Snap On Chrome Quality Lately?

[pugglewuggle]

Has anyone else been having issues with Snap On chrome quality, particularly in 12 point box ends of wrenches/torque adapters? I have recieved quite a few lately where the chrome just isn't applied right, it's flaking off, or it is horribly ugly. Usually the main part of the tool is great but inside the working ends it's awful. I've had the same problem in 1/4" and 3/8" drive ends as in the box ends.

What gives? Tekton chrome is looking better...

 

[L.Cheapo]

No. I bought two wrench sets in the past year and both were excellent. Same for several sets of sockets/bit sockets. Mistakes happen. If the chrome was flaking on a new wrench, I'd hand it back to the man and ask for one that's made properly.

 

[pugglewuggle]

This is on a brand new 1-3/8 wrench. Is this normal for box end chrome on Snap On? Some tools I got are nice and shiny but many are like this.

 

[Skin]

Those are hanger marks. Its the areas the wire was on when the wrenches were dipped into the plating baths. Completely normal.

 

[Wamsutta]

The OP wants the wrench to be in suspended animation as it gets dipped in the chrome tank.

 

[The Cobbler]

I can't understand a tool made to get used and scratched and chipped from use has to be museum quality out of the box. sorry, I don't get it, nor am I trying to pick a fight. Just my thoughts is all.

 

[dr_clyde]

I bought a set of 1/2” chrome sockets last week, and the chrome was flawless.

That said, I use my tools, so I wouldn’t really care if it wasn’t perfect. As long as it isn’t peeling or chipped.

 

[pugglewuggle]

Those are hanger marks. Its the areas the wire was on when the wrenches were dipped into the plating baths. Completely normal.

So the chrome is actually okay under those spots where it looks like that?

Yeah, I don't care if it isn't totally perfect either. I just want to make sure it isn't going to rust in the long term or flake off. How about the inside of sockets? seems like there isn't any chrome in there. Isn't that a place rust will start?

 

[Indexmill]

I fondled the new Craftsman 1/4" swivel ratchet, part number CMMT99421 in Lowes. I have to say the chrome is excellent, the finish is excellent, the swivel is excellent and the mechanism is excellent. Can change directions without holding the anvil. The tightness of the head is adjustable with a bolt. I wanted to hate something but just could find nothing. No COO marked on it; but, doubtless, Taiwan. Quite remarkable quality.

 

[pugglewuggle]

Plus, wouldn't hanger marks just be on one spot instead of the entire inside of the box end having that issue?

 

[Wamsutta]

Plus, wouldn't hanger marks just be on one spot instead of the entire inside of the box end having that issue?

They put a 12 point plastic plug in there to hook the wire to.

Look at the uniform thickness of the box wall; beautiful.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

I would suggest you put that wrench to work and get some grease and dirt on it then you wont see it anymore... Tools are for work not for show

 

[1982fxr]

I fondled the new Craftsman 1/4" swivel ratchet, part number CMMT99421 in Lowes. I have to say the chrome is excellent, the finish is excellent, the swivel is excellent and the mechanism is excellent. Can change directions without holding the anvil. The tightness of the head is adjustable with a bolt. I wanted to hate something but just could find nothing. No COO marked on it; but, doubtless, Taiwan. Quite remarkable quality.

Not to be an ahole, but how can you call the quality of something like a ratchet remarkable if you haven't used it?

 

[pugglewuggle]

How about these guys? Looks different to me. Looks like chrome is flaked.



Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Skin]

Again, there will be a loss on areas where they hang the tools for plating. Chrome also doesn't adhere that well to recesses. Its in the working area and I personally wouldn't sweat it until it becomes a problem, if it ever does. What im more disappointed in seeing is that they're laser etching the torque adapters like the crows feet. No excuse for that for what they charge.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you send a round spiral wire brush through that box and and the drive end, it'll look real good. Those areas of the wrench aren't supposed to be chrome plated anyway.