Spend my tool money.

[kunkernator]

My birthday was yesterday and I received $200 Snap On credit from my parents.

With my student discount I get ~50% off most items. Given this, what do you think I should get? It does not have to be limited to $200, but still reasonable.

I am thinking some click stop torque wrenches. I know the 1/2" 50-250 ftlbs, click stop one is on promo for $120 this month, as well as the 3/8" for about $100 and the 1/4" for about $90.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Hafen_Kafer]

Can you buy tools using your discount for your, "friends"?

 

[kunkernator]

Can you buy tools using your discount for your, "friends"?

Not technically. They seem to be very strict about this, and they do not let you purchase unnessecary tools (shop equipment; lifts, compressors, welders, etc.) but I get what you're trying

 

[gagreen]

Wrenches, wrenches, wrenches, and maybe a few more wrenches lol. It all depends on what your going into but I'm guessing automotive so I'm a little out of my zone.

 

[MattPersman]

Bjp1 ball joint press

 

[cgv69]

The thing to keep in mind is, only some of Snap-On tools are superior to their competition. Many others are not or are just re-labeled tools made by someone else. Their torque wrenches are a perfect example of that. Snap-On doesn't make any of their own TW's, The ones they sell are primary made by either CDI or Precision Instruments. Even with your student discount, you can buy the exact same wrench from CDI for less money.

I have no idea what you have or what you need or what you work on so it's impossible to make any specific recommendations? I simply suggest you focus your discount and credit towards items that truly are superior to the competition such as their flare nut or Flank Drive Plus wrenches. I'm a big fan of their Dual 80 ratchets which can be had very cheaply with the student discount as can their 24" 1/2 drive breaker bar. While SO sockets are very nice but I personally find them hard to justify price wise (even with the student discount). Their "Heavy Duty Removal" torx bit sockets are very nice.

 

[uniballer]

50% off! Go nuts with about a grand! Hell, I'll come there and we will both spend some money.

 

[blackz26]

$200 @ 50% @ snap on? Not a helluva lot!

 

[saceone]

Maybe a t-shirt? They probably sell for 100$?!

 

[kunkernator]

Bjp1 ball joint press

I am actually seriously considering this. Do you own it?

The thing to keep in mind is, only some of Snap-On tools are superior to their competition. Many others are not or are just re-labeled tools made by someone else. Their torque wrenches are a perfect example of that. Snap-On doesn't make any of their own TW's, The ones they sell are primary made by either CDI or Precision Instruments. Even with your student discount, you can buy the exact same wrench from CDI for less money.

I have no idea what you have or what you need or what you work on so it's impossible to make any specific recommendations? I simply suggest you focus your discount and credit towards items that truly are superior to the competition such as their flare nut or Flank Drive Plus wrenches. I'm a big fan of their Dual 80 ratchets which can be had very cheaply with the student discount as can their 24" 1/2 drive breaker bar. While SO sockets are very nice but I personally find them hard to justify price wise (even with the student discount). Their "Heavy Duty Removal" torx bit sockets are very nice.

Can you link CDI's wrenches? If they are the same price or cheaper, then I will not buy them from SO. As for tools that I own, mostly hard line stuff, not so many specialty tools. I have full metric/SAE combo wrench sets. Full Gearwrench sets, full 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" chrome socket sets, full metric/SAE impact sets (up to 36mm/1-1/4"), flare nut wrenches, 3/8" crows feet set, full stubby set. A complete set of snap ring pliers, Channelocks, snips, vise grips. Plenty of punches, files, hammers. Triple square, torx, hex sockets, etorx. Plenty of ratchets.


I am definately going to purchase some ratchets sooner or later, what do you mean by "heavy duty removal torx"?

 

[kunkernator]

$200 @ 50% @ snap on? Not a helluva lot!

I like to look at it as a good deal, because sooner or later I will most likely buy Snap On tools, so might as well get a discount. But yes, still not as much bang for your buck as going to HF and buying a whole isle of tools.

 

[Hafen_Kafer]

They sell that? Thank you GJ!!!!

 

[Buckgnarly]

Bjp1 is GREAT!! So are FD+ wrenches, dual 80s.....buy the stuff that on one else makes better, but beware there is a ton of rebranded and not any better stuff SO charges WAY too much for.

 

[blackz26]

I like to look at it as a good deal, because sooner or later I will most likely buy Snap On tools, so might as well get a discount. But yes, still not as much bang for your buck as going to HF and buying a whole isle of tools.

Run while you still can! Snap on isn't an end all.to tools and as you see they are stupid expensive. Wright and SK will serve you just the same. And will either leave more money in your wallet or more tools in the box!

 

[davesnothere]

Mg725

 

[billymade]

Snapon made items: instinct screwdrivers, dual 80 ratchets, ratcheting screwdriver, gold torx, hex sockets, many many more... the hard line basics specifically made by Snapon are great. Good pro quality basics; are a great foundation to build from.

 

[LGMechanical]

Maybe a t-shirt? They probably sell for 100$?!

Mac is the one who has half a flyer if clothes.

Someone mentioned that CDI makes the wrenches for SO. That is correct but SO uses their own ratchet heads. I find the CDI head to be low quality. I've seen a few break with pro use. I've had my SO now for 5 years with no issues.

 

[cgv69]

Can you link CDI's wrenches? If they are the same price or cheaper, then I will not buy them from SO.

Here's CDI's website... http://www.cditorque.com/

Their 1/2 drive, 30-250ft-lb wrench is model # 2503MFRMH. ToolsDelivered has that model on sale for $123 shipped (http://www.toolsdelivered.com/CDI-2503MFRMH-Measuring-Instruments-Torque-Measuring-Wrenches-Micrometer-Adjustable-Wrenches) Amazon's standard price is $135 + shipping.

what do you mean by "heavy duty removal torx"?

SO makes standard torx bit sockets like these... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=631403&group_ID=674868&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog which are OK but nothing special and then the have their "heavy duty removal" version like these... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=630929&group_ID=680902&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Their standard bit sets are on pair with other quality bit sets but the HDR versions have must stronger bits that break much less frequently then the standard version

 

[RCStocker]

The thing to keep in mind is, only some of Snap-On tools are superior to their competition. Many others are not or are just re-labeled tools made by someone else. Their torque wrenches are a perfect example of that. Snap-On doesn't make any of their own TW's, The ones they sell are primary made by either CDI or Precision Instruments. Even with your student discount, you can buy the exact same wrench from CDI for less money.

I have no idea what you have or what you need or what you work on so it's impossible to make any specific recommendations? I simply suggest you focus your discount and credit towards items that truly are superior to the competition such as their flare nut or Flank Drive Plus wrenches. I'm a big fan of their Dual 80 ratchets which can be had very cheaply with the student discount as can their 24" 1/2 drive breaker bar. While SO sockets are very nice but I personally find them hard to justify price wise (even with the student discount). Their "Heavy Duty Removal" torx bit sockets are very nice.

Great Advice

 

[cburnscrx]

My advice would be to buy tools that are either Snap On specific, or tools that you can't get a lesser brand. I am told their flare nut wrenches are fantastic and worth spending the money on.

I don't think I'd be be buying sockets and things of that nature where you can get a similar quality tool at a much lower price.

*Since nobody else said it...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[richfinn]

Get a 1/4 drive socket set and some extra extensions

 

[pfctblu]

50% discount will land you a TF72, FLF80, and a SF80A and you will have your flex ratchets covered...and that makes for a pretty nice gift from the folks.

 

[kunkernator]

Run while you still can! Snap on isn't an end all.to tools and as you see they are stupid expensive. Wright and SK will serve you just the same. And will either leave more money in your wallet or more tools in the box!

With the 50% discount, the price is similar to Wright or SK. For now, I am buying Snap On.

Mg725

That is in this month's promo for $180. It is not a priority, because I have a good US made Aircat.

Mac is the one who has half a flyer if clothes.

Someone mentioned that CDI makes the wrenches for SO. That is correct but SO uses their own ratchet heads. I find the CDI head to be low quality. I've seen a few break with pro use. I've had my SO now for 5 years with no issues.

I was under the same understanding, that Snap On bought the torque wrenches, but put their heads on them.

Here's CDI's website... http://www.cditorque.com/

Their 1/2 drive, 30-250ft-lb wrench is model # 2503MFRMH. ToolsDelivered has that model on sale for $123 shipped (http://www.toolsdelivered.com/CDI-2503MFRMH-Measuring-Instruments-Torque-Measuring-Wrenches-Micrometer-Adjustable-Wrenches) Amazon's standard price is $135 + shipping.


SO makes standard torx bit sockets like these... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=631403&group_ID=674868&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog which are OK but nothing special and then the have their "heavy duty removal" version like these... http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=630929&group_ID=680902&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Their standard bit sets are on pair with other quality bit sets but the HDR versions have must stronger bits that break much less frequently then the standard version

I like the look of the torx bits. As for the torque wrenches, the Snap On ones are at the same price for me, and include a better ratchet head. So I don't think I will go with CDI.

My advice would be to buy tools that are either Snap On specific, or tools that you can't get a lesser brand. I am told their flare nut wrenches are fantastic and worth spending the money on.

I don't think I'd be be buying sockets and things of that nature where you can get a similar quality tool at a much lower price.

*Since nobody else said it...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Good luck and enjoy!

Thanks for the advice, and the Birthday Wishes!

 

[crewchief888]

there are a few things that i would only buy from SO

HD torx bits
allen sockets/ bits
flare nut wrenches
line sockets

 

[MattPersman]

I am actually seriously considering this. Do you own it??

Yes it's great