Snap on vs. Harbor Freight wrenches

[mgbbob]

Hi folks,

I generally have Snap On tools with an assortment of Craftsman mixed in. I was looking for a wrench rack and purchased a rack of metric Harbor Freight wrenches for the rack. I figured I would throw the HF. stuff in the truck tool box.

When I pulled the wrenches out and looked at them they look very good. Has anyone had any long term experience with the tools?

Bob

 

[Hiball]

Hi folks,

I generally have Snap On tools with an assortment of Craftsman mixed in. I was looking for a wrench rack and purchased a rack of metric Harbor Freight wrenches for the rack. I figured I would throw the HF. stuff in the truck tool box.

When I pulled the wrenches out and looked at them they look very good. Has anyone had any long term experience with the tools?

Bob

There are Numerous, Numerous... Numerous threads in the General Tool section that discuss the Pro's and Con's Of HF tools. The bad thing about threads like this is they cause arguments and seem to always end badly. I would recommend doing some searching for the answers you desire.

 

[hguerrero]

yeah, it gets ugly quick.

There are Numerous, Numerous... Numerous threads in the General Tool section that discuss the Pro's and Con's Of HF tools. The bad thing about threads like this is they cause arguments and seem to always end badly. I would recommend doing some searching for the answers you desire.

 

[padronanniversary]

got any picks of the HF next to SO ? I'd be curious to. I'm in the market now, and was thinking about some CM, or some SO. Just gotta figure out how much I want to spend.

 

[caper]

Try comparing apples to apples.

 

[Jack Olsen]

yeah, it gets ugly quick.

The Tool Forum here has a lot of members who you might call 'tool fanatics.' Singing the virtues of Harbor Freight's offerings is a little bit like talking about how much you like your Honda at a meeting of the Rolls Royce Owners' Club.

That said, I'll say that Harbor Freight is hit or miss. Some of their stuff is surprisingly good. Some is predictably cut rate. They frequently change manufacturers for some items, so there isn't that much consistency even in the lines that win praise. I'll admit that I have a fair amount of HF tools in my garage. And I'd also be interested in seeing these particular wrenches.

Some people on the board also have an issue with Chinese imports and their damaging effect on U.S. manufacturing. It's a separate issue -- and one some people feel very strongly about. It can lead to some anger, in posts. Ryan has generally decided he's had enough of it.

 

[Hiball]

Try comparing apples to apples.

Exactly, It appears HF has begun to bring something to the table as far as Value is concerned in the Tool market. There is no comparing a Snap on Wrench to a HF in regards to Quality or Price.

 

[Torque1st]

"Looks" are not the important factor. It is the metallurgy and the tolerances for fit that are important. Metallurgy and fit are much more important in the smaller wrench sizes tho.

 

[NUTTSGT]

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Yep,

You need to compare Harbor Freight wrenches with others made in China like the Craftsman Pro and Gearwrench wrenches......

 

[hguerrero]

now at what point do we start comparing chinese made snap-on to harbor freight? just curious.

 

[brian90505]

 

[Hiball]

now at what point do we start comparing chinese made snap-on to harbor freight? just curious.

Untill HF starts outfitting Tool trucks running up and down the highway visiting local mechanics daily to service there needs there is NO comparison, regardless of COO or Price.

 

[hguerrero]

Untill HF starts outfitting Tool trucks running up and down the highway visiting local mechanics daily to service there needs there is NO comparison, regardless of COO or Price.

not sure how this is relevant, can you explain?

 

[rockchucker]

LOL @ Skeletor!

 

[AustinRoepke]

Read the title of the thread.

EVERYONE, RUN AWAY!!!

 

[Hiball]

not sure how this is relevant, can you explain?

Sure.. When you purchase of a Truck tool company, Snap on, Matco, Mac or Cornwell. The Price you pay has lots of things factored into it including Front door service if you need to warranty a tool regardless of COO. This is very important when your paycheck is riding on being able to get the job done. Most mechanics cant hop in there car and drive 60 miles to there nearest HF and pick up a replacement. I dont Wrench for a living, but outside the Quality aspect of tool trucks im sure these mechanics dont pay big bucks just for the hell of it, There is a value on Service and its important to them.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

If I were in Alaska, in the winter, driving a truck to nowhere, I would want the Snap Ons.

Are you planning such a trip, or are you a professional wrench ?

My wife bought me a set of cheap Ozark Trail boots, which I proceeded to wear to work. Three months later, they are in the trash can. Comparing cheap Chinese boots to mid grade HF sockets isn't exactly an apples to apples comparo. Obviously there is some element of risk in buying cheap tools, but then we aren't talking about three dollar, forty piece socket sets now, are we ?

If I wanted to shop for HF wrenches, I would talk to the guys in the store. They usually have at least one tool dweeb who could set you straight.

 

[mgbbob]

OK guys......I have lots of Snap On tools and I understand the quality. I was just suprised at how similar the fit and finish on the HF stuff is. I don't know if it breaks the first time or rounds out when used. I was just looking for a honest " how does this stuff hold up" I am not ready to trade in my Snap On.

If you want to talk about junk I have some Lsyle (??) torx sockets that were made in good old USA that didn't make it through the first brake job. The life time warranty doesn't do anyone any good if the next batch is as bad as the first.

By the way........I purchased a 1/2" HF hammer drill to do one job......$25 expendible purchase........5 years later and hundreds of holes later it is still working great.

 

[Hiball]

OK guys......I have lots of Snap On tools and I understand the quality. I was just suprised at how similar the fit and finish on the HF stuff is. I don't know if it breaks the first time or rounds out when used. I was just looking for a honest " how does this stuff hold up" I am not ready to trade in my Snap On.

If you want to talk about junk I have some Lsyle (??) torx sockets that were made in good old USA that didn't make it through the first brake job. The life time warranty doesn't do anyone any good if the next batch is as bad as the first.

By the way........I purchased a 1/2" HF hammer drill to do one job......$25 expendible purchase........5 years later and hundreds of holes later it is still working great.

Here is a great thread on HF items.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27192

There is another thread where a mechanic outfitted his whole toolbox with HF tools to the sum of like $4k. He is suppost to update everyone on what problems he has if any with using tools daily.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67850

 

[aafadca]

Has there ever been a "stress" "strength" "fit" comparison or test done one any of the HF tools?

 

[mgbbob]

I like that site. I will read and research. Please allow my thread to die quickly and without more pain!

 

[JC23]

Can't we just talk about cheesy plastic air lines and really take the value out of this site?

And what's that old line about not paying attention to history and being doomed to making the same mistakes?

I pass, thank you.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Sure.. When you purchase of a Truck tool company, Snap on, Matco, Mac or Cornwell. The Price you pay has lots of things factored into it including Front door service if you need to warranty a tool regardless of COO. This is very important when your paycheck is riding on being able to get the job done. Most mechanics cant hop in there car and drive 60 miles to there nearest HF and pick up a replacement. I dont Wrench for a living, but outside the Quality aspect of tool trucks im sure these mechanics dont pay big bucks just for the hell of it, There is a value on Service and its important to them.

So what your saying is that the inflated prices of the truck brand tools is to cover the costs associated with truck delivery and door to door "service", as opposed to the outright superiority of the tool itself...

 

[Hiball]

Sure.. When you purchase of a Truck tool company, Snap on, Matco, Mac or Cornwell. The Price you pay has lots of things factored into it including Front door service if you need to warranty a tool regardless of COO. This is very important when your paycheck is riding on being able to get the job done. Most mechanics cant hop in there car and drive 60 miles to there nearest HF and pick up a replacement. I dont Wrench for a living, but outside the Quality aspect of tool trucksim sure these mechanics dont pay big bucks just for the hell of it, There is a value on Service and its important to them.

So what your saying is that the inflated prices of the truck brand tools is to cover the costs associated with truck delivery and door to door "service", as opposed to the outright superiority of the tool itself...

NO Thats not what im saying or said or implying. You kids want to argue about everything, Do people not read posts anymore? Do you really think my that is my opinion of Truck tools? IF your still confused Read post #7 and then re-read my post you quoted. I highlighted the important parts for you, Im beginning to think any thread that has "HF" in it blocks out common sense... and encourages Combative posting Wait... Let be break out my head scratching icon.


Post #7

Exactly, It appears HF has begun to bring something to the table as far as Value is concerned in the Tool market. There is no comparing a Snap on Wrench to a HF in regards to Quality or Price.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

NO Thats not what im saying or said or implying. You kids want to argue about everything, Do people not read posts anymore? Do you really think my that is my opinion of Truck tools? IF your still confused Read post #7 and then re-read my post you quoted. I highlighted the important parts for you, Im beginning to think any thread that has "HF" in it blocks out common sense... and encourages Combative posting Wait... Let be break out my head scratching icon.


Post #7

Gotcha...

Also, I'm six years older than you...

 

[Hiball]

Gotcha...

Also, I'm six years older than you...

Age is just a number and completely irrelevant on the internets, now go to bed before your mom takes your xbox away. LoL...

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

Age is just a number and completely irrelevant on the internets, now go to bed before your mom takes your xbox away. LoL...

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Good thing this thread was started in the Garage Discussion, and not the Tool side; otherwise it would be nuts in here. Anyway, I'm the guy with all the HF "****," so maybe I can help. The HF wrenches work fine for me. To me they are worth the money, I have no known issues with them, nor any busted knuckles, etc, etc, etc. Are their wrenches comparable to Snap On, absolutely not "besides the fact they remove/tighten nuts and bolts." Snap On is in a whole other league, but so is the price. They say you get what you pay for, and that is true; for the most part. HF is a great deal for me; now, maybe in the future I will regret it "I doubt it though." This whole "HF vs Snap On" is kind of pointless when it comes to tools, because like they said before, apples to apples... Try this, HF vs SO... Warranty Claims.

 

[tdkkart]

Sure.. When you purchase of a Truck tool company, Snap on, Matco, Mac or Cornwell. The Price you pay has lots of things factored into it including Front door service if you need to warranty a tool regardless of COO. This is very important when your paycheck is riding on being able to get the job done. Most mechanics cant hop in there car and drive 60 miles to there nearest HF and pick up a replacement. I dont Wrench for a living, but outside the Quality aspect of tool trucks im sure these mechanics dont pay big bucks just for the hell of it, There is a value on Service and its important to them.

So when a HF truck drives up to the door with tools for double their normal price it would be OK to buy them?? They'll still be 1/4 the cost of SO, have a lifetime warranty, and be delivered to the tech's hand just like SO.
Some of the cost justification of SO tools is the truck they arrive in?? Do you not think that the local HF or Sears brick and mortar stores have costs close to the same as a truck??

 

[hguerrero]

agreed. all things considered, if you're using ratchets for your profession buy the best you can afford.
however, ratchet vs ratchet...
without all the strings attached,
without the opinions and results only based on facts...
how big is the difference...?

Sure.. When you purchase of a Truck tool company, Snap on, Matco, Mac or Cornwell. The Price you pay has lots of things factored into it including Front door service if you need to warranty a tool regardless of COO. This is very important when your paycheck is riding on being able to get the job done. Most mechanics cant hop in there car and drive 60 miles to there nearest HF and pick up a replacement. I dont Wrench for a living, but outside the Quality aspect of tool trucks im sure these mechanics dont pay big bucks just for the hell of it, There is a value on Service and its important to them.

 

[Stuey]

Some of the cost justification of SO tools is the truck they arrive in?? Do you not think that the local HF or Sears brick and mortar stores have costs close to the same as a truck??

Yes, that's a fair assessment.

There are quite a few Snap-on & Blue Point tools that are relabeled from other OEMs. The Snap-on version could cost a lot more than the OEM or other branded versions of the tool. In one example, I remember seeing something cost $100 elsewhere, but Snap-on was selling for $140. That's a 40% markup on top of the regular wholesale-retail markup. Why? Because the exact same tool with a "Snap-on" label is better? Absolutely not.

This only applies for specific tools, but it suggests that yes, Snap-on does factor in a lot of service costs into the price of their tools.

 

[Abbott]

I have some HF wrenches I have been using (part time) for several years with no problems. The fit and finish is fine and they do everything I ask them to do. I don't own any Snap-on wrenches but I can't afford a new Cadillac either.

 

[Hiball]

agreed. all things considered, if you're using ratchets for your profession buy the best you can afford.
however, ratchet vs ratchet...
without all the strings attached,
without the opinions and results only based on facts...
how big is the difference...?

Until there is a comprenhensive test done concerning Long term testing its just personal preference. Ive handled the HF ratchets and they have a great feel in the store, Im not sure how they would feel after removing/tightening 500 fasteners or how they hold up under repeated Torque applications. We do know how Snap on Ratchets hold up based on the longevity of the company and being used in a professional enviroment Day in and Day out.

 

[hguerrero]

agreed. snap on stuff can stand the test of time.
now we need for someone to test the other "brand" before passing judgement.

Until there is a comprenhensive test done concerning Long term testing its just personal preference. Ive handled the HF ratchets and they have a great feel in the store, Im not sure how they would feel after removing/tightening 500 fasteners or how they hold up under repeated Torque applications. We do know how Snap on Ratchets hold up based on the longevity of the company and being used in a professional enviroment Day in and Day out.

 

[logical]

To be fair to the OP....he didn't say they were comparable or better or worse....he just said they seemed good, seemed similar in look to SO and asked if anyone had any experience with them.

We all know Snap On is good stuff but we all know it is expensive and not just a little more than other stuff, two, three, four times as much. We also know some of that price is the guy that comes to you at work, offers easy credit and offers a good warranty. So let'snot get so uptight when someone asks if maybe, just maybe some other brand manages to make a decent tool at a good price.

 

[Hiball]

To be fair to the OP....he didn't say they were comparable or better or worse....he just said they seemed good, seemed similar in look to SO and asked if anyone had any experience with them.

We all know Snap On is good stuff but we all know it is expensive and not just a little more than other stuff, two, three, four times as much. We also know some of that price is the guy that comes to you at work, offers easy credit and offers a good warranty. So let'snot get so uptight when someone asks if maybe, just maybe some other brand manages to make a decent tool at a good price.

I dont think anyone got uptight, but there are probaly 20+ similar threads and most of them have ended up with deleted posts, Infractions handed out or banning of members. I think people should utilize the Search function prior to duplicating troublesome posts.

 

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

The way I look at it, HF is a great place to buy specialty tools you need to get a specific job done that you'll only need to do once. As a place to buy tools you're going to be using constantly and/or being hard on I'd pass.

That said, I do have some of HF's stuff that comes with a lifetime warranty simply because they're the closest to my shop if I have to run and pick up a replacement.

 

[racer12306]

If you are the weekend warrior it probably doesn't make much of a difference.

If you paycheck depends on it spend the money for piece of mind.

It's pretty simple really.

 

[tcianci]

I'm not even going to reply to such a post