Craftman's warranty nullifies the benefit of Snap-On. Even if the tool is more durable, if Craftsman is significantly cheaper and has an equal warranty, why buy Snap-On?
Seen these arguments for years on GJ. What both sides don't realize or won't acknowledge; They're putting their perspective onto the opposites sides tool choices, and judging by that. The above quote exemplifies that, not picking on Matt, just a convenient quote. The flip side of that quote would be just as inapplicable "Why would someone buy tools that are less durable, and spend time warrantying them, when they can just buy XXXX tool for $$$$ more instead?" Both of those statements judge a choice based on a particular set of circumstances, that may not apply to others making the opposite choice.
The guy that has a good paying job and makes enough money to buy the boutique tools he prefers, would be successful and have that money if he had to work with something else. He would just figure out a way to do it. The kid that borrows money to buy a starter set on credit of truck tools and then quits 3 months into his first job would have quit just the same if he had bought yard sale tools or harbor freight or Tekton. The guy that grinds away with his painfully acquired set of mixed tools that he paid for a piece at a time as he went made the choices he had to, within his skills/capabilities/opportunities; buying boutique tools on credit wouldn't have made him more successful.
I have almost all of what the expedient tool group would consider extravagant tools. Higher end, excellent condition (replaced as needed to stay that way), and wide variety. I use those tools daily. I make money off of them. I also do most of my work in a heated, insulated, sealed, well lighted, climate controlled shop that stays at 68 to 74 degrees 24/7 year round. I CHOOSE to work with that level of tools, because I like to. They save me some annoyance of having tools break or wear out slightly more often, and I CHOOSE not to spend my time warrantying Craftsman and instead spend it working on things I want to do. I make significantly more than the average tool user; I've netted nearly $20K in the past 30 days of self employed work, probably not exceeding 60 or 70 hours a week. That wouldn't have changed much if I was working with my dads Craftsman tools, but would have been almost nothing if I was working in a steel pole building with a dirt floor, poor lights and minimal electricity. Having access to $100K worth of lathe, mill, grinders, drill press, welders, ultrasonic, pressure washer, sandblaster, paint gun, etc was also necessary. So, the building setting mattered, the industrial tools did too, the mechanics hand tools didn't. But, I enjoyed every day of using those better tools much more than I remember working with my Dad's stuff in his shop. I probably worked more, and more efficiently because of that. Maybe $3K more than I would have with less fun stuff. I probably put $20K a year into having nicer tools and better consumables than the minimum I need. But, I probably make 50% more than that back in increased productivity work because I like working that way better.
With my perspective, I can't imagine working in a **** tools pole building shop, much less in a driveway or carport or such. I'd quit and do something else instead. But, that's from the perspective of my circumstances; if I didn't do what I do, I'd do something else that pays similar and is similarly interesting. Not everyone has that choice; they do what they need to do.
I really try to be aware of the perspective of some here that are willing to accept a few hours of down time here and there with a broken or inadequate tool, and going to warranty it. Because they don't have an extra $20K per year to put into buying something to avoid that down time and irritation; and if they did, it wouldn't return more than that in extra funds to them. They are absolutely making the right choice for their circumstances.
Recognizing that not everyone that thinks or works different than I do is stupid is a first step in understanding others. High end companies didn't become successful exploiting stupid people, they became successful catering to successful people that are willing to pay some of their money to have nicer things. Similarly, economy grade manufacturers and sellers became successful selling people things that they want/need, at a price they can afford. Because there wouldn't have been a market for something better costing a few times more; their buyers don't have the money.
Reminds me: Should get back to work, have things want get done today!
This thread needs to die.... The thread title is "Things Snap on owners say"
