Snap On Flank Drive Plus vs Craftsman Standard

[bmwpower]

I'm going to buy a box truck, slap a big Craftsman sign on the side and drive from dealership to dealership selling Craftsman tools. I can stock more tools since they're cheaper. Would I make any money? Would the guys that are on the fence buy from me?

...sorry to go off on a tangent...don't mind me.

 

[wilbilt]

I'm going to buy a box truck, slap a big Craftsman sign on the side and drive from dealership to dealership selling Craftsman tools. I can stock more tools since they're cheaper. Would I make any money? Would the guys that are on the fence buy from me?

...sorry to go off on a tangent...don't mind me.

If you take care of the warranties, you could do well.

But, you are going to have a lot of warranties...hence the reason Sears hasn't done this already.

 

[stupidjet]

But, you are going to have a lot of warranties...hence the reason Sears hasn't done this already.

really? do you work for sears holding? i'd like to see that memo.



sears as a hole was built on catalogs. they still sell fromt he catalogs. their whole professional line is in their catalogs...

 

[wilbilt]

Jeez, why?!

I sense there's a story behind this that I missed...

Why? Because in my 20 or so years as a tech, I wore out my back and my knees, never made good money, and decided to change my focus. One incentive was that the shop I had worked in for 12 years shut down suddenly in 1997, due to the owner's tendency to not pay his taxes. This even occurred about three weeks after my youngest child was born.

Initially, I was looking to get into driveability diagnosis with a good dealership instead of an independent shop. A friend had gone to work for a local Ford dealer, and told me how heavily into training they were, and wanted people they could train and keep. Good money there, too.

I applied, delivered my resume and ASE certifications, and got a call. I went down for the interview, and was offered a job washing cars on the lot for minimum wage. I asked the Service Manager if he had even looked at my resume. He admitted he had not, but had noticed that I had passed the drug test, and called my references to verify I always show up on time.

I told him thanks, but that's not what I am looking for.

I then went to work for a local shop closer to home, and regretted it almost instantly. The owner was a "sledgehammer mechanic", and pretty much my exact opposite. The problem was that he wanted me to run his shop, but expected me to be his clone, which I could not do. I lasted there about two years.

I brought home my tools and parked them in the shed. I subcontracted for a couple of years doing Dish Network installs (good money), but the IRS punishes those who try to make their own way.

I fell into a tech support position with a local school district and couldn't
pass on the benefits and retirement they offered.

Meanwhile, it rained, the tools and boxes rusted, so I sold a lot, cleaned a lot, and regrouped on the tool storage. Now that I weekend wrench, it is enjoyable again.

That's pretty much "What I Did on My Summer Vacation"...

 

[wilbilt]

really? do you work for sears holding? i'd like to see that memo.

sears as a (w)hole was built on catalogs. they still sell fromt he catalogs. their whole professional line is in their catalogs...

Sears promotes the Craftsman Brand prominently, as it is one of (if not the only) brand they have left that has instant positive recognition of quality and value.

IF they thought there was money to be made by peddling Craftsman tools to professional techs from a truck, they would have done it long ago.

No, I do not work for Sears, but I suspect there were many memos investigating that possibility. I assume that after numerous discussions, it was determined that the overhead and warranty issues would negate any profits from such a venture.

Similar determinations are probably why you don't see DeWalt tool trucks prowling around construction sites.

 

[toolfreak]

I have used Craftsman Pro wrenches everyday for about 4 years now and have never had any problems. I have never broke one and they have held up great but have used snap on wrenches quite a bit and they are better. A craftsman open end will spread more than a snap on. I do plan on upgrading my wrenches eventually because as snap on says there is a difference but craftsman will do just fine for now.

 

[stupidjet]

Similar determinations are probably why you don't see DeWalt tool trucks prowling around construction sites.

i've never seen a milwaukee or any power tool truck at my jobsites..but have seen reps stop buy in their trucks.

dewalt became popular after BD marketing people sent a truck of their tools to a jobsite in md and told the workers to use their tools for one week for free and tell them what they thought. well, they loved them and it just exploded.

if you notice, contruction guys use dewalt, plumbers/HVAC use milwaukee.

 

[wilbilt]

dewalt became popular after BD marketing people sent a truck of their tools to a jobsite in md and told the workers to use their tools for one week for free and tell them what they thought. well, they loved them and it just exploded.

BD had a line of tools that was nearly unsellable to the pros due to "cheapening" over the 1970s. They had owned the DeWalt name forever, although they had already sold the DeWalt saw design to Original Saw.

In a move that will go down in history as genius, they molded the BD tools in yellow and put the DeWalt name on them. The same guys who wouldn't touch the BD tools were now buying them in huge numbers under the DeWalt name. It seems pretty funny, but really, it's pretty sad.

if you notice, contruction guys use dewalt, plumbers/HVAC use milwaukee.

Brand loyalties run deep in the trades. DeWalt hand/power tools are newcomers to the game. It used to be Milwaukee, BD, Porter-Cable, and Skil.

You probably have never used a Stanley Yankee screwdriver...

 

[stupidjet]

 

[eschoendorff]

Brand loyalties run deep in the trades. DeWalt hand/power tools are newcomers to the game. It used to be Milwaukee, BD, Porter-Cable, and Skil.

Where did Rockwell fit in this grand scheme?

 

[-lecroix-]

Where did Rockwell fit in this grand scheme?

Back at the cabinet shop beside the Delta's.

 

[wilbilt]

Where did Rockwell fit in this grand scheme?

Oh, forgot about them. Plumbers, framers and electricians. 1/2" drills and those model 315(?) saws. Worm drives, too. Great stuff.

Made out of metal. What a concept.

 

[KeukaDan]

Made out of metal. What a concept.

A "SHOCKING" concept.

 

[wilbilt]

A "SHOCKING" concept.

Gotta keep those grounds in good shape (i.e., don't snip them off, LOL)

 

[kythri]

Why? Because in my 20 or so years as a tech, I wore out my back and my knees, never made good money, and decided to change my focus. One incentive was that the shop I had worked in for 12 years shut down suddenly in 1997, due to the owner's tendency to not pay his taxes. This even occurred about three weeks after my youngest child was born.

Initially, I was looking to get into driveability diagnosis with a good dealership instead of an independent shop. A friend had gone to work for a local Ford dealer, and told me how heavily into training they were, and wanted people they could train and keep. Good money there, too.

I applied, delivered my resume and ASE certifications, and got a call. I went down for the interview, and was offered a job washing cars on the lot for minimum wage. I asked the Service Manager if he had even looked at my resume. He admitted he had not, but had noticed that I had passed the drug test, and called my references to verify I always show up on time.

I told him thanks, but that's not what I am looking for.

I then went to work for a local shop closer to home, and regretted it almost instantly. The owner was a "sledgehammer mechanic", and pretty much my exact opposite. The problem was that he wanted me to run his shop, but expected me to be his clone, which I could not do. I lasted there about two years.

I brought home my tools and parked them in the shed. I subcontracted for a couple of years doing Dish Network installs (good money), but the IRS punishes those who try to make their own way.

I fell into a tech support position with a local school district and couldn't
pass on the benefits and retirement they offered.

Meanwhile, it rained, the tools and boxes rusted, so I sold a lot, cleaned a lot, and regrouped on the tool storage. Now that I weekend wrench, it is enjoyable again.

That's pretty much "What I Did on My Summer Vacation"...

Wow. Nice to know that you can enjoy wrenching again, though.

I've got a similar attitude towards the computer stuff. I've been doing the IS/IT thing forever, and can easily get pretty burnt out on it. I'm getting my learn on right now, so I find I'm able to enjoy computers/networks/The Internet lately, but I'm quite sure that when I step back into a job, I'm going to get back to a point where I don't want to deal with computer stuff on my off-time.

At times I think it'd be nice to switch careers, but I know what I'm doing in this one, I'm good at what I do, and I don't want to get back on the bottom of the totem-pole again. It's real hard to turn your back on years and years of experience (as I'm sure you're aware of) and do something entirely different.

As far as the tool rust - leaky shed, or just moisture in the air cause that?

 

[kythri]

In a move that will go down in history as genius, they molded the BD tools in yellow and put the DeWalt name on them. The same guys who wouldn't touch the BD tools were now buying them in huge numbers under the DeWalt name. It seems pretty funny, but really, it's pretty sad.

Ain't that the truth!

My landlord, who's a contractor by trade, was over at the house the other day, working on some remodeling, and we got to talking about hand tools and power tools.

He saw my collection of Ryobi One+ 18V stuff, and commented on how it seemed pretty decent, but he just couldn't trust it to any "real" work.

I've seen a few DeWalt and Ridgid tools in his arsenal, and asked him what he considered good/bad.

I had to bite my tongue when he waxed on about how great DeWalt was, but how he'd never buy "that Black & Decker shat!"

Then again, maybe I should have said something, so he'd throw away all his DeWalt stuff in disgust, and I could collect it.

 

[KingPerformance]

I will be heading out to the Sears to pick up a Craftsman Pro wrench in a few days or so and I'll be back hopefully with a tripod, better camera skills, maybe some video and some bolts to test this out on.

You guys do know there is a difference between B&D and DeWalt right? DeWalt is made by B&D but what you guys are talking about is like saying Cadillac ***** because it’s just a retagged GM and GM builds the cobalt. So they just slapped some new sheet metal around the cobalt and there is the CTS ...

Just like there is a difference between Craftsman and Craftsman Pro

Stanley, Proto, MAC

Blue Point, Snap On, and Nicer Snap On (ex: flank drive plus over flank drive)

SK, Matco etc …

How do these roomers get started? I have a friend that is an engineer for B&D and there are very few similarities between B&D home products and DeWalt. That doesn’t mean DeWalt is the greatest thing out there, just means its not retagged B&D home products. Lets stick to the facts and leave emotional ties, he said she said out of it and evaluate the products based on what they are, not what we think they are, believe they are, or want them to be.


Finally, lets at LEAST try to keep it on topic. If you want to talk about DeWalt and other power tools find a thread that is discussing them, or start your own.

 

[KingPerformance]

Though I'm but a young buck and don't have the wrenching experience many of you do, I thnk I have something valid to add here.

Take a fairly common wrench size - say, 9/16".

A raised panel Craftsman costs $7.99
A polished Craftsman Professional costs $10.49
A Snap On OEX-series (Standard Flank Drive, not plus - more fair comparison to Craftsmans) costs $25.50

All those prices are pulled off of the Sears and Snap On websites.

Honestly, the non Plus Snap On is ok, it has its place. Though you have to remember non Plus will not grab the fasteners the same way as a Plus series wrench. The main reasons they are still in production is for entry level gateway into the Snap On community and for people that work on chromed/polished parts. If you have ever used a Flank Drive Plus you will notice that its grasp is FIERCE. It will leave MARKS in grade 8 fasteners. To use that wrench on polished/chromed pieces you have to cover it in tape. You will not round edges off, spread the jaw, or ruin the wrench except in the MOST severe conditions. Conditions craftsman pro would never make it even close to. That is why they cost more.

I don't think the debate going on here is that the Snap On is inferior to the Craftsman stuff. I think everyone recognizes they are some of the best tools out there.

I think the question is, how much is that increase in quality worth?

For another $2.50, the upgrade to the Craftsman Pro is a no-brainer. For $15 more, though, what are you really getting? I own both, and have to say that you're not getting much for the extra money with the Snap Ons.

Adam

I believe there are people here that think Craftsman is as good as Snap On. The fact of the matter is it is NOT. If you go back and read some of my earlier posts, I mention exactly what you are tying to say about price vs performance. You have to decide what that level of performance is worth to you.


Just so you don't have to go back several pages to find it, I'll quote it here:

If you’re happy with Craftsman pro, that’s a good thing. Don’t take it any other way. If a less expensive tool fulfils your needs, awesome, you are coming out ahead. However, that does not mean the Craftsman Pro IS as good as a Snap On. It just means it meets YOUR needs.

Don't get me wrong, Snap On is NOT the end all be all of hand tools, there are others out there that make excellent pliers, specialty tools etc. Let us not forget Snap On is the rule of measure everyone compares to, and for good reason.

 

[kythri]

I will be heading out to the Sears to pick up a Craftsman Pro wrench in a few days or so and I'll be back hopefully with a tripod, better camera skills, maybe some video and some bolts to test this out on.

Excellent.

You guys do know there is a difference between B&D and DeWalt right? DeWalt is made by B&D but what you guys are talking about is like saying Cadillac ***** because it’s just a retagged GM and GM builds the cobalt. So they just slapped some new sheet metal around the cobalt and there is the CTS ...

In some cases, yes, they're different.

In other cases, they're identical.

I've got a DeWalt 12V drill that I inherited from my previous employer who's no longer in business. I bought this drill from Home Depot on my corporate credit card. I purchased it over cheaper models (such as the Black and Decker Firestorm 12V drill) mainly due to the brand name. I figured since it was being purchased by my employer, and was going to see some fairly heavy use, I was going to buy something other than the cheapest brand out there, but I saw no need to buy the most expensive drill (I think at the time it was a Makita or something).

A couple years later, a new co-worker was assembling a server rack with the drill, and commented that it was identical to his Firestorm. At the time, I honestly didn't believe that they would have simply rebadged/recolored the drill, and tacked a higher price on it.

He brought his drill in for comparison.

They were identical. Same drill, same features, same everything. Correction: The batteries didn't swap, but were virtually identical. The retention mechanism on the batteries were slightly different, but it was quite obvious they were of the same parentage.

If you're interested, I can get the model of the DeWalt tomorrow (it's out in my shop). Sadly, I can't get the model of the B&D drill, as I've lost contact with the fellow - but I can attest (again) that the two drills were identical in virtually every way (obviously, color was different).

How do these roomers get started? I have a friend that is an engineer for B&D and there are very few similarities between B&D home products and DeWalt. That doesn’t mean DeWalt is the greatest thing out there, just means its not retagged B&D home products. Lets stick to the facts and leave emotional ties, he said she said out of it and evaluate the products based on what they are, not what we think they are, believe they are, or want them to be.

No emotional anything - if you don't believe that manufacturers offer identical products under different tiered brand names, then I really don't know what to say.

B&D knows that DeWalt commands a premium, and many will buy the name over the function/features. If they build one drill, why go to lots of extra expense to make it different? The majority of consumers don't educate themselves on products, and don't educate themselves on corporate ties (honestly, how many people outside of this forum know that the Craftsman Ratcheting Wrenches are the same thing as the GearWrenches sold 6 feet to the left? How many people outside of this forum know that Mac, Stanley, Proto and Husky are all tied together?).

Most base their assumptions of quality on price. DeWalt costs more than Black & Decker, or Ryobi, or another brand, therefore, it must be better.

 

[KingPerformance]

LETS KEEP THIS THREAD ON TOPIC

B&D vs DeWalt Here!

 

[eschoendorff]

If you have ever used a Flank Drive Plus you will notice that its grasp is FIERCE. It will leave MARKS in grade 8 fasteners. To use that wrench on polished/chromed pieces you have to cover it in tape. You will not round edges off, spread the jaw, or ruin the wrench except in the MOST severe conditions. Conditions craftsman pro would never make it even close to. That is why they cost more.

If that is the case, then at that point, why not just use vise grips? They will leave marks in the fasteners too.

I believe there are people here that think Craftsman is as good as Snap On. The fact of the matter is it is NOT. If you go back and read some of my earlier posts...

I'm not trying to be a ****, but aside from conssitency differences on a raised-panel Cman, all of your "evidence" is anecdotal. So far, there has been no unbiased, quantifiable, and repeatable evidence that the Snap On wrench is indeed superior to the Cman Pro.

That being said, Snap On makes a damn fine wrench. But teh Cman Pros are very nice too. I guess it comes down to personal preference. Maybe we should buy a Snap On and a Cman Pro in the same specs, grind off the brand names and send them to a lab...

 

[wilbilt]

As far as the tool rust - leaky shed, or just moisture in the air cause that?

At the risk of posting something off-topic, the Monkey Wards metal shed leaked, and we normally get a lot of rain around here. My boxes filled up with water and it was a couple of months before I noticed. Bad deal.

BTW, the Monkey Wards sheds and the Sears sheds are identical, as they are all made by Arrow. No emotional ties there, just a simple fact.

 

[bmwpower]

Just got done doing some wrenching last night with my limited wrench supply.

I needed to get to a nut on the back of the alternator. From the bottom, I couldn't get to it with my offset Craftsman pro or Gearwrench - the wrenches just weren't long enough. I don't have any normal Craftsman pro wrenches.

Quality aside, if you need a longer wrench the Snap-ons are the best choice, correct? They're longer than any other wrench, IIRC.

 

[-lecroix-]

If you have ever used a Flank Drive Plus you will notice that its grasp is FIERCE. It will leave MARKS in grade 8 fasteners. To use that wrench on polished/chromed pieces you have to cover it in tape.

Let me get this straight ... the Flank Drive Plus will leave marks on a Grade 8 fastener (metal) ... but tape (paper/plastic) will prevent this?

That's some more tape, dude.

 

[ImportTuner]

I didn't think that with tape over a nut/bolt, the Snap On Flank Plus with still fit on ... but I may be mistaken ..

 

[KingPerformance]

If you have ever used a Flank Drive Plus you will notice that its grasp is FIERCE. It will leave MARKS in grade 8 fasteners. To use that wrench on polished/chromed pieces you have to cover it in tape. You will not round edges off, spread the jaw, or ruin the wrench except in the MOST severe conditions. Conditions craftsman pro would never make it even close to. That is why they cost more.

If that is the case, then at that point, why not just use vise grips? They will leave marks in the fasteners too.

Wow, way to take something stated into left field. Lets be grown up and realistic about this.

I believe there are people here that think Craftsman is as good as Snap On. The fact of the matter is it is NOT. If you go back and read some of my earlier posts...

I'm not trying to be a ****, but aside from conssitency differences on a raised-panel Cman, all of your "evidence" is anecdotal. So far, there has been no unbiased, quantifiable, and repeatable evidence that the Snap On wrench is indeed superior to the Cman Pro.

That being said, Snap On makes a damn fine wrench. But teh Cman Pros are very nice too. I guess it comes down to personal preference. Maybe we should buy a Snap On and a Cman Pro in the same specs, grind off the brand names and send them to a lab...

Look, I own both. I use certain craftsman pro wrenches for low torque brass and alloy because #1 it doesn’t mar the surface, #2 you won’t ruin the wrench as I HAVE ruined Craftsman Pro’s in the past. I own them for the simple fact that they will not be used in higher torque applications. Hence, a less then optimal fit and function is ok in my book at about ½ the price. I have said it over and over again, the craftsman pro is nothing like the Snap on Product, and it doesn’t have the quality. I don’t own stock or sell either product; I simply have my experience using both tools and the Snap On has out performed the Craftsman products day in and day out. For the record, I have only ever broken 1 Snap On wrench. It was their 0º double box in extra long. I was removing suspension pieces and one piece simply would not break loose. With a 4’ extension and me hanging on it with my full weight the wrench gave way. I can’t say I have ever worn out a Snap On, or broken one in “approved” use. I can NOT say the same for Craftsman or Craftsman Pro. I use to regularly break craftsman and craftsman pro’s. Eventually I gave most of my Craftsman hand tools away. The only ones I kept were my fathers’ collection for sentimental reasons.

And for the record, you want to compare top of the line Craftsman to entry level Snap On?

Just got done doing some wrenching last night with my limited wrench supply.

I needed to get to a nut on the back of the alternator. From the bottom, I couldn't get to it with my offset Craftsman pro or Gearwrench - the wrenches just weren't long enough. I don't have any normal Craftsman pro wrenches.

Quality aside, if you need a longer wrench the Snap-ons are the best choice, correct? They're longer than any other wrench, IIRC.

It depends on which series you purchase. I don’t know all the series of wrenches but I will tell you about what I know. Standard flank drive is typically what they give about a 50% discount off list to new techs in a shop, tech’s graduating from school, and Harry home owner. These are the wrench that was posted in the picture next to the craftsman pro by another member. Next in line is the longer and better Flank Drive Plus (shown in my pictures). Moving up from there is the Flank Drive Plus Extra Long. These are about 12” long. I’m not a Snap On dealer so I couldn’t tell you what they offered in years past, what they plan on offering or if they have something in-between. Check the website or your local dealer. I also want to add that Blue Point wrenches are NOT Snap On wrenches.

 

[KingPerformance]

Let me get this straight ... the Flank Drive Plus will leave marks on a Grade 8 fastener (metal) ... but tape (paper/plastic) will prevent this?

That's some more tape, dude.

I didn't think that with tape over a nut/bolt, the Snap On Flank Plus with still fit on ... but I may be mistaken ..

Yes, I use to have to do it on a regular basis. Simple electrical tape. If you don't you will destroy something soft such as an AN fitting or a brass NPT fitting. So either you use thoes terrible fitting aluminum wrenches, or do what I do and find a use finally for craftsman tools.

 

[-lecroix-]

So either you use thoes terrible fitting aluminum wrenches, or do what I do and find a use finally for craftsman tools.

Not to start another Snappy vs. C-man pissin match, but that's not what you said earlier.

If you have ever used a Flank Drive Plus you will notice that its grasp is FIERCE. It will leave MARKS in grade 8 fasteners. To use that wrench on polished/chromed pieces you have to cover it in tape

There is NO mention of using a Craftsman wrench.

 

[KingPerformance]

Not to start another Snappy vs. C-man pissin match, but that's not what you said earlier.



There is NO mention of using a Craftsman wrench.

You do know the difference between aluminum, brass, alloys, and chromed steel is right?
I have mentioned in SEVERAL posts that I do use craftsman, that I do own craftsman pro line. It is obvious that I own standard craftsman tools. But the fact remains that Snap On is a higher quality tool. Please, if you are confused about something, we have 7 pages of information that you can go back through and re-read. Sometimes the memory isn't what it use to be. I don't understand what you are going on about like a child. I thought this was an adult forum.

 

[-lecroix-]

Uh bro, I have forgotten more about machining metal than you will ever know. Not bragging, just stating a fact.

As far as your 7 page referral, no thanks. I also own Craftsman, along with SnapOn, Mac, SK, Proto, Harbor Freight, Flea Market & Rummage Sale Specials. I know the differences in price as well as performance & quality.

I'm not arguing that. I am debating the comment that you made concerning a wrench being so rigid and strong that it will leave markings on a grade 8 fastener and then by placing tape on the fastener and using the same wrench, the tape would prevent said marks.

You said it, I didn't and your logic is ... well, illogical.

 

[kythri]

And for the record, you want to compare top of the line Craftsman to entry level Snap On?

Do you have some kind of problem with this?

It didn't seem like you had a problem comparing top of the line Snap-On to entry level Craftsman. Why would you have ANY issue whatsoever doing the opposite?

And overall, as long as Craftsman's top of the line is loads cheaper than Snap-On's entry level, who cares what tier Craftsman positions the tool? The overall debate here is about the quality of the tool.

If Snap-On's entry level can't compete against Craftsman's top of the line, then how does one justify the price increase?

Perhaps we need to get Tommy Hilfiger and Fox Racing to start making tools and boxes, neh? I'd buy FUBU ratchets, myself.

 

[KingPerformance]

Uh bro, I have forgotten more about machining metal than you will ever know. Not bragging, just stating a fact.

As far as your 7 page referral, no thanks. I also own Craftsman, along with SnapOn, Mac, SK, Proto, Harbor Freight, Flea Market & Rummage Sale Specials. I know the differences in price as well as performance & quality.

I'm not arguing that. I am debating the comment that you made concerning a wrench being so rigid and strong that it will leave markings on a grade 8 fastener and then by placing tape on the fastener and using the same wrench, the tape would prevent said marks.

You said it, I didn't and your logic is ... well, illogical.

So, you know what Flank Drive is, you have used it. You know how it can mar a surface. Now go put some electrical tape on it and put together some aluminum AN fittings. Now take off the electrical tape and put together some AN fittings and let me know how it goes. After that, then tell me how illogical I am.

 

[KingPerformance]

Do you have some kind of problem with this?

I think you missed the entire point of the thead.

It didn't seem like you had a problem comparing top of the line Snap-On to entry level Craftsman. Why would you have ANY issue whatsoever doing the opposite?

Yeap, you missed the entire point of the thread.

And overall, as long as Craftsman's top of the line is loads cheaper than Snap-On's entry level, who cares what tier Craftsman positions the tool? The overall debate here is about the quality of the tool.

And internet pricing is where everything stops. You have a lot to learn.

If Snap-On's entry level can't compete against Craftsman's top of the line, then how does one justify the price increase?

Actually, it can, I'm just trying to figure out your reasoning, and you missed the entire point of the thread. Oh, and you have a lot to learn. Have you ever actually been on a tool truck or do you buy all your snap on products off ebay/flea markets?

Perhaps we need to get Tommy Hilfiger and Fox Racing to start making tools and boxes, neh? I'd buy FUBU ratchets, myself.

I think you are too hung up on a name, and a product as it is to look around and see what the truth is. It would just confuse you more if you could find fubu in sears. And I KNOW you don't want to start compairing Craftsman waterloo boxes to Snap On. If you do, I suggest starting a new thread.

 

[-lecroix-]

Hell, I can mar the finish on an aluminum AN fitting with a 4" Crescent wrench.

I don't need an expensive SnapOn Flank Drive to do that.

We went from talking about leaving marks on a Grade 8 fasteners (your words, not mine) to soft aluminum AN fittings. It appears that you are now taking the post off topic in order to attempt to prove a point with pointless bickering.

 

[kythri]

My argument is weak and illogical.

There, I summarized.

As I said, I got the point of this thread quite clearly: "Snap-On rules, Craftsman *****, and here's a useless comparison of a Snap-On Apple to a Craftsman Orange to prove my point."

You're trying to point out why Snap-On is a better tool than Craftsman, justifying the price premium of Snap-On, yet you're using the best (and most expensive) Snap-On tool you can find, and the worst Craftsman (and cheapest) tool you can find. It's an unfair comparison, pure and simple.

The price question was brought up to point out that, even at the top end of the Craftsman line, it's STILL cheaper than Snap-On's low-end stuff. You're the one who's trying to justify the Snap-On pricing with your product comparison, my friend - and you still haven't posted any kind of valid proof from a valid comparison to justify your position.

What does the source of any Snap-On tools that I own have to do with anything? Don't straw-man.

As far as being hung up on brand name, *I* am not the one with a Gucci-gear addiction, who's trying to justify it to world+dog so they feel better about spending every last penny on a brand name.

 

[eschoendorff]

The point here is that King Performance has only his opinion and anectodal evidence to back up his claims. There is no real proof. Just the same stories over and over again.

Up until this thread, I didn't realize that Snap On made "entry level" wrenches. Only professional wrenches in different lengths. Oh and that flank drive plus feature doesn't make is a better or stronger wrench - only a different design. If you really want to attack a fastener with a "fierce" grip, you truly can accomplish the same thing with a pair of vise grips (as I said before).

If flank drive plus was such a big deal, and if Snap On was the only wrench that was worthwhile, then Matco and MAC and Cornwell and yes, even Craftsman Professional would be out of business.

Let me also remind you that industrial suppliers like Fastenal carry Craftsman Professional products - that compete directly with the likes of Proto from Graingers (another professional tool company that you may have heard of). And I would have to believe that some of the torque specs in an industrial setting will be far beyond what any tech will likely see in an automotive setting. So, yeah, Craftsman Professional has it's place, I guess.

Show me some evidence. Don't tell me stories.

 

[chad s]

The subject of "entry level vs. top of the line" when refering to Snap On wrenches keeps coming up. The regular flank drive (being refered to as entry level) and the flank drive plus are not that far apart price wise. Not enough to make the standard flank drive wrenches "entry level", they are just different.

Lets take a 3/8" standard length chrome wrench for example:

Snap On Flank Drive $22.40
Snap On Flank Drive Plus $23.65

Then as sets:

set of 11 SAE (3/8-1") standard Flank Drive (part number OEX711B) $337.55

Set of 11 SAE (3/8-1") Flank Drive Plus (part number SOEX711) $373.70.

Thats only a difference of $36.15.

The difference between a cman raised panel set, and cman pro set is higher by quite a bit. About $60 difference between the two for a 12 or 13 piece set.


I have a set of Cman Pro SAE wrenches, but I am going to be buying a set of Flank Drive Plus' in the next month or so. The cman pro's will definately be my backups and spares.

I have purchased only a few snap on tools, but everything they claim their tools have over other brands (such as ACR screwdrivers) has proven to be true. As they say "There is a difference"!

 

[chad s]

Up until this thread, I didn't realize that Snap On made "entry level" wrenches. Only professional wrenches in different lengths. Oh and that flank drive plus feature doesn't make is a better or stronger wrench - only a different design.

Thank you!

 

[tweety652]

has anyone ever noticed that the professional ratchets use the same guts as the standard ratchets? and as far as the wrenches go you get what you pay for. they may seem of equal quality now but what about 4 years from now after daily use?

 

[wrenchr]

This is the best I know how to say this,
It is your preference, Some people like HF tools over anything else.
Now I'm not saying anything negative about HF, They just are not my preference.