Snap-on tool must-haves

[KM223]

Lots of guys here pointing you in the right direction. I will say that your consideration for the WTS6 is a great one. I have 2 sets and they are by far the best safety wire plier you can buy. They are made by Milbar for Snap On. And if your getting them at $125ish then you should jump on it!

 

[gdocktor3]

Make sure you get quick release dual 80 flex head ratchets while you have discount. They're superb.

 

[tvtaurus]

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.

What is wrong with S-K swivels?
The set is more complete than the Snap-On ones.

 

[ssdave]

What is wrong with S-K swivels?
The set is more complete than the Snap-On ones.

You can get even more for the same price with Craftsman, Astro, or no-name chinese. What you don't get is the longevity and strength that Snap-on have. They stay tight longer (and are warranted out if they get loose). They work at slightly greater angles than others. They don't break as easily.

Sometimes, it's about quality rather than price/quantity. If you don't need quality, go with price and quantity. Swivels are one area where I argue you need the best you can get.

 

[454ragtop]

The SK 1/4" drive swivels are closer to SO than the Astro, Gearwrench, craftsman, etc. They're shorter, more compact, to fit in tighter places.

 

[tvtaurus]

Say what:
"With forging facilities in Colorado Springs and a brand new manufacturing and distribution center in Sycamore, IL, all SK professional tools are crafted with American steel right here in the U.S.A. for quality and precision you can trust."

http://www.skhandtool.com/carousel/made-in-usa.aspx

 

[ssdave]

Nothing wrong with supporting SK if they're the quality level you want and need. Early on, I upgraded a lot of my miscellaneous tools and Craftsman to SK. They were good tools then (1980's) and even better now for many of them. I have upgraded most of them now to Proto and Snap-on, but have bought one newer metric full polish wrench set by SK that I really like.

I was just pointing out that there may be other things than the number of items in the set that you evaluate for, on some of the most demanding tools. I've had lots of swivels over the years, including SK. None have been as good as the Snap-on I have now. Based on that, I'd buy snap on over SK even if I got 30% more for the same price in SK. Others may go with the 30% more. You pays your money and makes your choices, and sometimes it's awfully hard to tell, even in retrospect which choice is better.

 

[md21722]

Colorado Springs just means they are made at Western Forge. Snap On costs more up front but you get a better tool & better support. It more or less comes down to "pay me now or pay me later" or "never time and money to do it right the first time, but always time and money to do it again."

 

[bsaint]

Must have - a good reason to shop off the tool truck and not around.

 

[KnurledNut]

Cushion throat diagonal cutters
Wire strippers/crimpers
Knipex pliers wrench
Grip-on locking pliers
DZUS screwdriver
Pin punch set
TMUBS8 universal bit socket
TMBS8A bit socket
S6106KA 7/8 spark plug socket
61ACP Duck bill pliers
SSDMR4B Ratcheting screwdriver

 

[Empty Pockets]

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

I have quite a few SK tools, and have been pleased with them. you should have no problems with SK

 

[md21722]

I've never been impressed with anything SK made. It works more or less. When you step up to Snap On, or equivalent, the increased quality is evident. I have 24" SK extensions that seem like junk compared to the Snap On versions. The Snap On steel is just better. The Snap on equivalent is thinner and stronger. That's why it costs more.

 

[Finky198]

Agreed 1000% ^^^ It might not seem significant, but when you use things all day every day every little bit makes a difference. I was recently in our local bolt house who's an SK dealer I went behind the counter to check out their stuff and it just not up to Snuff maybe back in the day it was, but they are no longer equal to snap on are they close maybe on some items, but the price difference is to close for me to justify the SK. Nor does does the warranty have the leeway that snap on does...

 

[tremek]

Like most here are saying

Id Start with These

Ratchets
Pliers
Knipex Cobras and Cutters==Sold at snap on
Screwdrivers
There Universal Sockets
Pic Set

these are great too'

FCF72

EECT200 Wireless Test Light

 

[Ramboom]

This is my first post on this forum I look post often but since its an AME related thread I will give you my 2 cents. Sorry in advance for mistake I am french Canadian. Here is some tools that I think you should have.
4 piece Pic set
SO 1/4 drive ratchet
1/4 socket set shallow and deep (they will paid for themselves over time)
4 way open end set
bluepoint screwdriver bit set
SO ratcheting screwdriver
Buy the flex head socket and torque adaptor as you go because you won't need them all and you dont save anything by buying the set
If you are working on piston engine dont buy the ultra expensive spark plug socket just buy a proto socket and cut a starter wire terminal boots into a tube and snug it into the socket that will retain the spark plug just well
1/4 drive crowfoot set is really handy
3 piece knipex adjustable plier out of chadtoolbox.com
flush cutter for T-rap (dont be the kind of guy that cut them at an angle and make everybody cut themselves afterward)
SO Duck bill
SO small long cutter (must have)
That sums what you need to get started IMO...

 

[tremek]

Oh and when and if you start buying snap on sockets i would start with there semi deep sets

 

[SS5150]

The 61acp duckbill suggested earlier is a good one. I use my stubby dual 80 3/8 flex ratchet quite a bit too. Their 1/4 swivel sockets are the best.

 

[Sycan]

The Flank Drive Plus wrenches don't chew up the fastener unless it is really tight and takes alot of force to break free. In that instance if all that would fit is an open end wrench your probably applying enough force to round the fastener with a regular wrench. I've been using those wrenches for years and don't really remember any times having issues.

 

[nelstomlinson]

I have SO and SK sockets, and have been very happy with both. My 1/4 inch swivel sockets are SK, 3/8 inch swivel sockets are SO. No signs of wear on either with about 5 years of regular evening and weekend use. Both are very effective on stubborn fasteners, too.

 

[tvtaurus]

Not Snap-On but new safety wire pliers arrived today.

 

[Chamkila]

Not Snap-On but new safety wire pliers arrived today.

who makes the bottom one? Never seen that

 

[tvtaurus]

who makes the bottom one? Never seen that

The bottom ones are NOS Vietnam/gulf war era milbar pliers. No model number on them though. I have since picked up a set of blue point safety wire pliers as well.

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[Gonzo3333]

As an aircraft mechanic myself, I would highly recommend the Snap On locking flex head 1/4" drive ratchet, some long extensions and the Snap On 1/4" drive swivel sockets from 1/4"-1/2".
I have also found some pretty good deals on wrenches in the past. I bought a set of Snap On 4 way 30-60 wrenches for $310 shipped, 3/8" all the way to 1-1/4".
I wouldn't go hog wild buying tools, get a job and see what other mechanics are using. Also, don't ever be afraid to ask questions, even the most grumpy AC mechanic will give you useful advise.

 

[tvtaurus]

As an aircraft mechanic myself, I would highly recommend the Snap On locking flex head 1/4" drive ratchet, some long extensions and the Snap On 1/4" drive swivel sockets from 1/4"-1/2".
I have also found some pretty good deals on wrenches in the past. I bought a set of Snap On 4 way 30-60 wrenches for $310 shipped, 3/8" all the way to 1-1/4".
I wouldn't go hog wild buying tools, get a job and see what other mechanics are using. Also, don't ever be afraid to ask questions, even the most grumpy AC mechanic will give you useful advise.

Too late. Already went hog-wild with buying tools. I have a 66" roller with probably 3k or mor of tools in it.

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