Tool Steel(Truck Brands)

[Big Johnson]

I have lots of tools, all different brands, from snap-on to pittsburgh. I purchased fifteen wrenches from snap-on for about $700 recently, I usually buy snap-on used,and justified the price difference because its made "better" with "higher-quality" steel. I have done tons of research on tool steel, and I know the type of steel used is really important. I watched a video on snap on tools recently where the guy was talking about how important the steel is, he was cut off before he could finish his sentence,but he said they use 41XX something steel. The only tool steels that start with 41XX are the crv type according to a Blacksmith article I read. Pittsburgh and other "cheap" brands stamp crv on their tools; Hazet, and Stalhwille stamp the crv on there tools also, so it must not be cheap quality steel. My question is: is snap on tool steel better than cheaper brand? And if so, why do they keep it secret, to make us think it is special or just to keep us customer thinking it better? Does anybody have any proof that snap on steel is better? Please no,"because my dad said it is better."

 

[kartracer55]

I believe I have heard of manufacturers (Cornwell perhaps?) in their videos specify 4140, which I generally consider Chro-Mo

The heat treat is what is going to make or break the tool.

 

[MBeaty]

If the steel is a 41xx series of steel, it is not a CRV steel, but instead it is a CRMO (Chromium Molybdenum) steel alloy. While there are variations in the different 41xx alloys, it is hard to compare. Any of the alloys properties can be drastically changed depending on how a tool is processed. Forging techniques combined with the heat treatment afterwards could turn a great steel alloy into a terrible tool, or if done properly can enhance the mechanical properties of the metal.

For 4140 steel, after an oil quench, the steel would normally be tempered to gain back some of the toughness. Just from varying the temperature that the part is tempered at can vary the final yield strength greatly. Tempered at 400 F would give a yield strength of 252,000 psi. If the tempering temp was elevated to 1300 F the final yield strength would be about 100,000 psi. As you can see, the base steel is only part of the equation in how the final product would turn out.

 

[jjjrmx5]

My question is: is snap on tool steel better than cheaper brand? And if so, why do they keep it secret, to make us think it is special or just to keep us customer thinking it better? Does anybody have any proof that snap on steel is better? Please no,"because my dad said it is better."

LOL.

And your question is best answered by hiring a metallurgist, a lab and spending 5 to 6 figures to do some testing and data finding hoss.

Between corporate secrets, proprietary information and manufacturing specailities, even if I knew the answer i sure as hell would not reveal it.

Go work for a Gov't contractor doing specialty work. If you ask too many questions or reveal corp. secerets, you end up voiding your "non-disclose" and wind up with corp. lawyers and the gov't. up your a$$ and no job prospects.

You ask too many questions for a newb.
LOLOLO<LOLOLOLOLOLOL.

I doubt you'll find the answer here.
But once you do find it I want to do the same but with gas prices and refinery production and supply and demand. I;m sure someone in the Gov't , big oil or at Shell, Mobil or BP will be happy to disclose how that regulated supply and demand and pricing chain works.