Suggestions: Snap-On tools that worth buying

[visionguru]

As a DIYer, I already have basic tools for my needs, but I appreciate quality tools. I'm thinking about buying a long 1/2" drive ratchet, is SHLF80A good?

Any other suggestions of Snap-On tools that make you feel that you wish have purchased long ago?

 

[Davefr]

As a DIYer, I already have basic tools for my needs, but I appreciate quality tools. I'm thinking about buying a long 1/2" drive ratchet, is SHLF80A good?

Any other suggestions of Snap-On tools that make you feel that you wish have purchased long ago?

I'm generally not that much of a SO "fanboy". Yes, they make fine quality tools but not enough to justify the steep price for non tool truck buyers.

However this is my favorite SO tool (196ACF) and in this case, there is a difference:

 

[shawndp]

Get the FL80... Today I was doing rear brakes on a 2010 Caravan and had that moment where I wish I hadn't wasted the last 10 years of my life with crappy ratchets. The wrenches - flank drive with ratcheting closed ends feel solid in hand too. The price of that set made me choke a little, but my SO dealer is a solid guy who worked that to a less painful number and it was absolutely worth it.

 

[PelicanPines]

If you need flare wrenches.... snap on can't be beat.

 

[bob15]

Snap On Torx bits (gold colored) and flare/tubing wrenches are good to have. I also like their Talon tip needle nose and their 3 place slip joint pliers. I do like Snappy ratchets, though I prefer the previous generation (non-80 tooth sealed-head) ratchets.

Don't be afraid to look on e-bay and the GJ classifieds, not to mention flea markets and swap meets.

 

[ssdave]

My favorite Snap-on that I think are well worth the high cost:

1/4" sockets
1/4" flex sockets (chrome)
Ratcheting Screwdriver
72 tooth 1/4" ratchets
#2 phillips screwdrivers
Talon needlenose
Torx bits
Flare nut wrenches

Things I really like, but not so much better than others that they are "must have":

Long pattern wrenches
Double box wrenches
3/8" flex sockets (chrome)
87ACF wire cutters (good for me as they're the most durable I've found for hard wire)
All their ratchets and breaker bars are good. So are a lot of the other, high end makers.

Things that are good if you warranty them a lot:

Screwdrivers
Taps and dies
Chisels and punches
Impact sockets.
files
picks

Things you probably won't notice any difference from good high quality other makes:
1/2" sockets
hammers
pliers
flat screwdrivers
socket extensions
files

Things that the have that are good, but rebranded from others or much better to buy others:

1/4" insert bits - buy Zephyr
Hacksaw - excellent, but cheaper to buy Lennox
Air Tools

Things that are a bad deal:

Anything electrical. Or Air.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think their biggest leap apart from their competition is chrome flex sockets; you can bend them over to almost a full 90 and they'll still turn.

One negative is some guys don't like the sharp grooves that Snap-on puts on their ratchets handles with a lathe.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think their biggest leap apart from their competition is chrome flex sockets; you can bend them over to almost a full 90 and they'll still turn.

One negative is some guys don't like the sharp grooves that Snap-on puts in their ratchets handles with a lathe.

 

[seagravedriver]

Flex sockets, ratchets, (though SK is really impressive). I buy what I use A LOT. Nothing that sits a lot.

 

[Wamsutta]

I don't know why I have a double post. I clicked the button just 1 time.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

For me their wrenches, their screwdrivers, and their ratchets are a must buy. Their bit sockets are also very good. In most other categories I feel that that you can get something else almost as good for a lot less money.

 

[crewchief888]

all of mine were worth buying....

 

[davethorik]

If you like the ratcheting screwdrivers, and want a 1/4 drive version, you have to go Snappy as they don't sell a Williams version.

 

[theoldwizard1]

IMHO, NOTHING that Snap On sells is worth full retail price ! PERIOD !!!

 

[ssdave]

IMHO, NOTHING that Snap On sells is worth full retail price ! PERIOD !!!

What manufacturer becomes worth retail price for you?

 

[Wamsutta]

IMHO, NOTHING that Snap On sells is worth full retail price ! PERIOD !!!

They're expensive but they don't get digested.

 

[disston]

I like the older Snap On wrenches and sockets. Maybe the older ratchets but not sure. Some of their older stuff is better than their newer stuff but you have to compare items one at a time. I'm sure a modern Snap On ratchet will be a work of art. Part of it is how it appeals to you.

I have liked the Snap On pliers and cutters for a long time. I remember once I was in a junk yard and needed a pair of wire cutters. Forgot to bring them from the trunk of my car and it was a long walk back to get them. So I asked an old guy working on a car close to me and this is what he lent me.

I was flabbergasted. The guy had a big grin on his face and couldn't have been happier to come to my aid with the most impressive pair of cutters I've ever seen. I bought my own set of 312 CF cutters that week.

They have large needle nose and other heavy duty pliers that I wouldn't be without.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

What manufacturer becomes worth retail price for you?

Retail is for suckers.

 

[469 runner]

Their torx bit sockets are the only ones out there that really hold up. Hard to beat the ratchets.

 

[Wamsutta]

disston,

When I take my Snap-on tools to the salvage yard, I'm never more than an arm's length away from them. One day I was pushing myself pretty hard and got real light headed. I thought to myself I better get out of there before I pass out and somebody steals all my tools.

 

[a52-830]

As a DIYer, I already have basic tools for my needs, but I appreciate quality tools. I'm thinking about buying a long 1/2" drive ratchet, is SHLF80A good?

Any other suggestions of Snap-On tools that make you feel that you wish have purchased long ago?

snap-on makes some good ratchets, without a doubt.

but, personally, i dont like soft handles on tools. i find that they dont make the ratchet easier to hold, but do make them a lot harder to clean up (which is why i asked about removing them in a different thread).

 

[hudd1256]

There radiator hose picks, you hammer on em, bend em or plane as know cl the **** out of them and you will rarely brake them. Also there adj. pry bars are way better than gear wrenches but only some lengths are worth the money. The talon grip needle nose are also pry the most durable needle nose you can buy

 

[byoungblood]

What manufacturer becomes worth retail price for you?

There are just so many other good tool brands out there that SO isn't worth it for stuff like sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc., unless you just prefer their offering over another brand.

I have a few SO tools in my box, and there honestly isn't enough of a difference between them, and say my Wright sockets, that I'd pay the extra markup they charge to support their distribution model.

 

[hudd1256]

There radiator hose picks, you hammer on em, bend em or plane as know cl the **** out of them and you will rarely brake them. Also there adj. pry bars are way better than gear wrenches but only some lengths are worth the money. The talon grip needle nose are also pry the most durable needle nose you can buy

 

[crf450x]

The shlf80a is a great ratchet. I don't even own a breaker bar. All their ratchets are great and in my opinion worth the money. Their pliers and cutters are great. Screwdrivers. Allen/torx bits. Their xdhf wrenches are a real lifesaver at times. All of their stuff is excellent but a lot of it isn't really worth the astronomical price. I use mostly sk sockets. Most of their power tools can be beat and for a lower price.

 

[Davefr]

There are just so many other good tool brands out there that SO isn't worth it for stuff like sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc., unless you just prefer their offering over another brand.

Agree 100%. Pick almost any SO tool and we can usually propose equivalent or superior brands at a tiny fraction of the price.

However you won't get on-site dealer support or financing and that's the primary advantage with SO. If those factors aren't important you're usually overpaying for the SO brand.

 

[shawndp]

This thread has me particularly interested because I am looking to get a few quality additions to my toolbox and thought that SO was the way to go. I only have a few pieces - but most everything I have feels like it works great. This is of course coming from someone who uses mastercraft / craftsman / gearwrench, so lacking experience with finer quality tools.

@Davefr, if I may inquire, what wrench would you propose for a long pattern flank drive non-ratchet please? And also the SHLF80A or SLL80A? Thanks

 

[a52-830]

However you won't get on-site dealer support or financing and that's the primary advantage with SO. If those factors aren't important you're usually overpaying for the SO brand.

hopefully, snap-on is paying attention. times are changing, and The Truck isn't the great deal it used to be.

my son sees The Truck once a week. if he breaks something the next day, it waits at least a week to get fixed. it might need to wait until the next week, when the dealer comes back, if he doesnt have whatever he needs to fix it.

but he can buy a new tool from amazon that afternoon, and it will be there in two days. he can send the old one back to be warrantied with a USPS priority mail box for less than 20$, delivered in the US within three days. it might take them a few days to process it, but it will also come back pretty quickly.

so, he can buy a 120XP gearwrench flex 3/8" ratchet for 38$ shipped from amazon, with a lifetime guarantee. an FF80A from snap-on is 130$ shipped. he could buy two 120XP's, and when one breaks, he could use the other while he sent the first one back in a USPS PM pouch for 7$.

eventually the economics of this will catch up with them. i hope they are ready to deal with it.

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

Wright Tool Wrenches perform as good as SO flank drive and at 1/3rd the cost.

 

[T45]

Wright Tool Wrenches perform as good as SO flank drive and at 1/3rd the cost.

Comments like this are absurd. Buy some tools at the pawn shop.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Anyone who actually uses tools quickly finds what works for them, and it is different for everyone. I know a mechanic who is all harbor fright as a matter of principle and many older fellas who use USA craftsman sockets every day and sure know what they are doing. Personally I feel most pity for the anti snap on people, because those are some dang nice tools they are missing out on. The fact is if you regularly use tools, even the most expensive quickly become a low percentage of the cost of the job. I know any mechanic who is most concerned about the cost of the tool to do the job right, isn't one I want working on equipment I want to have for twenty years.

I see the most notable difference in snap on 1/4" sockets and accessories, their hand impact driver which is hexagonal so you can put a wrench on it to keep steady pressure on the work, their hooks and picks, and hex and torx bit sockets. There are many other of their tools I use and really enjoy, but those are the standouts off the top of my head. They make great tools.

 

[ssdave]

Wright Tool Wrenches perform as good as SO flank drive and at 1/3rd the cost.

I had a set of the Wright, they were okay wrenches, about the same as my old SK Lectrolite in quality. Perform as good as new Snap-on? I don't know, they took nuts off okay, they were thicker by a bit than my Snap-on, and were a lot harder to clean up. They didn't feel as nice to use. Subjective, but definite differences.

To break it down to the lowest common denominator, they both could be used to take off nuts, so in that sense they performed the same. For ease of use and cleanup and feel to my hands, they didn't perform the same at all. So, it all depends on what you value.

You're right about the price, the 18 piece set brought about $125 on ebay, the Snap on would have brought $400, so about 1/3 the price.

I don't see a huge advantage to Snap-on Wrenches over Proto, SK or Wright in utility. I do see some advantage in usability and feel.

Where I do see a definite advantage to Snap-on is in 1/4" drive sockets, and in hex and torx bits, and in phillips and torx screwdrivers.

 

[davethorik]

Wright Tool Wrenches perform as good as SO flank drive and at 1/3rd the cost.

And unfortunately wright grips only come in one length, which could be longer imo. They are a good value, and good wrenches, but they're not the best wrenches.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I got my BJP1 Ball joint set used for $350, but now having used it a good bit, I'd easily pay more.

The extra inch of opening over most of the competition really pays on the 60 and big AAM axles.

 

[Waterh20]

disston,

When I take my Snap-on tools to the salvage yard, I'm never more than an arm's length away from them. One day I was pushing myself pretty hard and got real light headed. I thought to myself I better get out of there before I pass out and somebody steals all my tools.

Haha too funny!

 

[crewchief888]

IMHO, NOTHING that Snap On sells is worth full retail price ! PERIOD !!!

85% of my "working" tools were bought brand new off the snap on truck. the rest were bought new off the mac & matco trucks.

the truck branded tools i have in the garage are about 50/50 new off the truck or pawn shop/flea mkt purchases.

if i need a particular tool, especially for work, i dont care what the cost is.
i do consider and scrutinize every purchase i make, cost vs usage.
if a tool makes me money, or makes a difficult job easier/faster, i'm all for it.

 

[bsaint]

Anything that's not rebranded and you can get somewhere else. I think snap on designed tools are top quality.

 

[Davefr]

@Davefr, if I may inquire, what wrench would you propose for a long pattern flank drive non-ratchet please? And also the SHLF80A or SLL80A? Thanks

It depends on what you consider long pattern but Wright wrenches are better then SO IMHO (I have both and I'd rather grab a Wright then SO). However Wrights are a little shorter. SO and Proto are also in the same league. Carlisle and Gearwrench aren't far behind.

For screwdrivers, I'd take Proto Durateks over SO any day and they're about 1/3 the price. I'd also take PB Swiss over SO. Williams are equivalent at a lower price.

SO probably wins in ratchets but SK's new lineup might overtake SO. I also wouldn't put the new Pittsburg Pro ratchets all that far behind SO and they're like 10% of the SO price.

SO's real advantage is their breadth of product offering and specially designed tools for specific tasks along with many more options with their hardline tools. SO seems to do everything well but they're not perfect.

 

[rmsg0040]

I vote ratchets and the 3 position slip joints

I hear a lot of praise about the torx bits, I might have to try them

 

[shawndp]

Thanks for the reply! I have written down the choices and hope to acquire some in the not too distant future. That new SK ratchet looks really good and I just purchased the HF clone today for usd 25 - can't wait to try it out on Tuesday.