$2500 can use for snap on,how you will be use?

[falcon88]

hello ,i am a new auto mechanics student.A rookie

I am going to buy some tools,but just going to put $2500 for big brands.and another 2-3K for common brands.

So ,for your experience

if you have $2500 can use for snap on,what's your choice,how you will be use it?

Can you make a most valuable most useful $2500 Snap-on package for me as a reference.

 

[goodysgotacuda]

So if you are an auto student, you get 50% off. Are you spending $1,250 and getting $2,500 worth? Or are you spending $2,500 and getting $5,000 worth?

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I would recommend ratchets, wrenches, and extensions if you're just starting out. Screwdrivers too if you have any $$$ left over

 

[Bill Bowman]

$2500.00 would almost get you a HF franchise store.

 

[nevertoomanytools]

Buy tools as you need them, and don't waste money money on nice SAE tools as you will pretty much never use them unless you are working on 25+ year old cars.

I had that discount too and honestly didn't really use it much because even at half off there were often better alternatives. I did get the ph3050b air hammer and the matco 88 locking flex ratchets, the ratchets are worth every penny. Universal impacts and magnetic impact sockets (1/4") are nice to have, and locking impact extentions will save you a lot of headache when using both of those. Aside from matco ratchets/sockets I'm not sure there's much else from them I'd recommend though my matco tools are limited I just wasn't overall impressed with them.


But yeah dude, if you are a new student I'd hold off on dropping a lot of money right away. You may find out it's not what you want to do for the rest of your life after a few classes or after getting your first job.

 

[JJThrasher]

First recommendation would be to spend more lol.

Most important high dollar items are your main money makers. Sockets, Ratchets, Screwdrivers, and Wrenches. These are all things you want to buy once and be done for life.

Also other tool companies have a student program. I really recommend checking out Matco's it was the best when I was in school.

 

[DOUGD]

Invest in a large assorment of Snap-on sockets and combination wrenches in the smaller sizes (up to about 21mm or 1") . As you start to require the larger size wrenches and sockets their are other high quality USA brands at much better price points. Snap-On ratchets are nice but their are many other bullet proof ratchets available (Proto,Wright,SK) more of a feel and personal preferance. I would not invest in a Snap-On toolbox just way to much money. A Harbor Freight red svc cart and tool box will leave some money for some specialized tools as the need arises. Good Luck.

 

[falcon88]

So if you are an auto student, you get 50% off. Are you spending $1,250 and getting $2,500 worth? Or are you spending $2,500 and getting $5,000 worth?

how about if no discount ,just normal price right now,

how you will be use $2500?

 

[falcon88]

Buy tools as you need them, and don't waste money money on nice SAE tools as you will pretty much never use them unless you are working on 25+ year old cars.

I had that discount too and honestly didn't really use it much because even at half off there were often better alternatives. I did get the ph3050b air hammer and the matco 88 locking flex ratchets, the ratchets are worth every penny. Universal impacts and magnetic impact sockets (1/4") are nice to have, and locking impact extentions will save you a lot of headache when using both of those. Aside from matco ratchets/sockets I'm not sure there's much else from them I'd recommend though my matco tools are limited I just wasn't overall impressed with them.


But yeah dude, if you are a new student I'd hold off on dropping a lot of money right away. You may find out it's not what you want to do for the rest of your life after a few classes or after getting your first job.

Wow,thank you ,this is great.

 

[falcon88]

First recommendation would be to spend more lol.

Most important high dollar items are your main money makers. Sockets, Ratchets, Screwdrivers, and Wrenches. These are all things you want to buy once and be done for life.

Also other tool companies have a student program. I really recommend checking out Matco's it was the best when I was in school.

Matco's???ok ,i will looking for them in my city~~~thanks

 

[falcon88]

Invest in a large assorment of Snap-on sockets and combination wrenches in the smaller sizes (up to about 21mm or 1") . As you start to require the larger size wrenches and sockets their are other high quality USA brands at much better price points. Snap-On ratchets are nice but their are many other bullet proof ratchets available (Proto,Wright,SK) more of a feel and personal preferance. I would not invest in a Snap-On toolbox just way to much money. A Harbor Freight red svc cart and tool box will leave some money for some specialized tools as the need arises. Good Luck.

thank you,

So ,Snap-on sockets and combination wrenches in the smaller sizes

ok, got it

oh ,I did not think about the snap-on toolbox, don't worry

 

[K-Dog]

I would recommend ratchets, wrenches, and extensions if you're just starting out.

This guy has the best answer.

$2500.00 would almost get you a HF franchise store.

Thats funny is what that is....

 

[falcon88]

This guy has the best answer.





Thats funny is what that is....

 

[espyking83]

Buy trade-specific stuff from Snap On. Buy wrenches/ratchets/sockets from companies like Wright or SK. Buy your first box from Harbor Freight.

 

[gte718p]

Why are you yelling at me?

If I had $2500 to spend on craigslist I would be searching craigslist and buying an entire tool set from someone getting out of the trades.

Snap On makes great stuff, but it drops 20%-%50 of its value as soon as it walks off the truck. If you have the money now and don't need to make payments or have it delivered, there is no reason to buy new. Not like a socket really wears out.

 

[falcon88]

I would recommend ratchets, wrenches, and extensions if you're just starting out. Screwdrivers too if you have any $$$ left over

 

[falcon88]

Buy trade-specific stuff from Snap On. Buy wrenches/ratchets/sockets from companies like Wright or SK. Buy your first box from Harbor Freight.

trade-specific stuff ???

 

[demolitionman]

Falcon, I wrenched for a dealership for a little over one year. I wasn't cut out for it, and left for a job that I felt suited me better; that being said, I too had a student discount for Mac and Snappy. Looking back I wish I would have taken advantage of the deal more, and purchased pretty much full sets of snappy 1/2" drive, 3/8" drive, and 1/4" drive sockets and ratchets as well as much of the "hardline" stuff as I could afford from Snapon, as I would have them all today and be set, but nope, here I am 12 years later, alot better off in life and now I'm paying way way too much for snapon when I could have had it for far less LOL. Is Snappy worth it ? Egh, well I dunno, but it makes me feel good when I open a drawer full of their stuff. Kinda mystical and odd, and I don't think the value is really there for alot of people but the feel good I get from their tools is actually worth it to me.

DON'T get strung out on tool truck credit. I watched two of my friends do this and its horrble. They work to pay for their tools and its sad really as neither have any funds to do anything fun outside of work anymore; hell one of them actuall can't even take care of his wife and kids he's so in debt with tool trucks and the sadest thing is he is without a doubt the greatest tech I've ever met in my life.

If it were me, I'd spend your discount on the metric stuff like stated already, and buy cheaper alternatives for the SAE(unless your working on heavy equip). Also, the advice on avoiding a 7,000 dollar toolbox out of the gate IMO is good advice. I don't know if your wrenching flat rate or hourly, piece rate or what but i had alot of ups and downs in my paychecks when they cut my hourly and I started "flat rating". I'm getting wordy, so I'll pipe down, but yeh, looking back, I wish I would have bought WAY more hardline stuff from Snappy. Just love their mainline stuff.

And one more thing, stay off the tool trucks unless you absolutely need something. Most of it can be had for far far far far less from other sources if you do your research. IE...there is a thread on this forum that cross referances all the snappy, mac, matco stuff with their excact replica but branded differently....and fwiw the most badass combo wrenches I've ever used aren't snapon flankdrives. Their Wrightgrip full polish. Pull on them as hard as you want and your hands still don't hurt!

 

[falcon88]

Why are you yelling at me?

If I had $2500 to spend on craigslist I would be searching craigslist and buying an entire tool set from someone getting out of the trades.

Snap On makes great stuff, but it drops 20%-%50 of its value as soon as it walks off the truck. If you have the money now and don't need to make payments or have it delivered, there is no reason to buy new. Not like a socket really wears out.

 

[espyking83]

trade-specific stuff ???

You know, like ball presses and stuff like that? Stuff you will use every day and that you really on. Not saying you will use a BJ press every day but it is something you will need for sure. You need stuff that is quality and that you can rely on. Run of the mill stuff like wrenches and sockets are hard to break, dont care what anyone on here says, LOL

 

[espyking83]

And yeah, I agree, buy metric. I work on airplanes so I use SAE, but you will use metric 98% of the time.

 

[falcon88]

Falcon, I wrenched for a dealership for a little over one year. I wasn't cut out for it, and left for a job that I felt suited me better; that being said, I too had a student discount for Mac and Snappy. Looking back I wish I would have taken advantage of the deal more, and purchased pretty much full sets of snappy 1/2" drive, 3/8" drive, and 1/4" drive sockets and ratchets as well as much of the "hardline" stuff as I could afford from Snapon, as I would have them all today and be set, but nope, here I am 12 years later, alot better off in life and now I'm paying way way too much for snapon when I could have had it for far less LOL. Is Snappy worth it ? Egh, well I dunno, but it makes me feel good when I open a drawer full of their stuff. Kinda mystical and odd, and I don't think the value is really there for alot of people but the feel good I get from their tools is actually worth it to me.

DON'T get strung out on tool truck credit. I watched two of my friends do this and its horrble. They work to pay for their tools and its sad really as neither have any funds to do anything fun outside of work anymore; hell one of them actuall can't even take care of his wife and kids he's so in debt with tool trucks and the sadest thing is he is without a doubt the greatest tech I've ever met in my life.

If it were me, I'd spend your discount on the metric stuff like stated already, and buy cheaper alternatives for the SAE(unless your working on heavy equip). Also, the advice on avoiding a 7,000 dollar toolbox out of the gate IMO is good advice. I don't know if your wrenching flat rate or hourly, piece rate or what but i had alot of ups and downs in my paychecks when they cut my hourly and I started "flat rating". I'm getting wordy, so I'll pipe down, but yeh, looking back, I wish I would have bought WAY more hardline stuff from Snappy. Just love their mainline stuff.

And one more thing, stay off the tool trucks unless you absolutely need something. Most of it can be had for far far far far less from other sources if you do your research. IE...there is a thread on this forum that cross referances all the snappy, mac, matco stuff with their excact replica but branded differently....and fwiw the most badass combo wrenches I've ever used aren't snapon flankdrives. Their Wrightgrip full polish. Pull on them as hard as you want and your hands still don't hurt!

Great ,Great!thank you very much.

 

[falcon88]

And yeah, I agree, buy metric. I work on airplanes so I use SAE, but you will use metric 98% of the time.

metric first...got it

thanks

 

[AndyA]

I do a lot of SAE work (older cars/trucks/tractors), so I couldn't do with only metric.

Combo wrenches from 1/4" to 1", and 8mm to 19mm. I like combo wrenches instead of box-box or open-open. Personal preference. Ratches wrenches are nice since they're faster, but I'd buy the solid wrenches first.

3/8" drive ratchet, extensions, shallow and deep sockets, again in 1/4" to 1" and 8mm to 19mm. I like 6-point sockets. Most ratchet teeth are fine enough this doesn't cause problems. Of course, you'll need 12-point if you need to work on 12-point fasteners.

Screwdriver set (SHDX80R is a good start)

1/4" drive socket set. I have a Mac set that has sae/metric shallow/deep, ratchet, u-joint, and a few extensions all in a plastic snap case. This is nice to carry around to do small work. Everything in one package.

4pc pick set, like PSLR4

1/2" drive breaker, ratchet, extensions, sockets deep and shallow. I use the 3/8" drive the most, but the 1/2" comes in on bigger stuff, or when you need to put the torque on it. You also probably want a long ratchet, 15" or 18".

Regular pliers, needle nose pliers, slip joint pliers, side cutters. I have a lot of channel lock brand for these.

Flare nut wrenches. You don't use them that often, but they can save you from a major screwup.

I'm sure I'll think of more as soon as I hit the "post" button

 

[falcon88]

I do a lot of SAE work (older cars/trucks/tractors), so I couldn't do with only metric.

Combo wrenches from 1/4" to 1", and 8mm to 19mm. I like combo wrenches instead of box-box or open-open. Personal preference. Ratches wrenches are nice since they're faster, but I'd buy the solid wrenches first.

3/8" drive ratchet, extensions, shallow and deep sockets, again in 1/4" to 1" and 8mm to 19mm. I like 6-point sockets. Most ratchet teeth are fine enough this doesn't cause problems. Of course, you'll need 12-point if you need to work on 12-point fasteners.

Screwdriver set (SHDX80R is a good start)

1/4" drive socket set. I have a Mac set that has sae/metric shallow/deep, ratchet, u-joint, and a few extensions all in a plastic snap case. This is nice to carry around to do small work. Everything in one package.

4pc pick set, like PSLR4

1/2" drive breaker, ratchet, extensions, sockets deep and shallow. I use the 3/8" drive the most, but the 1/2" comes in on bigger stuff, or when you need to put the torque on it. You also probably want a long ratchet, 15" or 18".

Regular pliers, needle nose pliers, slip joint pliers, side cutters. I have a lot of channel lock brand for these.

Flare nut wrenches. You don't use them that often, but they can save you from a major screwup.

I'm sure I'll think of more as soon as I hit the "post" button

great,great ,thank you

 

[RedneckWelder]

Stack that paper and hold off till you have more of an idea of what you want. Seriously.

When you are better armed with the knowledge of what you need and want and like, then start buying and building your tools.

Flank drive wrenches, flare nut wrenches, screwdrivers, Dual 80 ratchets, chrome flex sockets- that's what I'd look to start off with from Snap On. Buy what you can from the SEP program then if you have an industrial rep for school see if he'll get you industrial prices...use the truck as the final resort.

Buy used, buy from estate sales, hit up craigslist. Squeeze that eagle on the quarter till it shits. You've got the time to build that set- and that time is your greatest asset.

 

[83c10submariner]

I like snap on but have little experience with them. Look into gray tools also. I don't know if they are cheeper then snap on but are canadian made and they are usually in any industrial park in a store so you don't have to wait for the tool truck to come back to your shop to get warranty. Gray has lifetime on sockets and wrenches and have some nice toolboxes for cheeper then snap on.

 

[83c10submariner]

As for air tools don't go snap on warranty is not good and rebuild kits are expensive. Go with IR cheeper to maintain you could have two one to use and one as backup for the price of one snap on

 

[falcon88]

As for air tools don't go snap on warranty is not good and rebuild kits are expensive. Go with IR cheeper to maintain you could have two one to use and one as backup for the price of one snap on

Wow...another good suggestion,thanks

 

[Rubiman14]

I don't get the only metric thing. I agree I use it the most, but not always. Almost everything I work on is domestic, though. Just did struts, tie-rods, end links, and brakes on a '10 Caddy DTS tonight. Used 9/16 and 5/8 a bunch. Strut and ball joint tools are 3/4 or 7/8. My Jeep is mixed, trucks use 15/16 frequently, etc. I'd at least budget for some cheaper SAE tools to have.

My Snap-on guy barely stocks SAE tools as well. He always has to order my stuff

 

[ssdave]

If I was just starting out, and buying Snap-on on student discount, I would buy the following from Snap-on if I couldn't find a deal on it used first:

Set of 1/4" drive sockets, regular and deep metric, shallow only SAE.
Set of 3/8" drive sockets, shallow SAE.
Set of 3/8" drive sockets, regular and deep metric.
Universal joint, 3 extensions from 2 to 6 inches for both 3/8 and 1/4" drive.
1/2" breaker bar, 2, 4, 6 and 10 inch extensions and reducer to use with the 3/8" sockets. (look for used 1/2" drive sockets in good brands, you'll need them eventually)
Set of metric combination wrenches, 6mm through 19mm.
Ratcheting screwdriver.
Set of flat screwdrivers.


I would look for a used deal on everything else, or buy it as I needed it, shopping among other brands as well as Snap-on. The key thing is to buy as much as you can of what you need, in a quality that will work for you, at the lowest possible cost, and preferably without going into debt for it. If you can get your basic tools up front, then money you make with them can be used to buy tools to speed you up or make your work easier or safer.

The thing I would not buy snap on immediately is my ratchets. I would get a basic ratchet used in each size to use initially. Used, you can get great US quality ratchets for $10 to $15 apiece. Then, try every ratchet you can get your hands on and see what you like before you make an expensive purchase. You'll use your ratchets a lot, you'll want to get what works best. I have several snap-on that sit in my box unused; there's others I prefer over them, as well as some snap-on I prefer over other snap-on. That wasn't as obvious to me when I bought the snap-on I don't use, but became apparent as I used them.

There is plenty of time in a working career to acquire prestige tools. After working for awhile and seeing other techs tools, you will know a lot better what you need and want to pay premium prices for.

What I have arrived at over time is that the following is worth paying Snap-on premium for:

1) 1/4" drive ratchets, extensions, sockets.
2) 3/8" drive sockets.
3) Ratcheting screwdriver.
4) Screwdrivers and picks of any type. (they work better plus you'll warranty them a lot, so the warranty & convenience is important)
5) Torx sockets
6) Hex sockets (I also like Proto really well).
7) Flare nut wrenches

I also really prefer the following in Snap-on, but like others also such as Proto, SK, Mac and Wright:

1) 1/2" drive sockets, extensions, etc.
2) Long combination wrenches
3) Long DBE wrenches
4) Short combination wrenches
5) Swivel sockets

On this above list, the ease of warranty in a shop might tip the scale to snap-on.

Things that I don't see an overwhelming advantage to Snap-on in the tool quality are:

1) Pliers. I only have a few; all the others are Klein, Knipex, Channel-lock, proto, Xcelite, etc.
2) Hammers. I have a couple of dead blow or rubber face, but most of the rest of mine are other brands instead.
3) Electronics. You pay a premium for Snap-on and don't necessarily get better. Convenience in a shop and support may make them worth it.
4) Impact sockets. Lots of others just as good for half the price.
5) Air Tools. Better ones out there for less money. No warranty or service advantage.
6) Taps & Dies. Snap-on are real good, but are disproportionately expensive. Again, warranty advantage might make it worthwhile.
7) Torque tools. On the fence on this one; I have Snap-on and others, but no preference.
8) Punches and chisels. Good, but expensive. I prefer Starret for quality, others for lower expense. I have Snap-on, but have many others. I only have the Snap-on because I found used for cheap.
9) Hex keys. Many other good sets, and see no quality difference for the huge snap-on price differential.
10) Saw blades, drill bits, and other expendables. You pay a lot for Snap-on convenience, without them being appreciably better.
11) Power tools. Essentially the only benefit they provide is that they deliver to your shop. So does UPS, and you can buy for a small fraction of the cost online and ship to you.
12) Tool Storage: Their boxes are nice and carry a lot of prestige. Used or less expensive boxes carry the tools fine, but don't carry the prestige. I'd wait on the prestige until I was making a lot of money and knew I was in it for a long haul.
13) Pry bars. - Shop around, not only for price but for what you prefer.
14) Gear pullers, bearing presses, bearing drivers, etc. - Shop for what you need that works best. Snap-on might be a big part of that, or none, depending on your needs/preferences.

 

[falcon88]

If I was just starting out, and buying Snap-on on student discount, I would buy the following from Snap-on if I couldn't find a deal on it used first:

Set of 1/4" drive sockets, regular and deep metric, shallow only SAE.
Set of 3/8" drive sockets, shallow SAE.
Set of 3/8" drive sockets, regular and deep metric.
Universal joint, 3 extensions from 2 to 6 inches for both 3/8 and 1/4" drive.
1/2" breaker bar, 2, 4, 6 and 10 inch extensions and reducer to use with the 3/8" sockets. (look for used 1/2" drive sockets in good brands, you'll need them eventually)
Set of metric combination wrenches, 6mm through 19mm.
Ratcheting screwdriver.
Set of flat screwdrivers.


I would look for a used deal on everything else, or buy it as I needed it, shopping among other brands as well as Snap-on. The key thing is to buy as much as you can of what you need, in a quality that will work for you, at the lowest possible cost, and preferably without going into debt for it. If you can get your basic tools up front, then money you make with them can be used to buy tools to speed you up or make your work easier or safer.

The thing I would not buy snap on immediately is my ratchets. I would get a basic ratchet used in each size to use initially. Used, you can get great US quality ratchets for $10 to $15 apiece. Then, try every ratchet you can get your hands on and see what you like before you make an expensive purchase. You'll use your ratchets a lot, you'll want to get what works best. I have several snap-on that sit in my box unused; there's others I prefer over them, as well as some snap-on I prefer over other snap-on. That wasn't as obvious to me when I bought the snap-on I don't use, but became apparent as I used them.

There is plenty of time in a working career to acquire prestige tools. After working for awhile and seeing other techs tools, you will know a lot better what you need and want to pay premium prices for.

What I have arrived at over time is that the following is worth paying Snap-on premium for:

1) 1/4" drive ratchets, extensions, sockets.
2) 3/8" drive sockets.
3) Ratcheting screwdriver.
4) Screwdrivers and picks of any type. (they work better plus you'll warranty them a lot, so the warranty & convenience is important)
5) Torx sockets
6) Hex sockets (I also like Proto really well).
7) Flare nut wrenches

I also really prefer the following in Snap-on, but like others also such as Proto, SK, Mac and Wright:

1) 1/2" drive sockets, extensions, etc.
2) Long combination wrenches
3) Long DBE wrenches
4) Short combination wrenches
5) Swivel sockets

On this above list, the ease of warranty in a shop might tip the scale to snap-on.

Things that I don't see an overwhelming advantage to Snap-on in the tool quality are:

1) Pliers. I only have a few; all the others are Klein, Knipex, Channel-lock, proto, Xcelite, etc.
2) Hammers. I have a couple of dead blow or rubber face, but most of the rest of mine are other brands instead.
3) Electronics. You pay a premium for Snap-on and don't necessarily get better. Convenience in a shop and support may make them worth it.
4) Impact sockets. Lots of others just as good for half the price.
5) Air Tools. Better ones out there for less money. No warranty or service advantage.
6) Taps & Dies. Snap-on are real good, but are disproportionately expensive. Again, warranty advantage might make it worthwhile.
7) Torque tools. On the fence on this one; I have Snap-on and others, but no preference.
8) Punches and chisels. Good, but expensive. I prefer Starret for quality, others for lower expense. I have Snap-on, but have many others. I only have the Snap-on because I found used for cheap.
9) Hex keys. Many other good sets, and see no quality difference for the huge snap-on price differential.
10) Saw blades, drill bits, and other expendables. You pay a lot for Snap-on convenience, without them being appreciably better.
11) Power tools. Essentially the only benefit they provide is that they deliver to your shop. So does UPS, and you can buy for a small fraction of the cost online and ship to you.
12) Tool Storage: Their boxes are nice and carry a lot of prestige. Used or less expensive boxes carry the tools fine, but don't carry the prestige. I'd wait on the prestige until I was making a lot of money and knew I was in it for a long haul.
13) Pry bars. - Shop around, not only for price but for what you prefer.
14) Gear pullers, bearing presses, bearing drivers, etc. - Shop for what you need that works best. Snap-on might be a big part of that, or none, depending on your needs/preferences.

 

[Finky198]

This is excellent advice ^^^ Get yourself the basic core set of tools that you're going to use every day.... A lot of people say not to waste money on Snap-On and go buy cheaper tools and then figure out what you need and replace them as needed.

While Im a huge believer of saving money and finding deals. I tend to think if you're serious about your career and this is really what you want to do for a lving then go with the "buy once / cry once method" as long as you stay within your monthly tool budget if you're going to be using them daily why not just start off with the best you can afford.

for spectlty tools stick to the manufacturers that lead in there specific market ie: (Mityvac, Fluke, Sunex, IR, Mayhew, OTC..) alot of Snap On is just overpriced rebranded stuff like meters, torque wrenches, extractors, drill bits, but on the other hand sometimes the warranty outweighs the additional cost.

For example Snap-On taps and dies are made by Irwin but carry a lifetime replacement warranty which makes them worth much more in the long run...

The Best thing you can do which you've already done is asked questions and as you buy more tools ask more questions you have thousands of members here that have plenty of experience and knowledge to offer you... Best of luck and happy purchasing.

Ps: don't get too drunk off the Kool-Aid

When I started out I remember trying to save as much money as possible. I think I ate more Ramen noodles and peanut butter than I could possibly imagine, but it paid off in the end because I had thousands of extra dollars to spend on tools of which I still have versus the food which would be in the toilet bowl. so pick your poison.... your priorities and what are you willing to sacrifice. If your a drinker, smoker, buy lunch??? Maybe it's time to cut back and see what you can do to increase you tool budget.