What tool kit to buy from the Snap-On student excellence program?

[verced]

Hello all. I have an opportunity to buy snap-on tools from the student excellence program. Can anyone recommend what tool set to buy. I will be working on Japanese motorcycles and late model Asian vehicles mostly. I was considering the SEP Premium All Metric Set. Should I consider something else and why? Anything else that would be nice to have as an entry level tech? I can't post the link yet but google 'snap on student excellence program" and you will get the link to the catalog. Thanks

 

[kctyphoon]

Oh boy..

 

[verced]

Any suggestions kctyphoon lol

 

[lugnut71]

for half off , buy all that you can afford.

 

[kctyphoon]

Any suggestions kctyphoon lol

Yea, dont buy what you dont need. Dont spend 10 grand on tools cause ‘OMG what a deal, its half off!”. And remember whatever you spend still needs to be paid for if you’re borrowing money.

If youre young - take a hard consideration at the people that will tell you “its a lifetime investment” - cause odds are - it wont be.. need proof - go look at craigslist. All those listings aren’t from dead people. There’s a reason they are called “FOR PROFIT SCHOOLS”. A good part of those “mint condition” used tools came from people like you.

All the pro’s will tell you to buy the best - then ask how many of them would tell their children to become mechanics.. just giving you a reality check, its not free money. Do what you think is best for you, cause those tools aren’t cheap.

That said - if this is truly your path - then just be smart. The people that will tell you -buy all you can - ain’t gonna give u a ****** dollar when the bills come.

 

[OHMS LAW]

Buy what you want. Someone will be along shortly to suggest harbor frieght and the like. I got all my hardline every day tools. Sockets, screw drivers, pliers. Whatever specialty tools you may need. One word of advice is stay away from the 18v power tools. 14 volt are great but the 18 is junk. for the 18v I’d go all Milwaukee. I used to have all the 18v snap on stuff. Today it’s all gone.

 

[bratwurst]

Get snap on, screw the HF stuff. Specially with the discount.Buy it once and never worry about it again.
I’m waiting to be shot now by the HF guys lol

 

[kctyphoon]

For the record - just cause they give you a discount doesn’t mean you need to use it. There are tons of people in here that use craftsman and Gearwrench and so far nobody’s bolts have complained. Just sayin - theres options, despite what the salesman, i mean teachers, might tell you. You dont have to just buy one brand for all things.

 

[Hiball]

If you can get 50% off on the SEP premium metric set, that’s a pretty good start at what $2700 bucks. Obviously like everything in life, Moderation is the key, your going to run into people throwing crazy numbers around for and against Snap on as a whole here at GJ.


Check out the tool truck equivalent thread, it will save you some money down the line.


Welcome to GJ.

 

[Wamsutta]

kctyphoon, I found it. It's the second set down. What you think?

https://www.snapon.com/Industrial-Education/Tool-Offering/Tool-Sets/Premium-Sets.htm

 

[verced]

Thank you for your wisdom.

 

[kctyphoon]

kctyphoon, I found it. It's the second set down. What you think?

https://www.snapon.com/Industrial-Education/Tool-Offering/Tool-Sets/Premium-Sets.htm

I think it costs more than my first car did.

 

[CJM8515]

Buy the ratchets and screwdrivers, use the money you saved even going half off to buy sk, wright, etc sockets and wrenches.

 

[bratwurst]

Question for anyone that might know.
Did Cman ever sold any starter kits for new techs back in the day?

 

[930dreamer]

I've only warrantied two Snap On tools in 35 years. X2 buy what you can afford.

 

[B_Bimmer]

As far as I know sears still has a student program offering 50% off list for one set. I know they did a few months ago anyway, although sears is currently changing fast. As far as the original question of this thread. if you've got the money and like quality tools, buy snap on. They make excellent products. Personally I wouldn't recommend a "set" as they generally don't offer additional discounts for that, just buy exactly what you want. That said, it looks like that set has very little that wouldn't be great for bikes.

 

[L.Cheapo]

That set looks like it would be a pretty good start. As you get more into what you're doing, you'll learn what else you'll need. Those are high quality tools you'll use for a lifetime. If it's in your budget, I don't see any reason not to go for it.

Personally, I'd take advantage of that discount while I could, because it eventually ends.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Also realize those sets are mostly geared for school and not shop life. Notice no impact sockets, air or power tools in the sets. School equipment is torn down and assembled innumerable times every year by ham fisted kids who've never touched a tool in their life (and many that never do after school).

Look into additional student discounts through Matco and NAPA Auto. I know MAC was still pretty backwards with needing to print a form and find a dealer, that may have changed by now though. Also look into Amazon student, which is 50% your subscription per year with a student email address.

 

[Yarpo]

Ratchets, 3 piece pliers set, screwdrivers, metric wrench set.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Buy basic brands first, confirm you want to be in this field by working in it a few years. I'd generally skip snap-on, coming out of tech school, you'll likely be a lube tech. Buy things with re-sale in mind, most people don't stick with the industry.



That said; low profile metric sockets, impact universals sockets 1/2 drive, 1/4 and 3/8 chrome universals, wobble plus extensions, reversible ratcheting wrenches. That's the common use stuff snap-on shines in. Don't buy basic stuff from snap on.

Gearwrench/Williams sockets; Williams screwdrivers, gearwrench/snap on ratchets, sunex impacts, and extensions (with and w/o wobble), go to harry J epstien for some various length cabinet screwdrivers and picks. Gear-wrench ratcheting serpentine belt tool, buy the flex head adapter if need be. M12 ratchet and hex impact in 1/4, impact universals in 1/4 mine are Gearwrench. Wright Grip or williams supercombo for standard wrenches. IR for 1/2 and 3/8 impact, sunex for the 3/8 impact stuff. Pick up an 3 leg oil filter claw too.



Is the budget 5k? I would LOVE to know what I know now, and get to start over from scratch.

 

[Hiball]

I'd buy ratchets, screwdrivers, and 1/4" drive sockets, and torx sockets. And talon pliers. Those things I think are clearly superior, and worth the snap-on premium, especially at student discount. The rest of the stuff, I'd look at other tool brands in addition to Snap-on. Then decide if the SO are what you want.

In the metric set Wamsutta and Hiball referenced above, there are several things I definitely would not pay the SO premium for. Pry bars, vise grips, wire strippers, 1/2" drive socket stuff, torque wrench, punches and chisels, carbon scraper, torque wrench, putty knife are all things that SO makes nothing special, but the price is several times what others charge. I have the SO torque wrench, pry bars, the 1/2" drive, the punches and chisels, and the scrapers, so this is not a random thought, but based on usage. I have also owned the vise grips and electrical strippers but don't now because there's others I prefer, and those wore out.

The 3/8" drive stuff, I like the SO, but I prefer Proto. Nothing wrong with the SO, just my preference. Same with the 1/2". I own both, again, so this is from experience.

However, I agree if you just want to buy a set and be done with it, that would be the most logical one.

Just for the sake of discussion, I’m normally not a fan of Snap on torque wrenches, I’ve never felt the premium was worth it over OEM, With that said.. I’m a buyer on 1/2 Snap on Tech angle at 50% off, it’s still cheaper that the CDI counterpart. I’m also buying Snap on pry bars, the abuse they will take will make it worth it at 50% off, Same on the punches, especially with a new tech behind the wheel. I’ll agree on the other filler stuff, it’s nothing special.

 

[budmur]

I think it costs more than my first car did.

It costs more than my current car.

 

[plinker]

My advise is buy certain things from Snap-on, such as Line wrenches, ratcheting screwdrivers, needle nose & other pliers, large & mini pick & hooks sets, Hex & torx bit sockets. I prefer Matco ratchets myself, but ratchets are another item to look at.

The prybars are nice, I kind of like the Wilde's a bit better though. A 1/2 price techangle would be worth it.

Impact sockets, extensions and similar items I'd buy Sunex or Napa/Carlyle (same sockets). Wrenches can get subjective to a point, same with screwdrivers.

Some things are defiantly worth it from Snap-on even at list price, but other tool brands do just as well at lesser price. Look into S-K, Carlyle, Wright, eteee.

 

[kctyphoon]

If your borrowing money to buy tools, just consider this..

Ill assume your younger, and are probably not making “career” money yet. If you had been working and saving for a long time to put lets say - $10,000 in the bank, and its YOUR money - would you spend that 10 grand the same way you would 10 grand you borrow? Would you buy 10 grand in tools, and say “its an investment” and leave yourself with no liquid money on hand? Would you treat that borrowed money the same way you treated your own?

Regardless of what redderick gets tossed around on a tool forum like this one, life does not revolve around what’s inside your toolbox. Is your first real job gonna PAY you more, cause you SPENT more on tools? Will those Gearwrench sockets for $100 make you just as much money at the end of the week then those snap on sockets would? Will $1500 in Gearwrench enable you to do the same exact thing $5000 in snap on will? What’s more important - what brand is in the toolbox or how much money is in the bank? Would you rather have a car payment on a new car or pay the snap on guy every week instead? Does amazon prime deliver tools just as fast as ordering off a truck? Is your $25 socket gonna magically not got lost as easy as a $5 one? Being in debt means someone has claim against your future earnings - and they dont care if you lost your job cause the shop just wasnt doing so well.

The biggest piece of advice ANYONE can give you is to try and save some money while your young and dont have real bills hanging over your head. You have no idea how much that can help you in the future - which IS coming weather you like it or not.

2 guy work at the same place, have the same job, and make the same money. One is always broke, the other is living comfortably. What’s the difference? One guy is in debt, and is giving his money away as soon as he makes it. Its impossible for him to stockpile funds. The other guy has money to front, and can pay HIMSELF back on his own schedule - not someone else’s.. Choices have consequences. They can be good or bad. Be smart...

 

[dsimatt]

Only buy hand tools, SAE and metric flank drive wrench sets, both line wrench sets if you will be needing them, sockets and some ratchets are something I'd buy if you can afford it. Do not buy any power tools air or cordless as they are very high priced and disposable in the big picture.

Only buy what you can afford and only stuff lifetime warrantied that can last your whole career.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The big thing I'd add to KC, spend the same regardless after your first year or so if you decide you want to stay in the field. Instead of spending 3-5k a year on the trucks, hunt deals out online. I have tens of thousands in tools and equipment. I can tell you if it was all truck stuff, or proto for that matter, I wouldn't have the diversity and scope that I do. Tools make me money, it's a cost/benefit ratio; with the occasional "cool" metric added in.

New primary ignition lead showed up last week, $100. It's put $75 in my pocket this week. Plus the added convenience of not grabbing attenuators (god forbid you forget to hook it up) and normal leads, or the secondary ignition stuff and then finding the coil is too well insulated to pick up. Give in another month or so and I'll have paid for it and probably netted $100. Time and a place for snap-on, I have it in my box. But having a proper set-up is more important than brand. Most leave this industry fast. Keep it simple and affordable until you know you're in it for real. Then upgrade as needed. Buy the stuff from Snap-on that they shine in. Screwdrivers and hammers need not apply.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Do not buy a big set of Snap on tools. You still have no idea of what you will need for sure on the job. Also, for basic hand tools, you can get away with cheaper alternatives. As for what you should buy, go talk to someone who works on motorcycles for a living. If you have any instructors at school who are very anti-Snap on, ask them what items are really worth the money. I don't know about motorcycles, but most Japanese vehicles do not require that many specialty tools.

 

[johninct]

Just for comparison, see what $1,000.00 will buy on Ebay verse $1,000.00 for your school discount. Also, if you can get a few broken / worn out tools on Ebay and Warranty them too.

 

[Pig_Pen]

If I was in your position I’d be looking mainly at the hardline stuff; ratchets, sockets, wrenches and screwdrivers. The stuff actually made by snap on. Do your research on the stuff snap on sources from other manufacturers because chances are somebody else has the exact same tool for way less money.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Start small, a large portion of people that think they want to get into the automotive industry end up ditching it instead of sticking it out.

Take the basics like pliers and Maybe a flex head and screwdrivers. DO NOT get talked into any tool storage as you will have a bitching box and no money to fill it with tools

 

[ChrisLS8]

Just for comparison, see what $1,000.00 will buy on Ebay verse $1,000.00 for your school discount. Also, if you can get a few broken / worn out tools on Ebay and Warranty them too.

Sorry but I have an issue with abusing the warranty.

 

[3jakes]

To the OP.
I have bought several Snap-On tool lots from kids that borrowed money in tech school, then ended up at Starbucks or whatnot.
A lot of the so called sets were short sets where several sizes are missing rather than getting the full 10mm through 19mm.
I agree with johninct that buying used on ebay or craigslist is the way to go.
& please dear God do not let him buy a new box...........

 

[Wamsutta]

I think it costs more than my first car did.

I would use the discount to buy the most expensive items from Snap-on and substitute the other tools in the set with other brands. I'd use the discount to buy Snap-on 1/4" drive chrome swivel sockets since they are the best and extremely expensive without a discount. Regular sockets I'd go with either USA Williams or Proto to save a few bucks. Pliers and screwdrivers can be from a number of different sources. Most of the time when there's a complete set of tools, there's always at least one item I'd rather substitute for something else.

 

[Shane6377]

IMO the Snap On ratchets are worth it. Other than that, I'd look at alternatives. I have all the tools listed below and have or have used their Snap On equivalents and find them to be of equal or better quality:

Wright combo wrenches:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RILQP4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

SK 1/4" and 3/8" drive metric socket set:
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-3-8-socket-sets-28728.html

Witte screwdriver set:
https://www.kctoolco.com/witte-6638...AwDSakQNeGN5jWX_SL5NVqWMRGxJyd1IaAmgMEALw_wcB

Wilde pliers (sorry couldn't find a link for a set)

Wiha torx socket:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032FOUPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Wilde striking cap prybars: https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=WILDE+PRY+BAR+W/+METAL+END+CAP


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[AreYaSerious]

for half off , buy all that you can afford.

Yes take advantage of the half off, you can't go wrong. The tools will be with you until you retire, getting them for half off and staying out of debt in the future (owing snap on full retail) is a smart decision. Don't be afraid to invest.

 

[kelwar]

I've been in your shoes and I honestly bounce back and forth if it's worth it. I don't think I would spend the money on a whole kit and instead would pick and choose what to buy. You should definitely go on the truck look at and hold what you intend to buy before you pull the trigger. I have a few things I ordered in school that I wouldn't have bought if I wasn't buying it from a picture. That being said if you know what you want/need from snapon you probably won't get it new any cheaper. Another thing I found was they would still give the discount on stuff in the supplemental catalogue (this was 9 years ago things may have changed) and after the discount the prices of those tools were better deals than buying other places also.

 

[mr.lemons]

Starting a career in debt when you are young and having someone else take chunks out of your first wages is depressing. You may be in a different situation but I struggled with low wages and owing money when I was young. Being locked into debt payments takes your freedom away.

 

[Shane6377]

Starting a career in debt when you are young and having someone else take chunks out of your first wages is depressing. You may be in a different situation but I struggled with low wages and owing money when I was young. Being locked into debt payments takes your freedom away.

Agreed. Especially if you have school debt on top of that. Don't buy any tools that cause you to go in debt.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[djcslice]

To echo what many people said, I would caution buying Snap-On now. If you are going to buy it anyway, I would highly recommend that you avoid specialty automotive tools as almost all of them are re-branded tools that you can get for 50% off Snap-On prices consistently.

 

[Evan(CA)]

Ratchets, sockets(Ideally all 3 drive and lengths in 6 point impacts but if you can only afford one I'd get mids(get chromes too if you can afford it but better to have a complete set of impacts than doubles of chrome and impacts, wrenches(flank drive +), screwdrivers, torque wrenches(tech angle in all 3 sizes).


You'll need every single one of those day one on the job and Snap On makes the best of the above. Even if you don't end up doing it professionally you will have a very nice set of tools for life so you can work on your own vehicles and save money that way for more justification to get them.