SnapOn verses Craftsman Tools... My Take..

Some of you may know that I’ve been a Craftsman tool fan all my life. I started purchasing their tools over fifty years ago. Weekly, one at a time, thanks to the proceeds of my childhood paper route. They served me well for many years. And are still in my tool arsenal yet today, that has since multiplied like rabbits. Although I’m not a full time wrencher. All my tools get used more than by most home users. Besides restoring antique cars. I do all my home repairs and keep all my drivers, old and new, running....

Back in November of 2008, I purchased all the tools, machinery, and equipment from a local antique car restorer. Included was this SnapOn KR-650 and KR-660 roller tool box filled to the gills with lots of nice SnapOn tools. Needless to say, a number of members asked me to evaluate them. Comparing them to my all time favorite tools,, Craftsman.

After five month's use, I have concluded that SnapOn makes good tools. Indeed the quality of SnapOn’s far exceeds that of Craftsman’s. And it didn’t take me long to get accustomed to using them. Besides the chrome being almost flawlessly smooth and glistening. They are thinner and can get into tighter places. While still being strong enough to be handle without kid gloves on. Plus they have a superior balance and seem to fit and grab the fasteners better. I have to say they just feel and work right!

Okay all you SnapOn fans out there. Stumbling on this acquisition sure made a SnapOn believer out of me... But I’m somewhat glad that I didn’t find out earlier in my life. I’d either have a lot less tools today or I'd be a heck of a lot poorer. On the other hand, Craftsman's tools never let me down. Few of them ever broke. And when they did, Sears always replaced them without any problems.

Sweet collection.

Many folks including myself like the new, shiny chrome on tools, but there is something to be said for the "patina" that a well used ratchet or wrench develops. It gives the tool character I think. It tells a history of how the tool was used. My used tools are some of my favorite, engravings, scratches, worn finish and all. I look forward to when my newer tools develop that look so they can tell a history of how I used them.

Edit: This didn't really relate to the OP but I just thought of it when I saw some drawers with new shiny tools and some that were old and well worn.

Excellently stated old car guy. Great collection of fine tools and sweet box.

OldCarGuy,

That's a great assessment. As a lifelong Craftsman tool user and an SO addict for the last 15 years or so, I agree wholeheartedly. I prefer to use SO tools at home and would consider it a downgrade to have to use Craftsman.

That said, there are many tools I simply would never purchase from Snapon, including 3/4" drive (no "tight-quarter" advantage) and most rebranded Blue Point items due to the markup over OEM.

On the trail is a different story -- where tools get abused into performing whatever function they must to get us out of the woods, Craftsman is king. They never let us down even when used well outside the parameters they were designed to function within (and they usually are). After every serious run, I have 2 or 3 bent or broken tools to exchange at Sears, most having sacrificed themselves while getting the job done. I suppose the Snap-on guy would warranty them too if they were his, but I bet he'd get tired of it after a while.

Anyone who says SnapOn meets a higher quality standard and dimensionally fit where Craftsman tools will not is correct. It can also be argued successfully that SO tools "feel better in the hand".

Those who claim it is not possible to make a living with Craftsman tools, however, would be quite surprised to see how many out there can and do every day.

well put evaluation
I have similar experience.
I grew up using mostly Cman stuff with a few other brands mixed in. in my teens I started a collection of cman tools (verses just using my dads stuff) as I got deeper into the hobby I started ecperiencing a failure of some of the tools here and there. I developed the perception that the cman stuff my dad had was toughter than the 1980s stuff I was aquiring. one thing that bugged me was that the deep sockets I had were thicker walled that the ones my dad had but yet several of mine broke and his did not. I broke (stripped) a few of my cman ratchets but yet my dads did not and that old champion ratchet of his works great to this day.
I picked up a few snap on tools here and there and there was a 'feel' about them that was just a little better than the cman stuff even if I could not put my finger on just what it was.
most of my common use stuff is now snap on and the cman is the backup or spare stuff.
the newer cman pro wrenches are a big jump up from the standard wrenches but still dont feel as nice as the snap on stuff

bob

isr2kba said:

OldCarGuy,
Those who claim it is not possible to make a living with Craftsman tools, however, would be quite surprised to see how many out there can and do every day.

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I can attest to that

I love snap on tools.... I like the old style craftsman ratchets..

Mr.Nutcase said:

I love snap on tools.... I like the old style craftsman ratchets..

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This is the only time you will ever see me promote Snap-On tools - their ratchets. If you are using Craftsman ratchets, do your self a HUGE favor and get your hands on a Snap-On ratchet. World of difference.

Scott

very nice box and collection. Very tactfull way of comparing the two. I agree, as well as like both SO & Cman. Both have their place and use. Nice box btw!

Thank you for the very fresh post there is much reason behind it. that being said i wish i could roll that tool box and tools into my home even though you have had it for a while ill give you a "you ****" award.

Diesel_Crawler said:

Thank you for the very fresh post there is much reason behind it. that being said i wish i could roll that tool box and tools into my home even though you have had it for a while ill give you a "you ****" award.

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Ya, like he needs another! Carefull there, you will give him the big head!

Uncle Buck said:

Ya, like he needs another! Carefull there, you will give him the big head!

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I hope we are talking the head that is above the waste line

MXtras said:

This is the only time you will ever see me promote Snap-On tools - their ratchets. If you are using Craftsman ratchets, do your self a HUGE favor and get your hands on a Snap-On ratchet. World of difference.

Scott

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couldnt agree more...best of both worlds....snapon ratchets turning craftsman sockets

I think the observations by the original OP are what alot of us have found out.

Excellent display of your collection OldCarGuy! You set the bar real high with all of your tools and toys.

Is there anything you DON'T already have?!

Joelfke said:

couldnt agree more...best of both worlds....snapon ratchets turning craftsman sockets

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I do it every day....

That take makes a lot of sense to me. I have limited experience with snap on tools, but from what I know, I'm in agreement.

Nice toolboxes and tools.

nice stuff