Ton ton
Well-known member
Some pawnshops have used snap on tools for sale.
General snap-on questions
- Thread starter mopar4u
- Start date
Wakefield
Well-known member
---------------------------------------------------Wright?
Wakefield
Well-known member
The wrenches sound like a tuning fork when you tap them
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nobody does ratchets better than Snap-on they are the best of the best. And I love the hard handles they offer. I’m not big on soft grips and most brands don’t offer hard handles. Their screwdrivers are also top notch. Never damaged a screw with one like I have other brands. And they also offer the hard handles on screwdrivers which are amazing and they have an awesome blue color and many other colors as well. They are really good.
RoninB4
Well-known member
If you have a fold up set of hex keys in a metal handle from the 1990's (and possibly beyond) then the set was made by Eklind Tool in Chicago. Same goes for Blue Point, Park Tool, and several others. How do I know? I was a die maker there during the 90's. Change of stamp for logo is only difference. Can't speak for the plastic ones.
^^ #44
I would say facom, koken and even taiwan efforts like high-five super-ten style ratchets have a lot of qualities better than a snap-on ratchet and anything up to fifth of the price .
Snapon does a few gems but these days it truly is just a few as plenty other tool designs and options that equal and better .
Anyone who doesn't get full benefit of a tool truck service or likely need several replacement tools is getting very little benefit from spap-on prices.
As others have said buying all snapon you loosing and buying no snapon you loosing, you got buy based on tool functionality and forget brands warranty and price to some extent n a calculated balanced choice to build up a good performing tool selection .
I would say facom, koken and even taiwan efforts like high-five super-ten style ratchets have a lot of qualities better than a snap-on ratchet and anything up to fifth of the price .
Snapon does a few gems but these days it truly is just a few as plenty other tool designs and options that equal and better .
Anyone who doesn't get full benefit of a tool truck service or likely need several replacement tools is getting very little benefit from spap-on prices.
As others have said buying all snapon you loosing and buying no snapon you loosing, you got buy based on tool functionality and forget brands warranty and price to some extent n a calculated balanced choice to build up a good performing tool selection .
02camaro86
Well-known member
the quaility and tolerances are tighter from what ive seen. for example the wrenches (especially the flair nut wrenchs) dont open and flex when torque is applied so you dont round fasteners. same with the sockets, i strip/round less bolts and nuts with snap on flank drive sockets than gearwrench or sk, apearance wise is very similar but in my experience there is a performance difference. the snap on impact sockets are thinner and just as strong than other brand impacts, my snap on 21mm impact has the same OD as a sunnex 19mm. allen and torx sockets are all made with stronger and tighter tolerances so they strip and round less.
i also buy all my snap on stuff off ebay so i get good deals on it. come time i need to sell it ill get pretty darn close to what i paid for it and the entire time the tools are making me money. cant say that for many tool companies.
i also buy all my snap on stuff off ebay so i get good deals on it. come time i need to sell it ill get pretty darn close to what i paid for it and the entire time the tools are making me money. cant say that for many tool companies.
Dave455
Well-known member
I would probably disagree, and I own ratchets from all the makers listed.
Facom do offer nice ratchets, particularly the “Palm Control” series, which are lovely and smooth, but they’re not as good as Snap On. Here they are compared.
The soft handle on the Facom is there to save money. It means that these tools don’t meet many aerospace specs, not British, American, or even european. Facom offer different ratchet’s that do (with metal handles) but they are more money, and until recently had a lower tooth ratchet.
The finish on the Facom is not as good as Snap On. These ratchets were side by side in a drawer over winter. The Facom rusted, and even after removing the surface rust, these pits remained. The Snap On was unmarked.
Similar with KoKen. They’re great tools, and I use them a lot, but the ratchet’s are not in the same league as Snap On. The regular ratchets have a fairly low tooth count, and the finish isn’t as tough. KoKen ratchets pick up scratches where Snap On don’t.
I’m not dissatisfied with any of my Facom or KoKen tools, indeed they are all excellent value, but Snap On really do make the best ratchets. KTC Nepros are probably the only company to make something as good, but don’t expect a big cost saving there!
Nepros look to be the super-ten patent from taiwan (high-five), the facom flex heads and extendable ratchets are superb in use and sensible price.
I've used Koken ratchets for 3 decades and can't fault them, hold up fine, the zeal range and the new 72 tooth is amazing in daily use .
Most times I using ratchet I want compact head and prefer lower back drag and that ain't snapon, it normally Koken or super-ten compact designs from taiwan, I do like the snap-on roto heads, they about best roto head design .
Snapon ratchets pear heads are good but they bulky and average back drag, i've worn through and chipped snapon chrome as much as most other brands, facom, stahlwille and taiwan water satin by rotar group been some of best in use chrome plating I used, the older stahlwille stuff held up better than anything else I got. Snaop-On also seems have hit and miss periods on plating quality, I got some snap-on wrenches that been a right **** for chipping and slight peeling while others wear through plating eventually if using them enough without flaking chipping .
I've used Koken ratchets for 3 decades and can't fault them, hold up fine, the zeal range and the new 72 tooth is amazing in daily use .
Most times I using ratchet I want compact head and prefer lower back drag and that ain't snapon, it normally Koken or super-ten compact designs from taiwan, I do like the snap-on roto heads, they about best roto head design .
Snapon ratchets pear heads are good but they bulky and average back drag, i've worn through and chipped snapon chrome as much as most other brands, facom, stahlwille and taiwan water satin by rotar group been some of best in use chrome plating I used, the older stahlwille stuff held up better than anything else I got. Snaop-On also seems have hit and miss periods on plating quality, I got some snap-on wrenches that been a right **** for chipping and slight peeling while others wear through plating eventually if using them enough without flaking chipping .
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wafrederick
Well-known member
Nepros is Japanese
I was under impression some KTC/Nepros likely made in taiwan ...
The Nepros ratchet very much compact design style like the super-ten, TONE has their compact ratchets made in taiwan via high-five super-ten patent/design/manufacturing partners .
lot of KTC wrenches/ratchet wrenches turned out be taiwan coo .
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The thing about SO is that Williams Tools are iirc also made by Snap-On, look at a Williams ratcheting screwdriver on Amazon for 40 bucks vs the SO truck version for a C note plus.
I have a drawer full of SO ratchets, accumulated over 40 years, my last purchase was over $200 on the truck ( I was already dropping 2800 on a scanner and cables at the same time... in for a penny in for a mortgage payment or two)
I have sets of SO wrenches
I have SO screwdrivers that are 40 years old. (again look at Williams same tool less money)
All my daily use chrome sockets are 35 year old + S&K
Half of my metric impacts sockets (1/2") are MAC, The 3/8 drive stuff is SO
My SAE impact stuff is mostly S&K, again 35 years old
Is the SO stuff nice... you bet... would I be spending tens of thousands of dollars to replace what I bought when I was in the shops today? Probably not.
I will say I have only broken one SO 1/4 inch ratchet in 40 years... truck guy fixed it on the spot.
The flex handle SO ratchets are worth every penny
I have a drawer full of SO ratchets, accumulated over 40 years, my last purchase was over $200 on the truck ( I was already dropping 2800 on a scanner and cables at the same time... in for a penny in for a mortgage payment or two)
I have sets of SO wrenches
I have SO screwdrivers that are 40 years old. (again look at Williams same tool less money)
All my daily use chrome sockets are 35 year old + S&K
Half of my metric impacts sockets (1/2") are MAC, The 3/8 drive stuff is SO
My SAE impact stuff is mostly S&K, again 35 years old
Is the SO stuff nice... you bet... would I be spending tens of thousands of dollars to replace what I bought when I was in the shops today? Probably not.
I will say I have only broken one SO 1/4 inch ratchet in 40 years... truck guy fixed it on the spot.
The flex handle SO ratchets are worth every penny
Walkers
Well-known member
I just warrantied a ratchet from 1958 for my father. He is 82 now and his health is beginning to fail, and he can no longer use hand tools. He is giving his Snappys to my 17 year old son, who is excited to have them. In another 20 years I will probably give mine to my grandson.
wafrederick
Well-known member
A Japanese tool company,say made in Japan.
awesome blue color? is that like huge yellow japanese stickers on a ricer making it have an extra 50hp?
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Haha. Color is important to me. Pearl Blue and Power Blue are my go to Snap-on colors when available. I’ll pass on yellow though unless it’s not available in any other color lol. Now I just wish they had blue pocket screwdrivers.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
^ When you use it every day, little things like color, comfort, etc add up. I love SK round head ratchets, and have more than I need. Still like them, and use them, even though they aren't the best fit in modern engine bays.
I wouldn't say you need 18" 3/8 ratchets and torque adapters to swap a clutch, but those $$$ sure paid off on a fiesta today. Going to have 4 hours or so in it, and those special tricks and tools make that happen. I'm sure the boys at the ford can crush my time, and I can promise if an impact is more comfortable or appealing for any reason, it's worth it.
I wouldn't say you need 18" 3/8 ratchets and torque adapters to swap a clutch, but those $$$ sure paid off on a fiesta today. Going to have 4 hours or so in it, and those special tricks and tools make that happen. I'm sure the boys at the ford can crush my time, and I can promise if an impact is more comfortable or appealing for any reason, it's worth it.
rancherbill
Well-known member
Please Please Please read this thread. Snapon makes some of their stuff. They buy a huge amount of their product lines from other domestic and foreign manufacturers.
You have drank the Snapon Koolaid.
There are many quality tool companies.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-truck-tool-equivalents-thread-gathering-data.136120/
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
All of their "hard line" hand tools are theirs, the scan tools and boxes are theirs. Torque wrenches, pullers, specialty sockets too. No, CDI or PI ain't the same as a dual 80 flex head, I looked from them both and they don't make a comparable product. Their stuff all had 30 teeth. You can get old designs from williams, you can get a dual 80 mechaism in a 6" ratchet or a swedish pipe wrench from bahco.
IDK where the idea that it's a truck full of reboxed tools comes from. Although I CAN buy lisle, LTI, and similar wearing their OE logos proudly. And they certainly rebrand, and pay for exclusivity agreements to have a tool from an OEM for a given time. Again, no surprise.
I will agree, there is a plethora of quality tool makers. They all have something to offer. Yes, even snap on. At a bare minimum check your wrenches on their tester and don't buy anything. LOL
rancherbill
Well-known member
So you are telling me that every item on the truck comes from a Snapon US facility. Really the commnet about 30 tooth ratchets was a good one.
They re-label their own brands.
https://www.snapon.com/EN/Our-Company/Our-Brands
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Not at all. I'm saying that not every item on the truck is a rebrand. "Hard line" products are generally speaking all their own production in the USA. Hammers, ratchets, wrenches, sockets, and similar.
Stanley owns craftsman and proto. Not the same tools. Bahco makes nice files, they sell them on the truck, labeled both bahco and snap on. Different warranty I believe.
That's all the ratchets Bahco has listed. Not a single one is a "rebrand" like that thread suggests. The rebuild kit might fit, but snap on sells no 80 tooth ratchets like that bahco everybody talks about. Bahco aint selling TLL72 or FL80s either. So there is no "equivalent" in that category. Same deal with the torque wrenches. Okay, lets say CDI/PI makes the body of the torque wrench below.
Snap-on Store
Unless it comes with a comparable tooth head, and flex, it's not comparable. That's what I literally tried to buy, the above product or very similar from CDI/PI. I wanted USA preferably, mechanical, high tooth, flex pear head, low end of the 3/8 range. I couldn't find it and cornwell didn't have their taiwanese versions with the 90 tooth heads yet. CDI/PI had a bunch of 30 tooth ratchets, which is what I had, and what I was struggling with.
I've bought many things via that thread and other detective work. But a ton of that thread is nonsense, comparing bit sets that don't even have the same number of pieces as "equivalent", or the bahco ratchet example. And I literally said they sell brands like Astro Pneumatic, mayhew, lisle, Lang, LTI, etc badged as such on the truck. And they'll have their own versions in the catalog and on the truck too.
EDIT: Long story short, Snap On makes some of their own stuff, and rebrands other stuff.
X1 Mike
Well-known member
Someone saw you coming if you paid a hundred bucks.
Snap-on Store
My dealer will sell me these for 65 bucks all day long.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
FWIW I just bought an assenmacher funnel kit on the 'ol snap on truck last week. $7 more than online before shipping when I was scanning prior to purchase.
wafrederick
Well-known member
They make most of their stuff and hand tools.Trusty Cook used to make their hammers and Snap On makes their hammers now.The story of Irwin quit making anything for Snap On is after the locking pliers made by Malco came out.Irwin sold their tool plant in Nebraska to Malco.Did not like it when Snap On came out with them.Cannot get a tap and die from Snap On right now
The thing I do like about snap on besides specialty tools no one else makes is the ridiculously long support they offer compared to everyone else, especially tool boxes. Snap on has slides in stock for a 50+ year old tool box, cornwell can't get a lock for a 20 year old tool box or struts for a 5 year old tool cart.
johnny_boy02
Active member
Unless you are using and/or holding the tools in your hand it is going to be hard to give a end all be all answer to your questions. I only own and use a handful or snap-on tools, but let’s examine a couple.
First a ratchet… the Snap-On ratchet is leaps and bounds better in pretty much every aspect than my old USA made craftsman ratchet. It’s actually comfortable, has many more teeth, the back drag is so much better. But my Mac axis ratchets are just as nice and my Harbor Freight Icon ratchets are almost as good.
Now sockets…I only have SAE mid lengths in SO. They are very nice. Chrome is good, weight is good, fit and finish is great. In the hand they just feel a bit better than my USA made Craftsman and Tekton. BUT my Koken sockets are just as nice.
Pilar’s, side cutters, flush cuts.. nothing I have used is as nice as snap on. knipex is untouchable for “channel lock” type pliers but for the rest I really like the Snap-On stuff.
I’ll also add I don’t buy off the truck. I pretty buy Snap-on on eBay and Facebook for 50-60% of lost price.
rancherbill
Well-known member
Cmon, comparing a professional priced tool to a department store tool is like comparing a Cadillac to a Chrysler K-Car.
I love my Craftsman and my 2 K-Cars, by the way, but I realize they are not in the same class for comparison purposes.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Not sure why that thread is even pinned on this forum. Things change so fast in manufacturing relative to a thread started 10 years ago. The "equivalents" seem to read as directionless "something you can buy instead".
Lots of good ways to throw your money away these days. A recent GearWrench 90T ratchet purchase made me wish I'd just have thrown the money at Matco.
-Ryan
dmaxfireman
Well-known member
Snap on tools, the make or break is going to be the dealer if you plan on buying new. A good dealer maintaining reasonable stock is able to warranty anything on the spot no questions asked. They will provide "good deals" to "good customers"
If you don't have a regular dealer then you are better off sticking with the above advice of getting the tools that snap on leads the pack in. Ratchets, flare nut wrenches, etc from a secondary source like ebay, marketplace, or pawn shops. Then read through the threads on what fits your needs the best for other brands.
I'm very fortunate to have a great dealer, no questions asked on any warranty, provides decent discounts now that we have an established relationship and I always pay in full on the spot, I also get preference on any repo's that he takes in and promo deals before they get announced to the regular customers.
If you don't have a regular dealer then you are better off sticking with the above advice of getting the tools that snap on leads the pack in. Ratchets, flare nut wrenches, etc from a secondary source like ebay, marketplace, or pawn shops. Then read through the threads on what fits your needs the best for other brands.
I'm very fortunate to have a great dealer, no questions asked on any warranty, provides decent discounts now that we have an established relationship and I always pay in full on the spot, I also get preference on any repo's that he takes in and promo deals before they get announced to the regular customers.
frankly Ill say it again as I always say:
Some of SO stuff is worth it, most of it isnt not. They excel in specialty stuff and hand tools. the ratchets, sockets and such are better than others. for the average person however they are way to costly. I have abut 30 ratchets of various makes including snap on. Funny thing is that I will reach for my old husky round heat fine tooth 3/8 ratchet before i grab my snappy. Same goes for my 1/4 stuff. i have a nice capri brand flex 1/4 i like but I also have 5 1/4" snap on ratchet too that I never used. The real claim to fame is they warranty their stuff (if the dealer isnt a jerk) and come to your job and to a person who needs that service its hard to beat
The tools are better dont get me wrong, but decent quality tools will work for the average end user in most cases. I have a 20" tool box full of good but not great tools. Mostly husky, some craftsman evolve (couldnt argue 10 bucks for a torx and hex socket set), stanley, and channel lock. that set has changed out and repaired everything under the sun imaginable. know what happened? I wore out the 3/8 husky ratchet...thats it. stuffs like 20 years old now.
Now, does snappy make better tools. yes in some cases. flank drive is worth it. I have a williams metric wrench set with the old flank drive design and it works sooo much better than the nicer stanley set I used to use.
use whatever ya want..but your paying for the name unless the tool is indeed better and it isnt always
Some of SO stuff is worth it, most of it isnt not. They excel in specialty stuff and hand tools. the ratchets, sockets and such are better than others. for the average person however they are way to costly. I have abut 30 ratchets of various makes including snap on. Funny thing is that I will reach for my old husky round heat fine tooth 3/8 ratchet before i grab my snappy. Same goes for my 1/4 stuff. i have a nice capri brand flex 1/4 i like but I also have 5 1/4" snap on ratchet too that I never used. The real claim to fame is they warranty their stuff (if the dealer isnt a jerk) and come to your job and to a person who needs that service its hard to beat
The tools are better dont get me wrong, but decent quality tools will work for the average end user in most cases. I have a 20" tool box full of good but not great tools. Mostly husky, some craftsman evolve (couldnt argue 10 bucks for a torx and hex socket set), stanley, and channel lock. that set has changed out and repaired everything under the sun imaginable. know what happened? I wore out the 3/8 husky ratchet...thats it. stuffs like 20 years old now.
Now, does snappy make better tools. yes in some cases. flank drive is worth it. I have a williams metric wrench set with the old flank drive design and it works sooo much better than the nicer stanley set I used to use.
use whatever ya want..but your paying for the name unless the tool is indeed better and it isnt always
The % price premium between SO and other high grade hand tools is about the highest I've ever seen. The % difference in quality is the lowest I've ever seen as even the value brands have gotten a whole lot better.
Example: SO Dual 80 3/8" 8" Ratchet - $126 vs Tekton 38" 8" 90 tooth ratchet - $36. Almost 400% price premium!!! It's getting pretty silly IMHO but if they can get away with it, more power to 'em.
Example: SO Dual 80 3/8" 8" Ratchet - $126 vs Tekton 38" 8" 90 tooth ratchet - $36. Almost 400% price premium!!! It's getting pretty silly IMHO but if they can get away with it, more power to 'em.
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Iridium rand
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2021
- Messages
- 218
You wanna see a lot of replies on your thread quickly ask about this lmao
fact of the matter is, as you’ve surely noticed, you’ll get different answers from different people as with any brand viewed as top of the line. They make some innovative products you can’t get anywhere else, they rebrand some, some are just the highest quality available, and some have that intangible feel to them that makes you want to pick that one out of the toolbox every time over all the others and is a joy to use every time.
As is often the case, higher prices means diminishing returns, twice the price or more for 10% better is worth it to some and truck/dealer service factors in a lot too if you have use for and can access it. You’ll always have blind brand loyalists and blind detractors but for the most part there are very good reasons for people to buy it or to have no interest whatsoever
fact of the matter is, as you’ve surely noticed, you’ll get different answers from different people as with any brand viewed as top of the line. They make some innovative products you can’t get anywhere else, they rebrand some, some are just the highest quality available, and some have that intangible feel to them that makes you want to pick that one out of the toolbox every time over all the others and is a joy to use every time.
As is often the case, higher prices means diminishing returns, twice the price or more for 10% better is worth it to some and truck/dealer service factors in a lot too if you have use for and can access it. You’ll always have blind brand loyalists and blind detractors but for the most part there are very good reasons for people to buy it or to have no interest whatsoever
rancherbill
Well-known member
From threads over the years it is clear that the dealer will warrant if you are a good current customer. If you are not a customer you wont get warranty on the truck because the dealer is actually paying for the replacement not Snapon.
rancherbill
Well-known member
Exactly, you can buy 2 Tektons and still have money left to get other necessary tools.
wafrederick
Well-known member
Robinair used to make Snap On's A/C machines.Was a good machine.It stopped when Robinair wanted to cut corners and Snap On did not allow that.Snap On now makes them now in their Arkansas tool plant
rancherbill
Well-known member
I do not know any facts BUT....Snapon bought Ecotechnics is a leading innovator in refrigerant recovery, recycling and recharging machines for automotive air conditioning systems.
It is an Italian company and my guess is they just brought Italian technology that they owned to the States.
johnny_boy02
Active member
You are right, that was my point. I spent years using Craftsman and it was a huge improvement when I finally coughed up the $$ for something better.
That’s not quite true, snap on warranty the stuff, but the franchisee is assessed by snap on based on how much stuff he warranties and can have warranty returns refused by snap on if he goes over a given percentage of his sales, or if his account is not up to date.