Snap-On 830 Vs Duralast 3/8

[sk farmer]

Yeah, you SK guys need to pipe up and make your voices heard from time to time!

Can't visit, but thank you.

Who the heck looks at these lights, anyway?

sure you can. share the love! hell, my old sk stuff is the scrap iron standard compared to duralast! lastly, i watch the lights. it's all about being seen and appearances buddy. by the way, careful using my name. got some guys lookin' for me.

 

[Bull]

Naw, no love for me there. As for the light, I like to be like a ninja. I saw that bmwpower did it, so I copied him. On a serious note, if you want me to delete your name, just PM me. I can respect that for sure.

sure you can. share the love! hell, my old sk stuff is the scrap iron standard compared to duralast! lastly, i watch the lights. it's all about being seen and appearances buddy. by the way, careful using my name. got some guys lookin' for me.

 

[shotgunfatcat]

Can't visit, but thank you.

Why not, we have cookies?

 

[Bull]

Why not, we have cookies?

Probably poisoned macaroons. Yuk.

 

[Hiball]

Probably poisoned macaroons. Yuk.

Not sounding to bad, Right now..

 

[Skin]

Do you not think as a Society we have turned into a Throwaway Nation? Think outside the Tool world.

Why? We're talking about a Duralast ratchet here. If you want to discuss the overall current state of the nation and the morals of the people who reside in it then thats a different topic. But as far as the ratchet is concerned, it is not disposable. I'm arguing against that bit you introduced, nothing else.

Its fully documentable, You've heard testimonies from other Buyers that 10+ year old Snappy tools will bring 60+% of there Retail. Your claim leaves out the Value of using a tool for 10 years, When you factor that + the Resale factor it makes them very appealing. Again.. Do some searching on Ebay, Im not claiming anything that cant be documented.

My point still seems to be going over your head, when you sell a SO tool for that you could have paid for a Duralast ratchet with the money you lost. Lets do some math

You take your $100 ratchet, sell it on ebay for 70%, simple, you made $70, you lost $30. Duralast ratchet costs $20. What this means is with the money you lost in your snap-on investment you could have gotten yourself a duralast ratchet and some lunch.

You are OFF base... Ive do fully understand the importance of being thrifty with your money and purchases. You seem to forget.. Ive fully backed the Import Tool buyers here at GJ in the Past and in this Thread. Dont even pretend to Judge Me, Or Place me in a category where i could only swing American tools. I wonder if people Read Posts or research a Member before they make accusations? I wonder why i even created the Import Jack Tutorial, If i dont recognize the Importance of being thrifty and being self sufficient. I dont make money off that thread, The required parts can normally be located Locally for our Members. Now im Done..

With respect, i'm responding to what you said in this thread. I'm not about to research your post history and draw up some analasys of your psyche to understand why you say the things you do.

You called truck tools a good investment with regards to resale, i disagreed. You called the Duralast ratchet unproven and part of the disposable nation, i disagreed. Thats all there is to the extent of this little discussion.

 

[Hiball]

Why? We're talking about a Duralast ratchet here. If you want to discuss the overall current state of the nation and the morals of the people who reside in it then thats a different topic. But as far as the ratchet is concerned, it is not disposable. I'm arguing against that bit you introduced, nothing else.



My point still seems to be going over your head, when you sell a SO tool for that you could have paid for a Duralast ratchet with the money you lost. Lets do some math

You take your $100 ratchet, sell it on ebay for 70%, simple, you made $70, you lost $30. Duralast ratchet costs $20. What this means is with the money you lost in your snap-on investment you could have gotten yourself a duralast ratchet and some lunch.



With respect, i'm responding to what you said in this thread. I'm not about to research your post history and draw up some analasys of your psyche to understand why you say the things you do.

You called truck tools a good investment, i disagreed. You called the Duralast ratchet unproven and part of the disposable nation, i disagreed. Thats it.

Im not gonna continue to Argue Opinions with you guys. I Never Said Truck tools were a "Good Investment", 1 persons Investment scheme is gonna be different than the next, Neither ME nor YOU can make that decision for them. You and a few others seem to pass financial judgement on people if they buy Truck tools. How is that different that the Past practices of Import bashing that used to frequent this place?

My point still seems to be going over your head, when you sell a SO tool for that you could have paid for a Duralast ratchet with the money you lost. Lets do some math

You take your $100 ratchet, sell it on ebay for 70%, simple, you made $70, you lost $30. Duralast ratchet costs $20. What this means is with the money you lost in your snap-on investment you could have gotten yourself a duralast ratchet and some lunch.


I dont consider using a Snap on Ratchet for 10+ years and losing 30-50% of Retail a loss. Thats My opinion only... I could care less if you agree or not. IF your happy having your 20 year old Duralast, Thats all that matters.

I suggest we Both Drop it and "Agree to Disagree". If that doesnt work for you can check the little box to Ignore me in your options.

 

[otis66]

I just skimmed this thread (didn't read it all). I saw a mention of Blue Point tools.

I wanted to point one thing out...

Generally Snap-on branded tools are made by Snap-on.

Blue point branded tools are usually made for Snap-on by other companies. While Blue Point tools may be from China, Taiwan, etc., many Blue Point tools are made in the USA.

I get the impression that most people think all Blue Point tools are imported. That is not always the case.

I guess I've been a mechanic for toooo long. All of my Blue point tools are made in USA. My Blue Point wrenches look just like Snap On OEX only no chrome. My Blue Point Rachet wrench also made in USA. I have never bought any Blue Point China Tools.

 

[otis66]

I asked for proof not assumptions. I guess they are all made by Snap-On because thats what they look like. Go to that same site and punch in Duralast and it will come up "No results found" The listing at the top of the Great neck page list their brands. No Duralast listed.

Thanks for the test Mrlholeshot. I think I will make a tool set of Duralast tools for road calls on the job. Until you reviewed the Duralast ratchets I never thought of looking at Duralast Tools. I want to give HF a look but there are no HF stores in my area.

 

[ngk22r]

I think certain people lost the whole point of this thread, which is that the duralast ratchet is a great bang for the buck.

But on another note, arguing that the duralast **** compared to snap-on is like the argument that snap-on ***** compared to hazet. Or that craftsman ***** compared to matco, and that mac ***** compared to proto.... All this arguments prove is that all the tool companies ****.

 

[Hiball]

MrHoleshot, I have a question for you. I was re-reading your 3/8 Ratchet shootout thread (GREAT) and i noticed you tested your "Go to Ratchet" Snap on Roto Head.

Bad Boys Bad Boys whacha gonna do when they come for you!! This is my Snap-On roto head. It's had 2 kits in 15 years. It has been used more than any single ratchet I have ever owned. I have no idea how it has lasted so long. The sides are worn to the point that the center is bottomed out and the handle looks like it has been beat to a pulp. If the teeth stripped in the head I'd frame it. It will peg out my 250Lb Torque-O-meter even after all these years. This is one ratchet that I won't loan. It was money well spent.

Im Very interested in getting one of these ratchets, But i would rather get the Model that only has required 2 rebuild kits in 15 years versus the 20 that you claim your roto head required in post #90 of the Duralast Vs Snap on thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrholeshot
I've had the cover fall off Snap-On ratchets. Sometimes the screws come out. I always put mine back together with a drop of Locktight. Sometimes they still come apart. Just because you don't maintain your ratchet doesn't mean it *****. The reason the Snap-On man carries kits, screws and lube on the trucks is even the best ratchets fail. If I only owned ratchets that never fail it's because they never or very rarely get used. Nobody builds a failure proof ratchet. If I said all the Snap-On ratchets I've have failed were **** I wouldn't own a single one.

I have a Snap-On 747 Swivel Head ratchet and I know it's had at least 20 Kits installed over the 10+ years I've owned it. I consider it one of the finest ratchets I own.


If you could clarify which on is best, That would be Awesome..

 

[otis66]

Just because it doesn't have Snap-On USA stamped on it doesn't meant it's a piece of junk. Just because it was made in Taiwan doesn't mean it's a piece of junk. As the original poster pointed out, it seems better made than most American made pedestrian ratchets these days. That should tell you something about a lot of consumer tools made here by Danaher. Instead of maintaining quality or improving quality, many domestic tool manufacturers are simply using our stars and stripes to lure us into the false belief that we are buying quality from them. Maybe Craftsman, NAPA, etc should get a clue lately and start offering the same level of quality at that price point in a domestic made tool.

You know that Asian countries must be out pacing our quality per price when the Snap-On tool trucks are now carrying and selling a lot of GearWrench brand tools to professionals lately. You also have to wonder when Snap-On and MAC are increasingly offering tools that are made in Taiwan and China. Can't anyone else besides Channellock still make a high quality tool in this country while paying it's American work force a living wage and still turning a profit at the same time????

Yes, Wright Tools Made in USA with USA steal.

 

[sk farmer]

Why not, we have cookies?

Probably poisoned macaroons. Yuk.

no worse than kool-aid. that **** doesn't taste to well either. no ill will from me. maybe some disagreements but certainly no ill will. at least we don't have an 11 page thread on........... well you know.


i may even start a thread comparing my full polish pittsburgh made in india and my full polish sk wrenches not made anywere. i wonder wich ones have more scrap iron value?

 

[mrholeshot]

If someone purchases a tool and posts a review, that is just fantastic. It's what tool forums are all about.

Say I purchased a Durable-master brand ratchet...

I could talk about the quality of the tool.
I could discuss the chrome finish.
I could talk about the smoothness of the mechanism.
I could disassemble it and take a bunch of pictures.
I could even put a couple hundred pounds of torque on it and see if it breaks.

Why not let the review stand on it's own?

I don't see any reason to lay the Durable-master ratchet next to an Awesome-snap ratchet and state "just as good". That would be an opinion.

There are a lot of factors aside from just the apparent quality that would make the two brands equal...

Pride of ownership.
Resale value.
Service.
Supporting your own country's work force.
Etc.

What is wrong with just writing a review and letting the tool stand on it's own merit?

I did this test head to head with the Snap-On because it was mentioned before it was "Just as good". I showed the internal right beside of a snap-on so you could see the differance. It's gives you a better perspective on both tools. Buying each tool supports our countries work force. As far as pride of ownership goes I own enough that it's not an issue for me. It's a tool and I use them as such. I'm all over the "I own the best tools in the world thing". As far as service goes, it was nice having my stuff replced on site but many times you have to wait a week. If you have accounts at every parts store in town it's as easy as making a phone call. My local NAPA dealer use to warranty my Gearwrench and SK stuff. Not just a repair kit but a new ratchet. I nevr buy anytool with thoughts of it's resale value. Like said before I buy out other technicians and then part out everything but feel good if I recoupe 50% of it actaul list cost.

In order to understand the concept of two tools sometimes you need to see it right next to the tool that sets the standard in the tool world. To me Snap-On for as many years as I've been in the business has set the bar as ffar as quality and durability. Setiing that Duralast ratchet side by side with what I consider the best and strongest ratchet in the world is where you can see it in real world demesions. If I just said it was a copy thats one thing biut if I show you side by side it gives people who either don't own one or have never had one apart a better prospective. Once again I never said "Just as good" I gave it a 95%. The truth of the matter is I feel it's not "as good" but very close. The thing I do feel is that it is a much better value. There is a line between pride of ownership and the skill required to use them. I have had kids come out of UTI and Wyotech roll the big new shiny Snap-On Boxes filled with new Snap-On tools fall flat on their face in the real world. I've had older techs roll in with a set of Craftsman boxes stuff with every differant brand ever made and knock it out of the park. Tools don't make the technician and your pride should be concentrated on your skills first. That doesn't mean that every kid will fail but a high percentage do as even the best schools can't repare you for the real world.

The bottom line is I don't think it's right to say how great a ratchet is unless I have either owned it for a while or torture tested it. Without something to compare it to the test is almost useless. When you put it into the ring with the best of the best then you get a real would idea of what you are getting.

 

[mrholeshot]

MrHoleshot, I have a question for you. I was re-reading your 3/8 Ratchet shootout thread (GREAT) and i noticed you tested your "Go to Ratchet" Snap on Roto Head.

Bad Boys Bad Boys whacha gonna do when they come for you!! This is my Snap-On roto head. It's had 2 kits in 15 years. It has been used more than any single ratchet I have ever owned. I have no idea how it has lasted so long. The sides are worn to the point that the center is bottomed out and the handle looks like it has been beat to a pulp. If the teeth stripped in the head I'd frame it. It will peg out my 250Lb Torque-O-meter even after all these years. This is one ratchet that I won't loan. It was money well spent.

Im Very interested in getting one of these ratchets, But i would rather get the Model that only has required 2 rebuild kits in 15 years versus the 20 that you claim your roto head required in post #90 of the Duralast Vs Snap on thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrholeshot
I've had the cover fall off Snap-On ratchets. Sometimes the screws come out. I always put mine back together with a drop of Locktight. Sometimes they still come apart. Just because you don't maintain your ratchet doesn't mean it *****. The reason the Snap-On man carries kits, screws and lube on the trucks is even the best ratchets fail. If I only owned ratchets that never fail it's because they never or very rarely get used. Nobody builds a failure proof ratchet. If I said all the Snap-On ratchets I've have failed were **** I wouldn't own a single one.

I have a Snap-On 747 Swivel Head ratchet and I know it's had at least 20 Kits installed over the 10+ years I've owned it. I consider it one of the finest ratchets I own.


If you could clarify which on is best, That would be Awesome..

I own 4 747s. I have one that has never had a kit. The one that has around 20 kits is the one that was in my box at my alignment rack. The one posted in the ratchet shootout is my Go to ratchet for everyday use. It's about worn out. The other two are in my shop where I do engine building and cyl head work.

 

[Hiball]

I own 4 747s. I have one that has never had a kit. The one that has around 20 kits is the one that was in my box at my alignment rack. The one posted in the ratchet shootout is my Go to ratchet for everyday use. It's about worn out. The other two are in my shop where I do engine building and cyl head work.

Well Hell... I dont know which one to buy now.

 

[shotgunfatcat]

Well Hell... I dont know which one to buy now.

If he wasn't going to frame it, I am sure you could have gotten a good deal on it.

 

[mrholeshot]

Well Hell... I dont know which one to buy now.

I've never even considered selling them. I only sell the tools I don't like.

 

[mrholeshot]

If he wasn't going to frame it, I am sure you could have gotten a good deal on it.

I won't frame it but I have asked to wife to throw it in my coffin

 

[shotgunfatcat]

I won't frame it but I have asked to wife to throw it in my coffin

That is a good one.

 

[trackwelder]

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.

Well go ahead.... I will not buy from either one of them.

 

[HandyManny]

Yes, Wright Tools Made in USA with USA steal.

And they are the very last ones too to still produce very high quality and still produce all domestic. Granted they don't make all of their tools.

 

[mrstrictlygm]

Hi everyone, just joined the forum and this is my first post. Very interesting comparison on the Snap-on and Duralast ratchets. It's funny because I used to work at AutoZone and remember when we started getting the Duralast line of tools in. And I remember looking at the ratchets and thinking, These sure look and feel alot like the Snap-on ratchets do, but not as expensive. Then I turned to look to see where they are made. Taiwan. Wow, I remember when Taiwan used to make the most generic/ crappy tools you could buy, but these Duralast tools seem to be of really good quality. Certainly alot better quality than anything made in China. Especially their ratchets, the chrome is damn near perfect and they just ratchet so smoothe. I picked up a few of them over the years I worked there and am glad I did. I use them alot and they are very reliable. Never had any problems with them at all. I am very impressed, Taiwan has come a long way and are finally making good quality stuff. This is a pretty cool forum, I know that I will enjoy it because I'm obsessed with tools and anything assosiated with the garage. Some of my favorite tool brands are: Proto, Snap-on, Mac, Matco, Craftsman(not the China stuff) Channellock, Ridgid and of course Duralast, as long as they don't sell out to be made in China.

 

[chilly460]

Lots of good points/counterpoints here. My take on it is that I'm going to support products made in the USA, because in the end that will help our workforce. Now, I also don't see why it has to cost 4-5x as much to do that, even with the cheap workforce andn lack of environmental restrictions that other countries deal with. I'll pay a premium, but there are limits. I'll also admit to being biased when I buy tools, because I "want" the US made products to be better, and to some extent I'll let loyalty overcome "logic". In many cases, this means I'll have to go to the used market to make the "value" ratio fall in line for me personally.

One thing I haven't seen pop up in the thread (admittedly haven't hit all 12 pages in depth) is that some of the reduction in cost is that the foreign made "copy" is just that, a copy...they're not spending the money on R&D and product development. I'll pay a premium just for that, because when Duralast comes out with an 88 tooth ratchet, they haven't had to do the homework to make that happen.

I'm sure way back when during the industrial revolution, Europeans had to deal with US made "junk" before our manufacturing processes matured...but we should look at our own history and understand that our domestic manufacturers have to continue to improve to stay ahead of global competitors.

 

[I can fix anything]

Lots of good points/counterpoints here. My take on it is that I'm going to support products made in the USA, because in the end that will help our workforce. QUOTE]

Yea those guys that work at Autozone are not Americans

 

[archirelic]

Lots of good points/counterpoints here. My take on it is that I'm going to support products made in the USA, because in the end that will help our workforce. QUOTE]

Yea those guys that work at Autozone are not Americans

Not along the southern border states!!



j/k...

 

[powertrip]

Why are all of mr. Holeshots posts a line of periods? I cant read any of his replies.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Why are all of mr. Holeshots posts a line of periods? I cant read any of his replies.

I like them better that way.........