Tool trucks signature items?

[Unruh]

So I'm new to this forum and really just starting to upgrade my tools. I was doing research on some of the different tool truck tools and it seems each brings out some pretty strong feelings on personal likes as well as dislikes. To the point what is the "must have".tool from the different trucks? I've seen a lot of love for Snap-on's ratchets and Matco's screwdrivers (Witte).

 

[48548]

Snapon ratchets and Williams or snapon older hard handle screwdrivers.

 

[Unruh]

How about Mac?

I asked the Matco guy what he thought Matco's signature tool was and he pulled out the 3/8 flex locking ratchet. He said this was ours, but now other trucks (snap-on) have a locking one as well.

 

[ocloc24]

It's personal preference but I think overall people prefer the locking mechanism on the Matco. Mac can be good but like matco much is made overseas now. It's sad to see.

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[Wamsutta]

1/4 drive snap-on swivel sockets are a "must have" I'd say.

 

[JohnDeere1]

Snap on ratchets,wrenches or sockets,power tools
Mac screwdrivers,wrenches
Matco wrenches,ratchets,swivel impact sockets,screwdriverw

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

+1 on Snap-on ratchets, my only must have from a tool truck company.

 

[Mr_B]

^ kind of my opinion too
snapon ratchets, swivel sockets and line wrenches real good but plenty very decent taiwan ratchets about these days that 80% as good for 25% of the price .
Quite like mac wrenches but prefer stahlwille.
don't buy power or air tools truck branded unless something real special .
Matco well overpriced and best sourcing stuff direct from oems when can .

 

[Strouty]

Snap On flare wrenches are top of the line as well, in a rusty state they are worth their weight in gold.

 

[plinker]

Snap-on; ratcheting screwdrivers, wrenches(any), ratchets, hex and other bit sockets.

don't buy power or air tools truck branded unless something real special

+1 for electric/battery tools.
Air tools? it depends on what. Some are better in some ways. I have a few Matco air tools made by PTP, not sure where else you'd get them. Having a good dealer helps too.

Matco well overpriced and best sourcing stuff direct from oems when can.

I would agree, depending on the OEM's warranty or ease there of. I like their long combo wrenches myself.
Matco does get some items that may have a Gearwrench/Armstrong/ete.. equivalent but not exactly the same features. Longer ratchets for example. Pinless swivel sockets would be the same though.

 

[bcradio]

Matco quarter inch pinless swivel impact socket set. I think they are the only ones that make that.

 

[Rarified27]

How about Mac?

I asked the Matco guy what he thought Matco's signature tool was and he pulled out the 3/8 flex locking ratchet. He said this was ours, but now other trucks (snap-on) have a locking one as well.

I've been looking for a used BFR158LFG, their 15" 3/8 Locking Flex Ratchet with the green handle for a while with no luck.

Either they don't sell the way I thought, everyone buys the Armstrong version or (what I hope) everyone likes them so much they never sell them.

I'd grab the SO version, but don't like their lock setup.

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BFR158LFG/3-8-15-88TH-LF-RATCHET-GREEN/

 

[Wamsutta]

I think snap-on wrenches are absolutely amazing. I use to wonder why they make them so wide and thin, then I finally realized they do that to make it easy to roll in your finger tips. You need to roll the wrench over to get a new angle every time you make a turn when using the open end. That wide thin beam makes it super easy to roll the wrench over.

 

[Steiger9]

The only Snap-on I own are their 4-way angle wrenches. They're the only manufacturer that offers 30 and 60 degree instead of 15 and 60 degree. Not sure if they're a signature tool, but they are certainly exclusive to Snap-on. Worth their weight in gold if you do any hydraulic work.

 

[Flinter987]

How about Mac?

I asked the Matco guy what he thought Matco's signature tool was and he pulled out the 3/8 flex locking ratchet. He said this was ours, but now other trucks (snap-on) have a locking one as well.

I bought the Matco one and the Snap-on one. Snap-on's locking is no where close to Matco's! Matco's actually locks. Snapon's just has some resistance when you put the lock on. Snapon's ratcheting mechanism is a little nicer, but if it comes down to the lock, I'll take Matco's 88 Flex any day!

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

#1 item IMO --> Service. That's the tools you need to do the work when you need them and any related issues that come up get handled as fast and painlessly as possible.

 

[Fedwrench]

This is a topic that comes up often and to be honest, you'll get a bunch of different answers as it's mostly a matter of personal preference.
However, here's my take:

Snap on: Flare nut wrenches too include crowfoot, the gold colored heavy duty torx bit sockets.

MAC: the new 90 tooth Axis ratchets, knurled extensions (they have great deep knurling where you need it most, around the female square drive).

MATCO: Pinless impact swivel sockets, ratcheting wrenches (especially those standard length models with a fixed boxed end on one side and a ratcheting boxed end on the other side), their locking flex head comfort grip ratchets, Top Torque screwdrivers.

Cornwell: Their signature item is the coke bottle shaped handle of their age old 30 tooth ratchet. Sadly, i can't think of any other Cornwell tool that is a segment leader.

One important thing to remember is that a truck brand sells service mostly. Pay while you earn credit, truck to bay sales, and a wider selection of tools.
However, many non truck brands have closed the quality gap and are widening offerings. The internet makes most tools quickly available.

 

[unslow1]

People love them or hate them. The Snapon wobble plus 3/8 extensions are probably my favorite.

 

[MattPersman]

Matco makes some tool boxes and carts no tools. Other companies make them and put the name on them. There are no matco only tool plants.

Snap on yes. Many.

Mac who knows they are just proto Stanley stuff pretty much any more either released earlier or a sight tweak.

You pretty much ask the people you work with what tool guy is reliable and shows up and has been showing up. They will probably have a favorite. You need customer service in the professional wrench game. The brand isn't that important for many of the tools. Yes there is a difference in some but you can get by with quite a bit




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[itylerstewart]

Snappy ratchets obviously. I really like my wobble plus extensions too. FD+ wrenches are good too but I honestly like Mac Knuckle Savers just as much.

If you need a low-tooth ratchet (or want one I guess is more appropriate) my Cornwell SR70 absolutely blows my Proto (5450? I think) out of the water.

You could probably go any way with sockets but my only exp is with Snap On. I'd recommend them for what it's worth

 

[VinceG]

I like snap-on wrenches and ratchets just to the feel. I like the MAC 1/2 deep impact sockets cause the 6 point goes further down and the work on sensors and seem to be a little longer. and I own a snap-on tool box that I love but I also had a MAC macsmizer for 20 years it never had a issue. I like some of the Matco Toolbox options but the Matco man just couldn't meet my size/price requirement and Snap-on did

 

[Thax]

This is a topic that comes up often and to be honest, you'll get a bunch of different answers as it's mostly a matter of personal preference.
However, here's my take:

Snap on: Flare nut wrenches too include crowfoot, the gold colored heavy duty torx bit sockets.

MAC: the new 90 tooth Axis ratchets, knurled extensions (they have great deep knurling where you need it most, around the female square drive).

MATCO: Pinless impact swivel sockets, ratcheting wrenches (especially those standard length models with a fixed boxed end on one side and a ratcheting boxed end on the other side), their locking flex head comfort grip ratchets, Top Torque screwdrivers.

Cornwell: Their signature item is the coke bottle shaped handle of their age old 30 tooth ratchet. Sadly, i can't think of any other Cornwell tool that is a segment leader.

One important thing to remember is that a truck brand sells service mostly. Pay while you earn credit, truck to bay sales, and a wider selection of tools.
However, many non truck brands have closed the quality gap and are widening offerings. The internet makes most tools quickly available.

Fedwrench nailed it right on the head here. Only thing I would add is Snap on's new reversible ratcheting wrenches are amazing. I had to sell a kidney to get a metric set . Not every tool has to be off a truck , amazon and other venders can fill almost all of your tool needs .

 

[shawndp]

Fedwrench nailed it right on the head here. Only thing I would add is Snap on's new reversible ratcheting wrenches are amazing. I had to sell a kidney to get a metric set . Not every tool has to be off a truck , amazon and other venders can fill almost all of your tool needs .

The metric set was my first major SO purchase and the start of something. The Dual 80's are very good in 3/8 to the point I don't reach for 1/2 as much. BUT Matco's Eighty8 locking flex long handle is special. You are absolutely right that a lot of things like 0-offset wrenches and locking pliers and knipex can be had elsewhere / online.