Snap On quality?

[bcustode]

I don't know about you guys but to me Snap On's quality has slipped over the last ten years. No longer are the ratchets stamped USA and the plastics seem rather dollar-storish. My dealer's explanation was that overseas buyers would not purchase any USA stamped tools because of our reputation as a country. I find this rather disturbing. If I'm paying top dollar for Snap On it better damn well be made in Kenosha. This really irritates me and I am finding that explanation very hard to believe. Even the storage units and carts are becoming questionable. You thoughts please. Am I the only one? BTW I have come to appreciate older US made tools whether it be Craftsman or Indestro. Thanks for reading my rant.

 

[Creditor]

We werent due for another thread like this until next week.

Where is that dead horse smiley?

 

[impactims]

The ratchets may not say USA, but they are still made in USA. Same with the ratcheting wrenches and other things. And the ones that don't say USA are not inferior in performance at all. The web site will tell you the COO even if the tool itself does not.

What does "Snap on quality" have to do with them removing the USA from the ratchets?

 

[kams1973]

 

[wannab20hatch]

I know my box was made in the usa. Came with a signed sheet from the folks who built it.

 

[Black89LX]

I cant argue, but Kenosha hasnt produced any tools in years...

 

[bcustode]

It has a lot to do with removing USA from any tool supposedly made here. It means a lot to me at least but I suppose we can kill this thread now. I guess we are being conditioned to believe that it no longer matters. And I had no idea there were so many posts on this subject so I will be going now.

 

[american lockpicker]

Snap On is making tools in China now, companys don't go there for quality only higher profits.

 

[Ghostrider]

Here we go again

 

[Skin]

I guess we are being conditioned to believe that it no longer matters.

There you go.

 

[davesnothere]

Snapon tools could be made by toddlers from donkey diarhea in a chinese sweatshop, but as long as they keep performing extraordinarilly, I don't give a flying fart.

 

[kv501]

Can we just lock this one now so it can join the other 2,563,154,876 ones just like it in thread hell? This is just nauseating.

On the other hand, why don't we just solve the problem right at the source. Create a Snap On bashing forum, a Snap On fanboy forum, same thing for Cman, and let all the rubes just go post there to their heart's content.

 

[slipjointed]

I recently purchased a couple sets of Snap-on pliers, and the jaws were completely misaligned when closed. They also were missing the USA marking, even though I am sure they were still USA made.

Snap-on's official reasoning for the removal of USA from their tools leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. I'm not interested in supporting a company that feels that way about my country of birth, and so I sold all of my Snap-on tools and replaced them with Wright and SK.

Hard working American citizens made the Snap-on name what it is today, and IMO anyone who doesn't like the fact that Snap-on is an American company, can stick their opinion where the sun doesn't shine.

Obviously Snap-on is more interested in pandering to the USA haters, instead of being a positive influence, and reinforcing America's reputation in manufacturing by selling high quality tools marked with "USA".

We werent due for another thread like this until next week.

Where is that dead horse smiley?

You realize that people complaining about others complaining about this are beating the dead horse right along side them, right?

Can we just lock this one now so it can join the other 2,563,154,876 ones just like it in thread hell? This is just nauseating.

Yep, let's ignore it and never discuss the importance of COO again.

Hell, maybe we should just give up, call China, and tell them to come get the keys.

 

[diesel research]

throughout the world. Snap-on believes that its facilities currently in use are suitable and have adequate capacity to meet its present
and foreseeable future demand. Snap-on’s facilities in the United States occupy approximately 3.5 million square feet, of which 77%
is owned, including its corporate and general office facility located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Snap-on’s facilities outside the United
States occupy approximately 3.9 million square feet, of which approximately 72% is owned. Certain Snap-on facilities are leased
through operating and capital lease agreements.

Elkmont, Alabama Manufacturing
Conway, Arkansas Manufacturing
City of Industry, California Manufacturing
Poway, California Manufacturing and distribution
San Jose, California Manufacturing
Columbus, Georgia Distribution
Crystal Lake, Illinois Distribution
Algona, Iowa Manufacturing and distribution
Olive Branch, Mississippi Distribution
Carson City, Nevada Distribution
Murphy, North Carolina Manufacturing and distribution
Richfield, Ohio Manufacturing and distribution
Robesonia, Pennsylvania Distribution
Elizabethton, Tennessee Manufacturing
Kenosha, Wisconsin Distribution and corporate
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Manufacturing

Non-U.S. Locations:
Santo Tome, Argentina Manufacturing
Minsk, Belarus Manufacturing Owned C&I
Santa Barbara D’oeste, Brazil Manufacturing and distribution
Mississauga, Canada Manufacturing
Kunshan, China Manufacturing
Xiaoshan, China Manufacturing
Bramley, England Manufacturing
Kettering, England Distribution
Sopron, Hungary Manufacturing
Correggio, Italy Manufacturing
Tokyo, Japan Distribution
Helmond, the Netherlands Distribution
Vila do Conde, Portugal Manufacturing
Irun, Spain Manufacturing
Placencia, Spain Manufacturing
Vitoria, Spain Manufacturing and distribution
Bollnäs, Sweden Manufacturing
Edsbyn, Sweden Manufacturing
Lidköping, Sweden Manufacturing
Sandviken, Sweden Distribution

Important to note the lack of Taiwan or Mexico on this list of facilities.

The web site will tell you the COO even if the tool itself does not.

No it won't, it has the wrong info on MANY items.

 

[american lockpicker]

What is made in Sweden and England?

 

[Buckgnarly]

What is made in Sweden and England?

"Fish" and "chips"....oh man, that was too easy!

 

[BHH]

I have to say the quality of almost everything made over the last decade is worse. We live in a throw away society.

 

[ishiboo]

I don't know about you guys but to me Snap On's quality has slipped over the last ten years. No longer are the ratchets stamped USA and the plastics seem rather dollar-storish. My dealer's explanation was that overseas buyers would not purchase any USA stamped tools because of our reputation as a country. I find this rather disturbing. If I'm paying top dollar for Snap On it better damn well be made in Kenosha.

Snap-On closed their Kenosha plant a while ago, no tools are made in Kenosha any more.

 

[boostedgt]

most of my snap on stuff is mid 90's-early 00's excellent quality, id still buy new as needed as long as it has the USA stamp, they can sell thier non COO stuff to someone else

 

[HandyManny]

Can't go wrong with older USA made tools. Many more of those were made with pride.

Older Craftsmans and an array of other older USA brands were pretty decent quality.

It may be hard to believe, but there was a time in this country when the USA lable was heavily stamped into a product with extream pride. This country was proud to be what we were and we didn't care what others around the globe thought of us. Not sure why so many Americans (especially business) are so ashamed today of displaying a USA lable on their products. Must not be enough national pride these days.

I've flown Old Glory in front of my house long before and well after 9/11 made it trendy for a brief time. I think most Americans just responded like sheep, because everyone else was doing it after 9/11. That didn't last long though. I fly it proud and dont give a **** what my neighbors think or what any punk highschoolers think about it.

 

[Trey T]

Because many people know that anything made by the unions are proudly represent w/ the "made in USA" sign or badge. That's why!

...
What does "Snap on quality" have to do with them removing the USA from the ratchets?

 

[Creditor]

Because many people know that anything made by the unions are proudly represent w/ the "made in USA" sign or badge. That's why!

Unions?

 

[ishiboo]

Because many people know that anything made by the unions are proudly represent w/ the "made in USA" sign or badge. That's why!

I guess that's why they're removing it then... 75% of Snap-On's workforce is not a member of a union.

 

[Trey T]

I'm just saying, they might have been made somewhere else. When the time is hard, any good businessmen will shift certain portion of their product oversea. Like it or not, they will find better way to keep the cost down and prevent so much overheads toward union laborers.

American ppl are so proud that if it's made in america, they won't forget the "made in USA" w/ a big flag sign and badges. That's bc we're really bad in the labor category and only care about "professional services" category.

 

[slipjointed]

American manufacturers are on a purposeful campaign to deprogram the US population's awareness of COO.

People blame it on the consumer... but answer this: If the consumer was so apathetic about COO, why do manufacturers and resellers go to such lengths to hide it on their packaging?

I'll answer... because they know if they stamped COO clearly on the front of the packaging, then American consumers would be more aware of it, and it would hurt sales of their high profit ****.

That is why I do everything in my power to buy only from manufacturers that proudly stamp MADE IN USA on the front of their packaging.

 

[american lockpicker]

American manufacturers are on a purposeful campaign to deprogram the US population's awareness of COO.

People blame it on the consumer... but answer this: If the consumer was so apathetic about COO, why do manufacturers and resellers go to such lengths to hide it on their packaging?

I'll answer... because they know if they stamped COO clearly on the front of the packaging, then American consumers would be more aware of it, and it would hurt sales of their high profit ****.

That is why I do everything in my power to buy only from manufacturers that proudly stamp MADE IN USA on the front of their packaging.

Amen.

 

[HandyManny]

I don't know about you guys but to me Snap On's quality has slipped over the last ten years. No longer are the ratchets stamped USA and the plastics seem rather dollar-storish. My dealer's explanation was that overseas buyers would not purchase any USA stamped tools because of our reputation as a country. I find this rather disturbing. If I'm paying top dollar for Snap On it better damn well be made in Kenosha. This really irritates me and I am finding that explanation very hard to believe. Even the storage units and carts are becoming questionable. You thoughts please. Am I the only one? BTW I have come to appreciate older US made tools whether it be Craftsman or Indestro. Thanks for reading my rant.

Just curious, besides the ommition of the USA stamp and some cheaper feeling plastic being used, what else gives you the impression that Snap-On's quality has declined. I really don't know, so this is a genuine question and not a statement. I'd really like to know. I don't own much of any Snap-On (was always able to wrench for a living without it). The few specialty things I had I sold years ago. Just want to know what is really happening with todays SO.

 

[znowaczyk]

Just want to know what is really happening with todays SO.

Nothing...Some people just like to hear themselves *****...

 

[slipjointed]

Nothing...Some people just like to hear themselves *****...

How long have you been buying Snap-on?

I can tell you this... getting a set of Snap-on pliers with crooked jaws was unheard of 20 years ago, as was getting a set of "brand new" screwdrivers direct from SO that looked like they were run through a garbage disposal.

You know what else was unheard of 20 years ago? A Snap-on tool missing the following marking: USA

 

[GoBlue]

The ratchets may not say USA, but they are still made in USA.

What does "Snap on quality" have to do with them removing the USA from the ratchets?

If you believe that i have a bridge i'll sell you

 

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

Because many people know that anything made by the unions are proudly represent w/ the "made in USA" sign or badge. That's why!

Hahaha, unions are one the reasons these manufacturers are going overseas.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Judging from Diesel Research's list, it looks like most of Snappy's US manufacturing is done in decidedly non-union places. If they opened a factory in southeastern Kentucky paying $10.00 an hour there would be people fighting each other to get hired.

I don't at all believe that SO removed "USA" from tools because certain parts of the world don't like us. A large portion of the world has always hated us, thats well founded by history. They stamped 'em USA all through the Depression, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, various misadventures in the 80's, and now they suddenly decide to pretend they're not an American company?

Whether you like them or not SO is an American icon and everyone knows it. Nobody from outside the US is going to suddenly start buying Snappy because they're no longer stamped USA. Snappy has made alot of tools for global markets in other countries and stamped the COO on them. One of my former employers was from Canada, he had a bunch of SO tools that were stamped "Canada" but otherwise identical to the US ones.

 

[BloodySinner]

American manufacturers are on a purposeful campaign to deprogram the US population's awareness of COO.

People blame it on the consumer... but answer this: If the consumer was so apathetic about COO, why do manufacturers and resellers go to such lengths to hide it on their packaging?

I'll answer... because they know if they stamped COO clearly on the front of the packaging, then American consumers would be more aware of it, and it would hurt sales of their high profit ****.

That is why I do everything in my power to buy only from manufacturers that proudly stamp MADE IN USA on the front of their packaging.

The only intelligent and meaningful post in this thread.

 

[znowaczyk]

How long have you been buying Snap-on?

I can tell you this... getting a set of Snap-on pliers with crooked jaws was unheard of 20 years ago, as was getting a set of "brand new" screwdrivers direct from SO that looked like they were run through a garbage disposal.

You know what else was unheard of 20 years ago? A Snap-on tool missing the following marking: USA

Been buying Snap-On for a few years. I use them in a professional setting. I guess that is the nice thing about being a part of the "target demographic." I get to see the tools before I buy them. I don't have to order them online and wait for the UPS guy.

And another thing about all the guys I have worked with, nobody gives a **** about COO. Nobody cares. "Made in USA" does not mean now what it did 20 years ago. All I care about is function. I don't care who made it or where it was made.

After all, a "USA" stamping is just that, a stamping. It is in no way indicative of quality or craftsmanship. Maybe at one time it was. That time has sadly passed.

After all, it's only tools, not a pecker measuring contest!

 

[chadster1]

And another thing about all the guys I have worked with, nobody gives a **** about COO. Nobody cares. "Made in USA" does not mean now what it did 20 years ago. All I care about is function. I don't care who made it or where it was made.

This is the same sentiment that 99.9% of my customers have.

 

[slipjointed]

Been buying Snap-On for a few years. I use them in a professional setting. I guess that is the nice thing about being a part of the "target demographic." I get to see the tools before I buy them. I don't have to order them online and wait for the UPS guy.

And another thing about all the guys I have worked with, nobody gives a **** about COO. Nobody cares. "Made in USA" does not mean now what it did 20 years ago. All I care about is function. I don't care who made it or where it was made.

After all, a "USA" stamping is just that, a stamping. It is in no way indicative of quality or craftsmanship. Maybe at one time it was. That time has sadly passed.

After all, it's only tools, not a pecker measuring contest!

This is the same sentiment that 99.9% of my customers have.

It's funny, I constantly hear Snap-on users slam Mac and Matco for overpriced import tools, but all of a sudden when it's Snap-on, the story changes to "Oh, well nobody cares where it came from, as long as it's quality and it gets the job done"

 

[GoBlue]

No ****...i was just about to say the same thing.

COO is only important to Sears and Mac...not Snapon?

I use their tools in a professional setting too...and can honestly say that coo is important. Most guys i work with, myself included will not pay Snap on prices for imported stuff.

I am a big Snap on fan and supporter. It pains me to end to think they may be on the same path as Mac or Craftsman.

 

[Knuckle Buster]

I recently purchased a couple sets of Snap-on pliers, and the jaws were completely misaligned when closed. They also were missing the USA marking, even though I am sure they were still USA made.

Snap-on's official reasoning for the removal of USA from their tools leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. I'm not interested in supporting a company that feels that way about my country of birth, and so I sold all of my Snap-on tools and replaced them with Wright and SK.

Hard working American citizens made the Snap-on name what it is today, and IMO anyone who doesn't like the fact that Snap-on is an American company, can stick their opinion where the sun doesn't shine.

Obviously Snap-on is more interested in pandering to the USA haters, instead of being a positive influence, and reinforcing America's reputation in manufacturing by selling high quality tools marked with "USA".




You realize that people complaining about others complaining about this are beating the dead horse right along side them, right?



Yep, let's ignore it and never discuss the importance of COO again.

Hell, maybe we should just give up, call China, and tell them to come get the keys.

I know how you feel. Some people just don't care because life is good at their house. If they found themselves looking for work with no luck, then they'd start bitchin' like some of the unemployed Americans are. We lost about 1,000 jobs in one lick when a company decided to offshore labor.

 

[ishiboo]

Been buying Snap-On for a few years. I use them in a professional setting. I guess that is the nice thing about being a part of the "target demographic." I get to see the tools before I buy them. I don't have to order them online and wait for the UPS guy.

And another thing about all the guys I have worked with, nobody gives a **** about COO. Nobody cares. "Made in USA" does not mean now what it did 20 years ago. All I care about is function. I don't care who made it or where it was made.

After all, a "USA" stamping is just that, a stamping. It is in no way indicative of quality or craftsmanship. Maybe at one time it was. That time has sadly passed.

After all, it's only tools, not a pecker measuring contest!

Amen.

<rant>
Snap-on excluded, I am sick of companies using Made in USA to advertise their ************* product. I have worked the lowest level jobs in manufacturing when I was a couple years younger, and your average worker is lazy, self-serving and really could give a **** about what they make. I'd rather shell out less of my hard-earned money for a decent product that a hard-working person from Umzbeckistan getting 12 cents an hour made which put food on their table for them and their kids, then pay more for a piece of **** made by lazy people who thought being made in the USA and having it stamped as such fooled some sucker into buying it, all while they went on strike because some executive they think has no concept of reality DARED to ask they pay a horrendous 5% of their ballooning healthcare costs from sitting on their fat asses eating trans fats in a time when costs are rising, profits are down and the economy ***** and they're lucky to have $25/hr jobs pushing buttons at all.

My friend started at a local company, and the union guy told him not to work harder than those around him or make them look bad on his first day. Don't support the union and you're threatened, looked down upon and an outcast. If he gets $15/hr for sweeping floors as a Level A job, and they ask him to sweep floors while whistling which is considered a Level B job and worthy of an additional 2 bucks an hour, they file a grievance even though it was no harder or required no more training, skills or effort. People take pride in stuff just because it's union-made, and Made in the USA, with little consideration that their product ***** compared to a foreign version for less money made by people that worked hard on a 20 hour shift getting 1/30th what we do with zero benefits. This is not true for every worker by any means, and there are lots of people who genuinely work hard and care, but the frequency of which I saw this sickens me.

Buy stuff Made in USA when it's a quality product, even if it costs more than the foreign stuff, so you support people who work hard and a company manufacturing a good product at a fair price. Don't buy Made in USA solely because it's Made in USA. Make Made in USA mean something again.
</rant>

 

[znowaczyk]

It's funny, I constantly hear Snap-on users slam Mac and Matco for overpriced import tools, but all of a sudden when it's Snap-on, the story changes to "Oh, well nobody cares where it came from, as long as it's quality and it gets the job done"

I don't ***** about any of that. I don't use MAC because my area does not have a dealer. I have a ton of MATCO stuff, I am sure some of it is imported.

I have even asked the cars. They do not care where my tools were made either. I am not less productive because some tool was made in China. I am not more productive because some were made in America.

I have found it does effect productivity polishing tools and sitting on a tower....