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Things Snap-On Tool owners say.

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MattRMagnum

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May 10, 2012
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225
Location
PNW
I feel like "overly trusting mechanics" are their biggest buying demographic. Someone I went to high school with spent like $50k on this massive toolbox they sell, and customization for it. He swore it was worth it, and a great investment. He had like $80k in tools he was paying for, from Snap-On.

Last I saw (1.5-2 years later), he had it for sale on Facebook for like $14k, and couldn't find a buyer. If I regularly broke a tool, or needed a very specific tool that's expensive, I'd consider buying it from Snap-On. For everything else? I'll buy from Craftsman/Kobalt/etc. for a fraction of the price, and be completely fine.
 

yellowbox

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Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
4,683
Didn't watch the video
My take on. Snapon, now caveat is I have alot of Snapon tools BUT .now they are letting quality slip and the price gouging in the last few years has gotten insane
Even the new guys starting out are going to icon and harbor freight,
OK I watched the video...lame
Back in the day I was a snapon *****...lol
 

AJHD

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Joined
Jan 4, 2020
Messages
3,014
Location
AZ
Is that your video?

It made me laugh... Especially the part at the end taking his wife "somewhere expensive."

As someone who buys Snap On, I can unfortunately relate to some of it.
 

AEAdam

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Joined
May 27, 2023
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2,737
Location
SE PA
I want to hang out with that guy just to hear him say the word ”tool”. It was like Ta-ooo.

Notice all the nice Snap On tools he had? He must have made some serious money doing the voice of “mater” in “Cars”.
 

F-22

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Jan 23, 2022
Messages
1,830
For everything else? I'll buy from Craftsman/Kobalt/etc. for a fraction of the price, and be completely fine.
There's a big gap between the low end brands and Snap On. It's really odd when people look at it as if its black-and-white, thinking you can't get Snap On tools for a fraction of the cost - meanwhile brands like Bondhus literally sell Snap On allen keys for way less money.
 

Wamsutta

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Joined
Jan 8, 2014
Messages
10,871
Location
Amarillo, Texas
Didn't watch the video
My take on. Snapon, now caveat is I have alot of Snapon tools BUT .now they are letting quality slip and the price gouging in the last few years has gotten insane
Even the new guys starting out are going to icon and harbor freight,
OK I watched the video...lame
Back in the day I was a snapon *****...lol
Letting quality slip on which specific tools? You got me curious.
 

southalabama

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Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
5,533
Location
Brewton AL
Is that your video?

It made me laugh... Especially the part at the end taking his wife "somewhere expensive."

As someone who buys Snap On, I can unfortunately relate to some of it.
 

LWB

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 6, 2019
Messages
1,217
Location
ON, Canada
There's nothing wrong with having a giant Snap-on box full of Snap-on tools. If it helps you in your trade that's fantastic.

Some with rather have a huge house.
Some people would rather have an expensive car.
Some would rather have an expensive boat.
Some would want all the toys.
Some would rather see the world and speed their money that way.

Whatever floats your boat...
 

dchawk81

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
14,361
I feel like "overly trusting mechanics" are their biggest buying demographic. Someone I went to high school with spent like $50k on this massive toolbox they sell, and customization for it. He swore it was worth it, and a great investment. He had like $80k in tools he was paying for, from Snap-On.

Last I saw (1.5-2 years later), he had it for sale on Facebook for like $14k, and couldn't find a buyer. If I regularly broke a tool, or needed a very specific tool that's expensive, I'd consider buying it from Snap-On. For everything else? I'll buy from Craftsman/Kobalt/etc. for a fraction of the price, and be completely fine.
I can't imagine a payment on 80k worth of tools. I didn't even pay half that for my semi truck. Both my semi trucks combined didn't cost half that. 😂

I have a select few Snap-on things but it's always been swipe the Discover then pay as soon as it hits. Some I'd swear by, others not so much.
 

2ndGearRubber

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2014
Messages
14,185
Location
Pittsburgh
There's nothing wrong with having a giant Snap-on box full of Snap-on tools. If it helps you in your trade that's fantastic.

Some with rather have a huge house.
Some people would rather have an expensive car.
Some would rather have an expensive boat.
Some would want all the toys.
Some would rather see the world and speed their money that way.

Whatever floats your boat...

My friends has a Harley Davidson, real nice looking with like 3k on it when he bought it.

My box(es) and that bike cost the same.


I don't do motorcycles though, not my thing. We're both plenty happy with our choices.
 

yellowbox

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Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
4,683
Letting quality slip on which specific tools? You got me curious.
pliers for one
sockets , wear out quicker , crack easier than other brands
the 1/2 drive impact (air) sent mine back 3 times , finally said **** it and got an I.R.
price out their wrench sets , no wrench is worth that much ...
 
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2ndGearRubber

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Mar 24, 2014
Messages
14,185
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Pittsburgh
pliers for one
sockets , wear out quicker , crack easier than other brands
the 1/2 drive impact (air) sent mine back 3 times , finally said **** it and got an I.R.
price out their wrench sets , no wrench is worth that much ...

I feel like ALL of my sockets are wearing worse.

I just trash 3/8 shallow sockets - got a set of Koken this summer for the application, they have visible wear already.
 

f121

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Joined
Dec 8, 2018
Messages
2,074
Location
UK
Letting quality slip on which specific tools? You got me curious.

Screwdriver tips, Ive noticed it most with #2 Philips. My ones from 20 years ago are showing less wear than the ones that are 3 years old.

sockets , wear out quicker , crack easier than other brands
I put cracking easier down to having thinner walls for better access, not bothered to measure and see if this is true.

Yup. I don't get why Snap-On hate has become a movement. People really have time to scour YouTube for this stuff?

-Ryan
Click-baiters gunna click-bait
 

tak1313

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 4, 2018
Messages
651
Although not QUITE the same, I somewhat equate it to audio equipment. As an audiophile myself, my system, if bought new/retail (I always buy used because I'm a cheap@ss), would run about $30,000 or so - but that is slumming compared to what some pay for equipment systems.

Sample cases in point

Speakers
Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic = $685,000
Kharma Grand = $1,000,000

Amplifier
Dan D'Agostino Relentless = $250,000
Pivetta Opera = $2,200,000

If I won Powerball, I would likely scarf a few samples of such equipment - but I would still buy used because I've been a cheap@ss for so long I don't think I can stomach buying new.

THAT BEING SAID, I recently purchased a set of Snap-On flare metric flare wrenches because everyone says it is the best, and a flare wrench is something I do NOT want to cheap out on because of when/where they are used - but I did buy them used as well.

It is the ONLY SO product I own, and I don't plan on getting anything else SO, but anecdotally, they do appear to perform better than my old USA Craftsman ones.
 
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woody 73

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Joined
Apr 14, 2009
Messages
11,542
Location
The Great State Up North
Lol, ha, ha...I love the part where the wife is screaming you spent all are money on snap on!(y)(y):devilish:

Only one mistake I could see is the guy turned into an old man before it was all payed off; not true the camera should have panned to three generations of his grandchildren before the bill gets paid....

Got to love it.
 

bobg03

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Joined
Aug 29, 2020
Messages
3,420
Location
conway sc
It seems those without snap on tools are obsessed with convincing themselves and others they don’t need them.
The Battle cry of wanna-be Harley riders everywhere...usually it's their ol' ladies idea that they ain't never gonna spend that $$ to own anything like a Harley, instead they dream up reasons why theirs is better. :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO:

DISCLAIMER: I've owned lots of bikes and there are some really great bikes out there other than HD, older Goldwings are an example and even tho I'm a Geezer and a Boomer, I wouldn't be caught dead on one. Had some older Triumphs and BSAs when they were quality, and even owned an 84 Honda with an 1100CC Vertical 4 and 4 carbs, a cruiser on steroids till Yamaha introduced the VMAX. Never felt the need for Snap-On tools to do anything to them...lol
 

zmotorsports

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Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
21,369
Location
Northern Utah
There seems to be a common theme by people who only buy Snap-on claiming that there is nothing else and those that tout that those who buy Snap-on are wasting their money. It boils down to the same argument of Chevy vs. Ford vs. Dodge etc. I look at it as those are choices, some good, some bad but all different choices for different people, their needs and budgets.

I think there may be some that only use Snap-on and nothing else and I know there are people that spend above their means when it comes to tools. I think Snap-on (and others) convince their customers that they are an investment, but not the way people think. They are an investment in one's trade but not in the real sense of an actual investment which generally appreciates. Like most things, tools are a depreciating asset.

That being said, buying tools on credit is something I just never have understood, and I've been wrenching for 35+ years now with never borrowing for a single tool.

While I do have a lot of Snap-on and may be a bit snobbish about tools in general, I buy what works but I always insist on buying quality over quantity. That goes for most things in life however, and not just tools.

The video was funny though. :cool:
 

M635_Guy

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Joined
Dec 5, 2019
Messages
4,334
Location
NC
OK I watched the video...lame
It's cringy and lame, but more than a little truth to it in parts. The bit where he says "My son's not going to college, but..." could also have been "I don't have any money in a retirement account, but...", and where my issues mainly reside with the business/pricing model. I would never argue Snap On fails to deliver quality at the top of the industry.

There's a big gap between the low end brands and Snap On. It's really odd when people look at it as if its black-and-white, thinking you can't get Snap On tools for a fraction of the cost - meanwhile brands like Bondhus literally sell Snap On allen keys for way less money.
Well sure - there's a big gap between the Pittsburgh and Bremen locking pliers too. The level of quality of the non-truck-brand alternatives has gotten awfully high, and of course the pricing is far lower.

He forgot to mention how they were an “investment” and how he could sell them for what he paid for them 10 years later. He knows what he’s got.
That's the argument that really pisses me off. The math on that fails immediately.

There's nothing wrong with having a giant Snap-on box full of Snap-on tools. If it helps you in your trade that's fantastic.

Some with rather have a huge house.
Some people would rather have an expensive car.
Some would rather have an expensive boat.
Some would want all the toys.
Some would rather see the world and speed their money that way.

Whatever floats your boat...
It's a free country but knowing that a lot of people, and especially those in trades, wind up in pretty ugly scenarios when it's time to exit the workforce, there's no way it 'helps you in your trade' enough to make it worth it, at least early in your career.

A bigger house, expensive cars, boats, toys and travel are supposed to be things you do after you finish taking care of the basics, which includes retirement IMHO. If you're doing well, have the basics locked in and have more disposable income, I don't see any problem with buying Snap On if you want to. That's have I've wound up with the SO tools I own, at least for the most part.

Yup. I don't get why Snap-On hate has become a movement. People really have time to scour YouTube for this stuff?

-Ryan
The amount of Snap On folks who seem to linger around the HF sub on Reddit and troll every chance they get, not to mention soime attitudes displayed here pretty convincingly show that's a two-way street. It's silly rock-throwing on both sides IMHO.
 
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LWB

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Oct 6, 2019
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ON, Canada
It's a free country but knowing that a lot of people, and especially those in trades, wind up in pretty ugly scenarios when it's time to exit the workforce, there's no way it 'helps you in your trade' enough to make it worth it, at least early in your career.

A bigger house, expensive cars, boats, toys and travel are supposed to be things you do after you finish taking care of the basics, which includes retirement IMHO
. If you're doing well, have the basics locked in and have more disposable income, I don't see any problem with buying Snap On if you want to. That's have I've wound up with the SO tools I own, at least for the most part.

I've read quite a bit that insinuates blue collar workers can't manage their money. I've seen a few train wrecks with "professionals" (white collar) too. Keeping up with the Jones until the roof caves in...I have seen plenty do very well in the trades including my own Father. That has nothing to do with buying Snap-on tools though. That's just poor money management skills in general.

Most people don't live that way now. IMHO there's nothing wrong with taking an extra few years to pay off the mortgage so you can have some enjoyment along the way. I've lost to many friends and family members to sit and fill my piggy bank for 30 years. Life is short, especially for those who were unlucky.
 

2ndGearRubber

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Mar 24, 2014
Messages
14,185
Location
Pittsburgh
I've read quite a bit that insinuates blue collar workers can't manage their money. I've seen a few train wrecks with "professionals" (white collar) too. Keeping up with the Jones until the roof caves in...I have seen plenty do very well in the trades including my own Father. That has nothing to do with buying Snap-on tools though. That's just poor money management skills in general.

Most people don't live that way now. IMHO there's nothing wrong with taking an extra few years to pay off the mortgage so you can have some enjoyment along the way. I've lost to many friends and family members to sit and fill my piggy bank for 30 years. Life is short, especially for those who were unlucky.

Of course we're bad with money, the snap on man scams us out of our meager paycheck because we're too dumb to know better.

That's why white collar workers never file for bankruptcy.
 

M635_Guy

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Dec 5, 2019
Messages
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Location
NC
I've read quite a bit that insinuates blue collar workers can't manage their money. I've seen a few train wrecks with "professionals" (white collar) too. Keeping up with the Jones until the roof caves in...I have seen plenty do very well in the trades including my own Father. That has nothing to do with buying Snap-on tools though. That's just poor money management skills in general.

Most people don't live that way now. IMHO there's nothing wrong with taking an extra few years to pay off the mortgage so you can have some enjoyment along the way. I've lost to many friends and family members to sit and fill my piggy bank for 30 years. Life is short, especially for those who were unlucky.

Of course we're bad with money, the snap on man scams us out of our meager paycheck because we're too dumb to know better.

That's why white collar workers never file for bankruptcy.
I'm not insinuating that white collar workers are any better at managing their money. If y'all are hearing that in my post, it's your own mind putting it there, and maybe there's a reason why. I'm not saying people can't make an excellent living in trades, but a lot more people saddle themselves unnecessarily, and I doubt most of them ever fully recover from it. I'd be thrilled to be wrong.

The difference with 'white-collar' jobs is they are more likely to have had things like pensions back in the day or more recently things like matched 401K plans and advantaged stock purchase plans as part of their benefits if they have the wit to take advantage of them. That's far less common in small businesses and the trades, though as it's harder and harder to find younger people in those jobs it's changing a bit. (Hell, even the hated Harbor Freight has a matched 401K plan that even includes their part-time employees...)

A young tech in a trade that as a pretty-significant fallout rate stuffing double-digit thousands of dollars on tools and a box that could be had for a third that much money is far better off stuffing the difference in an IRA and 'suffering' the lesser tools until you're well-established in all the ways that matter.

I'm not sure the 'Life is short' message makes it for me in the form of a bunch of tools in a box.
 

2ndGearRubber

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Mar 24, 2014
Messages
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Pittsburgh
A young tech in a trade that as a pretty-significant fallout rate stuffing double-digit thousands of dollars on tools and a box that could be had for a third that much money is far better off stuffing the difference in an IRA and 'suffering' the lesser tools until you're well-established in all the ways that matter.

I'm not sure the 'Life is short' message makes it for me in the form of a bunch of tools in a box.

Won't deny that for a moment. Although a lot of people spend thousands on college and never graduate.

I'm one to say I'd rather see them suffer with lesser tools and make sure they have a few grand in the bank before they worry about retirement. I tell them to ignore tool truck stuff other than major promos or the used stuff.




UActivate master kit, for testing relay controlled circuits. $315. Life is too short to use break out adapters or just backprobes when this tool is such a joy to use. Puts a smile on my face every time I open the case.

When you're in the shop everyday it ain't just about maximizing your pay, minimizing hassle and effort, or reducing injury/body wear. Sometimes a nice tool is just that.
 

AEAdam

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May 27, 2023
Messages
2,737
Location
SE PA
Any one who says tools are a waste of money is a dumb *** and should never be allowed to post on GJ again.

I’ve saved SO much money with my tools, the brand is irrelevant. I’ve saved more than my tools cost several times over.

Skilled labor is thumping expensive. Cars are expensive. Americans pay ridiculous sums for the privilege of driving to work in a reliable car. As bad or worse in Europe.

After 40yrs of working on my cars here’s my advice:
Buy what you want! Buy what makes you happy. You have no one to answer to.

Don’t be afraid to take your stuff apart. Fixing things is good for the soul, the environment, our families, our bank accounts etc etc.

Last, golfers don’t justify the clubs they buy to strangers on the internet. People spend money on their hobbies that produce or fix nothing.
 

Jtels85

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Joined
May 3, 2017
Messages
1,515
Location
Ohio
Thinks Snap-On owners say in Craftsman’s Facebook post comments section…

“That’s why I buy Snap-On”.
“Buy Snap-On and be done”.

Because ****** DIY tools from Lowe’s are a great comparison.
 

Ilikeike

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Joined
Jan 8, 2015
Messages
2,452
Location
Northern Ca.
If a Snap-on ratchet was the same price as say a Kobalt which would you buy ?

I think most of would take the SnapOn.

And some can afford to take the SnapOn even tho it’s $50 more. The quality is worth it to some.

Same goes for cars.
A sht box Kia will get you there, but some will pay for the Mercedes’.
 

txvwnut

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Joined
Jan 1, 2015
Messages
7,611
Location
Bedford, Texas
Here’s my two cents to this. I’ve been a tech for just over 40 years and in my box is mostly Snapon that I have owned and used for my entire career, followed by some from the other truck brands and a few Craftsman from when they were good. The main reason for me buying Snapon was it was the only tool truck that hit the shops that I was at, you could carry a balance and I was smart and never carried a balance I couldn‘t pay off if asked to at a moments notice. I still have and still use the original tools I started purchasing in the 80’s and while you can tell they got some wear on them they still grab the fastener as good as they did when new. I have had to get a few warrantied, like screwdrivers and the odd broken tool but I feel my investment has given me a great return throughout its life.
 
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