Snap-on Canadian Made Tools....Made?????

[dxdexter]

While I'm not sure that our US neighbors are aware, Snap-on produced many hand tools at manufacturing plants in Canada. I know that they started way back in the 40's because I have seen an old style Ferret ratchet and went at least the mid 80's. They even had identical Canadian versions of the catalogs.

I was wondering if anyone knows when and why production ceased and possibly some history. I know they still produce tool boxes and wheel balancers but don't know what else.

I have a few Canadian made items, but only three have date codes. One extension from 1961 and two hex drivers from 1985.

Did Snap-on also produce tools in other countries and are they stamped as such? May be in the UK or Australia.

 

[chad s]

There was also Snap-on Mexico, no joke. It wasnt "made in mexico" as a cheaper made product to sell in the US, but a production facility to serve the mexican auto industry. This started in 1964.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I have a few wrenches and a few sockets that were made in the "Great White North"


I'd like to hear an answer too

 

[chad s]

Snap On Tools of Canada Ltd, was started in 1931.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

By the way I have a few sockets that were made in Canada that I bought from eBay from sellers in the UK.

Could be that Canada made tools to distribute to the other commonwealth countries like the UK, Australia, South Africa and so on

 

[Moose-LandTran]

My old boss has a lot of Canadian-made Snap-on wrenches.


(i'm in the UK)

 

[chad s]

Anyone have a 1960's round head 3/8 ratchet made in Canada?

 

[Canadian Charlie]

Sorry I don't

 

[dxdexter]

There was also Snap-on Mexico, no joke. It wasnt "made in mexico" as a cheaper made product to sell in the US, but a production facility to serve the mexican auto industry. This started in 1964.

What was stamped on the wrenches with regard to country of manufacture?

 

[chad s]

What was stamped on the wrenches with regard to country of manufacture?

I would think so. I have never seen one. I have a book from the 1980's that was issued to stock holders on the history of snap on from 1920-1984, and it mentions the Mexico plant there.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

anymore info?

 

[dxdexter]

anymore info?

I would love to see a Snap-on wrench with MEXICO stamped on it.

BTW I bought a few wrenches on eBay from a US seller who almost gave them away because they were stamped CANADA. The ad would have discourage most US buyers because it was so negative. I knew that the US and Canadian are identical so I got them for next to nothing.

 

[eschoendorff]

I would love to see a Snap-on wrench with MEXICO stamped on it.

BTW I bought a few wrenches on eBay from a US seller who almost gave them away because they were stamped CANADA. The ad would have discourage most US buyers because it was so negative. I knew that the US and Canadian are identical so I got them for next to nothing.

You might want to have an ambulance waiting... I think that might send Merkava into cardiac arrest!

 

[chad s]

You might want to have an ambulance waiting... I think that might send Merkava into cardiac arrest!

It shouldnt. I dont believe such a wrench is manufactured anymore. The Mexican plant was never meant, or used as a manufacturing base for making tools sold in the US at a cheaper price. They were made, and stayed in Mexico.

I have never seen one, and Id imagine they are quite rare.

 

[paramudduck]

http://www.snapon.com/international/Links.asp

http://www.snapon.com.mx/

http://corporate.snapon.com/display/northamerica.nws

 

[dxdexter]

I love the Mexican Snap-on Truck.

 

[wrenchr]

I love the Mexican Snap-on Truck.

It should have some dayton's and a chain steering wheel.

 

[lbgradwell]

Here's a 1985 Canadian F-720:

I know an old fellow who was a SO dealer for 5 years and then a MAC guy for 19 years. I believe he said the Snap-on plant was in Concord, ON.

I'll confirm that with him the next time I see him and ask if he knows when they stopped production there...

Clearly, it was after 1985!

 

[chad s]

I know an old fellow who was a SO dealer for 5 years and then a MAC guy for 19 years. I believe he said the Snap-on plant was in Concord, ON.

I'll confirm that with him the next time I see him and ask if he knows when they stopped production there...

Clearly, it was after 1985!

1931 to 1950 Long Branch, Ontario

1951-19?? Toronto

 

[lbgradwell]

1931 to 1950 Long Branch, Ontario

1951-19?? Toronto

Long Branch, huh? OK, I can see that...

Long Branch is actually the very south-western tip of modern Toronto and I could see it having been an industrial base back in-the-day...

I wonder where the post-1951 plant was?

Maybe Concord was where a MAC plant was located..?