Matco vs snap on tools

[3 Gun Shooter]

Bet if it was an impact gun they'd want it back.[emoji14]

Snap On only warranties impacts for a year, you send it in and they fix it, takes 3-4 weeks. My air tools are all IR, cordless are Milwaukee's. My box and hard iron are Snap On, some Matco hard iron , but Matco doesn't stand up, like Snap On.

 

[Adam.C]

Always amusing to me how folks can't make a living without Snap-On tools.

If you have ever worked as a mechanic in an industrial setting, ....

I worked in a corn processing plant .

Tell us what you think about your tools after you've changed a few VAG Coil packs, swapped the belts on the BACK of a jag powered Land Rover, or done a few dozen Honda timing belt jobs. Pro techs need tools to beat the book so they can feed their families. Snap On optimizes tools for the auto repair industry, and even for specific jobs and cars. I agree their line of corn processing plant tools is woefully overpriced.

 

[dchawk81]

Tell us what you think about your tools after you've changed a few VAG Coil packs, swapped the belts on the BACK of a jag powered Land Rover, or done a few dozen Honda timing belt jobs. Pro techs need tools to beat the book so they can feed their families. Snap On optimizes tools for the auto repair industry, and even for specific jobs and cars. I agree their line of corn processing plant tools is woefully overpriced.

Okay bro.

Never mind that my Sunex sockets can remove a tractor trailer lug that hasn't been budged in 10 years.

 

[Skyline]

One nice thing about Snap-on is the very robust secondary market for their tools on eBay. Since all professional tool makers change the style of their basic items every few years, if you break or loose an item, it's often impossible to find the exact replacement to complete your set. You have a FAR better chance to do so with Snap-on as compared to Matco, Mac or Cornwell.

Another point about the eBay market for tools; the resale value of Snap-on tools is far higher than Matco. There are so many more listings, and so many more folks shopping, that the prices are much higher. With a little patience, you can find almost any Snap-on tool second hand on eBay. While the resale value of tools may not be important to the OP at this time, keep in mind that a fairly high percentage of professional mechanics end up eventually leaving the business well before retirement age. It's a physically demanding job, and all it takes is something like a bad back to make it impossible. Others get promotions to service writers, and others still open their own shops. Some simply get better paying jobs in other industries. So resale value may become a factor at some point.

 

[Wes J]

Tell us what you think about your tools after you've changed a few VAG Coil packs, swapped the belts on the BACK of a jag powered Land Rover, or done a few dozen Honda timing belt jobs. Pro techs need tools to beat the book so they can feed their families. Snap On optimizes tools for the auto repair industry, and even for specific jobs and cars. I agree their line of corn processing plant tools is woefully overpriced.

Please. I worked as "pro tech" for years. I've snapped together 3 feet of extensions to change BMW starters. I've done more timing belts than I want to remember. I have a hand full of Snap-On tools. They're fine. Never in my career have I thought "I can't do this job without that Snap-On tool".

You think working on a car is cramped? Try working on a forklift. The packaging is just as tight but everything weighs 6 tons.

If you can't make money with a decent set of US made hand tools, you should seek another form of employment. I'm here to tell you that you can make damn good money as a mechanic and never spend more than a few thousand dollars on tools.

 

[K-Dog]

I had Matco exclusively for a lot of years when I was really building my tool collection. I have a whole bunch of their air tools, most of which are 15 +/- years old and still going strong. Their hand tools can't compare to Snap-On in my opinion.

Be careful with carrying TWO tool bills. It can get costly fast.

 

[Wes J]

What doesn't compare?

I really like Snap-on ratchets and own several. They are all 36 tooth and work OK. I have had at least one self reverse and bust my knuckle. I also have Mac and and Matco ratchets. They all work well. The Mac and Matco have detents on the flex head. That can be good and bad.

I've got Mac, Snap-on, Cornwell, and Craftsman sockets. They all work well. Never had any real issues with any of them. I don't like the Snap-on swivels with the ring over the pin that pops off.

I really think the Matco combination wrenches are much better than Snap-on. The Snap-on open end is so thin that it flexes a lot. The extra long pattern are even worse. Mac wrenches are love or hate with the semi-sharp corners.

Snap-on screw drivers are good and so are their pry bars. The Matco bars are made by Mayhew and I've had great luck with them. I have the Matco screw drivers made by Witte and they have held up really well.

Matco hammers are the same as the Trusty Cook/Estwing/Armstrongs and are excellent in the deadblow variety. The Snap-on dead blow hammers are too bulky in the head. I have a few Mac hammers that were made by Stanley under the name "Compo Cast". Those things will still be around long after I'm dead.

Snap-on has some really nice pliers. No denying that. Matco and Mac buy from Channel Lock, Wilde, Knipex and others.

Seems like that pretty well covers the "hard line" tools. A guy with a full set of Matco tools would do just fine.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Sounds like you're comparing 20 year old tools?

 

[gsingh]

Always amusing to me how folks can't make a living without Snap-On tools. That's news to me. There are thousands of talented mechanics here in the US making it everyday without a single Snap-On item.

If you have ever worked as a mechanic in an industrial setting, you might not even recognize the tool brands we use. I've worked in plants who only gave the guys Wright, Proto, or Armstrong tools. These guys were all talented mechanics an could fix anything.

I worked in a corn processing plant where the guys fixed everything from a 4ft long auger to complex European made filter presses with full PLC controls and goofy hydraulic to move everything. Those guys carried all their tools in a 5 gallon bucket with a bucket boss organizer.

2 completely different fields .

 

[Wes J]

Sounds like you're comparing 20 year old tools?

Last time I checked, the Snap-on guy doesn't come in and replace your tools for free every time they make an update to the design.

 

[Wes J]

2 completely different fields .

Still mechanics (not "technicians"). Lots of tool purchases are based only on sales flyers from the tool dealers and glimpses of the other guys tool box.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Last time I checked, the Snap-on guy doesn't come in and replace your tools for free every time they make an update to the design.

Doesn't matter. I've had my swivel sockets for 10 years and they still don't have a ring on them. Flank drive plus is pretty well know to be the best you can buy. Matco/armstrongs don't even compare

Buy some tools from this century and see how they compare.

 

[bob15]

Pretty sure tools are tools.

Are you aware that Matco doesn't make any tools? They are all (except toolboxes), re-branded from probably the cheapest manufacturer they could find.

As for the Snappy's open end's flexing....whatever

And what exactly is a "pro-tech"?

 

[Wes J]

Doesn't matter. I've had my swivel sockets for 10 years and they still don't have a ring on them. Flank drive plus is pretty well know to be the best you can buy. Matco/armstrongs don't even compare

Buy some tools from this century and see how they compare.

Every company has a version of "flank drive". The difference is all in the marketing. I'll pick up some new tools when the ones I have let me down. Don't wait up.

 

[Wes J]

Are you aware that Matco doesn't make any tools? They are all (except toolboxes), re-branded from probably the cheapest manufacturer they could find.

As for the Snappy's open end's flexing....whatever

What difference does it make? Still made in USA. Still good quality. Still does the job. Still has the service man coming around to help you out.

If you think Snap-On makes everything they sell, you are just deluding yourself. They do make most of their "core" tools. But, so do many other US tool companies like Cornwell, Wright, Proto, Mac, and Armstrong.

Armstrong and Matco are so intertwined it's hard to say who "makes" what.


I know your **** hurts when I pick on your expensive wrenches, but have you tried a Matco open end vs a Snap-on?

 

[trackwelder]

Doesn't matter. I've had my swivel sockets for 10 years and they still don't have a ring on them. Flank drive plus is pretty well know to be the best you can buy. Matco/armstrongs don't even compare

Buy some tools from this century and see how they compare.

All he needs is a few grand worth of tools and he can fix anything. Maybe he has a superman cape that helps him along ?

 

[derosa]

I asked my local mechanic what tools he used and he came back with Kobalt. Every time something broke it was a 10 min round trip to the Lowes, he didn't like waiting for the truck to come around in however many days. It let him double up on the essentials and not worry about warrenty.

 

[Skin]

Snap On makes better tools. You will probably see performance benefits in choosing Snap On sockets, ratchets, and maybe wrenches(??). Generally, Snap On tools are well made, super strong, hard wearing, and tend to be made as small as possible to fit in places other tools may not.

Where the honest debates happen is when the performance benefit becomes imperceptible. Let's take ratchets for example. Snap On makes an 80 tooth ratchet. MATCO/Armstrong makes a 120 tooth. The marketing says more teeth is better. But in the real world, everything is a trade off. The problem with the XP120 is that it is a weaker ratchet. The teeth are smaller and there is less engagement due to the stacked pawl design. For a std length tool, the reduced strength is probably irrelevant. You may find you like the fine ratcheting of the XP120 best. For long ratchets, the stronger, yet still fine toothed Dual 80 is the better choice.

See, hearsay posts are worthless and spread nothing but misinformation. 120XP ratchets are very popular here. Not once have I seen a thread of someone breaking one. Is the design weaker? Probably. Would you notice it unless you use a pipe on your ratchets a lot? No. You also have plenty of 84T alternatives.

Secondly Matco has the smallest impact swivels (by far), the 60 and 88 designs are amongst the smallest ratchet heads in the industry, and they have the smallest ratcheting wrench box ends. I have no idea if you're just talking about product you've never handled or antiquated product but it certainly isn't Matco from the last 10 years. They've also taken a page from MACs book and started to double knurl their extensions which is nice.

Doesn't matter. I've had my swivel sockets for 10 years and they still don't have a ring on them. Flank drive plus is pretty well know to be the best you can buy. Matco/armstrongs don't even compare

Buy some tools from this century and see how they compare.

Actually Opti-Torque Pro and whatever Armstrong calls it works great. No joke. Armstrong made Matco extra long combos are simply fantastic. It will be a sad day if they change that production contract. Added benefit it doesn't cut into the fastener. I have both and they both really grip incredibly well so no bias at play here. Cornwell and MAC on the other hand have worthless open ends comparative to a standard combo but both still make a good wrench.

 

[dchawk81]

People underestimate Kobalt. It's pretty good stuff.

 

[Wes J]

All he needs is a few grand worth of tools and he can fix anything. Maybe he has a superman cape that helps him along ?

I said I (and countless others) could make a good living. Of course special tools are required to do special jobs. That doesn't mean you have to run out and buy them your first day on the job.

 

[shockwave]

Both companies have great quality in there hardline tools you need to look at you wants and needs aswell I think both companies offer there own pros and cons and don't miss out on exclusive tools Matco offers and vise versa

For example
Matco pinless impact swivels in 1/4 drive and broad range in sizes in 3/8 and 1/2 (exclusive to Matco) even though they are made by Armstrong
And the long ratcheting flex/box end wrenches are great 8-25mm available now gearwrench offers 8-19mm


And snap on has a lot more like bjp1 ball joint press and there 1/4 chrome swivels are the best I have used and flare nut/opened end with fatter open ends will save you at times

 

[crab]

They really aren't even in the same class, if you want the best get snap-on. Of course you can do the job with cheaper tools, hell craftsman has worked for a lot of years for a lot of mechanics. It's the size of some tool boxes that blows my mind. I know what most of those guys make and there isn't enough money there for 75,000 bucks in tools in a 20,000 dollar box.

 

[Wakefield]

Every company has a version of "flank drive". The difference is all in the marketing. I'll pick up some new tools when the ones I have let me down. Don't wait up.

Versions of flank drive for box end,Bonney was one of the first to have off corner engagement
open end tech is different,as far as I believe Snap On and Wright have good stuff in "Flank Drive +" and "Wright Grip" I think its more than marketing

 

[Wes J]

Try a Matco or Armstrong wrench with the Optitorque broach. It works very well.

 

[WhiffySpark]

What difference does it make? Still made in USA. Still good quality. Still does the job. Still has the service man coming around to help you out.

If you think Snap-On makes everything they sell, you are just deluding yourself. They do make most of their "core" tools. But, so do many other US tool companies like Cornwell, Wright, Proto, Mac, and Armstrong.

Armstrong and Matco are so intertwined it's hard to say who "makes" what.


I know your **** hurts when I pick on your expensive wrenches, but have you tried a Matco open end vs a Snap-on?

You realize proto makes most of mac right?

And snapon owns wright. As well as bacho and countless others

Apex owns Armstrong gearwench allen etc. they owned matco but I think they recently got spun off? Not sure in that

No idea on cornwell. I know everything I have from them is rebranded except the ratchet

 

[DSM_PWR]

I have been wrenchin since 1981 and during that time 80% I did not have a Mac or Matco dealer stop by. Have always had a Snappy. Yes their tools are expensive but so is not having the tools you depend on. Buy impacts especially swivel impacts, ratchets, line wrenches and the wrenches you use most [ mine are the double box ends ] from Snappy, Every thing else is a personal decision.
I blew up 2 S&K and 1 Crafstman sockets while taking a 7.8 Ford apart this weekend so I think they are about the same. Chrome Snap-On's hold up on impacts, the others not so well.
All this aside I have 2 Harbor freight ratchets that I use all the time. The 1/2" extendable and the 3/8" long flex head. I am not nice to my tools and so far have not broken either .

You should not be using chrome sockets on impacts. I would think someone who has been wrenching since '81 would know better. You could get a cheap set of HF impacts for 10 bucks instead of abusing your Snap-On sockets. SMH

 

[Skin]

You realize proto makes most of mac right?

And snapon owns wright. As well as bacho and countless others

Apex owns Armstrong gearwench allen etc. they owned matco but I think they recently got spun off? Not sure in that

No idea on cornwell. I know everything I have from them is rebranded except the ratchet

Proto does not make MAC. Both are owned and manufactured by Stanley in their facilities in much the same way that Snap-On, CDI, Bahco, Williams etc.. are manufactured in Snap-On INC facilities.

Snap-On does not own Wright, I think you mean Williams.

Apex tool group is just that, a tool group. Matco remained with Danaher for whatever reason but I think is finally being spun off with other companies like Fluke.

Cornwell is employee owned. All they manufacture is the basics. Wrenches, sockets, extensions, ratchets. The rest is filled in by other companies like PTP.

 

[jd_1138]

Snap-On!

 

[Jo Diesel]

Every one here is going on and on about thier opinions.
Your tool purchases should be based on support! If it breaks can you get it fixed or replaced? How long can you wait for THAT TOOL !
You wouldn't buy a John Deer tractor if the only dealer for 100 miles was a Kabota, unless your life didn't depend on it.

 

[Adam.C]

See, hearsay posts are worthless and spread nothing but misinformation. 120XP ratchets are very popular here. Not once have I seen a thread of someone breaking one. Is the design weaker? Probably. Would you notice it unless you use a pipe on your ratchets a lot? No. You also have plenty of 84T alternatives..

The XP120 ratchets are weaker. They have finer teeth and smaller pawls. That's not hearsay or misinformation.

All Dual80 ratchet mechanisms are good for roughly 250ftlbs. So you'd need to apply about 250lbs to the handle of a 13" long flex ratchet to break it. I think it would be difficult to achieve that. The FLL80 is almost 18". So you'd need to apply 160lbs or so to break it. I think that's achievable.

Point is, when you are choosing a long ratchet, get the strongest one you can. When you are picking a short ratchet, strength and to some degree swing arc, matter less. So pick what you want.

Secondly Matco has the smallest impact swivels (by far), the 60 and 88 designs are amongst the smallest ratchet heads in the industry, and they have the smallest ratcheting wrench box ends.

I was thinking about chrome swivels not impact swivels. Sorry I didn't make that clear. I agree Matco impact swivels are nice.

Also agree about the value of a small headed ratchet, provided it is comfortable to use. I have the low profile Snap On set and never use it. I just don't love the ratchet handle. I do tend to use 1/4" when I need more clearance. For this reason I recommend Snap On once again, because their 1/4" drive tools are so strong. But low profile 3/8" drive ratchets are a reasonable alternative. But no 3/8" set up is as small as an average 1/4" drive.

And another agree on ratchet wrenches. None are particularly strong. I've stripped a couple (3 or 4) Snap Ons that were VERY expensive. I think they are no stronger than anyone elses. I would recommend getting either dirt cheap models or models with a convenient warranty scheme.

 

[bobcatdan]

When I started in the late 90's, I felt Matco was pretty much on par with SO. Also generally a few bucks cheaper. In the early 2000's Matco was very innovative that left SO playing catch up in some area. With the influx of more imported tools under the Matco name and prices seeming to equal or exceed SO, I lost a far amount of interest in Matco. Not saying there are not gems on the Matco truck , but I'm not paying USA prices for imports. I can say about the same for Mac. Overall it comes to personal preference and who offers the better tool or set more so then name. Also having a kick *** dealer can make a big difference.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Proto does not make MAC. Both are owned and manufactured by Stanley in their facilities in much the same way that Snap-On, CDI, Bahco, Williams etc.. are manufactured in Snap-On INC facilities.

Snap-On does not own Wright, I think you mean Williams.

Apex tool group is just that, a tool group. Matco remained with Danaher for whatever reason but I think is finally being spun off with other companies like Fluke.

Cornwell is employee owned. All they manufacture is the basics. Wrenches, sockets, extensions, ratchets. The rest is filled in by other companies like PTP.

Thanks for clarifying, Williams it was.

And yes a lot of mac is rebranded proto. Even our mac guy told us that. you can find their latest air gun straight from proto.

 

[Renchi]

People underestimate Kobalt. It's pretty good stuff.

Compared to what?

 

[dchawk81]

Compared to what?

Compared to spending a ton more dough to do the same job.

 

[Stevenn1]

....All Dual80 ratchet mechanisms are good for roughly 250ftlbs....

I think that's the day to day WORKING LOAD LIMIT of 3/8" drive ratchets. Not BREAKING STRENGTH or MAX LOAD LIMIT of all Dual 80 series. Just from my personal experience with them.

 

[Wes J]

Compared to spending a ton more dough to do the same job.

I have seen a few older Kobalt tools that were made in USA. I guess that didn't last too long.

 

[Skin]

Thanks for clarifying, Williams it was.

And yes a lot of mac is rebranded proto. Even our mac guy told us that. you can find their latest air gun straight from proto.

Like I said its better to think of them as Stanley companies as opposed to one making the other. The impacts can also be found under Facom and Sidchrome (also Stanley brands).

 

[Adam.C]

I think that's the day to day WORKING LOAD LIMIT of 3/8" drive ratchets. Not BREAKING STRENGTH or MAX LOAD LIMIT of all Dual 80 series. Just from my personal experience with them.

I agree. But it's what Snap On publishes. And you get the point, right? Matco claims something like 280, which may well be failure.

For anyone else my point is, for regular length tools, std length ratchets, wrenches, extensions, any decent tool will suffice. That's one reason there is such a range of opinions. But when you start considering long ratchets, long wrenches, extensions, etc, you need stronger tools, with better materials QA (i.e. not Asian).

 

[psychoclaw84]

Snap On.

Used Snap On tools hold their value better than Matco, check eBay.

 

[Sugarfryz]

After buying more and more Matco, I very much prefer using their tools. Only thing I really love is snap ons ratchets. I'll stick with Matco bc the prices are much cheaper. Also I moved jobs and the snap on guy rubs me the wrong way. He spotted a new Matco tool I bought in my box, picked it up laughs and goes "what's this garbage". Kinda pissed me off and haven't stepped foot on his truck.