Snap-on vs mac vs craftsman

[scylla]

Actually I agree with you 100%.
For the guys who own many many Snap Ons, if ask yourself "do I REALLY need these expensive fancy flaring tools to make my work done?", then what's your answer

No, a worker doesn't NEED fancy tools to get the job done. I have worked with a lot of cheap tools for the last 20 yrs. and am just now slowly building up a small kit of high quality tools.

I am able to do the job with Craftsman wrenches and HF sockets, but this late in my life those jobs have become boring and a dirty pita. So just having something like a top quality screwdriver or sweet ratchet makes the job more bearable.

I won't stop using Craftsman because it's such a great value, but I will also have a few purdy tools for the lift in job pride it gives me.

 

[TAftw]

If you're not wrenching professionally the quality advantage of a truck brand won't be worth the price.

Get what feels good to you. I dislike the feeling of a CMan raised panel ratchet in my hand, so I bought a Snap On F80. Sure it was more expensive, but it makes my time wrenching more enjoyable because I'm more comfortable. And it has 80 teeth!

Unless you're making a living with your tools, I can't see an advantage to having only truck brand stuff. But then again, there's nothing wrong with wanting to own nice tools.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I don't NEED proline tools now, nor did I need them when I was a pro mechanic. I buy them because I WANT them, the same reason I bought them back then. Buy what makes you happy and be done with it.

 

[HandyManny]

I have to ask - do they talk?

Nope.

 

[kythri]

I repeat:

Respectfully, there is no right answer, everyone has a different opinion. You will need to research this for yourself and form your own opinion.

One does not need to wrench professionally to have the opinion that the quality advantage of one brand over the other is worth the price.

One can wrench professionally with any brand.

One can find that a tool that costs 3 times the price of another tool of the same type/model to be far too expensive. One can also find that the higher-priced version carries a better price due to quality, fit, finish, feel, warranty. Yet another can disagree with both of those folks.

Who's right? Who's wrong? All of them.

To the OP (original poster): This is why I said you'll need to do a bit of research. Ultimately, all of the brands you mentioned? All of them do, for the most part, an extremely competent job at what they're designed to do. Some pieces of all brands have issues, most don't. Some folks have a lot more issues with a particular brand (reliability, quality, cost, warranty, etc.), while other folks have none of those issues with those brands.

In your research, ignore sweeping generalizations from folks that don't provide any detailed explanation for their opinion. Ignore sweeping generalizations from people who only talk about how something looks. Ignore sweeping generalizations from folks who make claims about a product or change in a product without detailing experience about that product or change.

In general, ignore sweeping generalizations.

Unless you have a personal issue with a particular brand, or a personal issue with a particular COO (country of origin), be open-minded to rational reviews of items that, on the surface, seem like they might be "cheap garbage" (such as low-priced import stuff from places like Harbor Freight), because there's a bunch of diamonds in the rough there. If you're budget-minded, be open-minded to rational reviews higher-end more expensive stuff (such as premium-brand torque wrenches, perhaps), because there's some objects that are well worth paying the extra bucks for.

There's a ton of people on the forum here who have posted detailed explanations to accompany their positive and negative reviews. Those actually have some meat on them, and are worth reading. Unfortunately, they're all over the place, and you'll need to read through a lot of white noise to get to the good stuff, but, overall, the board and all of those topics are well worth the read.

(And yes, I need to heed the same advice at times. Most of us do.)

 

[Garagefanatic97]

how about Matco

 

[Machobuck]

how about Matco

For what?

 

[Garagefanatic97]

same, quality, price, lifetime, etc

 

[diesel research]

same, quality, price, lifetime, etc

Matco is a bit strange. Matco and mac are pretty much toolbox makers. Mac did make tools before, as noted by old "sabine" stampings.

Currently, both source most tools from 3rd party companies (lisle, sunex, ingersoll rand, OTC, irwin, ETC) OR from their parent companies, Apex or Stanley Black and Decker.

Snap on also does source third party and slap their name on, and also do use tools produced by their "child companies" or holdings. Then the bluepoint line is pretty much exclusively a mix of the above 2 sources. Still produce quite a bit more in their own plants.

That is not necessarily a good thing or bad thing, but something to keep in mind. With more of SO's tools produced in their own plants, it means it is harder to get ahold of w/o buying directly from them.

With mac/matco sourcing almost entire catalog except for toolboxes, it is easier to get a hold of the same tool from a 3rd party (directly from the source who made it for them) Now one catch is while a 3rd party may produce the tool for them, sometimes it is exclusively for them. Example, armstrong produces many ratchets and wrenches for matco. They also sell their own line of basically same items (in various categories) BUT some of the stuff is not sold directly to the public and is only available with the matco stamp. The 88 tooth ratchet. Sure they built it, but matco is the only place you will get it.

_______________________

My box carries a wide variety of brands. I don't limit myself to only what sears sells in some mall. I don't limit myself to tool trucks. 75% was probably actually mail ordered. Today I don't think I actually used any tool truck stuff. I am positive I didn't use anything from sears.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I've been buying alot of used Matco stuff lately. I've always loved their boxes too.

 

[kythri]

Example, armstrong produces many ratchets and wrenches for matco.

How is Armstrong any more of a manufacturer than Matco?

 

[geotek]

I started my collection with Snap-On/Mac/Cornwell since I worked in a garage after school and the trucks came to the shop. I've moved to Craftsman for day-to-day stuff that I dont mind if it gets lost or broken. I've broken more than my fair share of ratchet heads from Craftsman, but the Snap-on always takes care of the bolt without issues. If i'm going to make a tool I'll gladly deconstruct and reconstruct a cheaper craftsman than a Snap-on. When I moved it took a while to find the local Snap-on dealer (still haven't found the Mac truck), but every town seems to have a Sears so getting tools and getting tools replaced is a cinch. Also, generally the warante depends on the issue. If you flair out the end of an open end wrenth, Snapon won't waranty it, same thing with rounded edges on a regular screw driver. I don't know the policy for Craftsman since I haven't gotten to that point yet.

 

[camarotoolman]

Things to consider, How much are going to use them? sat afternoon or 40 to 60 hours doing piece work? Stores, trucks in your hood. who will warrent it and how close are they? I like used usa, myself.

 

[GoBlue]

When it comes to truck brand tools...they are all top tier quality. I buy based on the salesman. While i love Snap on tools, my driver is a DB. My Matco and MAC guy are top notch...so i buy from them. I honestly dont buy too much from the trucks as i know where to get them cheaper...though used... i.e the classifieds and the bay

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I use a mix of everything. In basic hardline tools, Craftsman wins the "best overall value" category hands down. Snap On wins the specialty tool award in all categories, and as much as I hate to admit it, the pinheads at Stanley have effectively killed Mac.

Use what you like, and to hell with what anyone else thinks. There's not a lot of sense in thinking that only one brand can make decent tools, since all sell some excellent products alongside some really questionable ****.

 

[diesel research]

How is Armstrong any more of a manufacturer than Matco?

This can't be a serious question.

 

[Chief]

The mods should close threads like this. How many times is this going to be covered?

 

[kythri]

The mods should close threads like this. How many times is this going to be covered?

About a thousand more times between now and the end of 2011, with the same results - opinion stated as fact.

 

[LB-1911]

It's my understanding that;

Matco is a subsidiary of Danaher Corp.

Armstrong Tools is a subsidiary of Danaher Corp.

Apex Tool Group is a joint venture of Danaher Tool Group & Cooper Tools.

 

[kythri]

It's my understanding that;

Matco is a subsidiary of Danaher Corp.

Armstrong Tools is a subsidiary of Danaher Corp.

Apex Tool Group is a joint venture of Danaher Tool Group & Cooper Tools.

Matco is not a part of Apex. Not all brands/subsidiaries of the two partner companies are involved in the joint venture.

 

[jeffk14]

The mods should close threads like this. How many times is this going to be covered?

Yeah, but you clicked on the thread, huh? I enjoy these threads myself. If I didn't, I wouldn't open them. I see no problem.

 

[MrCraftsmanTools]

I don't understand how one can love Snap-on Tools better than Craftsman or vice versa.
Sears doesn't made Craftsman Tools, they are made from hundreds of other tool companies. So if you don't like Craftsman tools, then you don't like tools from hundreds of companies...including Snap-on!
I have numerous tools from the early 1930's that are Craftsman tools that were manufactured by Snap-on. I even have the identical Snap-on and Craftsman models and the snap-on patents. So if you hate all Craftsman, then you also must hate Snap-on.

David [email protected]

 

[concealer404]

Cool threadcromance.

 

[beerdog]

I always felt a SO hand tool screamed higher quality from the moment you held it in your hand and used it. But you pay for it.

 

[smoky]

oh gee here's a thread that couldn't possably start any arguments..........

 

[Ken81590]

I don't understand how one can love Snap-on Tools better than Craftsman or vice versa.
Sears doesn't made Craftsman Tools, they are made from hundreds of other tool companies. So if you don't like Craftsman tools, then you don't like tools from hundreds of companies...including Snap-on!
I have numerous tools from the early 1930's that are Craftsman tools that were manufactured by Snap-on. I even have the identical Snap-on and Craftsman models and the snap-on patents. So if you hate all Craftsman, then you also must hate Snap-on.

David [email protected]

Your logic is awful. Although you say craftsman are made by snap-on and other companies in some way, Snap-on is better quality than craftsman 10 times out of 10. I could understand you being biased and all based off of your name. Hmmm I wonder who you promote???




PS: Don't get me wrong, for the driveway/home "mechanic" craftsman is perfectly fine, hell, my homebox has quite a bit of craftsman in it, but for us that make a living working on cars using tools for other jobs, craftsman just doesn't hold a candle to the big namebrands.

 

[Roots]

I don't understand how one can love Snap-on Tools better than Craftsman or vice versa.
Sears doesn't made Craftsman Tools, they are made from hundreds of other tool companies. So if you don't like Craftsman tools, then you don't like tools from hundreds of companies...including Snap-on!
I have numerous tools from the early 1930's that are Craftsman tools that were manufactured by Snap-on. I even have the identical Snap-on and Craftsman models and the snap-on patents. So if you hate all Craftsman, then you also must hate Snap-on.

David [email protected]

An absolute face palm at reading your logic.

 

[garfunkle24]

I have a mix of about 40% Snap-on, 10% other USA and 50% premium Euro tools. No-one is the best value across all tools.

To those who say techs don't need fancy tools: You're wrong. Sometimes I absolutely do need the best in class tool.

Sometimes it is a Snap-on HD removal torx bit. Sometimes it's a PB Swiss hex key. Sometimes it's a Snap-on line wrench. Sometimes it's an ugly *** homebuilt tool.

While the economic law of diminishing returns is as true for tools as anything else, even when presented with the choice of paying 500% more for an extra 5% in performance, sometimes it still makes sense.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

If I had to choose between the ENTIRE line of Snap-on, MAC, and Craftsman, it would be Snap-on ... but I prefer to compare product to product rather than an entire brand of tools against another entire brand of tools.

 

[Ken81590]

An absolute face palm at reading your logic.

I was looking for the facepalm smilie for his comment lol.

 

[MrCraftsmanTools]

Well I love my 1930's Craftsman ratchets and sockets and other C-series and vanadium tools manufactured by Snap-on, for Sears. They still work great!

There are so many tool companies out there, some of great quality, and some of questionable quality. Many of these companies slap a Craftsman sticker on the tool sell it to Sears and now it is a Craftsman tool. What I am saying is that due to this, Craftsman has some great tools and some ****. Especially the China ****.
A tool either does the job well, or it doesn't. The name itself on the tool does't affect the quality of the tool. Yes, I would rather have a garage full of Snap-pm rather than Craftsman. Since I am only a home mechanic and don't have a lot of money, Craftsman was the way to go. A Lamberghini sports car is better than my Ford Truck, but I have to stick with what I can afford. I consider Harbor Frieight to be mostly junk, but I like them for things **** as jack stands and jacks, and maybe some wire wheels and gloves. These are just my preferences and oppinions. An oppinion is not a fact. It is just a viewpoint based on personal experience. So you may hate my oppinion, but it isn't put out here as a statement for purposes of an arguement. If you wish to argue with me on anything I say, then you win! Time for you to pick another target, I'm just here for drama-less fun

David [email protected]

 

[bcradio]

Well I love my 1930's Craftsman ratchets and sockets and other C-series and vanadium tools manufactured by Snap-on, for Sears. They still work great!

There are so many tool companies out there, some of great quality, and some of questionable quality. Many of these companies slap a Craftsman sticker on the tool sell it to Sears and now it is a Craftsman tool. What I am saying is that due to this, Craftsman has some great tools and some ****. Especially the China ****.
A tool either does the job well, or it doesn't. The name itself on the tool does't affect the quality of the tool. Yes, I would rather have a garage full of Snap-pm rather than Craftsman. Since I am only a home mechanic and don't have a lot of money, Craftsman was the way to go. A Lamberghini sports car is better than my Ford Truck, but I have to stick with what I can afford. I consider Harbor Frieight to be mostly junk, but I like them for things **** as jack stands and jacks, and maybe some wire wheels and gloves. These are just my preferences and oppinions. An oppinion is not a fact. It is just a viewpoint based on personal experience. So you may hate my oppinion, but it isn't put out here as a statement for purposes of an arguement. If you wish to argue with me on anything I say, then you win! Time for you to pick another target, I'm just here for drama-less fun

David [email protected]

Well said!!!

Craftsman has some excellent tools that MANY professionals use daily without issue. Also, they have some junk. Snap-On makes great tools as well, but many of their tools are not worth the money for some people.

 

[ckadams00]

I usually buy Craftsman and only get the more expensive stuff when spending my wife's money, or when the man with the gun on the corner makes me.

 

[Lone_Wolf]

There is one thing to worry about!
Qualituy of tools is falling down, rapidly. It is situation in general. Temporary only a few brands have top quality, but sky high prices. There is no mid range quality tools for reasonable price, like it was in our grandfathers age. If it is any there, it is in process of extinction. Sadly that has effect on all of us.

I am in process of making of my own tool base. I am not fan of any brand, but I prefer quality, the best quality. I will never buy whole lot of tools, I will pick every tool separately. Ofcourse Before buying I try to gather any information and personal experience on exact tool. But that is just me....

About shiny and expensive tools... Let's see it like this:
There is lot of girls in a bar, but everyone is trying to get the most beautiful girl in the bar. Why? Ugly and fat girl in opposite corner "can do the same job"....

 

[jetmech09]

It all depends on the tool. Ratchets? Snap-on. Wrenches? Snap-on. Pliers? c-man/knipex. I prefer craftsman professional over the new snap-on screwdrivers. It's all preference, and what you can afford.

 

[Ken81590]

Well I love my 1930's Craftsman ratchets and sockets and other C-series and vanadium tools manufactured by Snap-on, for Sears. They still work great!

There are so many tool companies out there, some of great quality, and some of questionable quality. Many of these companies slap a Craftsman sticker on the tool sell it to Sears and now it is a Craftsman tool. What I am saying is that due to this, Craftsman has some great tools and some ****. Especially the China ****.
A tool either does the job well, or it doesn't. The name itself on the tool does't affect the quality of the tool. Yes, I would rather have a garage full of Snap-pm rather than Craftsman. Since I am only a home mechanic and don't have a lot of money, Craftsman was the way to go. A Lamberghini sports car is better than my Ford Truck, but I have to stick with what I can afford. I consider Harbor Frieight to be mostly junk, but I like them for things **** as jack stands and jacks, and maybe some wire wheels and gloves. These are just my preferences and oppinions. An oppinion is not a fact. It is just a viewpoint based on personal experience. So you may hate my oppinion, but it isn't put out here as a statement for purposes of an arguement. If you wish to argue with me on anything I say, then you win! Time for you to pick another target, I'm just here for drama-less fun

David [email protected]

Of course the name on it doesn't affect the quality, but when you see/hear snap-on, you think quality tool, when you think pittsburgh, you think crappy tool.