Snap On

[gmm213]

Are they worth it anymore? I have a handful of snap on stuff from my last job but I've been reading problems about warranty and such, which is a big reason I paid so much. I've moved and need a new ratchet set. I'd like to buy SO but have been thinking about looking elsewhere. I don't work in the industry anymore don't know the rep. Not sure if I want to spend **** tons of money too build a relationship with him just to have problems. I know craftsman is going Chinese for some stuff. Can usa made craftsman be had anymore

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Not worth it. Overpriced ****. Made in China with USA stamped on it. No CS and no warranty anymore.

Stick around and you might become a SO fan boy....

 

[MattPersman]

Great stuff, if you want it and have the money very hard to beat there complete line up of tools. Good CS as well there are a few people that complain about CS issues, maybe they had a HUMAN that had a bad day or are asking for stuff out of the warranty guidelines but typically they will not hesitate to help you out on all issues.

 

[espyking83]

You can still get USA Craftsman but it will be replaced by Chinese if you need to warranty it.
As far as Snap On goes, it has never been worth it. Not for the tool anyways, but the service is impeccable and extremely convenient. I buy Snap On for the service, and only buy tools that have a higher probability of failure by their nature. I have to say that my local driver is going to complete ****, never keeps his word and has only showed up once in the past few months. Dont know if this is becoming the norm, but it'sgetting almost impossible to justify buying anything Snap On around here.

 

[wild cowboy]

the best bang for the buck these days are tools made in Taiwan, such as Kobalt, Tekton, Toptul, VIM, Sunex, Grey, some Gearwrench items, and many other brands.

Kobalt at Lowes has the no hassle warranty like Sears, and is not going out of business and closing all of their stores due to bad management like Sears is.

don't confuse very high quality Taiwan made with low quality China made!

 

[bob15]

the best bang for the buck these days are tools made in Taiwan, such as Kobalt, Tekton, Toptul, VIM, Sunex, Grey, some Gearwrench items, and many other brands.

Kobalt at Lowes has the no hassle warranty like Sears, and is not going out of business and closing all of their stores due to bad management like Sears is.

don't confuse very high quality Taiwan made with low quality China made!

Sorry wild, the best bang for your dollar is the US MADE tools from SK and Wright tools. American made, strong, great finish, great to deal with if you need a warranty and no need to worry about if a store closes or trying to find a store.

As for Snap On, if you want one of the best they are it (I think SO ratchet's are the best, a tie with Bonney for best lobular/flank drive sockets and # 2 to Bonney for wrenches). If you don't mind spending the extra money want to buy the Caddy of tools, go for it. I find the craftsman and most import tools the hyundai class.

I was given a couple brand new SO F830 ratchets many years ago. I still have them after 20 or so years, still use daily (or almost) and have zero complaints. I actually have bought a couple more off e-bay (used). They are worth the extra money....check e-bay, price not so bad.

 

[CJM8515]

The tools are worth it depending on what you buy. The service from the trucks can be terrible but SO cs is a phone call away an is very good. I've had issues with the drivers being horrible but a call to cs got me what I needed no issues at all. Just ***** you can't get it that day off the truck

 

[jeffmoss26]

Here we go!

 

[bczygan]

I don't think SO quality and pricing has ever been discussed on this forum.

Thank you for bringing it up.

You made a huge mistake paying all that money for SO.

The good news is that your local Sears has lots of tools and an endless supply coming from China, which as we all know, makes all the best things.

If you like, I will send you one similar, brand new and shiny Sears tool, for each of your old dirty used SO tools.

Please PM me with a list of what you have.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Sorry wild, the best bang for your dollar is the US MADE tools from SK and Wright tools. American made, strong, great finish, great to deal with if you need a warranty and no need to worry about if a store closes or trying to find a store.

NONSENSE.What if all of a sudden you need a 1 3/16 deep socket ? Run into town and buy or replace a Wright or Armstrong or SK or any of the vast plethora of US made products that are extrememly poorly marketed and distributed.
If I had my own auto repair I'd be on the truck every week.
Not if I was working at a dealer. They don't pay enough.
I'd be buying Taiwan local, as I do now.I work on pretty much everything BUT cars....at least anything post 1980.
These idiot US companies better get on the bandwagon with marketing and distribution or the Taiwanese are going to bury their sorry asses.
The clowns at SK are still using the excuse ( we just took over) for not having a proper website. They took over in 2012. A couple grand for a real webmaster for a few days and a photographer is all it would take.
Utterly foolish. Just like the previous "management" teams.

 

[DodgeMech]

Unless you're getting services by a truck weekly, you prolly don't "need" snapon...Williams, SK, Armstrong, etc are great USA alternatives if you can find them...if not, there is some good stuff coming out of Taiwan these days

 

[blown94conv]

If you have to ask, then no.

 

[MattPersman]

It is bizarre that the U.S. Companies like SK that everyone raves about here have such little availability. Anyone can order stuff
On the Internet of whatever obscure brand. But for pro use it would be silly as warranty is not convenient

Almost better off getting duralast, Stanley, husky, kobalt, etc. At least you could get them warrantied in your car.

 

[Murphy4570]

They're worth it if you use them every single day. Snap-On holds up to the abuse. Shade trees and Harry homeowner can get by with cheap stuff.

 

[FMC1959]

....If you don't mind spending the extra money want to buy the Caddy of tools, go for it. I find the craftsman and most import tools the hyundai class.

There was a time long ago this meant something, by today's standards, not a ringing endorsement.

We'll see how many pages before a MOD has to close this thread.

 

[wild cowboy]

there are still times that a Snap-On tool is a good idea, like an "iffy" tool situation where you are already in a jam, for example, if I was working on something rusty and in a predicament where only an open end would work, and not even a line wrench would fit, then I would want the bite of real Flank Drive Plus before my problem on this job becomes even bigger!

but for the vast majority of situations, Snap-On is a very expensive luxury tool!

 

[OutsideMachinist]

 

[gmm213]

Thank you Bob15 and dodgemech. Any recommendations on places to find Sk or Williams or Armstrong online that are reputable? And I know with some companies certain tools are not USA. Any with either of those companies?

It's not that SO isn't great it's just hard justifying the expenditure and then having problems with warranty. If I have to go through the CS that's just like going through online retailers anyway.

And while I'm sure the Taiwanese stuff is good bang for buck but I want USA made

 

[gmm213]

As far as all the people who are sarcastic and talking down to me. I know SO makes great tools, but I'm not spending tons of money over another good brands so I can get local service to have that service be ****. With SO your paying a lot for service and I expect but from what I here if the trend continues no matter how great the tools are they won't be able to justify the cost. Not saying all reps will go to **** but I hear it more and more

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

If you have to ask, then no.

 

[Hiball]

Are they worth it anymore? I have a handful of snap on stuff from my last job but I've been reading problems about warranty and such, which is a big reason I paid so much. I've moved and need a new ratchet set. I'd like to buy SO but have been thinking about looking elsewhere. I don't work in the industry anymore don't know the rep. Not sure if I want to spend **** tons of money too build a relationship with him just to have problems. I know craftsman is going Chinese for some stuff. Can usa made craftsman be had anymore

There is Absolutely NOBODY here at GJ who can Answer those questions for you, Lord knows they will try and undoubtedly Arguments will follow, if they haven't already because im simply not going to take the time to read Previous responses. The Best Advice IMO is to put Hands on Tools and forge your own opinion, Don't base it off Internet bias. I will Add.. Snap on Tools are aimed more so at Service based Mechanics, If your not in the field and not going to benefit from Service, Whether its the In house Credit, front door delivery, It may not be what you are looking for.

Good Luck.

 

[bcradio]

Sorry wild, the best bang for your dollar is the US MADE tools from SK and Wright tools. American made, strong, great finish, great to deal with if you need a warranty and no need to worry about if a store closes or trying to find a store.

As for Snap On, if you want one of the best they are it (I think SO ratchet's are the best, a tie with Bonney for best lobular/flank drive sockets and # 2 to Bonney for wrenches). If you don't mind spending the extra money want to buy the Caddy of tools, go for it. I find the craftsman and most import tools the hyundai class.

I was given a couple brand new SO F830 ratchets many years ago. I still have them after 20 or so years, still use daily (or almost) and have zero complaints. I actually have bought a couple more off e-bay (used). They are worth the extra money....check e-bay, price not so bad.

This guy is hilarious

 

[bob15]

Thank you Bob15 and dodgemech. Any recommendations on places to find Sk or Williams or Armstrong online that are reputable? And I know with some companies certain tools are not USA. Any with either of those companies?

It's not that SO isn't great it's just hard justifying the expenditure and then having problems with warranty. If I have to go through the CS that's just like going through online retailers anyway.

And while I'm sure the Taiwanese stuff is good bang for buck but I want USA made

For SK I would try Harry Epstein (great customer service), zoro tool (part of graingers) or ebay. The trick with e-bay is to go on the SK website and get the tool/set part number and then search e-bay. With zoro, they usually have a black frinday or cyber monday sale of 40% off (might be worth checking out)

http://store.harryepstein.com/c/W.html

http://www.zoro.com/s/?q=sk+wrench+set



For Wright tool: Royal Supply or Epstein:

http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/showsearchresults.asp?incSale=0&IDSale=0&ProdSort=&PageStyle=m&customfield=0&SearchValues=&exact=0&keyword=wright%20tool&priceFrom=0&priceUntil=9999999&idCategory=2458&IdSupplier=&withStock=&IDBrand=0&SKU=&order=3

Williams: not really sure anymore. They aren't a favorite of mine anymore. When i bought them the last time, it was through MSC supply (about 16-17 years ago)

Armstrong: The last place i bought mine were from MSC as well.

 

[Stuart in MN]

People are being sarcastic because this same discussion shows up about once a week...on the other hand, that's better than the Craftsman bashing threads, which usually show up several times each day.

 

[bob15]

This guy is hilarious

glad i made you laugh.....

just speakin' the truth

 

[bcradio]

glad i made you laugh.....

just speakin' the truth

Keep telling yourself that

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

As far as all the people who are sarcastic and talking down to me. I know SO makes great tools, but I'm not spending tons of money over another good brands so I can get local service to have that service be ****. With SO your paying a lot for service and I expect but from what I here if the trend continues no matter how great the tools are they won't be able to justify the cost. Not saying all reps will go to **** but I hear it more and more

Agreed.
I know my first response was one of the sarcastic ones.

Now to a real response: I agree with you for the most part. But I have found it equally hard to spend the money on other tools. They may be great deal for "437 tools for $199" kinda deals, but those deals are NOT the tools I need. The last time I was tempted to buy something NOT off the tool truck it was metric line wrenches -- CM's ( the only brand that even had some available) the price was so high that I said screw it an got some from the SO truck the next week.
I'll be the first to admit that I really like my 99% SO box full of tools. But I'm also a reasonable person who would tell anyone to do what fits your needs and budget. So, it really depends on what tools YOU need and what money YOU want to spend and what the customer service differences are worth to YOU....

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Snap-On's own products are designed by a highly respected R&D Department, and manufactured to high standards, and have a good warranty. However,,,

There are expenses factored into the retail price of these tools... First is the traveling toolshowroomobile.. The cost of purchasing and operating that buggy is going to be reflected in the retail price.. The Dealer has to make a living also. In a high sales volume metro area with a multitude of customers on the daily route, that Dealer should do good business.... How about the rural areas, with miles between stops that are staffed by a handful of customers..... ??

The finance part....The famous Truck Account with weekly payments... Someone is funding this free service. Would you like to receive Your paycheck on the payment plan, and fund your employer's expense??? In receiving a minimal payment for your labor each week, would it be justifiable for you to charge interest;;;;even if you had to hide it into an higher labor fee??? And: Someone is paying for the deadbeats who skip town with unpaid for tools... These expenses have to be factored into the retail price.

Snap-On does it the way Snap-On does it,, and we pay extra for it..


For me, a current day visit to the toolshowroomobile involves adjusting my schedule and driving into town... Ya, at my expense..and the Dealer in driving at his expense. Double whammy that I pay for... Also, I have no need for the finance plan that is factored into the retail price..

The development of the internet has expanded the offerings for all of us.....This has resulted in online purchases from many quality tool sources at highly reduced costs. You are not paying for a toolshowroomobile or finance plan, just the tool and maybe a shipping fee ..Well,,,,not Snap-On's website... that would be very unfair to their Dealers..

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Here we go!

Yep,,, got my seat belt buckled,,,,, OP must be expecting some sparks to fly; He is wearing a welding helmet.

 

[blown94conv]

You guys act like the other retailers don't factor in a building to hold stock in, get paid themselves, have any overhead, etc. Every retail business has loss (Theft, etc), and they factor in a profit into every tool they sell, be it SK, Wright, Armstrong, whoever.

It sorta reminds me of the Bob's discount furniture ads we had in CT a few years ago, when the other companies offered free delivery. "I guess their trucks don't use gas and the guys work for free" was the general gist of it.

If you like the tools, use them. Many ways to get them. As far as warranty, not that hard either. Of course, I haven't had to warranty a tool in years, so it isn't an issue for a backyard hack like myself. Maybe if I bought cheaper tools, I'd break more. But since I don't.....

 

[Adam.C]

Is a ratchet set just a ratchet? Or a ratchet and set of sockets?

I think it's true what BDT writes. Snap on prices are based on the development of tools, distribution, customer service, and warranty. If you don't need warranty and truck service, I think the retail prices are hard to justify.

I disagree with an earlier poster who said SO isn't justifiable for shade tree mechanics. This shade tree mechanic needs every possible advantage to repair his daily drivers. I want all the specialty and high strength super tools I can get. I don't MAKE money with my tools, but I do SAVE money with tools, which in my mind are one in the same.

If you think SO has good quality and you like their ratchets, I think it is smart to buy them second hand. For $10 you can replace the only wear items. You can easily find all but collectible models less the half retail on fleabay.

If you are after a socket set, again, I would recommend ebay. I think SO sockets are better quality than any Asian tool. There may be comparable German sockets.

I don't think it is helpful to compare retail SO to Taiwan. Few pros pay retail for SO. Why should we?

 

[Adam.C]

You guys act like the other retailers don't factor in a building to hold stock in, get paid themselves, have any overhead, etc.

Don't you think some SO retail prices reflect the cost of a lifetime warranty? They have $100 hammers. Do you think that hammer is worth anywhere near $100? I think $100 for a hammer is obscene. But I guess if I wore out my hammer every year and could get a brand new one every year for free, $100 would start looking cheap to me. SO prices aren't just distribution and customer service.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

You guys act like the other retailers don't factor in a building to hold stock in, get paid themselves, have any overhead, etc. Every retail business has loss (Theft, etc), and they factor in a profit into every tool they sell, be it SK, Wright, Armstrong, whoever.

It sorta reminds me of the Bob's discount furniture ads we had in CT a few years ago, when the other companies offered free delivery. "I guess their trucks don't use gas and the guys work for free" was the general gist of it.

If you like the tools, use them. Many ways to get them. As far as warranty, not that hard either. Of course, I haven't had to warranty a tool in years, so it isn't an issue for a backyard hack like myself. Maybe if I bought cheaper tools, I'd break more. But since I don't.....

Yes, retailers have expenses that involve snowplowing the parking lot, heating , water and sewer fees, insurance, and the whole 9 yards. And yep, showrooms are an invitation to shoplifters.. But having not spending time driving between stops enables a retailer to spend that time tending to phone orders and walk-in customers... Some of these places are very busy..

Running a business as a internet and mail order would enable you to serve customers from anywhere,,, not just on a limited route.. A smaller building can hold a bunch of tools.. There doesn't have to be a large showroom to deal with and maintain. Efficiency in operations can be factored into lower retail prices..

 

[blown94conv]

Any tool with a lifetime warranty has replacement cost factored in. The bean counters make sure of it.

 

[stikman56]

This...

 

[Dirty Diesels]

Here we go!

Yeah I was thinking the same !

 

[junktastic]

I spent 20 years as a mechanic at dealerships. Snap On tools do hold up to a ton of abuse, and their well made. But I bought the majority of my tools second hand from estate sales and retiring mechanics, because they are OBSCENELY priced. No ratchet or hammer is worth $100+ The salary of a mechanic does not justify paying $30,000 for a complete set of tools. I found Mac and Matco to be just as good. I also used some SK, Hazet, Williams, and found these to hold up well too. I did buy new stuff off the truck here and there that I could not find used, but that's about it. No, Cratsman, Husky, Chinese and Taiwanese tools are not as strong, I broke a ton of these things, and they are bulky, can't fit into super tight spaces, but for the home, driveway, maintenance, they are fine, and will most likely last your lifetime.

 

[wild cowboy]

I buy Snap-On for mission critical tools when their design is likely to save my *** out of a jam, but I have pared way back on the percentage of SO in my collection, as I don't tolerate warranty hassles when I am buying the most expensive tools in the world!

I DON'T THINK SO!
- HOMEY DON'T PLAY DAT!

 

[pi_guy]

Beginning to draw the conclusion that if a poster can not use the tools on GJ ie: the search function, having the best hand tools will not effect the outcome of the job.

Having said that I think how you approach and deal with your Snap -on dealer makes all the difference. If you come at him with a dripping attitude you leave unhappy.
I bring halloween candy and do pretty well with him, I had ordered the two new nutdriver sizes <they expanded the number of nutdrivers in std & metric sets> and he went and dug out an NOS 1/8 nutdriver that was discontinued years ago.
& I always get first crack on the specials paid 130 each for 1/4 drive impact swivel sockets that list at $250.

BTW in the christmas specials met&std nutdrivers sets are $161 and both include two new sizes

 

[abk241]

The worst complaint I have with SO service is that the drivers don't seem to stock their trucks like they used to.
More and more they have to order replacements...but they always take care of it.