Snap On is cheating us?

[lennoxlennox]

this thread

 

[vintagefan]

This horse is dead, I get it people are upset about USA being removed their new tool purchases. Im not one to ***** about threads, in fact this is probably the first time I have done it

Why does a NEW thread need to be started every 2-3 weeks about it?

Just start an "Official OH MY GOD SNAP ON HAS REMOVED THE USA STAMP FORM THEIR TOOLS!" thread. Then everyone that wants to debate in circles about something they have absolutely no power to change can hop on the merry go round and not clutter the site with the same dribble over and over again.

These threads are about as annoying as the "why did the so and so thread get deleted" and the " HF is better than Snap on" threads.

Seriously just consolidate the 100 or so threads on this same subject and keep it in one place. I promise Ill stay out of that one.

This thread is no different than the million threads about screwdrivers, or the million threads about wrenches, or the million threads about sockets.

It's something that lots of people want to discuss, and there's always room for further discussion, as there are always new members popping up that haven't gotten into one of these yet.

Saying to consolidate this thread is equivalent to saying we should consolidate the "what screwdriver should I buy" threads... of course, maybe that isn't a bad idea.




edit: As far as having no power to change it... THIS is our power to change it. Maybe it isn't much power, but it's a lot more power than sitting back and letting it happen.

If people don't speak out and express their disdain for the removal of the USA marking, then the dirtbags in Snap-on corporate that thought it was fine and dandy, will continue to think the same way.

A lot of Snap-on drivers say, "Oh my customers never complain about it, so they don't care." That is BS. Many people are too polite to confront the dealer about it, or they are afraid to sour their relationship and miss out on limited specials, etc.

I would guess that the amount of customers that haven't mentioned that it bothers them is MUCH higher than the drivers are feeding back to corporate, and feeding to other customers that do mention it to them.

 

[magova1104]

FYI: http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1520/10-cars-mechanics-hate/

Although a Ford did make the cut so you should be happy.

Yeah. It's true. Older techs are fair to understand the latest technologies. They just want to stick cleaning carbs and changing oil. ITS JUST TOO MUCH FOR THEM!

 

[magova1104]

I've been slapping wrenches on cars longer than you and the claim of Japanese cars being better is ********. When it gets right down to it, there really isn't any difference. Those who make that claim either own them or sell them. It's the my _____ is better because it's mine.

Also just in case you haven't noticed in the past 20 or so years, auto manufacturing is a global business. Let's see--Honda with GM transmissions, Mazda with Ford Power trains, Isuzu with Dana axles, etc etc.

Questions are:

Do I really want spend 200 dollars on that ratchet assembled with global components

When something breaks do I want to go to a store and exchange it, mail it off, call a 1-800 number, wait for or chase down the tool truck, and make sure I have my receipts(where applicable).





Seems as though tool production has cought up with most everything else. It's now global.

Well, I know that a lot o people is older than me here. I have 27 years of experience in cars, I am a MASTER MECP TECH. Even if its hard to understand, American cars has been COPYING Japanese Technology for the last 20 years, even their main engineers,robotic assembly, and some exterior,electrical and performance designs are JAPANESE. And the world's most selling car is not an American car, its a JAPANESE. But this thread its about COO's.

 

[1982fxr]

You do realize that that if the tool is made overseas, it either has to be stamped or the package marked with the COO if sold in the USA. If it is made here, it does not have to be stamped. It does have to be stamped if assembled here with foreign components though.

I HAVE talked to the guys making the ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets and air impact guns Unless you think that the Southeast is still in the Confederate States of America, they are still made here. I do believe that they removed the stamping to allow them to be produced overseas in the future but for now, they are still produced here as far as I can tell.

Yes, I also know guys that have toured several of their plants as well. Everyone working there spoke Southern as their native language, not Chinese, Japanese, Korean or anything else. I still can't believe that many of you fell for the Photo Shopped "North Korea" COO gag.

They are SUPPOSED to mark coo. Tons of non-marked products come into the US ona regular basis. Also, more and more discount tools out there with no packaging, so there goes that part.

What the law says and what happens in reality are NOT the same

 

[davedriveschevys]

I like snap on tools, but i dont drink the kool-aid that they are the best bla bla bla. They are way overpriced and i can break them just as easily as i can a craftsman. Which arent made here anymore either, Buy cornwell, problem solved.

 

[magova1104]

I don't think that a "Jiffy Lube" greasy mechanic with 20 years of experience knows more than a NASA engineer. I actually know a lot of good ASE certified techs and all drive Honda and Toyota.

 

[otis66]

We don't trade with north Korea... Snap ons website has all the information you need about coo. If you want it stamped on your tool by another brand

Already did.

 

[tonym]

I think SNAPON has ceased to be a honest manufacturer. I've noticed that most tools do not say USA like before. Why?
I think SNAPON is importing most of its tools from Asia. Some examples: Ratchets, most do not say USA like before. Although the website states that the country of origin is USA, why they not put COO in the tool? Legally, for a tool can take the word USA has to be made 100% in USA. Maybe they not. Another example, some screw drivers or drivers, including the classic ratcheting SSDMR4B, is now in a different material. If you have recently bought one try this: Approaching the shaft to a magnet and see if it is magnetic or nonmagnetic. Let me explain: The tip of the shaft has a magnet inside (obviously) but the whole shaft were made of 100% stainless steel (Non magnetic. Non magnetic= No rust. No rust= 100% Stainless) before. The new ones, not only makes a different noise when it turns, but the snap on logo is painted instead of marked and the shaft is not anti magnetic. I started collecting only USA marked tools. I know that some people can judge this as stupid non sense obsession, but I buy tools for collecting purposes, I have TOO MANY for every day use already and I noticed that the REAL USA TOOLS are getting more valuable for people like me. I am obsessed with GOOD TOOLS.

I called and asked...with the USA on there it didnt seem like a world company they said..not to just look like USA..

 

[spongerich]

Kind of true. My every day car its a 2000 Honda Accord, I've had for 10 years now (I bought it used) And I never ever had a problem. I prefer a Japanese car over any American car. Sorry, but I work in cars every day and I noticed that Japanese cars have less issues.
I have to explain myself. I am not an USA proud guy. I am a USA tools fan, that's why I am in this place (GJ) But for me, every country has their own good stuff, Italy has fast and exotic cars,Mexico has the Tequila, Russia has nice girls,Japan has the sushi, Germany has good blades and great cars, and for me, USA has MUSCLE CARS and GOOD TOOLS.

Would that be a Japanese car made in the USA?

The biggest scam is that the "American" car companies were exempted from labeling their % of domestic content a number of years ago. They pushed for that law only to realize that because so many components were made in Canada and Mexico, that they were more imported than the imports.. so they were allowed to include Canada and Mexico as "domestic" content.

 

[otis66]

Blue Points aren't the same as SO and a lot of them are made in other countries. I hope SO's are still made in the USA.

My Blue Point wrenches are made in USA. They look just like my Snap On wrenchs only without chrome.

 

[booya719]

I'm not sure about Snap-on or USA, but in Canada, there's a loophole for stamping "Canada" on things made offshore. The word "Canada" can be used as a brand name...such as "Matrix Canada"

So if you go to Peavey Mart (local hardware store) and buy a Matrix wrench with "Matrix Canada" stamped on the middle of the shank, this is NOT the COO. "Matrix Canada" is simply the name of the brand and it's made in China with some of their impact sockets and larger wrenches from Taiwan. The COO is not marked on the wrench.

Including the word "Canada" in the brand name is a loophole trick to fool people into thinking they are buying Made in Canada. When you look at the fine print on the corner of the plastic label it says "Made in China" in tiny letters as is 95% of everything else in the store.

 

[magova1104]

Would that be a Japanese car made in the USA?

The biggest scam is that the "American" car companies were exempted from labeling their % of domestic content a number of years ago. They pushed for that law only to realize that because so many components were made in Canada and Mexico, that they were more imported than the imports.. so they were allowed to include Canada and Mexico as "domestic" content.

The most important part of a car its the engine. My 2000 Honda its "Assembled in USA" Engine and Trans made in Japan. I should't mention that in this thread. I really like tools better than cars, that's why I am here and not in a Honda Forum. But I am still with my point, which is......?????? I forgot . I don't care how the people use or buy their tools and where or what brand. This country has freedom. If you like to save $ buying HF tools, its Ok!, if you like to buy junk old tools from garage sales or flea markets, Its also OK. I'd just rather collect tools with a high value expectation in a future. CHEAP THINGS OR EASY STUFF WILL NOT REMAIN IN THE HISTORY.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I buy tools stamped "USA". I'm buying less Snapon now.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I actually have a college class mate who is now a producer at CNN and sent him an email with a link to this thread and he is going to pitch this idea for a story. He said they are actually looking for stories about products coming back to the USA and this could be a good side piece. He said when he just talked to a few of the other guys to sort of pitch the idea to them they all said they couldn't believe a well known US company like Snap On would not put USA on their tools.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

I suspect that what is going on is when they need new tooling, they have decided to leave off the COO at that time. Thus why this is not across the board, but may be evenually.

Removing the COO is clearly a decision someone made, for some reason. If SnapOn will ever say why that is, who knows. But we as customers CAN influence their decision.

I do agree...even if it's just for decoration...I want USA on there.

 

[low858]

please say it isnt so! i just bought a few snap on tools!

 

[NC-Fordguy]

How do you know how long that guy has worked on cars? Japanese vehicles are better engineered. I have owned five Fords that did'nt last 150,000 miles. I had a civic with 700,000 miles on odometer, with motor swap after the first 400,000. I currently own a Honda and Harley; the Honda is definately superior engineering. I also own a Toyota and Chyrsler; once again engineering is far superior even though the Chyrler has Mitsubishi engine the body and electrical are the stupidest designs. The Chrysler suspension is too thin and causes fatal accidents all the time, while its electrical has been the biggest pain in the ***. My father has a F550 had to have the engine replaced twice before hitting 100,000 miles. You are absolutely and utterly incorrect. Ten times the amount of engineers graduate from school in the "East" compared to the US yearly. Every mechanic/tech/tech-ed teacher/person I know, knows Ford is not better than a Toyota. The Ford commercials themselves say "we are starting to do better with quality." You can argue all you want about Ford, but take a vote and see if Toyota doesnt win. Like I said, I am American, have owned numerous of both and without bias Ford is not a better engineered vehicle than Toyota. There is a reason Toyota sells more cars in American than Ford even though they cost more. My Grandfather was a NASA engineer and wouldnt drive anything other than Toyota.

Because he stated how long he has been in another post if you bother to read.

I never said anything about Ford being better. I said there is no difference between Japanese and USA car companies especialy nowadays with so may different manufacturers parts are in a different brand of car. Once again read.

I could care less if your grandfather is a NASA engineer. How does that make him a qualified auto tech or engineer? I could care less what he drives or his reasoning for doing so. BTW--How many space shuttles blew up? How many rockets have failed?

I have had many Fords go over 200k without issues. Hell I have a 1966 bronco that is still running it's original engine, never been overhauled. There are just as many examples regardless of manufacturer.

 

[944turbo]

Snap On were made in Kenosha and a friend of mine was an engineer there. Yes, most of their tools are made in Asia but I'm not sure if all are made there. Same warranty and quality IMHO. Too pricey for a part time wrencher like me, though.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

FYI: http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1520/10-cars-mechanics-hate/

Although a Ford did make the cut so you should be happy.

OH boy. A yahoo post on the internet. The word of God.

I could care less what someone wrote on some blog.

Also could care less if a Ford was on that holy grail of a list

 

[bcradio]

OH boy. A yahoo post on the internet. The word of God.

I could care less what someone wrote on some blog.

Also could care less if a Ford was on that holy grail of a list

Hey as long as you are happy living in your little bubble.

 

[t100]

I think Snap On should move their corporate headquarters to Dubai, problem solved.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have owned MANY Fords and have had ZERO issues. Just basic maintinance brakes etc. I also have known people with Hondas and Toyotas that were total POS'S. I had a Explorer with the 4.0l engine that lasted well over 200k. I sold it and it is still going. These days the domestics are catching up with quality. Didnt GM just take back the most sales from Toyota? Back to the topic. I just looked at my 2 newer snap on ratchets and the COO is not there. I have a few older ones and USA is on the handle and the chrome. All of my other tools from Snap on are marked USA even newer ones. It does kind make you wonder. Oh btw was it not Toyota that had the sticking gas peddle issue? All cars have some issues. If properly maintained cars of today Japan or USA will last A LONG TIME.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Yeah. It's true. Older techs are fair to understand the latest technologies. They just want to stick cleaning carbs and changing oil. ITS JUST TOO MUCH FOR THEM!

-OR-

The younger techs who can't problem solve past what the code reader says. See it often with that "what do I do now stupid look"

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Hey as long as you are happy living in your little bubble.

Maybe so, but it's better than living with your head up your rear

 

[bcradio]

Maybe so, but it's better than living with your head up your rear

I guess random statements like that work... here I'll add to it:

Its also better than being stuck in the bottom of a well in the middle of nowhere.

Your turn!

 

[magova1104]

I have owned MANY Fords and have had ZERO issues. Just basic maintinance brakes etc. I also have known people with Hondas and Toyotas that were total POS'S. I had a Explorer with the 4.0l engine that lasted well over 200k. I sold it and it is still going. These days the domestics are catching up with quality. Didnt GM just take back the most sales from Toyota? Back to the topic. I just looked at my 2 newer snap on ratchets and the COO is not there. I have a few older ones and USA is on the handle and the chrome. All of my other tools from Snap on are marked USA even newer ones. It does kind make you wonder. Oh btw was it not Toyota that had the sticking gas peddle issue? All cars have some issues. If properly maintained cars of today Japan or USA will last A LONG TIME.

Oh yes! I remember that dirty business strategy from part of US cars manufacturers. BTW, talking about globalization, that part failure from the Toyota Prius was MADE IN INDIANA,USA. But let's keep talking about TOOLS please!

 

[oldtools]

I've been slapping wrenches on cars longer than you and the claim of Japanese cars being better is ********. When it gets right down to it, there really isn't any difference. Those who make that claim either own them or sell them. It's the my _____ is better because it's mine.

Also just in case you haven't noticed in the past 20 or so years, auto manufacturing is a global business. Let's see--Honda with GM transmissions, Mazda with Ford Power trains, Isuzu with Dana axles, etc etc.

Questions are:

Do I really want spend 200 dollars on that ratchet assembled with global components

When something breaks do I want to go to a store and exchange it, mail it off, call a 1-800 number, wait for or chase down the tool truck, and make sure I have my receipts(where applicable).





Seems as though tool production has cought up with most everything else. It's now global.

I believe GM use some Honda engine and transmission, not the other way around. GM also use Toyota transmission. GM also rebadge Toyota.

 

[Brownsfan]

Oh yes! I remember that dirty business strategy from part of US cars manufacturers. BTW, talking about globalization, that part failure from the Toyota Prius was MADE IN INDIANA,USA. But let's keep talking about TOOLS please!

Thats why I said if properly maintianed all cars will last. Saying Japan is better than the USA or Korea etc is just not true these days. But back to tools I am a little annoyed at the importing of tools by ALL the tool truck brands these days. I just bought a set of needle nose pliers fro Cornwell and they have no COO on them. I just bought a couple Snap On ratchets with no COO. Just say the COO dont hide it. I like you are Mecp certified and in the same field as you and see all makes and models. I will say I prefer working on Japaneese and Korean. The electrical systems just make more sense. Except Ford. Dont even get me started on GM AND CHRYSLER and there attempt at an electrical system. I also know all to well on the older techs not wanting t trouble shoot. How many times have you heard my "mechanic" says the remote start is draining the battery. Did he test the battery and alternator? Well no he just said they all do that. I just had that today. Back on track again. I will definatly be paying more attention to the COO markings and asking more questions to the tool truck pushers

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I guess random statements like that work... here I'll add to it:

Its also better than being stuck in the bottom of a well in the middle of nowhere.

Your turn!

Naw, I'm done playing, but feel free to go hump someone else's leg though

 

[garfunkle24]

I used to buy a lot of made in USA tools, until I started needing better quality.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I believe GM use some Honda engine and transmission, not the other way around. GM also use Toyota transmission. GM also rebadge Toyota.

Honda passport mid 1990s used a gm transmission. Can't recall the year(s) I put in a remaned in one a few years back.

I was wheeling with the guy who owned it and he slid over a rock and cracked the case, loosing all the fluid.

Doesn't make any difference on manufacturers when stuff like that happens

 

[redwrench60]

You name an auto maker and I'll point out a dealership service department full of guys fixing those broke pieces of **** all day.

 

[Toolman12]

i just received a Snap on 24" breaker bar it looks like shite it's got a blem on the bottom of the handle and the quality of the chrome is not what it used to be and it is stamped USA WTF is going on also have a 1/4 ratchet that also looks like **** the chrome looks very rough (wavy) in spots like it was made on a friday afternoon around quitting time after a liquid lunch

 

[BHH]

I used to buy a lot of made in USA tools, until I started needing better quality.

 

[radgto]

I had a Explorer with the 4.0l engine that lasted well over 200k. I sold it and it is still going. These days the domestics are catching up with quality.

Hate to burst your bubble but that engine is Mazda

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Hate to burst your bubble but that engine is Mazda

Actually it was manufactured in Fords plant in Germany

It was put in explorers, mariners, rangers and I *think* land rovers when Ford owned it

 

[oldtools]

Honda passport mid 1990s used a gm transmission. Can't recall the year(s) I put in a remaned in one a few years back.

I was wheeling with the guy who owned it and he slid over a rock and cracked the case, loosing all the fluid.

Doesn't make any difference on manufacturers when stuff like that happens

Honda Passport is a rebadge Isuzu Redeo and Isuzu is 10% owned by GM back then, so I wouldn't be surprise if it has GM transmission. GM also use Honda engine and transmission in their redline trim vehicles especially Saturn.

 

[magova1104]

This its getting out of the point in some how. I like tool as I like the cars, and I've seen many car "mixes". They started in the 80's and 90's. Chrysler and Dodge with Mitsubishi engines, Isuzu SUV's with the Honda logo,then Ford purchased Mazda,BMW bought Land Rover, VW- Lamborghini, Ford-Volvo, etc, etc.
Mi friend always use to purchase German cars like VW(that actualy most are Made in Mexico) but he recently bought a VW Routan (Grand Caravan), when he realized that he just returned that minivan to the dealer.
Tools and cars and everything else manufacturers are cheating us in certain way, however this is called (globalization?) We need to make sure what are we buying before we regret.
Maybe we can keep talking about cars in some other thread. We can start a new one?
I appreciate everybody's comments and all are welcome to express your anger with all this.

 

[oldtools]

How does Snap On know if it get US steel when it buy from a US steel maker? China import so much steel into the US. Alot of those get recycle in US steel foundry. How would the steel foundry know the coo of the scrap steel?