To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Is Zephyr Still OEM for Snap on Bits?

M

measuredtwice

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 17, 2019
Messages
1,705
Location
USA
msevarino said:
While I did amend the auctions to remove the snap on reference, w/r/t the eBay rule violation and why my listing likely wasn't removed, at the risk of being pedantic, I do think there is a distinction between saying the bits are a particular product, eg. this is snap on part # x, and saying a company that makes a product is the OEM sub manufacturer for a particular brand. But as I said I do think it is currently too speculative to make that claim, without positive confirmation from Snap on themselves.
Click to expand...

I don't think they police it. It would have to be reported for them to notice. There are a LOT of auctions that don't follow that rule. I wouldn't worry about it.

msevarino said:
Lets be clear, there is nothing logical about my obsession with this, and no functional/practical reason for me to be on this quest to find the best bits and collect them all.
Click to expand...

Do you have the old PB Swiss bits as well as the current ones? I found a few of the oldies. The older PZ bits are a lot different.

Here's a photo of an older slotted that I posted in a prior topic.

measuredtwice said:
...
attachment.php


from left to right: new PB Swiss 6.25mm, old PB Swiss 6.25mm (long version), Felo 6.5 (for comparison)

The grind on the Felo is very similar.
Click to expand...
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
H

Hytekrednek

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2015
Messages
373
msevarino said:
Yea I ordered 10 of the 31 piece sets and then filled in the rest. They have a $50.00 min, so you would have to order some other stuff in addition to the Zbb-4 if thats all you wanted. I calculated the price using this set + the price of the individual additional bits. Comes to ~115 cost. With eBay fee, pay pal fee and shipping, probably will only end up getting my set for free when all is said and done, if that.

How do you know I am selling it for $149? Just curious because I explicitly did not post the eBay link because the point of this thread isn't to sell these sets.

I am selling 4 sets with the cases (2 cases), and 5 without.

If I could have avoided spending ~1500 and having to sell off the excess, I would have gladly spent what I am selling these for. Also, if you know of another way to make this set happen, some outlet I missed, please let me know. It was a huge pain making the Zephyr bit set happen.
Click to expand...


You can buy many Zephyr bits from Brownells individually. Great warranty and customer service too!
 
H

Hytekrednek

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2015
Messages
373
msevarino said:
Lets be clear, there is nothing logical about my obsession with this, and no functional/practical reason for me to be on this quest to find the best bits and collect them all.
Click to expand...

I have the same obsession. I have way more bits than I should.
 
OP
M

msevarino

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Location
Los Angeles
measuredtwice said:
Do you have the old PB Swiss bits as well as the current ones? I found a few of the oldies. The older PZ bits are a lot different.

Here's a photo of an older slotted that I posted in a prior topic.
Click to expand...



Everything I have was ordered in the last 6 months. I have both the 25mm and 35mm slotted c6 bits. I also have a set of the c6l bits, which are 95mm c3 bits in slotted, Phillips, pozidrive and torx. They are discontinuing them however, i had to get two torx from Japan of rakuten to complete the set. They go great with the wera stainless bit holder handle.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
Last edited:
OP
M

msevarino

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Location
Los Angeles
Avenging Bankroll said:
I think that's a bold claim to make when there is no such thing as "best bits". Different manufacturers make their bits differently and I've tried many different bits. Bits are consumables and you shouldn't expect to be able to claim warranty on them. They might have different tolerances but you'll find they're often within spec even. For the price that you pay for a PB Swiss bit kit I can easily pick up a much larger Tekton or Titan Taiwanese made bit set or an equivalent Wera for "way less".
.
Click to expand...


Fair, but this is not a value thread, and while “best” is certainly subjective Pb Swiss, zephyr and apex are in a league of their own in terms of quality, tolerances and durability. If you have used zephyr/snap on, Pb Swiss, or apex, it’s like the difference between a snap on wrench or ratchet and a tekton wrench or ratchet. There is a difference even if there are diminishing returns in paying for those differences.

And yes, you’re right about not expecting warranty service with bits because they are consumables, which is what makes the Pb Swiss warranty so remarkable. They explicitly warranty their bits as if they are not consumables. But it seems that people in this thread have had good luck with snap on warranty, Irwin warranty and tekton warranty, so maybe it’s not so remarkable. But in any case, they are explicit that their warranty covers normal wear, which is unique, even if in practice others do this as well.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
OP
M

msevarino

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Location
Los Angeles
Tool_Man said:
Ironically, the sheer versatility of the bits I acquired from these sets resulted in my acquisition of two Snap-on CTS761A drivers to use them with.
Click to expand...



I considered getting that before I went with the milwaukee fuel driver. I’m not a pro mechanic so don’t need tool truck quick warranty service and I didn’t come into two for free, both things would change my calculus, however, I heard not good things about he reliability of the 7.2v and 14.4v snap on stuff out of China. All the reviews (all
Pro mechanics) said they had to have them replaced with their truck guy often, like once a year. Have you had this experience?


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
H

Hytekrednek

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2015
Messages
373
msevarino said:
Is it a special order thing? Don’t see it on their site.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
Click to expand...

They are called Magna tip, or similar. Made by Zephyr, warrantied by Brownells. Call them up with what bit broke, they will replace it. Very nice bits. I am not sure but I think they also make the fixed handle drivers for them too.

https://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=screwdriver&psize=96&avs|Special-Filters_1=Made+in+USA

if link does not work right, just search for screwdrivers. There are sets, and individuals
 
Last edited:
H

Hytekrednek

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2015
Messages
373
also, the few bad reviews are from over torquing the smallest bits. I have had the biggest set for years and no issues at all with any bits.
 
J

Joe Mamma

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2009
Messages
339
msevarino said:
Lets be clear, there is nothing logical about my obsession with this, and no functional/practical reason for me to be on this quest to find the best bits and collect them all.
Click to expand...

There are a lot of people here that feel exactly the same way as you.

Years ago, I went through a similar process with bits (Snap-On, Zephyr, etc.), got good reasonably complete sets with some backup bits, and never looked back.

I would contribute to this thread with substantive information, but my information is probably too old.

Joe Mamma
 
H

Hytekrednek

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2015
Messages
373
Joe Mamma said:
There are a lot of people here that feel exactly the same way as you.

Years ago, I went through a similar process with bits (Snap-On, Zephyr, etc.), got good reasonably complete sets with some backup bits, and never looked back.

I would contribute to this thread with substantive information, but my information is probably too old.

Joe Mamma
Click to expand...

I would love to read your info/opinions on bits, even if with a bit old data.
 
OP
M

msevarino

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Location
Los Angeles
Got the following response from snap on today re: bits. Still waiting on one more reply for the specific production facility for the snap on bits. TLDR Some zephyr, information they readily provide. Most snap on. SDG part number all in house mfgt.

SDN11/12 are the two bit holders I photographed earlier. The BTS part numbers are square drive/robertson.

Damn, I didn't ask about the part numbers for the power bits. I will do so. They seem more than willing to answer the questions.

Original correspondence (starts with my most recent reply about an hour ago/opening email at the bottom)

Hello

I could be reading them wrong, but those part numbers are on the website.

https://shop.snapon.com/categories/Tamper-Resistant-TORX/675087

However, I don’t know if its necessary to ask about them, it would seem all the SDM part numbers are made by Snap on. Do you know which facility they are made in? Thanks for your help.

-Mike Sevarino

On Jun 1, 2020, at 7:24 PM, Snap-on Tools CCC <[email protected]> wrote:

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Snap-on. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you have validated the sender, even if it is a known contact. Contact the sender by phone to validate the contents.

Good evening Josh,

The following part numbers are made by Zephyr.
SDM11
SDM12
BTS0
BTS1
BTS2
BTS3

The parts listed below are not valid part numbers.
SDMTR6D
SDMTR7D
SDMTR8D
SDMTR9D
SDMTR10D
SDMTR15D
SDMTR20D
SDMTR25D
SDMTR27D
SDMTR30D
SDMTR40D

The remaining items are made by Snap-on.

Thanks,
Jessica
Snap-on Customer Care

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2020 4:39:45 PM
To: "Snap-on Tools CCC" <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Snap-on Incorporated - General Questions [#4ADB66J]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Snap-on. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you have validated the sender, even if it is a known contact. Contact the sender by phone to validate the contents.

Hi Josh

Thanks a lot for getting back to me so quickly. Below is a list of part numbers for the insert bits I'm interested in. Forgive me if I would have only needed to provide an example. Thanks a lot for your help, as I said I have no reason for asking this question besides wanting to know for a very long time. Thanks again.

-Mike Sevarino

SDMV208
SDM11
SDM12
BTS0
BTS1
BTS2
BTS3
SDM221IRB
SDM222IRB
SDM223IRB
SDM251IRB
SDM252IRB
SDM253IRB
SDMTR8
SDMTR10
SDMTR15
SDMTR20
SDMTR25
SDMTR27
SDMTR30
SDMTR40
SDMTR45
SDMTR50
SDMTR6D
SDMTR7D
SDMTR8D
SDMTR9D
SDMTR10D
SDMTR15D
SDMTR20D
SDMTR25D
SDMTR27D
SDMTR30D
SDMTR40D
SDM211B
SDM212B
SDM213B
SDM214B
SDM215B
SDMM2702B
SDMM2702.5B
SDMM2703B
SDMM2704C
SDMM2705C
SDMM2706C
SDMM2708B
SDMM2710B
SDM2704D
SDM2705D
SDM2706D
SDM2707D
SDM2708D
SDM2709D
SDM2710D
SDM2712D
SDM2714D




On Jun 1, 2020, at 12:51 PM, Snap-on Tools CCC <[email protected]> wrote:

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Snap-on. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you have validated the sender, even if it is a known contact. Contact the sender by phone to validate the contents.

Good Afternoon Mike,

Thanks for contacting Snap-on Tools. Can you please provide a part number the item in question?

Thanks,

Josh

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2020 1:17:48 PM
To: "CCC Support" <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Snap-on Incorporated - General Questions
Please reach out to customer.
Thank you.

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Sevarino <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 1, 2020 1:16 PM
To: Questions <[email protected]>
Subject: Snap-on Incorporated - General Questions

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Snap-on. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you have validated the sender, even if it is a known contact. Contact the sender by phone to validate the contents.

Hello

I was wondering where your 1/4” insert bits are made? Does Zephyr still make the bits or does snap on make them in house now? If so, which production facility? I have been wondering this for awhile, so I figured I would ask. Thanks for your help.



-Mike Sevarino
 
Last edited:
OP
M

msevarino

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Location
Los Angeles
So, it seems I have one last bit set to assemble.......


And I am glad I took out the Snap on part of the ad for the bits on ebay, and now in the garage journal classifieds, before I sold any of them.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
M

msevarino

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Location
Los Angeles
The decade long speculation can finally be put to rest.

Per Snap On:

Power Bits: All Zephyr
Insert Bits: All SDN part numbers are made in the Milwaukee Snap on plant. The Robertson bits are made by Zephyr
Insert Bit Holders SDM10/SDM11: Zephyr
 
OP
M

msevarino

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Location
Los Angeles
Hytekrednek said:
I am interested in a kit also Toolman if you have another spare
Click to expand...

When I tried to PM him, it said he was banned. He posted yesterday, so it must be very recent. Hopefully he can get it worked out.

I have to say, they are pretty cavalier with banning people on this site. My first handle that I used to sign up was banned within a day for no reason. It said I was spamming but all I did was post a couple replies to posts to get to the 5 count post to be able to post in one of the forums that I wanted to post in. In the end, to make sure I didn't get banned again, I used my real name in my handle and paid to be an affiliate member. But it seems almost arbitrary sometimes.
 
OP
M

msevarino

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Location
Los Angeles
Formerjeeper said:
That Precimax site looks a little sketchy. Anyone know if that's legit?
Click to expand...

My bank seemed to think so too, immediate fraud alert. They take PayPal so I just used that. PayPal buyer protection makes it pretty risk free. I'll let you know if its a scam or not, when I get the bits or when I file a claim to get my money back from PayPal.

Since its the only place it seems stocking these, and tool_man got banned from this site, I figure its worth a shot. They are also charging an absurd 25 dollars for shipping. Maybe I will get a counterfeit Chinese knock off?
 
H

Hytekrednek

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2015
Messages
373
msevarino said:
My bank seemed to think so too, immediate fraud alert. They take PayPal so I just used that. PayPal buyer protection makes it pretty risk free. I'll let you know if its a scam or not, when I get the bits or when I file a claim to get my money back from PayPal.

Since its the only place it seems stocking these, and tool_man got banned from this site, I figure its worth a shot. They are also charging an absurd 25 dollars for shipping. Maybe I will get a counterfeit Chinese knock off?
Click to expand...


I hope they are real, so I can get a couple too. BUT, I am betting they are knock-offs based on all the Starrett combo square prices, the Mitutoya caliper prices, and having many other Chinese imitation tools. I was so tempted with the starrett combo squares, but it looks to good to be true.... Plus, I just purchased a 4'', 6'', 12'', and the super large 24'' starrett combo squares last year. I am set on those so it is not worth the risk to me. Good luck. I hope they are a legit site/seller.
 
OP
M

msevarino

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
63
Location
Los Angeles
Hytekrednek said:
I hope they are real, so I can get a couple too. BUT, I am betting they are knock-offs based on all the Starrett combo square prices, the Mitutoya caliper prices, and having many other Chinese imitation tools. I was so tempted with the starrett combo squares, but it looks to good to be true.... Plus, I just purchased a 4'', 6'', 12'', and the super large 24'' starrett combo squares last year. I am set on those so it is not worth the risk to me. Good luck. I hope they are a legit site/seller.
Click to expand...

Its 25 + 25 shipping or free shipping over 40 dollars. So I ordered two sets for the same price as one with shipping. If they are real and I don't have to return them/file a buyer protection claim, I'll let you know and if you want a set I can put it in the mail. I don't need two, but its either 1 for 50 or 2 for 50. Kind of a no brainer.
 
H

Hytekrednek

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2015
Messages
373
msevarino said:
Its 25 + 25 shipping or free shipping over 40 dollars. So I ordered two sets for the same price as one with shipping. If they are real and I don't have to return them/file a buyer protection claim, I'll let you know and if you want a set I can put it in the mail. I don't need two, but its either 1 for 50 or 2 for 50. Kind of a no brainer.
Click to expand...

Thank you. Yes, I will take it if real. Fingers crossed!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom