Does a total novice need Snapon tools?

[BHR4CE1]

Somehow I've made it to 48 years old without needing many tools. Currently I own a hammer, a few mini screwdrivers, a small ratchet set (no idea of what size drive, I’ve only used it once) and a cordless drill with some drill bits and the flat and phillips screwdriver attachments. Thanks to Deeds21 I will soon have a two pack of Knipex Cobra Pliers.

With that being said, I have decided that I want some tools. I just got a new workbench for my new garage, and when I ordered it...I had a tool chest built in to it. So now I am going to have a nice place to store nice tools for the first time in my life. My tools will probably not get used very much since I don't do any auto mechanic work, and there really isn't much chance of them getting stolen since they will probably never leave my garage, but I want to have some "basic" tools that every home should have to do typical tasks. I’m kinda’ tired of spending 30 minutes looking around to find a screwdriver on those few occasions when I actually need one.

So now my question…(since it seems that most of the members here either are mechanics or have mechanic abilities, and seem to know their way around a toolbox)…Do you guys think a total novice like me needs to buy Snapon tools? I ask this because I tend to always overdo things. I seem to be of the mindset that I always need the very best of everything, which of course isn't true. I took about two hours last night looking through the entire online Snapon catalog and was completely overwhelmed! Obviously there are tons of proprietary tools that very few people will ever need or use, but even the stuff that looks “basic” seemed to come in tons of varieties/sizes, versions, etc.

After trying to find similar items on the Craftsman website, I was amazed at the difference in price. So, are Snapon tools more expensive because they are better or because of the name? I’m guessing that it is a little of both.

I have a great relationship with my local BMW dealership so I’m sure that I could find out what days the Snapon truck is there and just go down there to buy what I want. I also have a Sears about 10 minutes from my home so access to both brands is about the same. Snapon seems to be more of a “boutique” brand, but I am just not sure if I really need it in my toolbox.

I want to start buying tools ASAP, and also hope some of you guys can offer a little guidance as to what basic tools (whichever brand I choose) would be on the “must have” list for someone in my situation. Like I said earlier… my two pack of Knipex Cobra Pliers should be here soon.

Thanks in advance for your insight.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

A total professional doesn't need Snap-on tools. Also bear in mind that Snap-on largely caters for automotive and industrial users, if you don't do any automotive work then much of what they produce isn't going to be neccessary for you.

Buy what you feel you want and need, there are loads of options out there.

Start by telling us what kind of work you'll be using the tools for.

 

[diesel research]

No. Most of these premium tools are centered around stuff held together with bolts.

You sound as if your typical encounters are more with screws (in wood/plastic) or nails.

You still should have highest quality tools you can afford/appreciate, but many of the more popular mechanic brands are probably not the first choice.

That said, I would aim for a bit higher quality than the typical sears offerings.

Do you even need wrenches/sockets? For what?

 

[BHR4CE1]

Start by telling us what kind of work you'll be using the tools for.

Well, I don't know how to do any mechanical work on cars at all. I just want to have a nice basic set of tools that one would need around the house. Screwdrivers, pliers, socket set, maybe a few files and I want to get some sort of grinding tool like a dremel or similar since there have been a few times that I could have used something like that around the house.I do use allen keys on things at times, and I HATE the set I have which is sorta like a swiss army knife and the different sizes fold out. I've seen screwdrivers that actually have the allen wrench tip at the end, and have always thought those would be great to have.

 

[BHR4CE1]

That said, I would aim for a bit higher quality than the typical sears offerings.

What brand would you recommend?

Do you even need wrenches/sockets? For what?

I would guess that a good basic socket set could come in handy to tighten things around the house that are harder to deal with having to use pliers.

 

[diesel research]

Lotta quality options around the house

http://bondhus.com/
http://www.pbtools.us/
http://www.knipex.com/
http://www-us.wera.de/home_us.html?&no_cache=1&L=1
http://www.estwing.com/
http://www.channellock.com/


I wouldn't pick just one brand, as a homeowner. Many companies specialize in a certain niche role and concentrate a majority of their energy to one specific area.

 

[diesel research]

I would guess that a good basic socket set could come in handy to tighten things around the house that are harder to deal with having to use pliers.

To be completely honest, I don't encounter much hex nuts around the house. They are occasionally there. You have such a wide variety of choice in wrenches and sockets, its not even funny. 95% or more are plenty suitable for home use.

Even better, around the same number of fasteners are SAE so that makes things even easier.

I've said before, I recommend the vortex passthru sets for those with limited to no tools.

I want to get some sort of grinding tool like a dremel or similar since there have been a few times that I could have used something like that around the house.

http://www.tooltopia.com/milwaukee-2460-21a.aspx

 

[Stephenw]

If you just want a basic set of tools and you can afford them, buy from Snap-on. They are the best.

If you are on a budget, you cannot go wrong with Craftsman. Stick to the USA made tools. Some of their newer offerings are imported.

 

[jesko10]

As the other members said already, you don't "need" Snap On tools.

There are a lot of cheap tools in the market, who do the job.

But ( big but) , its how they work. And it is about you.

I can only speak for myself, but if I buy something that is expensive but good, I feel bad for myabee 2 days. Than I feel very good for the rest of the time.

With cheap things it is the contrary. Well, not even. I feel not good the first two days and feel bad all the time afterwards.

Of course, I bought a lot of cheap tools in my life, but I also had to replace a lot of cheap tools over time. Then I bought something better. And then, cheap tools become more expensive than the expensive tools.

If you can afford it, buy something of great quality ( for example made in Germany) ( or the US ).

It will most likely last a lifetime, and it is always a pleasure to work with these tools.

 

[kc-steve]

Well, I don't know how to do any mechanical work on cars at all. I just want to have a nice basic set of tools that one would need around the house. Screwdrivers, pliers, socket set, maybe a few files and I want to get some sort of grinding tool like a dremel or similar since there have been a few times that I could have used something like that around the house.I do use allen keys on things at times, and I HATE the set I have which is sorta like a swiss army knife and the different sizes fold out. I've seen screwdrivers that actually have the allen wrench tip at the end, and have always thought those would be great to have.

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

 

[Flatland Dave]

Need Snap On? Absolutely not. Craftsman tools have probably worked on more things than SO.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I should take a picture of the toolbox I gave my Mother for Christmas. It's a small hand carry box stocked with the tools she needs most often around the house.

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

I would probably buy what you know you need, and then add to your tools as you better discover what you use. I won't recommend any one brand as that's really personal preference.

 

[joshthedieseltech]

No a novice does not need snap on tools, I've been working on heavy and medium duty truck and some cars for over 10 years.

I've told people before and even new techs, do not waste you money on a set of $400 sockets when the $60 set does the exact same thing (I still have and use daily my northern tool impact socket set from 10 years again, never broke 1 yet)

Same goes for toolboxes, why spend $10K on a box for your tools, I'd rather own tools and diagnostic equipment and a shiny toolbox.

I have tons of craftsman tools, lots of gearwrench and more.

I have less than 5 snap on tool, never felt I needed more. And the only reason I got what i got is it was cheap or free.

1/MT2500 scanner I paid $350 for 6 years ago updated to 07
2/long snap on ratchet w/soft handle $30
3/stubby snap on ratch, I inherited
4/CT4850 impact gun $200

 

[diesel research]

Agreed, cman does have a pretty reasonable warranty, and more things in the US likely have been fixed with cman than other brands. It holds a strong #2 in familiarity with the public

BUT I am willing to bet that warranty has been USED more times than most other brands as well!

Then the recent (and not so recent) complaints of warrantying a tool and receiving an even lesser quality tool in exchange. It makes perfect sense. The main attraction to cman is the warranty. In order to make that a sustainable thing, the price of tools has to come down (for sears). Chrome quality, self reversing ratchets, stinky screw drivers with cheese type tips, **** breaker bars, plastic selectors, offshoring of certain polished wrenches, ect ect. Things are certainly not improving.

 

[GoBlue]

95% of the professionals i have worked with have had some craftsman in their box, be it wrenches, ratchets, sockets, somthing. I am a pro and use a ton of craftsman...wrenches, sockets, ratchets....never let me down

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Dont need Snap On tools.., Snap On is overkill for what you need.
Craftsman is ok for home owner use...

 

[diesel research]

95% of the professionals i have worked with have had some craftsman in their box, be it wrenches, ratchets, sockets, somthing. I am a pro and use a ton of craftsman...wrenches, sockets, ratchets....never let me down

Is it because they are the best? Cheapest? Easiest to replace when worn out/abused? Available at local store, or because someone else they knew (father, brother, uncle) owned them?

 

[larry_g]

I'm going out on a limb here and guess you drive a BMW, why? A Chevrolet or a Ford will get you around just fine as proven by many loyal customers. The reason that you have a BMW is the same reason you would have Snap-on tools. Craftsman are the Ford and Chev of the tool world.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I'm going out on a limb here and guess you drive a BMW, why? A Chevrolet or a Ford will get you around just fine as proven by many loyal customers. The reason that you have a BMW is the same reason you would have Snap-on tools. Craftsman are the Ford and Chev of the tool world.

lg
no neat sig line

What does that have to do with anything? Maybe he has a BMW because he wants one? What's wrong with that?

 

[diesel research]

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

That's not much of an out on the limb guess, larry. Afterall, he did say in his 1st post he has a great relationship with the BMW dealer. It's safe to assume he isn't there just to have a malibu serviced.

 

[GoBlue]

Is it because they are the best? Cheapest? Easiest to replace when worn out/abused? Available at local store, or because someone else they knew (father, brother, uncle) owned them?

I can only speak for myself but here it goes...

Craftsman tools are for the most part well built, American made, reasonably priced, and have a great warranty. They are not the best, but they are true to size and plenty strong enough to get the job done. They are available in wide variety as well. They are not pretty like snap on, they do not have the prestige of snap on buy quite frankly...they work...and for a fraction of the cost.

 

[TimGrz]

For me, 80% of my tools are Craftsman, and think in the last fifteen years I only broke one or two and had to get them replaced-- I have definitely lost more than I broke! Craftsman screwdrivers don't count because I misuse them, as everybody does, and they are cheap enough to replace when they are on sale. For instance, I will pick up a couple of the (same) sets as Father's Day sales kick in (more on that in a minute).

I think the quality to price ratio cannot be beat.

Then 15% are from Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, Tractor Supply (or generics given to me). I usually pick these, specialty tools, up for "one job" or something that is cheap enough that I don't know if I will ever use that I will toss into my tool box for that one day I may need it.

Then the last 5% are high end tools. These are for the tools that I find, sometimes surprisingly, that I use so often that I want the best because it is in my hand so often.

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.

And while I haven't taken a seriously look at what Kobalt (Lowes) has to offer, I would look at theirs too if I was starting anew.

/tg

 

[kc-steve]

I can only speak for myself but here it goes...

Craftsman tools are for the most part well built, American made, reasonably priced, and have a great warranty. They are not the best, but they are true to size and plenty strong enough to get the job done. They are available in wide variety as well. They are not pretty like snap on, they do not have the prestige of snap on buy quite frankly...they work...and for a fraction of the cost.

Well said Blue! Let me add that the OP can ALSO BUY TWO sets of Craftsman tools and still spend "a fraction of the cost."

As far as prestige of Snap-on, I don't recall ever allowing casual acquaintances to view my personal tools, and so that kinda nixes any prestige factor in buying tools.

Steve

 

[blazer1]

You sound like me! We have the same mindset. I'm in my mid 40's and always had the Dollar General tools. You know, 150 tools for $5.00 stuff. I decided I want better tools, and not really more, just better.

All my stuff is better end quality, not the best, but up there. So I figured I would do the same with my tools. I looked into Snap On too, thinking I HAVE to have them! My conclusion...don't need them. My use wouldn't justify buying them. I did however start shopping at some pawn shops and came across set of Snap On sockets and a ratchet for $40. If I come across more good deals like this, I will buy more. I also decided to go Craftsman. So I have all Craftsman tools now with a few Snap On tools I have come across.

I'm at the point now I want to add to my collection. Like I said, I was only replacing the old cheap **** with better quality. Tool for tool. Do I really need a set of nut drivers? No, but I still have to get them! Silly I know but that's how it is.

 

[Lotek]

Craftsman and the like will do just fine, I would get a Snap On ratcheting screwdriver though, with an assortment of bits, very handy around the house, and it should satisfy the Snap On jones... for a while. It's a slippery slope.

 

[sawatch]

FWIW, I've been lucky enough to have spent my years using tools. Growing up on a farm, all tools were purchased/aquired with budget in mind, quality was good 'cause stuff was made that way back then.
Now I've become a collector as much as a user, but the mechanics tools I have are utilitarian. I've upgraded over the past few years because of access on the www and now have about 75% Snap On & the rest is top quality. Average purchase price @ 1/2 the retail cost. If you take your time on the aqusition of your tools, you'll find deals out there like the Cobra set. I just purchased a new set of SO sockets at wholesale. Been waitin' a year to get 'em. The 13pc OEX wrench set [ca '70s] shown on the wall in my avatar cost $75. Deals are out there.

 

[diesel research]

If cheap, warranty, and "works good enuf" are the deciding factors, HF is just fine.

If pride and fit/finish are deciding factors, I believe my earlier posts still hold true.

 

[Jim C.]

I'm pretty sure that you don't need any Snap On tools. I'm totally a non-professional DIYer. During the past 30 years, I've done some major mechanical restorative/repair work to a few old cars, several vintage woodworking machines, built a few decks, a gazebo, and done other basic home repairs and improvements on a routine basis. I got my first starter set of Craftsman tools back in the early 1980s, and I've been steadily adding on to it over the years. Those tools have, and still do, serve me well year after year.

I stopped buying new Craftsman tools a few years back because I think the quality is slipping. However, older, good quality, USA made Craftsman tools are available at garage sales, flea markets, etc. for very reasonable prices. Snap On certainly makes a very good quality set of tools, but for the average non professional DIYer, I think they're probably not worth the expense.

Jim C.

 

[hilld]

Here is my take and I do use the tools almost daily so please take this with a grain of salt.

Buy the best you can afford so you only do this once for a particular tool. In addition, I chose not to support Chinese made products when possible. I prefer to support tools made in countries that have laws to protect workers AND the environment, such as the US, Canada and most of Europe.

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

There there are going to be a lot of specialty tools that you might want to research before buying.

Hope this helps.

Derek

 

[clouseau]

If I could add my 2 centimes worth.

I got the impression that the OP is not in a real rush to get tools to do a specific job. Also, having, like many of us, been through the false economy of buying cheap ****, firmly believe that a quality tool that has been used is still a quality tool..... something a **** quality thing will never be.

If that is the case then he has the relative luxury of being able to shop around local flea markets, yard sales, boot sales etc. in order to accumulate used high quality tools at very reasonable prices and have a really enjoyable time as well.


I have just come back from my usual Sunday morning trawl around with 22 quality 1/2" drive sockets, 4 ring spanners, a socket holder bar and a few other miscellaneous items for the sum of just over £5.... (in the Uk again for a short time! )

Anyway, all I'm saying is that the OP might have more fun filling his tool box up with high quality stuff at flea market prices than just going straight out and buying a brand new Snap On or Craftsmen set from the local store or truck, and will probably learn a lot more about good tools in the process.

Just has to read around this forum and note a few manufacturer names down and then let the fun begin!

 

[powertrip]

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.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON SNAP-ON !!
There are way more economical options.
I have been collecting tools for over 25 years (im 43) and have been doing home repairs and alot of mechanical work on all my cars. Craftsman and other good economical brands have been just fine. I do own 2 snapon ratchets that where given to me but they have not turned a bolt any better than my other ratchets. Check out lowes for there Kobalt tools sets that they have on clearance. Those tools on clearance are the same manufacturer as Craftsman (Danaher makes craftsman and kobalt). If you get a set like the ratchet/socket/wrench sets they are made in USA and cheap right now.

 

[flatwins]

To the OP- I'm glad you started this thread since personally, I enjoy it when I have friends who "discover" tools. Several years back I had a buddy who decided he wanted a classic muscle car but knew nothing about mechanical work. I told him he would be getting an education in tools\mechanics really quickly. He bought a really nice '69 GTO and sure enough, he became experienced in working on cars in short time.

Guys need to know how to turn wrenches. That's just my opinion but it is what it is.

So it's great that you are looking for some tools. Do you need Snap On or Mac or Matco? No way! You can get a decent set of hand tools of the Craftsman variety that will last into your next life. Heck, even Harbor Freight's line of hand tools are guaranteed for life.

 

[Zrexxer]

I take exception the question about need. Nah, you don't need them. But if you want them and can afford them and appreciate them, then by all means. I like the BMW analogy, having an appreciation for BMWs myself. All cars (well, most cars ) will get you from A to B, but then there are nicer ones that have a higher level of performance and handling and comfort, and yes those cost more.

I used to earn a living with my tools, and quite honestly back then I had mostly Proto and Sears tools in my Craftsman box. Now, 20 something years later, I have a metric shitload of Snap On, Matco, and Mac tools crammed into two bay and three bay rollcabs. 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. The word amateur has no negative connotation - it comes from the French meaning "one who does something purely for the love of it."

 

[GTO]

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

 

[dankicksass]

Buy the tools you'll be happy using. Snap-On is as easy to get as anything else nowadays, with their online store and all. There's nothing wrong with over-doing anything.

I've been a professional for ten years; I've had a ton of Snap-On kit in the past, but I've been through a few stages of growth and change in my life, and right now I have very little SO. I sold nearly everything a few years ago and now I don't have a SO guy in the area that's reliable, so I go with what comes around. The Cornwell truck stops here at my little shop, the Napa and Advance guys will bring me tools with a call, and the Sears and so on are just a few minutes away in the evening. I even have something from Harbor Freight in my shop, and it does just fine lifting Volkswagens. I don't need everything to be Snap-On to do a good job.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have just come back from my usual Sunday morning trawl around with 22 quality 1/2" drive sockets, 4 ring spanners, a socket holder bar and a few other miscellaneous items for the sum of just over £5.... (in the Uk again for a short time! )

Where in the UK are you?

 

[Trucky]

I'm practically the definition of a novice, and I have one SO tool. A FHX80 ratchet (I had nothing bigger than my 1/4 SK), and with my discount, I got it. It's amazing. But do I need it? Absolutely not. I'd really suggest (along with a few others here) that you get some craftsman tools. Even HF is fine, if you don't mind looking at them

As a machinist (sorta!), I spent a lot of money on measuring tools. (My 2 calipers, mic, test indicator, and base all ran me over 120$ each) You can't really go to an actual job shop or something and expect to get hired with your HF calipers and mics. But wrenches? Doesn't really matter as long as they work. Get something cheap, with a warranty.

 

[larry_g]

What does that have to do with anything? Maybe he has a BMW because he wants one? What's wrong with that?

Nothing I said indicates that I think anything is wrong. What I am trying to connect here is that the same thought process that he used to justify a BMW could be the same one that he would use to justify a Snap-on tool over a more utilitarian tool.

I also know people who work at different dealerships, doesn't meant that I do business there. I have the neighbor who works in a transmission shop do my Snap-on warranty with the truck guy. So i can only guess by his comment that he drives BMW.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[colt zantop]

heres my opinion....I have put together a descent size tool collection and about 80% are snap on and the rest craftsman. I have NEVER paid full price for a snap on tool EVER. there are so many deals on ebay and the classifieds here that you can put an awesome collection of snap on tools together for HALF retail. now half of retail for snap on is like almost buying craftsman retail so just be patient and buy snap on online whenever deals pop up!

 

[LawnDart79]

If I were a person in your situation, I'd take a look at the offerings from Craftsman.

Back in the late 90s when I was starting tech school, I bought a tool set quite similar to this one.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...s+Tool+Sets&prdNo=34&blockNo=34&blockType=L34

As far as I'm concerned, the set has served me quite well. Of course I've added to it over the years, but this is the set that helped me get started years ago. These tools were used in a professional environment for 10 years and held up well.

fyi...all the chrome sockets I received in this set are still my main chrome sockets. I've never replaced any of the sockets I received in this set with Snap-On or anything else. I'm not saying that I don't have other branded sockets, which wouldn't be true, but I never replaced the sockets I already had with Snap-On or anything else.

When you get a chance, take a look at the sets from Sears. In my opinion, they're a good value for the money...especially a person in your situation.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/s_10155_12602_Hand+Tools_Tools+Sets_Mechanics+Tool+Sets