On the Snap-On Truck

[Partsguy57]

The cold hard fact is this.. for most DIY/ hobby person the much higher price of snap on and the like is not worth it to them based on personal experience. And the same cold hard fact is because of this many DIY types can not wrap their brain around the fact that for some it is worth it and in some cases needed to work at professional level. And then you have the cheapskate that will swear you can buy a quality torque wrench( at the magic kingdom...i.e. h.f.) for less then a good burger shake and fries.....

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[ChrisLS8]

Just FYI you will never offend the driver to ask for a deal on something you want. If he is worth his weight in salt he will find a way to get you what you want

 

[Partsguy57]

Correct, I am not a vocational mechanic. As just a lowly DIY'er I've worked on vehicles, tractors, ATV's and farm equipment for 30 years. I've also done residential and commercial construction and remodeling, including plumbing and electrical. Welding, carpentry, woodworking, small engine repair,I haven't tried dentistry or heart surgery but, never say never.[emoji6]

I wouldn't exactly compare the skills of a heart surgeon to those of a mechanic.

I picked out a new toothbrush last week. Maybe I should have consulted my dentist to avoid any intellectual dishonesty. Lmao



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The dentist doesn't make his living with a toothbrush... do you have a opinion on his drill?

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[Sine Swept]

I don't believe you are a dental professional, therefore you have no pull in deciding if his drill is good or not!

 

[sberry]

Many shops I been in that were owner types seemed to manage quite well with a lot of Sears. Many had a few things tossed in from better brands where they were tools that were in hand a lot. My best Bud bought some modest sets SK when the time come, several I know have mostly Sears with some 3/8 premium and some Snaps tossed in.
The focus of a lot of this is hard line tools but qc and world shopping by vendors has extended to other pieces now too. I bought the 50$ HF load tester, works perfect, use it on dozens of batteries we green acres all over sometimes and almost all get a test before installation, tested 100's of batteries and pays for itself again on almost every event. Someone also makes one cost 500 too and its better but it wouldn't have improved my life at all not to have one while I was saving up for it.

 

[sberry]

The cold hard fact is this.. for most DIY/ hobby person the much higher price of snap on and the like is not worth it to them based on personal experience. And the same cold hard fact is because of this many DIY types can not wrap their brain around the fact that for some it is worth it and in some cases needed to work at professional level. And then you have the cheapskate that will swear you can buy a quality torque wrench( at the magic kingdom...i.e. h.f.) for less then a good burger shake and fries.....

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We are not usually talking to those people here when they come asking basic questions. The Chiltons book has this in the front, says try something modest, if it doesn't work get better. I wish I would have read that line for line when I started. I spent a lot of effort copying what I often saw in heavy industry, would have been way easier and more practical to get a grip on the real demand.

 

[Shane6377]

Yep and it's funny that the non professional has the most vocal opinions on price.... and the same non professional is always claiming that his cheap is as good as snap on again based on price. Ask your self how many diy/ hobby guys have a quality tool box full of tool truck tools? Not many.. now ask yourself how many professional shops have a shop full of cheap tools in cheap boxes? Why is this?? Yet the same DIY is the expert on tools and one is a fool to buy quality according to them... Very few professionals have every single tool from a tool truck, but very few will say that the quality overall is the same from a "tool truck " such as snap on it is from other sources.

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I'm one DIY/hobby guy that does have a toolbox full of truck tools. Some were handed down and others were purchases I made.

I don't have every Snap On tool and I don't have a an equivalent to compare all my SO tools to. For those that I do- from first-hand, side-by-side comparison I've found no noticeable difference in quality between Snap On and other quality brands like SK, Proto, Wright, MAC or Armstrong.

I do have my preferences. For example, I prefer my Snap On F80 ratchet but my SK roundhead can do everything the F80 can and is equal quality.

I prefer WrightGrip wrenches to Snap On FDP. Both are good quality but I can honestly say if both were the same price, I'd pick the Wright's.

I'm not sure why my opinion offends so many diehard Snap On guys.


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[sberry]

I would put it higher then that.. based on experience of selling to shops..

So,,, they are stupid,,,, they know the best tools though.
One of the best I know has a hardline tool set he collected along the way would have trouble bringing 50$ at a good sale. So good at putting his finger on the problem that he doesn't have to do a lot of knuckle buster stuff,,, and when he does figures out the easiest way.

 

[Shane6377]

The dentist doesn't make his living with a toothbrush... do you have a opinion on his drill?

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No, because I don't use or have experience with a dental drill. I have plenty of experience with tools.


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[Partsguy57]

So,,, they are stupid,,,, they know the best tools though.

Lol give me a break.. you know darn well a tool does not make one professional. And one not being professional does not make a tool less quality....

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[Partsguy57]

No, because I don't use or have experience with a dental drill. I have plenty of experience with tools.


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A yet you admitted you do not wrench for a living and can not possibly use tools nearly as much as one that does wrench for a living....and yet your opinion is as valid?

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[JulianMorrow]

The two main issues here are (1) how much are you paying for quality vs (2) how much are you paying for brand prestige. The “Truck Tool Equivalents" thread is quite relevant to this thread (thank you, ls1dreams). If you read the Truck Tool Equivalents thread carefully and do a bit of research, you’ll quickly discover how much you’re paying for mere brand loyalty and bragging rights. That has absolutely nothing to do with your skill level as a mechanic or the quality of your tools.

 

[Partsguy57]

I'm one DIY/hobby guy that does have a toolbox full of truck tools. Some were handed down and others were purchases I made.

I don't have every Snap On tool and I don't have a an equivalent to compare all my SO tools to. For those that I do- from first-hand, side-by-side comparison I've found no noticeable difference in quality between Snap On and other quality brands like SK, Proto, Wright, MAC or Armstrong.

I do have my preferences. For example, I prefer my Snap On F80 ratchet but my SK roundhead can do everything the F80 can and is equal quality.

I prefer WrightGrip wrenches to Snap On FDP. Both are good quality but I can honestly say if both were the same price, I'd pick the Wright's.

I'm not sure why my opinion offends so many diehard Snap On guys.


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Again you do not wrench for a living but you do understand quality as that is evident by the tools you use. The gap between the tool trucks has narrowed dramatically but back In the day snap on was top dog (period)and because of this I would still give the edge to snap on...today.

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[Partsguy57]

The two main issues here are (1) how much are you paying for quality vs (2) how much are you paying for brand prestige. The “Truck Tool Equivalents" thread is quite relevant to this thread (thank you, ls1dreams). If you read the Truck Tool Equivalents thread carefully and do a bit of research, you’ll quickly discover how much you’re paying for mere brand loyalty and bragging rights. That has absolutely nothing to do with your skill level as a mechanic or the quality of your tools.

Mostly true now, not so back in the day...snap on was top dog. The thread was about snap on but substitute any tool truck and the naysayers and "experts " ie those that don't wrench for a living would be here touting the quality of their non truck brand tool...

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[sberry]

I just following your logic thru this thread.
I am not smart enough to be a realty good trouble shooter in technical sense and it really doesn't interest me. But I have a lot of experience,,, tools too and use Sears and some generic impact sockets along with common combo wrenches and almost no one beats up on me when it comes to busted stuck and rusted no matter what they got in the box.
Same for a couple other guys I know that do this and work on older stuff.
Most I see got the box shoved with hi dollar stuff working on newer **** where it doesn't even come close to out environment. They see an exhaust manifold bolt on occasion that's tuff and some suspension bolts that are basically large and crude enough that perfection isn't needed.
Only work on some occasions that might compare would be in a tire shop where the socket sees hi repetition. Over the years have busted a couple 3 impacts, in tire sized and in bolt sizes we were using on buildings where we put a life time in a week on a socket and should have been using heavy duty vs automotive. Seems I broke a 1 1/8 too from hammering tight stuff out on tractors and bulldozer.

 

[sberry]

In the day snap on was top dog (period)and because of this I would still give the edge to snap on...today.

There is a difference in "edge" and multiples.
There is some consensus here that doesn't get much argument that Snap makes a better tubing wrench than others and to someone that needs them are worth their weight.

 

[Partsguy57]

Quick story, a very good friend of mine and I grew up wrenching on our cars he was into it a lot more than I was but both of us always agreed that Craftsman was great and Snap On was a rip off.

About 5 years ago he decided to move into the trades full-time as a full-time mechanic when he started he brought in some Craftsman and a HF tool cart and other pieces. Now he swears by Snap On and has build out a very nice set of tools. He even gave me some SAE impacts as he only works on new stuff.

I am sure it’s a combination of many things but if you’re using tools every single day clearly you want the best and I agree for anyone not using tools every day there is no base for comparison.

I just picked up some Snap On ratchets, for me I may not use them enough to appreciate them but time will tell.

Best post here.... many of those that don't wrench for a living will never get based on their personal experience...... there is a difference overall and until you do it for a living for many this will never be evident.

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[Shane6377]

A yet you admitted you do not wrench for a living and can not possibly use tools nearly as much as one that does wrench for a living....and yet your opinion is as valid?

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Correct. You can read my other post but I have experience using tools in situations that the average mechanic has never had. Some of my tools were handed down from my Grandfather who used them his entire professional career as an industrial mechanic and are still serving me well. Do you have tools that have been in service since the 1930's to compare to?

My point is, you can't assume that every DIY'er has no experience just like you can't assume every vocational mechanic is a tool expert.


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[WittHay]

Everybody wrenches in their own little world. Snap-on and the tool trucks cater to everybody from helicopter mechanics to Caterpillar dealerships, Big variety of tools that are needed.

Mac dealer in my area had his best year ever. The Snap-on dealer has the biggest single axle van available and complains its too small. Probably about 5 Snap-on dealers just for my local area. Business is good for the tool trucks

 

[OHMS LAW]

Ever been in a tight spot trying to get quarter turns on a ratchet? Try a craftsman then try a snap on. 1/4 or 3/8 the swing makes a difference. Also combo wrenches, one flexes more than the other under load

 

[sberry]

I lost a couple Snap ratchets in a fire. They were good and I used them a lot but didn't replace them. One of the best I ever have and use was this generic I bought over the counter at the parts store. It lived in the pool where it was used by multiple men, its seen a lot of action and is still super good.
The worst is Sears followed by napa which was a polished Sears turd. The napa socket was good, I have a couple in common sizes we used a lt and I am not going to "upgrade" it.

 

[Lt CHEG]

The two main issues here are (1) how much are you paying for quality vs (2) how much are you paying for brand prestige.

You're missing part of the equation. You are also paying for a no interest loan in the price of tool truck tools. Sure for big things like tool boxes and diagnostic equipment you pay interest through Snap On credit or the equivalent. But every tool truck that I've been on also allows a smaller dollar amount of debt to be financed directly through the dealer/franchise owner. You need a particular wrench, you put it on your tab and make weekly payments on that tab. The franchise owner finances that tab, not the corporate parent. It takes a lot of money to allow people to pay for tools that they take from the truck over time. So baked into the cost of the tool is some overhead cost for running a loan operation.

And I'm just a DIY guy myself and have a mix of Snap On, Craftsman, etc. etc. Most of my sockets are Craftsman except for a smattering of speciality stuff. However all but 3 of my ratchets (about 20 in total) are Snap On, because I've found that I like the design so much more than others that I'm willing to pay a large premium for it. Not every Snap On tool that's I've bought was bought off the truck either, like my KRL 1022 tool box that I drove 2 states away to pick up for example. Like anything else in life, to some the added cost is worth it and to some it isn't, but not all of the added cost is profit and prestige. There are some material differences that completely make the higher price worth it. The mix of functionality, payment terms, quality an drew prestige is present in different quantities for every tool purchaser.

 

[plinker]

The two main issues here are (1) how much are you paying for quality vs (2) how much are you paying for brand prestige. The “Truck Tool Equivalents" thread is quite relevant to this thread (thank you, ls1dreams). If you read the Truck Tool Equivalents thread carefully and do a bit of research, you’ll quickly discover how much you’re paying for mere brand loyalty and bragging rights. That has absolutely nothing to do with your skill level as a mechanic or the quality of your tools.

Quite true, Here's my thoughts,

Sometimes the truck brand may have a better warranty then the OEM of the tool. How important this is is up to the buyer to decide. For example,

1: Trusty cook hammers are very popular, if you buy them from Matco/Napa/ete.. for instance, they have a lifetime warranty, from the OEM, a two year warranty. Yes you are paying more for them being rebranded with the lifetime warranty, but some consider it worth it. Others may not.

2: Matco has some lug nut remover sockets made by Astro penumatic (7404), from AP they run 35$ with a one year warranty, from Matco 75$ IIRC, with lifetime warranty. It's up to the buyer to decide if the extra 40$ for lifetime warranty is worth it or not.

Brand loyalty isnt a term I use, I'm loyal to no brand in particular. I have a very mixed set of tools at work and home. I have my preferences like anyone else. Some preference come from using other brand tools that didnt hold up, So I'd buy a different one to see if it was better. If I was impressed enough I buy another for home.

Some threads have the title "what tools to buy from Snap-on", those threads are an interesting read as to what tools everyone recommends to buy. It's not always what you'd think. Snap-on makes tools that are not available from anyone else. That makes it worthwhile to some.

However, from what I've seen, there arent as many fanboys drinking only Snap-on Koolaid as you'd think. This site is one thing, real shops are another.

YMMV.

 

[ngk22r]

No one said they were not quality, that wasnt the argument. It was at what price. Is it really that much better than a Wright or SK? Some of the best mechanics i know still use Sears. Some got a mix. Most of those bought them used when the first guy couldnt afford them.

People will use what they want...

I really don’t understand why people get so **** hurt if someone can afford to buy and us Snap On tools and then have to turn around and talk **** about them and the tools??

Does it make people really feel better about themselves??

Do people talk **** about Jay Leno and his car collection strictly because they cannot afford those classic cars?

These threads keep getting more and more retarded...

There are entry level techs who buy the cheapest tools they get their hands on and then dump money into a project car they feel at the time will be something great and then get tired of the car and take a loss on it. There are some who take advantage of discounts and buy tools from the truck brands and buy within their means to have a nice quality collection of tools that they use everyday they work with...

But a good portion of people here would stare down or spit at those who do buy from the tool trucks and do it responsibly just because their “feelz” are hurt because they use a lower cost brand. We get it, you have to make yourself feel good.... Can’t afford the higher end brand that is fine, but shut the **** up about it already. Don’t like it then go be poor somewhere else.

 

[Jaysreal]

Funny on how you feel is based on no experience. Snap on is geared to the professional which you are not. How can one have a honest opinion on something that one does not do professionally? When one gives their opinion on what you do professionally ( but they don't do) does it carry much weight?

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Wow, what a response! Since you choose to be so blunt (and frankly, rude) I'll return the favor. People like you are the reason threads like this turn into a dumpster fire. Absolutely uncalled-for.

He didn't give any sort of breakdown or analysis of Snap-on tools as a whole, or an individual tool for that matter, just wanted share what he recently experienced on the truck. Who ever said you need to have some sort of "Professional Mechanic Hall Pass" to share your experiences?

After all, responding like you did undermines the whole purpose of the forum as it discourages people from sharing their opinions.

Calm down and let the guy share what seems to be his first Snap-on truck experience.

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[Shane6377]

Ever been in a tight spot trying to get quarter turns on a ratchet? Try a craftsman then try a snap on. 1/4 or 3/8 the swing makes a difference. Also combo wrenches, one flexes more than the other under load

... or try an SK LP90, Proto 90 tooth ratchet or countless other. Doesn't have to come off a truck to be quality.


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[ngk22r]

This somes it up:

 

[sberry]

No one is talking down took truck tools, no one saying that snap is bad or that someone shouldnt buy them. The argument is as if there is PROOF in the value. The bottom end in tools has changed so much in recent times that the general quality has shot up. The utility value has risen that its almost revolutionary that so much can be had so cheap at retail. The premium SHOULD be good, nothing is amazing about that but when it now takes a 4# hammer to bust a dollar wrench that's kind of impressive. Makes it a great value that shouldn't be discounted to someone that needs a wrench and they shouldn't do without based on fear that it wont work and be a waste of money.

 

[Partsguy57]

Correct. You can read my other post but I have experience using tools in situations that the average mechanic has never had. Some of my tools were handed down from my Grandfather who used them his entire professional career as an industrial mechanic and are still serving me well. Do you have tools that have been in service since the 1930's to compare to?

My point is, you can't assume that every DIY'er has no experience just like you can't assume every vocational mechanic is a tool expert.


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There is always exceptions to most anything. Many DIY admit that they use a tool limited and many don't admit this is the case,but is self evident by them being a DIY which means they don't wrench for a living and are basing a opinion on limited experience and expect their opinions to be taken as the same as a professional.. apply this rationale to any other area in life... do you want the opinion of the guys that do it for a living or the opinion of of one that does not do for a living and expects his opinion to be taken the same as a professional....

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[Partsguy57]

Ever been in a tight spot trying to get quarter turns on a ratchet? Try a craftsman then try a snap on. 1/4 or 3/8 the swing makes a difference. Also combo wrenches, one flexes more than the other under load

Amen...was in that sit changing out a heater core the other day....

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[Wamsutta]

Just to clarify where this thread is coming from: I'm not a mechanic, I'm a DIY weekend guy. I have a couple of used Snap-On combination wrenches I picked up on eBay, as well as the shiny new Blue-Point 13mm ratcheting box.

I can see where a young mechanic might lose-his-head after climbing on a Snap-On truck. You have to fight this impulse to buy a lot of beautiful tools. The Snap-On salesman didn't pressure me into buying anything--he was a smart, friendly guy who knew his stuff. The brand sells itself. My take, based on limited experience: they're excellent tools, but still overpriced. I was tempted to spend a lot of money in there.

That's a typical opinion of someone who hasn't had enough exposer to the different brands of tools that are out there; they are all different. If you had bought a Snap-on wrench instead of a Blue-Point, you would have been well on your way to discovering the difference.

 

[ngk22r]

No one is talking down took truck tools, no one saying that snap is bad or that someone shouldnt buy them. The argument is as if there is PROOF in the value. The bottom end in tools has changed so much in recent times that the general quality has shot up. The utility value has risen that its almost revolutionary that so much can be had so cheap at retail. The premium SHOULD be good, nothing is amazing about that but when it now takes a 4# hammer to bust a dollar wrench that's kind of impressive. Makes it a great value that shouldn't be discounted to someone that needs a wrench and they shouldn't do without based on fear that it wont work and be a waste of money.

Value is in the eye of the person who buys the tool. What you think it is different then what I think vs someone else.

And yes people do talk down the tool truck brands all the time on here...

 

[Jaysreal]

Just to clarify where this thread is coming from: I'm not a mechanic, I'm a DIY weekend guy. My take, based on limited experience: they're excellent tools, but still overpriced. I was tempted to spend a lot of money in there.

Even if someone interprets the end of this post as a "breakdown of Snap-on tools as a whole" as I mentioned, he still prefaced the post with "hey I'm a DIY guy" and explained that it was 'HIS TAKE" Did you really attach weight to the comment anyways?

There's still no reason to flame the guy.

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[Partsguy57]

Wow, what a response! Since you choose to be so blunt (and frankly, rude) I'll return the favor. People like you are the reason threads like this turn into a dumpster fire. Absolutely uncalled-for.

He didn't give any sort of breakdown or analysis of Snap-on tools as a whole, or an individual tool for that matter, just wanted share what he recently experienced on the truck. Who ever said you need to have some sort of "Professional Mechanic Hall Pass" to share your experiences?

After all, responding like you did undermines the whole purpose of the forum as it discourages people from sharing their opinions.

Calm down and let the guy share what seems to be his first Snap-on truck experience.

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Lol you are the one with your ******* in a tightwad as self evident from your post... some handle the truth better then others.. which one are you? Cheers

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[Partsguy57]

Even if someone interprets the end of this post as a "breakdown of Snap-on tools as a whole" as I mentioned, he still prefaced the post with "hey I'm a DIY guy" and explained that it was 'HIS TAKE" Did you really attach weight to the comment anyways?

There's still no reason to flame the guy.

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It's flaming a guy to point out facts or opinion of facts? If you are going to post something like he did as some would consider that flaming.. I don't... lol it's fun free entertainment coming up.... cheers

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[sberry]

The welding industry is now losing some to this. They have been quite reasonably priced for basic models for a long time and the risk, the quality and reliability vs price made them a bargain. When a risky machine was 60% the price of good it made sense to stay with the best, now a machine can be had in the 20% range and the quality has picked up.

Why buy Milwaukee/Dewalt? Other brands are cheaper and for the majority of users, and meet their needs.

This is why the Milwaukee drill, DeWalt have thrived. They wouldnt be as popular if the price was 10x or 20 times the price of a cheaper drill that is somewhat sketchy and really too light for professional use. They are 2x the cost. Big difference.

 

[JulianMorrow]

You're missing part of the equation. You are also paying for a no interest loan in the price of tool truck tools.

I understand your point. But sorry, I’m not willing to pay a Snap-On markup to cover interest-free loans for people wanting tools they can’t afford. And it’s not a realistic expectation that others will gladly pay that markup.

I’m sympathetic with a young mechanic who’s just starting out and needs quality tools. But there are less expensive alternatives—the Truck Tool Equivalents thread is a perfect example of that. A young mechanic can also buy used quality tools on eBay like the rest of us.

 

[Jaysreal]

Lol you are the one with your ******* in a tightwad as self evident from your post... some handle the truth better then others.. which one are you? Cheers

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Okay, since you want to cherry pick the end of a comment and not reply to the actual "substance" I'll bite. Exactly what truth are you suggesting I can't handle?

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[Shane6377]

There is always exceptions to most anything. Many DIY admit that they use a tool limited and many don't admit this is the case,but is self evident by them being a DIY which means they don't wrench for a living and are basing a opinion on limited experience and expect their opinions to be taken as the same as a professional.. apply this rationale to any other area in life... do you want the opinion of the guys that do it for a living or the opinion of of one that does not do for a living and expects his opinion to be taken the same as a professional....

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I want the opinion of the guy with experience.

Don't discount someone's opinion because of their vocation. I live in a rural community where plenty of DIY'ers make vocational mechanics look like amateur hacks.

Kind of the 'don't judge a book by its cover' idea.


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[sberry]

Ya, how many would buy that DeWalt drill if it cost 1500$