HF blantantly copying Snap on look

[zktk01]

I know they say "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" I don't think Snap-on is flattered with HF. I went inside HF yesterday looked around the Ratchets definitely looks like they copied from Snap-on, the new HF comfort-grip screwdrivers look they copied Snap-on Instinct grip.

I don't mind the import tools, I just wish HF could show some originality.
It disgusts me to see such blatant design copies. Seems to be the way, USA innovates, China Imitates. I left without spending a dime. I probably will not go back again, too many other imported tool manufactures to choose.

 

[Ben1967]

Completely agree, especially with the whole floor jack situation!

 

[kythri]

Why were the ratchets defiant?

 

[kythri]

If similarly shaped handles (that were around before Snap-on did it) and the common colors of red and black (where were around before Snap-on did it) are what it takes to "blatantly copy" Snap-on, then 75% of the tool industry is copying Snap-on.

ETA: All floor jacks look alike. It's almost like they all operate the same, so function dictates form...

 

[lightning02]

New HF screwdrivers?

 

[kythri]

I'm assuming they're referring to these:

https://www.harborfreight.com/33-pc-comfort-grip-screwdriver-set-61255.html

 

[zktk01]

I saw some comfort-grip screwdrivers that were black and red shaped like Instinct grips.

 

[kythri]

Similar, not even close to identical, and by no means a design/style unique to Snap-on.

 

[jumbojak]

How are the ratchets a copy? Different mechanism, different handles, different shafts. I mean, yeah, the plate screws in instead of using a backing plate but the similarities Peter off from that point.

 

[ocloc24]

It's funny because I hear from certain people at work and especially on this form that HF is "basically just as good" lol. And if you can't look at those screwdrivers and see the blatant rip off you're crazy. They constantly compare themselves to them. The ratchets as well. Wait for more people who only shop at HF to jump out and start defending the designs and their originality.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[shawndp]

I don't think the screwdrivers look similar - they have too much of a taper and no hex bolster. Anyone who owns Instincts isn't likely to confuse them.

 

[zktk01]

You can buy all you want. For the price they are a good value, but I think they are fraudulently trying to compare their tools to Snap-On, to make you think they are even competitive with Snap-On, and copy the look of Snap-On to boot. I just don't like that kind of misleading marketing.

 

[dnschmidt]

Do you think Harbor Freight, or any of the purchasers of the two or three million of those ratchets that they have already likely sold, care?

 

[JohnDeere1]

I think the ratchets look similar as well and the floor jacks but that's about it really. I don't buy much from there just attachments for my die grinder and angle grinderthey are good for little odds and ends but no way I'd use thier ratchets in a pro setting they just don't give me much confidence in terms of strength.

 

[kythri]

You can buy all you want. For the price they are a good value, but I think they are fraudulently trying to compare their tools to Snap-On, to make you think they are even competitive with Snap-On, and copy the look of Snap-On to boot. I just don't like that kind of misleading marketing.

I'm not interested in them.

I'm merely stating that Snap-on didn't invent the red and black color scheme, the comfort grip, or quad-lobed screwdriver handles.

Misleading marketing? "I go to Harbor Freight to buy my Snap-on tools!" said nobody, ever.

Besides, how do you know HF isn't copying GearWrench? Why are they automatically copying Snap-on?

 

[zktk01]

Do you think Harbor Freight, or any of the purchasers of the two or three million of those ratchets that they have already likely sold, care?

No I don't think they do, but I will spend my money elsewhere. I personally rather have a toptul than HF ratchet.

 

[Mr_B]

Don't care too much but indeed they influenced on snapons design, even the 72" US Gen has a similar drawer layout to a particular snappy box although banks swapped left to right .
Screwdrivers look **** . Pitts Pro ratchets decent enough for cost and warranty, would assume some who buy them mind the resemblance as a bit more pro style part of reason they good sellers ...

 

[kythri]

No I don't think they do, but I will spend my money elsewhere. I personally rather have a toptul than HF ratchet.

So this will be the last time you ever post an anti-HF rant, yes?

 

[BIG BACCHUS]

IMO many are going to buy Pittsburgh screwdrivers but very few, if any are going to because they look like Snap-On screwdrivers. They're going to buy Pittsburgh because the screwdrivers are $10 for 20 and Snap-On are $140 for 10. If you look, Proto screwdrivers almost have the same shape as Snappy. One could argue Armstrong multi-material screwdrivers look similar to Snap-On screwdrivers. DiY people are not going to buy Snap-On they're going to search for the cheapest option available they don't care what it looks like. I think looks are irrelevant here.

 

[ganymede]

... Seems to be the way, USA innovates, China Imitates......

So when an American retailer wants a bunch of screwdrivers with certain specifications, a Chinese tool manufacturer should say " No problem except for the handles. They look too much like Snap On" .

 

[jumbojak]

I think the ratchets look similar as well and the floor jacks but that's about it really. I don't buy much from there just attachments for my die grinder and angle grinderthey are good for little odds and ends but no way I'd use thier ratchets in a pro setting they just don't give me much confidence in terms of strength.

What ratchet doesn't look similar to just about any other? Maybe an old raised panel? Perhaps a really old ratchet with an adjustable wrench style handle? I have sn old Fleet and what I assume to be a Proto that have more in common with the HF than any Snap On I've ever laid hands on.

 

[DadsTools]

Personally, I think HF should make all their hand tools exactly like Snap-On.

BTW, I am gearing up to write my promised expose on the early sordid days of HF.

 

[MikeF2316]

I bought a set of hard handled screwdrivers from some guy on a truck who had dozens of them, back between 1986 and 1988. (I remember what job I was at when I bought them.) They were almost an exact copy, down to the hex drive and the warning not to use as a punch or prybar. My only regret is that I only bought one set, they've been that good.

So, not a new thing. Doesn't mean the tools are ****.

 

[Mr_B]

^lol
I done same thing with prybars, maybe the same van ... only recently at stage need new set or 2 replacements .

 

[454ragtop]

I buy very little at HF. But do some of you think people are going into HF buying their screwdrivers or ratchets thinking they are getting Snap On? I'll be the first to admit the public can be pretty stupid at times, but I don't think they're this stupid.

 

[bobcatdan]

I'm not interested in them.

I'm merely stating that Snap-on didn't invent the red and black color scheme, the comfort grip, or quad-lobed screwdriver handles.

Misleading marketing? "I go to Harbor Freight to buy my Snap-on tools!" said nobody, ever.

Besides, how do you know HF isn't copying GearWrench? Why are they automatically copying Snap-on?

I always thought GW copied SO ratchets. SO had that handle out years before GW did. Granted roto ratchets all have a simalar design, but those are really a lot a like. Cheap tool companies have been copying SO for years. Look at most cheap pear head ratchets, especially the handle. Also what about stack-on toolboxes.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Let's be honest...the entire industry chases Snap On. Everyone has copied style elements from Snap On at some point or another.

I doubt there are many who by HF, and think they're getting Snap On.

 

[thatguysb]

Nobody would mistake any HF tool for a SNAP ON.

the price, the fit and finish ect, i honestly have no idea why people does make these things a issue.

 

[Al Borland]

I buy very little at HF. But do some of you think people are going into HF buying their screwdrivers or ratchets thinking they are getting Snap On? I'll be the first to admit the public can be pretty stupid at times, but I don't think they're this stupid.

Can't speak for Harbor Freight, but one of my laborers had a set of "Snap Off" wrenches. Nice Chrome, questionable alloy, marginal heat treat, but a beautiful parody of Snap On logo. I wanted a set so bad (Funny stuff!!!). Looking for them led me here, actually.

 

[jrockford]

I always thought GW copied SO ratchets. SO had that handle out years before GW did. Granted roto ratchets all have a simalar design, but those are really a lot a like. Cheap tool companies have been copying SO for years. Look at most cheap pear head ratchets, especially the handle. Also what about stack-on toolboxes.

HF and GW quick release ratchets look pretty similar to me. Same COO too.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Let's be honest...the entire industry chases Snap On. Everyone has copied style elements from Snap On at some point or another.

I doubt there are many who by HF, and think they're getting Snap On.

Agreed. I highly doubt anyone is cross shopping HF and SO. HF. Craftsman, Husky, Kobalt, maybe. SO, Mac, maybe. SO and SK? Perhaps. But not SO and HF.

 

[jeejay]

The Blue Snap-on Tools **** | The Green Snap-on Tools **** | The Orange Snap-on tools **** thread! | The snap on high viz yellow tools **** ?

Why don't you start a Harbor Freight tools **** series then? I didn't read that, just saying.

They aren't that blatant...

 

[taumac]

The Blue Snap-on Tools **** | The Green Snap-on Tools **** | The Orange Snap-on tools **** thread! | The snap on high viz yellow tools **** ?



Why don't you start a Harbor Freight tools **** series then? I didn't read that, just saying.

They aren't that blatant...

That would be awesome... finally a place where the HF owners can show off their tools.

I think they will definitely have to bolt some extra on the top to match the US babes. LOL

 

[Codejack]

Agreed. I highly doubt anyone is cross shopping HF and SO. HF. Craftsman, Husky, Kobalt, maybe. SO, Mac, maybe. SO and SK? Perhaps. But not SO and HF.

Um....


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=365989

The 3/8" ratchet is SO, the 3/8" sockets are GW, the hex and torx sockets are Kobalt, and everything else is HF

Edit: Whoops! I have no idea what brand the spark plug socket is.

 

[mudflap]

Screwdrivers are a "consumable" item....so who cares...Either have lots of fresh new ones on hand...or buy a few high end ones...and be at the mercy of the ****tard tool truck driver...and his "thats normal wear" attitude..

 

[Codejack]

Here's the cover for the Harbor Freight calendar girls:

 

[CJM8515]

ugh..OP why do you care? Call HF if it makes you feel good about it. Bitching here aint gonna do you any good.

 

[James-W]

This whole thing seems silly to me. The Snap-on tool has the "Snap-on" name right on the handle and the HF one has "Pittsburgh" right on the handle. How could anyone possibly mistake one for the other?

 

[apollo11]

I'd rather have them copy SO than CM

 

[Loscaldazar]

Nobody would mistake any HF tool for a SNAP ON.

the price, the fit and finish ect, i honestly have no idea why people does make these things a issue.

You're right, the hexavalent chrome on the Harbor freight stuff is much nicer than the trivalent chrome that Snap On uses now.