Snap On Quality?

[kngelv]

In the past few years I've broken exactly two tools and both happened within the past few weeks. One was an 8mm Williams USA 1/4" drive socket that cracked holding the upper control arm ball joint of a 2005 Jaguar Vanden Plas while I torqued the securing nut. I used a Koken Zeal after this broke with no issues. The other was a 7/16 Snap-On nut driver that broke while twisting off a bolt on the top of a valve actuator. This was done by hand and I'm somewhat strong but not "that" strong. I've never seen anything like this before.

James

 

[tool_scrounge]

Have you exposed the handle to Loctite Thread locker compound? I have seen some rather spectacular failures of otherwise tough plastics when exposed to Loctite liquid or even fumes.

 

[kngelv]

Have you exposed the handle to Loctite Thread locker compound? I have seen some rather spectacular failures of otherwise tough plastics when exposed to Loctite liquid or even fumes.

I have not.

James

 

[ChefRex]

**** breaks when you use it, my SO has been outstanding, when it breaks I get a new one.

I can only imagine how many$ I have warrantied, did I pay up front? Yes but SO has been my only constant dealer.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

All that grip strength broke that handle!

 

[zendriver]

About how old is that driver?

Plastic does not necessarily last forever.

I did break a Snap On socket about 15 years ago, but I was yanking pretty hard on a stuck brake bolt.

 

[General Geoff]

I've never seen anything like this before.

That's what the lifetime warranty is for, both of those failures seem like defects in materials or craftsmanship and not abuse.

If the nut driver was made in the 20th century, I'd chalk it up to aging plastic and just buy a replacement.

 

[kngelv]

The nut driver came out of a brand new package last year. I guess I’m most shocked on how shallow the tang was. This happened in front of three other tradesmen at work.

James

 

[whateg01]

That's what the lifetime warranty is for, both of those failures seem like defects in materials or craftsmanship and not abuse.

If the nut driver was made in the 20th century, I'd chalk it up to aging plastic and just buy a replacement.

If I paid snap on prices because of their warranty, I would make them replace it. And I don't buy new snap on, warranty or not!

 

[Wamsutta]

Williams is not as easy as Snap-on. They'll want you to send the socket in.

As far as the nut driver goes, see if the customer service email portal will allow for uploading photo attachments.

I would say with that picture, it's a slam dunk for a replacement.

What's still not clear to me though is why you chose a 1/4'' drive socket for anything chassis related and I have no idea what a valve actuator looks like on a 2005 Jaguar Vanden Plas.