No more snap-on for me
- Thread starter bsaint
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Most of use carry around $1000 smart phones and upgrade them every couple years but somehow a $160 ratchet that will be passed down to your kids is over priced. I have snap-on tools passed down from my grandfather that I still use. I’m pretty sure if I figured out price per use that tool would be a heck of a bargain.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Just by what you need from them then.
If you make a living with your tools there's a place for snap on, proto, SK, wright, pick a brand above the bare minimum. If they make something special, buy it. If a cheaper option gets things done and meets your needs, buy that instead. If they offer a warranty on a high use item that wear/fails, do the cost/benefit of self warranty vs. paying for theirs. I'm down to about $25/hammer, on their nice deadblow ball peins.
I swear everybody thinks techs are sleeping in cardboard boxes under a bridge to spend money on sockets. Do some people over extend themselves? Of course. They do so on car payments, best buy credit cards, home renovations, and bar tabs.
Where can I buy this? Other than snap on? Yeah, it's $70. Do a few dozen rust belt subaru brake jobs for a flat rate of pay, and tell me that $70 was anything but a smoking deal. Test drive for complaint, rack it, ******** check-sheet that ain't gonna sell another penny of work, quote job. Only approved for a pad slap, remove brackets, grind out rust from hardware, reassemble, test drive. That socket is priceless when you do 3 of those back to back, rather than fighting with a torch and zero offset wrench by hand. Yeah, you could pull the upper strut bolt. Better hope no part of that goes south on this 2003 shitbox. Air-hammer it out, then you need to chase/split-die the threads because it was frozen in.
If you make a living with your tools there's a place for snap on, proto, SK, wright, pick a brand above the bare minimum. If they make something special, buy it. If a cheaper option gets things done and meets your needs, buy that instead. If they offer a warranty on a high use item that wear/fails, do the cost/benefit of self warranty vs. paying for theirs. I'm down to about $25/hammer, on their nice deadblow ball peins.
I swear everybody thinks techs are sleeping in cardboard boxes under a bridge to spend money on sockets. Do some people over extend themselves? Of course. They do so on car payments, best buy credit cards, home renovations, and bar tabs.
Where can I buy this? Other than snap on? Yeah, it's $70. Do a few dozen rust belt subaru brake jobs for a flat rate of pay, and tell me that $70 was anything but a smoking deal. Test drive for complaint, rack it, ******** check-sheet that ain't gonna sell another penny of work, quote job. Only approved for a pad slap, remove brackets, grind out rust from hardware, reassemble, test drive. That socket is priceless when you do 3 of those back to back, rather than fighting with a torch and zero offset wrench by hand. Yeah, you could pull the upper strut bolt. Better hope no part of that goes south on this 2003 shitbox. Air-hammer it out, then you need to chase/split-die the threads because it was frozen in.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
When you use something 40/hours per week, the cost per time in use equation almost makes cost irrelevant. I spend more time waiting for the state emissions machine to connect than most will spend on all their automotive endeavors for a year.
dreamingmuscle
Well-known member
My son has fallen off the snap-on battery tool wagon. I've been telling him for a couple years to go with Milwaukee fuel tools. He has finally seen the light and traded all his snap-on stuff worth trading in on Milwaukee. He is happy as a clam with them.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I like Snap-on stuff. And my dealer always cuts me a deal. I agree if you are a DIY guy then there are plenty of other brands to fill your box with and use. And there is nothing wrong with that I have tons of brands and I use them on a daily basis. Some stuff I don’t see a need for from Snap-on like chrome sockets my hodge podge of Craftsman, SK and Kobalt and Popular Mechanics and several other brands will work fine for me. So there is stuff I say to buy and don’t buy from them.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Haha yep you told him right but he didn’t listen first. I personally haven’t cared for any of their power tools I’ve used. Milwaukee for me as well glad you got him to use Milwaukee.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
First off, I would never say never as they may be the only source for a particular item.
Secondly, no one ever buys snap on because they're a bargain. Now, there might be an exception or two is with a sale or BOGOs. When most of us buy snap on you're paying for quality and service. Mostly service like truck to you shopping, weekly payments, wider selection of tools, etc.
It's up to the individual as to whether Snap on is worth the prices they command. Truth is, other tools brands have pretty much closed the quality gap at a lower price point.
I don't buy nearly as many truck brand tools as I did in my youth. that's largely because, as I inch closer to retirement, I don't really need much. It's also that I don't have tool trucks knocking on my door at work.
Perhaps it's just that in my youth, tool truck quality was unmatchable with other brands, and I was conditioned from the time I first used my student discount, that the trucks were king.
Secondly, no one ever buys snap on because they're a bargain. Now, there might be an exception or two is with a sale or BOGOs. When most of us buy snap on you're paying for quality and service. Mostly service like truck to you shopping, weekly payments, wider selection of tools, etc.
It's up to the individual as to whether Snap on is worth the prices they command. Truth is, other tools brands have pretty much closed the quality gap at a lower price point.
I don't buy nearly as many truck brand tools as I did in my youth. that's largely because, as I inch closer to retirement, I don't really need much. It's also that I don't have tool trucks knocking on my door at work.
Perhaps it's just that in my youth, tool truck quality was unmatchable with other brands, and I was conditioned from the time I first used my student discount, that the trucks were king.
redwrench60
Well-known member
These have made me an incalculable amount of grocery money. But I’d hate to buy drawers like this again.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Christ FED you work in the FBI building. How many tool truck guys want to go into that place? They'll never come out. Most likely off to Guantanamo never to be seen again.
Most of us? lol - you're picking the perfect example.
The "most of us" that have $1000 smart phones are doing the same thing with those. They're a status symbol. A luxury. For most, a mere payment plan away if you don't have a grand or more to plunk down. The definition for the term "I can afford it" has gotten skewed over the last 20 years or so, and somehow a lot of luxury items (or premium-tier) have now become "necessities".
If people were so diligent about putting money away for retirement (and a rainy day) as they were for getting the latest greatest fruit device, there would be a lot less people wondering when (or if) they'll be able to retire.
I have the money for the the top fruit phone. I can buy SO tools (and have in a few cases, but mainly as gifts to myself in the last few years as my other financial priorities have put me in the position to do that). I could pay cash for a brand new car if I wanted to.
Instead, I have a mid-tier phones I'll keep for three years (and they usually pass on to my wife from there). Most of my tools are HF/Tekton/non-truck brands (which, as a DIY'er is pretty fitting. None of it is junk). I own old cars that are paid for. I fix/work on them as much as possible, both because I enjoy being able to do it and to save the money. I hate payments. And because I've had that general approach since I was in my early 20's, now in my early 50's my retirement account currently holds significant hope/is on track for retiring early (and certainly "on time" if necessary).
I think Snap On is as hard to legitimately justify as a $1000 phone for most of us. As romantic the idea is that one of the grandkids I don't have yet might have the opportunity to pick up some of my tools and get use from them, I think they'll appreciate more my having the ability to live well without burdening my kids and hopefully have some $$$ to leave them.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Being that I went new/cpo car shopping last month with the intent of paying cash in full.... I guess my wright grips and proto wrenches in a snap on tool box arent such a poor financial choice after all.
To be fair, I did end up financing half as they got me 2.2%. They can make 400 bucks over 3 years and ill sit with my cash. I should flip a car for the principle of it so I can claim I kept the cash to invest at a higher rate of return.
To be fair, I did end up financing half as they got me 2.2%. They can make 400 bucks over 3 years and ill sit with my cash. I should flip a car for the principle of it so I can claim I kept the cash to invest at a higher rate of return.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Wait, you made this decision AFTER you paid $164 for a 1/4in ratchet???
ZRX61
Well-known member
I have a $43 Android & a plan that costs me $20 every 90 days. Does everything I need a *phone* to do... which doesn't involve logging onto the internet every time I leave the house.
In fact the phone is turned OFF when I carry it outside of the house unless I need to make a call... That's happened fewer than 5 times this year & each of those times has been a "where the hell are you?" call to the roomie while we're at WallyWorld.
Meursault74
Well-known member
Similarly here, but I think I beat you. I think mine is $18 every 90 days. The flip phone (not smart) was free to me (but I think retailed for around $10).
I could easily go without a cell phone though, but I do make an occasional call with it. I have run into some technical snags that require "smart phones", by being imaginative with my computer.
bob15
Well-known member
Try using the Talon grip pliers and tell me how they are the same.
You say Snappy is a designer label, but yet also say certain tools are a cut above; so which is it? Designer or useful?
Have you actually used any one their tools? Maybe their 45° offset 1/2 driver breaker bar and their 4 way-angle wrenches for starters......
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2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Or how about using their 30/60 angle wrenches prior to 2019 when tekton offered a slightly different but mostly comparable option.
It was snap on or nobody. People think guys are spending 10s of thousands on linesman pliers and basic sockets.
FWIW I cut my parents a check yearly for what my cell bill adds to their family plan. And the car I daily drove for the last 6 years cost me $300. What do I win?
bob15
Well-known member
Just curious if the bashing Snap On bandwagon has actually thought for a minute about how much they spend in R&D compared to other companies?
With the exception of Bonney, Snap on was the only company making tools with their boxed end, off corner engagement. And that lasted for about 25 years until their patents ran out. Then finally all your other companies started making off corner boxed end tools. Same goes for FD+ wrenches. How many years did it take before another company made grip-type open end wrenches. Again everyone else had to play catch-up. Where are all the innovations that Wright, Matco, SK, Proto, Mac have made? Best one was probably Mac's Microturn wrench and it has been discontinued.
You can keep slamming Snap-On, but they usually have the corner marketed on new products, good and bad. More than can be said about any other tool truck or manufacturer.
With the exception of Bonney, Snap on was the only company making tools with their boxed end, off corner engagement. And that lasted for about 25 years until their patents ran out. Then finally all your other companies started making off corner boxed end tools. Same goes for FD+ wrenches. How many years did it take before another company made grip-type open end wrenches. Again everyone else had to play catch-up. Where are all the innovations that Wright, Matco, SK, Proto, Mac have made? Best one was probably Mac's Microturn wrench and it has been discontinued.
You can keep slamming Snap-On, but they usually have the corner marketed on new products, good and bad. More than can be said about any other tool truck or manufacturer.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
^ I want those micro-turn wrenches bad. Somebody needs to make a full set of metric.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Great post. I still don't understand why everyone gets all upset with Snap-On. Their prices for a lot of hand tools are on par with MAC and Matco. Snap-On does seem to do a LOT of innovating. Customer service is quite good too, even without a truck. Need replacement parts for that 1978 breaker bar? No problem. Super fast FedEx.... probably faster than if i did have a truck dropping by weekly.
-Ryan
To each his/her own I guess.
My cheap-skate mechanic/farmer Dad never owned a fine tool in his his life and instead left me a chunk of their Edwards Jones, that I love to use.
I'll give my kids my inexpensive tools. They can use them or scrap em, won't matter to me. I already know they want money,
My Grampa was a master carpenter and his tools were just average.
Nothing against SO, other than being "too rich for my blood!" obviously
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ZRX61
Well-known member
SO sure as hell didn't spend anything for R&D on tools they relabel as their own & then double or triple the price when all they did was slap their name on the tools... Snap ring pliers, thread chasers & hammers spring to mind.
Dakotadadv8
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DIYer here I have been thinking the same the last couple of years but SO tools, website, and customer service were good quality. Probably don't need them but they have saved my projects.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I dont think they rebrand their snap ring pliers or hammers. Hammers are more of a warranty cost being built in, so do you think you can beat the warranty with volume.
Lucid Moments
Well-known member
Problem is I can buy a $40 ratchet that will likely outlive me too. So yea 4 times the cost for a tool that likely will do the same work? That is overpriced. I have multiple Snap On ratchets, and don't regret buying them, but I don't pretend it was a reasonable decision from a purely financial stand point.
Lucid Moments
Well-known member
Who is upset? Anyone that is upset please raise your hand.
It is an internet debate and worth about as much as those generally are. A mildly amusing way to kill a few minutes. Everyone on here gets to do what they decide to do for themselves. And I don't think anyone has a problem with that. And while many of us have opinions about what other people should do that is all they are is opinions and we all know what those are worth.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Their snap ring pliers are made by Strand, who also make identical ones sold under Craftsman, Mac, Matco, Cornwell & other names.
Meursault74
Well-known member
Opinions are like elbows. Everyone has a couple and they only bend one way.
Might be off topic but still a good example.
When I was young (18yrs) I set up at a car show selling parts in the swap. Happened to be my birthday and Mom came to visit. There was one part I had for sale and it was rare, NOS in the box. Seemed every 5th person asked "How Much is this?" I repeatedly said $40. All kept on walking. Mom kinda asked what was the part and I basically explained how it was original, rare and NOS... Her reply was its too cheap for what it is.
OK, next person asks "How much?" I replied $80. He pulled out the cash and didn't bicker on price.
Valuable Lesson Learned that day.
If I was on the other side looking at the $40 rare NOS part, I would have offered $30 for it.
When I was young (18yrs) I set up at a car show selling parts in the swap. Happened to be my birthday and Mom came to visit. There was one part I had for sale and it was rare, NOS in the box. Seemed every 5th person asked "How Much is this?" I repeatedly said $40. All kept on walking. Mom kinda asked what was the part and I basically explained how it was original, rare and NOS... Her reply was its too cheap for what it is.
OK, next person asks "How much?" I replied $80. He pulled out the cash and didn't bicker on price.
Valuable Lesson Learned that day.
If I was on the other side looking at the $40 rare NOS part, I would have offered $30 for it.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
The stamped ones made by lang? Pretty sure SO sells those on the truck, but they're not the same as their own model.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Snap-on Store
Snap-on Store
I believe the second set is comparable to my lang set. The first set has obviously more squared edges than the lang. I just buy knipex singles now.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Nope, Strand. They have Snap On labels on them, mine are identical & say *Craftsman*
It's definitely both. Some tools are both, some are one or the other. They make specialty tools that are obviously designed to make a mechanic's job easier, faster and more profitable. They also make boxes and core/general-duty tools that aren't price-for-value justifiable - even at the sweetheart deals people are getting off the truck. If the one-throat-to-choke, warranty, whatever is worth it to you personally as an experienced, committed mechanic, I've got zero problem with that. They're excellent tools. But I think it's crazy and irresponsible for new techs to put big money on tool truck tools.
The vast majority of people under 30 aren't putting money away for retirement. I'm confident techs aren't above the average. The delta between a "starter" set of core tools (standard ratchets/wrenches/etc.) and box for core tools vs. the Snap On money is a better investment than sticking that delta for, say, the first five years into an IRA. Five years in, you're making money, committed to the field and know what's going to benefit you from the non-specialty line and whether it's worth it for you. And you've got a rolling start for the time when that money will be hard to catch up to unless you're lucky.
They monetize their patents (which funds their R&D), then the patents run out. The system is designed that way to encourage continued innovation and a free market.
FWIW - it's pretty crappy that techs have to bring their tools with them to a job (in many of the jobs anyway). It perpetuates a system that puts a massive financial risk and burden on employees.
FD+ wrenches and ratchets are about the only things I'd buy from em at this point.
That said I really like the blow molded 1/4" set, but I got it for next to nothing. I'd never drop retail on that. I invested in wobble plus in 1/4-1/2", some hex bit sockets, mid-depth impacts, etc. Doing it again I would've saved my cash on those. Oh well, my cross to bare now.
That said I really like the blow molded 1/4" set, but I got it for next to nothing. I'd never drop retail on that. I invested in wobble plus in 1/4-1/2", some hex bit sockets, mid-depth impacts, etc. Doing it again I would've saved my cash on those. Oh well, my cross to bare now.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
The blow molded, now foam cased, sets have to be one of the worst values on those trucks IMO. Of course, I bought a blue point 1/4 set as a young goober and 10 years I am still using its contents daily. The case is long gone due to westling machine.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
To be fair, for what you get vs. Buying pieces the kits are probably an okay deal. I just wont pay that for sockets outside specialty stuff. Usually by the time.someone has the cash to buy stuff like that, they already have full socket sets of decent stuff.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Same as my first link? Not the obviously rebranded lang/kastar/craftsman/matco/etc in my second link? The ones with the snap on S stamped into them? I'd love a link to those from a cheaper source. Not doubting, I might buy them to.replace my langs. The infinite rebrand lang set I have is decent but will spread and twist under heavy loading.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Similar, but not the same. However, I'd had these for at least 12 years so the design may have changed. They're all (6) reversible.
At the time Craftsman wanted $96 for the set. Mac or Matco was about $120 & Snappy wanted $198. Craftsman had them on sale for $32.
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