Blue-Point....educate me

[SpeedCoach]

What exactly is the "blue-point" line of tools? Is it a more "average-joe" line by snap-on? I'm just curious...i see them here and there and just never really understood the difference...

Thanks - sorry for the newb question, but the search really only showed individual listings, not a hard and fast description.

 

[T VETTE]

Not sure on the purpose of Blue Point but always found it to be a quality line of tools. Have some from 50's and 60's given to me by a relative who passed years ago.

 

[Fedwrench]

Today's blue point is far different from that from years gone bye. First off, many blue point tools are rebadged automotive specialty tools not made by Snap on. They could be made by Lisle, Schley, AST, Cal Van, or any other specialty tool company. Currently Snap on also has Blue Point branded mechanics hand tools that are made in China. They have a lifetime warranty and are offered as alower cost to the Snap on line.

 

[tigmusky]

good question?? Years ago guys where saying they were snap-on oversea line. I don't belive that tobe ture.

Daye

 

[383astro]

I bought a Blue Point adjustable wrench set and didnt think to check the COO, when I got them they said they were made in Taiwan. Still like them though.

 

[caper]

Older blue point ratchets,sockets and wrenches were a lower cost made in US line from Snap on.The newer ones are pretty much all imported tools.I'd buy old Blue Point all day if I could find them.The newer stuff they can keep in my opinion.Why pay Snap on prices for toptul tools.

 

[skeletonizer]

I bought a set of Blue Point SAE combo wrenches (3/8" thru 1") off the Snap-on truck in the early 90's. They were identical to the Snap-ons except for the markings and the finish. They were satin chrome, made in USA and less than half the price of the shiny ones. I still have the set minus the 9/16". I wish they still made them, I would replace my 9/16" and get a matching metric set.

 

[wreckercologist]

Before 1948, there wasn't a Snap-on wrench line really. Thats where Blue Point came in. Blue Point was marketed along side Snap-on as the same quality.

After 1948, Blue Point was still available as a separate line, but Snap-on offered what look to me to be the same wrench with a different name. I have several wrenches from before 1948 and after. They are the same and I believe most have the same part #. Later on, Blue Point came out with a "Supreme" line, but I only have them in tappet and open end configurations so I don't know if "Supreme" was available in all Blue Point wrenches.

What has been said about the current Blue Point line being imported from Taiwan is correct, but be careful if you are looking at buying a used set. I have both 8-19mm(early 2000's) and 3/8"-7/8"(early 2000's) but they are USA made. They are, to my eye, identical to the current OEX line of Snap-on's. I compared them side by side, one on top of the other. They lack the polishing and finishing of a Snap-on, and have a dull Chrome finish. I'm thinking the Blue Point wrench COO switched to Taiwan around 2003 or 2004.

If you're looking at a used set and want USA made, they will be stamped so directly on the beam next to the Blue Point name and part #.

I can't speak about the current Blue Point stuff. I'm with caper on this.......why pay the money for imported Blue Point when you can find the same for cheaper?

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Lower cost option is what I always thought. Were always good quality, especially when they were US made.

 

[crewchief888]

i bought a set of blue point 3/8-1" comb wrenches many years ago as a 2nd set for my "work" tools. USA made, never broke or spread any of them. i like the satin finish, oily/ greasy hands dont slip as easy, some of my SO wrenches the chrome is nearly worn off from the last 25 years of use.

 

[jteck75]

I have a few Blue Point ratcheting combo wrenches that I bought a few years back to replace some missing singles in a set. Although they are made in Taiwan,they have been tough as hell.

 

[fatfillup]

Before 1948, there wasn't a Snap-on wrench line really. Thats where Blue Point came in. Blue Point was marketed along side Snap-on as the same quality.

After 1948, Blue Point was still available as a separate line, but Snap-on offered what look to me to be the same wrench with a different name. I have several wrenches from before 1948 and after. They are the same and I believe most have the same part #. Later on, Blue Point came out with a "Supreme" line, but I only have them in tappet and open end configurations so I don't know if "Supreme" was available in all Blue Point wrenches.

What has been said about the current Blue Point line being imported from Taiwan is correct, but be careful if you are looking at buying a used set. I have both 8-19mm(early 2000's) and 3/8"-7/8"(early 2000's) but they are USA made. They are, to my eye, identical to the current OEX line of Snap-on's. I compared them side by side, one on top of the other. They lack the polishing and finishing of a Snap-on, and have a dull Chrome finish. I'm thinking the Blue Point wrench COO switched to Taiwan around 2003 or 2004.

If you're looking at a used set and want USA made, they will be stamped so directly on the beam next to the Blue Point name and part #.

I can't speak about the current Blue Point stuff. I'm with caper on this.......why pay the money for imported Blue Point when you can find the same for cheaper?

Very well stated and the 1948 time frame is about right from my checking of date codes on dozens of old wrenches.

 

[mcmaster68]

I have a set of BP ratchet wrenches SAE and can't tell the difference between them or my Snapon's. I just like the shinny chrome of the SO's glittering in my box i guess. But ironically enough I do grap the BP's more often...It's like I have show wrenches & work wrenches.