What do you guys think of snap-on tool sets?

twincam00 · Sep 3, 2011

Hi guys, I'm going to be in the diesel technician program at my local tech school and they give like a 50-60% discount off snap on tools. I was looking at their tool sets since they have almost exactly what i want in them. What are your opinion about these? Not trying to start a snap on/mac/craftsman debate, just want to know what you think. I'm going to get snap-on for my most used hand tools anyways

heres the 2 sets ide like to get:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=2290&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=2291&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I was also thinking of storing it all in a snap on classic 78 box (which i also want to get)

smogtech · Sep 3, 2011

if you plan on staying in this field for the long run definitely use the SO student discount to get what you need. Quality tools that will last you.

BUT! my question to you is how are you going to be paying for this? Credit? Cash? before we go any further.

But from looking at the set. There are somethings that you want and some you don't really want. You might want to pick individual pieces. Let me point out some things; flashlight, ear protection, wire brush, the single pry bar(you want a set trust me), putty knife, adjustable wrench, 2 general service sets?, lady foot pry bar, ball peen hammer, adjustable joint pliers.

I would also look into getting a service cart with your tool box.

twincam00 · Sep 3, 2011

I would be paying upfront with cash. thats a good point, I'm curious if the dealer SO dealer would be against ordering everything separately, like more of a hastle for him so he charges me more?

Skin · Sep 3, 2011

you dont need to purchase sets with the student program, you can purchase individual tools. Thats mostly why i'd avoid those expensive sets, there is so much filler in there you dont need to be paying premium prices for [even discounted] tools like vise grips/hex keys/hammers etc..

franzdom · Sep 3, 2011

Most but not all of Snap-on sets are just the individual prices added up. There are exceptions. For instance, if you really like one of those sets don't worry that there is only one pry bar as the set/4 is only the sum of the four so you could get the same discount on the other 3 and not be behind. Some of their sets are a real bargain, for instance the 131TMPB is cheaper than the sum of it's parts. How about using a spreadsheet and listing everything in the kit, adding it up retail for retail. The dealer won't really mind if you decide to do ala carte.

smogtech · Sep 3, 2011

I believe when you do student discount you would order directly through snap on. The truck dealers don't handle the student discounts. At least thats how it is for matco, but I might be wrong on this one you'll want to check.

Buy snap on basic hand tools like sockets, ratchets, breaker bars, etc.

Some stuff you could look else where. Like Ingersoll Rand for air tools, Fluke for electrical stuff, Knipex for pliers.

Some companies also offer student discounts. I know IR sells a student package at a discounted rate. You get something like 1/2 impact, 3/8 and 1/4 air ratchet, and a air hammer or something like that.

matco also offers student discount directly through their website. Some of their stuff is pretty nice too. Like the XL spline drive ratcheting wrenches the 19mm is like 20 inches or 88 ratchets etc.

rsanter · Sep 3, 2011

if the set has 95% percent what you need and the items you dont need are sellable then its an easy way to go.
if not then just order individual and dont worry about it

another thing. do you really need all that now?
might it be better to buy a lot of stuff every other month starting with the basic stuff and go from there.
I am assuming you will be in school for a little bit

bob

ibedayank · Sep 3, 2011

a box only holds the tools ....start with a cheaper box and upgrade when you get a job

MadMark · Sep 3, 2011

I would get the 131TMPB set that Franzdom spoke of, looks like a great under the dash set, if it only had hex and torx.

Does anyone know what the part no is for the red plastic box for this set?

csargents1546 · Sep 3, 2011

I second avoiding the sets, too much extras that they charge a premium because it says Snap on.

DrkMtnDew · Sep 3, 2011

Skin said:
you dont need to purchase sets with the student program, you can purchase individual tools. Thats mostly why i'd avoid those expensive sets, there is so much filler in there you dont need to be paying premium prices for [even discounted] like vise grips/hex keys/hammers etc..

ibedayank said:
a box only holds the tools ....start with a cheaper box and upgrade when you get a job

these are really good bits of advise. buying individual allows you to get what you need and skip the rest.

Blacknwhitepit · Sep 3, 2011

If I had access to a student account I would buy all the screwdrivers, sockets, ratchets and dead blow hammers I could then sell them on Ebay. Take the profit and buy used Snap on and other tools.

The must have Snap on items are Flare nut wrenches, dual 80 ratchets and 3/8 drive deep well sockets. (IMHO)

-BWP

dankicksass · Sep 3, 2011

School programs don't go through a dealer, they're with Snap-On Industrial. Your tool box will come from a big truck and the rest from UPS. Buy what you want, but I say buy all the LP locking pliers you can. The student discount applies only to a limited number of items, and has a cash value cap, plus you can only buy one of any particular item. You'll figure it out, just do it online.

ibedayank · Sep 3, 2011

OP are you going for bigrig diesel or 2ton to 3/4 ton?

better to have $15,000 worth of tools in a $1000 box
them have $1000 of tools in a $15,000 box

MadMark · Sep 3, 2011

Blacknwhitepit said:
The must have Snap on items are Flare nut wrenches, dual 80 ratchets and 3/8 drive deep well sockets. (IMHO)

-BWP

Curious, why are the deep well 3/8 drive must haves?

is it a strength issue?
I would get the semi deeps in 1/4 and 3/8 drive if I had the discount.

Wrenches of Death · Sep 3, 2011

ibedayank said:
better to have $15,000 worth of tools in a $1000 box them have $1000 of tools in a $15,000 box

Sadly, this is a major point that a lot of people people fail to grasp.

I can't tell you the number of times I've seen other guys get mesmerized by that shiny new box and then want to borrow a flare nut wrench or a 3/4" cold chisel or some other basic, entry level tool, that they should have bought years before.

Or, they want to borrow five bucks every couple of days so that they can eat lunch or buy gas or whatever because of that note on that new box.

I have no sympathy for people that can't manage to act responsibly and keep any reasonable sense of priorities in life. Maybe a few years living on the street eating out of dumpsters and having to have their kids wormed like puppies every few months would open their eyes.

WoD

shampoop · Sep 3, 2011

I was in exactly your shoes a few years ago. I got more student loans than I needed (very very low interest) Just to buy a bunch of SO tools at half price. I was auto instead of diesel though.

I agree that from what I've seen most sets seem to cost the same as the sum of their parts, but personally there's always stuff in those sets I don't want anyway, so there's not much point in getting them in my mind.

I'm very glad I did NOT buy one of their boxes, left me more money for tools and odds are you're going to be moving a lot at the beginning of your career. Smaller lesser brand boxes make this easier, and you don't have to worry about damaging them. Also, A large box might not work where you end up getting a job. Or you may end up getting a excellent work bench to yourself so there's no point in getting one with a work surface.

Things you really need to get while in school

-Flank drive plus wrenches
-Locking impact extensions
-Dual 80 ratchets

SERIOUSLY

G1GRANDEUR · Sep 3, 2011

Buy whatever you can afford, and it's okay to go over limit with price like that. :evil:

diesel research · Sep 5, 2011

I do believe the SEP program limits you to a half priced KRA/heritage type box, so all this babbling about $15k boxes is worthless. More like $1500-$2,000

A kra/heritage at half price is a FAAAAAAR smarter idea than buying a lesser box at full price, taking a beating on resale, and then eventually buying the same box at full price that you could have got at half price.

The kicker is, even after you have USED it, you are likely to recover your entire "investment" and possibly slip a little extra in your pocket.

If there is only 1 thing to buy at discount, it's actually the box.*@#$

Here is a sample from a industrial price list a few years ago (understand the price has went up)

ph3050a air hammer-$169
ct4410 3/8 cordless impact KIT $245
deadblow ballpeen $33-$47
techangle 1/2" digital 50-250 $226
prybar set $84
kra4813 (40" 13dr) $1200
kra4107 (40" 7dr) $1170
kra2318 (53" 18dr) $1600
krsc40a/krsc46 (40" roll carts) ~$750

I'm sure the prices have went up slightly, and even when they were that price pretty much nothing is 50%, more like 45%.

IMHO, stay the hell away from any larger sets. Cherry pick with great discrimination.

Wish I could get stuff at that price.

back2class · Sep 5, 2011

I have to disagree 100% with the above box advice. I buy and re-sell many boxes and if you can get 50% of retail on even a nice shape used box......you are an amazing salesman. YOU WILL LOOSE MONEY selling it, even if you buy it for 1/2 price.

Not hard to find top quality boxes used for 30% of retail.....go that route or some other used box deal of lesser quality to get you up and running. Remember you will be a biz man...not just a mechanic. Make wise investments and purchases..not ego or impulse ones. If it makes more sense to buy new...sell on ebay and then buy used then do it....though I am not sure it will net you much. Keep the overpriced snap-on to what it offers a good value in....things that break easy and wear out fast. You are in it to make money and not to collect fancy tools. I see some dummies buy all snap-on and have huge payments.....or no money. Don't be one of those loosers. It is about like owning a taxicab company....and using a fleet of mercedes for the cars. Yes, nice and pretty....but stupid biz decision when the Crown Vics will break down only a tiny bit more if at all....and cost a ton less. Much better bottom line!

Mr.Nutcase · Sep 5, 2011

Build your own set, that is what I did....
I wished I had bought more...

Fedwrench · Sep 5, 2011

Snap on used to sell OEM specific sets. You may want to check those out. My advice would be:
1. try not to go into debt.
2. Consider a tool cart instead of a monster box.
3. Get the basics. Think, what do I need to perform entry level tasks. Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and basic sizes in chrome and impact sockets are always needed.
4. Snap on make the best flare (crowfeet, wrenches) and best torx bit drivers. ensure you have room for those.
Good luck with school and life, :beer:

mrholeshot · Sep 5, 2011

At 50% I would buy socket sets, wrenches and screwdrivers. Buy a used Snap-On box and meters, pliers and other tools from top quality vendors who sell Channellock, Fluke, etc.

twincam00 · Sep 5, 2011

thanks for the input guys, think ill be picking and choosing just what i need

earlthegoat2 · Sep 5, 2011

I went to an automotive school (and even took some classes) and there was a bulliten board (physical bulliten board, not online like this) where students would always buy and sell tools. Mainly tool boxes. Look around at your school for one of these. I bought a few tool boxes for my own use (since I was not technically and auto student) and I got great deals on them. A double bank Craftsman roll around for 90 bucks and a small SNap On 7 drawer for 100. People will use those boxes and then try to sell them as graduation approaches with the idea they are going to get something bigger and better as they start their new jobs.

Also, shouldnt you be getting more Metric tools first. I buy metric first then SAE. Metric is what most fasteners are these days anyway plus metrics will fit many SAEs nearly perfect as well which cant be said for SAE fitting metric. Metric is much more verstile unless you know you are going to be working on primarily SAE fasteners.

diesel research · Sep 6, 2011

back2class said:
I have to disagree 100% with the above box advice. I buy and re-sell many boxes and if you can get 50% of retail on even a nice shape used box......you are an amazing salesman. YOU WILL LOOSE MONEY selling it, even if you buy it for 1/2 price.

Sell me a krsc40/krsc46 for 40% shipped in like-new condition and add credibility to you claims. I regularly see them on c-list for over $1000, and even at that price had considered ponying up.

40" single banks are popular in diesel shops. Metric is also important, but SAE equally as much so. Along with t20 t25 t40 torx. Some allen, some square, quite a bit of 12pt, perhaps a few surprises like robertson.

earlthegoat2 · Sep 6, 2011

I can see where a KRSC40 series would sell for 1000. That is not too common to see come up used and the people who are looking for them really want them bad.

However, something like a KRA2411 (Classic 78) which retails for a little over 4K will hardly be able to sell for 1500 around these parts. The market is saturated with boxes of this size.

BloodySinner · Sep 6, 2011

twincam00 said:
I would be paying upfront with cash. thats a good point, I'm curious if the dealer SO dealer would be against ordering everything separately, like more of a hastle for him so he charges me more?

If the dealer gives you **** for ordering separately, then I would suggest you take your business elsewhere.

chewy7 · Sep 6, 2011

ibedayank said:
better to have $15,000 worth of tools in a $1000 box
them have $1000 of tools in a $15,000 box

what he said

diesel research · Sep 6, 2011

chewy7 said:
what he said

You can't buy a $15,000 or even $6,000 box on any student programs that I know of.

Since you are probably not aware what the KRA line is, it is their entry level lower end line up. Still a huge leap from HF or cman, but not these gigantic higher end units you see wealthier techs lining the walls with.

Probably a step down from the old craftsman pro, BUT about 4x less expensive than the old cmans.

472scout · Sep 6, 2011

twincam00 said:
thanks for the input guys, think ill be picking and choosing just what i need

That's exactly what I would do. Also don't forget to watch craigslist for quality American tools.

earlthegoat2 · Sep 6, 2011

Getting a larger box on Craigslist will be the way to go.

Just for some information, I did buy a KRA4008 sized cabinet and top chest to go with it from the SEP program. This is quite a small box combo by this forum's member's standards. It was all I ever needed though. If you store your tools right, you can fit quite a few in there. For diesel though, I would definitely go the next size up from this. You guys need a few more tools in my experience.

Sizing your box to your tools is the best way to save money, get a better value, and work better and faster. Only get the tools you need and do not duplicate. This goes against the conventional wisdom of "you can never have too many tools" maybe this is true. If you need a gazillion tools the leave the redundancies at home. Professional techs dont need to get caught up in tool hoarding in their job box.

Black89LX · Sep 6, 2011

I am also in a diesel program at my local tech school, and i have completed the auto program. i have been taking advantage of the snap-on discount as much as i can. My Rep does not have a problem with ordering what i want, i will also say email your rep with a list of tools that you want to see if you can get them at discount prices, not everything available through the program is online.

I would also recommend staying away from the sets... the two you have listed would be nice because they are complete, but for the money you are better off getting just the individual socket, wrench and screwdriver sets... go with channellock for pliers.

As far as a box, its up to you, you have a chance to get a snap-on box at half price, so why not. I have the kra2106 and kra2104 top/bottom... at the time it was the best price/size efficient buy, i got the combo for $1560 where most kids went with the kra2411 for $2100... I wish i would have just waited and bought a different box though. I would have bought the US General 56" box for $800. or the 40" set for $1100 (top, bottom and side lockers)

This fall I plan on buying the krsc31 shop cart. at $450 its a great deal. My box is full so this is the cheapest way of obtaining extra room and have matching snap-on (side locker=$1500 end locker=$750 end cab=$1125 drawer section=$1050)

From what I have purchased, I recommend:

impact sockets - the last sets you will ever buy, so it is definitely worth the money
impact swivel sockets - I use them all the time, you will find out that you will not always be able to get in with a standard socket. having swivel sockets is just that much nicer
dual 80 ratchets - at half price you dont want to pass this opportunity, its not the fact that they have a shorter ratchet arch, its the comfort, they are so smooth!
torx and hex bits - nice complete sets and they wont twist or break like cman or gearwrench, very dependable.
hammers - very comfortable and hard hitting, I bought the HBBD1632GX set, my rep suggested it, they are GREEN

I have the craftsman pro combo wrenches, made in usa, they are just about as good as the flank drives and i got the 26pc set for $150 last summer. now the craftsman pro wrenches are made in china, so i dont know about the quality.

As far as air tools. Ingersoll Rand has a student program. they have a set that includes the 2135timax and 1207max d3 ratchet for $299!! awesome deal!

good luck with your decisions!

Flash21 · Sep 7, 2011

listen to FedWrench and mrholeshot...

What do you guys think of snap-on tool sets?

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