Yeah, and the Snap-On guy claimed Windows was better. Ironic.
I'm sure Snap-On tools are awesome, and that's what I wanna find out. Because, come to think of it, the Snap-On tools I've used were much older than my Craftsman. I'm sure that has something to do with it. So, for now I have $200 dedicated to Snap-On and we'll see.
Maybe I'll become a Snap-On fan-boy. Who knows...
I've used PC's and Macs for over a decade at my current employer, as well as having used Snap-on and craftsman, wera, bahco, felo, proto, kobalt, husky, harbor freight, the list goes on and on.
I specialized in ultra high precision machining of aerospace components. I KNOW quality when I see it, and on top of that I have freaking amazing eyesight. I could see flaws on micro-machinery that it took most of my coworkers a microscope to see. I also have a decent knowledge of metallurgy.
I've opened up harbor freight ratchets and seen better finish quality than snap-on ratchets. I've also had the cheapest, most worthless piece of **** tools I've ever seen come from Harbor Freight. "Best" is on a tool-by-tool basis. Anyone who says everything of a certain brand is "the best", is self destructive IMO. They're only hurting themselves.
Buying a great tool because "you won't be a true pro" unless you spend enough on ratchet set to pay off your car, is the biggest load of **** I've ever heard. Yet somehow, experienced mechanics have no problem whatsoever peer-pressuring beginner mechanics into buying tools they can't afford, and if they make the SMART decision of buying cheaper tools in the beginning, they aren't taken seriously as a professional and are ridiculed for their choice. It depends on the shop too, some shops are pretty cool about it, but some are such big mac-snap-whores that they won't even talk to people with the wrong kind of tools. Sad.
Then, on top of that, the pros have the audacity to say "well, they don't
have to blow all their money on tools". Well, actually, yes they do... because if they don't, they're going to have to hear **** from every goddamned person in the shop until they do... even if they don't hear ****, they're going to be looked down on by the tool snobs.
They're damned if they do, and damned if they don't. On top of that, even the schools are cramming it down their throat... you HAVE to buy snap-on, all other tools are ****, you aren't a "real" mechanic unless you buy snap-on.
Yes, I know nobody was holding a gun to their head. Sometimes peer pressure can be nearly as bad as a bullet in the brain, especially when you're new to a job and trying desperately to fit in.
Don't get me wrong... I LOVE Snap-on tools. They're great. I don't even mind the price. It's the same reason I own Knipex pliers. I just hate the tool snobbery that goes along with some snap-on owners. The ARE NOT the only game in town, and depending on what type of tool you're looking for, they ARE NOT always the best.
IF you're a professional mechanic, and IF you have a weekly driver that is GOOD, IMO snap-on is the ONLY choice. If not, things get more complicated.
I'm not necessarily talking about the majority on this forum, but some people get so smug and snobby with Snap-on that it almost makes me ashamed to be an owner myself... much like with Apple products (the only one I own is an iPod. I hate OSX (see below).
[Disclaimer, PC vs. Mac Section]
As far as computers go, OSX server is the most convoluted POS I've ever had the displeasure of using. I can't stand Apple's smug factor, and I can't stand the way they act as if their Foxconn manufactured components are superior to all other components when in fact they are only middle of the road in quality.
Windows is massively more powerful than OSX in an industrial environment, which is something I see day after day. I also prefer Windows 7 over OSX for a home environment.
The only things that Apple makes that stand out in quality versus
most PC's is the server grade Power Macs, and all of their LCD Displays (including laptop and iMac). Everything else uses overpriced, standard-*** hardware encased in a shiny, rounded rectangles.
I've used about twenty or so machines at any given time over the last decade at work, half mac, half PC. My bosses Power Mac is the most crash ridden joke I've ever seen, constant freezes, it just *****. We've tried new hard drives, fresh OS, etc. It's the software, period.
For instance, my boss uses Punch Software SharkCAD on his Mac, and it runs like ****, but runs perfectly on my PC at home. NEVER crashes. Supposedly, the Mac version is "better". Better my ***.
Oh, and sorry for going PC vs. Mac. I could have gone on longer, but I decided to stop.
trolls?
