Do I have a problem with these Snap On sockets?

[SalahHH83]

So I made my first purchase of a Snap On product and I was pretty excited - I found a NIB and still shrink wrapped set of 3/8 drive metric shallow sockets on Ebay and won the auction for a good price.

When they arrived I opened them up and was excited to inspect them. I pulled out a 15mm socket and checked it out. Everything looked excellent. I then checked some of the smaller ones and noticed what appear to be gouges from machining, as if the metal wasn't fully removed. I flipped the sockets around and noticed on the larger sockets, looking from square end, the hole goes through fully square. On the smaller sockets which also had the issues of the gouges/uneven sharp edges from what appeared to be bad machining, the square 3/8" end has a smaller round hole. I'm not sure if it is supposed to be like that for strength purposes or if this is related to the issues these smaller ones have.

Here are some pictures. The pictures don't really do justice to the issue I'm trying to illustrate but hopefully they help.

These 3 are pictures of a 15 or 16mm socket - Everything looks great




These are pictuers of one of the smaller ones - I believe it was a 13mm but it's the same issue on several of the smaller ones. You can see the issue I'm talking about with the inside bottom of the socket being uneven and looks like when you try to use a cutting tool too quickly on a lathe. There are gouges and unevenness in the metal. On the opposite side you can see how the square hole does not go all the way through on these like on the larger ones (I don't think this is a huge issue but I figured I'd take some pictures as well).






I'm not trying to be nitpicky but these are the most expensive sockets I've ever bought. Buying the snap on brand and paying the premium for it, I expected these to be absolutely flawless and not come out of the box with any sort of defect, even if it's just cosmetic. Should I contact Snap On and ask them to replace them? Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

Thanks in advance

 

[Dust Devil]

You say you payed a premium.

Did you pay full price from a snap-on dealer or snap-on corp ? if not then you did not pay premium, you took a shortcut.

Call corp and complain loudly, really make a big deal. Make sure you tell them you bought the sockets off of e-bay for a good price.

 

[SalahHH83]

You say you payed a premium.

Did you pay full price from a snap-on dealer or snap-on corp ? if not then you did not pay premium, you took a shortcut.

Call corp and complain loudly, really make a big deal. Make sure you tell them you bought the sockets off of e-bay for a good price.

I'm not sure why I upset you? No I did not pay the full price list price. That is also because I did not buy them from a Snap On truck where the Snap On man needs to be paid for his time and services - I did not take a "shortcut" as you put it. That being said, I purchased a Snap On brand product. It's a product produced by Snap On and placed into the stream of commerce by their company. It carries their name and their warranty. The sockets cost less than they would off of a truck but still cost far more than any other brand of socket. Last I checked their warranty didn't say "if you pay a truck guy $500, you get this warranty - if you buy the tool from some other source, you get another warranty"

 

[abvw]

The square end doesn't go all the way through until you get to 14mm and bigger, all 6 sets of my Snap-on sockets are like that. It's there to provide structural rigidity so you don't twist and deform the socket when dealing with small head/large shaft fasteners.

These are tools, not jewelries. Put them to good use and soon you will forget how much you paid for them.

 

[abvw]

I'm not sure why I upset you? No I did not pay the full price list price. That is also because I did not buy them from a Snap On truck where the Snap On man needs to be paid for his time and services - I did not take a "shortcut" as you put it. That being said, I purchased a Snap On brand product. It's a product produced by Snap On and placed into the stream of commerce by their company. It carries their name and their warranty. The sockets cost less than they would off of a truck but still cost far more than any other brand of socket. Last I checked their warranty didn't say "if you pay a truck guy $500, you get this warranty - if you buy the tool from some other source, you get another warranty"

Sorry bud, since you picked this set up from eBay that makes you the second legal owner of these sockets. All Snap-on tools are warrantied to the original purchaser only.

Like what I tell my customers all the time: "just because you can buy it, doesn't mean it's right for you".

 

[Dust Devil]

Snap-on has no intention of people selling their product on e-bay.

Ever.

You really should read the warranty.

and I am not upset, I am laughing at you.

 

[CobraChevelle]

After you use those sockets a couple times, I guess you should send them in for warranty if you get a scratch on them.


edit: Does it say snap on or ********? better be careful on ebay... you know like Rolex vs Rolexx or Rolox lol

 

[gj67stang]

....It carries their name and their warranty. .....

Name - yes. Warranty - no.


As was said above, the smaller sizes have a smaller "thru-hole" to maintain strength. The "gouges" appear to be normal to broaching of that size.

 

[abvw]

After you use those sockets a couple times, I guess you should send them in for warranty if you get a scratch on them.


edit: Does it say snap on or ********? better be careful on ebay... you know like Rolex vs Rolexx or Rolox lol

I think Snap-on is one of those premium products that cannot be easily imitated unlike LV and Gucci.

100% of the time if the tools are stamped Snap-on they are the real deal.

 

[Adam.C]

Good chance the reason these were available for a good price on ebay was because they were defective. Did the ebay seller communicate this? I suggest you send them back to the seller.

The official statement from Snap On is that their warranty only extends to the original purchaser. Since Snap On does not offer tools for sale anywhere but their website and their dealer netowork, the tools you bought on ebay are not covered.

I have purchased many Snap On sockets on ebay and none exhibit the problem you are seeing. While what I can see from your photos doesn't appear to effect the ultility of the tool, it is possible these sockets have other unseen problems.

 

[Flivver250]

Find a Snap on dealer and ask him to warrantee them (if there is an actual defect). You may be able to send them to SO for warranty. Don't sell the company short. If they made the tool, they will warranty it if defective. I have never been asked for a bill of sale. I bought all of my SO from a dealer, but I could not prove it and my dealers are long gone.

 

[ScottsGT]

So everyone is assuming that a truck dealer doesn't have an account with ebay he can also sell on? Or are they restricted to their route sales only?
Like others have said. Use them, drag them across the driveway under your car, drop them from the engine bay and give them some character!
I was called a Nancy boy here for complaining about the chrome peeling off my Snap-On ratchet the truck dealer would not replace. Snap-On agreed with me and sent me another after sending mine in. They told me they didn't want their products out there that were defective like this.
I had mixed feelings about swapping it since it was with me for 30+ years.

 

[Cope]

Find a Snap on dealer and ask him to warrantee them (if there is an actual defect). You may be able to send them to SO for warranty. Don't sell the company short. If they made the tool, they will warranty it if defective. I have never been asked for a bill of sale. I bought all of my SO from a dealer, but I could not prove it and my dealers are long gone.

I called SO last year for warranty on 2 hammers and a wrench. I told them I was not in a shop and had no dealer to call. They warrantied all three items and even gave me a free upgrade on one hammer that was discontinued.

 

[Dust Devil]

When you call corporate it is very important to tell them you bought it on E-bay.

 

[Sal Bandini]

So in some threads where someone is asking about buying tools people say search Ebay for used Snap On. Now in this thread people are saying you don't get a warranty on them since they are not direct from Snap On.

Why are people suggesting to buy tools with no warranty?

 

[OutsideMachinist]

So in some threads where someone is asking about buying tools people say search Ebay for used Snap On. Now in this thread people are saying you don't get a warranty on them since they are not direct from Snap On.

Why are people suggesting to buy tools with no warranty?

Because people place too much value in warranty anyways. If they were in better condition when he bought them it wouldn't be an issue and they are still useable. They shouldn't warranty it. Should have just bought some brand new sockets like sk or equivalent for the same price or less.

Think if they warrantied every tool someone bought second or third hand from ebay or a flea market demanding warranty even though its twenty years old and they never payed retail for a tool from that company ever. That is part of why craftsman went down the tubes.

 

[Sal Bandini]

One of the main reasons people buy and recommend Snap On is because of their warranty. You take away the warranty and you are left with an overpriced tool.

 

[1950mercury]

I never look that close at my tools. Some people are just ****.

But I suppose if I played full retail for snap on sockets they better be perfect for what they cost. I have plenty of them but picked up used nice ones.

Just use them and enjoy them

 

[2oolhound]

I don't see any defects. As long as the working surfaces are good and there are no gouges that compromise strength (such as on the side wall etc.) or damage to the chrome surface there's nothing wrong with them. Little nicks on the end aren't going to hurt anything. They aren't jewellery for your wife. Go slip them over a dirty oily and greasy old bolt and torque on them.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

One of the main reasons people buy and recommend Snap On is because of their warranty. You take away the warranty and you are left with an overpriced tool.

Yes. When you purchase them brand new online from THEIR website or from a tool truck. You can't just grab a bucket of broken stuff from a garage sale and expect brand new snap on.

A diyer will never/rarely break brand new snap on stuff without abusing it anyways. Snap on warranties abused stuff for techs because they are paying 100 bucks a week or more and have up to 10's of thousands of credit with them.

If I buy something cheaper on amazon or ebay or local or whatever I dont expect a warranty. That is the risk you take to save money.

 

[CNGsaves]

The lure of wanting SnapOn sockets got the OP in trouble on this one. He wanted them so badly, he didn't do background check on Ebay seller, or know that warranty would be an issue.

All that OP needs to do is return to Ebay seller if dissatisfied.

It's entirely possible that particular Ebay seller has source of cosmetic reject Snappy sockets and sells them for profit above his acquisition cost.

 

[Sal Bandini]

^^^ I understand.

So what is advantage to buying Snap On used? You might as well save more money and buy SK used. Or just buy SK new. It's probably still cheaper.

 

[OHMS LAW]

Yea. Not jewelry. They are meant to work. If you need show pieces then buy from the source

 

[OutsideMachinist]

^^^ I understand.

So what is advantage to buying Snap On used? You might as well save more money and buy SK used. Or just buy SK new. It's probably still cheaper.

Yes sir I agree. I don't buy Snap on. However, I will defend their warranty practices cause I think too many people abuse warranty in general trying to get over. OP I would just send them back if possible. Good luck.

 

[1950mercury]

The lure of wanting SnapOn sockets got the OP in trouble on this one. He wanted them so badly, he didn't do background check on Ebay seller, or know that warranty would be an issue.

All that OP needs to do is return to Ebay seller if dissatisfied.

It's entirely possible that particular Ebay seller has source of cosmetic reject Snappy sockets and sells them for profit above his acquisition cost.

I highly dought they are cosmetic defects in a sealed set. I don't think snap on would let there defects leave the factory,

 

[1950mercury]

Yea. Not jewelry. They are meant to work. If you need show pieces then buy from the source

And how would those be any different?

 

[SalahHH83]

The square end doesn't go all the way through until you get to 14mm and bigger, all 6 sets of my Snap-on sockets are like that. It's there to provide structural rigidity so you don't twist and deform the socket when dealing with small head/large shaft fasteners.

These are tools, not jewelries. Put them to good use and soon you will forget how much you paid for them.

Sorry bud, since you picked this set up from eBay that makes you the second legal owner of these sockets. All Snap-on tools are warrantied to the original purchaser only.

Like what I tell my customers all the time: "just because you can buy it, doesn't mean it's right for you".

Thank you for your helpful responses. I guess I assumed the snap on warranty would be similar to craftsman or others - if a tool fails, they simply replace it. Does Snap On ask to see receipts? What if I was handed down tools from my father? No warranty if a wrench jaw breaks? I guess that's what I get for assuming, but it's not the end of the world and I'll happily have learned my lesson.

Good chance the reason these were available for a good price on ebay was because they were defective. Did the ebay seller communicate this? I suggest you send them back to the seller.

The official statement from Snap On is that their warranty only extends to the original purchaser. Since Snap On does not offer tools for sale anywhere but their website and their dealer netowork, the tools you bought on ebay are not covered.

I have purchased many Snap On sockets on ebay and none exhibit the problem you are seeing. While what I can see from your photos doesn't appear to effect the ultility of the tool, it is possible these sockets have other unseen problems.

Thank you Adam. I know the issues I found aren't the end of the world and appear to only be cosmetic, but like you said when you see something like that straight out the package, it makes you wonder the condition/integrity of the rest of the steel. I obviously use my tools and they will get scratched and nicked and the like but when I saw that straight out the package it made my scratch my head.

Thanks to everyone who provided helpful information. Dust Devil, I'm not really sure why you feel the need for rudeness but it really isn't necessary in a discussion about sockets.

 

[herfalerf]

the other thing that hasn't been mentioned is that while snap-on may sell their products online they really only desire their products to be used and purchased by professional technicians and craftsman. the snap-on franchise is how they want you to buy their products and they give their drivers a lot of leeway as to how they run their business. some drivers are hard asses about warranty and some are not. it also depends on how much money you spend with them. if you run $400 a month through the truck they are far more likely to warranty that broken chrome socket (that you clearly put on an impact) than if you rarely buy from them. that said my snap-on dealer will warranty pretty much anything for me and I don't spend a ton of money. hes a great dealer and on the rare occasion that I do want to buy something from a tool truck I buy from him.

I have seen people take old wrenches and sockets that they got at a garage sale onto the truck and walk off with shiny new tools. it just depends on the dealer and how willing he is to abuse the warranty.

 

[OHMS LAW]

I have bought a few different sets of sockets from the truck and from tech school and the first thing I check to make sure all the sizes are there. Other than that I use my tools to make money. I really don't care about dents and dings as long as it is does not effect the part I put on a fastener.

 

[LB-1911]

Thank you for your helpful responses.

I guess I assumed the snap on warranty would be similar to craftsman or others - if a tool fails, they simply replace it.

Does Snap On ask to see receipts? What if I was handed down tools from my father? No warranty if a wrench jaw breaks? I guess that's what I get for assuming, but it's not the end of the world and I'll happily have learned my lesson.

Your not the 1st, won't be the last -

Snap On Warranty
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193830

Terms of and Conditions of Sale
https://www1.snapon.com/display/termsofsale.nws?docid=539&

 

[SalahHH83]

The lure of wanting SnapOn sockets got the OP in trouble on this one. He wanted them so badly, he didn't do background check on Ebay seller, or know that warranty would be an issue.

All that OP needs to do is return to Ebay seller if dissatisfied.

It's entirely possible that particular Ebay seller has source of cosmetic reject Snappy sockets and sells them for profit above his acquisition cost.

The seller actually only advertised that they are new, still in plastic with the part number - no history of being a source for blemished tools. I checked the sellers' reviews before purchasing. Again, I know it's not the end of the world but admittedly, I expected more for a company that charges a super premium. The sockets were new, in the magnetic plastic tray, wrapped in plastic with Snap On's cardboard paper label inside.

And the reason I bought these wasn't out of lust for snap on - I actually came across them while looking for SK sockets. I figured I didn't own any Snap On tools at the time and have always heard of their reputation of being "best in the business" etc. I figured I would buy these and see how they are before running out and spending my kids' college fund on a full set of Snap On products.

If Snap On's policy truly is "buy it from our truck guy for 200 bucks or take a hike if our socket snaps if you got it elsewhere" - well, then I guess I'd be a bit surprised. This forum is littered with posts about people buying snap on stuff at a flea market and having it replaced under warranty. Like some others have said, if snap on doesn't warranty its tools without a receipt, what's the value in the warranty? If they don't require a receipt, how on earth are they ensuring that you were the original purchaser? especially if it's a tool from the 1950s that fails?

 

[n8n]

^^^ I understand.

So what is advantage to buying Snap On used? You might as well save more money and buy SK used. Or just buy SK new. It's probably still cheaper.

Agreed. I wouldn't pay a premium for the Snap-On name; I don't have a problem buying used Snap-On and in fact have for some items but I understand that warranty is at the discretion of your local truck guy as the official policy is that there is none.

They're still good tools, but just understand the warranty. S-K or Williams is a better buy for a non-professional as their warranties are better and the tools are quite good.

 

[n8n]

If Snap On's policy truly is "buy it from our truck guy for 200 bucks or take a hike if our socket snaps if you got it elsewhere" - well, then I guess I'd be a bit surprised. This forum is littered with posts about people buying snap on stuff at a flea market and having it replaced under warranty. Like some others have said, if snap on doesn't warranty its tools without a receipt, what's the value in the warranty? If they don't require a receipt, how on earth are they ensuring that you were the original purchaser? especially if it's a tool from the 1950s that fails?

It's at the discretion of your driver. If the driver feels like doing you a solid he'll warranty your stuff. If you don't have a relationship with him, good luck trying to get anything from SO corporate. If you call them and tell them you're not the original purchaser, they will sell you repair parts at reasonable prices, but they won't warranty your stuff.

I have had a Williams ratchet that I told the CS rep up front that my friend had picked out of a scrap bin and both pawls were shattered; I was prepared to buy a repair kit if still available (it wasn't) but they offered to warranty it. They made me send it back to them, but I got a shiny new ratchet in the mail a short time later.

 

[jacked_72]

I'd just stay away from snap on in the future. The people that support that company don't seem to be very friendly, do they?

 

[rsanter]

There is nothing wrong with those sockets. Those are a mass produced product that is intended to be used. They are not for show and they are not collectable or jewelry.
While they may not look perfect or pretty, they are fully function for what is needed and how they were designed. What you are seeing is just a little manufacturing difference between the sizes of the sockets.

Bob

 

[gungatim]

One of the main reasons people buy and recommend Snap On is because of their warranty. You take away the warranty and you are left with an overpriced tool.

I don't know anyone that recommends snap on due to warranty. HF yes. Craftsman, used to. but warranty on Snap-On is notoriously hit or miss. some have no problem. others have drivers that are a pain. I have had no issues emailing corporate, but warranty is not the main recommendation for Snap-On from the million+ posts on here. convenience of the truck, quality, American made, those are what always come to the top.

 

[Davefr]

One of the main reasons people buy and recommend Snap On is because of their warranty. You take away the warranty and you are left with an overpriced tool.

No!!

People buy SO because of the dealer service, simple financing, breadth of product offering and generally good quality.

SO's warranty isn't that good without the local dealer relationship.

The correct statement should be "take away the dealer support and you are left with an overpriced tool".

 

[SalahHH83]

Agreed. I wouldn't pay a premium for the Snap-On name; I don't have a problem buying used Snap-On and in fact have for some items but I understand that warranty is at the discretion of your local truck guy as the official policy is that there is none.

They're still good tools, but just understand the warranty. S-K or Williams is a better buy for a non-professional as their warranties are better and the tools are quite good.

I agree I'm very happy with the SK sockets I have added to my toolbox. They all pass the eye test and look to be a well manufactured product. I put some of them to use last weekend and so far so good.

It's at the discretion of your driver. If the driver feels like doing you a solid he'll warranty your stuff. If you don't have a relationship with him, good luck trying to get anything from SO corporate. If you call them and tell them you're not the original purchaser, they will sell you repair parts at reasonable prices, but they won't warranty your stuff.

I have had a Williams ratchet that I told the CS rep up front that my friend had picked out of a scrap bin and both pawls were shattered; I was prepared to buy a repair kit if still available (it wasn't) but they offered to warranty it. They made me send it back to them, but I got a shiny new ratchet in the mail a short time later.

Thank you and definitely good to know on Williams! I have an old Williams B-52 ratchet handed down from my father. I disassembled it and cleaned and lubed everything and it works beautifully after several decades.

I'd just stay away from snap on in the future. The people that support that company don't seem to be very friendly, do they?

I'd be willing to bet the mark up on ALL the higher priced tools (Snap On, MAC, SK, Matco, Armstrong, Proto etc.) is likely astronomical. I seriously doubt it costs Snap On close to $200 to produce a set of sockets... or $100... or $30 for that matter. I understand with a company like that you're paying for a good quality product but you're also paying for a warranty and service and of course their cost of marketing and their profits. It's for that reason I'd expect the warranty to be a good one if a tool should ever fail. It seems like Snap On in particular has a following where if you say anything about the product other than it's God's give to mankind, they'll jump down your throat like you just insulted their mama! Lesson learned for sure.

 

[1950mercury]

I'm sure if you want to You will still be able to warranty them just don't tell them You bought them on ebay. That's on you weather or not you want to knowing there policy. I warranty all my stuff through a friend and between the two of us we habe bought enuff stuff that the driver will warranty an item even if he knows we bought it esed

 

[404]

Find a Snap on industrial (not automotive) guy doing industrial sales or selling to schools. Have him hook you up with the 55 percent off deal. No need to mess with ebay.