Snap-on tool must-haves

[tvtaurus]

I'm projected to be finishing my AMT program at the end of the summer. While I can still get student discounts from vendors, I am looking into what I should buy from Snap-on.
I already have a several craftsman socket sets. I'm mostly looking into wrenches for next purchases. These are items that I'm considering buying from Snap-on:

7 pc 12-Point Flank Drive® Plus Combination Wrench Set (3/8–3/4")
SKU: SOEX707 my price: $131.30

3 pc Pliers Set
SKU: PL300CF My price: $67.77

Wire Twister, Reversible
SKU: WTS6 My price:$123.60

Everyone says that Snap-on makes the best wrench.

For the money, this looks like the best set:
Gearwrench 81917 $100

http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrenc...ombination-non-ratcheting-wrench-set-sae.html

I like the Snap-on four way wrenches, but they are so expensive; even with my discount. I have a set of the sunex versions.

This is the most complete sae wrench set that Snap offers students with a discount.
11 pc 12-Point Combination Wrench Set (3/8 –1")
SKU: OEX711B $243.72

Just looking for thoughts and suggestions for me.

 

[JJThrasher]

SO wrenches are overpriced for what they are. I actually prefer the Gearwrenchs.

SO sockets are my favorite. They seem to have held up better than anything else I've had. I also like their ratchets.

I have the 4 piece SO pliers set, they're ok, but not even my go to ones. I ended taking them home a while back since they were just taking up space.

Their screwdrivers are nice, they tend to bite the screws better than most. I'm kinda torn 50/50 on them and some of my other ones.

The heavy duty gold Torx bits are great. Best I've ever used.

What are you planning on working on? That'll really determine what tools you'll need.

 

[rice rocket]

The real value of Snap-On is in the unlimited replacements, so get the pieces you used the most in your program, which are probably the ones you'll break the most often and need replacements.

Function-wise, will you be able to tell the difference if it did hold 300 ft-lbs instead of 291?

 

[tvtaurus]

SO wrenches are overpriced for what they are. I actually prefer the Gearwrenchs.

SO sockets are my favorite. They seem to have held up better than anything else I've had. I also like their ratchets.

I have the 4 piece SO pliers set, they're ok, but not even my go to ones. I ended taking them home a while back since they were just taking up space.

Their screwdrivers are nice, they tend to bite the screws better than most. I'm kinda torn 50/50 on them and some of my other ones.

The heavy duty gold Torx bits are great. Best I've ever used.

What are you planning on working on? That'll really determine what tools you'll need.

Well, I am finishing school to get my Airframe & Powerplant certificates. Aviation maintenance, so I am going to be working on aircraft, all standard.

What do you think about their taps and die sets? About $100 for the set with discount.

 

[JJThrasher]

I have the tap and die set and the chaser set. The chaser set is the exact same as many cheaper brands, but IIRC its the same price with the discount. The tap and die set is ok for general use, but doesn't really go big enough for my needs so I've been looking for a larger set.

 

[pistolpete1313]

Get a cheaper wire twister, I couldn't really feel a difference between the blueprint and the so. The wrenches are great and that's a once in a lifetime purchase.

The pliers are good, I broke one of those and easy replacement. Not sure how often you use the slip joint, I'd look at eliminating that.

 

[unslow1]

The Craftsman chaser set it the same. I have set them side by side. We have a tool truck equivalents thread. Honestly the only thing I would go for is the wobble plus extensions. As others have mentioned a lot of us have Snap on stuff that isn't even our go to. I like my Channellocks a lot better than my Snapon pliers. Are you allowed to have chrome tools while working on some of that aviation stuff?

You would probably be better off asking someone already working in your field of study.

 

[SwamperAK]

SO wrenches have held up far better under my abuse than any other brand. I've tried most, and generally all will start to open up after several years of hard use. Also think about some ratchets if you don't have them already. Snap On offers a huge selection, one for every thing you would want one for. A high quality ratchet can make the difference between a good day, and a frustrating day.

Consider Knipex brand for pliers. Very high quality, cheap if purchased on Amazon, but still warrentied by the tool trucks.

A comprehensive tap and die set will cost an arm and a leg, but being able to warranty broken taps might make up for it. Do you have a tendency to break a lot of taps?

Another must-have for me is the 25 piece multi-spline extractor set, and the spiral extractor sets. I break extractors frequently on stubborn bolts, and have warrantied probably the original purchase price in broken extractors by now.

What type of work will you be doing? How much experience do you have?

 

[tvtaurus]

Get a cheaper wire twister, I couldn't really feel a difference between the blueprint and the so. The wrenches are great and that's a once in a lifetime purchase.

The pliers are good, I broke one of those and easy replacement. Not sure how often you use the slip joint, I'd look at eliminating that.

I purchased a set of proto safety wire pliers from the member here out of the classifieds today. The warranty and made in USA I feel are the reasons that people buy their overpriced tools.

MIlbar makes the best safety wire pliers hands down. However they only have a one year warranty, while the Snap-on pliers have a lifetime warranty.

 

[bob15]

I would buy gold Torx socket bit set and the FD+ combo wrench set you listed. The plier set you listed is also very nice, with the pliers having a 3rd adjustment (instead of 2) and the needle nose having nice sharp teeth for grabbing stuff and would probably buy them as well.

I like Snap on screwdrivers, but that is something you must try before buying, as you might not like the handles.

I understand you have the sunex 4 angle wrench set......but I would still buy the Snap On set. Their 30 & 60 degree angle will get into places and turn fasteners your sunex won't.

I would also look at their extension sets....though I prefer the Mac knurling better.

Universal/swivel sockets in 1/4 & 3/8 drive might be something to look at at.

T&D sets.....they are the same generic set most places sell. I prefer buying 3 piece tap sets and round dies.

 

[tvtaurus]

Does anyone have any experience with astro or genius tools?
1/4" and 3/8" drive flex sockets are another invaluable tool to the AMT.

These two brands offer a little better value over the gerwrench sets.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040Y62G8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021I2KDO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UH2QNM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Pipe_guy]

Is it normal in the aerospace industry to provide your own taps and dies? I've never had to provide my own as they are considered consumables along with drill bits and files.


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[rustyzman]

I have personally always liked Snap On for many tools. For me and my own personal and professional tech use, Snap On wrenches are the best I have used. The fit me well, are comfortable for me, tend to not round the fasteners or spread and cause me harm. I have never broken one and have worked them very, very hard in some very difficult situations. They are expensive, but for me are worth it. Those prices are not bad for new off the truck. I think I paid almost $275 for my Fland Drive Plus standard set of 3/8-7/8 over 20 years ago. Still have them all, professionally used and still work like new.

That being said, if I was starting out now, with the availability of ebay, I would probably purchase used sets and save a lot of money. Your discount is good, but look and see what you can get them for that way as well. I am ok with tools that have been used and not not perfectly shiny or new, because they will not stay perfect and shiny as I use them.

The pliers set looks like a pretty good deal. I would probably go for that.
I have safety wire pliers and use them occasionally, but not regularly. Others may have a different opinion, but I would think there is a more moderately priced pair than that. I don't know for a fact, but if Snap On is not making those themselves, I would find who does make them and perhaps buy direct from them or talk to some aircraft guys and go with what they use. That is not a tool I would expect to have to warranty, so the name and cost of the Snap On may not be worth it.

Most of the time, I would search out who made the tools in the first place and try and purchase under their name. A lot of Snap On is their own and those I bought from them when I felt they were the best choice. Other items, such as re-branded Blue Point, specialty pliers or specialty service tools and the like, I bought directly branded from the real manufacturer when I could (or under their name from a retailer). Could not justify $80 allen L wrench sets when Allen and Bondhus brands could be had for under $10.

I used Craftsman, Proto and SK sockets for most of the general service sockets. Some Snap On, Mac, Matco, Cornwell for specialty items. Proto stuff has always been a good deal for me price and function wise, but I can't find any place to warranty any of it. Still worth it because they don't fail often. Big 3/4 drive was import to start and later pretty much any USA vintage brand I found along the way (Bonney, Armstrong, SK, Snap On, Proto, etc). Nowadays I would buy some Sunex for impacts. Ratchets are personal. I like my Snap On's, but also love my SK Tuff 1's. Try a couple and see what fits you best before spending too much.

Same for screwdrivers, try some and decide what fits your hand best. I like my Snap On hard handles and my Mac hard handles. Never cared for the Matco or Cornwell handles personally. I have had good luck with Stanley and Kleins as well.

Things I think Snap On does best - Flare nut wrenches, Most general service wrenches, Screwdrivers, Pullers, certain specialty tools. Regular tools like hammers, pliers and such - others do as well or better, usually for better prices. Seriously consider checking out some used stuff, you can save a lot of money in the long run.

 

[Pipe]

If planes have balljoints get the bjp1

 

[tvtaurus]

I would buy gold Torx socket bit set and the FD+ combo wrench set you listed. The plier set you listed is also very nice, with the pliers having a 3rd adjustment (instead of 2) and the needle nose having nice sharp teeth for grabbing stuff and would probably buy them as well.

I like Snap on screwdrivers, but that is something you must try before buying, as you might not like the handles.

I understand you have the sunex 4 angle wrench set......but I would still buy the Snap On set. Their 30 & 60 degree angle will get into places and turn fasteners your sunex won't.

I would also look at their extension sets....though I prefer the Mac knurling better.

Universal/swivel sockets in 1/4 & 3/8 drive might be something to look at at.

T&D sets.....they are the same generic set most places sell. I prefer buying 3 piece tap sets and round dies.

No use for torx socket sets or wrenches on aircraft

This set:
14 pc 4-Way Angle Head Open End Wrench Set (3/8–1-1/4")
SKU: VS814A My price: $410.54 MSRP:$789.50

How do you justify over $400 on one wrench set?

This set is not a terrible price

7 pc 4-Way Angle Head Fractional Open End Wrench Set (3/8—3/4")
SKU: VS807B my price: $146.77

Not a complete set, but common sizes.

 

[tvtaurus]

If planes have balljoints get the bjp1

They don't, or at least not ones you would need a press like that for.

 

[md21722]

I was going to say Flare nut wrenches as well but Pipe beat me to it.

I would go with Snap On on the swivels if they're "invaluable" as you say. The ones I have are lower profile than what is pictured from Astro, closer to what Gear Wrench shows.

You can save some money on the wrenches by not going hog wild on sizes you don't need. Do you need larger than 3/4" ? Flank Drive Plus is more for stuck or corroded fasteners. It will put teeth on the bolts or nuts. For aluminum aircraft the regulars may be better.

The 4 ways are great.

 

[tvtaurus]

Is it normal in the aerospace industry to provide your own taps and dies? I've never had to provide my own as they are considered consumables along with drill bits and files.


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It really depends on where you work. In general aviation (GA for short) Think of puddle jumping Cessnas; you would have to provide that stuff yourself. I believe commercial aviation that sort of thing is usually provided.

 

[Local]

Also check out proto anti slip or wright wright grip wrenches. You can get a set all the way to 1 1/4 for a few bucks more than the partial set your looking at. Both are comparable to snap on and will last a lifetime.

 

[tvtaurus]

I was going to say Flare nut wrenches as well but Pipe beat me to it.

I would go with Snap On on the swivels if they're "invaluable" as you say. The ones I have are lower profile than what is pictured from Astro, closer to what Gear Wrench shows.

You can save some money on the wrenches by not going hog wild on sizes you don't need. Do you need larger than 3/4" ? Flank Drive Plus is more for stuck or corroded fasteners. It will put teeth on the bolts or nuts. For aluminum aircraft the regulars may be better.

Yes, I regularly use larger than 3/4" for hoses and lines. I've used up to 1 1/8" for a fuel line on a Allison 250 turbine engine. I agree that the flank drive plus set would not be good for use without damaging the fastener. I think that set is off of the table.

 

[tvtaurus]

It's one of those things where the painful purchase is once in a lifetime kind of things.
This is the combination set I'm leaning towards.
7 pc 12-Point Combination Wrench Set (3/8–3/4") SKU: OEX707B

Angled set i'm leaning towards:

7 pc 4-Way Angle Head Fractional Open End Wrench Set (3/8—3/4") SKU: VS807B

 

[Stevenn1]

Ratchets! The Dual 80. Being in aviation you probably have to have FOD ratchets. Their extensions are a little thicker then Craftsman USA and SK tool, so one would assume higher quality here. I have their U-Joints too, very strong, never broke one yet. Never used their sockets, I have SK tool and no issues.

 

[californiaHank]

+1 on Snap-on line wrenches.
I like Snap-on ratchets as well.
I wouldn't pay the 'Snap-on premium' for anything that I didn't use a lot - If you're young, save the money and put it towards student loans and stuff that will really make a long-term difference in your life, like savings for a home, starting a family, or retirement.

 

[tvtaurus]

Just purchased a 84 tooth 1'4 flex ratchet from gear wrench the other day.

 

[crewchief888]

there are some things that i wont buy from anyone except SO

flare nut wrenches
crowsfeet both flare nut and open end types (SO has a large size range in 3/8" dr)

allen and torx bits


i do prefer SO hard handle screwdrivers/ nut drivers, & ratchets

 

[Stevenn1]

Just purchased a 84 tooth 1'4 flex ratchet from gear wrench the other day.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.......!!!!

 

[TOOL MASTER]

Got out of the aircraft industry 30 years ago, never looked back.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

Ratcheting Screwdriver and ratchets.

 

[ssdave]

I like Snap-on; A LOT. But, in wrenches, there is one I like better, and they are cheaper in what you are looking for; Proto full polish, ASD 500 wrenches:

https://www.zoro.com/proto-combo-wrench-set-antislip-38-34-in-7pc-j1200h-t500/i/G1626992/?gclid=CNvD3a-hs9ECFUdrfgodRwMBYg&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have both Snap-on and Proto, and the Proto have a slight edge on the SO, in my opinion.

I'd buy Snap on Swivel sockets, not the Astro or Gearwrench. I think they make the best and most durable swivels, particularly in 1/4".

I also like their screwdrivers, they're expensive but warranty replacements make that up over a long time. See if you like their handles, that's the deciding factor. I'd definitely go with a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver if you don't have one already.

SO needlenose pliers are very good; so are their wire cutters. If your discount brings them down below Knipex prices, it's a no-brain choice, if they are still more expensive, see which one you like best and weigh the warranty advantage.

Flare nut wrenches as recommended before are the best, their angle wrenches are nice also. But, expensive.

 

[wawaw]

Get all the 1/4 drive tools u can afford & all 12 point. Get a set of MAC 60/30 angle wrenches thru 1 inch. All the slip joint pliers, duck bills, & dykes from Channel lock. Dont buy consumables like drills & taps etc. Get Millbar wire tisters & the small one from S/O. Get yourself a good digital caliper as you will use it forever. Fifty years as an A/P mechanic. Oh also several Mag light flash lights. Working on aircraft is the best mechanics job in the world. Appreciate that.

 

[2oolhound]

No use for torx socket sets or wrenches on aircraft

This set:
14 pc 4-Way Angle Head Open End Wrench Set (3/8–1-1/4")
SKU: VS814A My price: $410.54 MSRP:$789.50

How do you justify over $400 on one wrench set?

This set is not a terrible price

7 pc 4-Way Angle Head Fractional Open End Wrench Set (3/8—3/4")
SKU: VS807B my price: $146.77

Not a complete set, but common sizes.

If you already have a set of combo wrenches then you already have a set of wrenches with a 15' offset open end. With sunex you get 60' and 15' off set so you are only really buying them for the 60' since you already have the 15'.

With SO you get 60' and 30' so both ends are unique. If you are working in a confined area where everything is very tightly packed and you can only turn a fastener 29' between obstructions the 15/60' isn't going to help you. With a 30/60 wrench your limit is <15' between obstructions not <30'

You get twice the bang for your buck with 30/60 angle heads. It's like buying 2 sets compared to the 60/15 sets.


Milibar makes safety wire pliers for everyone, so, armstrong, proto etc etc but if you're buying the dual reversible top of the line set with cush jaws your price is pretty good.

 

[joel63]

It's one of those things where the painful purchase is once in a lifetime kind of things.
This is the combination set I'm leaning towards.
7 pc 12-Point Combination Wrench Set (3/8–3/4") SKU: OEX707B

Angled set i'm leaning towards:

7 pc 4-Way Angle Head Fractional Open End Wrench Set (3/8—3/4") SKU: VS807B

Do you really need the "Plus" feature or would the regular "Flank Drive" work for you?

Either way, I would recommend the 710 set.

Good on the 4 way's. Won' t go wrong there.

 

[T45]

I like Snap-on; A LOT. But, in wrenches, there is one I like better, and they are cheaper in what you are looking for; Proto full polish, ASD 500 wrenches...

Ssdave -- as The ASD are akin to flank drive plus, wouldn't they risk damaging the faster faces?

 

[M6erfan]

Snap On Must haves?

IMO, Cadmium plated bit sockets (hex/torx, etc.), line wrenches, Pliers set is good.

I agree about the FD+ (or other "grip" style open ends) marking fasteners, this is exactly the reason why I don't use them. I'd look at SK or KTC for wrench sets that are great quality but aren't crazy priced.

Sockets/Ratchets is whatever floats your boat really. S-O is great but others will do you just fine. My preference is Koken and they make 12pt "aviation" socket sets in SAE.

Good luck and congrats on your new career!

 

[M6erfan]

Ssdave -- as The ASD are akin to flank drive plus, wouldn't they risk damaging the faster faces?

Yes...

 

[bob15]

No use for torx socket sets or wrenches on aircraft

This set:
14 pc 4-Way Angle Head Open End Wrench Set (3/8–1-1/4")
SKU: VS814A My price: $410.54 MSRP:$789.50

How do you justify over $400 on one wrench set?

This set is not a terrible price

7 pc 4-Way Angle Head Fractional Open End Wrench Set (3/8—3/4")
SKU: VS807B my price: $146.77

Not a complete set, but common sizes.

I use torx bits at home and at work. If you can get the set at a discount, they (the gold set) might come in very handy at home.....which is where mine are.

Try using the Snap On 30 & 60° someday. There are certain times where a Snap On wrench will work because of their 30/60° angles where as the 15/60° won't work. My old Snappy driver had a bolt or nut in a display with obstacles all around it except in one small area. The only wrench that would be able to turn it and have full contacts on the flats of the wrench was the Snap On 30/60° wrench. While trying to fins a picture of the Snap On sales gimmick, I found this article.....maybe it will explain the 15/60 & 30/60° angle differences: http://aviationmechanic.blogspot.com/2012/11/what-tool-truck-tools-are-worth-money.html


You might also want to check e-bay and the GJ classifieds, among other places; for good deals on tools.....including Snap On.

 

[tvtaurus]

Ssdave -- as The ASD are akin to flank drive plus, wouldn't they risk damaging the faster faces?

I already through that choice off of the table.

 

[tvtaurus]

For the same price of the Snap-on flex sockets, I can get these S-K ones and they have 3 more sockets.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCH2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ssdave]

Ssdave -- as The ASD are akin to flank drive plus, wouldn't they risk damaging the faster faces?

Proto has the groove to allow the off corner engagement, but doesn't have the agressive teeth of the Snap-on Plank Drive Plus. So, can deform the nut slightly, but doesn't mar the nut as bad as Snap-on.

Here's comparative pictures:
Snap on:

Proto:

 

[T45]

For the same price of the Snap-on flex sockets...

You're not saving money. Plenty of places to budget yourself, but the 1/4 swivels I would focus on the sizes you need and bit the bullet with the SO, especially in 12 pts if you need them for aviation.

Swivels will fail in a bunch of ways--not just the usual fitment issue. But you have the angles of the swivel and the durability of the joint to consider. A higher liklihood that warranty or replacemen might be needed. Thus a classic case where the tool truck support is worth something.