Snap-On Kit Pricing vs. a-la-carte Pricing

[The Critic]

I am considering two different Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver kits:

Part #SGDMRC46FR, MSRP is $659.86
Part #SGDMRC31RK, MSRP is $224.50

There is a $435.36 difference between the two kits.

From my research, the SGDMRC46FR kit comes in a foam organizer and includes these additional items:



The additional items are only adding up to $388.15....not $435.36. So, am I paying $47.21 for the foam organizer?

Traditionally, buying items in a Snap-On kit was not more (or less) expensive than buying the items individually. Did something change?

 

[Sumboodie]

Holy smokes!

If someone showed me that set, I'd guess maybe $75!

 

[Sumboodie]

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-8940-Piece-Ratcheting-Screwdriver/dp/B000HBAHNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[neophyte]

I am considering two different Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver kits:

Part #SGDMRC46FR, MSRP is $659.86
Part #SGDMRC31RK, MSRP is $224.50

There is a $435.36 difference between the two kits.

From my research, the SGDMRC46FR kit comes in a foam organizer and includes these additional items:



The additional items are only adding up to $388.15....not $435.36. So, am I paying $47.21 for the foam organizer?

Traditionally, buying items in a Snap-On kit was not more (or less) expensive than buying the items individually. Did something change?

$47.21 seems about what a custom designed foam organizer might cost from a professional tool manufacturer.
I think empty Facom foam organizers are similar in price.
The foam is supposedly CNC laser cut, and tested for durability against solvents and grease etc.
unfortunately, one of those things I’ve discovered over the years, is that organization costs money, and can get very expensive.

 

[mhejl]

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-8940-Piece-Ratcheting-Screwdriver/dp/B000HBAHNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I tried the GW set and threw away everything but the shanks to use with my SO drivers. The ratcheting drivers in that set really are junky feeling compared to the SO drivers. The GW case isn't much better.

The GW shanks are a little tight in the SO handles but work fine otherwise. For the $, I like the PB Swiss version much better, but much higher backdrag than the SO or GW.

Then again, the "standard" (non-magnetic bit) SO driver shanks are more usefull than the bit shanks, IMO. I suppose you could use these in the GW handles but why?

 

[Wamsutta]

You don't like the Williams version? It's the same exact ratcheting mechanism and the same exact stainless steel shank.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I am considering two different Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver kits:

Part #SGDMRC46FR, MSRP is $659.86
Part #SGDMRC31RK, MSRP is $224.50

There is a $435.36 difference between the two kits.

From my research, the SGDMRC46FR kit comes in a foam organizer and includes these additional items:



The additional items are only adding up to $388.15....not $435.36. So, am I paying $47.21 for the foam organizer?

Traditionally, buying items in a Snap-On kit was not more (or less) expensive than buying the items individually. Did something change?

Traditionally snap on doesn't give much of a discount for sets and they're proud of their foam.

In my cart thread, I considered both the 36" epiq BOX and 36" epiq SIDE CAB. Same specs, same drawers, but you need to add two casters and a handle to the side cab at your cost, IIRC around 1200 bucks. Even adding this, it's nearly $1000 less as I recall. Difference is, snap on will give you more of a discount on a box, often to the point its cheaper, which can make it a wash.

~$50 for foam doesn't surprise me, foam is "it" right now it seems.

 

[Fedwrench]

You don't like the Williams version? It's the same exact ratcheting mechanism and the same exact stainless steel shank.

Perhaps but, you can't change the blade on the Williams model.

There's no part number for the foam tray? I agree that $47 and change sounds about right for a foam tray. The tray is nice but, takes up some space. Aside from being on monthly special, there's no discount on snap on sets. The sum of its parts is the set price.

In my declining years, I really can't justify $120 for a bit ratchet My Vim ones serve me well at a fraction of snap on's cost. I only buy the occasional Snap on item like the long nose slip joint pliers.
If you're not in a hurry, wait for one of the sets to pop up on special. Good luck in your quest

 

[Dave455]

I have to say I’m not a huge fan of these foam organisers.

They tend to be a bit of a space waster, and I’m not convinced it’s the best material anyway.

For bit storage, I have yet to find anything better than the humble wooden block.

If you could get creative, could you come up with something like this, which I made to store bit drivers and bits in the bottom of my smallest portable box.

You could make it a standard size to fit a tool box drawer, if you wanted.

 

[mhejl]

Perhaps but, you can't change the blade on the Williams model.

Sure you can, with a slight modification. Like the SO hard handles, just remove the selector cap and get rid of the circlip/retainer holding the shank in. [What do you call those one way spring clips?]

I've seen some of the gears both with and without the ball detents for the shank. Even without the detents, the retaining ball in the shank holds well in the handle. IIRC, the Williams gear had the detents vs the SO hard handle without.

 

[Wamsutta]

This is my setup right here :

 

[ChevyEFI]

This is my setup right here :

You need to check for detents.

 

[scooby074]

So, am I paying $47.21 for the foam organizer?

Yes.