Things Snap-On Tool owners say.

[AEAdam]

I am a Snap-On hater. That being said, I DID purchase (used) a bunch of SO flare wrenches because everyone says they are the best – even other SO haters (or at least dislikers) stated so. I’m just DIY, so the only times I buy for quality regardless of price, is where it would be a big PIA if it didn’t work right – in this example, rounding a flare fitting. As stated in an earlier post, they are the only SO tools I own, and at least for now, the only I plan to own.

The primary reason I am a hater is because FOR ME, SO tools are overpriced for what they are (in general), but I’m not a pro where time is money. Pros have different calculations – especially if they’re flat rate. If I was a pro, my calculations may very well be different. I would need tools that HAVE to work, work WELL, and if needed, any replacement COMES TO ME.

I can’t spend the time to run over to the nearest HF because a socket broke. I would need my new socket to come to me while I move on to something else. So at least part of the “pricing strategy” is the service that goes along with that broken socket.

The other reason why I’m an SO hater is because I know a guy that operates a SO truck, and he’s a real jerk of a person.

With respect and not here to change anyone's mind, here's my take;

Working on my cars is hard for me. On some vehicles, I've never done this job before. Struggling with the lowest cost tool could make my job considerably harder. For example: Snap On open ends don't slip. That's a zero offset tool that really helps when you need it. The work around for a craftsman wrench (whose open ends notoriously slip) could be another tool. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. Example: Tie rods. In that case, I used to jump to vise grips - which also slip and just wreck stuff. So, how hard do you want a task like that to be? I want it to be not that hard. That said, Snap On may not be the right answer for everyone and every task. And there are other high quality tools besides Snap On. But most of them are expensive.

Regarding time: Back in the day, I had all craftsman tools and a Sears 15 minutes away. I'd break a tool, wash my hands, borrow a car, drive to and from the Sears, and come back an hour later with the exact same tool I just broke and what, ...try again? Hope for a new result? My advice is forget the warranty. Sometimes good warrantees are marketing for low quality goods.

My advice: buy the best. Your time is valuable. Don't choose brands based on warrantees. If you think Koken is best, just buy that. If you break them, you've broken the best. No other tool could have done better.

Pros have colleagues with other brands or more tools, they have experience, lifts, they can see things better because of that. One could argue if anyone could work effectively with cheap tools it would be them. They have a lot of advantages I don't have. They can get guns on things I can't. If you want to save money working on your own personal vehicle, maybe part of the overhead expense of that should be high quality tools - especially jacks and stands.

 

[AEAdam]

You were paying for an enjoyable, prepared meal with your sons. Good times for sure. How does that compare to spending double to triple for a tool that will do the job as well as other tools. Maybe if your dinner cost 4 times as much as at similar restaurants in town.

I was referring to a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. They don't work any better than a Vessel, Anex, Were, Klein, or the OEM ratcheting screwdrivers. By the way, the OEM is the same as the Bluepoint ratcheting screwdriver. All of these will last 30 years as well if reasonable care is taken.

Another bonus with the Anex or Vessel drivers is if using them on the Harley (in the above discussion) carburetor, the tips won't burr the screws.

I have nothing against Vessel. Doesn't look like the shanks are interchangeable?

My point: The Snap On ratcheting screwdriver is much less than that one dinner. And it will last a life time. Its not dumb to buy it. Its not "crazy money". Its more money than other screwdrivers. But double the cost of a cup of coffee is still only the cost of a cup of coffee.

BTW, working upside down, my head against the brake pedal, back on the door sill and uncomfortable, reaching up under the dash, removing some darned electronic module, the ratcheting screwdriver is a one handed operation. Its tip, once located, never leaves the fastener. What is that tool worth then? My answer: A LOT!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

With respect and not here to change anyone's mind, here's my take;

Working on my cars is hard for me. On some vehicles, I've never done this job before. Struggling with the lowest cost tool could make my job considerably harder. For example: Snap On open ends don't slip. That's a zero offset tool that really helps when you need it. The work around for a craftsman wrench (whose open ends notoriously slip) could be another tool. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. Example: Tie rods. In that case, I used to jump to vise grips - which also slip and just wreck stuff. So, how hard do you want a task like that to be? I want it to be not that hard. That said, Snap On may not be the right answer for everyone and every task. And there are other high quality tools besides Snap On. But most of them are expensive.

Regarding time: Back in the day, I had all craftsman tools and a Sears 15 minutes away. I'd break a tool, wash my hands, borrow a car, drive to and from the Sears, and come back an hour later with the exact same tool I just broke and what, ...try again? Hope for a new result? My advice is forget the warranty. Sometimes good warrantees are marketing for low quality goods.

My advice: buy the best. Your time is valuable. Don't choose brands based on warrantees. If you think Koken is best, just buy that. If you break them, you've broken the best. No other tool could have done better.

Pros have colleagues with other brands or more tools, they have experience, lifts, they can see things better because of that. One could argue if anyone could work effectively with cheap tools it would be them. They have a lot of advantages I don't have. They can get guns on things I can't. If you want to save money working on your own personal vehicle, maybe part of the overhead expense of that should be high quality tools - especially jacks and stands.

That's the way I see it - if a tool fails, I don't want to question if the tool was up to the job. Buy good stuff, it will work hard for you.

I don't make my own oscilloscope leads. I buy them from a reputable supplier. Why? Because when you're making a call on something expensive, you can't question the equipment. If I question them at all, they are replaced. When a problem happens once a week, and I catch that drop-out on the scope, was it a connection issue or the component failing? The ABS module is $1200 at our cost.

When the going gets rusty, you want to chance it? I'd rather over-tool than under, even at the price premium stuff goes for. I'm the only one who loses with rounded fasteners, not the front desk, not the customer.

 

[tak1313]

With respect and not here to change anyone's mind, here's my take;

Working on my cars is hard for me. On some vehicles, I've never done this job before. Struggling with the lowest cost tool could make my job considerably harder. For example: Snap On open ends don't slip. That's a zero offset tool that really helps when you need it. The work around for a craftsman wrench (whose open ends notoriously slip) could be another tool. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. Example: Tie rods. In that case, I used to jump to vise grips - which also slip and just wreck stuff. So, how hard do you want a task like that to be? I want it to be not that hard. That said, Snap On may not be the right answer for everyone and every task. And there are other high quality tools besides Snap On. But most of them are expensive.

Regarding time: Back in the day, I had all craftsman tools and a Sears 15 minutes away. I'd break a tool, wash my hands, borrow a car, drive to and from the Sears, and come back an hour later with the exact same tool I just broke and what, ...try again? Hope for a new result? My advice is forget the warranty. Sometimes good warrantees are marketing for low quality goods.

My advice: buy the best. Your time is valuable. Don't choose brands based on warrantees. If you think Koken is best, just buy that. If you break them, you've broken the best. No other tool could have done better.

Pros have colleagues with other brands or more tools, they have experience, lifts, they can see things better because of that. One could argue if anyone could work effectively with cheap tools it would be them. They have a lot of advantages I don't have. They can get guns on things I can't. If you want to save money working on your own personal vehicle, maybe part of the overhead expense of that should be high quality tools - especially jacks and stands.

I don't PERSONALLY buy the lowest cost tool...all the time. I buy tools that will LIKELY be fine, knowing that if there is a problem, the only issue will likely be some lost time - which TO ME is usually not a big deal, being DIY. I might have to wait a few days or even the next weekend before I can get back to it, but it's not a big deal (to me).

Is it a PIA? Yes, but it gives me the opportunity to browse more tools when I'm replacing the broken one(s). PLUS, if I find another tool that is within the same "venue" (can also be used to complete that task at hand), it gives me a great excuse to get it - "Honey, I picked this up while I was getting a new socket because it also helps when fixing ***."

Note that if it's a SAFETY issue, like critical tools noted above, I don't scrimp, but I also don't splurge.

I have Milwaukee, Makita, CP, Bosch, OTC, and now even Snap-On now among others on the higher end, but I also have HF, CH, older Craftsman, Tekton, Gearwrench, and stuff that only says "forged" on them (ie. no brand, no country of origin, etc.) - even stuff that probably SHOULD be forged, but doesn't say so. I even have an older Autel DS808 instead of any SO bidirectional because it does everything I need it to without laying out cash for an SO unit. Has anything broke or not performed sufficiently? Of course - at both ends of the spectrum, but I just move on, and don't have to worry about killing my payout on a job because a socket broke and I need to get another one.

 

[nadogail]

For those who say Snap On does not rebrand other manufacturers tools; I urge you to investigate the "Blue Point" tools sold from Snap On trucks.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

For those who say Snap On does not rebrand other manufacturers tools; I urge you to investigate the "Blue Point" tools sold from Snap On trucks.

Who has ever claimed this?

 

[Ricky Joe]

Why would any professional mechanic have to drop everything to get something replaced? I always had duplicates and triplicates of sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, ratchets: just about anything that might break. To me, that is common sense when your livelihood depends upon it.

 

[nbpt100]

For those who say Snap On does not rebrand other manufacturers tools; I urge you to investigate the "Blue Point" tools sold from Snap On trucks.

I believe there is a very long thread here on Tool Truck Equivalents. Look through that long thread and you will find Rebrands from companies like Mayhew, Lisle, Proto and more. I believe Snap on has their share of products in there.

 

[Firebrick43]

You were paying for an enjoyable, prepared meal with your sons. Good times for sure. How does that compare to spending double to triple for a tool that will do the job as well as other tools. Maybe if your dinner cost 4 times as much as at similar restaurants in town.

I was referring to a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. They don't work any better than a Vessel, Anex, Were, Klein, or the OEM ratcheting screwdrivers. By the way, the OEM is the same as the Bluepoint ratcheting screwdriver. All of these will last 30 years as well if reasonable care is taken.

Another bonus with the Anex or Vessel drivers is if using them on the Harley (in the above discussion) carburetor, the tips won't burr the screws.

So by your logic we should just eat ramen noodles and a can of tuna every meal because thats the cheapest way to fix hunger?

Just how does a snap on ratcheting screwdriver buggar the screws up?

And since we a talking about motorcyles. The snap on 13" ratcheting screwdriver was my most used tool when I worked at a bike shop. I did mainly carbs and nothing was better than it at getting to japanese fours and v twins carb boots and mounting clamps.

 

[Bubba Fett]

It's not a Snap-On or junk tools world. There is a lot of junk out there, but...

Wright, Klein, Malco, Midwest, Mayhew, Wilde, Lang, Lisle, Martin, Channellock, Proto, Facom, Estwing, Vaughan, Vessel, Knipex, Wiha, and many other tool brands offer very high quality tools, many of which compete with (and are the OEM source) the tool truck brands. Snap-On itself has Williams, Bahco, and Blue-point, which tend to be quite good, but at a lower cost.

If you run a business, and you need "right-now" support, then tool trucks make sense, but for home gamers, they are usually cost prohibitive - and that's assuming they will even want to do business with you in the first place. So for me the choice is easy.

 

[AEAdam]

I believe there is a very long thread here on Tool Truck Equivalents. Looks through that long and you will find Rebrands from companies like Mayhew, Lisle, Proto and more. I believe Snap on has their share of products in there.

Tool Truck Equivalents has a deeply flawed underpinning that if 2 tools look similar, they came from the same factory AND they are identical in all regards. Its one of the biggest sources of misinformation on GJ and one of the threads I point to illustrating how little the general GJ public knows about manufacturing, let alone China, Chinese manufacturing, Chinese supply chains etc etc etc.

 

[Wrench97]

For those who say Snap On does not rebrand other manufacturers tools; I urge you to investigate the "Blue Point" tools sold from Snap On trucks.

Blue Point is lower brand sold for less money, some of it is life time warranty some not, most made off shore all marked Blue Point.
You can also find Knipex on a Snap On truck and many other tools that the dealer thinks he can sell you are paying for a tool and for a service.
Snap On does rebrand some unique tools like the Malco vice grips, made by Malco in the USA under contract to Snap On.
They were far better then the previous offerings, not sure about what the replacements will be.
Blue Point is to Snap On what Silver Eagle is to Matco and Mac tool's Expert Line is to Mac.

 

[AEAdam]

post deleted because it was dumb

 

[5ubtle]

Tool Truck Equivalents has a deeply flawed underpinning that if 2 tools look similar, they came from the same factory AND they are identical in all regards. ...

This doesn't make sense. You have an "if", but no "then".

 

[2ndGearRubber]

This doesn't make sense. You have an "if", but no "then".

"Tool Truck Equivalents has a deeply flawed underpinning; that if 2 tools look similar, then they came from the same factory AND they are identical in all regards. "


Certainly rebrands, certainly tools that are similar in function, certainly exclusives on the tool truck. Evaluate all options.

 

[5ubtle]

Its one of the biggest sources of misinformation on GJ and one of the threads I point to illustrating how little the general GJ public knows about manufacturing, let alone China, Chinese manufacturing, Chinese supply chains etc etc etc.

The average GJ member thinks that 2 tools that look similar, must "come from the same factory", AND must be "identical in all regards"? Wow, the average GJ member is dumber than I thought.

 

[four.cycle]

actually, the "then" isn't necessary. the sentence is perfectly clear without it.

I've never looked at the "tool truck equivalent" thread, but be assured that a good amount of what is branded Snap-on came down the exact same production line as the same item produced in another factory with somebody else's name on it.
Certainly not in every single case, but do you honestly believe all those tool manufacturers are going to run two completely separate production lines using different tooling, dies, and materials? SRSLY?
Doesn't work that way. Factories stamp stuff out with all kinds of different brand names - it's been part of the tool manufacturing industry since the turn of the 20th century.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

actually, the "then" isn't necessary. the sentence is perfectly clear without it.

I've never looked at the "tool truck equivalent" thread, but be assured that a good amount of what is branded Snap-on came down the exact same production line as the same item produced in another factory with somebody else's name on it.
Certainly not in every single case, but do you honestly believe all those tool manufacturers are going to run two completely separate production lines using different tooling, dies, and materials? SRSLY?
Doesn't work that way. Factories stamp stuff out with all kinds of different brand names - it's been part of the tool manufacturing industry since the turn of the 20th century.

They do rebrand, but there sure is a lot they make themselves, likely a better % than any of the other tool trucks.

They make their own scan tools, lights, cordless tools, air tools, wrenches, sockets, ratchets, extensions, pliers, ball joint presses, pullers, boxes, carts, screwdrivers, hammers, bushing press tools, digital torque wrenches, crowfeet, torque adapters, timing tools, extractors.....

I don't think there's a brand out there that can touch their breadth of an in house catalog. They make a lot of stuff, and can produce even more with rebrands and their supplimentals.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I don't think there's a brand out there that can touch their breadth of an in house catalog. They make a lot of stuff, and can produce even more with rebrands and their supplimentals.

MAC (but only if you include the Stanley Black and Decker parent company) would be the only close competitor. I don't think that's a true apples to apples comparison though.

 

[four.cycle]

Well, of course not, because there are no "hand tool" manufacturers that delve into air-powered tools or testing equipment.

This subject seems to be recurrent theme around here.

 

[Kurt4440]

Why would any professional mechanic have to drop everything to get something replaced? I always had duplicates and triplicates of sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, ratchets: just about anything that might break. To me, that is common sense when your livelihood depends upon it.

Just so you know, you don't have to be a professional to have duplicates and triplicates?

 

[four.cycle]

^ A good craftsman knows what tools he's going to break, lose, or ruin, and plans accordingly with back-ups.

I don't own ONE paintbrush, ya know.

So of course you have duplicates unless you're WANTING to have to stop in the middle of a job so you can make a mad dash to the hardware store for more tools.

 

[nickbowen5]

If everyone could do that, then they would not be bashed. At least by the people using the tools. Maybe by the shareholders and Wall Streeters.

Am I missing something when I say they only get bashed for their arrogant pricing.

Totally get why they get bashed for their pricing. However, it is very difficult to find brands that have a similar style warranty with the distribution model, manufacturing capability (See COO and volume) and brand recognition that Snap On has. It’s almost like complaining about the cost of a Samsung TV or Apple phone (COO notwithstanding). Yeah they are expensive, but are often considered best of their class and can be found almost anywhere in the US.

 

[nickbowen5]

No that's for the you **** thread.

. To be fair, I likely wouldn’t own much snap on if that weren’t the case. My dad was a professional mechanic and went into debt for snap on, not something that I necessarily I would do, but the industry is full of shaming/peer pressure to have certain brands or tools.

Also, my cost is not quite exactly the same as craftsman but within $10-$30 on most hand tools (although i have received some for significantly less). That helps me justify the cost more. My justification is would I rather buy craftsman or snap on at a relatively similar price? Snap on every time in my opinion. I get great service and a solid “investment” that I get to use for my hobby.

 

[scooby074]

The average GJ member thinks that 2 tools that look similar, must "come from the same factory", AND must be "identical in all regards"? Wow, the average GJ member is dumber than I thought.

Youve never seen the Icon Vs SO threads (or Tictocks)? There are people who will literally swear that Icon and SO are exactly the same, and made in the same plant, even though SO says USA on them. So yes, people are dumb.

 

[Ricky Joe]

Just so you know, you don't have to be a professional to have duplicates and triplicates?

Perhaps I should have said smart instead of professional.

 

[Formula]

You are confused. I, personally, don't care what you spend your money on. If snap-on tools bring you joy, good for you.

If snap-on opened a store in my town, I would probably go in to look, but I don't think that I'd buy anything.

Nope, I’m not confused at all. In fact, I find it amusing how only on Garage Journal do people have such a passion to hate on snap on, dealerships and mechanics. There’s plenty worse things in the world to get your ******* in a bunch over.

 

[Lassen Forge]

"I use Snap on because I decided long ago to upgrade to Snap-on. When I did, I found they were, indeed, adequate for the job they were asked to perform. I spent hard earned money on them but that was both my money and my choice, and they were (and are) choices I am still not disappointed with. Sure, they're not cheap, but then again, neither is a Konigsegg or a Rolls Royce."

(Actual Snap-on Tool User)

 

[AEAdam]

Nope, I’m not confused at all. In fact, I find it amusing how only on Garage Journal do people have such a passion to hate on snap on, dealerships and mechanics. There’s plenty worse things in the world to get your ******* in a bunch over.

Right.

And if your use of tools is building swing sets or fixing lawn mowers, maybe tone down the moral indignation. IM TALKING TO YOU GINGER BILLY! (kidding)

Your opinions are still welcome but maybe realize we’re not all doing the same things with our tools. The “right” tool for the job can be highly situation dependent.

 

[AEAdam]

You’ve never seen the Icon Vs SO threads (or Tictocks)? There are people who will literally swear that Icon and SO are exactly the same, and made in the same plant, even though SO says USA on them. So yes, people are dumb.

Dumb is the wrong word. My kids would probably fall into this camp. They are cynical and just feel corporate America is constantly screwing them over. Everything is fake. It’s a generation that trusts no one, there is no photographic proof, everyone has ulterior motives or cheated their way to the top. All dishwashers come from one factory in China and someone just slaps different stickers on them to justify different prices.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Well, of course not, because there are no "hand tool" manufacturers that delve into air-powered tools or testing equipment.

This subject seems to be recurrent theme around here.

Pick hand tools then. Aside from SBD nobody has a catalog that touches snap on for variety.

Koken doesn't make wrenches. Matco doesn't own the factory, but does have good variety. Cornwell doesn't make their own ratcheting wrenches, you can buy the same KABO stuff from Matco. Wright doesn't even offer long pattern wrenches. Who else?

If you're talking chrome hand tools, what's coming down someone else's line waiting to be stamped with a snap on logo? I suppose Williams is made on the same line, although they have much fewer offerings. Snap on also owns them. They're a pretty big company.

 

[M6erfan]

Dumb is the wrong word. My kids would probably fall into this camp. They are cynical and just feel corporate America is constantly screwing them over. Everything is fake. It’s a generation that trusts no one, there is no photographic proof, everyone has ulterior motives or cheated their way to the top. All dishwashers come from one factory in China and someone just slaps different stickers on them to justify different prices.

^^^But all that's true!

And yes, I know that S-o and Tekton are not the same.

Or are they?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Dumb is the wrong word. My kids would probably fall into this camp. They are cynical and just feel corporate America is constantly screwing them over. Everything is fake. It’s a generation that trusts no one, there is no photographic proof, everyone has ulterior motives or cheated their way to the top. All dishwashers come from one factory in China and someone just slaps different stickers on them to justify different prices.

Nothing wrong with being a cynic.

But I see things compared to snap on, and other brands, that I can just glance at and tell are 100% not the same thing.

If all the washing machines are the same, then parts will interchange and there will not be different part numbers for things like bearings between models. Pretty easy to figure out.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

^^^But all that's true!

And yes, I know that S-o and Tekton are not the same.

Or are they?

I think the issue is people make the troll posts and videos for views, and those without critical thinking or those who are only passively interested then parrot the "information".

 

[Ricky Joe]

Dumb is the wrong word. My kids would probably fall into this camp. They are cynical and just feel corporate America is constantly screwing them over. Everything is fake. It’s a generation that trusts no one, there is no photographic proof, everyone has ulterior motives or cheated their way to the top. All dishwashers come from one factory in China and someone just slaps different stickers on them to justify different prices.

Wonder why that is?

 

[TdK71]

I've got a box that's mostly Snap-On hand tools lately though I've been buying Icon from the Usual Scumbags, because I simply can't justify the prices that Snap-On wrenches are demanding.

Example: I wanted to get a set of small metric wrenches to round out my set of combination wrenches $108 on flea bay for 3 lousy wrenches. Sorry, I've got better things to spend my money on.

 

[liliysdad]

Im far from a pro, but I prefer tool truck and professional brands over cheaper options by far.

As I have slowly replaced my box full of Craftsman with Snap On, Matco, Williams, and Wright, I have realized exactly how much I prefer them in every possible way. Nicer tools make everything better.

That being said, I can’t afford to buy them all off the truck. I buy the vast majority of my stuff in pawn shops, at estate sales, and auctions.

 

[nbpt100]

After reading more of this thread it hit me that it is almost like the decision on how much are you willing to spend for college. Now I know everyone is not gong to borrow $100k at 8% to buy Tool Truck tools. I am sure some have. I hear the pros saying it helps me make money so it is a good investment. OK, I will listen intently to that argument. Isn't that the same calculation as to how much college debt is a good investment? You plan on some kind of pay back to break even and hope it is not 10 years or more. You see colleges telling kids your life time income will be sooooo much higher if you attend our college. Dont you think the Tools sold on Tool Trucks are marketing with the same message? IDK, I do not buy from tool trucks, however, if they dont, they probably should. It sure seems like effective marketing.

It should be a business decision. Not an emotional one. Just like, how much will you spend for a college degrees from some institution??

To a pro, How many years are you willing to wait before you break even on your tool investment? The answer is not the same for every situation.

I guess, there are people on both ends of the spectrum. Those who will hate SO no matter what and those who will buy all SO and go into unnessisary debt for it. I would like to think most GJ members are in the middle.

 

[Ilikeike]

Im far from a pro, but I prefer tool truck and professional brands over cheaper options by far.

As I have slowly replaced my box full of Craftsman with Snap On, Matco, Williams, and Wright, I have realized exactly how much I prefer them in every possible way. Nicer tools make everything better.

That being said, I can’t afford to buy them all off the truck. I buy the vast majority of my stuff in pawn shops, at estate sales, and auctions.

Thats me also, Just a hot rod hobby guy,
Had craftsman growing up as a teen in the 80s,
My budget these days allows SO, NEPROS, WRIGHT, PROTO, SK...
I do get up to 40% off or so, with an industrial account (no truck) thru work on SO, so that helps.

The 1960s 70s & 80s era Craftsmen are in my 3rd tier boxes in the shed, truck, or car hauler..

 

[liliysdad]

The 1960s 70s & 80s era Craftsmen are in my 3rd tier boxes in the shed, truck, or car hauler..

I was pretty proud of my Craftsman filled box when I was young and broke, and it worked well for what it was and what I was doing.

One day I made the mistake of picking up some Snap On stuff for cheap, and the hook was set.

My Craftsman stuff is being sold to folks who are paying too much for nostalgia, or being relegated to road boxes.