AntiqueCarNut
Active member
Been lurking on this forum on and off for about three years, with nary a post, so I guess this is really my official introduction.
I bought my first Snap-On tools when I was in high school, and I regularly use those tools that I bought 30+ years ago. Over the past ten years, I've picked up a few items from the local Snappy dealer, just a piece here or there to fill a need for a particular project.
Recently, I have started to pick up quite a few tools, scouring CL, to fill-in the gaps where I don't have things, or upgrading from brand-X items. In December, I bought a KRL1002 roll cabinet with a stainless top for a smokin' price from Craig's List, to supplant my decades overloaded Craftsman box. It was so full, that I could scarcely find what I was looking for.
Anyhow, I hadn't paid attention until now that I am able to sort out my tools where I can actually see what I've got, but - and this is tough for me to admit - as I am (was?) a dedicated Snap-on fan (with a Mac or Matco piece here and there), but... the newer SO combination wrenches have a hard edge to them where the old logo (Circa 70's, 80's) and a nice smooth edge and to me are much more comfortable to use. The new one's just don't feel right to me, and that is a *huge disappointment*. I also see that Snap-on is using trivalent chrome, rather than the nice old-style hexavalent chrome, and honestly, these things look like cheapo chrome plated plastic. The 80-tooth ratchets don't have the same feel as the old ones. Yes - the ratchet action is smooth, but the way the handle feels in hand has changed - is it the balance? Materials? I don't know.
Until I started reading on the forums, here, I didn't even pay attention to note that the ratchets and many other items aren't made in the good ol' US of A, any more - and they are still commanding premium+ prices.
So, is it just me, or has Snap-on lowered their standards, and to what degree? What other readily available pro-grade hand tools are worth scouting for? How about S-K? Or??? Maybe Snap-on is still fabulous, and I just have to get accustomed to today's product.
Steer me in the right direction, please.
=Adam=
I bought my first Snap-On tools when I was in high school, and I regularly use those tools that I bought 30+ years ago. Over the past ten years, I've picked up a few items from the local Snappy dealer, just a piece here or there to fill a need for a particular project.
Recently, I have started to pick up quite a few tools, scouring CL, to fill-in the gaps where I don't have things, or upgrading from brand-X items. In December, I bought a KRL1002 roll cabinet with a stainless top for a smokin' price from Craig's List, to supplant my decades overloaded Craftsman box. It was so full, that I could scarcely find what I was looking for.
Anyhow, I hadn't paid attention until now that I am able to sort out my tools where I can actually see what I've got, but - and this is tough for me to admit - as I am (was?) a dedicated Snap-on fan (with a Mac or Matco piece here and there), but... the newer SO combination wrenches have a hard edge to them where the old logo (Circa 70's, 80's) and a nice smooth edge and to me are much more comfortable to use. The new one's just don't feel right to me, and that is a *huge disappointment*. I also see that Snap-on is using trivalent chrome, rather than the nice old-style hexavalent chrome, and honestly, these things look like cheapo chrome plated plastic. The 80-tooth ratchets don't have the same feel as the old ones. Yes - the ratchet action is smooth, but the way the handle feels in hand has changed - is it the balance? Materials? I don't know.
Until I started reading on the forums, here, I didn't even pay attention to note that the ratchets and many other items aren't made in the good ol' US of A, any more - and they are still commanding premium+ prices.
So, is it just me, or has Snap-on lowered their standards, and to what degree? What other readily available pro-grade hand tools are worth scouting for? How about S-K? Or??? Maybe Snap-on is still fabulous, and I just have to get accustomed to today's product.
Steer me in the right direction, please.
=Adam=
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