Things you would NEVER buy from Snap-On?

[The Dutchman]

I wouldn't buy anything snap On that's re-branded, & I can't afford their really big size wrenches & sockets.

However, when it comes to any "hand iron" in the popular sizes, I get nothing but Snap On.

Was searching for 4 way angle head wrenches recently & went with Snappy in the popular sizes, a 10 through 17mm (less 16mm) set in metric & a 3/8 through 3/4" set in fractional. If I could have afforded the sets that go up to 27mm & 1 1/4", respectively, I would have, but it was a financial impossibility. Snap On is the only manufacturer I could find that had 30 X 60 degree angle wrenches. Everything else seemed to be 15 X 60, or 15 X 75, I think. I already have 15 degree open ends coming out of my ears!

The gentleman that runs the following blog teaches metal work at a 2 year college. He says that Rockwell hardness testers prove to him that Snap On wrenches are stronger than just about any other, preventing the jaws on their open end wrenches from spreading on the fastener & rounding off the hex corners. If anyone has any opinion on this, pro or con, please pipe up!

http://reviews.ebay.com/Buying-Automotive-Tools-On-Ebay-DONT-BE-A-VICTIM?ugid=10000000003412551

 

[txan]

Isn't hardness testing just a measure of resistance to localized plastic deformation? Wouldn't a measurement of the modulus (ie: stiffness) of the material be more suitable for finding out whether or not a wrench spreads?

 

[diesel research]

I know I'd never buy their cordless tools.

Does anyone else make a cordless 3/8 impact even close?

 

[dankicksass]

Does anyone else make a cordless 3/8 impact even close?

I'd rather have Dewalt, Bosch, Makita or Milwaukee compact tools and get more tool options and a nicer pricepoint, even if that means sacrificing some ft-lbs. The 14.4v SO is too bulky and the 7.2v tools are ****, and it's not worth the price premium for what I like to use cordless tools over air on.

 

[mattmcginn]

Impact sockets

Before i turned "pro" i bought two cheapie impact socket sets-one 1/2" drive deep Campbell hausfeld set from wal mart and one no-name 1/2" drive deep set from Ocean State Job Lot (New England's equivalent to Odd Lot, etc). Anyone remember Ruby Vine's Railroad Salvage? Anyway, Though one set is a no-name, the font on the sockets is the same telling me the manufacturer is probably the same.

Both sets have never broken, spread, cracked or rounded a fastener. Each set cost about $20 and have seen almost twenty years of service both in their intended use and as the obligatory bearing press, drift and of course being pounded onto a rusted-to-the-next-undersized bolt or nut.

I do like the ratchets, picks and especially the cotter pin pulled that I use for pulling windshield seals into position.

That being said, my thought is that much like Derek Bell could turn faster laps around the 'Ring in a '77 pinto than I could in a 962, understanding the nuance of how things move (cars or recalcitrant fasteners) is a far more important tool to wield than a specific brand (within reason)

Matt
R

 

[demonspeed]

socks

You're missing out man! The snap on socks are awesome! They're super thick and comfortable. I thought it was a stupid idea too until I tried a pair. I'm sure they're rebranded from some other company but they really are great. Although I will admit I've never bought a pair, my dealer gave them away around the holidays.

 

[wafrederick]

Their jacks,leak and leave a huge puddle on the floor.They are rebranded made by Lincoln.Had one of their transmission jacks and all it did was leak since day one.Have read their special impact swivel for the rod cap nuts for the Caterpillar engines breaks a lot.Most techs working them have two on hand,a second one for a spare.

 

[Wrenches of Death]

If they are like every Chinese made glove I've tried they are three sizes too small.

I guess that those bargain priced Chinese made condoms are probably worth avoiding then!

WoD

 

[PowerGenGuy]

The adjustable wrench's are worth every penny,They feel great in your hand and the fit and finish are second to none.I upgraded from Crapsman and never looked back.

I agree, snappy adjustables are worth, I have several, and I do use other brands, but snappy is my fav.

 

[PowerGenGuy]

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.

I also use some wright wrenches, I like em. I have some snappy wrenches as well but i really prefer using the right. Everyones preference is diff., and that's OK. Some people value quality over price, and some price over qaulity, and just shop around. What I have done is buy 1 wrench the same size from several brands and try it out, before I buy the rest of the set...I like to use first before the big commitment...but for the adjustables I like snappy.

 

[larryq]

I believe Precision Instruments is the maker of at least some of their torque wrenches. Any difference between the SO and PI versions, besides the red or blue colors?

 

[ptschram]

You are mistaken in your understanding.

Read the warranty. The dealer can pretty much decide what he wants to do if you didn't buy directly off that truck.

I don't try to warranty stuff I've worn out or abused, but I'm amazed at how often my Snap-On driver will warranty stuff that I've told him I will buy the replacement as it's not fair to ask for it to be warrantied.

12 volt test light,tape measure,claw hammer,work gloves,etc.

I don't understand the comment about the test light. I have one I bought from my sister's ex-husband when he had his S/O truck back about 1977 or so, it's still going strong. I have two more and will be buying more next week (I've got a particularly difficult truck I'm working on and I need multiple test lights to monitor multiple circuits at once. Damned intermittents!).

 

[4v shane]

I was saying I like the Snap-On hard handled striking Pry Bars.

I can not break these things no matter how hard I try!!! I've stood on my large once and bounced on the son of a gun and it keeps coming back for more!

I'm cutting back on what I buy i was impressed with the bluepoint plier set I got I think 8 or 9 piece set for around 90 bucks go into sears and purchase the same items and your way over what I spent for my set!

 

[byoungblood]

Read the warranty. The dealer can pretty much decide what he wants to do if you didn't buy directly off that truck.

So much so that every time I've asked a dealer to contact me so I could get a replacement screw for my flex head 3/8" ratchet (bought NEW from SO directly), I never heard so much as a peep from the local dealers...in THREE different states no less!

Eventually I just gave up on the local dealers, called SO directly and had a whole rebuild kit on my doorstep in three days.

I don't understand the mentality some of these tool truck guys have. I'd always suggested in my e-mail that I'd be more than willing to meet them at one of their stops, etc., if they'd just get in touch with me. I'm also the type that probably would have dropped some money on something while I was there.

Oh yeah...to make it relevant to the original subject, I'd probably never buy any SO pliers, hammers or power tools, to name a few. Too many other good quality general hand tools are available without the crazy markup.

 

[truckdriver]

My buddy's SO dealer gave him 6pr of socks and he gave me 2pr. They are the absolute best I've ever had.I used to laugh at the guys who bought the SO socks but now i need a couple more pairs so I'll have to buy some.

 

[dankicksass]

I believe Precision Instruments is the maker of at least some of their torque wrenches. Any difference between the SO and PI versions, besides the red or blue colors?

That's accurate. Get a PI flex head split beam and you'll be a happy guy with a torque wrench that will last damn near forever.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

i personally won't buy wire brushes, tape measures, china/taiwan Blue Point stuff, brass punches, etc. there's a lot stuff that is expendable and doesn't warrent the extra cost just to say SO on it.

 

[vssjim]

Power tools, electric or air and blue point stuff is a complete joke of rebadged mix of imports and small rebadge special tools .

 

[RAYJAY]

The way i was treated from the drivers from snap-on ......... Will not even set foot in a truck ..............

 

[greybeard]

Power tools, electric or air and blue point stuff is a complete joke of rebadged mix of imports and small rebadge special tools .

Power tools? If this is true, who makes their cordless impact wrenches?

 

[ptschram]

So much so that every time I've asked a dealer to contact me so I could get a replacement screw for my flex head 3/8" ratchet (bought NEW from SO directly), I never heard so much as a peep from the local dealers...in THREE different states no less!

Eventually I just gave up on the local dealers, called SO directly and had a whole rebuild kit on my doorstep in three days.

I don't understand the mentality some of these tool truck guys have. I'd always suggested in my e-mail that I'd be more than willing to meet them at one of their stops, etc., if they'd just get in touch with me. I'm also the type that probably would have dropped some money on something while I was there.

I don't disagree. One of my Snap-On drivers bought the franchise from my father yet I had a Hell of a time getting him to stop in to my shop when I opened. When he finally stopped, I made it well worth it to him. I've been buying from him since about '84.

I have made it clear that I'll meet the one guy just about anywhere, but he doesn't like my joking at him that I feel like I'm making a drug deal buying tools in the McDonald's parking lot-LOL.

 

[osborn.ozzy]

FWIW my snap-on guy in Ohio sold Mayhew prybars off his truck

 

[vssjim]

Power tools? If this is true, who makes their cordless impact wrenches?

should have made the point differently did not want to imply they don't make their own power tools just the blue point stuff. first half of statement was different section from the last.

 

[wafrederick]

Been told of dealers selling IR impacts too.My father has Snap On electric tools including a cordless drill that were made by Black and Decker.Trigger was broken,the lever for forward and reverse broke and called a Black and Decker service center for a new trigger.Got a new trigger with no problems at all from the nearest Black and Decker service center.

 

[kythri]

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

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00943781000P?sid=comm_craftsman_productpg

 

[diesel research]

That's accurate. Get a PI flex head split beam and you'll be a happy guy with a torque wrench that will last damn near forever.

Not exactly accurate but very close. I see there is a difference in COO. One is assembled of "global components" and one is made in usa. I suspect that the difference lies inside the actual head. The pawl and ratchet gear, I suspect may use a different p/n. The rest or important end does in fact seem to be the same.

Not to say the head end isn't important, because the 600ft-lb wrench has been back to the truck 4x in the past year for head related service and they finally just replaced the entire head. In all fairness, it is way out of any warranty PI has, and we would have likely had to replace the entire wrench on our own dime if PI was used.

On the other hand, the PI 600 is almost exactly half price, so you could say one replacement is priced into the SO unit.

 

[diesel research]

should have made the point differently did not want to imply they don't make their own power tools just the blue point stuff. first half of statement was different section from the last.

A lot of their bluepoint stuff is just williams, so in essence, they are making it. Then again, williams is often not much cheaper. Wasn't for the "CASE IH" rebranded ratcheting crowfeet compared to the bluepoint rebranded pieces.

When I got my bluepoint cummins diesel timing set, it was cheaper than the miller/SPX kit specified in manuals, but they were 2 different kits. I have never been able to find an oem for the bluepoint kit and have to wonder if it might not be rebadged.

 

[dankicksass]

Well, I use a SO TQFR250E and not a PI, but I don't know which one uses global components.

 

[canuckian]

Can't see me buying one of their air hoses off the truck. They're not priced horribly but there are a lot better hoses out there for a lot cheaper. Goodyear and flexzilla come to mind.

 

[diesel research]

Well, I use a SO TQFR250E and not a PI, but I don't know which one uses global components.

Your TQFR250E should be stamped "USA". You can go from there...

 

[AL`]

Ive spoke with a couple Snap on Dealers and this whole Mayhew is the Oem for Snap On has yet to be Proven. Now.. Before the claims that Snap on is only protecting there share of the Market i also sent a email to Mayhew (No Response) so i decided to Call Customer service and was transferred to a Higher up and the Gentleman i spoke with told me that to HIS knowledge Mayhew did not Produce tools for Snap On. I believe Mayhew produces some Great tools but im not buying the "Oem" for Snap on without some proof.

I wouldn't assume Mayhew is the maker for Snapon either. But, I can also see where if they were, Snapon may require that Mayhew not speak of it and why Snapon would not want their dealers speaking of it either.

Now one specialty item I can think of that Snapon makes or has made that is clearly superior to others is their ball joint/ujoint c-frame press and adapter set. Don't know if Snapon specs this and has it made or not, but it is a rather unique tool with attention to detail. Clearly a product that only makes sense for a professional to buy unless a DIY'er stumbles onto a good deal. They seem to go for about $400+ on ebay.

 

[Nova_Guy]

A long time ago I worked in a body shop, the SO man would stop by and make fun of my Craftsman stuff. He tried talking me into buying a several $$K starter set that had only a handful of tools in it. At $5 an hour it would have taken about 10 years to pay it off. I could have bought the biggest 1000+ piece Craftsman set and roll around box money could buy at the time for less money. Later he talked me into a set of used screwdrivers that I still have. I talked him down to $35 for them, he wrote me up and handed me the bill for my new account. He wrote them up for $40 and I realized I had been screwed out of $5 bucks. Later I found a 1/4 drive ratchet and my grandpa's house. It looked like new but didn't work. I took it work and the SO wouldn't exchange it because it was a military tool by the M in the part number. I had a friend exchange it and when I got it back it had the exact same part number on it. The SO man lied to keep me from getting it exchanged.
The same guy told a friend that the SO welders were a higher quality than the local Miller and Lincoln dealers sold. When his welder died the SO man told him to take it to the local dealer for repair. They told him that it was a Century wlder that was rebranded and was a lower end welder. He paid way more for it from the SO man, several $$K more.
The only dealings I have had with SO were bad, the main issue was the SO rep was a dirt bag. He was a liar and refused to take care of me before I became a regular customer.
I'm sure he is not indicative of all alll SO dealers because they wold have went out of business years ago. One dealer soured me on their tools 25 years ago.

I'm throughly convinced some people buy SO just because of the name and bragging rights.

 

[Toolhorder]

I'm not getting sucked into the charlie foxtrox...just feeds the anti-SO ppl.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Later he talked me into a set of used screwdrivers that I still have. I talked him down to $35 for them, he wrote me up and handed me the bill for my new account. He wrote them up for $40 and I realized I had been screwed out of $5 bucks.

I would've thrown them back at him.

 

[Nova_Guy]

I would've thrown them back at him.

The SO only came by once in a great while and as a young and naive person I didn't look at the bill of sale until after he was gone. Then it was my word against his and he had a BOS with $40 on it. I pretty much got even with him in the end. The body shop got slow and I got laid off. I didn't see him again for almost 3 years and I told him to F-off. The only reason I paid him in the end was the machine shop I worked in owners was a SO guy.
He was a big buyer of SO stuff and he paid the SO and took the money out of my pay. The SO man told him he was going to turn me into a collection agency, he was more like a dad than a boss. He was looking out for me and in the end it was the right thing to do. And the SO man got his extra $5 after a three year wait.

I don't hate SO tools or people that own them. They're just to much money for me to spend on. I don't make a living with my tools so I can't justify spending 3 times as much on something when I can't break either one with a 3 foot cheater pipe.

 

[philw]

All of them. I've made a good living for a lot of years using tools. Never ever bought anything new from Snap On. I have a couple of wrenches and a really terrible 1/4" drive Snap On ratchet. My Harbor freight 1/4" is so much better than the S.O.

This is why this board is getting old.

I'm tired of drive-by posts. There isn't any info in that reply that will help anyone.........there isn't any specifics.

Have you used any Snap on other than a couple wrenches and a 1/4 ratchet? What's wrong with the Snap on ratchet? Why is the Harbor Freight better?

 

[Toolhorder]

This is why this board is getting old.

I'm tired of drive-by posts. There isn't any info in that reply that will help anyone.........there isn't any specifics.

Have you used any Snap on other than a couple wrenches and a 1/4 ratchet? What's wrong with the Snap on ratchet? Why is the Harbor Freight better?

I agree. I spend less and less time here. I think this forum has officially past it's prime.
I really don't care what people think about the tools I choose to buy but it still gets old to see it day after day here. Be nice if they made a section for each tool brand or at least a SO section and HF section and strictly enforced flaming either one.

 

[metalhead212121]

Be nice if they made a section for each tool brand or at least a SO section and HF section and strictly enforced flaming either one.

X2 on that!!!

 

[diesel research]

Don't forget a craftsmen section since that is what usually instigates most of this....

 

[jabberwoki]

Anything new or 2nd hand from a truck! i`ll wait for the swap meet.