Are Snap-On sockets worth the money? I know they are quality and made in USA, but $234 for a set of SAE shallow 6-point sockets is pretty steep. That is 9-10 times what I paid for a set of DeWalt sockets. I have some DeWalt, GearWrench, SK and one set of Snap-On. When I look inside at the way they are made and the broaching, clearly Snap-On looks better to me. Very refined and precise. I have not looked at Matco or Mac. If I am going to spend the money for tool truck quality sockets, I would go with Snap-On. I don't think SK is made in USA anymore. I would appreciate any input on what you guys think on sockets.
Snap-On Sockets
- Thread starter DRider
- Start date
BillK
Well-known member
How are you going to be using (or abusing) them ? I have almost all Craftsman at home that I have had for years but at my business I have mostly Snap On.
The ones at work get used every day and sometimes abused. I can only think of one Snap On socket that has ever failed and I was probably abusing it at the time
That being said I cannot remember ever having a Craftsman socket fail. They do not get used that much at home but I dont baby them either.
I think that for home use almost anything will be just fine.
The ones at work get used every day and sometimes abused. I can only think of one Snap On socket that has ever failed and I was probably abusing it at the time
That being said I cannot remember ever having a Craftsman socket fail. They do not get used that much at home but I dont baby them either.
I think that for home use almost anything will be just fine.
Alienbaby17
Well-known member
I have been professionally working on cars for over 25 years. About half my sockets are Snap-on, most of which were included in a starter set I bought from them in Vo-tech. At the time I was just starting out and didn’t have money to buy ALL Snap-on so I rounded out my sets with mostly Craftsman and even some Campbell Hausfield impact sockets from Walmart. The thought had been that if any of the cheaper ones broke I’d replace them with Snap-on. 25 years later I still have 95% of those original sockets. The cheapies have held up really well. I was just telling a co-worker that the cheap Walmart impact sockets have been one of the best bang-for-the-buck tool investments I’ve made in my career.
Are Snap-on probably the best sockets made? Yes.
But, could you be just as happy with a socket that is pretty good quality for a tenth of the price? In my experience, yes.
Are Snap-on probably the best sockets made? Yes.
But, could you be just as happy with a socket that is pretty good quality for a tenth of the price? In my experience, yes.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
In the area of sockets, I don't think it's worth the premium price unless it's a unique style or size. Take a 1/4 drive 10mm swivel socket. Snap on's is a lower profile, and seems to articulate better. The quality gap between truck brand tools and non truck brands has narrowed significantly. If being USA made is important, I'd look at Proto. Ko-Ken sockets from Japan are well made but, warranty service might be a concern. There are many Taiwan made sockets than have served me well over the years. I beat the **** out of Tekton daily without issue. They have one of the widest range of no skip socket sizes across three drive sizes on the market coupled with excellent customer service.
CGarage
Well-known member
The Japanese brands I think are superior in socketry.
danski0224
Well-known member
Williams tools is a part of Snap-On, and has USA made offerings, for less than Snap-On.
Not all of the stuff is the same across the two lines, nor is coverage the same. But, I'd certainly look there.
Not all of the stuff is the same across the two lines, nor is coverage the same. But, I'd certainly look there.
Thanks for the input. I did want US made. I checked Wright Tool on Amazon and they are around $95 - less than half the price of Snap-On. This is just for DYI tinkering at home, but at the same time, I am building a heck of a tool collection and want the best. Or at least some tool truck quality. I'll take a look at Proto, but I know they were bought by Stanley Black and Decker I believe. I would only have Snap-On sets in metric and SAE for 3/8" drive as I feel that size gets the most use. I already have the metric Snap-On shallow set and several Snap-On ratchets.
woody 73
Well-known member
All of the above posters are spot on
The Williams USA are made by snap on.
Support for an American Company, Wright tools.
Proto very well made.
Japanese made sockets top notch.
Tekton Good customer support.
Old Walmart from back in the day very nice.
I don't think you can go wrong with anything you choose.
The Williams USA are made by snap on.
Support for an American Company, Wright tools.
Proto very well made.
Japanese made sockets top notch.
Tekton Good customer support.
Old Walmart from back in the day very nice.
I don't think you can go wrong with anything you choose.
Snap On tools are rarely the best. Their sockets are the biggest ripoff. Frequently saw people use Snap On ratchets with other sockets brands. That's right, because their sockets are a lot more expensive than ratchets, and people typically are more fond of ratchets.
Wrench97
Well-known member
If you use them all day every day and need replacements within hours after breaking one yes they are worth it.
If you use sockets on weekends and can afford to wait for a replacement or don't mind the drive to get one than no these are not the sockets you need.
If you use sockets on weekends and can afford to wait for a replacement or don't mind the drive to get one than no these are not the sockets you need.
Ole Slewfoot
Well-known member
So you have those, and the others in hand, presumably having tried to use both.
Did they work for you?
Why would it matter what we thought?
And yet the ones you have never tried, you discount out of hand.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
In my opinion using sockets everyday. No Snap-on is not worth it in the area of sockets. They are nice but really expensive and I personally don’t see a need for them. But everyone has their own opinion and experience and that’s fine. For me I just buy whatever gets the job done that I know will last. Country it’s made in doesn’t matter to me personally. Mostly pawn shops stuff, Craftsman USA and auto parts stores tools that have done the job for me. Few other brands mixed in including Snap-on like I bought a Snap-on 10 just because I wanted to have it and see how it compares to others well I can’t tell a difference in it. I also bought a few Snap-on fill ins that I couldn’t find elsewhere and they just are not a big enough difference to spend the money on. Now if it was something like screwdrivers or ratchets I’d tell you absolutely buy Snap-on but sockets no way. And keep in mind I use them everyday professionally fixing cars. The ones I have I’ve warrantied a lot for peeling chrome after a short time which is not something I experience with any other brands.
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
They are nice sockets, if you like them buy them and have them forever. Many others can turn a bolt just as good, but the fact is cost per use over a lifetime of any tool people around here buy that is as commonly used as a socket is miniscule. My average 10mm socket has been used a thousand times... not one of those did I think about how expensive it was. I did however consider how easily I could read the size, and how it fit on the driver and tool(every time Igrab a 1/4" craftsman socket with the double detent it tries to go on wrong... EVERY TIME). Also how much I like those magnetic mechanics time saver trays.
I have not bought Wright tools off Amazon for a few years. Try Zoro, Circle C Supply, and Harry J Epstein. Zoro always has 20% off.
housewolf
Well-known member
Worth it? Probably not if you mean they are cost effective and will pay for themselves over time. If you can find some value in using nicer tools than you can buy at HF, maybe so. I’ve accumulated my tools over many years and about 1/3 of my sockets are SO. I’ve bought some used (complete sets) and a couple of sets new. I’ve tried to buy higher quality for the stuff I use or abuse more. For instance; my 1/2” impact are SO, my 3/8” are icon. If I’m fighting a stubborn fastener with an impact it’s probably not going to be with my 3/8” cordless. All my 3/8” chrome sockets are SO but I upgraded to them one set at a time spread out over several years
Yep, I really like the ease of the magnetic trays versus the pop on ones, which are a pain. And the etching on Snap-On is very sharp and defined, making it easier to read.
I decided to go with Williams sockets. From what I understand, they are the same sockets and mostly likely made in the same factory. They don't come with a magnetic rail, which I really like about Snap-On, but it was $87 with no shipping charge on Amazon versus $234 + $22 shipping+- from Snap- On. This was a no brainer. I wanted to add a good quality US made set of shallow SAE sockets - fit the bill and didn't break the bank.
demarpaint
Well-known member
I went the same route a few years ago and I'm glad I did.
alinc100
Well-known member
Wiiliams made in the USA line,(not all are USA): https://protoolwarehouse.com/sockets-drive-tools/3-8/sets/
Or Wright https://www.wrighttool.com/products...ocket-sets/3-8-drive-socket-sets-sockets-only
Or Wright https://www.wrighttool.com/products...ocket-sets/3-8-drive-socket-sets-sockets-only
dr_clyde
Well-known member
I think you’ll be happy with Williams. They’re nice tools.
I have a lot of Snap on sockets and while they’re very nice, if I was starting over again I’d probably buy Wright.
Snap on’s offerings are excellent but very expensive and unless you’re actively using the warranty or the truck service it’s not worth the premium.
SK used to be my go to for midrange tools but since the foreign acquisition I’m a lot less interested in their products.
I tend to buy from companies that make excellent products first, have good manufacturing ethics second, have outstanding customer service and somewhere down the line is price.
Snap-on, Wright, Proto, and some Japanese/Euro tools like Koken or Hazet are usually where I look first for things like wrench and socket tools.
Williams and Bahco are owned by Snap-on so they fall under that same envelope but you gotta be careful you’re buying the right COO with some of these.
I have a lot of Snap on sockets and while they’re very nice, if I was starting over again I’d probably buy Wright.
Snap on’s offerings are excellent but very expensive and unless you’re actively using the warranty or the truck service it’s not worth the premium.
SK used to be my go to for midrange tools but since the foreign acquisition I’m a lot less interested in their products.
I tend to buy from companies that make excellent products first, have good manufacturing ethics second, have outstanding customer service and somewhere down the line is price.
Snap-on, Wright, Proto, and some Japanese/Euro tools like Koken or Hazet are usually where I look first for things like wrench and socket tools.
Williams and Bahco are owned by Snap-on so they fall under that same envelope but you gotta be careful you’re buying the right COO with some of these.
finn
Well-known member
I have Craftsman, SnapOn, and Gearwrench, plus a few other brands. I had planned on transitioning to all SnapOn but that never happened. In the end, there’s no disputing that SnapOn makes fine sockets. I think I have broken one Craftsman socket since the mid sixties, though, and found that my desire for an all Snapon “fleet” of sockets was irrational, and primarily ego driven.
in fact, my latest socket acquisitions have been a couple of Gearwrench 200 piece sets on sale after Christmas for $60 or so. Definatly not Snapons, but they work, and at a fraction of the cost.
in fact, my latest socket acquisitions have been a couple of Gearwrench 200 piece sets on sale after Christmas for $60 or so. Definatly not Snapons, but they work, and at a fraction of the cost.
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dnschmidt
Well-known member
As a Snap-On shareholder obviously you should certainly buy all Snap-On. As a human being with a brain sockets are the last thing in the world I would buy from Snap-On as there are so many good sockets available for 1/3 the price. Use Snap-On for the things that are unique like their new long nosed pliers. Also, their ratchets are the best or at least among the best as MATCO has a large ratchet following as well. No brand makes the best of everything. Each manufacturer has something that's industry standard. For example, Milwaukee's Sawzall. Being locked into one brand is just stupid. But that stated you should of course buy all Snap-On as my dividend checks are counting on you.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
No. I own plenty and if doing it again I wouldn't.
I agree on Snap-On rachets and have several. I think they are the best. But sockets are basically sockets and I didn't feel it was worth spending huge money to load-up on Snap-On sockets.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
Eh, that's only partly true. A lot of sockets are serviceable for casual use, but there is a pretty big difference between higher quality sockets and low end stuff. The differences tend to show up after repeated, hard use or in extreme environments.
I do have a lot of SO tools but I don't have some huge hard on for them like a lot of guys. I have a mix of SO, SK, Proto, Craftsman, Blue Point, Mac and other sockets and I can say with confidence there are a lot of sockets out there not worth two shits.
The worst sockets I've found have been Craftsman, SK and Blue Point. The chrome flakes, the drive ends woller out fast, or they just plain crack in half. Last socket I broke was a 17mm 3/8" drive SK shallow on a breaker bar. Almost new one too. Pulling on a brake caliper bolt and it about sent me on my ***.
I've had the best mileage out of my Proto, Mac and Snap On sockets. I had a 10mm SO wear out after years of air ratchet use and they just handed me a new one so I can't complain there.
Working in industry I came to really appreciate the value of Proto, Wright, Armstrong, and some other less glamorous brands. But Snap on makes an excellent albeit very expensive socket and it's not really accurate to say "sockets are basically sockets" because they really aren't.
I don't regret buying any of my Snap-on but if I had to start over again I'd be a lot more choosey about what I bought from them.
I like SO's boxes, line wrenches, long pattern and offset wrenches. Their pliers are top shelf, as are their hex/torx bit sockets and their ratchets. I like SO's picks, seal removers, trim tools and prybars a lot too. I've tried a lot of punches and chisels and I prefer SO here as well. Hammers are usually a safe buy from SO too, the warranty on their dead blows is worth the premium, as those get chewed up pretty fast if you use them enough.
I'd go Wright for sockets and regular wrenches, PB Swiss, Vessel or Wera for screwdrivers, Wiha, Wera and Bondhus for hex tools.
They may be wildly overpriced, but Snap-on does make some outstanding hand tools. Whether or not they're a good VALUE is another argument entirely (usually not). Its usually a safe bet in the dark that if you need something pretty high quality and reliable, SO is a reliable source of quality. You can get a lot more bang for your buck elsewhere though, and it takes a lot of time to find out what works well and what doesn't. Sometimes you just want a set of sockets with a lifetime warranty, truck service and ease of purchase. SO wins in that department.
There are some things I think you should avoid from the SO man. I would NEVER buy any measuring tools from SO. Especially machinist type tools like mics and calipers. I also would NEVER buy drill bits or burrs, taps and dies, or any sort of cutting tool. They're so overpriced and not even close to the same quality as brands that actual machinists use. Most of their power tools are hot garbage compared to the more common brands like Milwaukee and DeWalt. Their air tools are hit or miss, usually good enough quality but WILDLY overpriced for what you get. I regret buying my SO impact wrenches. They're just not very good for what they cost. I also think it's criminal what they charge for die grinders. I don't have any personal experience with their shop equipment but I'd think you're an idiot for buying air compressors, parts washers and stuff like that from SO. A guy I used to work with bought a SO blast cabinet and that thing was a huge POS compared to a company that actually makes decent ones. Their welders are LAUGHABLY bad. They prey on stupid shop owners who don't know any better and buy their shop equipment from the SO guy because they like their ratchets but have no idea how badly they just got screwed on their new "muscle mig" or whatever BS label they've put on it.
When I quit working 2 years ago, I bought a complete set of Snap On sockets, 3/8 drive shallow and deep in both metric and SAE, along with a ratchet. Just something I've always wanted and I wanted to get them while I still had money. Since then most of the tools I've bought have been Tecton, Sunex, Gearwrench an Klein b/c that's what fits my budget. These work just as well as the Snap On and look just as good imo. I don't regret buying the 3/8 Snap On set though.
As this example shows, with Snap On you're paying a 2-3X markup over other USA brands because the truck service (dealer has to eat), built in cost for warranty allowance, built-in "free" financing cost allowance, and because it's a public corporation that has to increase earnings yearly and increases prices accordingly. I have a lot of Williams USA chrome sockets, and for home use they've held up perfectly. The only thing I don't like about the Williams USA sockets is that the size printing isn't bigger.
I have a huge assortment of socket brands. I have a good amount of Snap-on and CAT (that looks like Snap-on). Some I got new, some I got used.
I do not think that Snap-on is worth the money UNLESS you have a Snap-on guy coming to your job. The CAT was a lot cheaper. I don’t know if it can be attained, anymore, at the prices I bought it at. A set of the CAT sockets cost around what 2-3 Snap-on sockets cost.
As far as chrome sockets go, I started with Craftsman. I had a decent amount and then I bought the huge blow molded set.
The huge Craftsman USA sets were really cheap and would do pretty much anything a DIY guy would do.
So, I had the set. If I remember correctly, it did have a couple skips that I had to buy. After that… I had no needs… I had unlimited time to search out upgrades. I bought truck and industrial brands (mostly used) over the last 15 years.
I keep a pretty complete list, on my phone, of sockets and other tools I want or need.
I could not justify buying Snap-on at retail for DIY. I do not know what your budget can justify. I will make the point that I could never have been able to afford the tool collection I have, if I did not hunt the majority down used and cheap… it was a fun ride.
I do not think that Snap-on is worth the money UNLESS you have a Snap-on guy coming to your job. The CAT was a lot cheaper. I don’t know if it can be attained, anymore, at the prices I bought it at. A set of the CAT sockets cost around what 2-3 Snap-on sockets cost.
As far as chrome sockets go, I started with Craftsman. I had a decent amount and then I bought the huge blow molded set.
The huge Craftsman USA sets were really cheap and would do pretty much anything a DIY guy would do.
So, I had the set. If I remember correctly, it did have a couple skips that I had to buy. After that… I had no needs… I had unlimited time to search out upgrades. I bought truck and industrial brands (mostly used) over the last 15 years.
I keep a pretty complete list, on my phone, of sockets and other tools I want or need.
I could not justify buying Snap-on at retail for DIY. I do not know what your budget can justify. I will make the point that I could never have been able to afford the tool collection I have, if I did not hunt the majority down used and cheap… it was a fun ride.
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2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
My main choice lately has been USA williams and tekton as far as "recent" purchases.
I have used a LOT of brands. Basically anything remotely common. I have found nothing like snap-on FDX sockets, amazing tools worth every cent. But those aren't everyday sockets, so I kind of consider them a specialty tool. I do not feel a complete set of sockets, as in all your sockets, from SO would be a wise investment if building a tool collection. I do have a few sets....off hand maybe 10 sets? High use (warranty), tight access, specialty use, etc.
I would not agree that sockets are sockets, there are definitely "tiers". Whether taking your normal 3/8 drive shallows from SK, Williams, Proto, Gearwrench, Craftsman, whoever - and going to SO is worth the $$ is up to you. SO are absolutely some of the thinnest and most petite sockets around, which can make a difference.
I would also question anyone who is anti-tool truck tools. Lots of that floats around here from people who have never used the tools, simply because they dislike the business model. Which is a fine opinion to have, but not entirely related to the question of the tool itself.
I have used a LOT of brands. Basically anything remotely common. I have found nothing like snap-on FDX sockets, amazing tools worth every cent. But those aren't everyday sockets, so I kind of consider them a specialty tool. I do not feel a complete set of sockets, as in all your sockets, from SO would be a wise investment if building a tool collection. I do have a few sets....off hand maybe 10 sets? High use (warranty), tight access, specialty use, etc.
I would not agree that sockets are sockets, there are definitely "tiers". Whether taking your normal 3/8 drive shallows from SK, Williams, Proto, Gearwrench, Craftsman, whoever - and going to SO is worth the $$ is up to you. SO are absolutely some of the thinnest and most petite sockets around, which can make a difference.
I would also question anyone who is anti-tool truck tools. Lots of that floats around here from people who have never used the tools, simply because they dislike the business model. Which is a fine opinion to have, but not entirely related to the question of the tool itself.
plinker
Well-known member
Where Snap-on does better then most would be 12pt sockets, they are generally considered the thinnest. FDX also seem to be worthwhile, but they are kinda specialty as mentioned, not something I would want to be using everyday on new or rusty bolts (severely corroded bolts are their strong point, IE the 13mm that's now a 12.5mm-ish). At times I've seen Snap-on run BOGO flyer deals for say a deep set and the shallow set is "free". That makes it pretty worthwhile and brings the price closer to affordable. Williams seems to be a good deal in general.
I'm not really sure what I would replace chrome sockets with if I had to buy tools over again, the market has changed a lot in the last ten plus years. Then again, given I'm using impact sockets in all drive sizes 95% of the time, so I'm not sure that it matters much. It's not often I need a chrome 6pt socket. But I have run into things at times where a 12pt chrome is the only thing thin walled enough to fit.
I'm not really sure what I would replace chrome sockets with if I had to buy tools over again, the market has changed a lot in the last ten plus years. Then again, given I'm using impact sockets in all drive sizes 95% of the time, so I'm not sure that it matters much. It's not often I need a chrome 6pt socket. But I have run into things at times where a 12pt chrome is the only thing thin walled enough to fit.
Chris_Hamilton
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2012
- Messages
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Guys working in the various Industries like Snap On hand tools because they come to them, warranties are usually no hassle and they are a premium product that a working guy can rely on. Are they for everyone? Probably not. Is a Mercedes or BMW for everyone? Again probably not. But they are nice. When your tools are in your hand for 40 or more hours a week, day after day, year after year, it's nice to use nice stuff. And they last. Long run probably same or less than buying various lower price sets over and over again.
And I know this thread is about sockets, but when it comes to wrenches (combination or other) and how they feel in your hand, nothing beats a Snap On. JMO.
And I know this thread is about sockets, but when it comes to wrenches (combination or other) and how they feel in your hand, nothing beats a Snap On. JMO.
Most of my sockets, wrenches and ratchets are Snap On. I’ve had many of my Snap On sockets for over 30 years and rarely do they break. I’ve broken maybe a handful of sockets, and they get used everyday. Even when the common sizes start to wear out, the Snap On guy will swap it out for a new one, no questions asked.
seber
Well-known member
I've broken a lot of Craftsman sockets over the years before I finally just gave up on them. But that is the only well known brand that has given me problems. Williams, Proto, Wright, SK all work just fine. I even have a Harbor Freight set of spline sockets made in Taiwan that have held up. Though to be honest, I haven't abused that set like I do most others.
I never regretted buying Snap-on tools but have regretted and do still regret selling some of them. I strongly prefer buying tools and other products that are Made in USA even though substantially equivalent tools and products can be sourced from Asia. Snap-on does seem to hold value better than other (including many USA) brands. I really regret selling my Snap-on 1/2 deep metric socket set, 1/2 electronic torque wrench, and both SAE and metric wrenches but they provided some quick and deeply needed cash when I needed it. Have since replaced all of above with products made in Taiwan the tools work fine at a fraction of the cost but I'd prefer having the tools that it replaced and will replace them again eventually.
danski0224
Well-known member
I bought some Williams sockets to fill in and replace some of my Craftsman sockets.
The Williams sockets are noticeably heavier. The deep ones aren't broached as far, either.
I haven't broken too many Craftsman ones over the years, and when I have, they were being abused.
I do not think that many of the "cheap" sockets made today are actually machined. I'd wager that the cheap ones are pressed from powdered metal and then sintered. The inside of the cheap sockets do not show any noticeable machining marks, and it also explains the lack of external size stamping.
The Williams sockets are noticeably heavier. The deep ones aren't broached as far, either.
I haven't broken too many Craftsman ones over the years, and when I have, they were being abused.
I do not think that many of the "cheap" sockets made today are actually machined. I'd wager that the cheap ones are pressed from powdered metal and then sintered. The inside of the cheap sockets do not show any noticeable machining marks, and it also explains the lack of external size stamping.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
By your own admission you notice no difference in performance whatsoever. But, still you long for Snap-On once again. That's why I own SNA stock. Humans always allow emotion to override their brains. As Mr. Spock would remark: They are illogical.
It has very little to do with the actual socket or brand and much more to do with what is becoming of this country. I want my kid to enjoy some of the things I've enjoyed growing up. I'll leave it at that.