Snap On Flare Nut wrench Not centered?

[Loscaldazar]

Is it just me or is this side not centered...?

 

[Hiball]

That's the low profile model...

Get it warranted, It will cause problems when you really need it.

 

[TwoInch]

yep, its a QC slip through...

it will spread easier when you really need to giver er hell

 

[Loscaldazar]

Guess I know what I will be doing Monday

Other side looks fine though. If both sides were off I probably wouldn't have noticed.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

There's an older thread somewhere here where lots of people had this issue.

The fact that something like this slipped through Snap On's "quality control" in large numbers doesn't speak well for them, especially considering what Snap On charges for a set of flare nut wrenches.

 

[Hiball]

There's an older thread somewhere here where lots of people had this issue.

The fact that something like this slipped through Snap On's "quality control" in large numbers doesn't speak well for them, especially considering what Snap On charges for a set of flare nut wrenches.

I don't recall seeing anything similar to this, Link?

Also, wouldn't insinuate a handful of people on a Internet forum as a representation of a "Any" large tool manufacturer. I'm trying to figure out how the size varies so much on the OD from side to side. I wonder if someone got carried away with the grinder?

 

[CWP1616L]

I don't recall seeing anything similar to this, Link?

The same thing happened to shamrock12 back on 08-27-2008, 04:29 AM. He started a thread about it.

 

[Hiball]

The same thing happened to shamrock12 back on 08-27-2008, 04:29 AM. He started a thread about it.

Before my Time, Still doesnt qualify as a "Large Numbers". In a Perfect World No defective tools would hit the Market, Unfortunately this is why Manufacturers do Random QC Checks, Warranties exist etc.

 

[bob15]

There's an older thread somewhere here where lots of people had this issue.

The fact that something like this slipped through Snap On's "quality control" in large numbers doesn't speak well for them, especially considering what Snap On charges for a set of flare nut wrenches.

Two wrenches in 5 years is considered large numbers? So I guess Ferrari and Rolls Royce never ever had a single issue on any car?????

 

[CWP1616L]

Before my Time, Still doesnt qualify as a "Large Numbers". In a Perfect World No defective tools would hit the Market, Unfortunately this is why Manufacturers do Random QC Checks, Warranties exist etc.

I think there was at least one other thread about this same issue, but I haven't found it. I've got a set of metric combination wrenches 10-19mm that are date coded 1997. No defects whatsoever, perfect. And they weren't bent on a bender either, the box end offset is forged in. They made some very nice wrenches back in the 90's.

 

[redwrench60]

If it fit flare nuts well on both sides I'd just run it. But it is a little off center........

 

[CWP1616L]

At 3 minutes and 43 seconds, you can see a flare nut wrench being broached:

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

Two wrenches in 5 years is considered large numbers? So I guess Ferrari and Rolls Royce never ever had a single issue on any car?????

How many other brands have you seen with this problem?

Here's the thread I was referring to:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21663

Multiple people complaining about it then, and now here's a new thread about it.

Again, it doesn't speak well about their quality control, especially since it's an incredibly obvious defect a blind person could see.

And before all the Snap On fanboys get their ******* in a twist, I own a lot of Snap On, including some of their flare nut wrench line.

It's unacceptable, I've never bought a wrench in my life that was broached off center, including **** Chinese stuff.

 

[Hiball]

How many other brands have you seen with this problem?

Here's the thread I was referring to:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21663

Multiple people complaining about it then, and now here's a new thread about it.

Again, it doesn't speak well about their quality control, especially since it's an incredibly obvious defect a blind person could see.

And before all the Snap On fanboys get their ******* in a twist, I own a lot of Snap On, including some of their flare nut wrench line.

It's unacceptable, I've never bought a wrench in my life that was broached off center, including **** Chinese stuff.

Still only 2 people (3 if you count this thread).. ALL companies occasionally have QC issues, how a company stands behind there product is there true worth.

iMO..

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I recently got on the SO Aviation/Industrial truck that comes to our company. I asked for a 5/32" deep socket (¼" drive) and the first one he handed me was so off center that the thin side was not much more than the chrome thick. I made him dig for another one, and we found one that was virtually centered, not perfect, but within a few thousands of it.

Get on a SO truck and look at the the box ends and sockets. I think you will be surprised at how much of it almost qualifies as "seconds" if it were any other company.

Don't get me wrong, I much prefer SO over Mac or other brands, but I have seen problems.

Charles

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

Still only 2 people (3 if you count this thread).. ALL companies occasionally have QC issues, how a company stands behind there product is there true worth.

iMO..

So what's wrong with somebody calling them on it? Are we not allowed to say it's unacceptable that it happened? Is Snap On above criticism?

If 100 people posted pictures of the problem, you could then say it only represents .001% of wrench production. Doesn't make me feel any better.

Again, it doesn't speak well about their quality control. Somebody was asleep at the switch. I'd say the same thing if multiple people posted pictures of the same problem with other brands.

Some people have so much emotional investment with a brand like it's a sports team or something.

 

[Hiball]

So what's wrong with somebody calling them on it? Are we not allowed to say it's unacceptable that it happened? Is Snap On above criticism?

If 100 people posted pictures of the problem, you could then say it only represents .001% of wrench production. Doesn't make me feel any better.

Again, it doesn't speak well about their quality control. Somebody was asleep at the switch. I'd say the same thing if multiple people posted pictures of the same problem with other brands.

Some people have so much emotional investment with a brand like it's a sports team or something.

Nothing wrong with it... "IF" a snap on employee actually handled that wrench and sent it out, it was a poor decision... Plain and simple... Unfortunately that's not how the majority of QC checks work.. If your emotional investment comment was aimed at me... Your are completely off base, I'm a Sk, Wright fellow for the most part, I do have my fair share of Snap on but also understand how the world works. NO manufacturer is perfect and Again.. How they handle the problem is there true worth.

Of course that's my opinion, everyone is entitled to there's.
Good day..

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

Nothing wrong with it... "IF" a snap on employee actually handled that wrench and sent it out, it was a poor decision... Plain and simple... Unfortunately that's not how the majority of QC checks work.. If your emotional investment comment was aimed at me... Your are completely off base, I'm a Sk, Wright fellow for the most part, I do have my fair share of Snap on but also understand how the world works. NO manufacturer is perfect and Again.. How they handle the problem is there true worth.

Of course that's my opinion, everyone is entitled to there's.
Good day..

Clearly their quality control failed in multiple areas, from when it was stamped to final inspection to the guy selling it. And considering Snap On is likely the most expensive flare nut wrench you can purchase, I think a little extra resources spent on quality control is warranted.

 

[SteveV]

Don't dare tell the Snap On cult their products are anything but the best. And if they have a huge defect like this, it's a special feature that's unique to Snap On. Nothing to see here, move along. They can't feel bad about their $30,000 investment.

I bet you couldn't find a single Harbor Freight flare nut wrench that off-center.

 

[Hiball]

Clearly their quality control failed in multiple areas, from when it was stamped to final inspection to the guy selling it. And considering Snap On is likely the most expensive flare nut wrench you can purchase, I think a little extra resources spent on quality control is warranted.

I can see how it possible slipped by, the opposite side of the wrench looks much better... Again, if there where multiple reports of this issue, I'd say there is a serious problem with there Qc department. It just doesn't seem to be the case based off what I've seen anyways.. You want to see some broaching issues, find some pre-ideal Sk produced during there last days under Claude Fluger, they were putting out some junk.

Ah Well, To Each there own...

 

[Hiball]

Don't dare tell the Snap On cult their products are anything but the best. And if they have a huge defect like this, it's a special feature that's unique to Snap On. Nothing to see here, move along. They can't feel bad about their $30,000 investment.

I bet you couldn't find a single Harbor Freight flare nut wrench that off-center.

Trollerific...

 

[redwrench60]

Here we go again......unsubscribed.

 

[Toolman12]

At 3 minutes and 43 seconds, you can see a flare nut wrench being broached:

Cool video love to watch stuff being made

 

[mopar01]

I'm sure they will take it back no problem. Were all only human, mistakes will happen. Btw I wouldn't use it.

 

[CWP1616L]

Cool video love to watch stuff being made

I like the video too except for the part where they bend the wrench.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

I can see how it possible slipped by, the opposite side of the wrench looks much better... Again, if there where multiple reports of this issue, I'd say there is a serious problem with there Qc department. It just doesn't seem to be the case based off what I've seen anyways.. You want to see some broaching issues, find some pre-ideal Sk produced during there last days under Claude Fluger, they were putting out some junk.

Ah Well, To Each there own...

There are multiple reports, the first thread had several people that came forward showing pictures of the problem and now here's a 2nd thread about it also with pictures. I don't think every single person that had the problem is going to start a new separate thread, they probably just got an exchange and moved on.

I don't know when the OP got these flare nut wrenches, but if he just bought them off the truck, it's REALLY disturbing as Snap On doesn't seem to care or address the issue YEARS later.

It's just a major defect not to catch, it's not like something silly like a pit in the chrome. If you're missing the "easy" stuff, what about other issues? The wrench end looks like it would easily snap like a twig if you put some torque on it.

 

[Hiball]

There are multiple reports, the first thread had several people that came forward showing pictures of the problem and now here's a 2nd thread about it also with pictures. I don't think every single person that had the problem is going to start a new separate thread, they probably just got an exchange and moved on.

I don't know when the OP got these flare nut wrenches, but if he just bought them off the truck, it's REALLY disturbing as Snap On doesn't seem to care or address the issue YEARS later.

It's just a major defect not to catch, it's not like something silly like a pit in the chrome. If you're missing the "easy" stuff, what about other issues? The wrench end looks like it would easily snap like a twig if you put some torque on it.

Lol.. Where did the OP say that Snap on doesnt care? The OP simply asked if there was a problem, I'm fairly certain everyone agrees its a defect, as others have stated.. I'm sure snap on will address the situation, but first they need to know a defect went out the door, which will require the OP contacting them. GJ is such a small portion of Snap on total customer base its borderline hilarious to think "we" represent any substantial portion of there sales. Yes.. In a perfect world, someone would have caught that defect, no way on Hell do I think this instance or any of the others represented in that thread is indicative of what they do on average or my experiences. YMMV..

I'm sure this thread will end like the majority of these (insert brand) someone complains (Not the Op in this case) about brand x, they contact the manufacturer and they remedy the situation.. I've seen it too many times. In reality the Op is the one who should be worked up, instead it sounds like he will take care of it Monday.

Guess I know what I will be doing Monday

 

[Chuck122]

I actually think that due to their prices, Snap On tools are under very high scrutiny by their customers (and rightly so). The fact that we hear so few complaints really speaks to their QC. I mean, considering the number of tools they build and sell, we really do not hear much bad about them. And no I do not own millions in SO tools I just think that the quality they deliver is what I would expect from stuff in that price range. And There is absolutely no way to avoid every single mistake.

 

[Hiball]

I actually think that due to their prices, Snap On tools are under very high scrutiny by their customers (and rightly so). The fact that we hear so few complaints really speaks to their QC. I mean, considering the number of tools they build and sell, we really do not hear much bad about them. And no I do not own millions in SO tools I just think that the quality they deliver is what I would expect from stuff in that price range. And There is absolutely no way to avoid every single mistake.

Well said..

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

Lol.. Where did the OP say that Snap on doesnt care? The OP simply asked if there was a problem, I'm fairly certain everyone agrees its a defect, as others have stated.. I'm sure snap on will address the situation, but first they need to know a defect went out the door. GJ is such a small portion of Snap on total customer base its borderline hilarious to think "we" represent any substantial portion of there sales. Yes.. In a perfect world, someone would have caught that defect, no way on Hell do I think this instance or any of the others represented in that thread is indicative of what they do on average or my experiences. YMMV..

The reason I said do they "care" is because if he just bought them, that means it's been 5 years and they are still pumping them out this way. It wasn't say one bad batch that came out years ago that they quickly got on top of.

And yes GJ is a small portion of their base, but what other outlets are going to discuss tools? Does that mean if people show their issues with their tools, we should immediately ignore it because it's a small percentage?

I guess I don't understand what you keep arguing about, and seem to want to make excuses for Snap On. My point was only that it's come up before a few times, and here it is popping up again. To me, that indicates a problem for a company that prides itself on being the best.

I'm not trying to make the point that this means Snap On is all bad, every tool I've bought from them I've been happy with, buy I'll be the first to call them on it when I think they're not delivering.

 

[CWP1616L]

For the price, I expect Snap-on wrenches to be absolutely flawless perfect; much like a Rolls-Royce customer would.

 

[Hiball]

The reason I said do they "care" is because if he just bought them, that means it's been 5 years and they are still pumping them out this way. It wasn't say one bad batch that came out years ago that they quickly got on top of.

And yes GJ is a small portion of their base, but what other outlets are going to discuss tools? Does that mean if people show their issues with their tools, we should immediately ignore it because it's a small percentage?

I guess I don't understand what you keep arguing about, and seem to want to make excuses for Snap On. My point was only that it's come up before a few times, and here it is popping up again. To me, that indicates a problem for a company that prides itself on being the best.

I'm not trying to make the point that this means Snap On is all bad, every tool I've bought from them I've been happy with, buy I'll be the first to call them on it when I think they're not delivering.

Arguing? I'm just trying to understand your stance.. It just doesn't add up to me. Are you trying to say that this is a 5 year old problem based off the thread timeline here at GJ? If the OP isn't concerned why should I be..

Blah.

Post #28 hit the nail on the head.

 

[CWP1616L]

Post #28 hit the nail on the head.

You mean post #31.

 

[Hiball]

You mean post #31.

Lol.. Not quite.

Hand made >'s mass produced.

 

[The Ratchet Man]

GJ is such a small portion of Snap on total customer base its borderline hilarious to think "we" represent any substantial portion of there sales.

How is this supposed to help your argument?

Take the total number of reported defects against the total number of members. This gives you a estimated defect ratio for the membership since all defects were probably not reported. Now multiply this number by the ratio of members to total Snap-On flare wrench customers. THIS is your estimated defect ratio as best as we would be able to figure here with no actual total wrench production numbers available to us.

The number becomes substantially larger when viewing the ratio for the whole customer base who bought these wrenches.

I would just swap the wrench as the OP is going to do and be done with it. I just hate to see the problem minimized by using numbers that only take into account the membership here.

 

[Hiball]

How is this supposed to help your argument?

Take the total number of reported defects against the total number of members. This gives you a estimated defect ratio for the membership since all defects were probably not reported. Now multiply this number by the ratio of members to total Snap-On flare wrench customers. THIS is your estimated defect ratio as best as we would be able to figure here with no actual total wrench production numbers available to us.

The number becomes substantially larger when viewing the ratio for the whole customer base who bought these wrenches.

I would just swap the wrench as the OP is going to do and be done with it. I just hate to see the problem minimized by using numbers that only take into account the membership here.

I've paid enough attention to know that the membership likes to start "broken/defect tool threads" (Not saying that was the OP's intention) They always seem to bring out a lot of back and forth, the majority of tool users realize that its just part of the business and get them Warranted and go on with life. I have no way to "estimate" the real world ratio, nor does anyone here... I'm only thinking out loud, but say there is 20 defective flare wrench threads, how many flare wrenches do you think are produced annually? Lemme know when you figure out how many zero's in that answer. I feel pretty comfortable saying its more than 6 digits.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'm with hiball on this. For the record the flare nut wrenches are the only Snap On Tools I own. I have a few of the OEM tools that snap on rebadges, but otherwise mostly Craftsman tools.

Want to know how many Craftsman tools I've had to warranty brand new with things that should have been obvious to spot? 5MM socket that isn't cut remotely straight? Couldn't even get it to sit on a level surface it was so badly cut. Pliers missing their tips? Hand Impact driver with a shattered adapter for screwdriver bits? Tape measure that doesn't even lock properly? All were USA made too.

I also agree on the point that Snap On tools are inspected better by their customers. I could post pictures of my HF long reach pliers I bought. They are absolute **** (jaws don't meet up properly). But I bought them anyways because I just needed some long pliers to pick up dropped items. I don't really complain about cheap tools being bad, because they were cheap. I doubt the average HF customer even looks close enough at half the products to tell how well they are made or not.

I actually missed the flaw on the 21 end the first time I looked it over. Wasn't till later I recognized it.

 

[Hiball]

I actually missed the flaw on the 21 end the first time I looked it over. Wasn't till later I recognized it.

Curious? How does the other end look? I wonder if its issue when the wrench is formed, not sitting square in the die.. Etc

 

[Loscaldazar]

Curious? How does the other end look? I wonder if its issue when the wrench is formed, not sitting square in the die.. Etc

Other side is dead on. Measured it with a caliper just to make sure. Not sure why one end would be bad and the other fine.

 

[Hiball]

Other side is dead on. Measured it with a caliper just to make sure. Not sure why one end would be bad and the other fine.

Hmmm..