General snap-on questions

[DAustin]

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.

Hell for years I though Craftsman was the High-End Tool. And for me at the time it was the best I could buy. Over the years as I was able to spend more on tools, I see they were good enough but nowhere near the best. I've bought Matco, Mac, and Snap-on and have never been let down by any of them. They are overkill for a weekend warrior, but they sure feel nice.

 

[mdrawde]

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.

Facom have a contract with Airbus.

 

[Dave455]

Facom have a contract with Airbus.

I’m sure they do!

They had one with BA at one stage too.

But I’m also fairly sure that the tools they use to fulfil that contract are part of their “aerospace” range, which do meet the specs!

Manufacturers can basically do as they wish anyway, so long as the processes comply with their own QC.

My point was that the regular / less expensive tools from makers such as Facom don’t meet the specs. When you buy a tool from them that does, it’s a specialist item, and more costly.

 

[M635_Guy]

I’m sure they do!

They had one with BA at one stage too.

But I’m also fairly sure that the tools they use to fulfil that contract are part of their “aerospace” range, which do meet the specs!

Manufacturers can basically do as they wish anyway, so long as the processes comply with their own QC.

My point was that the regular / less expensive tools from makers such as Facom don’t meet the specs. When you buy a tool from them that does, it’s a specialist item, and more costly.

I think it's more a thing of "hasn't been certified to the specs" than doesn't meet them. That kind of testing is often very expensive to commission and challenging to do in-house based on the cost of the testing equipment and qualified operators.

In reality, few commercial entities require the highest levels of certification/testing and there's not massive commercial upside/revenue for doing it. It can become as much a marketing thing as much as anything else. You see this a lot in tech with MIL-STD 810 G/H testing - it can be useful to compare, but for products that aren't tested it doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't pass - many would pass a lot of them, but they don't try because it's expensive. (this is something I have a couple decades of experience with).

I mean, SO's FOD line certainly meets requirements for some work environments, but I doubt there are many hard purchasing requirements for that level of testing/certification for hand tools for the vast majority of consumption.

If you compare the mechanism/pawls of the Tekton and Icon ratchets, the Icon has much beefier pawls, and using both alongside my Snap On ratchets, the Icon feels more robust than the Tekton. I'm not 100% sure if in practice any of those make a usable difference. I don't think I can get a rebuild kit for either of them, but I can also afford to have a couple extra and still be well under the price of a SO. All the "test to failure" things I've seen (AvE, ClientGraphics, Den of Tools, etc. - which I generally hate) would seem to say these ratchets (and other hand tools) generally tend to do pretty well. I think all the smoke around "high quality metal" is just that for these tools (possible, I suppose, for the truly cheap brands, but whatever).

As for the multiple of cost, I would say this: If you're making things to a very high level and doing it across a relatively low-to-moderate level of production, you're not spreading your costs across very many things. Do it that way with a sales model that requires a level of profitability for your dealers to afford a very-expensive truck, a lot of cost of inventory and leave enough to make a living and feed a family, etc. and I can understand if you're price to the buyers is pretty high. I doubt the MiUSA angle has all that much to do with it - if they're legitimately under 13K employees, that's going to add some but probably isn't the reason for the full level of their pricing.

 

[CallumRD1]

If you compare the mechanism/pawls of the Tekton and Icon ratchets, the Icon has much beefier pawls, and using both alongside my Snap On ratchets, the Icon feels more robust than the Tekton. I'm not 100% sure if in practice any of those make a usable difference. I don't think I can get a rebuild kit for either of them, but I can also afford to have a couple extra and still be well under the price of a SO.

Ratchet and Breaker Bar Parts and Supplies | TEKTON

Use a service kit to repair or rework broken internals on your Tekton ratchets or breaker bars.

www.tekton.com

Here you go. Rebuild kits for all of Tekton's 90 tooth ratchets.

 

[garfunkle24]

I have a ton of Snap-on stuff but if I were to start again I would have much less. Some of their stuff was definitely worth it. Before the patent ran out they were the only game in town for 30/60 angle wrenches. Their line wrenches are excellent. I prefer Snap-on prybars and heel bars over any others I've tried. I love my dual 80 ratchets and various other things from them. It seems that often you're getting a tool with 25 - 50% better performance for 300 - 400% the cost of others. The thing is though, when you really need that better performance in a professional setting, it's worth it. It just is.

Snap-on isn't the only place you have to choke down this price to performance ratio though. Are Knipex Cobras worth 3x the price of some Channellocks? Well when I'm 300km from the shop and it's -35c and I'm under a machine trying to grip a hardened shaft then yes,, they very much are.

 

[rancherbill]

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.

So getting warranty is an iffy thing based on mathematics and and tea leaves.

They sure stand behind their stuff sometimes.

 

[M635_Guy]

The thing is though, when you really need that better performance in a professional setting, it's worth it. It just is.

I think that level of better performance exists with their wrenches, but probably isn't that high for much of anything else, but I agree with your statement overall.

Of course, Icon and Tekton don't make the variety of specialty tools SO does, or even the number of longer ratchets, etc., which is a big plus for SO.

Snap-on isn't the only place you have to choke down this price to performance ratio though. Are Knipex Cobras worth 3x the price of some Channellocks? Well when I'm 300km from the shop and it's -35c and I'm under a machine trying to grip a hardened shaft then yes,, they very much are.

To hoist myself by my own petard, I'm saying unequivocally yes!

That said, I think there's a far bigger design difference there than most of the comparison we're talking about. Personally, my beef with ChannelIock has never been their quality. I absolutely hate the design and ergonomics of the Channellock pliers. I'd already pretty much stopped using them before I got my Cobras, and donated them to Habitat immediately after. (It was a very similar story with my Crescent wrenches when I got my Knipex Pliers wrenches - hated adjustables and they were done once I got the Knipex. I do keep them in the "family box", but I'll never pick them up on purpose ever again if I can help it)

The point is that a lot of tools are so close in design, quality, ergonomics, etc. that the difference can be really hard to justify if you're not getting the 50% student discount. Nobody has a better combination of ratchet mechanism, handle and durability as the Dual 80. My Sunex may have a better handle, but the mechanism and ergonomics are so completely terrible I'll never know for sure. The Tekton is pretty close on mechanism and handle, but the pawls are so tiny and it doesn't have that substantial feel/weight when you pick it up. My Icon is pretty darn close on all 3. I "justified" my SO ratchets because I'm middle-aged, have already saved my nut for retirement, the money I've spent on the ratchets and a few other things won't deny me a thing and I made them presents to myself. But if one of my sons was coming out of tech school, the list for Snap On would be very targeted indeed.

 

[Dave455]

I think it's more a thing of "hasn't been certified to the specs" than doesn't meet them. That kind of testing is often very expensive to commission and challenging to do in-house based on the cost of the testing equipment and qualified operators.

In reality, few commercial entities require the highest levels of certification/testing and there's not massive commercial upside/revenue for doing it. It can become as much a marketing thing as much as anything else. You see this a lot in tech with MIL-STD 810 G/H testing - it can be useful to compare, but for products that aren't tested it doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't pass - many would pass a lot of them, but they don't try because it's expensive. (this is something I have a couple decades of experience with).

I mean, SO's FOD line certainly meets requirements for some work environments, but I doubt there are many hard purchasing requirements for that level of testing/certification for hand tools for the vast majority of consumption.

If you compare the mechanism/pawls of the Tekton and Icon ratchets, the Icon has much beefier pawls, and using both alongside my Snap On ratchets, the Icon feels more robust than the Tekton. I'm not 100% sure if in practice any of those make a usable difference. I don't think I can get a rebuild kit for either of them, but I can also afford to have a couple extra and still be well under the price of a SO. All the "test to failure" things I've seen (AvE, ClientGraphics, Den of Tools, etc. - which I generally hate) would seem to say these ratchets (and other hand tools) generally tend to do pretty well. I think all the smoke around "high quality metal" is just that for these tools (possible, I suppose, for the truly cheap brands, but whatever).

As for the multiple of cost, I would say this: If you're making things to a very high level and doing it across a relatively low-to-moderate level of production, you're not spreading your costs across very many things. Do it that way with a sales model that requires a level of profitability for your dealers to afford a very-expensive truck, a lot of cost of inventory and leave enough to make a living and feed a family, etc. and I can understand if you're price to the buyers is pretty high. I doubt the MiUSA angle has all that much to do with it - if they're legitimately under 13K employees, that's going to add some but probably isn't the reason for the full level of their pricing.

Actually, no, in many cases the tools are different.

Taking Stahlwille as an example, their No. 13 regular short combination wrench doesn’t make the specs, but they are reasonably priced.

Their “aerospace spec” tool is the No. 130, and although they looks similar, they are made of different steel, and more expensive, but do meet the spec.

In some cases, e.g. these short ring spanners / box end wrenches, the tools are totally different. These are not offered in the regular line, only aerospace spec.

Same story with sockets, aerospace spec ones are different steel, have different dimensions, and even look different.

Similar with ratchets. GGG-W-636 requires ratchets to have hard handles so they don’t collect contamination, as well as being resistant to all the fluids found in the industry, so the regular offerings from many companies don’t meet the requirements.

I don’t believe individual certification is a requirement, the tools just have to be made to the spec.

My original point was that, except for specialist tools such as spline wrenches, Snap On’s regular tools meet the specs, so they don’t need a separate range. The OP was asking what makes Snap On “high end” and this is one factor.

And if you need / want tools that meet the spec, the Snap On are not so costly compared to the specialist items from other makers.

 

[CJM8515]

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.

depends on the dealer. if you arent a customer of theirs they might be a jerk and refuse a warranty. i have had thebest luck calling snap on, explaining Im no longer in a shop and boom all of the sudden everything is fine. Hell, years ago I borrowed a friends blue point brake flare kit and it broke at the wing nut. I contacted the snap on guy I used to deal with and he said no issue then pretty much forgot about me. I gave up, called SO and had one to my house after 3 days no questions asked.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Let's kick the warranty debate right in the....nuts. A mentor gave me a 24" Snap-On breaker bar. After 40 years of flat rate, it broke at the square through the ball detent. I was gutted as the tool meant a lot to me. I emailed Snap-On with my tale. Explained that I could not find a rebuild kit in their catalog *to purchase* for a 1978 breaker bar. They got right back to me and asked for my address. I immediately got two UPS tracking numbers from UPS. Snap-On two day shipped the needed parts from a couple different warehouses. I had the tool fixed when the parts arrived. It's as good as new.

-Ryan

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Actually, no, in many cases the tools are different.

Taking Stahlwille as an example, their No. 13 regular short combination wrench doesn’t make the specs, but they are reasonably priced.

Their “aerospace spec” tool is the No. 130, and although they looks similar, they are made of different steel, and more expensive, but do meet the spec.

In some cases, e.g. these short ring spanners / box end wrenches, the tools are totally different. These are not offered in the regular line, only aerospace spec.

Same story with sockets, aerospace spec ones are different steel, have different dimensions, and even look different.

Similar with ratchets. GGG-W-636 requires ratchets to have hard handles so they don’t collect contamination, as well as being resistant to all the fluids found in the industry, so the regular offerings from many companies don’t meet the requirements.

I don’t believe individual certification is a requirement, the tools just have to be made to the spec.

My original point was that, except for specialist tools such as spline wrenches, Snap On’s regular tools meet the specs, so they don’t need a separate range. The OP was asking what makes Snap On “high end” and this is one factor.

And if you need / want tools that meet the spec, the Snap On are not so costly compared to the specialist items from other makers.

Fluke is kinda like this. I believe it was EEVBLOG who did a video on why fluke is so expensive. Legacy support, specialty items, country of origin, it goes on.

I like the snap on discussions, can be very entertaining. As others said, I would be picky with how much I spent with snap on starting out. One needs a complete set of basic tools, is financially limited, and the industry has a high drop out rate.

 

[M635_Guy]

My original point was that, except for specialist tools such as spline wrenches, Snap On’s regular tools meet the specs, so they don’t need a separate range. The OP was asking what makes Snap On “high end” and this is one factor.

And if you need / want tools that meet the spec, the Snap On are not so costly compared to the specialist items from other makers.

I understand now. I guess my point is a very small number of people need the anti-contaminant or specialty-fluid resistance capability, and it seems wasteful to pay for it. Snap On's separate range could be understood to be BluePoint.

 

[Sycan]

I do not know any facts BUT....

At least you admit that! Warranty with Snap On has been no problem for me, and usually it is a matter of wearing an impact socket out or broken torx bits. This also tells me that the quality is still top notch as the service truck life is not nice to tools. Just my actual experience.

 

[Dave455]

I understand now. I guess my point is a very small number of people need the anti-contaminant or specialty-fluid resistance capability, and it seems wasteful to pay for it. Snap On's separate range could be understood to be BluePoint.

Absolutely!

For Mr. Average, some of the features being paid for may never be needed.

Even myself, although I have some Snap On, I don’t use it for every job.

I have a fairly comprehensive set of KoKen that tends to get carried around when I’m working away from base, and that does most of what I need, without me needing to worry about mega expensive tools!

I think most folks need to reach their own compromise on price/quality, and forums like these can help people make informed decisions.

Although ultimately, I think you need to handle, and preferably use, the tools in question before parting with cash. If a person is undecided which brand to go for, I think the strategy of buying a couple of sample items and trying them, is hard to beat.

 

[wafrederick]

Snap On has spring loaded punches and chisels,these you pull up and release without a hammer needed.Snap On does not make them,Spring Tools makes them for Snap On

 

[ShadowBoxer]

My general Snap-on answer is from the perspective of a home tinkerer, artist and DIYr.
Sometimes I’m working on cars or motorcycles, sometimes I’m building or assembling something, etc.

I originally got into Snap-on back in the 1990s. I was working on my first car, a 1969 Triumph TR6. A friend was helping me on weekends. He had a full garage and collection on Craftsman. I went cheap and had a silly set in a metal tin from “Hollywood Accessories“ made in Japan. I probably bought it at Sav-on, who knows? Well that stripped bolts and the Triumph’s bolts stripped the sockets and numerous other problems. After about 2 years of “making it work” I just said to hell with this and went full blast the other way; I bought a Snap-on F831, which is a 3/8 drive flex-head about 11 inches long, a set of imperial/fractional sockets, -and then over the course of a few months- wrenches, screwdrivers and a few other things.

In the last 30 years (I think it was actually 1992…) I only cried once… I mean about the tools. Because I only had to buy them once. And I still have them and use them. The ratchet never skipped or failed in any way, the sockets never stripped or rounded off fasteners. Ever. I’ve collected a lot of other things through the years and now usually look at eBay first when I have something in mind.

Today (Feb. 7, 2022) I received a package from Snap-on answering a warranty claim. I actually called them to buy parts to repair/rebuild. They said the ratchets were too old/parts no longer available and to send them in. I sent one in and the anvil of the other hoping they would fix it (the ball detent had come out, but I found it and included it). One was a TM738 I think (the 1/4 drive roto with the standard steel handle) and the other was a GM 70M “midget”. This was dated 1949. Today I received a THNF72 and a GT72 in a shinny all black finish I did not even know they made. That’s it. No drama to report. Amazing warranty service. The black of the GT72 is shinny and smooth, not like impact-sockets-black. I can’t stop staring at it…

This is the second or third time I’ve dealt with them and it’s always been fine. Last time was a rebuild kit for a pry bar that fell apart. They sent the kit without charging me. I don’t know what everyone has been crying about. Maybe Snap-on was difficult before, but I’ve never had a problem. Maybe they have decided to take their reputation more seriously and invest in some good will? I don’t know.

I’ve lost my mind again recently and have been getting my 1/4 drive collection in order (among others). Last week a TLLF72 showed up. I was looking for one, but this one happened to be the second cheapest at the time and also has the 100th anniversary logo on the head. I am used to my older Snap-ons and Craftsman ratchets and it is hard to believe the smoothness of these T72s. By the way I had two of those old GM 70Ms. I combined the parts and got one working - it’s primitive but amazing too! Course geared, yes, but very smooth once cleaned up and lubed with SuperLube. The small flat leaver can be switched with just a gentle push. I recommend one if you do small work or need to fit in a small space. I am working on a YouTube video of the repair and rebuild of these, if you want to see that later.

As for what you should get. In general from my experience on eBay I would focus on sets. Usually you get better overall prices when you buy in lots or sets. You might end up with a few repeats but you can then turn that around and sell them back through eBay and recover some of your cost. First know the normal website price is for what you are looking for. Sometimes these vendors mark it just below the website or even higher than the Snap-on website. Shocking, I know, but it turns out that not everyone on the internet is your friend.

As for what to get, just look at what you use the most already. 1/4 drives, 3/8 drives? Near the surface or deep in an engine bay, working around a lot of hoses or other obstructions? Maybe you already have a complete 3/8 set, so just focus on a 1/4 drive and a few sockets that would make you next job easier. A long flex-head, standard sized with quick release? A roto/swivel head might be a good start since that can be both a flex ratchet and a nut driver when needed, so it’s kind of like getting two tools in one.

Make it a great year,
Take care.

 

[Ricky Joe]

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.

Well, then there is the Fleetwood vs. Cimmaron comparison….

 

[snapmom]

Here is one they did not warrant.

The #FSXK320 has been discontinued and is now obsolete.

There is no replacement for this part at this time.

Thank you for contacting Snap-on Tools.

Thank you,

Christine D.

Snap-on Tools Customer Care

 

[Ricky Joe]

My general Snap-on answer is from the perspective of a home tinkerer, artist and DIYr.
Sometimes I’m working on cars or motorcycles, sometimes I’m building or assembling something, etc.

I originally got into Snap-on back in the 1990s. I was working on my first car, a 1969 Triumph TR6. A friend was helping me on weekends. He had a full garage and collection on Craftsman. I went cheap and had a silly set in a metal tin from “Hollywood Accessories“ made in Japan. I probably bought it at Sav-on, who knows? Well that stripped bolts and the Triumph’s bolts stripped the sockets and numerous other problems. After about 2 years of “making it work” I just said to hell with this and went full blast the other way; I bought a Snap-on F831, which is a 3/8 drive flex-head about 11 inches long, a set of imperial/fractional sockets, -and then over the course of a few months- wrenches, screwdrivers and a few other things.

In the last 30 years (I think it was actually 1992…) I only cried once… I mean about the tools. Because I only had to buy them once. And I still have them and use them. The ratchet never skipped or failed in any way, the sockets never stripped or rounded off fasteners. Ever. I’ve collected a lot of other things through the years and now usually look at eBay first when I have something in mind.

Today (Feb. 7, 2022) I received a package from Snap-on answering a warranty claim. I actually called them to buy parts to repair/rebuild. They said the ratchets were too old/parts no longer available and to send them in. I sent one in and the anvil of the other hoping they would fix it (the ball detent had come out, but I found it and included it). One was a TM738 I think (the 1/4 drive roto with the standard steel handle) and the other was a GM 70M “midget”. This was dated 1949. Today I received a THNF72 and a GT72 in a shinny all black finish I did not even know they made. That’s it. No drama to report. Amazing warranty service. The black of the GT72 is shinny and smooth, not like impact-sockets-black. I can’t stop staring at it…

This is the second or third time I’ve dealt with them and it’s always been fine. Last time was a rebuild kit for a pry bar that fell apart. They sent the kit without charging me. I don’t know what everyone has been crying about. Maybe Snap-on was difficult before, but I’ve never had a problem. Maybe they have decided to take their reputation more seriously and invest in some good will? I don’t know.

I’ve lost my mind again recently and have been getting my 1/4 drive collection in order (among others). Last week a TLLF72 showed up. I was looking for one, but this one happened to be the second cheapest at the time and also has the 100th anniversary logo on the head. I am used to my older Snap-ons and Craftsman ratchets and it is hard to believe the smoothness of these T72s. By the way I had two of those old GM 70Ms. I combined the parts and got one working - it’s primitive but amazing too! Course geared, yes, but very smooth once cleaned up and lubed with SuperLube. The small flat leaver can be switched with just a gentle push. I recommend one if you do small work or need to fit in a small space. I am working on a YouTube video of the repair and rebuild of these, if you want to see that later.

As for what you should get. In general from my experience on eBay I would focus on sets. Usually you get better overall prices when you buy in lots or sets. You might end up with a few repeats but you can then turn that around and sell them back through eBay and recover some of your cost. First know the normal website price is for what you are looking for. Sometimes these vendors mark it just below the website or even higher than the Snap-on website. Shocking, I know, but it turns out that not everyone on the internet is your friend.

As for what to get, just look at what you use the most already. 1/4 drives, 3/8 drives? Near the surface or deep in an engine bay, working around a lot of hoses or other obstructions? Maybe you already have a complete 3/8 set, so just focus on a 1/4 drive and a few sockets that would make you next job easier. A long flex-head, standard sized with quick release? A roto/swivel head might be a good start since that can be both a flex ratchet and a nut driver when needed, so it’s kind of like getting two tools in one.

Make it a great year,
Take care.

I have seen the Snap-On drawer removers on marketplace and eBay for $30 a set. I think the truck sells them for $2.

 

[Steve_P]

I would love to have my most used tools to be all SO. But their pricing is just insane, especially for a home user, as compared to SK (as of 2+ years ago), Williams, Wiha, Knipex, NWS, Tekton..... SO charges 2X++ for tools with ~equal quality as other high-quality brands. And this is because you're paying for the dealer service, warranty, and "free" financing- even if you buy online. And I understand this...
I've felt that the SO business model is 10+ years outdated, and it should've already have died, but they still keep doing fine.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I would love to have my most used tools to be all SO. But their pricing is just insane, especially for a home user, as compared to SK (as of 2+ years ago), Williams, Wiha, Knipex, NWS, Tekton..... SO charges 2X++ for tools with ~equal quality as other high-quality brands. And this is because you're paying for the dealer service, warranty, and "free" financing- even if you buy online. And I understand this...
I've felt that the SO business model is 10+ years outdated, and it should've already have died, but they still keep doing fine.

They're just selling something that doesn't make sense for your use. Their business model does just fine for the customers it's built to serve.

Lots of people on here don't get that. Infinite warranty, financing/payments, specialty items, etc.

 

[Wabash]

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

Snap On doesn't manufacture all of the products they sell. Compare Snap-On RTD48 and Lang 971. Lang absolutely manufacturers that product and Snappy rebrands it. It isn't a knock on Snap-On, but they don't make every tool that they sell. I have plenty of Snap On stuff, but I also shop around the other brands for certain things too. I have the Lang set, and have worn out a couple of the thread chasers. Bought the Snappy replacements off the truck, they were less than $10 apiece.

 

[Ton ton]

Blue point is one option for the home gamer. If you can get your snappy dealer to order in the stuff you need, I would run with blue point. Blue point does have a dud or 2 that you need to watch out for.

 

[p0rkchop]

YMMV but I inherited a really old ratchet from my Grandfather, called Snap On customer service up, explained that I inherited and they still sent me a rebuild kit. I cleaned it up and use it all the time.

Their warranty and customer service gave them a third generation customer here

 

[f121]

Blue point is one option for the home gamer. If you can get your snappy dealer to order in the stuff you need, I would run with blue point. Blue point does have a dud or 2 that you need to watch out for.

Got to be careful with warranty on bluepoint, a lot of stuff only has 1 year warranty, so it makes no sense when you can buy the identical tool with a lifetime warranty from a different vendor.

That said, I love my bluepoint ratchet spanners and bluepoint 100 piece metric socket set.

 

[ybnormal]

Here is one they did not warrant.

this part

Snap On 5/8” Flex 6 pt Socket 2-1/2” Extension No. FSXK320A

Snap-On 3/8" DRIVE SPARK PLUG SOCKETS (21) | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Snap-On 3/8" DRIVE SPARK PLUG SOCKETS (21) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[snapmom]

Yes, the plug socket with an extension. Its not that old.

 

[silkman]

I have thought about starting a similar thread to this one, read below:

My thoughts about americans are that they/you are generally smart people. But how has this snapon thing been going on for so long I wonder.

First, US mechanics have to buy their own tools as compared to Europe where generally shops buy the tools for their staff. Setting quality aside that has been beaten to death in replies above, how on earth you buy the tools you want for your profession AT FULL RETAIL PRICE? Do you think industrial / corporate customers, eg a VW dealer in Germany will buy the Hazet tools they need for their techs from Hazet at full price? My guess is they pay at least 50% off, maybe even less.

An average US tech has invested 50-200k in snapon tools. How about having that money for your retirement, or invested over 30 years? Its a complete scam IMO.

Yes, the handtool industry is incredibly competitive, but it still has huge margins. How much you think a 32mm hex socket costs to produce?

I'm DIY and I can often get Hazet tools at better than their minimum prices in idealo.de. But still, even at their American prices, say at KC Tool, top German tool brands are less than half than snapon. Most loaded Hazet tool trolley is 7k retail, a snapon is maybe 15k.

And these are not **** tools, Hazet supplies tools to Porsche motorsport, their torque wrenches are 2% calibrated, the fit of the sockets in the ratchet is phenomenally tight. Same with eg, Stahlwille. But as I said above,

Its not a quality question with snapon, its a price question.

 

[ybnormal]

I have thought about starting a similar thread to this one, read below:

My thoughts about americans are that they/you are generally smart people. But how has this snapon thing been going on for so long I wonder.

First, US mechanics have to buy their own tools as compared to Europe where generally shops buy the tools for their staff. Setting quality aside that has been beaten to death in replies above, how on earth you buy the tools you want for your profession AT FULL RETAIL PRICE? Do you think industrial / corporate customers, eg a VW dealer in Germany will buy the Hazet tools they need for their techs from Hazet at full price? My guess is they pay at least 50% off, maybe even less.

An average US tech has invested 50-200k in snapon tools. How about having that money for your retirement, or invested over 30 years? Its a complete scam IMO.

Yes, the handtool industry is incredibly competitive, but it still has huge margins. How much you think a 32mm hex socket costs to produce?

I'm DIY and I can often get Hazet tools at better than their minimum prices in idealo.de. But still, even at their American prices, say at KC Tool, top German tool brands are less than half than snapon. Most loaded Hazet tool trolley is 7k retail, a snapon is maybe 15k.

And these are not **** tools, Hazet supplies tools to Porsche motorsport, their torque wrenches are 2% calibrated, the fit of the sockets in the ratchet is phenomenally tight. Same with eg, Stahlwille. But as I said above,

Its not a quality question with snapon, its a price question.

here's the problem.....

if Hazet is so great and there are huge profit margins in tools, why aren't they exporting to the US to sell and make a killing? I've never heard or seen the brand before getting on GJ

tariffs? cost? thin profits? chinese competition?

 

[silkman]

here's the problem.....

if Hazet is so great and there are huge profit margins in tools, why aren't they exporting to the US to sell and make a killing? I've never heard or seen the brand before getting on GJ

tariffs? cost? thin profits? chinese competition?

The easy answer would be, production capacity. If they or any family owned toolmaker would choose to come "properly" in the US, ie many sales points across the country, dealers etc it would mean they would have to at least double their production, in their case they have 3 factories, they would need to build another 3.

They are a family company, they don't have to answer to stockholders with increased sales figures every quarter. Maybe they are fine as is, and maybe thats why they have kept quality high. Another similar quality example is PB Swiss (serial numbering on screwdrivers? Come on!)

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have thought about starting a similar thread to this one, read below:

My thoughts about americans are that they/you are generally smart people. But how has this snapon thing been going on for so long I wonder.

First, US mechanics have to buy their own tools as compared to Europe where generally shops buy the tools for their staff. Setting quality aside that has been beaten to death in replies above, how on earth you buy the tools you want for your profession AT FULL RETAIL PRICE? Do you think industrial / corporate customers, eg a VW dealer in Germany will buy the Hazet tools they need for their techs from Hazet at full price? My guess is they pay at least 50% off, maybe even less.

An average US tech has invested 50-200k in snapon tools. How about having that money for your retirement, or invested over 30 years? Its a complete scam IMO.

Yes, the handtool industry is incredibly competitive, but it still has huge margins. How much you think a 32mm hex socket costs to produce?

I'm DIY and I can often get Hazet tools at better than their minimum prices in idealo.de. But still, even at their American prices, say at KC Tool, top German tool brands are less than half than snapon. Most loaded Hazet tool trolley is 7k retail, a snapon is maybe 15k.

And these are not **** tools, Hazet supplies tools to Porsche motorsport, their torque wrenches are 2% calibrated, the fit of the sockets in the ratchet is phenomenally tight. Same with eg, Stahlwille. But as I said above,

Its not a quality question with snapon, its a price question.

If shops supplied the tools, theyd be 99cent dollar store garbage.

Shop tools and equipment are always garbage. And when one is paid piece-work, wasting time with junk tools isnt an option.

I imagine European techs dont work flat rate or commission systems. Counterpoint - I hold all the cars as I hold all the tools where I work. And I mean ALL the tools. So if I like I can walk out and start up somewhere else just as capable as I was. And I can grind my employer to a stop if I feel the need. It's annoying in a way, but supplying your own stuff has advantages.

 

[silkman]

If shops supplied the tools, theyd be 99cent dollar store garbage.

Shop tools and equipment are always garbage. And when one is paid piece-work, wasting time with junk tools isnt an option.

I imagine European techs dont work flat rate or commission systems. Counterpoint - I hold all the cars as I hold all the tools where I work. And I mean ALL the tools. So if I like I can walk out and start up somewhere else just as capable as I was. And I can grind my employer to a stop if I feel the need. It's annoying in a way, but supplying your own stuff has advantages.

Generally shops buy good tools because techs cannibalize the tools as they are not theirs. And correct, most european techs are salaried, not commission based.

There are valid arguments for both "systems", but continuing on this is off topic on this thread.

 

[Steve_P]

They're just selling something that doesn't make sense for your use. Their business model does just fine for the customers it's built to serve.

Lots of people on here don't get that. Infinite warranty, financing/payments, specialty items, etc.

I agree with you. I do own some SO stuff that I purchased- about enough to fill two shoe boxes LOL. Their pricing "doesn't make sense" to me because I don't need the "free" financing which has to be a huge part of their pricing premium- I'm going to pay with a CC when I buy something, so why would I pay for "free" financing? And you're paying a ~50% markup for the dealer to drive to you. That service is great, but is it really worth it? I understand to some people it is, but it still doesn't make sense to me in the age of the internet and getting something in a day or two.

SO does make some stuff, that if you use tools every day, I think it's worth paying their premium- I think their ratchet lineup is unmatched. But not for screwdrivers, pliers, etc. But it's been this way for decades and SO keeps doing fine because of the "free" financing and payment system.

Infinite warranty has some value, but how often does even a pro warranty a tool vs the price premium you pay for SO? You buy a set of 7 SO screwdrivers and use only one of them 99% of the time. So you warranty that #2 phillips after 5 years and get a free new $3 blade.

SO tools are great, but IMO their business model is mostly about the "free" financing. And you pay for that.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

^ that's why you buy -some- snap on. Not all, not none. I dont need financing either. But 60 days same as cash on a few grand worth of box and scan tool are a nice plus. And that's on their credit line, not a truck account.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I like Snap-on but I don't have a tool box full of them. Their ratchets are top notch and I have several of them. When I tugging on a Snap-on Dual 80 I'm not worried about it breaking. I also have line wrenches in SAE. I try to stick with USA made tools so usually Snap-on is on my wish list.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I have thought about starting a similar thread to this one, read below:

My thoughts about americans are that they/you are generally smart people. But how has this snapon thing been going on for so long I wonder.

First, US mechanics have to buy their own tools as compared to Europe where generally shops buy the tools for their staff. Setting quality aside that has been beaten to death in replies above, how on earth you buy the tools you want for your profession AT FULL RETAIL PRICE? Do you think industrial / corporate customers, eg a VW dealer in Germany will buy the Hazet tools they need for their techs from Hazet at full price? My guess is they pay at least 50% off, maybe even less.

An average US tech has invested 50-200k in snapon tools. How about having that money for your retirement, or invested over 30 years? Its a complete scam IMO.

Yes, the handtool industry is incredibly competitive, but it still has huge margins. How much you think a 32mm hex socket costs to produce?

I'm DIY and I can often get Hazet tools at better than their minimum prices in idealo.de. But still, even at their American prices, say at KC Tool, top German tool brands are less than half than snapon. Most loaded Hazet tool trolley is 7k retail, a snapon is maybe 15k.

And these are not **** tools, Hazet supplies tools to Porsche motorsport, their torque wrenches are 2% calibrated, the fit of the sockets in the ratchet is phenomenally tight. Same with eg, Stahlwille. But as I said above,

Its not a quality question with snapon, its a price question.

Not sure if you are asking feedback from professional mechanics or DIYer. As a DIYer I am not a smart American for upgrading certain hand tools (ratchets, sockets, and combination wrenches) from Craftsman USA to Snapon. But I do enjoy using arguably some of the best US made tools.

 

[username2]

...

And these are not **** tools, Hazet supplies tools to Porsche motorsport, their torque wrenches are 2% calibrated, the fit of the sockets in the ratchet is phenomenally tight. Same with eg, Stahlwille. But as I said above,

Its not a quality question with snapon, its a price question.

That strike me as a fair point, at least for the more common tools. Just for price comparisons, I just bought a Stahwille 14/17 wrench set for $136 (Amazon, up to 22mm), a Hazet 600SPC/16 wrench set is $196 (Amazon, up to 22mm), Snap-on 10 piece (up to 19mm) Flank Drive regular set is $426, Tekton 15 piece (up to 22mm) is $74.

What's the quality difference? I have no idea. It's a topic that's been hashed over back to the beginning of the forum. I still like the idea of that guy that bought all HF for his mechanic gig, just for the uproar if nothing else.

edit: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/my-harbor-freight-investment.67850/

 

[Ton ton]

That strike me as a fair point, at least for the more common tools. Just for price comparisons, I just bought a Stahwille 14/17 wrench set for $136 (Amazon, up to 22mm), a Hazet 600SPC/16 wrench set is $196 (Amazon, up to 22mm), Snap-on 10 piece (up to 19mm) Flank Drive regular set is $426, Tekton 15 piece (up to 22mm) is $74.

What's the quality difference? I have no idea. It's a topic that's been hashed over back to the beginning of the forum. I still like the idea of that guy that bought all HF for his mechanic gig, just for the uproar if nothing else.

I like the idea of buying all harbor freight tools too. LOL.

 

[silkman]

That strike me as a fair point, at least for the more common tools. Just for price comparisons, I just bought a Stahwille 14/17 wrench set for $136 (Amazon, up to 22mm), a Hazet 600SPC/16 wrench set is $196 (Amazon, up to 22mm), Snap-on 10 piece (up to 19mm) Flank Drive regular set is $426, Tekton 15 piece (up to 22mm) is $74.

What's the quality difference? I have no idea. It's a topic that's been hashed over back to the beginning of the forum. I still like the idea of that guy that bought all HF for his mechanic gig, just for the uproar if nothing else.

That was my point exactly. Putting HF Tekton aside, you have 3 of the world's top quality wrenches, snapon, stahlwille and hazet. There can't and isn't a quality difference among the three, why snapon costs twice or 3 times as much? And don't mention warranty, at this level probably 1 in 1000 wrenches sold gets warrantied.

Those snapon prices are ridiculous, not to mention that pros get no realistic discounts with them.