My Favorite Snap On Tool Thread

[Robert Haas]

Our Favorite Snap On Tool Thread

My Snap On dealer really came through for me on a couple of things that are quickly becoming my favorite tools of all time.

First off is my affinity for using speed handles. Snap On came out with speed handle ratchets complete with a bearing in the handle for smooth rotation. That coupled with the twin 80 head on the 3/8 and I think it is the 72 on the 1/4"




Another fave of mine is the 35 Piece master extractor set. It is always a bad day when this tool gets drug out but when it does, It has never failed to perform. (Half the times the reverse drill bit does the whole job)

 

[protegeV]

That's a nice extractor set. I have a set of the big ones up top from Snap-on and the reverse drill bits and extractors I have a set about half that extensive from MAC.

 

[L.Cheapo]

My favorites would be my oldest and most often used, my F936 and my hard handle ratcheting screwdriver, as well as my rarely used, but definitely worth it BJP-1.

 

[Robert Haas]

The BJP-1 is the king in it's class, it is so dang good that the fight is on for second place. Not one single tool manufacturer dares to attempt comparison to the BJP-1

I sure like mine and it deserves to be on this lists too.

 

[protegeV]

Maybe not my favorite overall tool but definitely my favorite ratchet.
FHLF80

 

[giants]

Maybe not my favorite overall tool but definitely my favorite ratchet.
FHLF80

Thanks. I'm looking at that one, too. Tell use more about what you like and anything that you don't like.

 

[protegeV]

Thanks. I'm looking at that one, too. Tell use more about what you like and anything that you don't like.

Snapon makes the best ratchets IMO. Engagement is solid yet smooth. Ultra reliable. Love the handles. The fhlf80 is the perfect length for a 3/8" ratchet and the flex head on mine has stayed tight for YEARS without fail.

I love it so much at work I bought a second one for home recently.

 

[JVB]

My favorite would have to be the dual 80 technology ratchets. Depending on the task depends on my favorite as they each have their own place. But the most versatile being the fhlf80a IMO.

 

[giants]

Thanks.

Anyone have experience with Snap-on's 1/2" version, SR80A?

For the non-quick release ratchets, how easy is it to detach sockets?

 

[_Riddle]

Maybe not my favorite overall tool but definitely my favorite ratchet.
FHLF80

I always see this pop up when people talk about their favorite ratchets. I've been thinking of getting on but leaning towards the comparable 84t Gearwrench since I only need it for DIY. Does the SO have any big features over the GW (other than Made in USA)?

 

[woody 73]

I wonder who is the oem for that thread extractor set the op was showing?

 

[giants]

I always see this pop up when people talk about their favorite ratchets. I've been thinking of getting on but leaning towards the comparable 84t Gearwrench since I only need it for DIY. Does the SO have any big features over the GW (other than Made in USA)?

Good question. Same question about the Husky 72 tooth with flex head:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Flex-Head-72-Tooth-Ratchet-H38FPFRAT/202923412

and Tekton:

90 tooth versions:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GH9Q9S7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2NHZLH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

flex-head:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2NHZLH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JVB]

I always see this pop up when people talk about their favorite ratchets. I've been thinking of getting on but leaning towards the comparable 84t Gearwrench since I only need it for DIY. Does the SO have any big features over the GW (other than Made in USA)?

Good question. Same question about the Tekton:

90 tooth versions:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GH9Q9S7/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2NHZLH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

flex-head:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2NHZLH/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Getting off topic a bit but I will bite.


The tekton 90t and gearwrench 84t and 120xp ratchets are exceptional for the money. If we are talking 100% budget they are not able to be beaten for the money and have a smooth operating mechanism.

That being said with the snap on dual 80s you get USA made as well as one of the best ratchets I have ever used . (Mac axis 90t being a toss up with the snap on) Of course you pay for the name as well as being made in the states. They are a smoother mechanism and do feel higher quality to me.

It is all in what you want and are comfortable paying. Me personally I seem to collect ratchets and own all of the above.

 

[protegeV]

I always see this pop up when people talk about their favorite ratchets. I've been thinking of getting on but leaning towards the comparable 84t Gearwrench since I only need it for DIY. Does the SO have any big features over the GW (other than Made in USA)?

It's like asking how a cadillac compares to a rolls Royce.

 

[ngk22r]

Favorite would be my long hard handled 3/8 dual 80 since I use it a lot.

Second place is tied between my Flank Drive Plus wrenches and the standard plain jane T72

 

[JVB]

It's like asking how a cadillac compares to a rolls Royce.

Basically this.

Cadillac gets the job done and are very nice but the Rolls is just that much nicer fit and finish wise. But you are paying a premium for the name and quality.

 

[ngk22r]

Thanks.

Anyone have experience with Snap-on's 1/2" version, SR80A?

For the non-quick release ratchets, how easy is it to detach sockets?

I have the long flex head and it is smooth as butter

 

[ngk22r]

It's like asking how a cadillac compares to a rolls Royce.

Heck I would say it is a comparison between a compct pick up and a HD diesel.

 

[protegeV]

Heck I would say it is a comparison between a compct pick up and a HD diesel.

another good analogy

 

[Yarpo]

Getting off topic a bit but I will bite.


The tekton 90t and gearwrench 84t and 120xp ratchets are exceptional for the money. If we are talking 100% budget they are not able to be beaten for the money and have a smooth operating mechanism.

It is all in what you want and are comfortable paying. Me personally I seem to collect ratchets and own all of the above.

I agree, I love my Gearwrench ratchets, but I reach for my snap on ones every time I can now. My favorite as of late being my TL72.

As for Favorite Snap on tool thats not a ratchet, probably my 96ACF or 47ACF, a tie for sure.

 

[GTO]

All my Dual 80 ratchets and my KRL1022.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Probably my 1/4 936 ratchet. Other ratchets work better but I like it for some unexplained reason

 

[davethorik]

SLL80A

 

[msbytes]

SHLF80 Best 1/2 ratchet/breaker bar. Not one issue in over 10 years.

 

[ngk22r]

Just ordered what will be a one off ratchet, should be here next week. Once it arrives I will post it. Until then you will need to wait til I get it to know what it is.

 

[giants]

Just ordered what will be a one off ratchet, should be here next week. Once it arrives I will post it. Until then you will need to wait til I get it to know what it is.

What's a one off ratchet?

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Just ordered what will be a one off ratchet, should be here next week. Once it arrives I will post it. Until then you will need to wait til I get it to know what it is.

I'm guessing it has something to do with GREEN

 

[ngk22r]

What's a one off ratchet?

Meaning when it is in it’s final stage you would not find it in the catalog as it is.

I'm guessing it has something to do with GREEN

green was out of stock right now so it’s a different color, still a good color though!

 

[ca90ss]

https://store.snapon.com/14-4-V-MicroLithium-Polishing-Prep-Tools-14-4-V-MicroLithium-Cordless-Polish-Prep-Tool-Kit-P892791.aspx

 

[plinker]

My top picks, cant really pick a favorite as they all are pretty much daily use tools for me that I wont substitute for another brand.

"hard handle" ratcheting screwdriver (modified) for use with their interchangeable blades/shanks
https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-8-3-4-Ratcheting-Standard-Screwdriver-P770722.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Interchangeable-Shanks-Shank-Bit-Holder-Magnetic-3-1-4--P662800.aspx

Mini pick set (long and seal type picks too)
https://store.snapon.com/Miniature-Awls-Hooks-and-Picks-Instinct-174-Soft-Grip-4-pc-Instinct-Soft-Grip-Miniature-Pick-Set-P891665.aspx

Needle nose, talon grip 196acfg
https://store.snapon.com/Needle-Nose-Talon-Grip-Long-Nose-Pliers-with-Cutter-P890140.aspx

Slip joint pliers, 8", three position
https://store.snapon.com/Heavy-Duty-Heavy-Duty-Combination-Slip-Joint-Pliers-P889488.aspx

Mini screwdrivers phillips/flat/torx
https://store.snapon.com/Instinct-174-Soft-Handle-4-pc-Combination-Mini-Tip-Soft-Grip-Green-Screwdriver-Set-P646437.aspx


Also partial to the 936 series ratchets, mainly in 1/2 drive.


These arent really daily use, but I consider them the "best" available.
BJP1 ball joint press,
SWR2, o2 sensor crowfoot,
Techangle torque wrenches,
Flare nut wrenches,

 

[giants]

My top picks, cant really pick a favorite as they all are pretty much daily use tools for me that I wont substitute for another brand.

"hard handle" ratcheting screwdriver (modified) for use with their interchangeable blades/shanks
https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-8-3-4-Ratcheting-Standard-Screwdriver-P770722.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Interchangeable-Shanks-Shank-Bit-Holder-Magnetic-3-1-4--P662800.aspx

Mini pick set (long and seal type picks too)
https://store.snapon.com/Miniature-Awls-Hooks-and-Picks-Instinct-174-Soft-Grip-4-pc-Instinct-Soft-Grip-Miniature-Pick-Set-P891665.aspx

Needle nose, talon grip 196acfg
https://store.snapon.com/Needle-Nose-Talon-Grip-Long-Nose-Pliers-with-Cutter-P890140.aspx

Slip joint pliers, 8", three position
https://store.snapon.com/Heavy-Duty-Heavy-Duty-Combination-Slip-Joint-Pliers-P889488.aspx

Mini screwdrivers phillips/flat/torx
https://store.snapon.com/Instinct-174-Soft-Handle-4-pc-Combination-Mini-Tip-Soft-Grip-Green-Screwdriver-Set-P646437.aspx


Also partial to the 936 series ratchets, mainly in 1/2 drive.


These arent really daily use, but I consider them the "best" available.
BJP1 ball joint press,
SWR2, o2 sensor crowfoot,
Techangle torque wrenches,
Flare nut wrenches,

Thanks. I'm interested in the needle nose pliers and slip-joint pliers. Please tell us more about your experience with them!

 

[dscheidt]

612aep. Best plier ever.

 

[plinker]

Thanks. I'm interested in the needle nose pliers and slip-joint pliers. Please tell us more about your experience with them!

The Needle nose; I've always had Snap-on's, The older ones were good but the talon grip is far better as they grip considerably better then the older ones due to the crosshatch in the jaw tips. I've played with other brands of needle nose and they just dont seem as durable. The only Needle nose I have and use just as much (that arent Snap-on) are some mini S-K's (Facom) that are ideal for fine work and rebuilding S-K ratchets.

The Slip joints are a newer thing for me, I used on of the ones my brother had and then had to buy one for work. They grip extremely well (same talon grip checkering/teeth) and can open wider then most slip joints. I use them for general purpose gripping of stuff, spring/ear type hose clamps, twisting hoses loose, ete... I have "proper" hose clamp tools, but these work better IMO. Just used to using slip joints that way.

The interesting thing about the talon grip pliers is they continue to grip well even when the teeth have wear on them.

 

[giants]

The Needle nose; I've always had Snap-on's, The older ones were good but the talon grip is far better as they grip considerably better then the older ones due to the crosshatch in the jaw tips. I've played with other brands of needle nose and they just dont seem as durable. The only Needle nose I have and use just as much (that arent Snap-on) are some mini S-K's (Facom) that are ideal for fine work and rebuilding S-K ratchets.

The Slip joints are a newer thing for me, I used on of the ones my brother had and then had to buy one for work. They grip extremely well (same talon grip checkering/teeth) and can open wider then most slip joints. I use them for general purpose gripping of stuff, spring/ear type hose clamps, twisting hoses loose, ete... I have "proper" hose clamp tools, but these work better IMO. Just used to using slip joints that way.

The interesting thing about the talon grip pliers is they continue to grip well even when the teeth have wear on them.

Thanks. How long have you owned the talon grip pliers that the teeth are starting to wear? Would Snap-on warranty that?

I'm also in need of snap ring pliers for some CV joint work upcoming. The Snap-on don't look different from other snap ring pliers. Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks

 

[3baygarage]

Just ordered what will be a one off ratchet, should be here next week. Once it arrives I will post it. Until then you will need to wait til I get it to know what it is.

In to see what you’ve got going on here!

 

[plinker]

The talon grip needle nose I have at work are about 8-10 years old, still grip decent given the abuse they have had. Not sure if Snap-on would warranty the teeth wearing, depends on dealer most likely. I had the original set (non-talon grip) warrantied due to the wire cutter having nicks in it.

Most snap-ring pliers are imperial/stride rebrands IIRC. Last I knew Snap-on was making theirs. Check the tool truck equivalent thread, may yield more info on this.

 

[giants]

Thanks.

I can't find the Imperial/Stride model that looks exactly like the Snap-on:

https://store.snapon.com/Snap-Ring-...p-Convertible-0-070-tips-7-7-16--P636947.aspx

but the Snap-on looks flimsy. I used a no-brand and Harbor Freight on another job and both were wobbly, though this is my first experience using snap ring pliers.

Thoughts anyone?

 

[ngk22r]

In to see what you’ve got going on here!

It’s nothing crazy, just trying to minimize the amount of tools used on a particular job I do repetitively.

 

[oldwino]

Love my 1/4” flex head comfort grip ratchet (like it even better than its big brothers).

One of most used tools from the big white truck is actually a BluePoint hose clamp. Much nicer than the SnapOn

 

[giants]

Love my 1/4” flex head comfort grip ratchet (like it even better than its big brothers).

One of most used tools from the big white truck is actually a BluePoint hose clamp. Much nicer than the SnapOn

Thanks! On what projects do you use your 1/4" flex head on?

PS, I love your signature line!