just bought the Snap On, or even SK stuff I have, I probably would've saved the money from buying all the Craftsman stuff I bought. Several things, such as Craftsman ratchets I really don't care for. But I thought I'd save money. But now I realize I could've saved money had I not bought the Craftsman stuff. I've just ended up replacing most of it anyway because I've not been satisfied with it.

Now for HF I can't speak for. I do not have one near me, I've never been to one. But at the same time I can't say I'm disappointed about it, or have any plans to going to one.
 

Sal Bandini

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The Snap-On is $50 more so that means I have $50 less after buying it. If I buy the HF then I will invest the $50 and after 10-15 years could most likely double my money.

Now apply that across your whole Snap-On collection and think how much earlier you could retire.
 

QwikKotaTx

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While I have broken a made in the USA Craftsman 3/8" ratchet I have never had any issues with my 1/2". I have even used the side of the head of that damn thing as a hammer several times. It's very solid. For HF I stick to the tool chests and their consumables such as gloves, sanding/grinding discs and maybe some air tools that are much less expensive than a name brand.
 

Heavy Metal Doctor

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If you only buy one expensive tool versus spending more than that price on junk you have to replace often, then yes it makes perfect sense.

For the record, I bought a lot of HF stuff when I started and was trying to save money. I have nearly none of it left. Much of failed in very short time. But the first truck tools I bought 20 years ago are still in use all the time.....it cheaper if you only buy it once.....
 

WhiskeyRanger

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I have no idea what you're saying. Even if I do not sell, I have a an asset with a market value. It does not need to be sold to have value. Mark to market. The key is that it CAN be sold, if desired or needed. This can not be said for HF or GW, which may not have a used market at all.

If I need to replace the ratchet if it reaches the end of its service life, then my model fails. But, I am assuming the tool will last the duration of my remaining lifetime. And free replacement, actually. So, the model holds.

You have to buy new for the warranty, so it will either depreciate (possibly more than the entire cost of the HF tool) or tool breakage or repair is a concern. There is also the opportunity cost. If we are looking to maximize our value in this thought experiment, and it appears we are, we would have to loom at what we could do with the money initially saved. Over the lifetime of that ratchet, how much would the money saved appreciate in the market? If you carry this out to multiple tools, carefully chosen to represent the best value, you might end up significantly behind by buying the "free" SO tools.
 

Parabellum

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Do you own anything made in China that could have been made elsewhere?

I'm not going to argue anymore. You all can go sleep with your Chinese made tools and cheap *** Chinese General boxes while it lasts and you still have a job and our dollar is still worth something. I stand firm, I will not support an county that wants to destroy us economically if not by militaristic means.

I bet 95% of you don't know what BRIC is. What happens when Russia, and a bunch of other countries dump the dollar? The dollar is no longer "pegged". Whenever you think you are saving at Harbor Freight, you are bringing us one step close to BRIC and the demise of the dollar!
 
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panknuckshovel

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I'm not going to argue anymore. You all can go sleep with your Chinese made tools and cheap *** Chinese General boxes while it lasts and you still have a job and our dollar is still worth something. I stand firm, I will not support an county that wants to destroy us economically if not by militaristic means.

I bet 95% of you don't know what BRIC is. What happens when Russia, and a bunch of other countries dump the dollar? The dollar is no longer "pegged". Whenever you think you are saving at Harbor Freight, you are bringing us one step close to BRIC and the demise of the dollar!


Brazil, Russia, India, China. Comes up in quite a few threads and quite a few members have mentioned it.
 

1982fxr

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So, I was looking to buy an extra long fine tooth 3/8” flex head ratchet.

I am sure any of the below are more than sufficient for my occasional amateurish projects.... But, it turned into an example of “cheapest is the most expensive option”

I know you guys have been with this mindset for years, but it finally hit me.

Harbor Freight $25
Resale value = $0.
Net cost $25

GearWrench $40
Resale value = $25 (WAG)
Net cost $15

Snap-on $75 used.
Resale value = $75
Net cost $0. Basically free.

Find a deal for $65 and net cost is potentially negative,
and you're getting paid to own the best ratchet..
Also, unlike typical used stuff, if the SO ratchet is broken (or ever breaks),
you can just send it in for replacement, right?

The obvious key to all this is that SO has a healthy resale market, while the other 2 are perhaps non-existent, hence a possible 100% loss. I am classifying GW as C-Man, and assuming a 50% discount. Of course, you could buy a used HF or GW and enjoy the same "free" aspect of any used tool.

lol at all the people shooting you down on this. You are exactly right, and it works like this on vintage equipment too. It's just too simple for some folks.

You get top level stuff and in the end it's either free or you profit.
 

Leaflessshadetree

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I've bought some used Snap-On tools, didn't pay near retail for them (even factoring in age). I've bought a few new HF tools with sales and coupons I didn't pay retail for any of them.
I have quite a collection of Craftsman tools, most were bought many years ago (used or on sale). If someone offered me 50% of what I paid I'd be happy.
I see guys selling most brands for more than retail (E-bay, Flea Markets, auctions etc). I also see tools selling for much less than retail.
 

terry603

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justify it all you want, if it makes you feel good
I am a DIY hack, if I spend 20 dollars on a ratchet and it does my 1st job at hand, it is part of my repair cost and already paid for itself
I don't see how paying S.O . price will make me better at changing my brakes or clutch, etc
I don't make money with my tools, I save money with my tools, and there is the difference
 

crewchief888

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Maybe I'm wrong, but the last thing on my mind when buying a tool, is how much I can sell it for.
I buy mine to use & abuse.


:beer:
 
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