Things you would NEVER buy from Snap-On?

[MattT]

Im pretty sure the knowledge that is represented here at GJ can just about list every rebranded item snap on sells but i have yet to see any Proof in regards to Prybars, Punches etc.. When i look at Snap on's Description for the punches, Prybars and i read Snap on Patented info it also leads me to believe they are the OEM and Not Mayhew.

I've got an Old Forge punch which looks exactly like a Snap on on the warning side including the date code after the warning. I've also got an Old Forge pickle fork which has a date code.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

yeah like Harry Fudd ,,don't forget the receipt

 

[shampoop]

Rebranded Dynarex at twice the price. K-C Purple are the ones to go for, IMHO.

Sweet, figured they were rebranded, forgot to ask if anyone knew who!

 

[kams1973]

1) Ratchets
2) Anything else

Haven't found anything that snap-on makes that can't be had cheaper and better somewhere else. Plus, being able to warranty a tool over the counter is better than having to mail it or wait for a truck that never comes.

Please provide specific examples of the cheaper and better.

 

[Hiball]

I've got an Old Forge punch which looks exactly like a Snap on on the warning side including the date code after the warning. I've also got an Old Forge pickle fork which has a date code.

So.. Was Snap on supplying Old Forge with tools? Snap on Date Code? Id be willing to bet there have been many companies that have done business with Snap-on or Vice-Versa over the years.

 

[znowaczyk]

Please provide specific examples of the cheaper and better.

I would take my Matco 88 ratchets over the dual 80's any day

 

[slipjointed]

Being that im in industrial/aerospace, I can't see any good reason to buy snap-on over Wright. Wright stuff is tough as nails, half the price, and I have no need for specialized auto mechanic's tools.

Plus, im not interested in buying from a company that feels proudly advertising their American origin is a detriment to their business.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Please provide specific examples of the cheaper and better.

SK - virtually indestructible, tougher design overall - not as many teeth to get excited over though

Craftsman RHFT - Only available in ½" drive now, nowhere near as pretty, but every bit as functional.

Just a couple examples, but the truth of it is simple: Buy what works for you and forget about the rest. There is a tendency here to make people believe that a high dollar ratchet will somehow make a superior mechanic, and that's just not the truth. The best mechanic I've ever known will buy nothing but Blackhawk, and some of the worst parts changers have tens of thousands in Snapon.

 

[millen05]

The tools are very useful for the Mackenzie. so i want to buy this things.
================

 

[kams1973]

I would take my Matco 88 ratchets over the dual 80's any day

I need to get one of those 88's just to try it out. However, the 88's cost about the same as an 80.

 

[kams1973]

SK - virtually indestructible, tougher design overall - not as many teeth to get excited over though

Craftsman RHFT - Only available in ½" drive now, nowhere near as pretty, but every bit as functional.

Just a couple examples, but the truth of it is simple: Buy what works for you and forget about the rest. There is a tendency here to make people believe that a high dollar ratchet will somehow make a superior mechanic, and that's just not the truth. The best mechanic I've ever known will buy nothing but Blackhawk, and some of the worst parts changers have tens of thousands in Snapon.

Very good examples. I should've kept my mouth closed.

 

[slipjointed]

SK - virtually indestructible, tougher design overall - not as many teeth to get excited over though

Craftsman RHFT - Only available in ½" drive now, nowhere near as pretty, but every bit as functional.

Just a couple examples, but the truth of it is simple: Buy what works for you and forget about the rest. There is a tendency here to make people believe that a high dollar ratchet will somehow make a superior mechanic, and that's just not the truth. The best mechanic I've ever known will buy nothing but Blackhawk, and some of the worst parts changers have tens of thousands in Snapon.

Don't forget Wright... they're intended for the industrial market, where tools suffer abuses that make wrenching on rusted out cars seem like taking apart a particle board walmart flat packed tv stand

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Wright stuff is kind of rare out here in the Southwest. I've never actually seen a Wright ratchet in person, so I don't really want to comment on them. I have heard good things though.

 

[slipjointed]

Wright stuff is kind of rare out here in the Southwest. I've never actually seen a Wright ratchet in person, so I don't really want to comment on them. I have heard good things though.

They're not nearly as elegant (I mean that as a compliment) as snap on, they're meant for brute force and pure strength. Snap on is going for a mixture of force and ability to fit in tight spaces, mixed with good looks and prestige.

Id put a Wright ratchet, socket, or wrench up against snap on any day. Industrial maintenance techs are brutishly abusive.

 

[Hiball]

They're not nearly as elegant (I mean that as a compliment) as snap on, they're meant for brute force and pure strength. Snap on is going for a mixture of force and ability to fit in tight spaces, mixed with good looks and prestige.

Id put a Wright ratchet, socket, or wrench up against snap on any day. Industrial maintenance techs are brutishly abusive.

Id Put Wright into that "Tight Space Category" Also..

3/8" in 1/4" Body..

1/4" Drive (Wright claims they have the smallest 1/4" Head)

 

[MattT]

So.. Was Snap on supplying Old Forge with tools? Snap on Date Code? Id be willing to bet there have been many companies that have done business with Snap-on or Vice-Versa over the years.

I have no clue exactly what the Snap on date codes mean on Old Forge tools. I figure either Old Forge OEM'd for Snap on, Snap on OEM'd for Old Forge, or someone else OEm'd for both of them.

And FWIW this isn't the first time Snap on date codes have shown up on tools made by an OEM. I've also got Kastar made, MAC branded, ratcheting wrenches with Snap on date codes on them.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Very good examples. I should've kept my mouth closed.

I think you made a very legitimate question. Though a few would argue the case for the Matco 88 vs. the SO Dual 80, I think the fact they can be compared to eachother speaks volumes for both ratchets.

It would be nice to have a breakdown of every hand tool (or power tool) Snap On makes and then try to determine one better and cheaper tool that could take its place. It would probably be pretty eye opening for many.

 

[otis66]

Wright stuff is kind of rare out here in the Southwest. I've never actually seen a Wright ratchet in person, so I don't really want to comment on them. I have heard good things though.

Wright ratchets are great.:

 

[TruckTech]

socks

They're damn nice socks.

 

[pcpro15]

1) Ratchets
2) Anything else

Haven't found anything that snap-on makes that can't be had cheaper and better somewhere else. Plus, being able to warranty a tool over the counter is better than having to mail it or wait for a truck that never comes.

What flare wrenches are better than SO and cheaper? I could use a spare set.

 

[outwiththeold]

Nothing that is re branded.
Nothing electronic test.

x2 on the re branded, I hate that.

 

[Mr_John]

If it's not made in USA, Germany, Japan, or Switzerland, it does become hard to justify the price. I own a Snap-On 1/4 - 1/2 Dual 80 ratchet set and think they're probably the best ratchets in the world. I also own a SO Techangle that, again, is probably the best in the world.

Other than ratchets, though, I have a hard time justifying the price of a SO open end wrench set vs. a Craftsman high polish open end set... especially the ones with the ratcheting mechanism that has a forward and reverse lever and pivoting/ratcheting closed end. Although, I was just at Sears a few days ago and noticed the price was cheaper... suspicious, I looked at box and found that one set was made in China and the other was made in Taiwan. I was very disappointed to say the least as it appears more and more Danaher Craftsman is moving overseas.

At any rate, if it comes to insulated electrical tools, then I look at Wiha, if it's a micrometer, then it's a Starrett, if its a level, then its a Stabila, if it's pliers, it's Channelock or Knipex, and if it's pneumatic tools, then it's Ingersol Rand.... oh, and if it's something like a breaker bar, then it's Harbor Freight.

Snap-On sells extremely high quality stuff, but I only found the ratchets and torque wrenches (for my purposes) to be one of the few items worth the premium. Other than that, Craftsman Professional, for example, is high quality, usually made in USA, and very easy to warranty. If I'm paying $140 for a 1/2" "lifetime guarantee" S80A, then I don't want a hassle on the warranty... unfortunately, I've heard all too many complaints about Snap On dealers honoring warranties.

 

[chadster1]

........ unfortunately, I've heard all too many complaints about Snap On dealers honoring warranties.

........and there are no complaints ever posted about Sears honoring warranties.

 

[Altec]

........and there are no complaints ever posted about Sears honoring warranties.

You speak like there is a double standard around here? You cwazy man!

 

[MattT]

oh, and if it's somethIf I'm paying $140 for a 1/2" "lifetime guarantee" S80A, then I don't want a hassle on the warranty... unfortunately, I've heard all too many complaints about Snap On dealers honoring warranties.

It's rare you'll hear of a franchisee refusing to warranty a tool for one of their customers. And it's pretty obvious you'll never attain that status so warranty thru' corporate if you need too instead of wasting a franchisees time.

 

[znowaczyk]

They're damn nice socks.

agreed

 

[D9H 90V]

What flare wrenches are better than SO and cheaper? I could use a spare set.

NONE! lots are cheaper none are better,

My box at the shop is 99.5% full of Snap on, mainly because I think they make the best tools, also because the Snap on truck is the only truck that comes around once a week,

And the Socks are worth every penny, if you have to pay for them

 

[speed bump]

For the right price I will buy any Snap-on tool, for full price it starts getting more interesting.

 

[Mr_John]

It's rare you'll hear of a franchisee refusing to warranty a tool for one of their customers. And it's pretty obvious you'll never attain that status so warranty thru' corporate if you need too instead of wasting a franchisees time.

My point is chadster1, Altec, and Matt, that if I'm spending $30 or $40 for a 1/2 ratchet, then there are not huge expectations... although, to answer your question, "no," I've never had a problem with Sears honoring a warranty on a Craftsman hand tool. You can take you tool to any Sears in the USA with no receipt and they will exchange it for a new one... the guarantee is written right on the plastic card or box the tools come.

I understand that Snap-On resellers are independent and don't want to honor warranties if you didn't buy the tool from them. I get that, but at the same time, maybe Snap-On should give the independents an incentive to honor warranties. Otherwise, why would I spend all of that extra money to buy Snap-On tools with a lifetime guarantee, if for every tool that broke I had to pay to ship it back to Snap-On and wait over a week to get it back.

If it's Sears, then I just walk into my local Sears and 10 minutes later I'm walking out w/ a brand new tool. I don't have to "attain any status" at Sears to get them to honor my warranty.

 

[Hiball]

My point is chadster1, Altec, and Matt, that if I'm spending $30 or $40 for a 1/2 ratchet, then there are not huge expectations... although, to answer your question, "no," I've never had a problem with Sears honoring a warranty on a Craftsman hand tool. You can take you tool to any Sears in the USA with no receipt and they will exchange it for a new one... the guarantee is written right on the plastic card or box the tools come..

I live in the Midwest and we have these locally owned Sears that clutter up the smaller towns and they "Will NOT" warranty a item and unless they have a Loose supply of them. Ive been instructed twice to head to a Bigger store.. for warranty service.

I understand that Snap-On resellers are independent and don't want to honor warranties if you didn't buy the tool from them. I get that, but at the same time, maybe Snap-On should give the independents an incentive to honor warranties. Otherwise, why would I spend all of that extra money to buy Snap-On tools with a lifetime guarantee, if for every tool that broke I had to pay to ship it back to Snap-On and wait over a week to get it back.

If it's Sears, then I just walk into my local Sears and 10 minutes later I'm walking out w/ a brand new tool. I don't have to "attain any status" at Sears to get them to honor my warranty.

And How did you come to this "Understanding"?, I Met my Local dealer within the last 6months and he had "Zero" Issues warranting a couple tools. Tool Dealers dont get paid by the Hour, They only make money when they sell tools. It would be Ludacris to think they would push customers away by not warranting a tool, NOW... If you take a 5 gallon bucket full of rusted up, broken tools onto the truck they might frown a bit.

Do you break alot of tools? Do you think your Gas and Time isnt worth anything? Do you even own any Snap on tools? Or is this justification for your purchases? This whole status concept is BS, I buy very little from my (Current Local) dealers and they have never failed to treat me with respect and made me feel like i was there #1 Customer. You will find bad apples in every aspect of Tool Warranty, even Sears believe it or Not.

 

[chadster1]

I understand that Snap-On resellers are independent and don't want to honor warranties if you didn't buy the tool from them.

You are mistaken in your understanding.

 

[treasureseeker]

The items I wouldn’t buy from Snap On are ones that I like what a different company offers better, are rebranded items, and which price is out of line in comparison. I have no interest in their screwdrivers, punches, adjustable wrenches, measuring tools, electronic test instruments, Tap and Die, pliers(I like the vintage ones), and cordless power tools . I have eleven dual 80’s but if I had to pay list they would not be my first choice. Ninety percent of my wrenches, sockets sets and extensions are Snap on. As I can send them in for warranty without problems that makes them more appealing than Hazet for me

 

[Jononon]

What flare wrenches are better than SO and cheaper? I could use a spare set.

NONE! lots are cheaper none are better

Not when they're still producing wrenches which look like this, which, three years on, they still are.

 

[Mr_John]

It's rare you'll hear of a franchisee refusing to warranty a tool for one of their customers. And it's pretty obvious you'll never attain that status so warranty thru' corporate if you need too instead of wasting a franchisees time.

Well, then, talk to MattT who posted that "it's pretty obvious you'll never attain that status, so warranty thru' corporate if you need too [sic] instead of wasting a franchisees time."

If you read my post, I own a 3 piece 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 Dual 80 ratchet set (not cheap) and a Digital Techwrench (over $400 retail). At any rate, I purchased them brand new from eBay... but boxes were shipped directly to me from Snap-On and not eBay seller.

At any rate, none of the Sears stores around Pittsburgh have ever given me a problem on a broken hand tool, and no, I don't break many tools. None-the-less, the Sears warranty is Unconditional... and my point is that if I pay (even via eBay) 3 - 5 times the price of a Craftsman, it would nice to know that it's easy and quick to warranty.

Besides, my buddy is a professional mechanic w/ his own shop and he's probably spent over $10K on Snap-On products... and he's even mentioned warranty issues with the Snap-On drivers.

Hey, it's not just me. Maybe you might want to talk to one of this site's "senior members" as well... see post below:

wafrederick
Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Holton,Mi
Posts: 1,645

Default Re: any body had any problems with snap on dealers
My father had problems with one he kicked out.Would not warranty anything worn out and told my father Snap On does not cover anything worn out.This dealer still does this and most customers on his route have a drawer full of worn out tools he will not warranty.Came by after working hours too,9:00 PM at night.There is one area Snap On owns the truck,the Manistee and Ludington,Mi area.The dealer has a special job title,gets paid by Snap On and Snap On owns the tool truck.No one would not take this area at all before this dealer came around.
Last edited by wafrederick; 01-19-2011 at 06:09 PM.

 

[chadster1]

Well, then, talk to MattT who posted that "it's pretty obvious you'll never attain that status, so warranty thru' corporate if you need too [sic] instead of wasting a franchisees time."

If you read my post, I own a 3 piece 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 Dual 80 ratchet set (not cheap) and a Digital Techwrench (over $400 retail). At any rate, I purchased them brand new from eBay... but boxes were shipped directly to me from Snap-On and not eBay seller.

At any rate, none of the Sears stores around Pittsburgh have ever given me a problem on a broken hand tool, and no, I don't break many tools. None-the-less, the Sears warranty is Unconditional... and my point is that if I pay (even via eBay) 3 - 5 times the price of a Craftsman, it would nice to know that it's easy and quick to warranty.

Besides, my buddy is a professional mechanic w/ his own shop and he's probably spent over $10K on Snap-On products... and he's even mentioned warranty issues with the Snap-On drivers.

Hey, it's not just me. Maybe you might want to talk to one of this site's "senior members" as well... see post below:

Your quoting wafredrick...........

Thats got to be one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time.

 

[Mr_John]

Your quoting wafredrick...........

Thats got to be one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time.

So, Wafredrick is a liar?

Well, then, here's another one:

My gripe is with Snap On Tools of Kenosha Wisconsin

Let me first say that Snap-On tools make some of the best quality tools in the business. I have been buying and using Snap-on tools for most of my life. There is no comparison to other companies when it comes to quality. Mechanics like me pay a lofty premium for Snap On tools off the truck. We pay a lot more than what Sears charges for Craftsman.

For the kind of money I spend on my tools, one might expect that the guy who sells the tools and takes my money might offer some warranty on them. Problem is that in as many years, our tool truck guy is a total jack ***! He has no problem selling us the tools but does not want to warrantee them. It’s always something about improper usage or calling damage normal wear and tear. THE TOOLS HAVE A LIFE TIME WARRANTY! What does wear and tear have to do with it! I have never abused a tool in my life and all of a sudden, if a ratchet fails, its abuse? No hammer marks, no bending, just a Snap On representative who is just too lazy to replace the tools he sold me. Its not just me either! I have spoken with many fellow mechanics who use different Snap On tool sellers and all report the same thing. Over the last year, they have started fighting everyone on tool warranty.

Add to this the fact that my tool salesman, who I owe near $10,000.00 to for tools I bought on account, does not even drive his truck to my shop any more. He simply shows up to collect the $$$$. I ask him about replacing broken tools and he says to give them up and he will bring them back next week. So I say, no problem, Ill pay you next week when I get my new tools.

 

[chadster1]

So, Wafredrick is a liar?

Well, then, here's another one:

...and if I felt like it, I could find a bunch of posts of people complaining about having problems getting warranty at Sears. Just because there are stories on the internet about people having warranty issues does not mean that every dealer refuses to warranty tools for walk-up customers.

Edited to add: You have no idea how many THOUSANDS of dollars in sales I have made to a walk up customer that first needs to warranty something.

 

[Mr_John]

...and if I felt like it, I could find a bunch of posts of people complaining about having problems getting warranty at Sears. Just because there are stories on the internet about people having warranty issues does not mean that every dealer refuses to warranty tools for walk-up customers.

Edited to add: You have no idea how many THOUSANDS of dollars in sales I have made to a walk up customer that first needs to warranty something.

You're taking this personal... YOU may be an excellent dealer. That's not my point, there is not enough consistency across dealers. By the way, if you can find all of these posts on problems at Sears, then please feel free to post away. I doubt you'll find as many as you claim (on hand tools that is, not the other stuff).

I for one spent the extra money as a non-professional to get Snap-On quality... but my point is, why would I buy more basic products that have a higher chance of breaking (like a screw driver or some pick set) when I'm concerned about getting it warranted? Sounds like you have the right attitude... (you'll warranty stuff in order to create a relationship). Unfortunately, it appears that you may be somewhat of an exception.

 

[Altec]

You're taking this personal... YOU may be an excellent dealer. That's not my point, there is not enough consistency across dealers. By the way, if you can find all of these posts on problems at Sears, then please feel free to post away. I doubt you'll find as many as you claim (on hand tools that is, not the other stuff).

I for one spent the extra money as a non-professional to get Snap-On quality... but my point is, why would I buy more basic products that have a higher chance of breaking (like a screw driver or some pick set) when I'm concerned about getting it warranted? Sounds like you have the right attitude... (you'll warranty stuff in order to create a relationship). Unfortunately, it appears that you may be somewhat of an exception.

If you haven't seen/heard issues with Sear's/Craftsman, then you have your blinders on... Can't say I'm going to waste my time looking for posts with Sear's issues for two reasons. First, I'm not "taking it personal" to the point of spending that kinda time on that adventure (Nor would I for Snap-on)... Secondly, it's a moot point... See below for why...

Any company WILL have issues as long as a human is running it... The second people realize this, and stop bashing companies because IN THEIR AREA one has better service then the other, we'll be a lot better off...


This poor thread. It was a great chance to post some good Snap-on info...

 

[MattT]

Snap-On sells extremely high quality stuff, but I only found the ratchets and torque wrenches (for my purposes) to be one of the few items worth the premium.

Well, then, talk to MattT who posted that "it's pretty obvious you'll never attain that status, so warranty thru' corporate if you need too [sic] instead of wasting a franchisees time."

If you read my post, I own a 3 piece 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 Dual 80 ratchet set (not cheap) and a Digital Techwrench (over $400 retail). At any rate, I purchased them brand new from eBay... but boxes were shipped directly to me from Snap-On and not eBay seller.

The admission you've been buying the few items you feel are worth the premium from feebay pretty much proves my point. Don't see you buying from a truck anytime soon.

I'd also like to see the packing slips that came with those drop shipped ebay tools.............................

Hey, it's not just me. Maybe you might want to talk to one of this site's "senior members" as well... see post below: