MAC Tools compared with Snap-On, other automotive brands

[Finance Guy]

I am curious about GJer's recent (last 5-10 years) experience with / perception of Mac Tools, particularly compared to Snap-On and the other automotive brands. I saw there was a Mac Tools thread a few months ago, but that one seemed to focus on trucks and service ... I am mainly interested in the tools themselves (hand tools in particular).

My own perception is that they are damn good tools, mostly made in USA ... as such, they are probably very comparable to Snap-On, but without the fan club (to be sure, fan clubs and other brand loyalists are earned for a reason). At least for the primary hardline tools (ratchets, sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers [Mac rebrands Knipex], prybars, punches & chisels, files, etc.), they appear to be toe-to-toe. Maybe even in tool boxes?

Are there any specific tools where Mac outshines Snap-On ... maybe chrome extensions or their RBRT bit sockets?
Are there any specific tools where Mac is clearly deficient?

(I'll warn you in advance that you may soon see a thread asking how best to optimize the limited student tech discount programs available from Snap-On and Mac.)

 

[txvwnut]

My only complaint about Mac is finding a dealer, the one we have at the day job is like Haileys comet. I've a few Mac items and they seem to be as good as my SO and Matco stuff.

 

[Ton ton]

I can find Mac hand tools at a pawn shop. I prefer Mac flathead screwdrivers over snap on any day of the week.

 

[Ton ton]

I would love to try Mac wrenches out sometime.

 

[zmotorsports]

We no longer have a Mac Tools dealer that is consistent, he's very hit and miss. Sometimes we see him a few weeks in a row and then we won't see him for 8-10 weeks so I haven't been purchasing much from him. Actually I don't purchase much from any of them these days as my tool collection is pretty full. When I do need a specific tool I go to my Snap-on dealer as he is consistent and comes to my home shop if/when needed, although I hate bothering him.

I can't speak to the last 5 years or so but throughout my 33+ year career as a mechanic there are a few things I favor Mac over Snap-on and most others I would say are very comparable, yet I lean a more heavily to Snap-on. The one tool type that I really prefer Mac over Snap-on for is punches, drifts and chisels. I hate the Snap-on ones. I've had a full set plus a few random ones over the years but to me they seemed awfully brittle and would break if you looked at them wrong. I bought a few Cornwell ones many years ago as our Cornwell dealer was an awesome guy but their punches could be turned in to a pretzel and not break.

I finally tried a couple of Mac punches in a couple of heavily used sizes and instantly fell in love with them. They are the perfect balance of strength and brittleness. They will allow a small amount of misalignment without snapping off but not to the point of bending a corner.

I sold all of my Snap-on punches and chisels years ago and over the past 15 or so year have solely purchased Mac and Proto, which are the same ones. Mac and Proto punches, chisels and drifts are all I now own and haven't had any issues with any of them.

Sockets and wrenches are pretty comparable as far as I can tell as I have both. I prefer certain ones of each but that's more of a personal preference than anything. My combination wrenches and ratcheting wrenches area all Snap-on and my stubby's are Mac. Sockets are a mixed bag as I haven't had any issues with any of them. To be honest, my oldest sets of sockets are a full 1/2" drive deep impact SAE set from Cornwell and both intermediate sets of SAE and Metrics are Cornwell and you couldn't pry them from me. My 1/2" drive deep Metric impacts are Mac and I like them but I don't care for Mac's wobble's and prefer the Snap-on wobbly impacts.

I used to really like the Mac screwdrivers, in fact I had a full set of red handled ones in my race trailer toolbox and a neon green Gator National's set that I gave to my son that I really liked the feel of. I bought a set of the new Proto ones that are supposed to be like the Mac Macsimizer series handles and don't particularly care for them. However, my Snap-on Instinct and second generation square hard handled screwdrivers in black (CAT) and red are my go-to's. I don't use my first generation of square handled Snap-on's much these days as they just sit in the side toolbox collecting dust.

As for the perception, I think it's just that and very subjective. I bought tools that worked and helped me make my living and for the most part Mac has done that just as well as my Snap-on tools have. There are only a few things that I am very particular about mentioned above but other than that I think they are very comparable.

That being said, I have a VW coming in the shop and the Germans love their triple square drive fasteners. I priced out a set with my Snap-on dealer last week and decided against them due to cost vs. use. I don't like tools that fail first time out of the gate so I usually don't go cheap and refuse to go to Harbor Freight but that's just me. I seem to gravitate to Snap-on for reliability but I can't justify spending $230 for a set of triple square sockets for a few times use. I just yesterday bought a set of Carlyle from my local NAPA for a third of that and got two sets, one shallow and one deep and I have had great results with the few Carlyle tools that I've purchased.

 

[RonnieC]

My only complaint about Mac is finding a dealer, the one we have at the day job is like Haileys comet.

Haha!

 

[Zewnten]

Impact sockets, Mac doesn't wear as fast as Snap On. (Also holds true for Proto vs Williams). Also the pocket prybar, only mac tool I've bought new and it was worth tracking down a mac truck.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I’m a shade tree guy at best, so do not confuse my opinion with that of a legitimate professional, but I’ve got a decent selection of SO and Mac and Proto and Williams, and they’re all very nice tools. I can’t say as I have a strict brand preference since my purchases are based on price and convenience, but locally our Snap On and Mac trucks have the area sewn up tight based strictly off service and longevity in their cases. Most of my mechanics will tell you they buy from the dealer, not for the brand.

 

[AirMech#406]

The way I see it, MAC is a "member" of the major tool truck brands. Those brands being

• Snap-On
• MAC Tools
• Matco
• SK Tools

In my experience, all of the above mentioned brands make high quality, USA made (for the most part) tools, with price points between the brands changing only a little bit. They are all high priced, but I don't own enough MAC tools to speak to how much more expensive they are compared to Snap-On. They each have their own cult followings.

 

[javyLSU]

The only time I’ve gone out of my way to buy MAC over Snap-on was for the 12V brushless cordless tools. I’ve got other DeWalt tools (both 20V and 12V) and in addition to the cross-compatibility benefit, the tools themselves are fantastic, especially in power and cost vs. the Snap-on, and many times the Milwaukee equivalent. Not a fan of their 20V stuff yet - I’m hoping they start offering some of the newer DeWalt stuff in MAC red.

Also the aforementioned pocket pry-bar set is fantastic, it’s literally one of my favorite and most-used tools.

I do like that MAC posts their flyer online, so I don’t have to bother my dealer to ask him if I need to bother him. I’ve found that MAC does better promotional pricing than Snap-on, especially on their hardline hand tools like wrench and socket sets.

 

[Odd-job]

MAC is definitely onto something with their RBRT lineup. Save money on the Proto equivalents where you can. Although a student discount on Mac might even the score.

Snap on - flare wrenches and anything that is chrome and swivels it seems. That ball joint press might also be worth looking into.

 

[FMB4]

Snap-On, Proto, and then Mac in my experience. All three are very close imo.

 

[Finance Guy]

The way I see it, MAC is a "member" of the major tool truck brands. Those brands being

• Snap-On
• MAC Tools
• Matco
• SK Tools

Maybe I'm not giving Matco enough credit, but for a wide breadth of high quality, USA-made mechanics hand (and power) tools, MAC and Snap-On seem to be in a league of their own ... particularly in a post-Armstrong world.

 

[cannuck]

My first set of tools (3/8 set and some combo wrenches) were SK from Eatons IIRC that my Dad bought for me....60 years ago. I still have some of them and a couple of MY grandfather's SnapOn tools - all of which will pass on to my eldest grandson who at 10 is in the shop every weekend with me. I became a VW mechanic at 21 and bought mostly Mac tools then, and they have been my go-to for most stuff for quite a while. I also have a few SnapOn tools and both IMHO are roughly equivalent. I still get the odd SK tool, but long ago (VW days) I discovered Stahlwille combination wrenches, and they are far better than anything made anywhere else. Have had some for 50 years and never worn out or broke one, but they have the thinnest walls on box wrenches I have seen. My favourite ratchets are Wera yokes, my go-to screwdrivers for some time have also been Wera. Best torque wrenches were from Repco (same tools still available out of Oz under different name). I have some Cornwell torque adapters, and would buy more of their tools if they had a dealer anywhere I could reach. Yes, Mac and SO are good tools, but there are many more good ones out there, and some far better. These tools seldom if ever leave my shop. I buy off brand junk for use in other people's shops or on the road.

 

[Xcursion88]

Allow me to reply as COO/quality is very important to me.

First and foremost....truck service is only as good as the actual dealer on your particular route. The individual.
If he's really good you're buying him (or her) not the brand.

That said....
Matco....you must be extremely careful because they do have a lower line (silver eagle I believe) that is imported while genuine Matco is USA. But....don't assume just because it says Matco it's made here. Nope!! They have no problem putting Matco on things from Taiwan or even China.

Mac....same thing. They have a lower line (name eludes me...precision torque...that's it) that is imported.
Genuine Mac is USA but again not all. They slap Mac on a lot of things imported. Trinket **** like consumables, battery brushes, seal pullers, etc.
Wrenches, sockets, ratchets are USA if genuine Mac.

SO...same **** but less of it. They are a little more hesitant to put Snap-on on that stuff. Consumables, accessories...get Blue point label. Blue point is also an imported line of tools.

SK...no trucks...at present SK is 101 percent USA made. Will that change with new Asian ownership who knows.

I'd rather support a company with many laborers employed in the USA even if some executives are Asian.
Milwaukee as example don't make **** here and actually Asian owned as well.

Quality...

If I had to rank them overall as a whole...
SO #1
SK/Mac #2a/#2b
Matco, Cornwell

I give Snap-on an edge by their expansive lineup over SK.
Mac has equal the SO lineup but for example seal and bearing drivers are imported.
Snap-on's are made in USA.

Individual tools themselves certain brands are better.

You can't go wrong with any as long as you're paying attention to COO if important to you

 

[mrjaw14]

I’ve bought several of the Mac pocke pry bars. Pn2c I think they are. Those are awesome…like a next level pocket screwdriver Actually designed for what they get used for lol

for some reason no one else makes a good one. Seems like snap on would also make one, yet they don’t. Mac also makes a extension with a swivel on it, not sure snap on makes that either.

 

[AJHD]

The way I see it, MAC is a "member" of the major tool truck brands. Those brands being

• Snap-On
• MAC Tools
• Matco
• SK Tools

In my experience, all of the above mentioned brands make high quality, USA made (for the most part) tools, with price points between the brands changing only a little bit. They are all high priced, but I don't own enough MAC tools to speak to how much more expensive they are compared to Snap-On. They each have their own cult followings.

So just an FYI...

Snap On still makes most of their inventory in-house. Almost all of it is USA, but some of it is not (mostly anything involving electronics). Yes, their Blue Point line is almost entirely rebranded offshore tools. And some of their tools are rebranded Williams, Bahco or CDI as they own those 3 companies.

MAC and Matco do not actually really make anything in-house or even under exclusive contract, and have not for years. The exception being some of their tool boxes. I'd venture to guess 99% of MAC and Matco sells these days is simply rebranded and repackaged, rather it be from Gearwrench/Apex, or Knipex, or Lisle, etc.

Like Snap On, in the case of MAC, being owned by SB&D helps as they can pull products from their other owned companies such as Proto and Facom, and rebrand them as MAC.

Now, if you're talking about older MAC and Matco tools, back when they still manufactured tools in-house or otherwise in the USA, it can change the conversation. Just as it would if you're talking about BlackHawk (MAC) or Silver Eagle (Matco), etc.

But anyone who has been on the tool trucks in the last 5 years (give or take) will notice a distinct difference between the products sold by Snap On and those being sold by MAC and Matco.

This post is not about quality or price, it's simply in regards to clarification regarding Country of Origin and the actual OEM of the tools being sold on these tool trucks.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I am curious about GJer's recent (last 5-10 years) experience with / perception of Mac Tools, particularly compared to Snap-On and the other automotive brands. I saw there was a Mac Tools thread a few months ago, but that one seemed to focus on trucks and service ... I am mainly interested in the tools themselves (hand tools in particular).

My own perception is that they are damn good tools, mostly made in USA ... as such, they are probably very comparable to Snap-On, but without the fan club (to be sure, fan clubs and other brand loyalists are earned for a reason). At least for the primary hardline tools (ratchets, sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers [Mac rebrands Knipex], prybars, punches & chisels, files, etc.), they appear to be toe-to-toe. Maybe even in tool boxes?

Are there any specific tools where Mac outshines Snap-On ... maybe chrome extensions or their RBRT bit sockets?
Are there any specific tools where Mac is clearly deficient?

(I'll warn you in advance that you may soon see a thread asking how best to optimize the limited student tech discount programs available from Snap-On and Mac.)

Mac RBRT is no joke, and you can get it with the student discount. It works and works VERY well! Their knurled extensions are nice.. Snap on Dual 80s are the best ratchets IMHO.

As for the discount I get both. Snap On limits how much and what you can get, but sign up and every Friday they have a sale on one item...and the price can be REALLY low!
MAC basically sells everything they have at 50% off, but my experience with their CS has been abysmal until some lady got a hold of me after numerous complaints and problems myself and students have had. I just email my orders directly to her now and she takes care of them!

 

[Finance Guy]

MAC and Matco do not actually really make anything in-house or even under exclusive contract, and have not for years. The exception being some of their tool boxes. I'd venture to guess 99% of MAC and Matco sells these days is simply rebranded and repackaged, rather it be from Gearwrench/Apex, or Knipex, or Lisle, etc.

Like Snap On, in the case of MAC, being owned by SB&D helps as they can pull products from their other owned companies such as Proto and Facom, and rebrand them as MAC.

I'm not following this ... at least as it pertains to MAC. Their combination wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, nut drivers, punches & chisels, etc. are all made in the USA at Proto/MAC manufacturing facilities.

Now, as others have mentioned, perhaps their specialty tools are mostly rebrands, and many of those imported ... that is useful information. But to lump MAC in with Matco as a serial rebrander would seem to be unjustified.

 

[Ton ton]

I'm not following this ... at least as it pertains to MAC. They're combination wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, nut drivers punches & chisels, etc. are all made in the USA at Proto/MAC manufacturing facilities.

Now, as others have mentioned, perhaps their specialty tools are mostly rebrands, and many of those imported ... that is useful information. But to lump MAC in with Matco as a serial rebrander would seem to be unjustified.

Well said, finance guy.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I'm not following this ... at least as it pertains to MAC. They're combination wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, nut drivers punches & chisels, etc. are all made in the USA at Proto/MAC manufacturing facilities.

Now, as others have mentioned, perhaps their specialty tools are mostly rebrands, and many of those imported ... that is useful information. But to lump MAC in with Matco as a serial rebrander would seem to be unjustified.

It’s a worn out rumor that won’t die.

 

[Formula]

I’ve acquired plenty of MAC tools over the decades. The main reason is because Snap on or Matco weren’t there that day when I needed something. They’re ok. No real complaints overall, they just have never been my first choice for tools.

 

[f121]

Leaving aside coo, how do the tools compare?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

It’s a worn out rumor that won’t die.

I don't think anyone says mac/matco hardline tools aren't USA made, cornwell too. Now ratcheting wrenches? Different story for matco and cornwell, IDK about mac. Was treated poorly by a dealer, so I get any MAC I need via proto. Which ain't much. Matco USA made stuff is generally not available rebranded. Buying a 60 tooth armstrong with a different handle (now out of business), and swapping the guts doesn't really mean I could buy a matco88 from someone else.

I would define snap-on as the least of the rebranders.... and they rebrand a good bit.

 

[Formula]

Leaving aside coo, how do the tools compare?

MAC wrenches feel uncomfortable, almost too sharp on the edges. I’m not a fan.

 

[anndel]

Snap-on feels better in my hands - ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers than MAC or Matco.

 

[Fedwrench]

MAC tools are great. Some of my favorite MAC Tools are: knurled extensions, MAC puts deep, effective knurling around the female square drive end where you really need it. Since I absolutely loathe the snap on instinct handle, I like the MAC Duratech screwdrivers, trim tools, hose picks, and anything else with a handle. As others have mention the RBRT line of extractors and bits are probably the best damaged fastener tools on the market today. Although Proto got the better ratchet handle design, the Axis line of 90 tooth ratchets are also outstanding. Many people here aren't fond of Stanley tools, and those feelings often cloud judgement on MAC tools.
Truth be told, all tools are going to wear out and fail eventually regardless of whose name is stamped on it. Tool selection often comes down how the tool feels in your hand while using it, and is a personal choice. I used my student discount many years ago with MAC tools and they have served me well over the years. The one thing that has changed over the years, is that the quality gap between truck brands and non truck brand tools has narrowed to the point that, there really isn't much of a gap in most tools these days. Things like off corner engagement and anti slip open ends that once were only found on a truck brand, are now commonplace. There are three things that I think Snap on has an edge on over everyone else: Flare wrenches too include crowfoot, the heavy duty gold colored Torx bit sockets, and the Phillips#2 screwdriver when mated to a non instinct handle. Everything else to me, doesn't matter.

 

[bsaint]

Mac are my fav but I have the least of them because I never had a truck to goto or come by.

 

[Finance Guy]

Since I absolutely loathe the snap on instinct handle, I like the MAC Duratech screwdrivers

You've mentioned a couple of times your disdain for the Snap-On Instinct handles ... what is it that you don't like? The size? Shape?

I handled one recently, and it seemed ok ... just curious about your experience.

 

[zmotorsports]

You've mentioned a couple of times your disdain for the Snap-On Instinct handles ... what is it that you don't like? The size? Shape?

I handled one recently, and it seemed ok ... just curious about your experience.

I'm curious as well. I purchased a set of Proto Durateks (similar to the Mac) based on Fedwrench's recommendation a couple of years ago but don't particularly care for them. I love my Snap-on Instincts however so I am curious why? Hand size maybe? We're all different and don't have to like the same things but I'm intrigued about the hatred he has for the Instincts.

 

[JeepYJ]

Mac are my fav but I have the least of them because I never had a truck to goto or come by.

Mac Tools® Professional Automotive Tools Official Site

Worldwide supplier of automotive hand tools, toolboxes, power tools, electronics, and shop equipment. Mac Tools defines quality, innovation, and service.

www.mactools.com

 

[Ton ton]

Snap on instinct handles feel like you have a piece of raw meat in your hand. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I also dislike instinct. Not that comfy, and they easily get gross. Plastic hard handle please.

I dont like any form of comfort grip handle though.

 

[Ign]

Really, I find I'm just disappointed in GJ here. Most replies have been balanced and reasonable, and even include measured reasons to back up the opinions stated.

This will just never do, it should have devolved into a name-calling insult-fest by now. Geez.

As for the actual topic, I'm no help. I don't really own anything MAC and like many others, dealer sightings happen roughly every leap year....

 

[f121]

Snap on instinct handles feel like you have a piece of raw meat in your hand. Different strokes for different folks.

Very true, amazing something as simple as a screwdriver handle can be so polarising.

I love instinct handles, pretty much the only screwdrivers I use.

 

[Wrench97]

Maybe I'm not giving Matco enough credit, but for a wide breadth of high quality, USA-made mechanics hand (and power) tools, MAC and Snap-On seem to be in a league of their own ... particularly in a post-Armstrong world.

I've had Matco metric combination wrenches since the early 80's held up very well, my metric 3/8" drive 6 point set was from the same period it too has held up well also I've broken a few and lost the 10mm of course. I liked the fact that 6mm through 13mm were what Snap on now calls mid depth(don't believe Snap On had a mid depth socket back then). Even today I find the 3/8" ratchets useful as the head is thinner then the Snap On and the locking flex head is hands down a better design, but the 80 tooth Snap On ratchets are definitely stronger. Biggest problem currently is finding a Matco man................................
As for Mac the standard wrench set is not a bright chrome finish(some guys like that but I find them easier to lose in customer cars as they tend to blend in and on occasion you do not see them when the light hits them) they are also shorter, I personally never liked their ratchets, In south eastern PA I have not seen a Mac truck in at least 25 years.

 

[dstblj52]

The way I see it, MAC is a "member" of the major tool truck brands. Those brands being


So just an FYI...

Snap On still makes most of their inventory in-house. Almost all of it is USA, but some of it is not (mostly anything involving electronics). Yes, their Blue Point line is almost entirely rebranded offshore tools. And some of their tools are rebranded Williams, Bahco or CDI as they own those 3 companies.

MAC and Matco do not actually really make anything in-house or even under exclusive contract, and have not for years. The exception being some of their tool boxes. I'd venture to guess 99% of MAC and Matco sells these days is simply rebranded and repackaged, rather it be from Gearwrench/Apex, or Knipex, or Lisle, etc.

Like Snap On, in the case of MAC, being owned by SB&D helps as they can pull products from their other owned companies such as Proto and Facom, and rebrand them as MAC.

Now, if you're talking about older MAC and Matco tools, back when they still manufactured tools in-house or otherwise in the USA, it can change the conversation. Just as it would if you're talking about BlackHawk (MAC) or Silver Eagle (Matco), etc.

But anyone who has been on the tool trucks in the last 5 years (give or take) will notice a distinct difference between the products sold by Snap On and those being sold by MAC and Matco.

This post is not about quality or price, it's simply in regards to clarification regarding Country of Origin and the actual OEM of the tools being sold on these tool trucks.

how much mac rebrands really comes down to how you feel about the sbd practice of supplying the same tool to different brands from consolidated engineering and production facilities

 

[Kscardsfan]

I also dislike instinct. Not that comfy, and they easily get gross. Plastic hard handle please.

I dont like any form of comfort grip handle though.

I’m in the same boat. I hate the way those comfort grip handles start to feel after some use.

 

[mikew13]

I don't like Mac much, mostly rebadged dewalt, stanley and proto.

 

[Finance Guy]

I don't like Mac much, mostly rebadged dewalt, stanley and proto.

I don't know why anyone would be offended at rebadged Proto ... nevertheless, MAC/Proto offers a whole slew of top-tier, USA-made mechanics tools manufactured in house:
-Combo wrenches
-Chrome Sockets
-Impact Sockets
-Bit Sockets (including RBRT)
-Knurled Extensions
-90-Tooth Axis Ratchets
-Duratek Screwdrivers
-Nut Drivers
-Pry Bars
-Punches & Chisels

Imports include:
-Pliers made by Knipex (Germany)
-Locking pliers made by Grip-On (Spain)
-Anti-Vibe Hammers (Taiwan)
-RBRT Bits (Taiwan)

That looks like a SOLID lineup to me!