Tool Poll

[Ducroix]

Ok Heres they question,

Since joining this forum how many people went from whatever brand of tool they usually use (Craftsman/Sk/Mac/Matco/Proto) to Snap On. So yes if you did switch to snap on even though having to pay a little more (in some cases), no if you havent been tempted (yet )

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

can't buy nothing now
business has tanked
good thing I got most of snap on tools 20 years ago

 

[Coach James]

My primary job is steady and no chance of layoff, but I can't justify paying for Snappy. I have 4 or 5 Snappy's I bought off of ebay and I don't even use them.

Coach

 

[Stuey]

Nope. I considered it, but I just cannot justify the cost. I'm not a pro wrencher, so I really don't need to pay the huge premium for convenience or warranty service that I likely will never need.

What I mean is, Blue Point is more along the lines of my budget - why pay extra for a Snap-On rebadge when I could buy the original brand or similar other branded tools for much much less?

Given what I buy, Snap-On would cost a LOT more, not a little. Take a basic 13 piece wrench set. $99 for USA made full polish vs. $380 for Snap-On, or $180 for an 11 piece Blue Point set. For a guy like me, the price difference is huge.

Large variety of good quality tools and accessories > much fewer greatest quality tools

The only Snap-On product I would seriously consider right now is a ratchet (especially the swivel head) since it offers much more utility than other types of tools.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

When I started out, (pre this forum) I had my grandfathers old stuff. Indestro, SK Wayne, a couple of pieces of Husky (pre HD, from the 20's, his old garage), etc. I had picked up some good Kobalt (JH Williams) on closeout, including the flarenut wrenches and filled in with some Craftsman. There were a couple of pieces of Snap~on in there, already. Then I got my first Snap~on dealer.

He didn't want cash
He never got a signature
He quit in a year
Corporate came in and we had some word (used to have a branch office)

I bought more from our second one (specialty stuff), but saw how corporate was jerking him around (they tried to recruit me as a local dealer). He lasted a year and a half, MAYBE.

Only VERY recently did a Snap~on guy get "our territory", and he has YET to stop by (will go to the trash company behind us). We have stuff that needs warranty, and don't get service. It isn't just about tools, guys.

Not a full time mechanic, (sub at the shop I used to work at). For me, not worth the hassle.

 

[MarkH]

Used mainly Wright, SK, Craftsman, & Cornwell before with some Snap On thrown in.

Still use mainly Wright, SK, Craftsman & Cornwell with some Snap On thrown in.

The only thing that wasd Snap on before and still is are the FAR air wrenches and the MG31 3/8 impact.

 

[ZRX61]

Snap-On is the Harley Davidson of the tool market: over priced, over hyped & fragile.

 

[billymade]

In my mind extreme criticism or totally dismissing the idea of owning Snap-On tools solely based on their retail price off the truck is not the perspective you should take; all premium products (no matter what market they're in) will always command top prices and require allot of money to purchase (at new retail prices) and be out of the reach of your average person. The question is why do you have to buy it new off the truck or at full retail prices? There are always alternative ways to acquire premium products at way cheaper then retail; thus enjoy owning and using these things! I have quite a bit of Snap-on but 95% of it is used and I got it, in most cases for probably 25% of retail; with the pawn shop connection I have I can get them cheaper then retail craftsman prices. Are they all perfect show pieces, latest models, new logos, without markings, scratches or peeled off or perfect gleaming chrome, NO! ; but they all work and can get the job done! Do I like Snap-On? Yes! Can I afford them; at used prices I can! I'm having fun buying my Snap-on tools; slowly but surely building a set from the local flea market and pawn shops! When they're in my hand and I remember how much I paid for them; using these quality tools is that much sweeter! They're are always alternative sources for pro grade tools (or any premium grade product for that matter) and there will always be people who sell or hock they're tools for they're next: fix, booze, rent or food!

 

[Fedwrench]

I used mostly Snap on, Mac, and Matco with a little Cornwell thrown in before finding this board. My Cornwell stuff went bye bye on ebay since it was largely replicated by other brands. The Mac stuff is still going strong after I got it as a student long ago. I still like Matco stuff even though it receives more than its share of negative posts here. This board has gotten me to buy more Gearwrench stuff especially when you post about those half off sales. I also like it when techs post about their experiences with new products here.
I'm not really sure if this board would influence me enough to buy only a certain brand regardless of how many threads there are about the F80 ratchet series.

 

[Merkava_4]

What if I already had Snap On before joining this board and I'm one of the guys pushing everyone else to buy them; what category do I fall into?

 

[Fedwrench]

What if I already had Snap On before joining this board and I'm one of the guys pushing everyone else to buy them; what category do I fall into?

Snap on stock holder

 

[Hoot]

I was pretty much a "Craftsman only" kind of guy for several years. Mostly due to decent quality, reasonable prices, and availability. But after joining this board, my view of tools has expanded considerably. I now have some fine tooth Snap On ratchets that I bought based on discussions I've seen here. And I would be the first to admit they are very nice tools. But I haven't switched over completely. I am a "recreational wrencher" with a family, so price and quality have to be a compromise. But quality is definitely a much bigger consideration than it used to be......

 

[jay50]

Still use 95% Cman with some gear wrench and older Mac. SO has too much sales hype built into the cost for what you get.

 

[Deafautotech]

well I got some of snap on tools like student discount from Ivy tech college before joined this forum. but i had some of bad luck with craftsman tools (sockets are great but screwdrivers are ****!) the craftsman's phillip screwdrivers are already worn out or destroyed after i used it for about 5 times... so i had to bought used snap on screwdrivers (it is hard handles!!!) i am understand that snap on tools are "overprice" but what i really need is service that my snap on guy willing to give to me... The difference is i bought a lot of used snap on tools from pawn stores and my snap on guy that tried to rid the old snap on tools.... even i bought the KRL1203 for 450 dollars!!! i am still own craftsman tools more than snap on or mac tools but what i prefer to get use is snap on... i just concern to break or crack the tools that would hurt myself... i saw the tech use craftsman socket on air ratchet then it got cracked already... he said it is ****! but they give me their tools to have me to go sears to have it warranty for them...

I am always look for snap on tools that are too good deal to pass... Right now i already has what i am really need it for general repairs but i am still buy some tools what i need for specialist... i am always check the website like snap on or sears to compare the price to see which it is better. i will buy the snap on tool if i am use a lot like impact sockets or ratchets or else that i am use a lot! if i dont use it much then craftsman are good to do!!!

 

[philw]

I have always used a mixed bag of tools. I started out using my grandfathers old tools which included about every manufacturer who made a tool at one point or another. Only recognized a few brand names at the time such as Craftsman, Snap-on, Channelock, Cornwell and then never realized that there was "supposed" to be a big difference between some of the brands.

Needless to say the first time getting a price from the Snap-on truck I about fell over. I do buy Snap-on when I think it's worth the extra expense but that is fairly rare in my case.

I don't think this board has changed my attitued toward Snap-on. It has made me aware of new products on the market.

I still use a mixed bag of tools---more like a mixed roll cab of tools. I use and buy what I like and what gets the job done.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Still use 95% Cman with some gear wrench and older Mac. SO has too much sales hype built into the cost for what you get.

I'm with Jay on this one.

Price typically is not the main consideration when I purchase anything. And I cold easily fit Snap-On into my budget. Nevertheless I don’t regard them as being that superior in design or quality than Craftsman tools for the difference in cost. Furthermore I have been extremely happy with Craftsman and they have been my mainstay in tools for over fifty years. And I cannot think of any of my Craftsman’s tools that has not performed to my expectations or have not survived the test of time.

Being a member of this board has swayed some of my perceptions and purchasing habits. However Snap-On is definitely not one of them.

.

 

[jimvannoy]

This board has not changed anything for me. I had Snap On, Mac, Craftsman, Matco, Proto, and lots of others brands of tools before I joined and I still buy many different brands.

 

[Joe B.]

So far a Snap On dealer has never come to my cubicle to try to sell me any tools. I guess if he showed up every week, I would break down and buy something. With Snap On you pay for a high service level that a weekend guy does not benefit from.

I might pick up a nice ratchet some day but other than that, I have not seen anything from Snap On that there is not a lower cost alternative available that would fully meet my needs. If I want pliers I can go to Knipex and it will be just as good as Snap On. If I want a pneumatic tool, I can buy an IR and get performance similar to Snap On for less money. If I want a power tool there are half a dozen brands that I would consider before Snap On.

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

Sure I have...

I posted this thread in November of 2006. At that point I owned NO Snap-On tools. Looking back now it was pure ignorance.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6519

Now I have SK, Mac (ugh...), Snap-On, Blue Point etc. I would say 80% of my stuff is Snap-On. There really is a difference, IMO. I am only 16 but I use my tools every single day and I enjoy working with good tools a lot more. I bought it all one piece at a time as I could afford it so it didn't seem like a big sticker shock to me. I have since stopped buying tools altogether, really - I have everything I need and more. But I don't regret it and will be buying Snap-On or equivalent USA-made tools in the future should the need ever arise.

EDIT: Remember that we don't get the good Craftsman stuff like you do in the USA. The Canadian stuff is JUNK. We have Mastercraft Maximum which is better than Craftsman IMO as I mentioned above but their line is pretty limited. Just standard hand tools and that's it.

If I lived in the USA I'm sure I'd have a lot of Craftsman. Right now I don't own a single Craftsman tool, never have.

 

[Rickster]

I have bought several Snapon wrenches and ratchets off ebay and also upgrading my tools through garage and estate sale purchases. Still have a lot of SK & Craftsman in use.

 

[Merkava_4]

I have not seen anything from Snap On that there is not a lower cost alternative available that would fully meet my needs.

You're missing out on some fun tools Joe.

 

[wrenchr]

My favorite brand before the journal and still!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wrenchr]

Coors Light rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Joe B.]

You're missing out on some fun tools Joe.

Yeah, you are probably right. Snap on sure does make some nice stuff.

 

[DaytonFan]

More coors....................

 

[Ducroix]

lol I guess I forgot the option of answering owned s.o. before joining

 

[nissan_crawler]

eh...I've acquired more, but not due to the board.

 

[wrenchr]

More coors....................

And snap on!!!!!!

 

[Phatsub]

I'd like an FLF80 but can't justify the price.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Snap-On is the Harley Davidson of the tool market: over priced, over hyped & fragile.

Hence the old nickname "Snap off"

In my mind extreme criticism or totally dismissing the idea of owning Snap-On tools solely based on their retail price off the truck is not the perspective you should take; all premium products (no matter what market they're in) will always command top prices and require allot of money to purchase (at new retail prices) and be out of the reach of your average person. The question is why do you have to buy it new off the truck or at full retail prices? There are always alternative ways to acquire premium products at way cheaper then retail; thus enjoy owning and using these things! I have quite a bit of Snap-on but 95% of it is used and I got it, in most cases for probably 25% of retail; with the pawn shop connection I have I can get them cheaper then retail craftsman prices. Are they all perfect show pieces, latest models, new logos, without markings, scratches or peeled off or perfect gleaming chrome, NO! ; but they all work and can get the job done! Do I like Snap-On? Yes! Can I afford them; at used prices I can! I'm having fun buying my Snap-on tools; slowly but surely building a set from the local flea market and pawn shops! When they're in my hand and I remember how much I paid for them; using these quality tools is that much sweeter! They're are always alternative sources for pro grade tools (or any premium grade product for that matter) and there will always be people who sell or hock they're tools for they're next: fix, booze, rent or food!

Never forget, that not all premium products, are premium priced, nor are all premium priced products, even premium (let alone mediocre).

You do risk a lot buy not buying Snap~on's off the truck. You don't get a receipt, risk receiving stolen merchandise (last year I had a medical issue, and was trying to live, my truck was broken into and one of the items stolen was the Snap~on Metric flare nut/open end wrench set from 10-20mm), and technically (which CAN be enforced) don't get a warranty.
http://corporate.snapon.com/display/termsofsale.nws

This is why I recommend MOSTLY Craftsman, to home users, personally. Although I know that Lifetime tool warranties are an oxymoron.....
Kraueter, Indestro, DuroChrome (spelling?), PowerKraft, etc

Even so, one of these days, I may get a replacement handle for one of my inherited screwdrivers, that has cracked.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'd like an FLF80 but can't justify the price.

It would be the best $100 you ever spent AND it would last forever. When's the last time you spent a $100 on something that lasted forever?

 

[nissan_crawler]

Hence the old nickname "Snap off"




Never forget, that not all premium products, are premium priced, nor are all premium priced products, even premium (let alone mediocre).

You do risk a lot buy not buying Snap~on's off the truck. You don't get a receipt, risk receiving stolen merchandise (last year I had a medical issue, and was trying to live, my truck was broken into and one of the items stolen was the Snap~on Metric flare nut/open end wrench set from 10-20mm), and technically (which CAN be enforced) don't get a warranty.
http://corporate.snapon.com/display/termsofsale.nws

This is why I recommend MOSTLY Craftsman, to home users, personally. Although I know that Lifetime tool warranties are an oxymoron.....
Kraueter, Indestro, DuroChrome (spelling?), PowerKraft, etc

Even so, one of these days, I may get a replacement handle for one of my inherited screwdrivers, that has cracked.

I can get my Snap-On tools warrantied 10x easier than Craftsman. It all depends on the store and dealer.

 

[Danglerb]

I could hold all of my "more expensive than Craftsman" tools in one hand, but ... they are my most used tools.

FLHF80.
10, 13, 15, and 17 mm combo offset wrenches.
9 to 21 mm set of flare wrenches.

If its a tool I think I will frequently use, and/or the SnapOn or other premium brand offers clear superiority, then I don't mind spending more.

I just bought the full polish 12 pc deep offset set of Craftsman wrenches, when they arrive I am anxious to see if they displace any of my SnapOn favorites.

 

[Merkava_4]

I just bought the full polish 12 pc deep offset set of Craftsman wrenches, when they arrive I am anxious to see if they displace any of my SnapOn favorites.

The did a pretty decent jog on their deep offsets; but you'll find they don't fit as snug as your SO's.

 

[jhn9840]

I don't doubt that Snap On is a superior product. However for a weekend warrior/tinker like me I can't justify the price. Had a large collection of Craftsmen tools before I joined this forum that have performed great.

This forum has widen my knowledge of one of my favorite subjects tools!

jhn9840
John

 

[trainer]

Just a thought here, but if Snap-on is so much superior (and more valuable) than everything else, then why don't they put serial numbers on them so they can be tracked for warranty and law-enforcement reasons?

 

[MAD]

I just bought the full polish 12 pc deep offset set of Craftsman wrenches, when they arrive I am anxious to see if they displace any of my SnapOn favorites.

The did a pretty decent jog on their deep offsets; but you'll find they don't fit as snug as your SO's.

The set of Craftsman polished deep offset wrenches I have is every bit as good (or better) in fit and finish as my Snap-on combination wrenches. If they said Snap-on instead of Craftsman on them Merkava would love them. I do not see any reason why anyone would not like these particular wrenches other than lack of snob appeal.

 

[Merkava_4]

MAD,

I get the sense that you may be slightly perturbed.

 

[MAD]

MAD,

I get the sense that you may be slightly perturbed.

Not at all. My experience with the offset box wrenches was just not in agreement with your post. Perhaps I should have just left you out of it.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have switched to mostly Snap On since joining this board. But my reasons are a little different...

1) Sears is 25 miles away from me. The Snap On truck stops less than a mile from me. Gas is $4.25 a gallon. Sears is a 50 mile round trip.

2) I have most of the basic tools taht I need, so anything that I am going to buy is bound to be a little more specialized - that is where Snap On comes in.

3) My Snap On dealer ROCKS! Always takes plenty of time with me, I ALWAYS get a receipt, he warranties all my stuff and is just generally a great guy. Every time I get on tha Snap On truck it is a pleasant experience. Not so much with the Sears store.

4)I enjoy using Snap On stuff. I have tried MACTO , MAC, etc... but Snap On still usues its own designs and I have grown to like them. Matco is basically Craftsman/Gearwrench and MAC is basically Stanley and Proto (which I love - All my Proto **** is top notch). Matco and MAC do not justify tool truck prices for me though. nice stuff, but not at those prices. And, yes, I have teh opportunity to visit all three truck where I live....