No more snap-on for me

[Mallen]

With over 45 years of wrenching I never got into buying any one brand of tools. When I was preparing to separate from he Air Force in 1983 I had saved up $3.500.00. so my tool budget was set at that price. I knew I need a really good set of basic hand tools as I was a vehicle mechanic and preparing to go into the Air Force Reserves as a aircraft mechanic.

I got bids from Snap-on, Matco trucks and then from Grainger for Bonney tools, the Mac dealer refused to give me a bid for the basic mechanics set. Well Bonney won out as they also included a roller and top toolbox (just a cheap Waterloo combo set but something I could secure my tools). The Bonney set was with basic set was $3,100. Even then $2,100.00 for the nice toolbox from Snap-on was to much for me as I was a young guy with a family to support and there was no way I would allow myself to go into debt to finance a toolbox.

The years go by and yes later I could afford a lot better but for some reason I never bought anything off the trucks but did hit pawn shops back before the internet was anything and picked up slowly all the common sizes of Snap-on ratchets as I thought they do make the best ratchets. After 30+ years my 1/2" drive Snap-on ratchet finally had to have a rebuild kit. I contact Snap-on with the request for rebuild kit and they sent me the kit with no fuss.

Being that I ended up being a cash and carry vehicle for ten years and a aviation mechanic for over 30 years I just used tools that did the job and for me if a tool works and stands up to my abuse with little to no fuss I am content. Snap-on just a option to me and yes they make fine products but 60-120% more then another brand sorry I can not see the return on the investment.

That's what it has to be when it's for your job and your own money. We all like nice tools, but it's business. If it's your own tools in your garage, buy harbor freight or buy ort some Snap-On sent out to be gold plated, whatever makes you happy. But when your trying to make a living, you want the most cash coming in for the least cash going out.

Sounds like the most important lesson you learned from the government was getting three bids.

 

[Mallen]

I've been an amateur wrench for 40 years, starting off with Craftsman and whatever the auto parts store had. I always felt like Snap-on was what real mechanics used, so I slowly built up a set of ratchets, sockets, and wrenches from garage and estate sales, and from eBay. I was using what the pros use, and it's nice having the feel of SO in your hand, but practically speaking I don't think it turns bolts any better. I don't have access to a tool truck, so as I've broken or lost some of the SO stuff I can't get it replaced. I've been buying Tekton instead, and it works just fine. I guess my point is that I've used SO, it's nice, but since I don't need the benefit of the tool truck I am just fine with a lesser brand. I guess I should change my avatar picture!

Call snap on. They will replace it. I broke a breaker bar and they had me send a picture and sent me a new one. Never had any problems with them.

 

[shawhite]

So I have to have a special relationship to take full advantage of a product I paid for?

Guess I better start baking cookies and bringing beers when i go out shopping

Never said you have to have a relationship with your dealer to get service but if you want him to swing by on Friday afternoon to drop off that specialty socket that no one else in town has yeah a good relationship helps. I wonder how many of you guys extend your tool rational to other things in your life like cars or play toys. I mean how many here drive f150 or even f250 when they could easily get buy with a ranger or Tacoma at a fraction of the price. How many people have a big center console boat that never goes off shore couldn’t you have bought a bay boat and saved a couple thou.

 

[shawhite]

for air, snapon been dead for years, kuani, astro, aircat offer some podium air tools for 5th of snapon pricing .
Snapon pretty weak in battery tools and elec diag these days too, few exceptional gems but way too many overpriced but below par products .

Yeah of course you pay 1/5 the price for Astro and aircat. They are like 1/5th the tool. If you had said I can buy IR or Mac/Porto or even Cp for less I would tend to agree. Not sure how you would consider snap on light in the electric diag department when there is not many if any diagnostic scan tools that top snap-on especially if you figure in the support they provide no question.

 

[shawhite]

If you need the service of the tool truck that's one thing, but if you just want quality tools,there are entry of options. Williams ratchets share rebuild kits with Snap-On which makes them essentially the same. Honestly, at 130 dollars for a Snap-On 3/8" ratchet I don't see how it makes sense even with the tool truck level of service. A Williams ratchet costs about 30 bucks. Keep a spare in your bottom drawer and your still 60 bucks ahead. (Or I guess if your clever, call them up and have them send a rebuild kit or two and keep those in the bottom drawer)

Usually Williams is the old design snap-on that got passed down to the Williams name. Like the ratcheting wrenches when the new snap-on wrenches came out they rebranded they old style Williams so it’s no surprise the snap-on rebuild kit works. This usually holds true with the ratchets as well. Usually when they make the switch your driver will sell whatever old stock he has on hand for large discounts at least in my experience

 

[Mallen]

I drive a base model 2019 Nissan Versa that I paid 10500 for. I used to have a mustang GT as a daily driver but I got tired of spending all my money on gas and tires that only lasted 10,000 miles. (and going to traffic court) My old truck doesn't count though, it's a hobby and hobbies are money pits by definition. But even so, your personal vehicle is different. If you want a "luxury" for your personal vehicle (I'm defining luxury as something nicer than the bare minimum to get the job done) that's WHY your working. But if your getting a truck for work, it's a different matter. Try and convince your boss that he should buy you a Cadillac Escalade instead of a Chevy Tahoe for you to go out on service calls with. It shouldn't be any different if your the decision maker. The real question to ask is, if you need a new truck for work, will the new ford Maverick hybrid for 20,000 get the job done, or do you need an F350 super duty. You buy what you need.

Its obviously more complex than our oversimplifications. Better tools can sometimes get the job done better and faster. At least on average taking I to account breakage or even damage to the thing being worked on. But sometimes there isn't a difference at all or you could just accept breakage and mitigate it. (Like keeping an extra 30 dollar ratchet instead of paying 130 for one that can be replaced the same day off the truck. ) If you pay more than you have to for your tools, you just volunteered for a pay cut. Your salary is what you bring in minus what you spend on those tools.

 

[Mallen]

Yeah of course you pay 1/5 the price for Astro and aircat. They are like 1/5th the tool. If you had said I can buy IR or Mac/Porto or even Cp for less I would tend to agree. Not sure how you would consider snap on light in the electric diag department when there is not many if any diagnostic scan tools that top snap-on especially if you figure in the support they provide no question.

I thought my Snap-On pneumatic impact tools had been stolen (turns out some one just out the somewhere safe so they WOULDNT get stolen) so I had to go find something to use for the time being. I went to the flea market and bought what I THOUGHT was a harbor freight "Central Pneumatic" gun for 5 bucks. I even talked him down based on it being a "junk one". I didn't realize those CP tools were "Chicago Pneumatic". It turned out to be great. I haven't used the Snap-On since. My old Snap On is huge and heavy. The CP is nice and light. The snap on is a bit more powerful. But if I need a more powerful tool I grab the cordless. (Which is massive and heavy and not well suited to using all the time, but puts down 1200ft lbs). The CP and my old Snap-On are of similar generations but in my opinion, at least from the standpoint of usability, the CP is superior.

 

[M635_Guy]

it's nice having the feel of SO in your hand, but practically speaking I don't think it turns bolts any better.

This nets it out pretty well

 

[zendriver]

I said that over 40 years ago when I got tired of dodging the snap on guy.

They’re likely the best but they’re not the only ones capable of getting the job done.

I do still use the ones that I purchased back then.

 

[Neggy]

Your numbers are low. When i was a dealer 10 years ago, cost of a truck was $120k+, $100k in inventory is a bare bones truck, I carried on average $250k. Its an expensive business to be in. Theres easier ways to make money working 4 days a week with a whole hell of a lot less debt and overhead. But I did enjoy it.

Thank you for the real world numbers

they go to further reinforce my point

 

[d.mcfarland]

It did kind of piss me off when they changed their minimum website order to $300 for free shipping.

I get it for under $10 items but why not have a $50 minimum or something at least realistic so I can get the couple items I need without $20 shipping added on top. Maybe they could have the local driver deliver it to my house so he/she could at least make the sale.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I've never understood how anyone buys a box off the truck. The margins on boxes have to be HUGE.

I've worked in a sheetmetal shop. We didn't build Snappy boxes but we built numerous cabinets with dual doors around the shop. Bending up a box and slapping some paint on it does not justify the retail pricing, even after quality slides and casters and lid struts (if applicable)

Consider a new roller can pretty easily hit $10k off the truck if you're taking 54"+ and/or Epiq-level. Add an upper or a hutch with side cabinet and you're at $20k without trying too hard.

Now, consider everything else you could buy with --- I'll use the high end of $20k to demonstrate my point.

How 'bout a new vertical mill? Granted not a perfect example because AFAIK you can't get a US-made mill today....but even a Taiwanese Bridgeport variable speed head was $16k before COVID (I simply haven't shopped post-COVID). A mill must have literally 500 more moving pieces than a box, and a great many of them are built within a few tenths tolerance.

Don't like my example of machine tools? How 'bout the ATV/UTV market, even post-COVID? How much ATV can you get for $20k, even new off the dealer floor? A lot more than a box bent up with casters bolted on the bottom. And again, consider all the moving parts in an ATV: engine (again, many tight tolerances), steering, brakes, electrical and on and on.

I really like Snappy boxes, but not at retail.

That's not street price. I paid less than "retail" of one triple bank KRL, for both of my triple bank KRLs.

If you're clever and a little flexible, you'll pay a lot less. I paid $5600 for each of mine. That's what triple bay lista tool boxes cost.


That's like pricing out sticker on a raptor can claiming all F150s are over-priced. Nobody pays sticker, not even close.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I'm sorry, but that's a stupid arguement. Ultimately this discussion boils down to whether the product is worth the money to the market they're going after. Anyone supporting the workers of Snap On should only do it with money left over supporting themselves and preparing for their own retirement. Given that so many employers put the burden of supplying the tools on the worker, it's pretty crazy to start out buying SO/Mac/etc. tools and box. That money does a lot more for a lot more people put in retirement or improving their living conditions, not chasing a romantic ideal, especially when I have to think the 5-year fallout of the profession is pretty high.

For the most part, SO makes premium/luxury tools. Yes, they have outstanding quality. But between a box and tools I'm guessing a new tech spends double-digit thousands each of the first couple years on tools that could probably be had for $5K all-in with fine-quality brands. Once you're up and running, have made some money, are committed to the profession, have saved some $$ for retirement and a rainy day, I can totally see beginning to acquire SO. I really enjoy the SO stuff I have, but almost all of them were a gift to myself in one form or another.

Bingo. Drop out rate vs. starting wages makes it basically impossible. Buy the basics, replace what needs replaced, make money.

 

[Ign]

That's not street price. I paid less than "retail" of one triple bank KRL, for both of my triple bank KRLs.

If you're clever and a little flexible, you'll pay a lot less. I paid $5600 for each of mine. That's what triple bay lista tool boxes cost.


That's like pricing out sticker on a raptor can claiming all F150s are over-priced. Nobody pays sticker, not even close.

Cash, or financed to the truck?

 

[Mr_B]

Yeah of course you pay 1/5 the price for Astro and aircat. They are like 1/5th the tool. If you had said I can buy IR or Mac/Porto or even Cp for less I would tend to agree. Not sure how you would consider snap on light in the electric diag department when there is not many if any diagnostic scan tools that top snap-on especially if you figure in the support they provide no question.

Astro and Kuani produce some of the best usable air tools and air innovation in the world .
If you buy MAC under facom/usag branding it still fifth price of snapon, Snapon diag not used extensively worldwide and current kit not great, Updates are insanely expensive as is service parts/repairs .
I like some of the older snapon diag tools (use vantage pro multiple times a day) and their battery ratchet about the best on market currently but you can't say same across whole range and add in price and it insanely stupid when better/equal equipment is on the market .
With diag kit 1 brand of scanner won't do, my shop has 7 and we still can't do every make or model without coming across some limitations or bugs .

 

[bsaint]

I thought my Snap-On pneumatic impact tools had been stolen (turns out some one just out the somewhere safe so they WOULDNT get stolen) so I had to go find something to use for the time being. I went to the flea market and bought what I THOUGHT was a harbor freight "Central Pneumatic" gun for 5 bucks. I even talked him down based on it being a "junk one". I didn't realize those CP tools were "Chicago Pneumatic". It turned out to be great. I haven't used the Snap-On since. My old Snap On is huge and heavy. The CP is nice and light. The snap on is a bit more powerful. But if I need a more powerful tool I grab the cordless. (Which is massive and heavy and not well suited to using all the time, but puts down 1200ft lbs). The CP and my old Snap-On are of similar generations but in my opinion, at least from the standpoint of usability, the CP is superior.

My recent cp gun. Currently my fav.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Cash, or financed to the truck?

You get a discount to sign up for financing, no early payoff penalty, 60 or 90 days same as cash. This is through snap on and their lending service. The driver could extend no interest truck credit, or one could pay outright. I've never been given a discount for cash thus I take their 600+ discount to finance it.

First box i paid off in a few months, worked out to 150ish in interest or so. Second box i bought at the same time as my scan tool, so it was more like 8k. 60 days same as cash, I think I had it paid in 6weeks? If you dont have at least the purchase price in the savings account, obviously dont consider. Buying anything that one otherwise couldnt pay cash for, outside of a house, is foolish.

The easy button is to buy a used box, trade it in for double what you paid, take incentives and finance it, then pay it off in the 60.or 90 days for no interest.

 

[Mikeske]

That's what it has to be when it's for your job and your own money. We all like nice tools, but it's business. If it's your own tools in your garage, buy harbor freight or buy ort some Snap-On sent out to be gold plated, whatever makes you happy. But when your trying to make a living, you want the most cash coming in for the least cash going out.

Sounds like the most important lesson you learned from the government was getting three bids.

I actually wanted 4 bids but the Mac dealer was being a idiot the day I requested a bid and I had a complete tool list of what I wanted. I wanted a cash and carry deal and I thought that the Mac was going to be the best deal but being a idiot he lost the bid totally with me.

I actually was surprised by the Bonney set I got as over the years they proved to extremely durable. I only have had 4 tools ever broken and 3 of the were replaced under warranty at Grainger before Bonney was discontinued. I had a 3/8s flex head ratchet break on the handle side next to the pivot, a 1/2" half inch drive socket and a 9/16ths long reach wrench all break before the shut down. Then last year I broke a 14 MM 3/8s deep socket break but I had a duplicate socket so no big issue.

The thing is mechanic's buying off the truck can still get some pretty good deals if they shop wisely and hit the sales properly for the tools they want and need. The most important thing when I was still a active mechanic was ALWAYS pay cash at the time they buy and if they can not pay cash is to wait until they can. I always looked at my tool buys as I still needed to support my family first then to drive for the best possible deal with the quality. I have also done the buy the cheapest possible junk tools and see if they work good but that mostly in the impact sockets and some of those really surprised me as the junk tools are still kicking today after over 20 plus years of use.

 

[M635_Guy]

I said that over 40 years ago when I got tired of dodging the snap on guy.

They’re likely the best but they’re not the only ones capable of getting the job done.

I do still use the ones that I purchased back then.

For the sake of the argument I'd say that the tool truck tools are the best (and in a lot of cases, of course, they are). That is already factored into my point.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

This nets it out pretty well

You could say the same for proto, sk, etc. Youd be amazed how many alignments get done in the rust belt with HF combos. HF multi colored sockets are actually really good tools.

 

[M635_Guy]

You could say the same for proto, sk, etc. Youd be amazed how many alignments get done in the rust belt with HF combos. HF multi colored sockets are actually really good tools.

If I was a new tech, I'd have a USG cart and a mix of tools - Carlyle and Icon for easy warranty for a lot of "core" stuff (wrenches/ratchets) and then cherry-pick brands from there. I'm a big fan of my Wiha screwdrivers and my Knipex Pliers Wrenches, so not everything would be less-expensive brands.

What I have as a doofus in my garge probably isnt' that far off from what I'd buy as a tech, though my Tekton combo wrenches would probably be Carlyle.

 

[shawhite]

I've been an amateur wrench for 40 years, starting off with Craftsman and whatever the auto parts store had. I always felt like Snap-on was what real mechanics used, so I slowly built up a set of ratchets, sockets, and wrenches from garage and estate sales, and from eBay. I was using what the pros use, and it's nice having the feel of SO in your hand, but practically speaking I don't think it turns bolts any better. I don't have access to a tool truck, so as I've broken or lost some of the SO stuff I can't get it replaced. I've been buying Tekton instead, and it works just fine. I guess my point is that I've used SO, it's nice, but since I don't need the benefit of the tool truck I am just fine with a lesser brand. I guess I should change my avatar picture!

You can get drunk on mouth wash but that jack and coke sure goes down easier. Sure you can get the job done with other tools and snap-on is not the only quality tool out there. But they are one of the few tool companies left that make most of their hard line tools in the states and as you stated they feel good in the hand and usually function as intended.

 

[Mr_B]

You get a discount to sign up for financing, no early payoff penalty, 60 or 90 days same as cash. This is through snap on and their lending service. The driver could extend no interest truck credit, or one could pay outright. I've never been given a discount for cash thus I take their 600+ discount to finance it.

First box i paid off in a few months, worked out to 150ish in interest or so. Second box i bought at the same time as my scan tool, so it was more like 8k. 60 days same as cash, I think I had it paid in 6weeks? If you dont have at least the purchase price in the savings account, obviously dont consider. Buying anything that one otherwise couldnt pay cash for, outside of a house, is foolish.

The easy button is to buy a used box, trade it in for double what you paid, take incentives and finance it, then pay it off in the 60.or 90 days for no interest.

the easy button is plan ahead and get used decent made box you want use long term and no trade in .
I spent less than most pay for one new box on 3 2 bay and 1 3bay older matco boxes, I just planned ahead before drawer space an issue or grabbed a box when too good miss .
through flipping lots of boxes over last 30 years I actually close to covering box expenditure .
One of the best used tool buys you can do really .

 

[neophyte]

I've been dying to know who makes them. Maybe it's Indian. It's the BLPMV6. I saw one on ebay a year ago but didn't have the extra funds for it.

That Blue Point vise is made in Spain.
I believe the manufacturer is now part of Snap-On Europe.
The vises have bern dold under various brand names in the past.
Currently the same vise is sold under the Bahco name( Bahco is also part of Snap-On Europe).
It is or has also bern dold in Europe under the Irimo trademark, the Acesa trademark, the Palmera trademark, and maybe others.

 

[WNYflyer]

Somewhat off topic but SO related. Went to a privately run estate sale at a farm house a few years back were in the garage an area of was off limits. Lady about my age was running the sale selling off her parents stuff but I guess the stuff off limits was her son's who was/had been living at the home with his grandparent(s). Guy's were initially asking about the off limits stuff and the kid's mom said a bunch of the stuff was from that damn "Crack Truck !!" (i.e. addicted to SO tools). AKA as the local Snap-On truck. Guess the mom wasn't impressed by the kid spending so much money on those Snap-On tools. I tend to have a warped sense of humor so all I can picture is the kid chasing the Snap-On truck like chasing the ice cream truck like when you were a kid. Anyways the mom had me cracking up.

That being said I have a good many SO and other tool truck brands but as a DIY guy I only buy used at estate and garage sales and then only at 10 to 30 cents on the dollar otherwise I do without.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

If I was a new tech, I'd have a USG cart and a mix of tools - Carlyle and Icon for easy warranty for a lot of "core" stuff (wrenches/ratchets) and then cherry-pick brands from there. I'm a big fan of my Wiha screwdrivers and my Knipex Pliers Wrenches, so not everything would be less-expensive brands.

What I have as a doofus in my garage probably isnt' that far off from what I'd buy as a tech, though my Tekton combo wrenches would probably be Carlyle.

Carlyle doesn't impress me in the least in my limited exposure. You're right on the money in general though. A HF 5 drawer cart is a nice starter setup. They're decently put together and can hold a very basic setup.

I'd do the HF colored sockets, one can strip the color if you like with a little work. Tekton or gear wrench ratchets to start, add snap on for your most used, or whatever brand you trust. I hate the gearwrench/matco exploding failure mode, much prefer the snap-on slip and grab 20 teeth later. Wright grip wrenches, just start with HF then use them for custom stuff after you buy the Wrights. Knipex and channellock for general pliers....

Actually you start by going to HF and spending a few hundred and replace as it fails. For what it costs who cares? Kid is making burger flipping money or less, buy the cheapest possible and limp along until they can confirm they're sticking around and have built a financial footing to even upgrade to brands like sunex.

For most though tools are a means to an end - and thus no thought or effort is put into maximizing return while minimizing expenditure. This kills a lot of auto techs FWIW. Over spending and being under tooled, or not spending enough and being under tooled. You gotta spend spend spend for those first years to come up to speed and be able to actually repair things. Lots of that expenditure ain't hand tools either, even in the first few years.

the easy button is plan ahead and get used decent made box you want use long term and no trade in .
I spent less than most pay for one new box on 3 2 bay and 1 3bay older matco boxes, I just planned ahead before drawer space an issue or grabbed a box when too good miss .
through flipping lots of boxes over last 30 years I actually close to covering box expenditure .
One of the best used tool buys you can do really .

Good point there. I picked up used boxes and got 50% more than I paid on average, or keep them for home use or resell. Only the really beat stuff you'll break even on. I want all matching locks, so I get everything to match.... and it's my money so I buy it because I like it.

 

[Ilikeike]

I wouldn't ever pay retail for the awesome Snap-on stuff, insane if you pay those prices.
I sure do have a lot of it though.

 

[Bubba Fett]

It is better to have a crappy tool box with good tools instead of a good tool box with crappy tools.

That said, as a homeowner/diy/weekend warrior, Snap-On makes zero sense financially for me. Some Snap-on tools make zero sense in any capacity - like tongue and groove pliers, which are made by Channellock. I'm not paying three times as much for red handles.

That's fine, because in addition to Channellock, there's Williams, Blue-Point, Proto, SK, Wiha, Estwing, Mayhew, Tekton, Malco, Klein, Ideal, Knipex, Wiss, and many other quality brands to choose from. Not to mention the second hand market, which is where a lot of my tools came from.

 

[Blind1]

I sure wouldn’t pay snap-on money for rebranded channellocks just so I could have them in a different color.

I can see certain tools where snap-on quality is a cut above and MAYBE worth it - but I don’t see the point for most things.

Snap on is the designer label for men. Rationalization and justifications abound.

 

[Kscardsfan]

That's not street price. I paid less than "retail" of one triple bank KRL, for both of my triple bank KRLs.

If you're clever and a little flexible, you'll pay a lot less. I paid $5600 for each of mine. That's what triple bay lista tool boxes cost.


That's like pricing out sticker on a raptor can claiming all F150s are over-priced. Nobody pays sticker, not even close.

No, in oilfield boom towns people pay over sticker for a raptor. I laughed out loud when the salesman was explaining what the paper saying “+$5000” taped next to the window sticker. I think he felt insulted when I walked out laughing.

 

[bonneyman]

Snap-On makes a nice tool.
Some of their offerings I prefer. Love their old model black hard handle drivers, and their high performance wrenches look just phenomenal. (Wish I could afford a set of those in metric!) And their ergopalm ratchet looks freaking comfortable.
But by and large I can't justify the cost of their tools. I'd pick and choose individual pieces to get a specific job done, but a whole box full is out of the question.

 

[Indexmill]

That's like pricing out sticker on a raptor can claiming all F150s are over-priced. Nobody pays sticker, not even close.

Been to the truck dealership recently?? Bought a house recently??

 

[Mallen]

I sure wouldn’t pay snap-on money for rebranded channellocks just so I could have them in a different color.

I can see certain tools where snap-on quality is a cut above and MAYBE worth it - but I don’t see the point for most things.

Snap on is the designer label for men. Rationalization and justifications abound.

I bet if you called up Snap-On, and told them your grips had worn and split they'd send you replacement rubber grips and you could just slip them on.

 

[Mallen]

Been to the truck dealership recently?? Bought a house recently??

Well, things are a bit odd right now. I just pray it's not the new normal.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Been to the truck dealership recently?? Bought a house recently??

I was referring to boxes, not automobiles or houses. Although car negotiations have dwindled quite a bit in the internet age.

Im sure someone, somewhere, paid retail for a box. Although just for financing that amount you should get $1000+ discounted. I've seen KRLs moving for around the roughly the same prices since I started a decade ago.

 

[Mr_B]

I want all matching locks, so I get everything to match.... and it's my money so I buy it because I like it.

you don't have buy new off the truck to get matching locks lol .
I replaced 5 cylinders in my matco boxes for less than 100 bucks,
I get people buy it because they like it and that fine by me and great when don't go silly with too easy finance .
Buying new and the used box credit never seemed smart deal to me .

 

[zendriver]

Snap-On is subject to real-world economics, just like everybody else.

Their products are great and "overpriced" is really just a meaningless term, but they are expensive for sure. They now have to compete with many lower cost, decent quality competitors, mostly imports.

Buy them or not (since we are all subject to real-world economics as well) but if and when they end up outsourcing or going the way of S-K and the rest, let's try not act like we don't understand what happened , blaming it on "mismanagement".

 

[shawhite]

I sure wouldn’t pay snap-on money for rebranded channellocks just so I could have them in a different color.

I can see certain tools where snap-on quality is a cut above and MAYBE worth it - but I don’t see the point for most things.

Snap on is the designer label for men. Rationalization and justifications abound.

There are more differences between the two other than handle color but why waste the time explaining.

 

[rcbk00]

Snap-On makes a lot of good stuff. It is expensive. What to do?... As a DIY guy, I bought my flare nut wrenches and my Flank Drive Plus combo wrenches off Ebay. Those are the two things I feel Snap-On does best, and are worth paying more for (I live in a rusty climate). In terms of ratchets and sockets, I have no problem working with the newer Taiwanese stuff that a dozen different brands are selling. For pneumatic tools (which I rarely use anymore), I use Aircat. For battery powered stuff, I use Milwaukee. I think my approach is pretty common around here. That said, if having 30 grand of Snap-On tools in your 12 grand toolbox makes you happy (and you can still pay your other bills), go for it. Life is short.

 

[redwrench60]

I’m glad I bought the bulk of my Snap on stuff 20 years ago. The current prices make my ******* pucker up. I’m damn sure not selling anything though…