MAC Tools compared with Snap-On, other automotive brands

[mikew13]

I don't know why anyone would be offended at rebadged Proto ... nevertheless, MAC/Proto offers a whole slew of top-tier, USA-made mechanics tools manufactured in house:
-Combo wrenches
-Chrome Sockets
-Impact Sockets
-Bit Sockets (including RBRT)
-Knurled Extensions
-90-Tooth Axis Ratchets
-Duratek Screwdrivers
-Nut Drivers
-Pry Bars
-Punches & Chisels

Imports include:
-Pliers made by Knipex (Germany)
-Locking pliers made by Grip-On (Spain)
-Anti-Vibe Hammers (Taiwan)

That looks like a SOLID lineup to me!

you got it wrong, I would rather buy Proto. Just like Mac and Snap-On they have the same grip on Spanish made locking pliers.
Wilde makes pliers for both Proto and Mac.

 

[dstblj52]

I don't know why anyone would be offended at rebadged Proto ... nevertheless, MAC/Proto offers a whole slew of top-tier, USA-made mechanics tools manufactured in house:
-Combo wrenches
-Chrome Sockets
-Impact Sockets
-Bit Sockets (including RBRT)
-Knurled Extensions
-90-Tooth Axis Ratchets
-Duratek Screwdrivers
-Nut Drivers
-Pry Bars
-Punches & Chisels

Imports include:
-Pliers made by Knipex (Germany)
-Locking pliers made by Grip-On (Spain)
-Anti-Vibe Hammers (Taiwan)

That looks like a SOLID lineup to me!

rbrt is made in taiwan by stanley churo

 

[Finance Guy]

rbrt is made in taiwan by stanley churo

Confirmed ... my apologies!

 

[Steve_P]

I think in the 1980s-90s, you could compare Mac to SO; although even then I considered Mac a small step below. Today, I can't see that comparison being debated. And I'm not a SO fan, I own very little, but I don't see how you could consider Mac close to SO today. And SO prices are insane, I won't pay them, but IMO there is no comparison between the two as far as what's made in the US, what's rebranded, etc.

 

[Finance Guy]

IMO there is no comparison between the two as far as what's made in the US, what's rebranded, etc.

Can you be more specific … you cannot be referring to mainline mechanics tools? Are you talking about specialty tools? Which ones in particular?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

The tools I have from Mac are ok but there nothing to rave over in my opinion. I do like the knurling on their sockets and I’m sure they are a better price than their competitors. I do like the design of their locking extensions too. I like their old hard handle screwdrivers but not the new ones but that is just preference as I don’t like soft grips. Last time I was on the Mac truck about two years ago their ratchets didn’t seem like they would come close to a Snap-on or Matco but I could be wrong cause I’ve never used them personally.

 

[Finance Guy]

Thank you for all of the feedback, especially:

The one tool type that I really prefer Mac over Snap-on for is punches, drifts and chisels.

Impact sockets, Mac doesn't wear as fast as Snap On. (Also holds true for Proto vs Williams). Also the pocket prybar, only mac tool I've bought new and it was worth tracking down a mac truck.

MAC is definitely onto something with their RBRT lineup. Save money on the Proto equivalents where you can. Although a student discount on Mac might even the score.

Snap on - flare wrenches and anything that is chrome and swivels it seems. That ball joint press might also be worth looking into.

Some of my favorite MAC Tools are: knurled extensions, MAC puts deep, effective knurling around the female square drive end where you really need it. Since I absolutely loathe the snap on instinct handle, I like the MAC Duratech screwdrivers, trim tools, hose picks, and anything else with a handle. As others have mention the RBRT line of extractors and bits are probably the best damaged fastener tools on the market today. Although Proto got the better ratchet handle design, the Axis line of 90 tooth ratchets are also outstanding.

There are three things that I think Snap on has an edge on over everyone else: Flare wrenches too include crowfoot, the heavy duty gold colored Torx bit sockets, and the Phillips#2 screwdriver when mated to a non instinct handle. Everything else to me, doesn't matter.

I do like the knurling on their sockets and I’m sure they are a better price than their competitors. I do like the design of their locking extensions too. I like their old hard handle screwdrivers but not the new ones but that is just preference as I don’t like soft grips.

And last, but not least:

Really, I find I'm just disappointed in GJ here. Most replies have been balanced and reasonable, and even include measured reasons to back up the opinions stated.

 

[Kscardsfan]

The tools I have from Mac are ok but there nothing to rave over in my opinion. I do like the knurling on their sockets and I’m sure they are a better price than their competitors. I do like the design of their locking extensions too. I like their old hard handle screwdrivers but not the new ones but that is just preference as I don’t like soft grips. Last time I was on the Mac truck about two years ago their ratchets didn’t seem like they would come close to a Snap-on or Matco but I could be wrong cause I’ve never used them personally.

While ratchets are a super personal thing regarding feel, my Snap On and Mac 3/8” stuff is right neck and neck in my hands. Beneath that is my SK and Icon stuff, and then everything else. But as far as smoothness, back drag, etc go I can’t tell enough difference between SO and Mac in use.

 

[dstblj52]

Thank you for all of the feedback, especially:











And last, but not least:

the best thing about mac is the promo's that 350 deal on their precision torque wrench set promo is hard to beat

 

[setfocus]

The bulk of my hard line tools are snap-on from the student program. What I've added since has mostly been matco because I liked my matco dealer the most and matco/Mac prices are a bit friendlier than snap-on. Now, I don't even have a matco truck that stops by, so I've been getting more Mac instead. I generally only purchace snap-on out of either convenience or because I prefer snap-on for a specific tool

I feel like the quality of the hardline tools between snap-on, Mac, and matco are pretty close with snap-on edging out the other two more often than not. Think it comes down to preference most of the time. For example, I don't like the Mac wrenches with the sharp squared off beams, they dig into my hand. But I'm sure they work as well and last just as long.

 

[Finance Guy]

For example, I don't like the Mac wrenches with the sharp squared off beams, they dig into my hand.

Thank you … are there any MAC tools that you prefer over Snap-On?

 

[gearhead1]

I think MAC historically has been just as good as SO, excluding any newer stuff possibly being made overseas. I think it comes down to preferences and SO has excellent marketing. Yes, SO is great stuff, but I think their marketing is the best. I have fixed many a vehicle and equipment with the old Craftsman ratchet that everybody hates.

Side note: I also think Proto is great quality tools for a lot less money than SO/MAC. SO / MAC catered to the automotive market while Proto catered to the industrial market. Proto won’t have some automotive specific/specialty items. If I was starting out now, I’d do the math between getting all from a tool truck or get my basic stuff in Proto, then get specialty/specific stuff from a tool truck.

A lot of folks here on GJ know this but for those that don’t, Proto is short for Professional Tool. It‘s original name was Plomb and was a West Coast operation. Plumb sued Plomb, and Plomb had to change its name.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I think MAC historically has been just as good as SO, excluding any newer stuff possibly being made overseas. I think it comes down to preferences and SO has excellent marketing. Yes, SO is great stuff, but I think their marketing is the best. I have fixed many a vehicle and equipment with the old Craftsman ratchet that everybody hates.

Side note: I also think Proto is great quality tools for a lot less money than SO/MAC. SO / MAC catered to the automotive market while Proto catered to the industrial market. Proto won’t have some automotive specific/specialty items. If I was starting out now, I’d do the math between getting all from a tool truck or get my basic stuff in Proto, then get specialty/specific stuff from a tool truck.

A lot of folks here on GJ know this but for those that don’t, Proto is short for Professional Tool. It‘s original name was Plomb and was a West Coast operation. Plumb sued Plomb, and Plomb had to change its name.

I think you nailed it, Snap-On has a marketing team that most politicians would kill for.