General snap-on questions

[mopar4u]

Seems most people who own snap-on hand tools absolutely love them and the general conscientious seems to be that they are very high end tools. Ive never owned or tried snap-on hand tools.

what makes the snap-on hand tools high end?
Why is their business model primarily truck sales only vs. offering to general public?
Why so expensive?
Take away all mfgers markings, would you honestly tell the difference from a snap-on socket, wrench, ratchet from a half the cost brand B?

im not challenging their greatness, just an enquiring mind.

 

[FMB4]

I've never had a Snap-On, Proto(Challenger/Blackhawk) tool fail on me (regardless of abuse). I might have cracked a Craftsman and an SK socket way back when, but I don't really remember how such happened. It's pretty rare for name brand US made tools to fail imo (as long as they're used properly).

I think the big thing with the higher end US made tools is that they don't wear out so fast when used professionally over a long period of time imo.

 

[engineer2]

Your Snap-On rep brings the mobile store to you every week. Great for mechanics.
The general public can buy off the truck and also online.
Supposedly very high quality standards. I believe most items are made in USA.
Lifetime warranty for most hand tools.
They have a huge mark-up to support their dealer network and business model.

 

[Ricky Joe]

I have often said that Snap-On is a very good tool maker, but an outstanding marketer. Like Willie Davidson said when asked about brand loyalty and outlaw bikers, if they’ve got it tattooed on them, they aren’t going anywhere else. If you’ve paid the price, it is essentially tattooed into your psyche.

When you buy Snap-On, you buy the tool, of course, but you also pay for the truck, gas, insurance, house, wife to dinner, every guy that has changed jobs, dropped out of being a mechanic and stiffed the dealer, interest on the money laid out, etc.:in other words, your purchase has to support a lot of overhead that gets absorbed by the volume purchasing and selling that Sears or its equivalent would not have. Even cheap Chinese can offer the same or better warranty than Snap-On. Is there a difference? Yes. Are they commensurately betterthan the competition? Depends. Some items they aren’t close to being matched. Some, like screwdrivers, you have to wonder where the difference lies.

 

[Ton ton]

Avoid the soft handle instinct snap on screwdrivers. Snappy ratchets rock.

 

[JeepYJ]

Anyone can order from their website, it’s not a secret club. Are the tools better? From my experience they are very good, which they should be for the cost. Are they 5x better than tools costing 1/5 the price? Not usually.

 

[Davefr]

Seems most people who own snap-on hand tools absolutely love them and the general conscientious seems to be that they are very high end tools. Ive never owned or tried snap-on hand tools.

what makes the snap-on hand tools high end?

Decades of successful marketing to professionals + commitment to producing quality products.

Why is their business model primarily truck sales only vs. offering to general public?

Their business model is primarily based on selling franchises and tools if what they provide the franchisees to sell. They reluctantly sell to the public but it's not a focus for them and they realize 99% of the public won't pay the inflated prices.

Why so expensive?

Dealer services to professionals. (onsite sales, warranty service, financing, diagnostic sales, one stop shopping, etc). I figure about half the price of the tool is a premium for dealer service.

Take away all mfgers markings, would you honestly tell the difference from a snap-on socket, wrench, ratchet from a half the cost brand B?

im not challenging their greatness, just an enquiring mind.

In most cases probably not and in many cases you can find better or equivalent quality at a tiny fraction of the price.

 

[bsaint]

They make a high quality product and have a reputation. Also easiest warranty service ever. It’s like Tiffany. Sure there’s jewelry that’s the same level of quality out there but it’s not Tiffany.

 

[Tools4Me]

In my opinion, some Snap-on items are amazing and some aren't. Ignore the branding and instead look at each tool they make individually. Buy almost new used items and you can usually save almost 50% right off the top. I have never purchased anything new from Snap-on. I don't even care about their warranty because I almost never break anything. Their flank drive plus wrenches are great. Snap-on crowfoot and flare crowfoot wrenches are great. Their 3/8 and 1/2 drive dual 80 ratchets are great. If you use ratcheting bit screwdrivers their ratcheting screwdrivers are great. Zero degree high performance wrench sets are great. Their chrome sockets I don't use (too expensive), and I find Taiwan impact sockets to be better than Snap-on. Some Snap-on items are just rebrands with a minimum 50% markup and can be purchased for much less from the actual maker. I don't use Snap-on screwdrivers, pry bars, pliers, pullers, etc. In those areas, there are much cheaper brands out there that are at least 90% as good as Snap-on and the other brands are often better. No tool brand makes the best of everything, but the brand that probably comes the closest to achieving that goal is probably Knipex.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

In my opinion, some Snap-on items are amazing and some aren't. Ignore the branding and instead look at each tool they make individually. Buy almost new used items and you can usually save almost 50% right off the top. I have never purchased anything new from Snap-on. I don't even care about their warranty because I almost never break anything. Their flank drive plus wrenches are great. Snap-on crowfoot and flare crowfoot wrenches are great. Their 3/8 and 1/2 drive dual 80 ratchets are great. If you use ratcheting bit screwdrivers their ratcheting screwdrivers are great. Zero degree high performance wrench sets are great. Their chrome sockets I don't use (too expensive), and I find Taiwan impact sockets to be better than Snap-on. Some Snap-on items are just rebrands with a minimum 50% markup and can be purchased for much less from the actual maker. I don't use Snap-on screwdrivers, pry bars, pliers, pullers, etc. In those areas, there are much cheaper brands out there that are at least 90% as good as Snap-on and the other brands are often better. No tool brand makes the best of everything, but the brand that probably comes the closest to achieving that goal is probably Knipex.

Agreed. Evaluate each item based on merit. I'd would say the person with no snap on, and 100% snap on, are both losing out.

 

[mopar4u]

Thanks great info. Im seeing vague answers for why they are good, high quality means different things. Is it: the type of metal? Fancy chrome? Look manly? Accuracy of functional areas? Process how they are made?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Thanks great info. Im seeing vague answers for why they are good, high quality means different things. Is it: the type of metal? Fancy chrome? Look manly? Accuracy of functional areas? Process how they are made?

Specialty tools no one else makes, like high tooth count flex head torque wrenches, special application sockets, strong scan tools, etc. I've tried it all, flank drive xtra is king in my book. I believe their new reversable ratching wrenches have the thinnest ring gear on the market. 1/2 drive semi deep impact sockets, aside from the typically unavailable Genius set, they own the market there

Theyre good tools, sold through a distributor network. Ratchets are very nice, but basic sockets are just high quality sockets like others offer. Warranty is what sets items like that apart. Whether you have a driver and whatnot to take advantage of that is a different story.

 

[will335i]

I am just a home user so take my opinion with that in mind.

If you are just looking to have a set of tools for around the house with no particular need, then Snap-on and other premium brands are definitely not for you unless you just absolutely want to spend the money.

There are definitely some snap-on tools that if you were blindly comparing them to say craftsman, kobalt or similar you would be able to recognize the difference. There are also plenty of tools that they offer that there isn't a big difference, or they are just rebranded, or another manufacture is just plain better.

If you are a weekend warrior like me and want to add some premium tools to your box, do some research and plan your purchases wisely. I already had a huge USA made craftsman mechanics set so it would have been really silly to double up all my sockets and wrenches on snap-on but I did go ahead and get a nice selection of fine tooth snap-on ratchets and supplement my socket sets with low profile ones that I could never get from craftsman along with some specialty sockets that few others offer. I also splurged on snap-on line wrenches, most will argue that these are simply the best there is and I am inclined to agree.

Things I didn't go with snap-on for: Pliers, I went with knipex, still a premium tool but in my opinion a better value than what snap-on offers. Impact sockets, I went with Williams, they are still US made and might even be the same as the snap-ons without the premium price. Vice-grips, I went Malco, these are the same as the snap-ons. Screwdrivers, again I went Williams and these are the same as snap-ons with a different handle. Power tools, I went Milwaukee and Dewalt on all mine, better selection, better batteries, better specs, better price.

In my opinion you are paying for quality, warranty, convenience, and the name when you buy snap on. If you are not in a shop that is on a truck route you don't really get that convenience, although shipping for online orders has been really fast in my experience. So it comes down to if you can get the same quality and warranty on a given tool then does the convenience and name make it worth it to you to justify the price difference.

 

[X1 Mike]

This smells like a troll post.

I've never seen someone pick up a Snap-On tool and say "It's just as good as a ..............."

 

[Basskiller]

Compare flare nut wrenches (aka line wrench). I have Craftsman as loaners and the snappy stay with me.

 

[f121]

Avoid the soft handle instinct snap on screwdrivers. Snappy ratchets rock.

Or buy the soft handle instinct screwdrivers, some people love them.

Theres a handful of tools that snap on make that are tangibly better than imported brands (I haven't tried other truck brands), the ratchets feel great in the hand, are strong and precise. The instinct soft grip screwdrivers give a great grip and more torque than any others I've tried. The pry bars are stiffer and take years of abuse, others I've tried flex worryingly.

Other tools like the flank drive plus wrenches are definitely nicer finishes and nicer to use my cheap wrenches, but don't justify costing 10x more.

 

[seber]

I have no preference between Snap-on, Proto, Armstrong. But the Snap-on warranty is absolute gold and has saved me a number of times. Craftsman warranty is almost as good but you have to be ready to use it on an almost daily basis. Being ancient and completed my tool set years ago I haven't needed to buy much from Taiwan so I can't compare those.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Thanks great info. Im seeing vague answers for why they are good, high quality means different things. Is it: the type of metal? Fancy chrome? Look manly? Accuracy of functional areas? Process how they are made?

I would say "good" steel alloy, attention to the "heat treat", and the design of the "functional area". It does cost money to hit these three points. Does it cost "Snap-On money"? Probably not. Their warranty is also quite good. Even if you're a DIY-er, they'll send parts/replacements in just a couple days.

Some of their tools you buy because the tool truck comes to your work. Some of their tools genuinely do have a place in the toolbox of serious DIY-er/hobbyists. For example, Snap-On flare-nut wrenches are second to almost none. Compared to my SK flare wrenches, are they 2-3 times better? Yup.

Some of their tools do just kinda ****. Some of their bits and adapter just never worked out.

-Ryan

 

[Davefr]

I have no preference between Snap-on, Proto, Armstrong. But the Snap-on warranty is absolute gold and has saved me a number of times. Craftsman warranty is almost as good but you have to be ready to use it on an almost daily basis. Being ancient and completed my tool set years ago I haven't needed to buy much from Taiwan so I can't compare those.

CM warranty is lifetime satisfaction. SO warranty is lifetime for defects in materials/workmanship to the original purchaser.

The SO warranty might be "gold" if you're serviced by a dealer but for a consumer you'll need to call them first, possibly provide proof of purchase and then mail it in. This is way more hassle then walking into a B&M store and doing a quick swap.

 

[2oolhound]

Snap-on established itself as a top brand decades ago and it's still coasting from it's early push back then. In the early 70's I shared a house with a heavy duty mechanic. He was big into tools and most of them were Snap-on. Next place I had I shared with a motorcycle mechanic/racer who was well established, sponsored by Honda and Kawasaki. He too was big into Snap-on tools. Both of these guys would just shake their head at me with my heinze 57 tool kit. Back then and probably long before s-o put a lot into R&D supplying mechanics with tools that were needed, had good clearances and were tough. Their truck service gave them a big advantage over their competition which back then didn't exist from overseas.

I know the influences from my earlier room mates back then is why 10 years ago I went on a quest to outfit myself with s-o tools mainly. I have a good assortment but most were bought used, 1/2 price or less, often real cheap. Nonetheless I'm proud to own them and enjoy working with them, they're good tools. Because I buy used I don't bother with warranty, I just buy another used one.

 

[JeepYJ]

CM warranty is lifetime satisfaction. SO warranty is lifetime for defects in materials/workmanship to the original purchaser.

The SO warranty might be "gold" if you're serviced by a dealer but for a consumer you'll need to call them first, possibly provide proof of purchase and then mail it in. This is way more hassle then walking into a B&M store and doing a quick swap.

Agreed their warranty is a joke for the price of the tools. I can take just about anything back to any HF store and be back in my car in 5 minutes with a brand new whatever broke for whatever reason without any hassle of an exchange.

 

[Jbmotorsports]

As someone else mentioned, having all snap on everything, unless money is no object, is a mistake. Not only do they not make every tool (flex head ranching wrenches for God sake) but not all of them are great and most of them are not worth the money. As a full time tech for 15+ years, I mainly buy snap on stuff because of 2 reasons. 1- I buy tools impulsively or I am currently doing one that a certain tool would make easier 2- they are there every week and will warranty just about any non electronic tool for any reason. At work I have a snap on epiq box with locker and their, unfortunately discontinued, epiq cart. I like how tall it is. At home I have husky boxes and workbenches and all my tools are random ****, stuff that was given to me etc. And for the most part it works just as good. Snap on ratchets, for me, will never be beaten. They have a half size socket set called fdx I think, that's saved my *** quite a few times. Their air tools are a rip off, though I do have a few. Man, I feel like I could go on and on with this so I guess I'll stop rambling and say that having them come to you every week and never worry about abusing a hand tool cause you might break it is the main reason for me. Most things feel nice in the hand too

 

[ybnormal]

I don't disagree with most of what was said above, I'm a semi-serious DIYer who likes having quality tools but would never SO prices as I can't justify it. instead, I look for them at the swap meets, especially the big sockets

 

[65ranchero]

I have been in automotive business since 1971 (Retired in 2012 from the line)
I own SO, Mac, Matco, CM, and others and If I knew then what I know now I would not buy SO for most of the routine hardware.
There are certain things that are a absolute buy from SO such as line wrenches ( as others have mentioned.
Snap-on has a certain button that is pressed in people's mind that there is only Snap-on and all other brands are junk.

With that said , there were not a lot of choices back then besides CM
Snap-on does have a comfortable "feel" on their wrenches and ratchets and do have a good balance to the wrenches compared to the older CM fat handles . It's a matter of cost vs. comfort in some cases.

 

[designer485]

Snap-on makes great tools and has become the widely recognized premier tool company because of it.

They are arguably however just as much a bank as they are a tool manufacturer and that combined with on-site purchasing, warranty and delivery make them a powerhouse for anyone serviced by a route driver. Without truck credit or Snap-On credit, mechanics wouldn't be buying as much as they do. Trade school discounts also provides an avenue into purchasing.

I am DIY guy and have a ton of Snap-On...I have never had an issue with calling in warranty service. I always have pleasant interactions with the customer service folks (calling about purchased new or second hand items). I have also used a local driver a few times (purchased from and had a tool or two warrantied).

Years ago, craftsman USA tools were arguably better for the home mechanic not because they were better tools, but because the home user could walk into their local sears and warranty their broken tool or buy that tool they needed to complete the job.

As much as I don't support Harbor Freight, they have taken the place of sears for the DIY mechanic needing same day warranty service or tool availability.

 

[Dave455]

First off, if you can’t determine the difference, then the tools are not for you.

That’s not being snobby, just practicality. I can’t tell the difference between a mid price bottle of wine, and one at four times the price, so I buy the cheaper. I wish it were the same way with tools, but it’s not.

What makes them “high end”? The quality of the steel, the accuracy of the manufacturing, the hardening, the finishing, etc etc.

Let me explain it this way. If you are doing some types of work (e.g. some aerospace tasks) there are specifications the tools have to meet. Some of these specs are quite demanding (e.g. a socket wrench might need a relatively thin wall, but still be strong enough to take a certain torque).

Most manufacturers don’t offer tools that meet these specs. Some, offer a range of tools that do, but they are expensive. Often more money than Snap On. But with Snap On, ALL of their sockets, and the accessories, meet the specs. Same for wrenches, etc etc. It’s quite an achievement, and I don’t think any other manufacturers can match it.

I bought my first Snap On tools over 30 years ago. I paid more for a set of sockets and a ratchet than I ever had. But I’ve used those tools for 30 years, so they’re not looking so costly now.

But… I wouldn’t buy everything they sell. I buy the tools they make (sometimes called the “hard line”) - sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. Buying something that they buy in and rebrand would not be sensible.

And times are changing. Snap On are getting very expensive. There was a time there wasn’t much difference in price (for me) between Snap On and, say, top end German. I bought Snap On. Now, Snap On is 2 to 4 times the price of the German. And Snap On have started cost cutting. A pair of Snap On pliers now, are not the quality of 30 years ago. So while I have a good deal of Snap On, I probably wouldn’t have so much if I was buying again today.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

As someone else mentioned, having all snap on everything, unless money is no object, is a mistake. Not only do they not make every tool (flex head ranching wrenches for God sake) but not all of them are great and most of them are not worth the money. As a full time tech for 15+ years, I mainly buy snap on stuff because of 2 reasons. 1- I buy tools impulsively or I am currently doing one that a certain tool would make easier 2- they are there every week and will warranty just about any non electronic tool for any reason. At work I have a snap on epiq box with locker and their, unfortunately discontinued, epiq cart. I like how tall it is. At home I have husky boxes and workbenches and all my tools are random ****, stuff that was given to me etc. And for the most part it works just as good. Snap on ratchets, for me, will never be beaten. They have a half size socket set called fdx I think, that's saved my *** quite a few times. Their air tools are a rip off, though I do have a few. Man, I feel like I could go on and on with this so I guess I'll stop rambling and say that having them come to you every week and never worry about abusing a hand tool cause you might break it is the main reason for me. Most things feel nice in the hand too

Has nothing to do with money IMO, although that IS a factor overall. A gear wrench or matco ratchet is thinner than a dual 80. The all snap on guy loses on that, and may need alternate methods to get the job done if need be. Pretty sure they don't make a 498 air hammer, or an impacting air ratchet. Lots of things you would miss out on, even if you had enough cash to buy the whole catalog and not blink at the price. Koken and their beefy knurling is a real treat to use. No picoscope, no autel, they don't even make intake sealing bladders or lots of specialty timing tools. Now, if you want to play in the "Supplemental Catalog", I suppose their range expands even more. But IDK I don't consider those items snap on "makes", just items they can acquire. Snap on can sell you gear wrench, OTC, lisle, etc. with their normal non-snap on branding, right out of the supplemental catalog. Hell snap on could sell tupperware if there was demand for it. If we are including anything a specific brand -could- acquire, snap on probably has the most of any brand of tools.


When you use tools professionally, it isn't so much about "saving money" as just having more money to buy more tools. Every bit I save, is another specialty item I can get. And it adds up.

 

[mopar4u]

Thanks everyone. Good info. Im a diy small engine, atv, snowmobile, mower flipper. Ive slowly been converting from random **** to tekton but id like to get my hands on some snap on just to check it out. Buying used most likely on ebay, what would you recommend i look for? A certain ratchet? Small socket set?

 

[Bubba Fett]

Snap-On is a good option for professional mechanics who need quick service and a store that comes to them. They are a one-stop-shop, but you pay for the convenience and service.

Financially, home gamers would be better off getting Williams, Proto, Klein, Malco, Knipex, Ideal, Tekton, etc. I mean, IMO the whole point of doing it myself is to save money, after all. Not everything they sell is made by them. The truck tool equivalent thread is a good place to go to get Snap-On quality at a cheaper price. Of course, they do have very good tools. For example, their ratchets are among the best there is, and I see nothing wrong with wanting to treat-yo-self every now and then.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Thanks everyone. Good info. Im a diy small engine, atv, snowmobile, mower flipper. Ive slowly been converting from random **** to tekton but id like to get my hands on some snap on just to check it out. Buying used most likely on ebay, what would you recommend i look for? A certain ratchet? Small socket set?

FL80, TLL72 - ratchets in general. Check out the site.

 

[ybnormal]

Snap-On is a good option for professional mechanics who need quick service and a store that comes to them. They are a one-stop-shop, but you pay for the convenience and service.

Financially, home gamers would be better off getting Williams, Proto, Klein, Malco, Knipex, Ideal, Tekton, etc. I mean, IMO the whole point of doing it myself is to save money, after all. Not everything they sell is made by them. The truck tool equivalent thread is a good place to go to get Snap-On quality at a cheaper price. Of course, they do have very good tools. For example, their ratchets are among the best there is, and I see nothing wrong with wanting to treat-yo-self every now and then.

Took a couple auto-tech classes at the local community college a couple years ago. they were advising students to buy the Tekton stuff and they had a starter package for them that the local Tekton rep came around serviced. as you took each class, you could buy the special tools needed (if any) for that class. didn't need the tools myself since I wasn't training to become a mechanic but I have to admit the prices were pretty reasonable, especially compared to SO.

 

[rancherbill]

I believe most items are made in USA.

On certain lines but some of their stuff comes abroad - pliers come from Spain.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Snap-On is a good option for professional mechanics who need quick service and a store that comes to them. They are a one-stop-shop, but you pay for the convenience and service.

This is funny... I just realized Schwans (the frozen food trucks) are the same kind of business model. You pay a premium, but the quality is good and they're convenient as heck. Had a friend who worked for them for years - made a living, but it was 12+ hours a day, 6 days a week. Tried to set me up with a truck... um, the money sounds good, but not THAT good for that kind of time commitment.

 

[ecotec]

On certain lines but some of their stuff comes abroad - pliers come from Spain.

All of my Snap-on pliers are made in USA.

The adjustable wrenches are made in Spain.

 

[rancherbill]

IMHO, they do very well with an old business model.

TODAY, buying good tools does not cost a fortune. You can buy two or three set of other brands. If one breaks there are hundreds of suppliers that will have it in your hand tomorrow morning. You don't have to wait until the guy makes his rounds.

Warranty I have been told is a function of how much new stuff you are buying. It's the truck driver that actually giving you a new tool out of his own pocket.

I know a new diesel mechanic that got out of school and spent $40,000 right away. That's over half of his first year take home. Do you work for yourself and your life or for Snapon.

 

[rancherbill]

The other things is that THEY DO NOT MAKE ALL THEIR STUFF. Look at the thread tool Truck Equivalent and you'll see where the stuff is coming from.

Snapon has an old business model.

 

[msharley]

Thanks everyone. Good info. Im a diy small engine, atv, snowmobile, mower flipper. Ive slowly been converting from random **** to tekton but id like to get my hands on some snap on just to check it out. Buying used most likely on ebay, what would you recommend i look for? A certain ratchet? Small socket set?

Hey Mopar,

Sockets & wrenches, particularly the six point Snap On...as opposed to the competition.

The "driving surfaces" of the sockets & wrenches in the Snap On line are nearer the "mouth" of the tool getting closer to the "base" of the

fastener. Less chance of damaging the fastener by rounding or stripping, and almost ZERO chance of marring a chrome plated fastener on

an expensive motorcycle.

There are many used Snap On vendors on EBay.....I like the offset box wrenches (12 point) which I reach for the most...followed by the six

point sockets and combination wrenches for stubborn or chromed fasteners...

The Snap On sockets tend to have a "thinner wall" allowing one to get into tight spots.

I think for sockets, one would do well with a set of 1/4" & 3/8" drive MID WELL (medium length) six point sockets...

Also a 1/4" & 3/8" drive flex head ratchets and wobble extensions!

The materiel that Snap On tools are made of is considerably "harder" than that of the "other brands". One can beat a Snap On Wrench

against an "off brand" and make dents in the "off brand"....The alloys are better and the heat treatment is better...

You will RARELY round/damage a fastener using Snap On wrenches/sockets...(unless it is rusted to ****)

My two cents.

Later, Mark

 

[wafrederick]

The other things is that THEY DO NOT MAKE ALL THEIR STUFF. Look at the thread tool Truck Equivalent and you'll see where the stuff is coming from.

Snapon has an old business mode

Not true,Snap On makes their sockets,wrenches,hammers,cordless and air tools.Irwin cut off Snap On last year,Irwin no longer makes anything for Snap On.Snap On is in the process of making their taps and dies.This was after the USA made locking pliers came out

 

[wafrederick]

The cordless ratchet market,Snap On 14.4 ratchets are king.Lot of the 14.4 line is good except the brushed buffer/polisher.

 

[Ton ton]

Thanks great info. Im seeing vague answers for why they are good, high quality means different things. Is it: the type of metal? Fancy chrome? Look manly? Accuracy of functional areas? Process how they are made?

Smooth action on the ratchets. It's hard to explain until you get one in your hand. Also the sockets don't fall off like they do with my junk Kobalt ratchet.