Snap-On 830 Vs Duralast 3/8

[trackwelder]

where is that kill thread button

time to get back to business, and clear the air.

if you do not like something, change the channel

everyone has their own opinion

So why does the thread need to be killed? Nobody seems to be getting nasty, just voicing their opinion. Just a bunch of grown men bench racing tools and such no big deal.

 

[King Bojack]

My appologies to everyone for ever posting this thread. I promice I wont do it anymore

Dude, don't let the haters wreck perfectly good threads.

 

[lipadj46]

My appologies to everyone for ever posting this thread. I promice I wont do it anymore

Don't sweat the small stuff. I like your tests keep them up. The really rude posters will get themselves banned or run off eventually.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Don't sweat the small stuff. I like your tests keep them up. The really rude posters will get themselves banned or run off eventually.

Some of us don't even offer an opinion anymore. It's too easy to get banned without even a warning..... I'm going back into my hole now....

 

[Thumper]

Geeze........I guess I need to learn to spell "ratchet".....instead of rachet..LMAO.

 

[Bull]

Some of us don't even offer an opinion anymore. It's too easy to get banned without even a warning..... I'm going back into my hole now....

Singing this familiar old tune again? It's a tad stale. If you're too afraid to post here, that's your business. But why post just to say you are afraid to post?

 

[Bull]

Oh, come on now, mrholeshot. You deleted it all?

 

[blue dog]

Sorry MRHOLESHOT. I for one look forward to your tests and comparisons in the future, I learn from them and all ways enjoy what you have to say. Thank you for doing what you do.
MRHOLESHOT performs these tasks to help educate and share what he has learned from these tests because he is a true tool enthusiast, and he enjoys it.
Some of you need to take a step back and realize that MRHOLESHOT probably has a lot more experience with tools then most here. Thank him for spending his time and money to perform this free service to help people make educated purchases.
Hurry back MRHOLESHOT, can't wait for your next test or comparison.

 

[mrholeshot]

Oh, come on now, mrholeshot. You deleted it all?

Just got ticked off over all the drama. It was a simple test and it turned into a political,Polluting and job killing thread. I should have known better.

 

[Tatsuya]

Just got ticked off over all the drama. It was a simple test and it turned into a political,Polluting and job killing thread. I should have known better.

Let me just say this: Your HF 1/2" vs. CMan 1/2" ratchet shootout was the ONLY reason I bought the HF ratchet. I already had the CMan and couldn't agree more with your review. After using it on some brake work, I'm happy as hell I picked it up. I don't know how else to compliment you. If I didn't have enough 3/8" already, I'd probably check out the Duralast. Keep it up.

 

[RLRRLRLL]

i hope u keep up with the reviews, im an auto tech major, and i show them to my teacher. which he puts through the online thing to where all his students can read the reviews. it helps them buy tools they can afford while in college to start out their career later, instead of spending thousands on the snap on truck right away. sure, snap on is great, but when u cant afford it, there needs to be a cheaper, yet good quality, alternative. i say keep up the reviews! maybe have the threads locked after your initial post so no one can complain about an asian ratchet being better then some usa made ones.

 

[kursplat]

Just got ticked off over all the drama. It was a simple test and it turned into a political,Polluting and job killing thread. I should have known better.

just tried to look at the side by pics again. think i'll hit the AZ near work tommorow and see if they have one

 

[Thumper]

Thanks for doing the test Mr.Holeshot . It was very informative.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Been very busy for the last few days so I missed the review Mr.Holeshot, but I must comment your reviews and pictures are very helpful to the rest of us, so thank you for doing them. Sorry others had to put some greif into the situation.

TheGrooveking

 

[Hiball]

LOL.. I just got off work and i see that the OP deleted the Threads..... What did that accomplish? I took some flack from my Import Jack thread from a few members, I never felt the need to Pack up my toys and Run though. This Internets is Serious bizzness... LOL

 

[ngk22r]

Well in regards to mrholeshot and this test, he proved a very valid point. Everyone here can stick to their brand of tool til the day they die, but really, does one company make everything better than the rest?? Does one companies tools never break? Granted I love the snap-on tools I have, along with my mac, craftsman, duralast, HF, etc, but as you see I just typed several brands. Snap-on is great but not perfect, I have had a brand new FHL80 break the anvil while trying to remove the drain plug on a honda... Had to resort to my craftsman cheapy 3/8 ratchet with the jack handle on it (as I had the standard short ratchet) to break it loose and it still works to this day. I have had numerous snap-on sockets break that a craftsman had to finish the job. Does this mean snap-on *****, no, just means I happened to get a socket that had a manufacture weak area. And to say the American companies have never polluted is hogwash. I respect all tool companies, from snap-on to harbor freight. And during these times when people are trying to save a buck here and there, who really give a flying _ _ _ _ what a person buys? Seriously, just because the ratchet held up to 200ftlbs, are you constantly going to put 200ftlbs on the ratchet?? I guy that I used to work with had the same blue comfort handle duralast 3/8 ratchet and used it every time to break loose and tighten caliper, and caliper bracket bolts with out a flaw. Its not like your going to be torquing held bolts on a cummins diesel with it.


Thanks mrholeshot for your great write up when it was up!

And a side note to other, not every has the same sized wallets as some of the big spenders here so keep that in mind..

 

[Hiball]

Well in regards to mrholeshot and this test, he proved a very valid point. Everyone here can stick to their brand of tool til the day they die, but really, does one company make everything better than the rest?? Does one companies tools never break? Granted I love the snap-on tools I have, along with my mac, craftsman, duralast, HF, etc, but as you see I just typed several brands. Snap-on is great but not perfect, I have had a brand new FHL80 break the anvil while trying to remove the drain plug on a honda... Had to resort to my craftsman cheapy 3/8 ratchet with the jack handle on it (as I had the standard short ratchet) to break it loose and it still works to this day. I have had numerous snap-on sockets break that a craftsman had to finish the job. Does this mean snap-on *****, no, just means I happened to get a socket that had a manufacture weak area. And to say the American companies have never polluted is hogwash. I respect all tool companies, from snap-on to harbor freight. And during these times when people are trying to save a buck here and there, who really give a flying _ _ _ _ what a person buys? Seriously, just because the ratchet held up to 200ftlbs, are you constantly going to put 200ftlbs on the ratchet?? I guy that I used to work with had the same blue comfort handle duralast 3/8 ratchet and used it every time to break loose and tighten caliper, and caliper bracket bolts with out a flaw. Its not like your going to be torquing held bolts on a cummins diesel with it.


Thanks mrholeshot for your great write up when it was up!

And a side note to other, not every has the same sized wallets as some of the big spenders here so keep that in mind..

No tool Company is Perfect, All Tools are prone to breakage and if you want to start a thread titled "Snap-On Vs Duralast 3/8" or Ford Vs Chevy, Camaro Vs Mustang, Lincoln Vs Cadillac you should expect some differences in Opinion and some Combativeness. I believe Discussions bring out the best in Members and I havent seen any Mods deleting threads etc, The term "Mountain out of a Molehill" Keeps running thru my Head. Also Its been Proven over and over that you dont need a big budget to be effiecient with Tools.

 

[shotgunfatcat]

My first statement was out of place, I didn't see the torque specs. My other statements apologized for my first statement and said I would buy one if I had too.

I have seen comparisons on here with no real testing, the least you can do is what you did. I like seeing the testing on here, and shocked at some of the results. We (the snap-on people) get quite offended by these posts. whether you work at home or make a living with snap-on tools, you buy them because they are some of the best out there.

To have someone (I know you own a lot of snap-on tools) come in and say that a 20 dollar tool is just as good as the 100 dollar one that some of us make our living off of and pay for is almost a kick in the nuts, accurate results or not (not saying your results aren't accurate).

People using snap-on tools buy them because they are American made, great quality, and awesome in shop warranties, and there aren't very many other companies out their like them.

If we, the people of snap-on, come off hard it is because we take pride in what we use and will back it up no matter what. If you wanted someone to own one of your wooden boxes, you would want them to back it up just as much, defend the quality over store bought wooden boxes, because the sweat and work you put into them to build them is greater than a machined made particle board POS from a store. It would make you think if someone bought one of these and said it was better than yours.

I do enjoy all of these comparison threads, I get a little testy, as well as many other users on here, but we are just backing up what we use. Yes the controversy becomes a little much, but think of it this way, we are one big happy family. Getting in a dispute is the same as you would with a stubborn brother, next thread that pops up and you forget about it and work together to help someone out.

The snap-on vs. threads aren't going to end, and should be taken with a bit of salt. So keep posting, maybe it will turn a new revolution.

But then again, I enjoy controversy, I'll stir the pot just to see it bubble, no matter what side I am really on or not.

 

[otis66]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Thanks Mr.holeshot. I went out and bought a Duralast 1/2 drive ratchet. I also pick up a blue handled Duralast screwdriver. If I'm goning to buy tools not made in USA it will not be at sears. I'm looking at this Duralast ratchet and it looks exactly like my Snap On S936. Snap On tools has to be involed wit Dura Last some how. Anyone know who makes these tools? Also Autozone is closer to my house than the local mall.

 

[The Rider]

If we, the people of snap-on, come off hard it is because we take pride in what we use and will back it up no matter what.

Absolutely. Why let the inconvenience of facts ruin perfectly good blind devotion?

And as for the "We the people" line, directly referencing the US Constitution, I have to giggle at the pomposity & self importance of the SO zealots...

 

[Bull]

Snap On tools has to be involed wit Dura Last some how.

Oh, I doubt that. I think the Duralast folks just decided to copy an archetypal ratchet of universally recognized quality.

 

[shotgunfatcat]

Absolutely. Why let the inconvenience of facts ruin perfectly good blind devotion?

I remember a movie with almost that same title, what ever happened with that?

And as for the "We the people" line, directly referencing the US Constitution, I have to giggle at the pomposity & self importance of the SO zealots...

To be honest, it was kind of what i was going for, kind of a joke, but yet a strong realization as well of the users of SO tools.

I don't think it is necessarily blind devotion. Where else can you get American made tools with a lifetime warranty, delivered to your place of work, that is some the greatest quality?

Mr. holeshot compared the duralast to Snap-On for a reason. He has other ratchet brands, I have seen his drawers (no pun intended). Snap-On is great quality, if you do not want to pay for it, that is your own business, but let the people that do back up their investment.

The bashing of other tools is where it crosses the line, I do it, other guys do it towards snap-on, it wouldn't get into a heated battle if there wasn't two sides of the fight, so don't just blame the tiawaneese bashers.

 

[shotgunfatcat]

Oh, I doubt that. I think the Duralast folks just decided to copy an archetypical ratchet of universally recognized quality.

We have got a comedian on our hands

Yeah, they just copied snap-on. As stated somewhere else...I seem to have misplaced where.... but the internals are more based of off the 936 series ratchets, not the 800's.

He said it went to 200 pound feet. I didn't look it up, but I think he went to 250 with snap-on. It might have been a different ratchet, and I am sure he could have pushed the duralast further. I know once it gets to 200 it is more than what most people would push it. But why not take it to a breaking point? Or at least up to 250 (I am guessing this is where his torque wrench ended)? This would be a better test of comparing. Not for everyday use of course, but to compare both breaking points would seem to make more sense if you could.

 

[krusty the clown]

Anyone know who makes these tools?

makes? no......

but both duralast and OEM brands that autozone sells are sourced from greatneck........

http://greatnecktools.com/


now lets get back to the BS.......i have some popcorn popping as we speak

 

[Bull]

We have got a comedian on our hands

No comedy intended! Of course everyone recognizes SO as a company that makes quality tools!

makes? no......

but both duralast and OEM brands that autozone sells are sourced from greatneck........

Hmm...so Even11 was correct about this when he said it, huh?

 

[shotgunfatcat]

No comedy intended! Of course everyone recognizes SO as a company that makes quality tools!

I misread your statement, and you still rock!

 

[Bull]

I misread your statement, and you still rock!

Ah, you probably thought I said that the Duralast piece was of universally recognized quality, huh? No way. I may not be in a position to buy many SO tools, but I'm not dumb about their quality level.

 

[mrholeshot]

We (the snap-on people) get quite offended by these posts. whether you work at home or make a living with snap-on tools, you buy them because they are some of the best out there.

To have someone (I know you own a lot of snap-on tools) come in and say that a 20 dollar tool is just as good as the 100 dollar one that some of us make our living off of and pay for is almost a kick in the nuts.

I got a laugh at this ( I needed that) "We the Snap-On people" and what you fail to realized I'm one of those "we the people" I made a living with them for over 40 years. I still think they are the best. I never said "it was just as good as Snap-On" I gave it a 95 out of 100 with Snap-On being the 100 mark. I've used them all my life and I know how good they are. I'm sorry that I hurt your feelings (or your nuts in this case) but the fact remains it's an excellant ratchet. It's not at all what I expected. I expected it to snap around 100 pounds, I expected the inside to look like one of the Harbor Freight Composite ratchets but much to my amazment it turned out to be really nice. The chrome isnt cheap and neither are the internals. Any 3/8 ratchet that can withstand 200 foot lbs has to be made of good materials. The fact that it didn't reverse tells me the clearance is really good.

Personally I never thought I'd see the day that any offshore ratchet could hang with Snap-On. I still make a living with my tools but just not to the extent I use to. The only kick in the nuts I feel is by getting hose by Snap-On all these years. That tool truck is like crack and it becomes an addiction. Building a ratchet is rocket science and nobody can tell me any 3/8 standard ratchet is worth 100 dollars. It's not like a lot of R&D goes into them. Its the same basic design for 80 years now. You can buy a televison for less than a standard 36 tooth Snap-On ratchet. Im guilty as anyone for following the pied piper of the tool world. I loved them then and I love them now.

I don't think a Snap-On ratchet is worth 5 times as much as this particular ratchet. I think the Snap-On's actual worth is about 35 dollars. The rest of that 65 dollars is for easy credit charges, delivery fee and upkeep. If most people had to part with every penny of a tools cost each time they set foot on the truck they wouldn't be in business long. If it was cash only they would very rarely sell a tool box. I also have an F100 Snap-On it cost me about 125 dollars. I have a Gearwrench Roto Ratchet that is a dead nust copy of it. The one I didnt buy on sale cost over 4 times less(almost 5) and the other cost me 10 times less (on sale). The gearwrench is a nice quality ratchet. I've used both ratchets side by side in my race trailer. When they get used they both get used at the same time with the same size sockets and the only differance is the side of the car it's being used at. I've had the Snap-On for about 1.5 years and the gearwrench about a year. Both do the same job at the same speed getting the same amount of abuse and it the pits it can be quite brutal. I would say the quality of those two ratchets is about equal. I think the Snap-On chrome may be just a touch better.

Bottom line I think the only reson you feel "kicked in the nuts" is that you are trying to justify in your own mind buying a high dollar tool. I've done it for years. The hard truth is that you are buying a name first, quality, tool trucks, Fuel, Tool mens income, easy credit and on site service. All that is added in the cost of the ratchet. Those are the cold hard facts. The other fact is you can drive down the street to autozone and buy a very competitive ratchet that does the same job with a good warranty for 5 times less. Instead of a "Kick in the nuts" what you should really feel is a kick in your wallet.

I didn't have all these options when I started out. Snap-On wasn't that much out of line with tools like S-K and cost about 2X what Craftsman cost. I won't go as far to say that the quality of Snap-On exceeded S-K Wayne. I have a long handle S-K 1/2 Ratchet I bought new that is 40 years old and has never had a kit. The chrome is worn off the handle the chrome is worn off the head and has been hooked up to more engine builds than I can count. I'll never say a Snap-On is better than that ratchet. There are other companies including offshore that can build as good a quality tool as anyone and sell it to you outright withouty making you pay for fluff and The prestige of a name.

 

[Bull]

[The beginnings of a chant are heard:] "Bring it back, bring it back, bring it back, bring it back...."

 

[Hiball]

.

Bottom line I think the only reson you feel "kicked in the nuts" is that you are trying to justify in your own mind buying a high dollar tool. I've done it for years. The hard truth is that you are buying a name first, quality, tool trucks, Fuel, Tool mens income, easy credit and on site service. All that is added in the cost of the ratchet. Those are the cold hard facts. The other fact is you can drive down the street to autozone and buy a very competitive ratchet that does the same job with a good warranty for 5 times less. Instead of a "Kick in the nuts" what you should really feel is a kick in your wallet.

How much do you think you could get out of your Duralast Ratchet on Ebay currently? How much for the Snap on Ratchet? How much for a 20 Year old used Ratchet? Coming from someone who is in the Know... Used SO Ratchets bring 60-90% of New with Regularity. Again... Everyone is entitled to there opinion on where they want to spend there money and fortunately there are factors more important than price for some of us.

 

[shotgunfatcat]

I was hoping for someone to get a "kick" out of it (hopefully not in the nuts). I just thought I would give some justification to some of peoples actions on this site, again, I like to stir the pot, it keeps me going here, within reason (I don't want to go to banned camp), I don't want to piss off people too much, which is why I have these few long winded rants. I own just about everything, here and there, most of my stuff is snap-on, but it has taken me some time to get what I have, and I still have a ways to go.

Most of my starting out tools were craftsman, I am not happy in the direction they are going and when I started I didn't know much of anything, and I think it was you (mr.holeshot) that did a comparison of some craftsman ratchets. The test made me not want anymore of their new stuff (because the new ratchet was garbage). I am happy that you did this (if it was you). I try standing behind my country as well, and without ease of other tool companies (wright, sk, etc) here in America, I only have a select few options.

I know you are a snap-on guy (we the people), and I know you said it wasn't as good. And it all started out with me missing a few numbers (which aren't there anymore).

I apologized for my actions and went on to discuss my part when I worked at Autozone. The behind the scenes if you will. I own a torx socket and a few torx bit drivers from duralast, so far I have been happy with them, besides that they are rusting just sitting there (which none of my snap-on tools rust like that ).

I hope you continue to do your tests, just keep in mind my nuts

 

[Bull]

The original test is back up.

 

[The Rider]

How much do you think you could get out of your Duralast Ratchet on Ebay currently? How much for the Snap on Ratchet? How much for a 20 Year old used Ratchet? Coming from someone who is in the Know... Used SO Ratchets bring 60-90% of New with Regularity. Again... Everyone is entitled to there opinion on where they want to spend there money and fortunately there are factors more important than price for some of us.

Okay; so let's take the Duralast ratchet and forget eBay. Let's just toss it in the garbage. Or better yet, donate it to another member of GJ that is crying out for tools to support their school, or their scout group or whatever.

I'm out $20.

I take my new F80 SO Ratchet, pay full retail for it - $85.79 ($80.75 + 6.25% tax) use it for a year or so and sell it on eBay.

I think 90% resale value figure for this ratchet is way off. I paid $50 for one. But let's be generous and say you get $60 for it. At a 70% return that's still well within your 40-90% band.

I'm out $25.79.

So I still don't have a ratchet but with the DL I have $5.79 in my pocket to put towards a nice pint of Guinness whilst I ponder how I'm going to fix my car without a ratchet.

No one is arguing That SO don't make great tools, it's just tough using an economic justification for purchasing them when the price disparity is so enormous.

 

[Hiball]

That's a great math lesson, now let's factor in the main focus my post. I'm talking about 10-20 year old ratchets that have given there owners use and a handsome return on there investment. If you reread my posts I clearly don't pass judgment on a tool regardless of it's heritage.

 

[otis66]

Even if it was your job that was eliminated. How about taiwan raised fruits and veggies?

I'd rather buy from a Taiwn company than a US company that has laid off 600 us employees and opens a factory in China only to expect me a US citizan to continue buying from them. In other words a US corperation that sudenly becomes a Global corperation.

 

[The Rider]

That's a great math lesson, now let's factor in the main focus my post. I'm talking about 10-20 year old ratchets that have given there owners use and a handsome return on there investment.

Wow. I've never heard of buying an item and selling it for less than you paid described as "a handsome return" before!

If the "return" to which you refer is the one derived from the pleasure of ownership and the enjoyment of using a finely crafted tool, then I am happy to concede that point.

Indeed, when I buy Snap On, it isn't because I think it's a good investment, I buy it because I can. I'm not ashamed to admit it, I like my SO gear more than my Craftsman, Husky & Stanley not because it feels better, or gets the job done faster, but because it's Snap-On. If that makes me a tool snob so be it. This is America after all. You are allowed to buy expensive stuff just for the fun of owning it.

For the average weekender like me there really is no economic justification for owning what is widely regarded as the best. Perhaps if I was a pro mechanic it might be different, though even then I'm not so sure.

Rather it's an emotional justification which for many is justification enough.

 

[otis66]

I just notice another similarity with the Duralast ratchet and the Snap On Dual 80. they both do not have COO on them ie.. no USA stamped anywhere.

 

[shotgunfatcat]

I just notice another similarity with the Duralast ratchet and the Snap On Dual 80. they both do not have COO on them ie.. no USA stamped anywhere.

wow, you can read, er, .....Can't?

 

[mrholeshot]

How much do you think you could get out of your Duralast Ratchet on Ebay currently? How much for the Snap on Ratchet? How much for a 20 Year old used Ratchet? Coming from someone who is in the Know... Used SO Ratchets bring 60-90% of New with Regularity. Again... Everyone is entitled to there opinion on where they want to spend there money and fortunately there are factors more important than price for some of us.

If you go by % I would say pretty close to the same. I think the 60-90% is a bit of a stretch. I see new Snap-On ratchets that don't bring 50%.I buy tools to actually use them. I see many that bring less. If you are buying tools off the tool truck and then selling them on ebay you may want to apply for food stamps. Your business plan isn't going to be very profitable

 

[Davefr]

Rather it's an emotional justification which for many is justification enough.

Well said. Snap On has achieved what many manufacturers only dream of but very few achieve. I just can't think of too many examples of how a brand name adds so much extra perceived value to a product. (ex: Apple, Harley Davidson, maybe a few others)