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Brown Snap-On wrenches

Jtotoiu

New member
Joined
Jan 7, 2014
Messages
2
Greetings, I am new to the forum so let me start by saying hello to everyone.

My first question is in regards to something I have found rather perplexing and have not been able to find any information on. Let me state for the record that I am by no means a "tool polisher" but I do appreciate quality tools for both their fit and finish. I use my tools daily and put them through their paces. Over the years I have amassed a substantial collection consisting mainly of Snap-On products as well as a few MAC , Matco and Cornwell tools as well. Now for my dilemma. A few months back I purchased two new sets of Snap-On standard length Flank Drive Plus combo wrenches in both metric and SAE through the company's website. Upon receiving the wrenches I noticed that something was "off." For starters, the chrome had a dark brownish gray color to it instead of the rich, almost bluish chrome found on all my other Snap-On wrenches. Also, the stamping on the wrenches is very deep and distorts the feel and contour of the wrench in comparison to my older flank drives. I find this very odd in that they stand out like a sore thumb in my wrench drawer. These are the first new Snap-On hand tools I have purchased in a while, the last time being 2010. Did I receive some factory "duds" or is the quality of Snap-On tools going down the tubes like so many other tool companies over the years? I picked up a 14 piece set of Craftsman Industrial fully polished wrenches recently for my truck box and the quality of the chrome is stunning, especially for $75. Before everyone piles on calling me an OCD wacko, I assure you I am not, but when I drop $1,400 on two wrench sets I expect the absolute best quality possible.

I would greatly appreciate if anyone could shine some light on this or has had a similar experience.

Thanks,

Jeremy
 
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Farmall450

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 23, 2011
Messages
13,371
Location
Marengo, Illinois
One wrench, it happens.

2 whole sets, costing over a grand, wow.

This is why I stick to cman industrial for full polished wrenches.
 
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J

Jtotoiu

New member
Joined
Jan 7, 2014
Messages
2
I find myself reaching for the craftsman industrials over the new snappy set. The Craftsmans oddly enough, just feel higher in quality.
 
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DieselSaves

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Messages
848
Location
Big Sky Country
I have been wondering about Snappys current quality control as well. I have a full set of 1/2 drive sockets, standard and deep, sae and metric. The last two I use were the first time on each and both buckled the chrome on the corners. Neither was on an impact or had a cheater on it. One was used on a lug bolt(17mm) for a VW and the other was a 13/16. I have never had any socket do this to me. The SL80A ratchet that came with the package deal also has chrome chipping off the edges. These are new tools, new from the dealer not seconds. They were even on back order so I had to wait a few extra months to get them.

I tried to get pictures but my phones flash keeps me from getting an accurate picture of the flaking chrome.
 
Last edited:

Farmall450

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 23, 2011
Messages
13,371
Location
Marengo, Illinois
I have been wondering about Snappys current quality control as well. I have a full set of 1/2 drive sockets, standard and deep, sae and metric. The last two I use were the first time on each and both buckled the chrome on the corners. Neither was on an impact or had a cheater on it. One was used on a lug bolt(17mm) for a VW and the other was a 13/16. I have never had any socket do this to me. The SL80A ratchet that came with the package deal also has chrome chipping off the edges. These are new tools, new from the dealer not seconds. They were even on back order so I had to wait a few extra months to get them.

I tried to get pictures but my phones flash keeps me from getting an accurate picture of the flaming chrome.

This is...strange. I have only a few ratchets, 3/8, and they all seem fine.
My instincts also seem fine, along with my ratcheting screwsticks...

I find myself reaching for the craftsman industrials over the new snappy set. The Craftsmans oddly enough, just feel higher in quality.

I like how the industrials aren't sharp like snappys.
 
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