mac or snap on

[bayoutoolguy]

I own a good amount of both mac and snap on tools. I just picked up a snap on 12 pt metric wrench set and a mac 6 pt metric wrench set. Do yall find that they are equal in terms of quality and performance when it comes to wrenches? How about snap on sockets compared to Mac? I have a good bit of both also in 6 pt. I find Mac tools are cheaper than snap on while still providing great quality, and my mac dealer is alot better to deal with than the snap on guy.

 

[anti-everything1990]

From what I gather around here

-Snap on makes the best tools, everything else is awful
-Snap on is over priced and my sears tools from 1944 are far superior to anything ever made
-Mac is possibly Chinese made. only 'Muricah makes good tools
-Mac is Taiwan, which is the new 'Muricah when it comes to tool making
-whichever you like better is best
_whichever you like better is the worst, should have bought snap on

I think that pretty much covers that

 

[bobcatdan]

In my book, mac hardline tools, ie their bread and butter tools they themselves have made for ever are every bit the equal as SO. Mac back in the 90's rocked and in my early days of wrenching, often picked them over SO. Mac has bastardize a lot of their offerings and in my eyes really lost their focus, instead looking for the next cool tool. SO has pretty much stayed steady. I haven't had a mac man in five years, so I really don't where they stand at this point.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

......my mac dealer is alot better to deal with than the snap on guy.

Enough said...that right there would seal the deal for me.

MAC tools are great...boxes are awesome (Tech & Macsimizer), they are really gunning for a comeback and IMHO its showing. Good MAC Guy makes it an easy decision.

 

[rr361]

In the wrench/ratchet/socket world I've got Mac and Snap On like you. Mac because my son got the discount and 50% off was not to be passed up. I don't know where these things were made and really don't care as they've been outstanding. All my Snap On has come from the classifieds on here, eBay, or the pawn shop.

To me both are more than acceptable and very well made. Never had any issues other than one 5/8" Mac impact socket that broke in half, vertically from top to bottom, on a Land Rover head bolt. Didn't warrant it. I like having it as a souvenir.

One thing I posted a while back was about the chrome quality on the Mac ratchet wrenches. I think it's a little weak as the beams do scratch easily. It's an appearance issue only. Functionally I've had no problems with them.

 

[AndrewV]

So has made leaps in the years. But mac is good quality on the nonrebranded stuff.
I haven't seen my mac guy in 4months, think he gave up.

But just like any brand, its all opinoin.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Compare the two brands offerings for the tools you are looking for and decide which one you like better. There is no answer to this question.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

I know either brand should serve me well for years to come. The mac wrenches I bought say USA on them and I noticed the open end is facing the opposite way of my snap on wrenches and pretty much every other brand ive used. Must be a Mac thing. Shouldnt be a problem, just stating the fact

 

[AV tinker er]

This is a question of which do you prefer and if you are dealing with a dealer which on rod you like better. When I pushed a box across the hanger floor for a living the MAC guy the came twice a week was far easier to deal with and would answer his cellphone and make special trips. I bought a lot from him because I wanted him to have my money over the others. This question pops up a lot and if you are just buying for yourself buy what feels better in your hands, if your buying to turn wrenches for a living the driver makes or breaks the deal for me, and others that have commented.

 

[Dusty61]

between the two MAC and Snap On are pretty evenly matched in hand tools, sockets, screw drivers, pliers, ratchets, ect. pick the one YOU like the best. MAC still has those neat little metal trays with their socket sets, Snap On is either the cheap plastic trays or a cheap metal clip rail. Power tool wise i think Snap On air tools are among the best. i have both an Iar cat and MG series in both 1/2 and 3/8 drives. the air cats are super quiet, and plenty powerful. the Snap On guns are RIDICULOUSLY powerful. its personal taste. pick the one you like, maybe the dealer is a nice guy and shows up each week (like my MAC guy) instead of being hit and miss or having to chase him down to get a socket warrantied (like my non-existent snap on guy.)
Bottom line is both companies make great professional quality tools that will last a lifetime.

 

[AV tinker er]

Bottom line is both companies make great professional quality tools that will last a lifetime.

Well stated.

 

[Ruger_556]

I know either brand should serve me well for years to come. The mac wrenches I bought say USA on them and I noticed the open end is facing the opposite way of my snap on wrenches and pretty much every other brand ive used. Must be a Mac thing. Shouldnt be a problem, just stating the fact

Cornwell also does that...

 

[Wamsutta]

When getting up into high end tool brands like MAC or Snap-on, it's the minor details that will sway you towards one tool over the other. Sometimes minor details can make all the difference in the world.

 

[davesnothere]

my snappy dealer is the ****, and my mac dealer hates his job and the company he represents.
i have a lot of snappy tools.

 

[Ruger_556]

Buy a 9/16 in MAC and SO... Pick your brand after using for a few weeks. Same with other tools like sockets. They both make nice stuff and I can't buy from just one truck myself.

 

[spacedoutbob]

I have a fair amount a MAC tools, they have served me well, but I have far more Snap On tools in my tool set. But that's probably because I had purchased Snap On for 5 years before a MAC tool man showed up at our shop. I have no problem with either brand.

 

[cotjocky]

From what I gather around here

-Snap on makes the best tools, everything else is awful
-Snap on is over priced and my sears tools from 1944 are far superior to anything ever made
-Mac is possibly Chinese made. only 'Muricah makes good tools
-Mac is Taiwan, which is the new 'Muricah when it comes to tool making
-whichever you like better is best
_whichever you like better is the worst, should have bought snap on

I think that pretty much covers that

lolz...

 

[nicksnothereman]

I own a good amount of both mac and snap on tools. I just picked up a snap on 12 pt metric wrench set and a mac 6 pt metric wrench set. Do yall find that they are equal in terms of quality and performance when it comes to wrenches? How about snap on sockets compared to Mac? I have a good bit of both also in 6 pt. I find Mac tools are cheaper than snap on while still providing great quality, and my mac dealer is alot better to deal with than the snap on guy.

Mac stuff isn't jewelry for dudes. Well...most of it.

If you abuse tools you're gonna break just about everything unless you weigh/have the strength of a child.

End of the day...if you like snap on buy snap on; if you like mac buy mac; if you like cornwell buy cornwell; if you like matco then buy kobalt taiwan. (hehehehehehe)