Snap-on vs. Cornwell
- Thread starter autoace
- Start date
Frank Elson
Well-known member
Frank Elson, can you fill in a clueless Yank about what the deal is about people from Birmingham (are they that bad?) and what their reputation is?
Considering that the world's best motor car is built in a suburb of Birmingham, there must be some "Brummies" who are OK.
They just have the world's worst English accent, live in the armpit of the universe and are "allegedly" completely thick.
Not ALL Liverpudlians are car thieves (Q. What do you call a Scouser in a suit? Answer, the accused); not ALL Geordies (from Newcastle) are thugs and not all Cockneys spend their entire lives shouting at the tops of their voices.
...probably
Frank Elson
Well-known member
Listen guys, it looks as if Brookesy, who lives near to Birmingham, might be a bit unhappy about my Brummy-bashing so can I just say, it's all humour of course.
It seemed like a third grade comment, it really held no constructive thoughts, especially gay and the ******* monkey side by side. He's probably young, although I've been known to condescend now and then myself at times. But to call the tools gay??????I had better go out an check my Cornwell tools incase the are up to some "bat for the other team" mischief
Merkava_4
Banned
autoace,
Since you feel so strongly about Cornwell tools, how 'bout some pictures? Gotta digicam?
Since you feel so strongly about Cornwell tools, how 'bout some pictures? Gotta digicam?
paramudduck
Well-known member
OK Frank I give up, What is the worlds best Motorcar? I was under the impression all of the marques had been sold off.
Coach James
Well-known member
Billymade, the Craigslist link you posted was Craigslist /raleigh. Are you in the Carolinas?
Coach
Coach
Gregster
Well-known member
This might be long but could be interesting...
I'm going on my 4th year of being an auto tech. When I was in school we had weekly visits from a Snap-On district manager and local vendor. We were offered very good discounts on some stuff however being a student at the time I was unable to afford most of what Snap-On was offering, I didn't feel like getting into debt for it either.. I did buy the 3/8 and 1/2 torque wrench set for 400$ though...
Most of the tools I bought were craftsmen or mastercraft from Canadian Tire. They worked good but I found every month. I'd be getting tools replaced under warranty. I found this to be a giant hassle because the last thing I wanted to do was stand in line after working 8-9 hours changing tools trying to explain to some kid how it broke... In most cases the tool would break during the work day and I would have to go at lunch.
One night 2 summers ago I was looking through Snap-On's site and saw some screwdrivers I wanted (when they still made hard handles not those stupid soft grip ones). I found my local rep which lived 2 mins away from me, I called him on a Saturday morning and asked if I could come by.. instead he drove down to my driveway. Talk about cool, having the Snap-On truck pull into your driveway! My former place of employment wasn't on a route for various reasons one being non payment of accounts and I rather support a local guy instead of the internet.
Once on the truck I bought the screwdrivers, a set of pilers and an adjustable wrench. Sure it might have been pricey compared to the usual 15 piece screwdriver sets for 25$ but Monday at work I was sold... It was a quality product, you knew someone that cared about making tools designed it. The same goes for the pilers, cutters.
Now at my new job the same vendor has the route in the area and comes to my shop every Friday at 11am. Remembers my name! Warranty's the shops tools that broke without causing a giant stink and isn't pushy at all with selling tools. Every week I buy something from him.
Sure I might be paying more but it's the service and the level of quality that has me buying more.Sometimes there are pretty decent as well, I just bought Flank Drive Plus wrenches for 299$ instead of 366$.
I try explaining this to non professionals but they don't seem to understand what I'm talking about. Last Wednesday I needed a leak down gauge set, I called my rep at lunch and he came around 2pm with it. I didn't even bother with the local auto parts store.. since they have a hard enough time finding a 1/2 to 3/4 adapter...
We've had a Cornwell/SK guy pass by work, I wanted to buy the Cornwell wrenches but he didn't have any metric sets in his minivan.. He came back a few hours later but didn't take visa or debt card either and didn't even want to open an account for a small amount like I have with my Snap-On guy.... However they seemed like quality tools no doubting that fact.
The MAC dealer around here is very strange and very independent because he is pretty much the only one that sells MAC. I once saw his truck across the street at the Volvo dealer and went over to ask for a catologue... he wanted to charge me 7$. I think I've got 3 or 4 of them for free from Snap-On, SK, Hazet and some Taiwanese company.
Sorry for the long post but I thought it would be interesting.
I'm going on my 4th year of being an auto tech. When I was in school we had weekly visits from a Snap-On district manager and local vendor. We were offered very good discounts on some stuff however being a student at the time I was unable to afford most of what Snap-On was offering, I didn't feel like getting into debt for it either.. I did buy the 3/8 and 1/2 torque wrench set for 400$ though...
Most of the tools I bought were craftsmen or mastercraft from Canadian Tire. They worked good but I found every month. I'd be getting tools replaced under warranty. I found this to be a giant hassle because the last thing I wanted to do was stand in line after working 8-9 hours changing tools trying to explain to some kid how it broke... In most cases the tool would break during the work day and I would have to go at lunch.
One night 2 summers ago I was looking through Snap-On's site and saw some screwdrivers I wanted (when they still made hard handles not those stupid soft grip ones). I found my local rep which lived 2 mins away from me, I called him on a Saturday morning and asked if I could come by.. instead he drove down to my driveway. Talk about cool, having the Snap-On truck pull into your driveway! My former place of employment wasn't on a route for various reasons one being non payment of accounts and I rather support a local guy instead of the internet.
Once on the truck I bought the screwdrivers, a set of pilers and an adjustable wrench. Sure it might have been pricey compared to the usual 15 piece screwdriver sets for 25$ but Monday at work I was sold... It was a quality product, you knew someone that cared about making tools designed it. The same goes for the pilers, cutters.
Now at my new job the same vendor has the route in the area and comes to my shop every Friday at 11am. Remembers my name! Warranty's the shops tools that broke without causing a giant stink and isn't pushy at all with selling tools. Every week I buy something from him.
Sure I might be paying more but it's the service and the level of quality that has me buying more.Sometimes there are pretty decent as well, I just bought Flank Drive Plus wrenches for 299$ instead of 366$.
I try explaining this to non professionals but they don't seem to understand what I'm talking about. Last Wednesday I needed a leak down gauge set, I called my rep at lunch and he came around 2pm with it. I didn't even bother with the local auto parts store.. since they have a hard enough time finding a 1/2 to 3/4 adapter...
We've had a Cornwell/SK guy pass by work, I wanted to buy the Cornwell wrenches but he didn't have any metric sets in his minivan.. He came back a few hours later but didn't take visa or debt card either and didn't even want to open an account for a small amount like I have with my Snap-On guy.... However they seemed like quality tools no doubting that fact.
The MAC dealer around here is very strange and very independent because he is pretty much the only one that sells MAC. I once saw his truck across the street at the Volvo dealer and went over to ask for a catologue... he wanted to charge me 7$. I think I've got 3 or 4 of them for free from Snap-On, SK, Hazet and some Taiwanese company.
Sorry for the long post but I thought it would be interesting.
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paramudduck
Well-known member
you have a good Snap on Ace does not. So let's just imagine your drivers were switched. The Cornwell guy did every thing the Snapon guy is currently doing. Then you would understand aces point.
Plus you would get Cornwells customer service at corporate level. Instead of Snap on's call the local driver. Who either don't exist or is a total ***** to many of us.
Plus you would get Cornwells customer service at corporate level. Instead of Snap on's call the local driver. Who either don't exist or is a total ***** to many of us.
autoace,
Since you feel so strongly about Cornwell tools, how 'bout some pictures? Gotta digicam?
I sold my big Snap-on box today, I just got back from Sears with a couple of temp boxes for my tools until I get a Cornwell one. Tools are all over, since I had more SO than Cornwell. My tool inventory will suffer for awhile as this transition takes place. I will post pics in the future when I get everything organized and re-bought again. The economy is starting to show its ugly face, I may use some of the SO windfall for home repairs and rough it for awhile. Rough it means the Cornwell purchases will be steady but not all at once. That's what happens when you have small children. Anyhow I have CM etc.. doubles to use in the mean time. My final tool collection will be Cornwell,Hazet,Wright,Wiha,Witte,maybe a few SK here and there, I might keep some of the Proto, like the Spin-flex ratchets.
If the guy was selling Cornwell from a minivan, he wasn't a Cornwell dealer, he was just a guy that had some Cornwell tools to sell.
Gregster
Well-known member
Good post.
Then I would start buying Cornwell stuff if I felt the service was good. If I really needed Snap-On I would just keep my ear to the ground for another good vendor.
I've heard my fair share of Snap-On vendor problems. It's rather sad because pretty much everyone knows about Snap-On.
Gregster
Well-known member
krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
probably a former cornwell guy who went independent who still had some old stock.
Merkava_4
Banned
Man you're starting to get ******** anti-Snap-on. . .even more so than hholmberg.
When I finally decide something that's it. My former wife didn't believe me either at first, when I said she needed to go. Anyhow, right now it's kinda sad, but once new tools roll in, it will be just fine. What tool guy couldn't use new tools every decade anyway. I am getting pretty good money for the Snap-on stuff. I needed some money anyway, garage and house need a new roof and I didn't want to do it.
Adam McLaughlin
Well-known member
Whaddaya talking about?? Canada brought us such fine things as "Trailer park boys" my favorite TV series and movie.
Adam
Man you're starting to get ******** anti-Snap-on; even more so than hholmberg.
Keep in mind this wasn't a hasty decision, I have been taking **** from SO employees since the 90's. Now I have had enough,same with MAC
billymade
Well-known member
Coach James, I don't know which link you are referring to (I post too many places, its hard to keep track of all the threads! LOL!) but I live in New Mexico!
) but I live in New Mexico!LoneGunman
Well-known member
buy snap-on
Vinko
Well-known member
This seems right to me. I've started buying, when I need it, stuff for our shop. Not a mechanics shop by any means, but we need stuff for maintenance. Probably spending only a few hundred every month or two. But if I need something, I'll get it from him. Next purchase: a 3 ft. crowbar.
The guy warranties stuff I bought 15 years ago (some screwdrivers tips). In fact, the first time I saw him in 15 years, was when I brought him the drivers for repair. I bought nothing for a month.
Vinko
Well-known member
I wonder if McMaster-Carr and Grainger will operate this way for tools: I do know we've bought Armstrong wrenches from them. I don't know if they warranty the wrenches or not, but they'll get anything out to you same day for very cheap shipping. Could be faster (and cheaper) then the tool truck. I wonder why that model hasn't caught on?
Vinko
Well-known member
I bought some Wiha screwdrivers in Germany. Or rather a relative did and brought them back. One was a red one that had the various tips you switch out. Over time, two of the tips broke. I sent them in to Wiha USA to get them replaced. They did do it, but explained that they weren't covered under warranty and they were replacing them as a "courtesy." They also gave me a sample of one of their newer magnetic hex keys. This was maybe 4 or 5 years ago.
krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
from snap ons website......
During the applicable duration of the warranty, at its option, Snap-on will repair or replace its Products which fail to give satisfactory service due to defective workmanship or materials, or provide a refund by repaying or crediting Customer with an amount equal to the purchase price of such Products. Repair, replacement or refund shall be at the election and expense of Snap-on, and is Customer's exclusive remedy in place of all other rights and remedies. to obtain warranty service, return products to snap on or a Snap-on dealer. By repairing or replacing a Product, or providing a refund, Snap-on does not waive a claim that a Product nevertheless has been subject to abnormal use.
During the applicable duration of the warranty, at its option, Snap-on will repair or replace its Products which fail to give satisfactory service due to defective workmanship or materials, or provide a refund by repaying or crediting Customer with an amount equal to the purchase price of such Products. Repair, replacement or refund shall be at the election and expense of Snap-on, and is Customer's exclusive remedy in place of all other rights and remedies. to obtain warranty service, return products to snap on or a Snap-on dealer. By repairing or replacing a Product, or providing a refund, Snap-on does not waive a claim that a Product nevertheless has been subject to abnormal use.
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Merkava_4
Banned
What the hell does that mean?
billymade
Well-known member
While the statement is probably written by a lawyer; I think the operative word or legal term is "waive":
(waive): to relinquish voluntarily (as a legal right) <waive a jury trial> b: to refrain from pressing or enforcing (as a claim or rule) : forgo <waive the fee>
I believe Snap-On is saying with their warranty they are willing to repair or replace a Product that is a legitimate warranty claim (this is a gray area and open to their "interpretation"), or providing a refund but Caveat emptor("Let the buyer beware") Snap-on does not give up the legal right to reject a warranty request if the tool has been "abused" aka: "subject to abnormal use"; what do you guys think? Thats my take on the "legalese"... this is what I think it means and is my attempt to translate the legal warranty statement into common, everyday speech.... all corrections welcome!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_writing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caveat_emptor
(waive): to relinquish voluntarily (as a legal right) <waive a jury trial> b: to refrain from pressing or enforcing (as a claim or rule) : forgo <waive the fee>
I believe Snap-On is saying with their warranty they are willing to repair or replace a Product that is a legitimate warranty claim (this is a gray area and open to their "interpretation"), or providing a refund but Caveat emptor("Let the buyer beware") Snap-on does not give up the legal right to reject a warranty request if the tool has been "abused" aka: "subject to abnormal use"; what do you guys think? Thats my take on the "legalese"... this is what I think it means and is my attempt to translate the legal warranty statement into common, everyday speech.... all corrections welcome!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_writing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caveat_emptor
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krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
it means that even if they replace a tool under warranty they are NOT saying that is wasn't abused.
Merkava_4
Banned
^
I think krusty's right.
I think krusty's right.
krusty the clown
Member Emeritus
lets think about it.........so you have a 6ft pipe on the end of a ratchet and it breaks, you fall and knock out a tooth. they replace the ratchet for you. now an ambulance chasing lawyer say's HEY they warranted it so they have admitted it's their fault so we can sue them for damages.
that little line in the warranty statement just saved them thousands of dollars.......they don't have to buy you a new set of dentures!
that little line in the warranty statement just saved them thousands of dollars.......they don't have to buy you a new set of dentures!
daveblank
Well-known member
Let us know how that Cornwell box is doing in a year or two. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but I've seen too many of them sag in the middle & then the drawers stick. It's such a common problem that even their small 2 bay box has an extra set of casters in the middle. On some of them they still sag.
I don't know if it's true or not but I have been told That the Cornwell & Craftsman boxes are made in the same plant in Mexico. They used to be made in Canada. If it's true, you're probably just as well off by keeping the Craftsman.
trackwelder
Well-known member
I have mostly snap on myself with a bit of mac,matco,sk etc and have a great snap on dealer. All my tools work great and I sure as hell wouldn't sell them and buy a different brand because my dealer is a a$$hole. When I die they will have to pry my snapon stuff from my cold dead hands.
peterbilr98
Well-known member
amen brother keep them snap-on comeing i have a great snap on dealer i think autoace is probabley a hot head gets mad at the drop of the hat he cant even take a joke lighten up dude and live before you have a heartattack.
Cornwell just came out with new boxes, part of the reason I am waiting awhile.
I don't get mad at the drop of a hat, but I have no patience for ignorance.
Merkava_4
Banned
That's what I wanted to say throughout this entire thread, but I didn't have the testicular fortitude to say it.
fourfeathers
Well-known member
Jeez, I feel weird, cuz I wouldn't buy ANY of it full-price from a dealer. I started out with Craftsman, and upgraded as I could, taking the Craftsman home, and kept the goodies at work. I sure can't buy stuff for even 1/2 price from the tool trucks, when I can get it at a pawn shop, auction, garage sale, etc for cheap. I know I'll hear, "but who has the time", well, I stay away from most other vises (sic) so I have the HOBBY of buying quality tools cheap.
paramudduck
Well-known member
To all the Snap on people with great dealers. Just pray you never end up with some of the idiots I've delt with. May your dealers stay in your area for the rest of your careers.
For when you have to put up with the total run around and bull I've had to put up with from them. Then you will unerstand where some of us are coming from.
For when you have to put up with the total run around and bull I've had to put up with from them. Then you will unerstand where some of us are coming from.
That's what I wanted to say throughout this entire thread, but I didn't have the testicular fortitude to say it.
You could have said that Merkava. I'm one of those who doesn't care whom agrees with me or not, I do what I see fit. I just don't like the few ignorant imbecils that post like they know something, but have no real clue. I don't think you fit that bill, sarcastic maybe, but I understand that. Love your SO tools, somebody has to.
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If SO kept it's online purchase warranty policy, I wouldn't be sending all my SO tools out to the hungry buyers right now. Snap-on WAS phenomenal with the product line they had, that's suffering now also, I could have tolerated that, but the difficult warranty situation for me was the final blow. The district manager came around to "settle" open accounts, there won't be any SO guy here for awhile. I'll feel sorry for the next poor ******* that signs on. I'd like to see a Matco dealer, I haven't heard much about Matco, I never had a Matco dealer, How are they to deal with???anybody have experience with them?I'm happy with Cornwell, they are just a little slow with new innovation in some areas, like fine tooth ratchets in traditional hard handle hardline.