Snap-on vs. Mayhew Pro 150 Line Punch/Chisel Sets?

[PretendMechanic]

I want to upgrade my Punch/Chisel set. I'm going to buy once cry once.

Who makes a better Punch/Chisel set? Mayhew or Snap-on?

I'm talking about Mayhew's premium 150 line, not their regular line.

I can get my hands on a barely used Snap-on set for about the same price as the Mayhew Pro 150 line new.

I have no plan of buying Snap-on at MSRP. So let's leave the price argument out of it. I know when comparing new vs. new the Mayhew Pro 150 line is obviously MUCH better value for your dollar.

Snap-on makes a 10 piece and a 15 piece set that would suit my needs (Snap-on part numbers PPC710BK & PPC715BK), their other sets don't look like they'd work for me. The Mayhew Pro 150 line is a 14 piece kit (Mayhew part number 15070).

They are both made in the USA and it is my understanding that nobody supplies Snap-on, that they make them in house?

This is for general heavy duty automotive/motorycle mechanic use.

I like the roll the Snap-on sets come in, a lot more portable and functional for me vs the "cool" leather hard case the Mayhews come in, which will eat up precious tool box volume. If I go with the Mayhew set I do need to find/buy a decent storage roll for them.

Sets in question for your viewing pleasure (random pictures from google):

 

[vjquan]

They are both made in the USA and it is my understanding that nobody supplies Snap-on, that they make them in house?

Not true. Lang and Schley have both been suppliers. Their tools will even have a Snap-On date code.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Snap on warranties for wear and breakage. I've replaced a dozen+ of their smallest pin punch. For equal price I would buy snap on just for that.

 

[PretendMechanic]

Snap on warranties for wear and breakage. I've replaced a dozen+ of their smallest pin punch. For equal price I would buy snap on just for that.

Did not know that, very good to know. I would have though punches/chisels were consumables and not lifetime warranty.

How would that work if you don't have a "Snap-on guy"? I'm not a professional mechanic and don't know of a truck to supply me with replacements.

Will I have more issues warrantying via what I assume would be mail?

Been meaning to find a local truck...

 

[scooby074]

I have SO, Mayhew, Herbrand, Mac, Gray Plus probably 10 more brands.

SO in the roll are real nice. Great storage and tool control. Plus if you got a dealer its convenient. And the quality is a given

That said, if youre in Canada, dont overlook Gray. Most times I grab my old school Blue Gray tools. Top quality steel plus made in Canada is a huge bonus for me. Just under-rated and without the name brand recognition of SO outside of Industrial circles. Every bit as good quality as any brand.

For shits and giggles, I compared 2 punches I have one SO one Gray. NGL I was a bit shocked but not surpised.... Both a 8" line up punch. Same specs. Gray $15, SO $62. SO is literally 4x the cost. I have both these tools and they function exactly the same. I usually grab the Gray however. That tells you all you need to know

 

[1982fxr]

A couple years ago I think Mayhew top line was supplied to Snap-on. But there was some talk of them going in house. Did that finally happen?

 

[1982fxr]

Not true. Lang and Schley have both been suppliers. Their tools will even have a Snap-On date code.

I think he just means for punches and chisels.

 

[Steve_P]

Can you still buy the Mayhew 150 line? I have the chisels and they are awesome, way better than Mayhew Pro. But they don't seem to make them anymore the last time I checked.

 

[AJHD]

While I have nothing bad to say about Mayhew punches and chisels, I will say the few Snap On versions I own have a much better finish and better machining than the Mayhew versions I own. I would love to buy more Snappy...

That said, Mayhew's brass punches have been great and held up very well.

 

[n8n]

Snap on warranties for wear and breakage. I've replaced a dozen+ of their smallest pin punch. For equal price I would buy snap on just for that.

Unless things have changed, only if you buy new off the truck. Now, if you are a regular truck customer with a cool driver, he may neglect to check his records, but Snap-On does not officially warranty tools purchased used.

 

[garfunkle24]

Snap-on punches and chisels WERE Mayhew 150 line. Maybe not any more?

 

[PretendMechanic]

Can you still buy the Mayhew 150 line? I have the chisels and they are awesome, way better than Mayhew Pro. But they don't seem to make them anymore the last time I checked.

I actually was worried about this very thing becuase I noticed pretty much no-one had stock of the Mayhew Pro Line 150 15070 set.

So I bought a set last week. Unless the seller shipped me a box of bricks, tracking is showing that it did get delivered. I won't be able to check on it for a few weeks.

Wanted to know if I should commit to the set or not before my return window closes.

 

[PretendMechanic]

A couple years ago I think Mayhew top line was supplied to Snap-on. But there was some talk of them going in house. Did that finally happen?

Snap-on punches and chisels WERE Mayhew 150 line. Maybe not any more?

I read this a lot, but then also read a lot that this isn't true, I have no idea?

 

[PretendMechanic]

While I have nothing bad to say about Mayhew punches and chisels, I will say the few Snap On versions I own have a much better finish and better machining than the Mayhew versions I own. I would love to buy more Snappy...

Do you own the Mayhew's premium 150 line or their regular line?

 

[T45]

I have no plan of buying Snap-on at MSRP.

"pro warranty" where they will swap out consumables, implies you have legit business with snap-on.

 

[garfunkle24]

I read this a lot, but then also read a lot that this isn't true, I have no idea?

I have no hard evidence I can give you. It was at least 10 years ago I researched this. My Snap-on industrial rep had told me the S0 and Mayhew 150 were the same. I compared multiple punches and chisels and they APPEARED 100% identical. Same finish, exact same stampings, grinding/angles identical etc. I believe at that time Mayhew had a design patent on the parabolic head so only Mayhew and SO had that. A quick google search shows Proto have that too so maybe the patent or whatever ran out or they licensed it.

Anyhow, I can't say (and shouldn't have said) that I am 100% certain they are the same, but I believe them to be.

Regarding warranty: Reps aren't really supposed to warranty anything for wear and tear but generally will in some circumstances (read customers who spend a lot). I don't know if it was 'policy' or not but I've had reps who warranty taps, drill bits, burrs, extractors etc. Even at 5x the price it can make sense to buy some of that stuff from them for warranty but I wouldn't count on SO corporate doing that for you...

 

[Steve_P]

Do you own the Mayhew's premium 150 line or their regular line?

I know this wasn't for me. And I don't own any Snap On punches or chisels. I have Mayhew Pro punches and chisels, Mayhew 150 chisels, Starrett punches, PB Swiss punches, and two punches by Gray. The Mayhew Pro and 150 line machining is flawless on everything I have- I can't see how you could do a better job in machining. All of my stuff was purchased between 5-15 years ago.

If you bought a set of 150 Line stuff, I'd bet it is just old stock. Does Mayhew even list it anymore on their website? If you do receive it, I can't imagine you won't be happy with it.

Edit: judging by durability, the 150 line and the Starrett punches appear to be tool steel. The Mayhew pro products seems to be alloy steel. There may be some info on the Mayhew website alluding to this, but the 150 line is far superior to the pro line.

 

[nadogail]

I have had a very good history with Mayhew., if I am spending my own money I look at the value for my dollar. If I am spending Other Peoples Money, I may go with my wishes.

 

[AJHD]

Do you own the Mayhew's premium 150 line or their regular line?

Not sure how I tell the difference? I don't think they are anything special.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I would not be terribly surprised if MAYHEW was the maker of the SnapOn punches and pry bars. Mayhew is the highest quality I was able to buy. I do not hesitate to recommend Mayhew.

 

[Steve_P]

Not sure how I tell the difference? I don't think they are anything special.

The 150 line is special as it uses better steel than the pro line. It was their premier product, better than anything else they produced. If it's the 150 line, a 150 is in the PN stamped on the item.

Edit: it was to celebrate their 150th anniversary, so I'm not sure if it's still produced- I think they stopped making them years ago.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Did not know that, very good to know. I would have though punches/chisels were consumables and not lifetime warranty.

How would that work if you don't have a "Snap-on guy"? I'm not a professional mechanic and don't know of a truck to supply me with replacements.

Will I have more issues warrantying via what I assume would be mail?

Been meaning to find a local truck...

You'd have to pay postage to mail it to them. Wait for them to look at it, and send a replacement. It's a numbers game with tool-truck stuff. I bought the Eagle Grip rebrands from snap-on, for approx 1.75 times what HJE sold the Malco version for. They have now worn out, my replacement is in route per my driver. In this instance it is literally cheaper to buy snap on, because of the cost of replacement items. I would have paid more for 2 pair of Malco than 2 pair of snap on. That's why stuff like hammers, punches, pliers, etc are so expensive from SO. You're paying more initially and betting them you'll make it back over time. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Unless things have changed, only if you buy new off the truck. Now, if you are a regular truck customer with a cool driver, he may neglect to check his records, but Snap-On does not officially warranty tools purchased used.

Correct, this is their official policy. I have had zero issues with tools bought 10years prior getting replaced as required. Granted, these were purchased new. I have a 1980s box at my house. They warrantied the slides for the top or bottom, I forget which. When I called back to order other parts for the top, I tried to warranty the other top/bottom worth of slide, and was told they weren't warranty. So I bought the number of slides I knew I needed to replace, and the parts I intended to buy. Seems pretty fair as I paid $350 for it used, and it's older than I am.



On the one hand, the warranty has been paid for with the initial purchase. On the other, neglecting to include information which would disqualify a warranty claim per the expressed policy is inherently deceitful. YMMV. I have seen snap on be, in my view, very fair in applying their warranty to replacing broken items, regardless of source of acquisition.

I would also like to point out, Mayhew makes a quality product. I don't feel either option is a poor choice.

 

[woody 73]

An old post story of mine; I hope you will enjoy reading it on this hot summer night...

Chisel & Punch Tutorial

Disclaimer and Special Notes: Every now and then a new member will ask what chisel & Punch set should I look for? Of course we will get as many different answers for every GJ member that post a reply. So a few things are in order that we need to clear up. (1) You will find a wide array from...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[PretendMechanic]

So which ones are better? Mayhew 150 line or (current gen) Snap-on?

No you don't love all your children equally, there is a favorite.





Is there really no-one (here) that has had experience with both? Makes sense if you think about it though, as they're both supposed to be top tier sets that don't need replacing often.

Doesn't look like Snap-on warranty is something that would work well for me as a wannabe mechanic. Then again there is no warranty from Mayhew. No big deal for me.

Are we sure the Mayhew 150 line was a 150th anniversary thing? I know they released a limited edition set with a wood holder for the 150th anniversary for the 150 line, but I am not sure if 150 line punch set itself was a limited 150th anniversary thing. Picture below for your viewing pleasure.

I like that Snap-on can be consistently and easily found and I can purchase replacements when necessary, though even that would be quite an infrequent event with my use case.

It's nice to know that you can always pop on fleabay and find a piece because there is just so much Snap-on out there in the wild, even if they discontinue their current set for a newer design. Can't say the same about the Mayhew 150 line as I can't even get a straight answer from Mayhew if it's discontinued or not or when it will be restocked.

I'm leaning towards "gently" used Snap-on, unless I can find a good objective reason as to why the Mayhew 150 line is superior in some way (which would suit my application). Plus I like the Snap-on storage roll (also can purchase replacement rolls when the nylon eventually detoriates as they always do). And I'm not at all a Snap-on fan boy... Seriously though, I'm not.

 

[PretendMechanic]

I have had a very good history with Mayhew., if I am spending my own money I look at the value for my dollar. If I am spending Other Peoples Money, I may go with my wishes.

And just what would those wishes be, when it comes to a punch/chisel set?

 

[PretendMechanic]

If you bought a set of 150 Line stuff, I'd bet it is just old stock. Does Mayhew even list it anymore on their website? If you do receive it, I can't imagine you won't be happy with it.

Edit: judging by durability, the 150 line and the Starrett punches appear to be tool steel. The Mayhew pro products seems to be alloy steel. There may be some info on the Mayhew website alluding to this, but the 150 line is far superior to the pro line.

Hmmm...

Mayhew's website says "High grade S-2 steel" for their set (#15070)

Snap-on's website says "tough alloy steel" for their set (#PPC715BK, and presumably all their other sets)

Are they not both technically alloy steels? Wouldn't high grade be marketingly (if that is a word) subjective?

I'm not going to pretend I actually understand the difference off the top of my head without a refresher on the topic. I know I see "S-2 tool steel" advertised a lot on what are supposed to be nicer products...

www.mayhew.com/products/punches-chisels/punches_and_chisels_punch_and_chisel_set__150_line

www.shop.snapon.com/product/Punch-and-Chisel-Sets/16-pc-Punch-and-Chisel-Set/PPC715BK

 

[T45]

Niether company is going to disclose trade secrets in the marketing literature, so take it all with a grain of salt. You can also consider buying a couple punches and abuse them and see which failure mode/brands you prefer.

 

[jayemm]

Looking at the sets I guess it depends what you really want in the sets versus just getting a "set". Do any of the items fill in what you may be lacking. If it were my choice it would be the 15 pc Snap-On because it includes 2 center punches and 3 chisels instead of 5 chisels and still the same amount of pin punches. Enough alignment and starter punches to be useful. The roll pouch is nice too. What's the difference once they get nicked and greasy. The pleasure is in using a nice tool. Not to be sarcastic, but at first glance of the pictures my mind thought get the Snappy to use and the Mayhew to display somewhere. It's a pretty set.

 

[1982fxr]

Call Snap-on and ask who the vendor is.

 

[Steve_P]

S2, A2, D2..... are regarded as tool steels in the US. 4140, 4340... are regarded as alloy steels in the US. Yes, technically even A36 is an alloy steel if you want to be pedantic, but these are the general rules that we follow here. There is technically no such thing as "chome moly steel" from an engineer's or metallurgist's perspective, I have never seen that on an engineering drawing; but if you say chrome moly in the US, it's understood that you're speaking about 41XX or 43XX. But on a drawing, it will say 4130, or whatever specific alloy, with the heat treat data.

Yes, the Mayhew 150 line was for their 150th anniversary. They came in a very fancy rigid black leather pouch and cost way more than the standard stuff. If you bought it, you'd know and wouldn't forget.

 

[robert6715]

My 20-year-old Snap On punches/chisels are identical to my 2-year-old Mayhews, right done to the font on the lettering.

 

[AJHD]

My 20-year-old Snap On punches/chisels are identical to my 2-year-old Mayhews, right done to the font on the lettering.

Meaning what exactly? Mayhew is copying an old Snap On design? Expired copyright/patent?

 

[AJHD]

They are not the 150 series, but you can see a very obvious difference in the Mayhew offering vs Snap On side by side.

I will be upgrading the remainder of my Mayhew with Snap On when finances allow me to do so.

 

[robert6715]

Meaning what exactly? Mayhew is copying an old Snap On design? Expired copyright/patent?

Just answering the OP's question in post #24

Is there really no-one (here) that has had experience with both? Makes sense if you think about it though, as they're both supposed to be top tier sets that don't need replacing often.

 

[neophyte]

They are not the 150 series, but you can see a very obvious difference in the Mayhew offering vs Snap On side by side.

I will be upgrading the remainder of my Mayhew with Snap On when finances allow me to do so.

Mayhew makes at least three different quality levels.
The ones sold at Home Depot are likely the lowest tier.
Mayhew also has dome side items made overseas (Europe) from quality manufacturers that are just different, and usually imported due to design features.

Some of the karge European tool brands like Facom, have multiple lines of chisels and punches as well, which are likely made from different materials, to different designs.

 

[1982fxr]

I have Mayhew and Snap-on that are identical but they they are older Snap-on. I think the new ones are different, from what I'm seeing.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think Snap on and Mayhew make great products. I've used and broken both brands. I feel that not having a servicing snap on dealer negates about 40% of its value (at least for me) and makes warranty less easy.
If you want and can afford the Snap on set then, by all means get it. Just keep in mind that they don't possess mythical powers .

Epsteins sells a 20 piece canvas punch & chisel roll if needed to organize different brands.

20 Pocket US Made Canvas Punch and Chisel Tool Roll (TR20)

20 Pocket US Made Canvas Punch and Chisel Tool Roll

www.harryepstein.com

I use mostly Wilde or Proto (probably the same) punches/chisels these days. I find they're a great balance between durability, price, and availability but, that's just me. I don't think you'll go wrong with Mayhew Pro or Snap on

 

[ecotec]

For new… I bought Wilde from Menards and imported Starrett.

For used… I bought whatever USA brands showed up for $1 or less.

I have filled the drawer… so I have gotten very picky.

I would replace the non USA Starrett and the USA Wilde with fancier brands if I find them cheap enough.

I wouldn’t pay a penny for anything not stamped (I don’t like laser etching) or not made in USA anymore. I probably wouldn’t even take them for free.

I will, slowly, over my lifetime buy the best I can find for the least amount of money… which has been my game plan for a long while. I have no needs, so I can be cheap and picky.

To be honest, I displaced my USA Dasco Pro before I even started to displace the non-USA Starrett.

 

[isr2kba]

I have the 150 line and the Snapon punches. I use them a fair bit and consider them equivalent. The differences I observe are:

1. The snapon punches are “springier” when you strike them — a little more bouncy whereas the Mayhew has a more precise feel.

2. The Mayhew heads deform faster than the snapon heads do. I don’t care because I obsessively redress them tip n tail before putting them back.

3. If I think I have “wail” on a punch (and that’s usually a bad plan), I prefer the snapon because it can take more of a beating before failure and replacements are quick and easy. It is not often that I break a mayhew but when I do it is almost always the 1/16 and I just order a new one from Amazon since I don’t have a dealer to warranty them that keeps 150xx in stock. Ps, the replacements have the right part number but they don’t have the same polish as the originals that came in the pleather case.

 

[merkyworks]

Perhaps unpopular opinion but I perfer PB Swiss punches