Snap On UK Quality Control Issues

[nezzman]

Has anyone else noticed issues with Snap On UK quality control?

I ordered 2 3/8 ratchets and 2 1/2 ratchets. Out of the 4 ratchets, 2 have damage. The 3/8 ratchet seems to have been dropped, and is all scuffed (I know this makes no real difference in usage, but paying SO prices, I expect to get an item in new condition).

The 1/2 ratchet has defective chrome, and it seems to be starting to chip.

I have attached a photo of the 1/2 ratchet.

I called Snap On last week about the 3/8 ratchets, as they arrived earlier than the 1/2 inch ones, and emailed them, but still haven't got a reply. Pretty **** if I am being honest. I called today again, and was told to email photos of the 1.2 inch ratchet, and the ******* the phone (who was very pleasant) said she will chase it up.

All in all, seems pretty crappy to receive stuff like this, from a company who has a reputation built on quality tools, and I am quite annoyed, as you can maybe tell.

 

[Dave455]

It sounds as though you are ordering online from Snap On.

It’s been suggested in the past, that Snap On send out returned products to their online customers.

Totally unacceptable for the price, don’t piss about with photo’s, send the lot back. Under the distance selling regulations they are obliged to refund you even if you simply don’t like it.

Personally, I don’t buy a lot of Snap On now, as the price has increased to the point where it’s poor value. If I did, I’d buy from a dealer. This way you can inspect the goods before you buy.

It’s certainly the case that, while most dealers retain their stock in immaculate condition, there are one or two who dont. I suspect these are the ones who fail, and who’s stock gets returned to Snap On.

 

[Dave455]

One factor to consider, is that one of Snap On’s rivals at the top end of the spectrum has to be Nepros.

Even if you just buy one Nepros socket, or one wrench, it comes individually packed. If you buy a ratchet it comes fully protected in a presentation box, and even the box is protected for shipping.

And Nepros go from strength to strength…

 

[nezzman]

It sounds as though you are ordering online from Snap On.

It’s been suggested in the past, that Snap On send out returned products to their online customers.

Totally unacceptable for the price, don’t piss about with photo’s, send the lot back. Under the distance selling regulations they are obliged to refund you even if you simply don’t like it.

Personally, I don’t buy a lot of Snap On now, as the price has increased to the point where it’s poor value. If I did, I’d buy from a dealer. This way you can inspect the goods before you buy.

It’s certainly the case that, while most dealers retain their stock in immaculate condition, there are one or two who dont. I suspect these are the ones who fail, and who’s stock gets returned to Snap On.

Yes, I am buying from the website.

As for sending them back. I want Snap On to send me a return label. I don't want to be responsible for postage incase something gets lost.

It seems the 3/8 ratchet is a returned item. Scuffed, not the high polish it should have, a mark from what looks like being dropped, and a rough bit of steel on the handle.

Unfortunately finding a dealer near me isn’t easy, otherwise I would.

One factor to consider, is that one of Snap On’s rivals at the top end of the spectrum has to be Nepros.

Even if you just buy one Nepros socket, or one wrench, it comes individually packed. If you buy a ratchet it comes fully protected in a presentation box, and even the box is protected for shipping.

And Nepros go from strength to strength…

I have noticed that in videos. Nepros are very well packaged.
The ratchets that arrived today where just lying loose in a box clinking together between a bit of bubble wrap.

I honestly don’t think I will be ordering anything more from them.

 

[CGarage]

I don’t rate Snap-On ratchets above Facom or Nepros or KTC or Tone or Hazet. Different? Yes they are. But not better. And some can be had for a fraction of the current Snap-On price.

 

[nezzman]

I don’t rate Snap-On ratchets above Facom or Nepros or KTC or Tone or Hazet. Different? Yes they are. But not better. And some can be had for a fraction of the current Snap-On price.

I have Ratchets from Stahlwille, Hazet, Facom, Bahco, Sealey and Snap On.
Personally, I do like the feel of Snap On ratchets, that's why I am willing to spend the money on them, though my ratchets from these other companies have all been flawless, apart from Stahlwille, I received a 1/2 ratchet with a massive dent in the gear housing. Primetools sorted that out, organised return shipping, and had a new one out to me before the old one was even collected.

My Stahlwille 1/4 drive ratchet is nice, though the backdrag is really bad, same goes for Hazet, though it has loosened up a bit with use. The Snap On is the best overall, though I have heard good things about Koken, though I don't want soft grip handles, and thats all Koken offer in the Zeal 72T line of ratchets.

 

[CGarage]

I have Ratchets from Stahlwille, Hazet, Facom, Bahco, Sealey and Snap On.
Personally, I do like the feel of Snap On ratchets, that's why I am willing to spend the money on them, though my ratchets from these other companies have all been flawless, apart from Stahlwille, I received a 1/2 ratchet with a massive dent in the gear housing. Primetools sorted that out, organised return shipping, and had a new one out to me before the old one was even collected.

My Stahlwille 1/4 drive ratchet is nice, though the backdrag is really bad, same goes for Hazet, though it has loosened up a bit with use. The Snap On is the best overall, though I have heard good things about Koken, though I don't want soft grip handles, and thats all Koken offer in the Zeal 72T line of ratchets.

Prime tools is top, have ordered from them.

Most of my 1/4” stuff is Facom and Hazet.

I have a long 1/4” SnapOn which I like, but I reach for Facom first in 1/4” drive.

 

[Dave455]

I have Ratchets from Stahlwille, Hazet, Facom, Bahco, Sealey and Snap On.
Personally, I do like the feel of Snap On ratchets, that's why I am willing to spend the money on them, though my ratchets from these other companies have all been flawless, apart from Stahlwille, I received a 1/2 ratchet with a massive dent in the gear housing. Primetools sorted that out, organised return shipping, and had a new one out to me before the old one was even collected.

My Stahlwille 1/4 drive ratchet is nice, though the backdrag is really bad, same goes for Hazet, though it has loosened up a bit with use. The Snap On is the best overall, though I have heard good things about Koken, though I don't want soft grip handles, and thats all Koken offer in the Zeal 72T line of ratchets.

I understand where you’re coming from, Snap On do ratchet’s very well.

Wit regard to Japanese tools, consider the regular KoKen rather than the Z Series. Although they have a low tooth count they have low backdrag too, and a choice of hard grip handles.


Although the Z Series have plastic grips, they are a hard plastic not a soft grip. You think they are going to be softer than they are. Superb range on offer now.


Alternatively, go Nepros. Everything is available!


Or go for KTC. This roto head isn’t even from their Nepros range, but the quality will blow you away!

 

[Dave455]

Prime tools is top, have ordered from them.

Most of my 1/4” stuff is Facom and Hazet.

I have a long 1/4” SnapOn which I like, but I reach for Facom first in 1/4” drive.

Agreed as usual!

Both Facom and Hazet excel at 1/4” drive. They both have superb fit, which is where a lot of manufacturers slip up. It’s almost as if some can’t be bothered with 1/4” drive.

Hazet are superb for automotive work - good and tough, and you can use it anywhere on the vehicle without worrying about damaging the finish.

Facom, yes lovely. Beautiful finish, comparable to Snap On, and it’s just nice to use. Good range too - 6 point, 12 point, shallow, deep, spline, E Torx. This is what Airbus airliners are put together with!

 

[CGarage]

Agreed as usual!

Both Facom and Hazet excel at 1/4” drive. They both have superb fit, which is where a lot of manufacturers slip up. It’s almost as if some can’t be bothered with 1/4” drive.

Hazet are superb for automotive work - good and tough, and you can use it anywhere on the vehicle without worrying about damaging the finish.

Facom, yes lovely. Beautiful finish, comparable to Snap On, and it’s just nice to use. Good range too - 6 point, 12 point, shallow, deep, spline, E Torx. This is what Airbus airliners are put together with!

And the Concorde!!!

Facom 1/4” bit sets are tops, too!!!

 

[nezzman]

Prime tools is top, have ordered from them.

Most of my 1/4” stuff is Facom and Hazet.

I have a long 1/4” SnapOn which I like, but I reach for Facom first in 1/4” drive.

I like my Hazet 1/4 ratchet, but there have been times I had to switch to the SO due to back drag, for example changing the EGR valve on my van, and I could only fit one hand down and the bolt was too tight to turn by hand due to the angle I was at but too loose for the ratchet and the backseat was a problem.

 

[nezzman]

I understand where you’re coming from, Snap On do ratchet’s very well.

Wit regard to Japanese tools, consider the regular KoKen rather than the Z Series. Although they have a low tooth count they have low backdrag too, and a choice of hard grip handles.


Although the Z Series have plastic grips, they are a hard plastic not a soft grip. You think they are going to be softer than they are. Superb range on offer now.


Alternatively, go Nepros. Everything is available!


Or go for KTC. This roto head isn’t even from their Nepros range, but the quality will blow you away!

Nepros defo do have really nice products! I might take a look at some ratchets.

Do you know if you get hit with import duty?

 

[Dave455]

And the Concorde!!!

Facom 1/4” bit sets are tops, too!!!

Some Concordes! Final assembly was shared between Filton in the U.K. and Toulouse in France.

The Filton ones would have been put together with Britool and Bedford tools!

Yes, excellent bit ratchets - and the sets are superbly thought out!

 

[Dave455]

I like my Hazet 1/4 ratchet, but there have been times I had to switch to the SO due to back drag, for example changing the EGR valve on my van, and I could only fit one hand down and the bolt was too tight to turn by hand due to the angle I was at but too loose for the ratchet and the backseat was a problem.

I do understand.

Snap On make some tools that have yet to be matched by Hazet. Long and extra long 1/4” ratchets come to mind.

Both KoKen and Nepros offer long ones.

Nepros defo do have really nice products! I might take a look at some ratchets.

Do you know if you get hit with import duty?

Sometimes you do, sometimes not.

One of the reasons for buying KoKen or Facom is that you can get it from the U.K. at reasonable prices. Even if you do buy from abroad (say, Mister Worker) the prices include U.K. VAT, so there’s nothing to add.

 

[Wamsutta]

I thought you boys in the UK used Sealey Premier.

 

[Dave455]

I thought you boys in the UK used Sealey Premier.

There are some who just use a big hammer and an anvil…

 

[CGarage]

I do understand.

Snap On make some tools that have yet to be matched by Hazet. Long and extra long 1/4” ratchets come to mind.

Both KoKen and Nepros offer long ones.

Agreed.

More companies need to offer long 1/4” drive ratchets and with locking flex heads.

I reach for my GW 90T locking flex head a lot.

I do like the Snap-On.

Wish Facom made a long 1/4” drive ratchet.

 

[CGarage]

Agreed as usual!

Both Facom and Hazet excel at 1/4” drive. They both have superb fit, which is where a lot of manufacturers slip up. It’s almost as if some can’t be bothered with 1/4” drive.

Hazet are superb for automotive work - good and tough, and you can use it anywhere on the vehicle without worrying about damaging the finish.

Facom, yes lovely. Beautiful finish, comparable to Snap On, and it’s just nice to use. Good range too - 6 point, 12 point, shallow, deep, spline, E Torx. This is what Airbus airliners are put together with!

The Hazet 1/4” ratchet IS stout, a very strong bit of kit. That said, even the short handle 1/4” Facom I have never had issue with. Even using it on higher torque fasteners where a 3/8 ratchet would have been a better choice.

I love the Facom Nano kits and own a few.
The rotator ratchet handle from Facom is quite useful.

I wish Hazet would bring more innovation to their tool lines like Facom. However, the hardline tools are still excellent.

But for best of 1/4” drive, I have to give the slight nod to Facom / USAG.

 

[Dave455]

Agreed.

More companies need to offer long 1/4” drive ratchets and with locking flex heads.

I reach for my GW 90T locking flex head a lot.

I do like the Snap-On.

Wish Facom made a long 1/4” drive ratchet.

Yes, it’s the only area where the European manufacturers are weak.

It’s almost as if they are making tools for 40 years ago, and think that the only use for 1/4” drive is electrical terminal boxes…!

Hazet do (or did) offer a long flex in 1/4” drive. It’s not particularly long, and sort of mirrors their offerings in 3/8 drive, but it exists.

I haven’t yet seen any long / flex ratchets in the HiPer line, which is a shame, as long handles need fine teeth to minimise the amount you need to swing the handle.

Wera actually do surprisingly well (considering they have no real history with these tools) and their standard ratchet is reasonably long, and flat, which is a surprisingly good combination.

The Japanese makers do better, KoKen offering both long and long flex in 1/4”, and the same in fine tooth with their Z Series / Zeal. I have yet to acquire any 1/4” Z series, but I can feel it coming.


Ultimately though, none of them can really match the U.S. offerings. Snap On’s long flex 1/4” ratchet dwarfs the Hazet, yet this size is the “go to” for many folks in 1/4” drive, and transforms the things you can do with it.


And Snap On offer Extra Long options that are even longer. The 3/8 XL has become my standard tool for belt tensioners now, so much so that I don’t know how I survived without it - now I think about it, my knuckles didn’t!

 

[CGarage]

Yes, it’s the only area where the European manufacturers are weak.

It’s almost as if they are making tools for 40 years ago, and think that the only use for 1/4” drive is electrical terminal boxes…!

Hazet do (or did) offer a long flex in 1/4” drive. It’s not particularly long, and sort of mirrors their offerings in 3/8 drive, but it exists.

I haven’t yet seen any long / flex ratchets in the HiPer line, which is a shame, as long handles need fine teeth to minimise the amount you need to swing the handle.

Wera actually do surprisingly well (considering they have no real history with these tools) and their standard ratchet is reasonably long, and flat, which is a surprisingly good combination.

The Japanese makers do better, KoKen offering both long and long flex in 1/4”, and the same in fine tooth with their Z Series / Zeal. I have yet to acquire any 1/4” Z series, but I can feel it coming.


Ultimately though, none of them can really match the U.S. offerings. Snap On’s long flex 1/4” ratchet dwarfs the Hazet, yet this size is the “go to” for many folks in 1/4” drive, and transforms the things you can do with it.


And Snap On offer Extra Long options that are even longer. The 3/8 XL has become my standard tool for belt tensioners now, so much so that I don’t know how I survived without it - now I think about it, my knuckles didn’t!

Excellent post, per usual.

I bought that Wera on your recommendation! Have not had a chance to use it yet, but it is a nice tool.

 

[Dave455]

Excellent post, per usual.

I bought that Wera on your recommendation! Have not had a chance to use it yet, but it is a nice tool.

Ooh er…! I hope it works for you.

I got the Wera in one of their soft case sets. I hardly ever use it for automotive tasks, but it’s somehow just right for household jobs.

I think that sometimes it’s forgotten that most GJ members have to do a wide variety of things.

It may well be that a particular ratchet or socket is the absolute best for aerospace use, or limited access automotive tasks, but it might be wrong for adjusting a garage door or fitting a TV.

I still maintain, getting back on topic, that most folks are best served by tools of a variety of quality levels. Although I have some top quality ratchets and sockets, I still have (and still use) the ”mid grade“ tools I was gifted as a teen.

I’m sometimes confused when folks buy some top end tools, then say they are going to sell their old ones, for probably cents on the dollar. Nooo - keep ‘em all. Those older / cheaper tools are perfect for bolting in a fence post or taking to the junk yard!