Following the logic of business 101 here........
12k spent on snap on...resale later 6k equates to 6k loss
Snap on tools run 4 to 20 times the amount of craftsman, kobolt, husky, etc etc
So lets say a set of the above about 3k where as the comparable set from snap on costs 12k.
Lets say the craftsman, kobolt, husky, etc etc never gets sold.
That's still only a 3k loss
In addition the craftsman, kobolt, husky etc etc are still under warranty
The snap on isn't if it changes hands unless all of the receipts are packaged in resale and that is still subjective according to snap ons warranty policey
Hey man, I agree! But the poster was not asking about Craftsman or Husky. I could have stocked my box with all Snap-On and MAC several times over, but it's mostly Craftsman, Proto, Klein, some Mac, Cornwell and other good USA tools. All of it every bit as good as a pro needs. I sell all of the snap-on because it is not better and sells for stupid high prices compaired to any other brands. I seldom even keep MAC or Matco as they sell well and my Proto and much of my Craftsman stuff is just as high quality. Only keep the truck brands on a few items, otherwise they are just passing through untill the Proto or SK version comes along.
Dave FR, you are NOT correct. Yes, you may find better than 20% on perfect high demand sets. I have bought and sold a little over 50k of used high end mechanics hand tools here and on ebay over the last few years. On snap-on I average 35% of new retail on sales. Much higher for fine shape ratchets or popular complete sets like 3/8 sockets or wrenches. But well used stuff, small lots, odd pieces, and less popular stuff 25 cents on the dollar is about average. Less desirable stuff from Cornwell....can't hardly give it away. Just look at how much stuff I have listed here for under 50% of retail. Yeah, most all the snap-on stuff sold quick. But the Mac and matco....hardly sold any of it....and cornwell is much worse. Look, I have a $340 cornwell impact socket set....can't get 30% of the retail for it and it is a popular item kind of thing.
You may look through rose colored glasses looking up closed ebay auctions for "ideal" cornwell tools. But when old mechanics tools get sold, much is odds, ends, and or well used and that has near no value if branded with Cornwell.
To Skin
"what are 20-40 year-old beat to hell tools worth of any brand? Exactly. Plus money is made with the tools, not in them. If you're at the point where a few thousand really matters you've failed in much more important ways than tool purchases."
I know a few retired mechanics, all are at the point a "few thousand" dollars would be a big help. Though VERY few mechanics last 30-40 years in the field. Not much money to save when you average just $48k a year. Maybe you are one of the rare one who make big money, but cant do flat out flat rate for 40 years. Authritis and C-tunell get you long before that. Nevermind it is plain stupid to ignore basic biz math and piss thousands of dollars away. Now, one could argue the savings by buying Cornwell then invested in securities would compound over 30 years and end up being a better value. But few people will do this. He may as well buy tools with better service, less long term cost and with more flexibility as an asset when faced with the choice. Makes even more sense when the chances he will sell them at some point are very good. Plus, snap-on sell well used and beat up....and will be around. Cant say the same for Cornwell. Spoke to the President of Cornwell last year. He seemed to care less about my concerns with the experience of the end customer. My guess is they will not be here in 30 year even if their tools are.
