SK or Snapon

[M.R.B]

Hi,

So I am on the edge on buying new tools. I am in a mechanics program and get student discounts from both snapon and sk. I can get a full 3/8 socket set from sk for $175. I can get a full 3/8 set from snapon for $400. The thing is that I know I can get more tools going sk, but don’t want to sacrifice quality. I know that snapon will likely be around for a very long time and that they are very good tools. Additionally, I know sk has had a shady past and am concerned about quality and if the company will be in buisiness long enough to warranty the full life of my tools. Any advice would be appreciated.

Also, I am not a full time mechanic. I will be using these tools for hobby/ side mechanics, but mostly to work on stuff around the farm.

Thanks

 

[RPH]

No sacrifice with the quality, convenience could be different. SK doesn’t have trucks driving all over hell’s half acre. But they do a great job of warranting through the mail. 63 years old and have used my adult life. Failures are rare and most times my fault. Save the money.

 

[Mr_B]

SK
you likely loose more than you ever will warranty.
Make use of snapon for few ratchets and other things they excel at .

 

[nelstomlinson]

I have both, and am happy with both. Either will work, and last, just fine. A big part of Snap-on's business model is the tool truck. If you aren't going to have a tool truck visiting your farm, the tool truck price is had to justify. No tool truck means mail in warranty for the Snap-on stuff.

If you are going to have long term access to a Snap-on truck, the higher price for the Snap-on stuff starts to make more sense. Your best bet might be to get some of each, since each one has its strong points.

 

[sweet victory]

One brand does not make the end all tool.

Depending on the vehicles you work on, the size of the tool is critical. Snap On tools are usually the most compact when you compare tools like swivel sockets.

You should also be looking at brands that do private label manufacturing for Snap On, as you can get the same tool/warranty for less.

 

[A&P mechanic]

I had to remove a 7/16” bolt out of a rudder recently and my SK 7/16” did not fit through an access hole. A co worker let me borrow a SO 1/4 drive 7/16 socket and that fit. We compared the two and the snap on chrome socket had thinner walls than the sk chrome socket. I prefer sk because it’s American and less expensive. I was impressed when I found out the SO had thinner walls (smaller diameter). This makes me wonder if the sk would last a little longer since it is slightly thicker vs the snap on. Overall, they are both good tools.

 

[crf450x]

Sk makes some great stuff. I use their sockets daily. The only problem with sk is they are not snap on.

 

[Mr_B]

For 1/4 drive I like koken due to thin wall and socket heights .
Every brand has it's merits, make most of your sk and snapon discounts but indeed no need go all snapon .

 

[Wamsutta]

It's the swivel sockets that have such a huge difference in quality. 1/4 drive Snap-on swivel sockets are worth their weight in gold. They lean over further than any other brand. I can take them over to almost a full 90 and they still turn. They have gotten me out of numerous situations where a straight socket wouldn't have worked.

 

[seanb02]

SK. Farm mechanic here, and most of my hand tools are SK brand. No problems with warranty at all so far on the few issues that I have had, great tools at a price well below SnapOn. With that being said though, there are a few items that you would be better off with other brands including SnapOn items. There is no one stop shop to filling out your tool selection.

 

[ssdave]

I'd do the SK, much as I like Snap-on. (I have about 1/3 Snap-on Sockets, and 2/3 Proto) I mostly prefer the Proto to the SO, except in 1/4" drive.

A long time ago, I upgraded my Craftsman and mismatched tools to SK, and used them professionally. They were fine, although I had some failures, same as with any other tool brand. The SK of today are higher quality than those of the 80's that I was buying. I have some now, and the superkrome wrenches I have rival my Snap-on for nice finish and for quality of fit and design. The Snap-on are longer, which is an advantage. Here's a picture I posted the other day comparing the lengths:

Others have stated the advantage of a truck coming to your work to sell to you and warranty. But, at the large price difference, that's less of an advantage. You could buy a spare set for self warranty and still be ahead.

That all said, I prefer my Snap-on 1/4" drive sockets to any other brand I own. I also prefer the Snap-on chrome swivel sockets. And their ratchets. But, sockets, I'd buy 3/8" SK for the large price savings. I'd also consider the wrenches, but consider how they feel in your hands and their length in your analysis. It might be worth more if you prefer the way they feel or the length.

 

[JuliusPepperwood]

Don’t buy into the opinion that snap on truck warranty is best because not all shops have a snap on guy come every week, and even the ones that do sometimes they won’t have what you need warrantied on hand so if you had to wait up to a whole week just to see your snap on guy then you potentially have to wait as long a seat it will take for him to recieve your tool. That isn’t the case most of the time though.

Use the snap on equivalent thread, I personally use HF chrome and tekton impact sockets. I have a set of SK swivel impact sockets that are great.

With my snap on student discount I bought long and extra long ratchets, 1/2 and 3/8 torque wrenches, and universal joints.

 

[shawhite]

Don’t buy into the opinion that snap on truck warranty is best because not all shops have a snap on guy come every week, and even the ones that do sometimes they won’t have what you need warrantied on hand so if you had to wait up to a whole week just to see your snap on guy then you potentially have to wait as long a seat it will take for him to recieve your tool. That isn’t the case most of the time though.

Use the snap on equivalent thread, I personally use HF chrome and tekton impact sockets. I have a set of SK swivel impact sockets that are great.

With my snap on student discount I bought long and extra long ratchets, 1/2 and 3/8 torque wrenches, and universal joints.

Have you ever been on a snap-on truck? Warranty does not go as you describe here. If I break something I call my snap-on guy most of the times he will either swing by that day or offer to meet me somewhere if he can’t make it that day. If he doesn’t have it on hand he orders it when I cal him and will have it to me in 2 days or less usually. I have had isome issues with SK warranty. I have a set of hex bit sockets that the bits will not stay in. I took them to the local SK dealer who refused to warranty. Sent the set to SK they warranties 2 of the worst ones but I still have issues with that set so it has been replaced by a snap-on set set.

I would go with snap-on all day at student discount prices.

 

[mudflap]

I would go with SO for ratchets and line wrenches..but i like SK for everything else..

 

[B_Bimmer]

While it's true there is no one brand that does everything the best, snap on is dang close and if money is not the issue and you've got access to the student discount, buy what you can.

That said the SK of today is an excellent company. It's parent company ideal is in it for the long haul. I expect them to be around a long time. You are looking at two nice brands.

 

[Sco Deac]

When you say farm, will you primarily be working on bigger heavy equipment? If so, tight space clearance is less a concern (though long handled flex 1/4 Snap on is great). For farm work, I get Snap on ratchets maybe a long handled SK 1/2 inch drive, only impact sockets, maybe SO ratcheting wrenches, big pliers ect. Maybe an Sk 3/4 drive set.

 

[seanb02]

When you say farm, will you primarily be working on bigger heavy equipment? If so, tight space clearance is less a concern (though long handled flex 1/4 Snap on is great). For farm work, I get Snap on ratchets maybe a long handled SK 1/2 inch drive, only impact sockets, maybe SO ratcheting wrenches, big pliers ect. Maybe an Sk 3/4 drive set.

On a farm space IS very much a concern depending on what is being worked on. Equipment repairs are a wide range, anywhere from small engine repairs, to light duty vehicles, to trucks, then up to heavy tractors and implements. Then doing your own structure repairs, wiring, plumping, irrigation repairs in the field.

Anything and everything. You name it and farming encompasses it.

 

[vssjim]

I have alot of brands of tools and I would be happy with a new SK Tools anything and yes I probably have 100 ratchets total and the SK are very good and hold to daily use.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I have used and scrapped or sold 2 SK Ratchets, 1 Set of Combo Wrenches and a set of bit sockets. Sub-par performance IMO.

I have kept chrome sockets, impact sockets, impact swivel sockets, scrapers,a torque wrench and some other small tools. Fine tools. They are my road tools at work and some at home. I do not prefer them over SO, but they are fine tools for the money.

 

[1950mercury]

Snap on snap on snap on if you can get a full 3/8 set for 400 it's a no brainier... You can sell them for more than you paid for them..snap on is usually 4 times or more the price of sk. You can buy at twice the price of sk that's a great deal. If you ever have to sell the sk you will loose 50%.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I'm personally a big fan of SK. I have a bunch of it, rarely a failure. Save your money

 

[Tallpilot]

It's the swivel sockets that have such a huge difference in quality. 1/4 drive Snap-on swivel sockets are worth their weight in gold. They lean over further than any other brand. I can take them over to almost a full 90 and they still turn. They have gotten me out of numerous situations where a straight socket wouldn't have worked.

This is absolutely true. If the 1/4” and 3/8” swivels are part of the program get them. For the rest SK is probably the better utility value choice.

 

[American Locomotive]

You're a student - save your money. SK tools are high quality, and the new SK 90-tooth ratchet is just as good if not better than the Snap-On Dual 80. This summer SK should have the rest of their 90-tooth lineup out on the market as well.

You can get over twice the tools for the same amount of money, so it's a complete no-brainer. Snap-On has some things that are definitely better - like universal joints, but there is nothing wrong with mixing and matching tool brands. I have Vessel screwdrivers, GearWrench ratcheting wrenches, SK Ratchets, Craftsman sockets and Tekton box end wrenches.

 

[Skin]

Snap on snap on snap on if you can get a full 3/8 set for 400 it's a no brainier... You can sell them for more than you paid for them..snap on is usually 4 times or more the price of sk. You can buy at twice the price of sk that's a great deal. If you ever have to sell the sk you will loose 50%.

Not sure what you're looking at but Snap-On sockets rarely go for more than 1/3 list and that's new. There are a few exceptions that can get to 1/2 of list but that's it. And that's ebay so after you're done selling you get to eat another ~15% in fees and shipping. Some random guy on CL wont even pay that. Any way you slice it SK will be cheaper.

 

[Fly YX]

Don't know if you're buying directly from SK are going through a dealer but if you go through the website you can get almost 50% off plus if you join their Club you'll get another percentage off your first order and emails about promotions from SK. I showed a few people at work this that are going to school for a a&p. I know the snap on guy does not really give them that much off but that could be just the dealer. Your dealer may be different. I usually get my stuff from SK but I do have a few SO Comfort grip ratchets. You can't go wrong with either one. I know when I buy tools I don't think about resale value I think about fixing something.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Most of my tools are SK and I've only had to exchange a half inch drive ratchet that broke under a 5 foot piece of pipe removing U bolts from some old car rear end. I've got some Snap on stuff as well, both are excellent.

 

[seber]

Look at the individual tools. In ratchets it's no contest, get Snap-On. For end wrenches my preference is Snap-On but I would be fine with SK. Most others I would save the difference and go with SK. But again, look at the tool. I don't use swivel sockets but it sounds like there is a large difference. Things like breakers, extensions. adapters etc., go cheaper.

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

Treat yourself to a few Snap-on Duel 80 ratchets, then buy a SK socket set to get the most bang for your bucks. I farm and have some Snap-on sockets and a lot of SK, not much difference between them. On the other hand, the Duel 80 ratchets are very nice and worth the price. Proto makes very nice combination wrenches.

 

[6PTsocket]

One brand does not make the end all tool.

Depending on the vehicles you work on, the size of the tool is critical. Snap On tools are usually the most compact when you compare tools like swivel sockets.

You should also be looking at brands that do private label manufacturing for Snap On, as you can get the same tool/warranty for less.

This purchase was for a socket set. That is a Snappy core product, that they do not farm out. It is definitely true for a lot of their other stuff. I would still go SK for the OP's use.

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[Shane6377]

I have both Snap On and SK ratchets, sockets and wrenches. Do t have screwdrivers or oilers from either.

I prefer SO ratchets and SK sockets. Wrenches are equal. Even if cost was the same this would still be my pick.

Both brands are excellent so you will have fine tools that will last a lifetime either way you go. I would make a budget and a list of tools you need and go from there.


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[Sco Deac]

Does the Snap on student discount apply to any of their industrial brand tools? If you could get a discount on some of the Williams US sets, there is real value there.

 

[6PTsocket]

The OP said he is taking a mechanic course, qualifying for discounts. He also said that the tools are for occasional home use. He might be just as happy with Tekton. Even without a discount, it would be considerably cheaper than SK and the warranty is just as solid. There are probaby a few other brands to look at.

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[Flivver250]

Both are great tools. Also consider US made Wright and Williams. I am a huge fan of Wright. My SOs however are 40-45 years old and going strong. The truck coming to the shop removes warranty angst. IMHO Wright is superior to SK.

 

[shoe1]

I started out all s-k when I was younger and most has been good tools. Like said earlier bit drive sockets I don't love but they work. Wrench's are great from raised panel thru super chrome. I know have a mix of tools from snap-on to cheepo. I run small engine shop and use tools all day. 5/16 1/4 drive sockets I can get about 1 year out of s-k maybe 2 or 3 out of snap-on. I have what I need in snap-on but no full sets. I have some matco stuff that wore out and matco is not big here (I bought in trade school) that I just replace the bad sockets with snap on and went on. My main truck tools are s-k I just can't see using snap on out in the field to get lost. Worked on farms and feedlots for most of my younger years and s-k done great by me. Like has been said no tool company is best for everything. If you were just working in a shop yea snap-on hard to beat. But s-k is a good tool for the money. See what is easy to warranty where you are. I hate mailing stuff off.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have never tried a Wright ratchet and my only dual 80 is a torque wrench. The dual 80 is very smooth and strong. However, I prefer SK unless I'm in a really tight spot. SK fits my needs 95% of the time. I really like the drop in DT mechanisms.

If it were me I would buy used straight SK ratchets and then drop in the DT mechanism for 3/8 drive. Maybe even for the 1/2 but it's not as much as an upgrade as the 3/8. For tight spots, I would buy flex dual 80s. A cheap alternative is GW 120xp but they are not on the same level as Snap-on. The more SK ratchets I buy, the less I use my GW flex set. I'm in the minority since I prefer straight ratchets over flex.

Most of my farm equipment is older so space isn't an issue. I only have one tractor that can sometimes be cramped. Your results may vary. It wasn't until recently I started buying 3/8 drive sockets and ratchets. 1/2 drive did the job until my vehicles and tractor had less and less space. Now I use 3/8 drive 75% of the time.