If you could get SO tools for 40-50% off...

[benielsahn]

I'm in a technical program at a community college and I can get most anything Snap-On for close to 50% off. But I have to get them all from one dealer who is not in my immediate area and is difficult to get a hold of, but that's another story.

I'm not 100% sure but I think I can take advantage of this discount while I'm a student only. I've heard rumors from other students that it continues on after graduation, that would be nice.

Anyways, While I am a student and can get this discount, what are some items that I should round up from the Snap-On man while I can for low $$?

I have a pretty large set CAT brand combo wrenches in standard and metric. They are pretty bulky and hard to get into places a regular size combo would. I am thinking of buying a set of SO Flank drive in standard and metric, so that's on the list. I would like to get some larger SO wrenches as well , 1" and up.

 

[Oldforgepower]

Personally, I'd recommend familiarizing yourself with used Ebay prices and buy whatever seems to sell for more than 50% of retail regularly on Ebay, even when used. For instance, those long 24" flex-head 1/2 ratchets -- I actually bought one right off the truck because Ebay prices were not much cheaper (back when I bought it, don't know about now.) Pretty much whatever you think you'll eventually need!

 

[Ed_EOD]

Everyone can get Snap-on for 40-50% off here in the classifieds, you just have to be paitent. Ratchets, ratcheting wrenches, hammers, and a couple other things usually go for more though.

 

[NCCheesehead]

For resale, I would buy anything green, it seems to bring a pretty penny here.

For me to keep and use I would buy:

S-O ratcheting wrenches,
All the different ratchet styles I could afford
One of the screwdriver sets, style is a personal choice
Mini Pick Set
Ball peen and dead blow hammers
Prybars
Sockets sets of all flavors

 

[mtkst19]

use your 50% for line wenches, flank drive open/closed box wenches, allen hex sockets, torx bit set. these items snappy in my opinion makes the best of.

the ratchet is preference, as are sockets you use.

why i reccomend the above tools-- they cost more than other brands, and sell for a premium even used. On top of that-- being this is your chosen profession-- sometimes the time saved by having a better quality tool is worth the cost. As a cheaper wrench or allen socket can get the job done. yet that one time it lets you down and you have to spend an hour drilling out a rounded fastener is where these shine.

I'm not saying the snappy is flaw proof. but they are made to take some abuse. I been there w/ the hex bits/torx sets working on german vehicles. wish someone would have told me go snap on from the start. had conwell/mac bits and they would wear out and eventually strip fasteners. have yet to replace one of my sanppys

 

[diesel research]

KRSC46 is a STEAL at half price (and is listed on most student discount programs) sells for well more than that used.

Torx/screw driver bits with built in hex collet for mini impactors.

You didn't mention what kind of work environment you currently work in or plan to after school. (strongly recommend some work experience while in school)

honda, audi, freightliner, ford, billybobs trailer repair (actual place), each have different tool needs/requirements.

I'm not concerned about most of their basic offerings. I am more concerned about specialty, diagnostic, and non fastener tools. One example, student discount deadblow ball peen is cheaper than any stanley compocast or trusty cook equivalent. Specialty access wrenches/sockets for specific tasks. Special pliers not available through typical german venues. Stuff like that.

 

[demonspeed]

I had a similar discount when I went to Wyotech. I bought my toolbox and a set of tools with sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, pretty much all the major things I needed. Get as much stuff as you can! I'm glad I did because now I haven't had to buy much off the truck at full price. I've just had to get a few small things here and there.

People are saying you could buy the stuff used for the same price, but if you have this opportunity now, why bother hunting for used versions of each tool when you could get them new all at once for the same price?

 

[benielsahn]

The program is an apprenticeship type. I completed an 8 week term of school and I'm working in the truck shop at a CAT dealership now. I will be working on trucks and heavy CAT equipment.

They provided me with a pretty decent set of tools and a toolbox. The box is a "Caterpillar brand" which is a Snap-On heritage series. I have all CAT brand sockets, ratchets, and wrenches.

 

[Skin]

People are saying you could buy the stuff used for the same price, but if you have this opportunity now, why bother hunting for used versions of each tool when you could get them new all at once for the same price?

Two reasons come to mind. The OP might not have the cash in hand so having the savings get eaten up in finance charges isnt really wise. And second if he does have cash in hand going hog wild is fine but the limit is $7500[?] at full list or something so its worth while to choose carefully and purchase items you know you're saving on and save anything else you may want for ebay/classifieds hunting instead of spending your limited balance on it.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Aren't most of the CAT tools also made by Snap-on?

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I'm in a technical program at a community college and I can get most anything Snap-On for close to 50% off. But I have to get them all from one dealer who is not in my immediate area and is difficult to get a hold of, but that's another story.

I'm not 100% sure but I think I can take advantage of this discount while I'm a student only. I've heard rumors from other students that it continues on after graduation, that would be nice.

Anyways, While I am a student and can get this discount, what are some items that I should round up from the Snap-On man while I can for low $$?

I have a pretty large set CAT brand combo wrenches in standard and metric. They are pretty bulky and hard to get into places a regular size combo would. I am thinking of buying a set of SO Flank drive in standard and metric, so that's on the list. I would like to get some larger SO wrenches as well , 1" and up.

You aren't going to find a hell of a lot of difference in Cat branded and Snapon branded wrenches. IIRC, you won't find any real difference in the size. At this point in the game (just starting out), you really don't want to get too beholden to the Snapon man.

Stick with the hardline/hand tools they hooked you up with, and use your discount to expand what you've got rather than replace it just for the name.

 

[shampoop]

Mainly stuff that is a new design. Any of their tools that have been around for a long time and/or have been very popular are easy to find for cheap used. But the relatively new stuff like dual 80 ratchets, flank drive plus wrenches (especially sizes larger than 19mm) are harder to find used. Their swivel impact sockets. Hex and torx sockets, and even triple square if you plan on working on a lot of euro stuff.

 

[ptschram]

Get the biggest box you can afford.

 

[crewchief888]

off the top of my head

line wrenches
line sockets
ratchets
allen sockets
torx bits

to some extent,
3/8"dr crowsfeet
IMHO SO has the best of these tools, many of mine are over 20 years old, never broken or worn out.

edit: air hammer

 

[diesel research]

Get the biggest box you can afford.

I think they limit this to classic78s or smaller. Could be wrong on the upper limit, but swear it was a KRA.

Go get a mac/atco discount while you are at it.

 

[canuckian]

With that discount, I'd buy as much as I could afford that I'd need now and in the forseeable future. I certainly wish I had access to that program!

 

[Fedwrench]

Every truck brand has a votech program. They might not all be welcomed at your school but, they exist. I'm not sure what diesel techs need beside a BFH and a cold chisel but an auto tech student should get flare nut wrenches, heavy duty torx bit drivers, and flare crowfeet. I feel those are the only things Snap on really has the best of. A nice service cart or a 41 inch or so bottom would be great.
I wouldn't want to go into major debt for these tools but, that's just me.
The votec discount program is a truck brands way of sinking that lure deep into you so, you become a customer for life or your life as a tech, whichever is longer.

 

[benielsahn]

Aren't most of the CAT tools also made by Snap-on?

Yeah

 

[Black89LX]

I am in my last year of tech school.... sure wish I would have put away more money to buy tools now that Im in the field... diesel mechanic

One of the best things you can do for yourself if you are really going to do this for a living... talk to the guys that do it day in and day out. even watching them work can help you decide what tools you need

so with that said, its a good thing you came here... just remember to read through the dumb comments.

go ahead and get the big expensive Snap-on box and load it with chinese junk. -something that was said to me

So what do you want from Snap-on? Go to their SEP (Student Excellence Program) Website and sign up.. spend some time looking around and figure out what you really need, you can order the tools directly from the site

http://www1.snapon.com/sep

I highly recommend:
Torx bit sockets 212EFTXY
Hex bit sockets 210EFTAMY 212EFTAY
Dead Blow Ball Peen Hammers HBBD32 HBBD16
Dual 80 Ratchets T72 THLF72 F80 FHLF80 S80A SHLF80A <--- $200 ratchet list price
Cooling Sytem Pressure Tester SVTS263A <--- air powered and its $132
Striking Prybars SPBS704
Pinch bars BLPPB704
Screwdrivers SGDX80BR
Impact Sockets

you wont want to pay full price later

 

[crash02]

I say get whatever your comfortable with now. When I was in Aircraft Mechanics school I got everything I could possibly afford. The only bad thing was they wouldn't give a discount on the upper end boxes. I ended up with a classic 78 for about $1,400 and it came with a $300 gift certificate. I spent about $5,000 not including the box in the year and half I was there.

 

[benielsahn]

I got a hold of the SO guy I have to buy from. I'm placing my order tomorrow. Oh and this discount I am eligible for has nothing to do with the SEP and is not limited to the items offered in the SEP.

Here's what I'm probably going to order tomorrow:
1/2" long flex comfort handle ratchet SHLF80A
3/8" long flex comfor handle ratchet FHLF80
Large filter pliers YA4275
Small filter pliers YA4274
3/8" standard Impact flex sockets 205IPF
long pick set SGLASA204
dead blow ball peen HDDB24
standard hex bit sockets 208EFAY

That's about $500 of stuff.. There's more stuff I want like striking bars, carbon scrapers, short wrenches, offset wrenches, but I better wait a couple weeks lol

 

[diesel research]

I'd change that ballpeen to a 36 or 40. I can't find a whole lot of use for the 24 in average diesel shop. I can swing a bigger hammer lighter, but not vice versa (as safely) I have a 32 trusty cook and it could stand to be a bit heavier for average diesel shop use.

I have about 15 of those SO swivel sockets, but truth be told, I probably should have bought the pinless type from sears.

Get the channellock 15" pliers if you need something like that.

 

[GoBlue]

At this point in my carer i would buy all Snap on if i could get half off. When i was just starting...i did buy all Snap on and totally screwed myself. I thought i was expected to. If i was just starting out now, knowing what i know now, i wouldn't buy any one certain brand. I would shop for the best VALUE for every tool i needed buying used whenever possible.

 

[SC-AW11]

This is a great thread so Ill try to revive it. Im a student so this is the perfect thread for me.

I noticed there are a couple sets of hex bit sets. which one should we get? I saw one that was 2-10mm, and one 4-14 i think. like 95 and 150 respectively. what is used for bigger than a 10?
And this ball set, 208EFTABMY for 93. to me this seems like the best bang for the buck?
Should I even get a set in 3/8 or get it in 1/2 only? or both? (if both right now I could only get 1 right now, but I could really use them for a VW Jetta Im working on)

And I have a HBBD16, I really like. Ill get the bigger ones too. But why would a student, or anyone really want to buy a snap on soft deadblow? HBFE103, 95 for the set isnt horrible if realize theyll last you the rest of your life. but any reason for snap on over lets say a HF orange dead blow? Hf seems like a good substitute with a lifetime warranty as well.

And I know flare nut wrenches are a must for Snappy. Regular wrenches too pretty much; Flank Drive or Flank Drive Plus? Im leaning towards the reg flank drive. cheaper, and Im not a big fan of using the open end for torque anyway.

 

[SC-AW11]

Anyone? Must haves from Snap On?

 

[4x4gearhead]

Definitely the following; bit sockets, ratchets, flank drive plus wrenches, screwdrivers, and 0 deg offset long box wrenches. To also try to answer your other question on suggesting which bit socket sets to get in which drive size, perhaps you could let us know what it is you are going to school for. Obviously a car guy isnt going to use 1/2" allen bits as often as someone like me who works on equipment.

 

[SC-AW11]

Definitely the following; bit sockets, ratchets, flank drive plus wrenches, screwdrivers, and 0 deg offset long box wrenches. To also try to answer your other question on suggesting which bit socket sets to get in which drive size, perhaps you could let us know what it is you are going to school for. Obviously a car guy isnt going to use 1/2" allen bits as often as someone like me who works on equipment.

Great! I jus got a hex bit set (http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...674859&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all)
and I have a F80, and FX80 (Love it, think Id want the locking flex in all 3 sizes rather than reg floppy flex. button can be turned to make it floppy as well, best of both worlds).
and I really want a set of metric wrenches, but ya don't know whether FD, or FD+. and dont know what is needed 100%, short, standard (for sure), or long. And I want Flare nuts too.
I got a nice Instinct 8 pc set of drivers.
O you recommend those 0 degree long box wrenches huh? (XDHFM606) I was on a random toyota site and they recommended them. Would you say with those long 0 degree, long combinations aren't necessary? Thinking about reg combinations, which sets would you recommend (Short/stubby, standard, long)

And ya, I should have. Im in school to be an automotive tech, so as you said I probably wouldn't need bigger equipment tools. I bought that 4-10mm 3/8 set, seems like the perfect median. What do you think?

 

[T1320T]

Since I bought my FD+s I honestly haven't used a line wrench.... they grab that well.
Bulk up, It's probably a once in a lifetime opportunity to save big.

 

[SC-AW11]

Since I bought my FD+s I honestly haven't used a line wrench.... they grab that well.
Bulk up, It's probably a once in a lifetime opportunity to save big.

Oh wow. What a perspective. Are you using the open or box end? are the box ends different from FD to FD+?
With discount, FD is $161, FD+ is $179. Only a $20 difference isnt bad at all, thuoght it was more. old high school teacher doesnt like the +, when i asked he said "is that the one that looks like they took a grinder to it?" lol

And ya, I don't think I could agree more! Im trying to get as much as I possibly can. Most of the money from my buddy and I's side job business while were going to school, goes right back into tools.

 

[Skin]

I wouldn't recommend using flank drive plus on a hydraulic fitting....It does chew up the nuts if they're stuck, certainly would take a toll on soft metals. Try a flare wrench first.

 

[tjmonsen5]

PWCS7CF wire stripper pliers.
I really like my CT6850, but Im a home user with a small air compressor. So I favor battery to air tools.
CT4410A really comes in handy, its powerful, great for interior work with no air hose in the way.
PWZ1 for alignments, these things are MEAN!
1/4 extension set = 106BTMX , and 3/8 206AFX (i like having the full set with knurling, they are easier to spin by hand and its very nice having the whole set, to fit into all sorts of weird spots. )
Snap-on vice grips LP404 are really nice because they dont explode when you release them. they release nice and easy.
Extended reach hose grip pliers BDGPL300HG - GREAT for gripping fuel lines, coolant lines etc.

 

[smothers33]

i dont like the fd+ that much. the open end does grab alot better than the reg open end and you can put more torque on a bolt before stripping the head but i always have a hell of a time getting them on/off a bolt.
as for the length of the wrenches get the reg length wrenches. they are already longer than most other wrenches so plenty of leverage.
other stuff i highly recommend is ball end hex bits, ratchets, long double box wrenches(0 degree), combo, and angle wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, airhammer and bits, and picks

 

[Brownsfan]

My must haves are Ratchets,screwdrivers,pliers and ratcheting screwdrivers. Also door and dash panel removal tools. The regular ones and the non marring plastic ones. They are the best I have ever used. I only work on interiors so I use them a lot and the plastic ones don't bend or break. The instinct handle ones are shaped just right for almost perfect leverage

 

[czgunner]

I'm really glad I filled up at the 50% discount when I did.
I basically have all my tools, and no truck debt.

 

[SC-AW11]

PWCS7CF wire stripper pliers.
I really like my CT6850, but Im a home user with a small air compressor. So I favor battery to air tools.
CT4410A really comes in handy, its powerful, great for interior work with no air hose in the way.
PWZ1 for alignments, these things are MEAN!
1/4 extension set = 106BTMX , and 3/8 206AFX (i like having the full set with knurling, they are easier to spin by hand and its very nice having the whole set, to fit into all sorts of weird spots. )
Snap-on vice grips LP404 are really nice because they don't explode when you release them. they release nice and easy.
Extended reach hose grip pliers BDGPL300HG - GREAT for gripping fuel lines, coolant lines etc.

There we go, exactly what I was looking for. random must haves!

I think I just got those strippers! they dont cut the insulation 100% though :/

Ya I have no compressor lol. I like battery tools but idk if its the cman 19.2s or batteries in general, a pain to maintain. 2/3 went defective super fast and this last one seems like its not lasting as long now. Or maybe its jus me : P but ive googled how to take care of batteries and didnt seem like i was way off. i tink only thing they suggested that i dont do already, was every 30 days give it a full charge. so ive been doing that now.

So you recommend both cordless impacts, especially the 14.4 3/8? ( I jus made a thread today about SO vs Mil vs DeW.; and then 1/2 vs 3/8)

pwz1's huh!? Ive been interested in those kinda but cant see all the uses. someone mentioned alignments too. what for the jamb nut or the adjuster sleeve? 1's are $33 and 2's are $35 so not bad.

1/4 ext are $55, 3/8 are $78. lol I almost bought the 1/4 right when i saw the price lol. It wont be too expensive for everything 1/4; ratchets, sockets, ext's. but 3/8 and 1/2 are a good chunk of change lol. (right now I only have an f80 and fx80, no hex sockets or ext's (1 govt. ext. off ebay, I love the knurling. and I did jus get a 3/8 hex bit 4-10mm set though but thats it for SO sockets)

Ya Ive been thinking about getting that LP404 set pretty soon! its pretty good with discount, $52

That 3 piece plies, they clamp ON the hose? Ive seen them but wondered if it damaged the hose? Do I need that Snap On set or is there a good cheaper alternative? there 55 normaly so probably about 30 my price. actually thats not too bad at all.
The description you gave, thought it was gonna be these bad boys: SHCP1
any experience with those as well?

i dont like the fd+ that much. the open end does grab alot better than the reg open end and you can put more torque on a bolt before stripping the head but i always have a hell of a time getting them on/off a bolt.
as for the length of the wrenches get the reg length wrenches. they are already longer than most other wrenches so plenty of leverage.
other stuff i highly recommend is ball end hex bits, ratchets, long double box wrenches(0 degree), combo, and angle wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, airhammer and bits, and picks

Hmm ya Im not convinced on the magical powers of the +. I also dont like how it mars the fastener. seems like reg FD is perfectly fine? O ok ya good point, SO's are longer than the average, forgot all abut that.

Ball end hex bits? very cool. someone said only get the long ones? or which set do you recommend?
Ratchets, ya my favorite tool. so far I have f80 and fx80. I think I want all 3 locking flex heads, not floppy heads) and what do you think of the straight long ones like fl80 and fll80? Im not sure how I feel about comfort grip, I like that if i hit something with the handle by accident, it wouldnt damage it; but it is not as durable as solid metal
ah another vote for the 0 degree Hi-performance set. Ya before someone mentioned it earlier, I had forgotten all about them. was focusing on FD and flare nuts.
combos for sure, leaning toward regular FD.
Angle wenches? the 60 degree ones? what kinda use would those see?
drivers, i got a nice green instinct set : )
hammers huh, for sure the dead blow ball peins, I have hbbd16 so far, but why would I want soft face deadblows over lets say HF? What other hammers?
airhammer huh? what for? snap on really the best for that? Im not a fan of snap on air tools so far, I like IR we use at school.
picks for sure. which set(s)? I was about to get the $44 mini pick set for like 22.50 discounted

Thank you guys!