Tool Breakage Frequency

[devilsnight]

Really never break anything, I exchange torx bits and screwdrivers once in a great while when they wear out. What I get a kick out of is the rest of the guys in the shop tools in hand marching onto the SO truck every tuesday. If your using the right tool for the job, odds are it will last a long time

 

[rtole]

I did not address the how often. It goes in streaks. One week I break 7 things, next month only 1. One bad fastener can deplete the whole shops inventory! T-55 torx bits come to mind. One truck broke 11 t-55 bits one day. Job was on hold till the snap on man came.

 

[Revere Cycles]

I only seem to break tools when I use them improperly. For example, earlier this week, I used a cheap Chinese screwdriver as pry bar for some leverage in a tight spot.

More often, I discover the limitation of a tool, and upgrade to a better one before things get out of hand.

 

[Honda guy]

About every 6-8 years, I warranty a 32 oz. SO dead blow hammer. Normal wear and tear.

I've broken a couple of Gear Wrench security torx sockets in the past year. I've learned to baby them, since GW warranty is such a hassle.

Mac used to carry a cool little locking flex-head, extra-fine tooth, 1/4 drive ratchet, made by Micro Tough. Under normal use, they'd last maybe a couple months. I broke a few of those, until Mac discontinued them. I still have one but it only comes out on special occassions.

I've broken 4 or 5 old Proto, chrome sockets in the past 25 years or so. Mostly due to abuse, using them on an impact.

In the past year, I've seen 2 of the SO Midget pliers(5ACP) break from being squeezed too hard. Still, one of my all time favorite tools though. These little pliers grip stronger than a good pair of vise-grips. We call them "Mighty Mouse pliers", at work.

 

[Talidog]

broke numerous snap on 1/4" screwdriver bits (torx and phillips) while in a ratcheting screwdriver. I learned to use standard screwdrivers on really tight screws.

 

[Wakefield]

One truck broke 11 t-55 bits one day. Job was on hold till the snap on man came.

Hand impact driver?

 

[BajaBound]

Broke a blue point 3/8 3" extension doing rear brakes on a vw toureg. Might be the single tightest bolt in the tightest spot. Twisted the end right off.

 

[Letsgobowhunting]

I usually end up breaking tools when i mis use them. Which is when ever needed, i am not worried about my collection of tools but getting a job done quickly. I do buy what i think i need but never have everything i could use.

 

[Farmall450]

I live in a rusty area that uses alot of road salt. Someone earlier said you get a "feel" for when its time to stop. I know I do . Not to say stuff still does not break, but its less than it used to be, just cause it ends up half the time the fastener, so that makes the job worse. That said I was doing an ball joint and the nut was froze in.....no room for socket or impact. The snap on guy walks in. I told him he was just in time to see me break a 18mm wrench (flank drive plus) he said if I could even bend it, that weeks payment would be covered. I handed it to him split. He watched. Saw I only had a shop rag in my hand( for cushsion) He wasnt happy, but not about to argue with me at that point.

Wow. I also have salt around here, but it's more often the fastener that takes the abuse, never actually broken a tool.

Well, I snapped the tip of a cman screwdriver but it was either too small or I was prying with it, I don't recall.

 

[MattPersman]

The crappy Matco impact universals I have probably broken or worn out more than any other tool I used. So much I bought a different brand and put the Matcos in my tool box as back ups. I know most say they are the best but I have had the worst luck they almost always bind up or break doing transmission or engine R&Rs. I broke 1 snap on just the other day trying to loosened a adjuster sleeve bolt on steering linkage on a ram.

I wear out the sockets of the most used sizes 8, 10, 13, 15, 16. I will get them warrantied from snap on driver no questions asked.

Torx bits a lot until I sprung for the gold snap on.

Bend the tips or break the ends off of picks of all shapes and sizes much less frequent since I got all snap on.

Crummy Matco relabeled tie rod remover, the end of that thing fails about every 5-6 uses.

Occasional gearwrench ratchet end lock up or free wheel.

Most tools are pretty tough at least snap on, there is a difference.

 

[kossuth]

Not a pro, just a DIY guy. I've probably broken a dozen tools or such during my 12-15 years of working on stuff. Mostly been 3/8 drive ratchets (All Craftsman). I've split some 10 - 15 mm sockets too in the process. It happens, but no use getting all bent out of shape about it. Good ratchets are worth the money though. Because nothing hurts worse than when a ratchet slips (or breaks) and you slam your hand into the frame/exhaust manifold/sharp XYZ object and you're left there muttering bad things to the ratchet. The sockets I've broken were from breaker bar use.

 

[D-bak]

I have broken two things in the last 5 years.

First was about a year ago, a Craftsman 1/2 drive teardrop ratchet, I was in a tight spot and the plastic (don't get me started) directional changer bumped against something and snapped off. I only use SK 1/2 inch ratchet now.

Second was actually yesterday. Was trying to remove a rusty old leaf spring shackle bolt on a 96 Explorer and had my 3/8 drive SK breaker bar in there. Pulled as hard as I could and snapped the head right in half. Probably should have been using 1/2 inch drive but I am still going to warranty this. In my opinion I should not be able to snap a breaker bar by hand while laying on my back under a truck. Only SK tool I have ever broken.

 

[AV tinker er]

Mac used to carry a cool little locking flex-head, extra-fine tooth, 1/4 drive ratchet, made by Micro Tough.

Do you have a pic or part #?

 

[whyNick?]

In the last 20 years I've broken maybe 20 tools, nearly always due to abuse or a very low-quality tool (or by abusing a low-quality tool). Offhand I recall bending a cheap breaker bar, twisting the end off of a few cheap 3/8 extensions, bending the tip of a couple of flat blade screwdrivers by prying with them, burning up a HF grinder by running it for 8 hours straight, and rounding out or cracking some cheap 1/2 sockets by using them on my impact or with a long breaker bar. As a young lad I also killed a Cummins ratchet by using it as a hammer .

I've also wrecked a few better-quality tools in my time. I've swapped out 6 or 7 Craftsman Phillips drivers after stripping the tips, I stripped the gear in a Craftsman 1/4 ratchet (using it where a 1/2 drive would have been more appropriate), wore out a 3/8 Craftsman ratchet, and broke the mechanism in a Snap On utility knife (by using it as a hammer). I have a Mac (or Blue Point, can't remember) nut splitter that split itself trying to crack a 1/2 nut and have killed a few pairs of needle nose pliers by twisting or bending the tips.

95% of this carnage occurred in my teens and early twenties. Now that I'm older and a bit more patient I rarely break anything. I worked in a couple of shops in college and there were mechanics who could break anything no matter the quality of the tool, and there were guys who never damaged anything. The former were usually brash young guys and the latter were always the guys in their 40s and 50s who had a bit more common sense.

Edit: Oh yeah, I've also killed 2 or 3 axe or hatchet handles through overstrikes. I don't have great hand-eye coordination .

 

[Ruger_556]

In 3 years working on trucks and heavy equipment...

- 9/16 Craftsman deep socket
- Handle on a Craftsman ball peen while I was using the head as a pry bar
- Bent SO FL80 with a pipe doing suspension bushings (Couldn't fit my 1/2 drive in where I needed to be)
- 3 Dewalt grinders in an hour... I don't recommend what I was using them for.
- 1 5/16 impact socket (3/4 drive)

That's it Never broke a "pro grade" tool.

Edit: I forgot about doing trailer floors... Every T-25 torx in the shop within an hour

 

[Farmall450]

In 3 years working on trucks and heavy equipment...

- 9/16 Craftsman deep socket
- Handle on a Craftsman ball peen while I was using the head as a pry bar
- Bent SO FL80 with a pipe doing suspension bushings (Couldn't fit my 1/2 drive in where I needed to be)
- 3 Dewalt grinders in an hour... I don't recommend what I was using them for.
- 1 5/16 impact socket (3/4 drive)

That's it Never broke a "pro grade" tool.

Edit: I forgot about doing trailer floors... Every T-25 torx in the shop within an hour

The FL80 isn't pro grade?

What were you using the grinders on?

 

[Zbrums]

Very far from pro here and the only thing I've broken was a no name oil filter wrench trying to remove oil filter on my f250.

 

[espyking83]

Tools generally break because of blatant misuse. There are exceptions, but they are rare.

 

[Ruger_556]

The FL80 isn't pro grade?

What were you using the grinders on?

It didn't "break"

I had to cut an edge off an I beam... 53' van trailer was getting a belly box mounted up and one of the I beams under the deck was in the way. 102" of cut I beam later and had burned up all the grinders in the shop It might have been because I really don't like overhead work with a cut off wheel so I was bound and determined to get it done quickly...

 

[Ruger_556]

Mac used to carry a cool little locking flex-head, extra-fine tooth, 1/4 drive ratchet, made by Micro Tough. Under normal use, they'd last maybe a couple months. I broke a few of those, until Mac discontinued them. I still have one but it only comes out on special occassions.

SO makes them now

 

[Aberdale]

In every instance that I've broken a tool, it was because of abuse.

I snapped the end of a Snap-On screwdriver by using it as a pry bar.

I broke several 1/2" and 9/16" wrenches using a cheater bar instead of lubing/heating the fastener first. (These were off brand wrenches for the most part.)

I've snapped several torx sockets, phillips bits, and a couple chrome sockets using an impact. (But I consider these consumables anyway.)

I've stripped several Craftsman pear head 1/4" and 3/8" ratchets when I should have used a 1/2". (I've since upgraded to better ratchets.)

In none of these cases did I try to replace the tool under warranty. It was my bad. I learn from the mistake and buy a new replacement, or upgrade to a higher quality tool. Actually I would be a lot happier if tool manufacturers dropped their "unconditional warranties" for something more realistic, such as a warranty to be "free from manufacturing defects for the first 90 days". They could then price their tools more competitively because they wouldn't have to build in a free replacement cost into the initial purchase.

I have no problem paying for replacements for the few tools that I break, and quite frankly, I believe we would all think twice before we abuse things if we actually had to replace them on our own nickel.

'dale

 

[Outlawmws]

SO makes them now

SO makes them, or SO re-brands them? PN?

 

[Ruger_556]

SO makes them, or SO re-brands them? PN?

http://store.snapon.com/Dual-80-174...ed-Head-Locking-Flex-Head-6-1-4--P647033.aspx

 

[Outlawmws]

Apparently Stanley/Husky makes or re-brands the heads and others still have it?

Is this it?

http://www.justtools.com.au/prod5881.htm

Apparently Stanley is the OEM, according to the stanley page here:

http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?TYPE=STATICLEFT&PAGE=PR_automotiveratchetssockets05.htm&LEFT=left_pr.htm

STANLEY® Microtough™ Ratchet
The STANLEY® Microtough™ ratchet features the smallest 3/8” and 1/2” ratchet heads in the marketplace. In addition to featuring small heads, the Microtough™ Ratchet has 72 teeth with a very tight five degree arc swing for access to fasteners located in areas with minimal maneuverability.

The STANLEY® Microtough™ Ratchet is available at auto parts stores or other retailers where STANLEY® products are sold with a suggested retail price of $14.99-$19.99.

Ruger, that is a similar design ratchet, but I don't think the MAC microtough they are talking about.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I'm waiting for RCStocker to post about how he has used tools for 60 years and only broken two tools ever...

 

[refried]

This is about 10 years of broken Snap-On tools for me.

There were more but all tools do break, even Snap-On.

 

[Kracin]

This is about 10 years of broken Snap-On tools for me.

There were more but all tools do break, even Snap-On.

not if you're a member here they don't...

 

[Hiball]

not if you're a member here they don't...

Only if your trolling or don't use your tools...

I'm a member, own some Snap on tools and snapped 2 standard screwdriver drivers within the last 2 weeks and the 3rd a month ago, All tool brands Wear/break on occasion, some stuff sooner than others.

Unfortunately we have our fair share of trolling comments and responses like yours feed there appetite.

 

[StackedDodge96]

In my time as a wrench turner (2 yrs) I have only broken a couple tools.

1/2 Dr. MAC long flex head fine tooth rachet. I was jumping all 285 lbs of myself on it. Couldnt get anything else to the bolt or get a very long cheater. I stripped all the teeth, but I got that bolt loose

3/8 mid length Snap on wobble extension (chrome) Was used on an impact, could not get a regular impact swivel or similar into the area. Broke two within 15 mins. While the Snap on guy was at the shop, I used all the ones he had on the truck.

Craftsman 12 pt 12mm wrench, had a long wrench double wrenching. Another situation where nothing else would fit. Broke the box end open, thank god for safety glasses.

 

[d.mcfarland]

This is about 10 years of broken Snap-On tools for me. There were more but all tools do break, even Snap-On.

If you dont mind me asking ... why do you have hundreds of dollars of broken tools that you did not warranty?? I would be all over getting those fixed! I'll take them off your hands and fix them!! Haha

I'm a member, own some Snap on tools and snapped 2 standard screwdriver drivers within the last 2 weeks and the 3rd a month ago, All tool brands Wear/break on occasion, some stuff sooner than others

Wasn't there a lot of people breaking SO screwdrivers and driver bits recently? I thought I read that somewhere here.

 

[Hiball]

Wasn't there a lot of people breaking SO screwdrivers and driver bits recently? I thought I read that somewhere here.

Nah... Didn't you read Kracin's post.

not if you're a member here they don't...

But seriously, Yes they break especially when sitting behind a hand impact after repeated blows. I shouldn't have never grabbed the longer shank, that was stupidity on my part, it didn't stand a chance.

 

[Kracin]

Nah... Didn't you read Kracin's post.





But seriously, Yes they break especially when sitting behind a hand impact after repeated blows. I shouldn't have never grabbed the longer shank, that was stupidity on my part, it didn't stand a chance.

it was more a funny poke at the comments you see back and forth between people who love X and hate Y because of the brand only, everything breaks and before everything breaks it was working just fine. not a lot more to it.

 

[arthur1920]

Tools generally break because of blatant misuse. There are exceptions, but they are rare.

Not a pro but:

I broke several CM deep metric sockets before I realized they put the little lines on the wrong end and created a stress riser. So I had them get me a set with the lines on the right end.

Then I had to warranty 1/2 of all my CM 1/4" stuff because somewhere a long the way they changed the specs and half the set would work on their 1/4 in ratchet and extensions and the other half would just fall off. Funny thing it's only in the last 5 years that I use the 1/4 in. stuff because now every thing is so jammed in I cant fit 3/8 stuff in it.

Several screwdrivers I broke handles on by smacking them with a hammer. Some I just wore the tips out.

A lot of stuff I just brought back cause the chrome fell off. And a pair of real nice brand name linesmen pliers cause the plastic handles fell off and I got tired of using a taped up tool.

a Herbrand allen head socket that just spread in normal use so that the shaft fell out.

a 1/4 in snap on ratchet that got run over and broke off the direction lever.

Not to bad. But by the numbers more units were exchanged because they were defective than because I broke them.

 

[refried]

If you dont mind me asking ... why do you have hundreds of dollars of broken tools that you did not warranty?? I would be all over getting those fixed! I'll take them off your hands and fix them!! Haha

I live on an island, The Snap-On truck doesn't float by here very often.
I make sure I have lots of spare tools for when things do break, It's not possible to run to the store when you need something.

 

[Finky198]

It seems like 9 out of 10 things that seem to break are tools being use for things other than their intended purpose ( ie chrome extensions used on an impact, or using screw drivers as pry bars, even jumping on a ratchet with a cheater pipe)... Is it me or am I just not understanding this properly if I by a quality ratchet ( I personally used snap on dual 80s) you couldn't pay me 500 bucks to put a cheater pipe on Let alone jump on it. I would grab a break bar like your supposed to... And break it loose. Isn't it worth taking 5 extra min to grab the right tool rather than to break a more expensive ratchet and got brought the headache of having to exchange it. I just don't get it.

Example 2 one of you said you needed to use a 3/8 chrome mid length wobble extension on an impact. You continued to say the you broke all three that the Snap On guy had his truck. 1. why don't you own an impact wobble extension even a HF model would have sufficed and prevented this dilemma 2. if I was you snap on dealer I would have charged you for the 3 extension you broke and asked you to purchase a set of impact extensions sry if that's mean but it's the truth. If I was you dealer I would also be very selective in how I would deal with any of you warranty claims in the future...

I have Been working with tools all my life and I can honestly say I have only broken maybe 2 or 3 tools in my entire life a screw driver tip and the tip of a pair of pliers using both the proper way just actual product failure both snap on tools also. I know it happens.

but why does it seem like people just take advantage knowing that they will just get a new one from there dealer it just kind rubs me the wrong way that people just have this attitude that if I break it who care my dealer will just give me a new one

 

[Ruger_556]

... Is it me or am I just not understanding this properly if I by a quality ratchet ( I personally used snap on dual 80s) you couldn't pay me 500 bucks to put a cheater pipe on Let alone jump on it. I would grab a break bar like your supposed to... And break it loose. Isn't it worth taking 5 extra min to grab the right tool rather than to break a more expensive ratchet and got brought the headache of having to exchange it. I just don't get it.

but why does it seem like people just take advantage knowing that they will just get a new one from there dealer it just kind rubs me the wrong way that people just have this attitude that if I break it who care my dealer will just give me a new one

Yes, someone understands I plan on buying a set of 12 point sockets just for using my breaker bars.

 

[StackedDodge96]

It seems like 9 out of 10 things that seem to break are tools being use for things other than their intended purpose ( ie chrome extensions used on an impact, or using screw drivers as pry bars, even jumping on a ratchet with a cheater pipe)... Is it me or am I just not understanding this properly if I by a quality ratchet ( I personally used snap on dual 80s) you couldn't pay me 500 bucks to put a cheater pipe on Let alone jump on it. I would grab a break bar like your supposed to... And break it loose. Isn't it worth taking 5 extra min to grab the right tool rather than to break a more expensive ratchet and got brought the headache of having to exchange it. I just don't get it.

Example 2 one of you said you needed to use a 3/8 chrome mid length wobble extension on an impact. You continued to say the you broke all three that the Snap On guy had his truck. 1. why don't you own an impact wobble extension even a HF model would have sufficed and prevented this dilemma 2. if I was you snap on dealer I would have charged you for the 3 extension you broke and asked you to purchase a set of impact extensions sry if that's mean but it's the truth. If I was you dealer I would also be very selective in how I would deal with any of you warranty claims in the future...

I have Been working with tools all my life and I can honestly say I have only broken maybe 2 or 3 tools in my entire life a screw driver tip and the tip of a pair of pliers using both the proper way just actual product failure both snap on tools also. I know it happens.

but why does it seem like people just take advantage knowing that they will just get a new one from there dealer it just kind rubs me the wrong way that people just have this attitude that if I break it who care my dealer will just give me a new one

Since your talking about most of my bad habits!
Both the rachet and extension were emergency situations. The extension was used to reach a hydraulic pump bolt that nothing else would fit, and the customer was on the way for the machine. I asked everyone in the shop, I tried EVERY possible way. The snap on driver just happened to be there, I offered to pay for the ones I broke but he told me he understood. He also did not have a impact wobble.

The rachet, another emergency situation. Had two John deere 9560s come in, one broke the other going out to the customer who brought the broke one in. Need the hitches switched an on the truck in 3 hours. Breaker bar was not getting at the angle I needed, impact would not fit. I hate my MAC rachet anyways.

I understand the correct tools for the correct job, when time is a factor you have to do what needs to be done.

 

[Finky198]

Thanks for the positive reply just glad to hear that you understand my concern and as you get further in you career you will obtain more tools. Hopefully break less of them one tip I can give you and I know people fight of the harbor freight stuff all the time, but there impact extensions and breaker bars come in handy when you know something is most like gonna break they. And it's a cheap for 100 bucks you can get a ton of stuff for that just In case


Good luck

 

[Rico.]

I plan on buying a set of 12 point sockets just for using my breaker bars.

Just a heads up for you.... If you have a 6 point socket on a breaker bar and you
can't get a good angle because of the 60 degree change, just remove the socket
from the breaker bar and turn it one quarter of a turn (90 degrees) and put it back
on the breaker bar.

When you place it back on the fastener it will look like it's only moved 30 degrees...
just like a 12 point socket.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Just a heads up for you.... If you have a 6 point socket on a breaker bar and you
can't get a good angle because of the 60 degree change, just remove the socket
from the breaker bar and turn it one quarter of a turn (90 degrees) and put it back
on the breaker bar.

When you place it back on the fastener it will look like it's only moved 30 degrees...
just like a 12 point socket.

You are a wizard, aren't you? You can tell us.