Snap on tool set

[garageit]

Hey guys,

I am new to this forum looking for some information on how to build my garage up to a fully stocked garage starting from the basics. I have been looking at Snap on tool kits for sale but they seem a bit pricey, are these the best tools in the market or are there other more affordable options on the market? many questions to come later


Since i first posted i got a lot of good information back from everyone and i wan't to say thank you, even know i got caught in the middle of a war zone the information was snap on haha

Thanks

 

[gdocktor3]

Welcome. First off, for your own "well being" you shouldn't ask questions like this. It's dangerous. The Snap On fan boys will always tell you it's the best while the Matco fan boys always say it's not. This will turn into a 20 round boxing match real quick. They are very well made tools, but very expensive.

If you want USA made, buy SK and partner the sets with Snap On dual 80 ratchets. Other USA brands to look at are Proto, Wright, Williams, Armstrong, etc. you can find many, many good deals on lightly used and new old stock tools on eBay. I have purchased a lot of my tools that way.

 

[Wamsutta]

All you have to do is decide on whether you want "affordable" or "best."

 

[blown94conv]

Here we go.....

 

[buckwheat_la]

I am politely going to suggest that instead of facing the wrath of people who are about to post, literally read the last 4 or 5 pages of posts and you will get all the answers you need. Even better use search function as this subject comes up about once a day in some form. For my 2 cents, I think that there are lots of decent options other than Snap-On. (my sets are based around Gray, Gearwrench, and Mastercraft) all depends on your needs but most mid line tools are so high quality these days that you can't go wrong. Welcome btw

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Garageit...You should tell us more about yourself so we can better advise you.

How is it that you woke up one day, without a tool to your name (evidently) and decided to have a "fully stocked garage"?

Do you have a job that requires an awesome set of tools (Like TV repairman)?

Do you have hobbies that are leading you this direction (rc cars? building an aircraft of some sort? live steam? etc.?)

Does you neighbor (Mr. Jones) have a "mostly stocked garage" so you need a "fully stocked garage" to keep up?

Without more information, I have no idea how you expect us to give you advice.

Phil

 

[bobcatdan]

No single brand makes the best of everything. Tools are a very personal thing and the brand you like, others may hate. I can barely stand craftsman rp while others can't own enough. I love SK ratchets while ours say the handles hurt their hands. Now in regards to the big SO master kits, I don't like them. They seem to be as bad as most craftsman sets in having a lot of fluff you will never use and missing a lot of stuff you need.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Am I a fan boy - probably by default because I like their hand tools. There are a ton of good brands out there. Don't sell yourself short on thinking all snap on all the time is the only way to go. They have some stuff that I really like and purchased and use. Because I like it and it works and I got a helluva discount. I think their Air tools are bloated and expensive. IR All the way for me. Some argue Air Cat. Don't get blinded and drink the red Koolaid is my point. I have **** from all the trucks, HF, Sears, and they work.

Good luck

 

[M6erfan]

Oh boy...

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

My first thought is just that there's little justification to buy the most expensive version of a given tool if you only use it at home on hobbyist / DIY'er type repairs.

Beyond that, there is the issue of personal preference and experience. I started out with a carry-around Craftsman box with the most basic selection of hand tools for my own repairs at home. I bought a lot of different stuff when I went to wrenching full time to make my living. Some stuff that many here will advise is "just as good as xxxxx and it's cheaper" I will fully agree with, other items I keep my mouth shut because negative comments just start more ****. A lot of it is just like the Ford versus Chevy debate.....you may love your choice, but I'd never pay money for one....

 

[maxpower_hd]

Search is your friend.

To sort of answer the question. Snap On are among the best in quality but also among the most expensive and certainly not the most convenient if you don't have access to a truck dealer. If you use them all day every day to make money and you have a truck coming to your work then I would say the MIGHT be worth it. If you are just stocking your home garage you probably don't really need to spend the money on the most expensive line of tools there is.

I would recommend buying the best ones you can afford so you can avoid buying them twice. There is nothing wrong with used tools if you can find what you need. And there isn't a "kit" that will suit all needs. You will need to build your own kit.

 

[Trey T]

I believe SO makes great tools and trusted tools. If you have the funding, I recommend it.

There's no kit but these are must-have set for metric

9-21mm combo wrenches 12pt
9-21mm combo stubby wrenches 12pt
9-14mm shallow 1/4" drive sockets 6pt
9-14mm deep 1/4" drive sockets 6pt
9-21mm shallow 3/8" drive sockets 6pt
9-21mm deep 3/8" drive socket 6pt
1/4" & 3/8" ratchets (regular ones)

owning SO give you an appeal that you're part of a rank. so it's a good investment... IMO

 

[crewchief888]

Search is your friend.

To sort of answer the question. Snap On are among the best in quality but also among the most expensive If you are just stocking your home garage you probably don't really need to spend the money on the most expensive line of tools there is.

I would recommend buying the best ones you can afford so you can avoid buying them twice. There is nothing wrong with used tools if you can find what you need.

And there isn't a "kit" that will suit all needs. You will need to build your own kit.

as an example, bobcatdan and i have both worked for the same OEM const eq manufacturer at different dealers. we both have to make the same repairs, on the same models of machines, our choice in tools is different, both in type and brand.

no 2 mechanics are alike, neither are their selection of tools....

 

[four.cycle]

easy.
just don't drink the Kool-Aid.

second-hand stuff is more than abundant on Ebay, and if you take your time you can find stuff on there listed as "used" that's clearly never been near any car. moreover, right now (mid-summer) sales of tools on Ebay are slow; stuff that was selling for top dollar in November and December isn't moving right now.

as mentioned above, S-K, Proto, Armstrong, Williams (US), and Wright are all top-notch US-made brands and are definitely worth a look.

 

[tubamonster]

Welcome. First off, for your own "well being" you shouldn't ask questions like this. It's dangerous. The Snap On fan boys will always tell you it's the best while the Matco fan boys always say it's not. This will turn into a 20 round boxing match real quick. They are very well made tools, but very expensive.

If you want USA made, buy SK and partner the sets with Snap On dual 80 ratchets. Other USA brands to look at are Proto, Wright, Williams, Armstrong, etc. you can find many, many good deals on lightly used and new old stock tools on eBay. I have purchased a lot of my tools that way.

This is basically what I did. SK makes excellent sockets. Their combination wrenches are a little thick, but they feel good in the hand. I have Craftsman raised panel wrenches and regret it. If I had to do it again, I'd probably go with Proto or Wright for combination wrenches. The Snap On Dual 80 ratchets are worth it. You may want to check eBay for used ones though, as I bought mine that way to save a few dollars.

 

[Strouty]

If you don't like the price, buy Harbor Freight, they are just as good or even better than most Snap On tools.

 

[T45]

And by expensive, folks mean by a factor of 10x

I'd search for the threads that advise students on what to get, they are pretty good about highlighting the tradeoffs in cost and quality and keeping to a budget. There is a small core of tools that may or may not make sense to upgrade too at some stage.

For your basic (or index) toolkits, if you are asking this question I would use something decent Taiwan, or USA OEM staple brands, and then upgrade as needed. You can get a decent kit for $5k not $50k this way. Then if you insist on spending another $45k you'll then be in good shape to spend it more wisely.

Remember that tools solve problems, and you need to articulate and analyze the problems you'll be solving, to narrow down the list of "best" tools for the job.

 

[LXCam]

If you don't like the price, buy Harbor Freight, they are just as good or even better than most Snap On tools.

Good solid advice. And should you break something from HF, then replace that tool with SO.

 

[garageit]

Wow people relax i am sure all the top of the range tool "snap on" "matco" are great! all the information here has been very useful many people have some very good view's on the product's i am looking to buy. I don't have a budget so to speak but i din't want to buy tools just because it has a good name for example i am not an "Apple" fan, yet it has a really good name..

Thanks for the info guys!!!

 

[Kenskip1]

Good solid advice. And should you break something from HF, then replace that tool with SO.

I have purchased several tools from HF.Three ratchets, and several air tools.I do all of my own service work on my and other vehicles. Not a problem.I use the impact sockets to rotate tires, wrenches for oil changes, ext.
Also, Walmart has sales on socket sets once in a while.I purchased a 50+ piece 1/4 drive impact set made by Stanley.

 

[ZRX61]

You don't need to buy Snap On, just don't buy ****.

I've been wrenching since the '70's I have one SnapOn screwdriver (a gift), one wrench & a set of 3/8drive Whitworth sockets (which was also a gift). So in 40 years I've bought ONE* SnapOn tool... It's a 10mm combination wrench.



*I was almost killed by a SnapOn grinder that lit me up with 240v/13a. I had words with the dealer, mostly one syllable.

 

[garageit]

something along the lines of this??

 

[cgrutt]

Agree with others you should give us some more info on what you are trying to accomplish and what you already have before we comment on what you should get. Is that Stanley set your idea of a fully stocked garage? I was going to recommend taking a look at a Craftsman mechanics set that includes a basic assortment of sockets, wrenches, pliers, etc but that pic really has tossed a monkey wrench into everything but it seems to me you're not seriously considering Snap On, LOL. I've been collecting tools for 40 years and still wouldn't consider my collection a fully stocked garage, LOL. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

 

[gdocktor3]

something along the lines of this??

Thats not what we were thinking. Now you went and got everyone in a tizzy and you're looking at $30 tool sets from Walmart.

Since that set is on par with Harbor Freight tools, just drive down there and pick them up. This way, if something breaks, you can replace them at HF instead of having to mail them in to Stanley. HF is cheaper too. My spider senses are telling me that that set will meet all your needs though.

 

[Jim Diesel]

I wrench professionally also. I own just one or two SO items. It is not that I don't like them, I just can not justify the price. If they were 500% better in quality, then I would be happy to pay 500% more in price. But the fact is, their not.

I will still only buy trade quality tools with a lifetime warranty and good dealer support. There is a lot of tools out there on par these days that do not require a second mortgage on the house.

 

[Keelhauled]

Hell, I don't see anything wrong with that socket set. My boss has a Stanley set that he uses to work on $200k farm equipment. Hasn't broken yet, I'd say he got his money's worth and then some.

 

[colin39]

Agree with others you should give us some more info on what you are trying to accomplish and what you already have before we comment on what you should get. Is that Stanley set your idea of a fully stocked garage? I was going to recommend taking a look at a Craftsman mechanics set that includes a basic assortment of sockets, wrenches, pliers, etc but that pic really has tossed a monkey wrench into everything but it seems to me you're not seriously considering Snap On, LOL. I've been collecting tools for 40 years and still wouldn't consider my collection a fully stocked garage, LOL. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

What he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

From Snap-On to Stanley... troll

 

[JUNK-MAN]

My suggestion is that you buy the basics first, Wrenches, sockets screwdrivers and pliers than build on to your set.

 

[Strouty]

With Snap On tools, I find that if you have a shop and a truck that comes by weekly you are buying the service as much as the quality. Heck in a lot of instances the service surpasses the quality. A lot depends on the driver as well as how much kool aid you sip. Just recently I swapped a rusty 1 1/2" wrench out for a new one because of chrome issues. This was fully sanctioned by my driver so I have no hard feelings about it what so ever.

Therefore, if you have no driver, I would not recommend buying snap on for all your tools, maybe for some of the best things they sell, but even then I would buy used over new.

 

[stage20]

I wrench professionally also. I own just one or two SO items. It is not that I don't like them, I just can not justify the price. If they were 500% better in quality, then I would be happy to pay 500% more in price. But the fact is, their not.

I will still only buy trade quality tools with a lifetime warranty and good dealer support. There is a lot of tools out there on par these days that do not require a second mortgage on the house.

you are only paying for a certain amount of quality. yes there stuff is better made than most. will it break? sure. nothing is bulletproof from misuse or years of service. you are paying for the service of a truck comming to your location, and warranty. all this is bundled up front in a big hefty price.

 

[sberry]

This is a guy that needs Sears or Stanley to start with and these sets are a bargain and a good way to get a foot in the door.

 

[Trey T]

Well, if you can finance some basic SO socket, ratchet, or wrench, then it might be a better investment than trying to get something from Sears or Wal-Mart.

 

[colin39]

At work today, we had the tool van in, one of the steering wheel attendants walked on and looked about and asked for a cataloge, the tool guy said "sorry we dont have cataloges anymore heres an old one that i loan out but i want it back"
Steering wheel attendant said "there no prices in here" so the tool guy gave him a price on a set of screwdrivers that were on special, the s,w,a, walk of quietly.
Lol and he asks why we are payed the money we are. Lol

 

[a52-830]

i'll wade in.

before you buy *anything*, research the hell out of it. look at used on craigslist and ebay. google the model numbers you find, and see how old they are, and what their specifications are.

as an example, ratchets from the 70's appear to have 30 something teeth. today, the average in better tools seems to be about 80, one vendor makes ratchets with 128 teeth. the number of teeth effects the amount of swing you need to make one click. the less swing, the more likely you are able to use it in tight situations.

keep notes. i use a spreadsheet. i add columns as i discover things i want to keep rack of.

as others have said, there is no right answer. one manufacturers make great widgets, but their thingamabobs are not the greatest. sometimes used, even 40 year old stuff, might fit your needs just as well, and cost a lot less than the equivalent in newer stuff.

good luck. this subject is full of religion.

 

[stevenhs]

If you have the money to burn go ahead get snap on. I personally would get Williams or sk tools for home garage.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Garageit...You should tell us more about yourself so we can better advise you.

How is it that you woke up one day, without a tool to your name (evidently) and decided to have a "fully stocked garage"?

Do you have a job that requires an awesome set of tools (Like TV repairman)?

Do you have hobbies that are leading you this direction (rc cars? building an aircraft of some sort? live steam? etc.?)

Does you neighbor (Mr. Jones) have a "mostly stocked garage" so you need a "fully stocked garage" to keep up?

Without more information, I have no idea how you expect us to give you advice.

Phil

Hope this guy isn't in a big hurry to buy those tools.. He has some serious questions to answer first.
In the meantime, I'll buy You a brew in gratitude for saving Me a pile of typing... I'm asking for buttered popcorn to go with the beer, as I doubt there is any rush..

 

[Jim Diesel]

you are only paying for a certain amount of quality. yes there stuff is better made than most. will it break? sure. nothing is bulletproof from misuse or years of service. you are paying for the service of a truck comming to your location, and warranty. all this is bundled up front in a big hefty price.

Yeah I get that a portion of that price is for the ongoing service and support. Don't know what its like in the states, but we have a lot of independent tool trucks selling heaps of different brands on board. Most of the hand tool brands are backed by life time warranties which my local truck guy takes care of. The brands they sell are trade quality and he looks after all service and replacement needs. Because the brands are available in most tool shops, in the event I miss the truck I can simply pop into the shop and have my problem addressed, not so simple with SO.