Does a total novice need Snapon tools?

[justanengineer]

For me it comes down to what I enjoy doing. I work on vehicles due to necessity but also as a hobby, but find myself involved in other hobbies the majority of the time. That being said, SnapOn doesnt make many tools for other hobbies (metalworking, woodworking etc), so I buy what I need, which more often than not isnt SO.

 

[powertrip]

The majority of posts are not getting it. He is not a professional, does not work on cars, does not have access to a tool truck an is looking to buy a nice set for the first time in his 48 years of life. He is not a tool snob and does not want to spend money he does not have too. He does not need snap-on.

 

[clouseau]

I'm quite unapologetic about why I own them - it's because I enjoy them. No other reason is necessary.

That being said, the majority of my tools have been acquired from decades of trolling swap meets, flea markets, and pawnshops... and lately, internet forum classified ads. It's been a hobby and a pasttime in itself, and even better the tools have been purchased generally from 10% to 50% of retail prices. A professional couldn't spend 20 years looking for just this tool and that tool... but an amateur can.

X2

Where in the UK are you?

In the sunny north-west moose, next to a pint of Boddingtons!..... Dontcha just hate it when you arrive at a boot-sale at 5 past six in the morning and pass someone walking OUT with a tool box that looks half full of tools!

 

[NWphotog]

I beg to differ with other opinions above. A set of Craftsman tools would be fine for what you intend for use. Besides being the most widely popular tools, they are affordable, reliable, universal, and their warranty is unbeatable for all practical purposes.

In fact, I know professional mechanics that would buy Craftsman if they were delivered like Snap-on.

And the money you save could be put to better use elsewhere.

Steve

Exactly. Snap-on for Pros is over kill but justifiable. Snap-on for a homeowner that doesn't do automotive or other intensive use is out and out ridiculous. No need to drink the kool-aid because some others have spent $40k on sockets.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

In the sunny north-west moose, next to a pint of Boddingtons!..... Dontcha just hate it when you arrive at a boot-sale at 5 past six in the morning and pass someone walking OUT with a tool box that looks half full of tools!

Hold on... You're telling me there's a five-past-six in the morning? Really?

 

[JML2]

I'm not a professional auto mechanic. I do have a large tool collection for homeowner use to fix things, minor auto work, to work on bicycles (I can do just about anything), to fix minor plumbing problems, work on electrical stuff (electronics and appliances), furniture kit construction, hobby stuff, etc. And I tend to go overboard if my finances and spouse permit. But I've never regretted buying quality tools; on the contrary, as others have noted, if you buy something cheap, you'll end up replacing it after cursing. Only a few Craftsman tools are worth owning these days; you'll learn which are made by reputable quality tool makers, and which are (increasingly) junk. Stay away from Harbor Freight unless you are making an informed decision. I have only a few Snap-On ratchets and sockets, for special purposes.

I would recommend a set of the GearWrench Vortex pass-through socket wrenches, covering 1/4" drive and 3/8" drive equivalents, in SAE and metric, along with their set of insert bit sockets (hex, torx, etc.). That means you don't need short and deep sockets, can have enough to fix just about anything you'll find and do some work on a car. They're an incredible bargain and are very high quality. Two sets of Gearwrench reversible lever wrenches would be good, too.

If you need more sockets, you can get them later (over the years, I have acquired S-K 1/4" and 3/8" drive socket sets, as well as sets of older Craftsman USA-made sockets, and a slew of ratchets, but I have separate tool sets for bicycle work and general home use.

For screwdrivers, Wera Kraftform powerbit and insert bit drivers (various ones) and a set of Felo ergonomic grip drivers for times when the Wera aren't going to work out. Hex and Torx key sets from Bondus, in small and long variants (the long with ball-ends).

Pliers & cutters from Facom and Knipex (electrical variants and mechanical use). Micropliers from Klein, Xuron, and CHP (but I do a good deal of hobby stuff with them).

At least one Dremel rotary tool: I have an AC-powered one and their Stylus, with plenty of attachments and burrs. Eye protection is a MUST.

Woodsaws, a hacksaw, and a jigsaw. Two sets of files (regular machinist's files, and a set of micro files). Quality levels, squares, and rulers.

Several hammers! Some are all-steel, several Warrington-pattern hammers, framer's and trim hammers, dead-blow, soft-face, etc.

Drills, drill bits, and accessories (you may well need only one of the new 12V lithium-ion driver/drills, but you can get a more powerful battery-powered drill. A good AC-powered drill is always going to be handy.

 

[NWphotog]

If you don't know what size your ratchet is,I would say no, I don't think you need Sanp on Tools.

LOL! Truer words never said!

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

For homeowner use, Snapon is completely pointless. Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky, or any of the others are more than adequate. Do I use expensive overkill tools around the house? Yes I do, but only because I have built up my boxes over the years for professional purposes. Hell, I use Harbor Freight impact sockets at work now and they work fine.

 

[wxm]

Yes, if that makes you happy. I see the people's point about snap on as a profressional tool and kind of agree economically as they are priced high for in frequent users. But on the other hand, if you like I am, mostly turn wrenches for fun. Besides DIY fixing things, you are trying to get some satisfaction out of it. If decent tools can bring the fun even funner, for the money you would otherwise pay someone else to do it for you, it is definitely worth spending on the great tools.

 

[shampoop]

The only Snap on tools that I think even novices can really benefit from/enjoy are their dual 80 ratchets. Especially the 3/8" locking flex. Love my standard 1/4" and Long soft grip 1/2" too.

 

[bobemmerich]

As a homeowner who doesn't wrench on his own cars, I would say probably not. Now, that being said, if you WANT Snap-On, then go for it. For general home repairs, here's my list:
A good set of screwdrivers, slotted and philips-including a "stubby" of each
A set of pliers (slip-joint, locking and needle nosed)
A good hammer
A small 6" level
A set of assorted hex keys (SAE/Metric)
A 12 volt cordless drill (if you're not doing heavy projects or drywall, a good 12 volt would be fine) and assorted bit set
A 40 or so set of sockets (SAE/Metric)
A 20 piece wrench set (SAE and Metric)
A putty knife
A utility knife
A flashlight
A 25' tape measure
A set of safety goggles and gloves
Maybe a small hand saw, just in case.
Just my .02

 

[wave180]

As a homeowner who doesn't wrench on his own cars, I would say probably not. Now, that being said, if you WANT Snap-On, then go for it. For general home repairs, here's my list:
A good set of screwdrivers, slotted and philips-including a "stubby" of each
A set of pliers (slip-joint, locking and needle nosed)
A good hammer
A small 6" level
A set of assorted hex keys (SAE/Metric)
A 12 volt cordless drill (if you're not doing heavy projects or drywall, a good 12 volt would be fine) and assorted bit set
A 40 or so set of sockets (SAE/Metric)
A 20 piece wrench set (SAE and Metric)
A putty knife
A utility knife
A flashlight
A 25' tape measure
A set of safety goggles and gloves
Maybe a small hand saw, just in case.
Just my .02

That's a good list right there, I started on almost everything that you mentioned. Then, slowly added some other (needed) stuff like gearwrench wrenches, some ratchets (mostly from HF), digital multimeter, socket extensions and accessories, and a 3 ton heavy duty floor jack and stands.

 

[matthew]

I don't think there's any question that the job can be done - and done well - with a lot less expensive stuff than Snap-On.

For a light tool user, I'd start with screwdrivers, and try to learn a bit about your own tool preferences. Buy a cheap screwdriver from a hardware store, and get a few better quality ones (Wera, Felo, Williams, among others). Then use them. If you notice the difference, move on to a few pliers or something. If you don't use them enough to care about the difference, then cheaper stuff is probably all you need. And if you do notice, you'll find out a lot about how to pick a good tool from screwdrivers and pliers.

And keep in mind that ergonomics is an important part of tool design. Handle the stuff, try it out, and buy what you like and find to be useful.

 

[BHR4CE1]

I'm going out on a limb here and guess you drive a BMW,

Guilty. I have 2 right now and getting another in a few weeks. i can't get enough of BMW. They are the Ultimate Driving Machine!!!

 

[BHR4CE1]

a few screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, socket set with ratchet and drive handle, adjustable wrenches, dykes, tape measures, allen keys, and a razor knife.

Sounds like a great start!!! Thanks!

 

[BHR4CE1]

BHR4CE1, I don't think you can go wrong with Craftsman, specifically Sears' n Piece Sets. Wait to closer to Father's Day because Sears normally has a big sale on tools then. You can get the sets at about 60% the normal price.

Great advice... Thank you

 

[BHR4CE1]

For sockets, ratchets, wrenches and extensions: Snap-on
For pliers, cutters, etc: NWS or Knipex (can buy those from chadstoolbox.com)
For screwdrivers: Wera (lasertip)
Hammers: Vaughn or Estwing (only the US made ones)
Chisels & punches: Mayhew made ones (some others OEM their chisels and punches)
Test equipment: Fluke
Tool storage: Lista

Thanks for that info. Good to see I do have Knipex pliers and my workbench and tool chest is from Lista. I will have to work on the rest of the list.

 

[BHR4CE1]

You by no means need snapon tools. Don't let anyone tell you any different. The prices are over the top expensive. Even professionals don't all use them. Just get a craftsman 150-225 piece set and you should be set for life on basic tools. Also don't listen to the sears/craftsman is junk and china **** rants. Even snapon has asian made tools. The sears warranty is still the best in tools. Sears has stores everywhere and also a very good selection for any thing you may encounter. Craftsman is still the best value overall. Only buy snapon if you wish to spend $300-$400 on a set of wrenches when with some shopping around you should be able to get all the craftsman tools you would ever need for less than that.

Great advice. Thank you

 

[BHR4CE1]

As a homeowner who doesn't wrench on his own cars, I would say probably not. Now, that being said, if you WANT Snap-On, then go for it. For general home repairs, here's my list:
A good set of screwdrivers, slotted and philips-including a "stubby" of each
A set of pliers (slip-joint, locking and needle nosed)
A good hammer
A small 6" level
A set of assorted hex keys (SAE/Metric)
A 12 volt cordless drill (if you're not doing heavy projects or drywall, a good 12 volt would be fine) and assorted bit set
A 40 or so set of sockets (SAE/Metric)
A 20 piece wrench set (SAE and Metric)
A putty knife
A utility knife
A flashlight
A 25' tape measure
A set of safety goggles and gloves
Maybe a small hand saw, just in case.
Just my .02

Fantastic list. I will use this as a reference for sure. Thank you

 

[american lockpicker]

Of course not, get the cheapest **** you can find and use it hard until it all breaks. Then as you can afford it replace with quality tools. One can't appreciate quality without having subpar stuff fail on you.

 

[clouseau]

Of course not, get the cheapest **** you can find and use it hard until it all breaks. Then as you can afford it replace with quality tools. One can't appreciate quality without having subpar stuff fail on you.

I once got an el Cheapo socket set with a T-bar handle.

The very first nut tightened ok with it until just over finger tight..... then the damn plastic handle just carried on turning around the shaft!.... and no it wasn't a $1 torque wrench!

I think it was then I realised that really cheap and nasty stuff costs more..... the shops were now closed so I'd have to wait the following morning to make another journey to get a decent one. That's frustration as well as time, money and gas wasted. I even begrudged that useless T bar the space it was now taking in the trash can!

And Moose.... that five past six in the morning does really exist!! There are a lot of other time variations that begin with a "6" and end in "a.m".

When you stop seeing your actual age being worn as a number on the shirt of a soccer player (or for our American friends you start seeing linebackers with your age on their backs) you start discovering all of these new times you didn't know existed because you realise that a "day" is a very short period of time!

 

[wornoutoldman]

After looking at your garage build (great BTW) I have to ask, why the lift if your not gonna work on your cars? Also as far as hand tools go, wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and screwdrivers spend the money and buy Snap on. Fasteners unfasten much easier and without damage when you use the best fitting highest performing tool on them. Will it cost more than Craftsman oh yes but the first time they save you from destroying a fastener (and having to have it towed to the dealer for repair) on your BMW it will justify the expense. If your only gonna work around the house (no Beemer repairs) Craftsman will serve you well.

 

[BHR4CE1]

After looking at your garage build (great BTW) I have to ask, why the lift if your not gonna work on your cars? Also as far as hand tools go, wrenches, ratchets, sockets, and screwdrivers spend the money and buy Snap on. Fasteners unfasten much easier and without damage when you use the best fitting highest performing tool on them. Will it cost more than Craftsman oh yes but the first time they save you from destroying a fastener (and having to have it towed to the dealer for repair) on your BMW it will justify the expense. If your only gonna work around the house (no Beemer repairs) Craftsman will serve you well.

The lift is so I can raise the cars if I want to give them a quick detail without having to bend down to do the lower sides and wheels/tires. I have a screwed up back and the lift will help a lot. All my cars come with full service plans and I usually trade them in before it ends, so I have no business working on them even if I did have a clue what to do (which I don't). I'd probably do way more damage than good!

 

[KEH]

After running some phillips screws in wood, I would get a SO or other good brand of phillips screwdriver. The Craftsman professional line of screwdrivers might be ok but i was disappointed in the regular Craftsman phillips screwdriver.

KEH

 

[wornoutoldman]

Good for you Frank! Sounds like you did it right. Save your tool dollars and enjoy those sweet rides!

 

[BHR4CE1]

Good for you Frank! Sounds like you did it right. Save your tool dollars and enjoy those sweet rides!

Where in SOCAL are you? Long Beach here.

 

[dazcapri]

if as you say you've only used your ratchet once then you don't need snap on whats the point of buying top quality[and top price] tools just to look at them do buy decent quality cheap=rubbish. the tools you do use a lot buy the best.I'm 44 do a fair bit of work on cars and I've just started getting some snap on tools now but mine WILL get used.

 

[ajchien]

I think I'm going to disagree with most people here. I just saw your garage build thread. Not to be snotty or anything, but based on that garage thread, it seems that you have the finances available to get what you want without sacrificing any necessities. (absolutely beautiful, by the way)

If you're then type of person that always wants and needs the best. Go with snap on. You might be thinking in the future ... Maybe I should have ...

On the other hand, you're not doing any auto work. Homeowner work uses different tools. Snap on, IMHO, is a auto tool brand. Instead of Ratchets, Sockets, wrenches ...You're looking at things like pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, vises, drills, sanders, grinders, basin wrenches, tiling tools, saws, and nut drivers.

 

[BHR4CE1]

On the other hand, you're not doing any auto work. Homeowner work uses different tools. Snap on, IMHO, is a auto tool brand. Instead of Ratchets, Sockets, wrenches ...You're looking at things like pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, vises, drills, sanders, grinders, basin wrenches, tiling tools, saws, and nut drivers.

EXACTLY! That was one of the reasons I was shying away from Snapon. I didn't realize (until all the posts on this thread) that Snapon was primarily a tool company geared towards the auto industry.

So my plan is to get the Snapon tools available for my types of uses (screwdrivers, pliers, Ratchets etc) and then look elsewhere for the non-automotive stuff.

Once again this forum and it's members have proved to be a WEALTH of great information. Thanks to all that took the time to reply!

 

[treasureseeker]

I have a lot of Snap-on but feel most items cost isn’t worth it for someone that the tools will see limited use, but I would invest in a good set of screwdrivers like Wera and good pliers such as knipex or NWS. Good tools could last the rest of your life.

 

[crewchief888]

For homeowner use, Snapon is completely pointless. Craftsman, Kobalt, Husky, or any of the others are more than adequate. Do I use expensive overkill tools around the house? Yes I do, but only because I have built up my boxes over the years for professional purposes. Hell, I use Harbor Freight impact sockets at work now and they work fine.

i think Az summed it up.

the reason many of us have SO, (fill in your fav tool truck here) tools and boxes at home is because we've spend years buying, trading, and upgrading.

most of my working tools came from a tool truck, my home tools are split pretty even between CM, SK and truck brands, with some HF tossed in for good measure.

ive been buying tools for 35 years or so...

 

[GoBlue]

Guilty. I have 2 right now and getting another in a few weeks. i can't get enough of BMW. They are the Ultimate Driving Machine!!!

:supergay:


Sorry couldn't resist

 

[canuckian]

No, you most certainly do not NEED Snap On tools but hey, you only get so many trips around the sun and if budget isn't an option and you WANT a basic tool kit, why the hell not? you've got a nice top quality tool cabinet there (I think I read Lista somewhere), why not fill it with top quality tools if it'll make you happy? that being said, as others have mentioned, there are a lot of top quality tool companies that make some tools better than anyone else. A lot of people mentioned Craftsman. Sure, they make good quality tools but if you're the type of person that wants the best out of whatever they put their money into, Craftsman may be a little pedestrian for your tastes, or not, I dunno.
I know you aren't a tool guy per se but you do want to buy tools so why not just go visit your buddy at the BMW dealership when the Snap On truck comes around and get him to introduce you to the driver and ask if you can handle some of the tools. Do the same thing with whatever other tool trucks are in your area. Then go to any specialty tool shops in your area and get a feel for their offerings. It won't be long before you get a feel for what you like and some tool companies' offerings will look more attractive than others. Hell, even take a run into Sears and try out some craftsman tools. you may even decide that some of their tools are perfect for you. Tool preference IMO is a personal thing, similar to one's taste in music.
if there's one SO tool I can advise you to buy for general use around the home, it's their hard handled ratcheting screwdriver. I have several and use them quite a bit.

I do have to say though, your garage and home automation setup are amazing and inspiring. I was ill when we built our current home and didn't get to put in some of the electronic gizmos that I would have liked to but now, as i plan for our next build, some of your ideas will definitely be incorporated in the design. Well done, sir! oh, and your choice in cars ain't too shabby either!!!

 

[powertrip]

I have a lot of Snap-on but feel most items cost isn’t worth it for someone that the tools will see limited use, but I would invest in a good set of screwdrivers like Wera and good pliers such as knipex or NWS. Good tools could last the rest of your life.

Why, as a person who would be getting his first set of tools, would you buy screwdrivers and pliers made in Germany that would be a major pain to warranty should something go wrong with them? Not to mention they are 2-3 more expensive than otherbrands that can be warrantied far easier and work just as well.

 

[diesel research]

Why, as a person who would be getting his first set of tools, would you buy screwdrivers and pliers made in Germany that would be a major pain to warranty should something go wrong with them? Not to mention they are 2-3 more expensive than otherbrands that can be warrantied far easier and work just as well.

Maybe he doesn't want the hassle of having to warranty them in the first place.

Get the quality you can afford and enjoy it, regardless of brand. No need to listen to all of the warranty nonsense. BTW SEARS SELLS KNIPEX They sell wera, they sell wiha. It's on the shelf. Right next to the cman stuff some people are worshipping.

So as mentioned, all of these people blowing the warranty horn, it's just hot air.

It doesn't take a professional or hundreds of uses to see or feel various quality tools. That is not to say all of cman tools do not feel/look top notch. The store had a whole end cap rack of premium ratchets. They look/feel NICE. Cman DOES have some tools that are quite satisfying.

For some people it isn't just about getting the job done, but getting enjoyment from using said tool. If warranty and getting job done (potentially) were the only factors, harbor freight would be supreme.

Give ya an example. Adjustable wrenches. Something every homeowner should have. Used MANY brands from $2-$150. They all functioned similarly. None of them broke or suffered catastrophic failure. So why did I grab a channellock made in spain version? It just felt better to ME. Definitely more comfortable than many, and the fit just made me feel more secure.

 

[dankicksass]

SEARS SELLS KNIPEX They sell wera, they sell wiha. It's on the shelf. Right next to the cman stuff some people are worshipping.

So as mentioned, all of these people blowing the warranty horn, it's just hot air.

Sears doesn't necessarily provide warranty exchange for non-Craftsman tools, and every store is stocked differently. While I think warranty hassle concerns are legitimate, I don't personally find my tools needing warranty service too often so I don't think about it much when I buy tools. Many tool companies will simply send a replacement after a phone call.

 

[diesel research]

Yes, hassle concerns could be legit, I will admit. Depends on what we are defining as a hassle.

If we are talking about mailing in a tool because the local store doesn't have it, that's not such a big deal. If we are talking about sears losing the replacement tool under their counter for 3 months, giving you some inferior **** in return, or giving you a hard time and trying to renig on the warranty, well....you are correct. It is a big time concern.

 

[dankicksass]

I feel ya, my local Sears stores all have bad floor staff too. I try and only deal with the guys in the stock bay; anybody with a computer can process a warranty claim and being working men themselves, they seem to have more respect for your time and wallet there.

 

[brett09]

I also don't use all of my tools in a professional environment, but I use the **** out of them at home. 80% of what I own is craftsman, and I don't have any complaints from anything made by them, except 2 things. One is ratchets. The can't stand craftsman, they always let me down, and to me are uncomfortable when you really torque down on one. The newer thin profile, or 84 toothed ones might be better but I've never used them. My ratchets of choice are cornwell, mac and snap on. Cornwell is still very high quality (to me anyways, no complaints) and you can get them lightly used for cheap on ebay. Also craftsman screwdrivers, I've never been all that impressed with standard craftsman screwdrivers, I've had 2 slip and start turning in the handle, and the tips seem really brittle. I've never used the pro series either. Though they beat the hell out of anything walmart, dollar tree, harbor freight, etc. I do prefer snap on the best, followed by wiha. For around the house I'd get a SK 4-1 screwdriver, I really love mine for when I dont want to carry around 2-4 screwdrivers.

 

[Tavy]

Eh. I'll just throw my two cents into the boiling pot.

Craftsman is fine for home stuff. Even pretty heavy use, short of full-time wrenching, they perform pretty well. My farm toolkit (hooray for sidejobs?) only became higher quality tools because I have SAE/inch/fractional tools I don't use at my other jobs.. Anyway.

CMan & SK make good stuff. You get flukes here and there, the warranties are good and the tools aren't total junk -- yet. Face it, most of us started out with a bag of tools from sears for our 5th birthday or something, you probably still have them too, right?

If you turn wrenches all day, or at least a lot, look at Matco or Industrial tools like Armstrong, Wright, etc. before jumping down the SO wagon. Even Toptul is a top notch product for pretty cheap if you want the 'nice tool' piece of mind.

p.s. all my tools double as hammers/prybars.