I'm working towards becoming a professional certified mechanic. I already take a auto tech class, we have a shop, car lifts, etc. All the tools we have are Snap-On tools. I like them, they are really high quality. Since i plan to make a career out of this, I wanted to buy my first basic tools, standard + metric sockets and combination wrench sets and some ratchets and i wanted them to be Snap-On. I already have some money saved up and Snap-On has a student discount of 55% off any Snap-On tools from their website. Their website is down and i don't know when it will be back up. The tool truck does stop by from time to time, do you think they will still honor their discount if I buy from the tool truck? Other people tell me that I should just go with Craftsman because they are cheaper, what do you think. Are they just as good?
Snap-On tools
- Thread starter Jose26282
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blackz26
Banned
William. Same thing. Much cheaper. All the positive I can say
warmpancakes
Well-known member
discount is only from snap on direct, odds are truck is a independent also if you are going to work iin a dealer you most likely wont need the SAE tools , and some williams is the same but not all,
I saved money by passing on standard, only standard I got is in my 1/4 ratchet metric and standard socket set and 1/2 shallow impact I got free with a metric set. All else is metric. Just don't break the bank only to decide you don't wanna do this anymore. Saw that a lot.
ihateminimumwage
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Wait for the website. I'd say first purchase go for a set of 80 tooth ratchets, and their combo wrenches.
For sockets, look into Williams USA. Identical to Snap-On, just a different stamp from the factory. Williams screwdrivers are the old style hard handled Snap-Ons. The Williams USA Supercombo wrenches I bought I almost like more than my Snappys. Williams Taiwan stuff is the same as Blue Point. USA part numbers will be a mix of letters and numbers, Taiwan is all numbers.
http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/30/home.htm
I've posted this pic before, but it shows a gap in my Williams USA set filled with an identical Snappy...
For sockets, look into Williams USA. Identical to Snap-On, just a different stamp from the factory. Williams screwdrivers are the old style hard handled Snap-Ons. The Williams USA Supercombo wrenches I bought I almost like more than my Snappys. Williams Taiwan stuff is the same as Blue Point. USA part numbers will be a mix of letters and numbers, Taiwan is all numbers.
http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/30/home.htm
I've posted this pic before, but it shows a gap in my Williams USA set filled with an identical Snappy...
Stooge
Well-known member
Wait for the site to come back up, 55%off is huge savings. Ive never been a huge craftsman fan but they will get the job done. Sk hand tool has always been my go to for more affordable quality tools, tooltopia.com carries a lot of what the SK line, and toolsdelivered.com has a lot of the Williams stuff for good prices, both are real quality tools without the intimidating prices. Ratchets on the other hand, I like to get snap on or matco, which would be a perfect use for that student discount
Utilize the discount while you can... Especially on your everyday drive tools, talk to some off the other guys in the shop and see what they are using daily and go from there. The turnover rate on New Techs is fairly high... I Alone have purchased quite a few sets from kids who have changed there mind, with that said.. the discount allows you to recoup your money fairly easily. Its also very easy to get in over your head initially, so use your head/pay attention to what's going on in your shop, don't be scared to invest in your career early on... Only you know your finances and what you can do.
Williams is Not the same thing "across the board".. Some stuff shares the same dies, but not everything as indicated earlier..
Williams is Not the same thing "across the board".. Some stuff shares the same dies, but not everything as indicated earlier..
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F-Bobby
Well-known member
If you're hard set on getting snap on stuff, I would hunt around on Ebay. You can usually find really good deals on there. But yeah listen to the guys on here. I'm gonna start lookin into Williams stuff as well to fill in some gaps in my set.
Oh and USE that Discount as much as you can.
Oh and USE that Discount as much as you can.
Toolman12
Well-known member
Some of the best snappy deals are right here on GJ you won't have to look for long also Craigslist in your area will post some good stuff as well. You don't have to pay retail just ask anyone here on this forum that has bought from anyone selling tools always good deals to be had.
ihateminimumwage
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Oh, and if/when you look into some Willams stuff, ZTSupply on eBay is an excellent seller (also a member on here), you can find some decent deals on Amazon as well.
Stay away from MRO Center though. They offer the best prices, and used to have good customer service, but it took them almost 2 months to get me a set of deep metric sockets. I ordered one filler socket from them in January, and it just arrived yesterday. Only after I contacted my bank to dispute the charge to my account (MRO no longer answer the phone, emails, messages, etc). I will no longer be doing business with them, and recommend the same to anyone else.
Stay away from MRO Center though. They offer the best prices, and used to have good customer service, but it took them almost 2 months to get me a set of deep metric sockets. I ordered one filler socket from them in January, and it just arrived yesterday. Only after I contacted my bank to dispute the charge to my account (MRO no longer answer the phone, emails, messages, etc). I will no longer be doing business with them, and recommend the same to anyone else.
oldldh
Well-known member
Don't forget that as a full time mechanic, in someone else's shop, you will be running a small business...
Successful small businesses do not go into business with a boatload of debt...if you start out with down market tools you will get the "mostest for the leastest"!!!
After you're a "Successful Professional", by all means, upgrade to truck tools, but starting off that way may be a bad plan...
Sound business practices will make you more money, than a "look at me" toolbox and tools...
Successful small businesses do not go into business with a boatload of debt...if you start out with down market tools you will get the "mostest for the leastest"!!!
After you're a "Successful Professional", by all means, upgrade to truck tools, but starting off that way may be a bad plan...
Sound business practices will make you more money, than a "look at me" toolbox and tools...
Ill agree to a point... Lets not confuse a initial 3-5k investment (during your student discount) In reality, that is gonna cover the majority of your basic hand tools. I don't think anyone is recommending that the Op buys 40k worth of tools and a box right off the bat. <---I doubt you would find a lender willing to even cover that note in today's banking system. I've talked to lots of techs in my time, and very few don't regret picking up more during the student promotion period, balancing "Need" with your individual finances is what is important IMO.
It depends on how serious you are about doing this for a living.
From the nature of the question I would say you haven't worked in the field to any great extent and may very well change your mind, most people who start out wanting to be a mechanic do change their minds.
If I've misunderstood and you know for a fact you will do this as a career, get as many of the snap-on high use/expensive tools as you can now with the discount. Say, impact swivels, impact extensions, wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers - snap ring pliers especially.
If you aren't sure, might be best to get one of the more reasonable craftsman sets and one of the $169 Harbor Freight 5 drawer carts. Would give you something to work with for now, something to build on if you continue down this path, or if you change your mind you will at least have a decent home set.
If you do end up doing mechanical work for a living you will wish you had gotten the snap-ons at that price though, having a nearby truck almost anywhere with a hassle free warranty is what makes snap-on tools valuable in my opinion.
From the nature of the question I would say you haven't worked in the field to any great extent and may very well change your mind, most people who start out wanting to be a mechanic do change their minds.
If I've misunderstood and you know for a fact you will do this as a career, get as many of the snap-on high use/expensive tools as you can now with the discount. Say, impact swivels, impact extensions, wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers - snap ring pliers especially.
If you aren't sure, might be best to get one of the more reasonable craftsman sets and one of the $169 Harbor Freight 5 drawer carts. Would give you something to work with for now, something to build on if you continue down this path, or if you change your mind you will at least have a decent home set.
If you do end up doing mechanical work for a living you will wish you had gotten the snap-ons at that price though, having a nearby truck almost anywhere with a hassle free warranty is what makes snap-on tools valuable in my opinion.
Sockets: Go to harbor freight. Starting out, HF sockets will do everything you need them to, they carry a life warranty, and they are cheap(!).
Wrenches: Snap-On. Get your metric wrenches in like 10-25mm and get the matching line wrenches as well. Cheap wrenches, especially HF ones, will slip on bolts and that's just a PITA when you're doing an oil change your first week in the shop and you round off a drain bolt. And then when you can, get the ratcheting flex wrenches from GearWrench. And then invest in some Crow's Feet from SO.
Ratchets: Cheap ratchets work for a while, but there is simply nothing as nice as a good high-tooth wrench. Even without the student discount, the Dual 80's are worth it. Through SEP, you can get a good Dual 80, Flex Head, Extra Long/18" handle, comfort grip 3/8" ratchet for like $80. That wrench is simply a JOY to use and the flex head saves so much time/makes things so much easier.
Impact: Get a good one up front. A basic Ingersoll-Rand will work well and can be used as a hammer, but if you like SO's impacts, get a good 1/2" drive one with the discount while you can.
Electric: Get a good battery saver. Get a good electric impact/drill combo, get some basic drill bits and stuff. And then keep an eye on it, because the mechanics that don't have one will want to borrow it.
And consider a decent box when you can afford it. SO's boxes aren't that badly priced with the discount. Just don't buy a big box and have no tools, do the other way around (good tools and cheap box).
Also, don't give up. Everyone is retarded their first month in a shop.
Wrenches: Snap-On. Get your metric wrenches in like 10-25mm and get the matching line wrenches as well. Cheap wrenches, especially HF ones, will slip on bolts and that's just a PITA when you're doing an oil change your first week in the shop and you round off a drain bolt. And then when you can, get the ratcheting flex wrenches from GearWrench. And then invest in some Crow's Feet from SO.
Ratchets: Cheap ratchets work for a while, but there is simply nothing as nice as a good high-tooth wrench. Even without the student discount, the Dual 80's are worth it. Through SEP, you can get a good Dual 80, Flex Head, Extra Long/18" handle, comfort grip 3/8" ratchet for like $80. That wrench is simply a JOY to use and the flex head saves so much time/makes things so much easier.
Impact: Get a good one up front. A basic Ingersoll-Rand will work well and can be used as a hammer, but if you like SO's impacts, get a good 1/2" drive one with the discount while you can.
Electric: Get a good battery saver. Get a good electric impact/drill combo, get some basic drill bits and stuff. And then keep an eye on it, because the mechanics that don't have one will want to borrow it.
And consider a decent box when you can afford it. SO's boxes aren't that badly priced with the discount. Just don't buy a big box and have no tools, do the other way around (good tools and cheap box).
Also, don't give up. Everyone is retarded their first month in a shop.
Just wait for the web site. Use your student discount while you can and purchase a small box or cart and most of the common tools needed to start off with from the website that you can afford at the moment. Then, when you find employment you can purchase on credit from your local truck ( weekly payments ). This is how I started. Just remember to keep it at a minimum when starting out on credit off the truck. People overlook the fact that Snapon/Mac/Matco is not only superior in the quality department but also just as convenient with their weekly payment plan. Also, when you're ready to upgrade, your ( Tool of choice man ) will give you a good bit of credit for your box/cart towards the upgraded one.. If you're set on doing this for a living, get used to making the weekly payment. I have and I'm always finding my self needing something else.
On a side note, If money isn't an issue, Craigslist has some good deals. You know what they say, cash is king. By the way, you will find over time that you can get away with cheaper tools for certain jobs but NOT ALL.. Good luck!
On a side note, If money isn't an issue, Craigslist has some good deals. You know what they say, cash is king. By the way, you will find over time that you can get away with cheaper tools for certain jobs but NOT ALL.. Good luck!
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richfinn
Well-known member
A little Snap On will do you good as a junior tech to keep your spirits up and give you some confidence, but bear in mind your still young and you only live once and there are other things in life you need to do yet.
ihateminimumwage
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Very, very true.Lurch67
Well-known member
Check when your Snap-on discount ends. The discount is better than most craigslist or EBay. Worst case, you can sell back at your cost on GJ. Below is my tool recommendation, which I’m purchasing for my use.
Tools cost are deductible if you need them for work, but must be at least 2% of AGI, which shouldn't be too hard the first year.
Craftsman 207 piece six point set for $250. This should cover most of your needs, and they come with a life time warranty. This includes SAE sockets, SAE six point wrench, SAE impacts, which you shouldn’t need for very many car repairs. Save your money for some metric sockets from Snap-On. When you discount runs out, you can review the lower cost alternatives, such as Williams.
Harbor Freight Tool box until you have sufficient funds for the discount Snap-on box
IR impact gun 231C $150
Snap-on must have with student discount
1) Ratchets
2) Line (flare) wrenches metric
3) Screwdrivers
4) FD Metric wrenches
Avoid any specialized tools which are nice to have but over-priced and hard to resell. Stick with the basics tools, which you can use for everyday work.
Good Luck
Tools cost are deductible if you need them for work, but must be at least 2% of AGI, which shouldn't be too hard the first year.
Craftsman 207 piece six point set for $250. This should cover most of your needs, and they come with a life time warranty. This includes SAE sockets, SAE six point wrench, SAE impacts, which you shouldn’t need for very many car repairs. Save your money for some metric sockets from Snap-On. When you discount runs out, you can review the lower cost alternatives, such as Williams.
Harbor Freight Tool box until you have sufficient funds for the discount Snap-on box
IR impact gun 231C $150
Snap-on must have with student discount
1) Ratchets
2) Line (flare) wrenches metric
3) Screwdrivers
4) FD Metric wrenches
Avoid any specialized tools which are nice to have but over-priced and hard to resell. Stick with the basics tools, which you can use for everyday work.
Good Luck
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The 55% discount won't be around forever.
Williams USA is one branch of Williams (the best one) but will your truck guy support it? That's what makes the extra cost of new SnapOn worth it (IF it is worth it) - the truck service.
Lots of good tools out there (Ko-ken) but see above re service.
Make friends with your truck guy but be VERY particular about what you buy. And do NOT get dazzled by the glitter from the jewels on display in the truck.
SnapOn is good for stuff that is a little out of the ordinary - bent handle ratchets for example, or extra long ones. Regular stuff can be had from other manfs. at just as high a quality (but w/o the truck service). OTOH, it's hard to break a ratchet handle these days.
I agree re flare nut wrenches, but I like Vessel, Hazet, PB Swiss for screwdrivers over SnapOn.
I suggest pricing used Snappie vs. the 55% off & looking at other quality brands too. Don't get yourself deep into debt.
Williams USA is one branch of Williams (the best one) but will your truck guy support it? That's what makes the extra cost of new SnapOn worth it (IF it is worth it) - the truck service.
Lots of good tools out there (Ko-ken) but see above re service.
Make friends with your truck guy but be VERY particular about what you buy. And do NOT get dazzled by the glitter from the jewels on display in the truck.
SnapOn is good for stuff that is a little out of the ordinary - bent handle ratchets for example, or extra long ones. Regular stuff can be had from other manfs. at just as high a quality (but w/o the truck service). OTOH, it's hard to break a ratchet handle these days.
I agree re flare nut wrenches, but I like Vessel, Hazet, PB Swiss for screwdrivers over SnapOn.
I suggest pricing used Snappie vs. the 55% off & looking at other quality brands too. Don't get yourself deep into debt.
Meursault74
Well-known member
The OP's question was placed in 2013. Discount still valid?