tools, you just never know.

[kenburkholz]

I started working on cars when I was about six with my dad, a lifelong mechanic. I have broken far more snap on sockets than any other, twisting off square drives on c man, and stripping out ratchet heads on thorsen and challenger ratchets. I don't stick with any certain brand , I love all tools equally! I have found good and bad in every brand. If I can be of any help to anybody, let me know, ken.

 

[kams1973]

Welcome to the Garage Journal Ken. I'm sure you'll be a welcome addition.

 

[CWP1616L]

I have broken far more snap on sockets than any other,

That one clause in your opening post leaves me with a lot of question marks in my head.

 

[cnttxmdc]

That one clause in your opening post leaves me with a lot of question marks in my head.

Perhaps he meant that he's done it more than anyone else, not that his Snap On sockets fail more than any other brand?

Either way, welcome to GJ. Good to have ya!

 

[balane]

Well to be fair in the last twenty-some-odd years I've broken more Snap On sockets than any other brand as well but that's because 95%+ of my sockets are from that manufacturer. I believe the total number of broken sockets in that time period is three, all Snap On.

 

[GSE_Diego]

I've only ever broken two sockets. Both on the same day, both 1/4" 12mm. Shallow and deep. To top it off, they weren't even mine, they were a coworkers. Was a sad day.

 

[zmotorsports]

First off, welcome to the forum.

Maybe I am doing something wrong. I haven't broken many sockets in my 25+ year career, actually I could count them on one hand and have fingers left over. If I have a fastener that is being that stubborn that breaking a socket is that high of a risk, I simply step up to a larger drive/beefier socket. 1/4" to 3/8" or 1/2" and up to 3/4" if needs be.

I have a 3/4" drive 1-5/16" chrome-vanadium piece of **** socket on my shelf at work as a reminder to myself to buy quality as this one had a chunk come out of it and hit me in the head while I was tightening a crush sleeve on a truck a few years ago. I think that is the last socket I have broken and it gave no warning before coming apart.

On the other end of the spectrum, I have a co-worker who seems to be swapping tools with either Snap-On, Matco or Cornwell almost on a weekly basis because he is breaking tools constantly. However, this is one of those guys who could break a ball bearing with a rubber hammer.

Mike.

 

[mrpizza]

I've never broken a snap on socket, but I have broken a couple ratchets and some screwdrivers from them. I have broken my cman sockets before.

 

[Farmall450]

I have never broken a socket, I did round off a small 12 point 1/4 drive cman tho, but I was using it in a M12...

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I haven't broke too many sockets either..The last one I shattered into about five pieces, was a C-man universal flex socket...I couldn't find the piece that had the "aftsman" on it..I bought it back to sears and the guy said, "This isn't a C-man..." Another associate came over and said, "Yes, it is." And I got a new one.....

 

[tjmonsen5]

My only broken socket. I have warrantied a few for peeling chrome, but this is the only socket i have actually "broke"

 

[Neverfly]

I've not broken a great many, but every last one I ever broke was Made In Taiwan.
Now that I've gotten rid of/don't use made in Taiwan, I've had nothing break at all, though I've had basic wear out on a couple of tools.

Others, I know, however, agree. I realize anecdote does not equal evidence, but even so- most every mech I know says he or she has broken more Snap On tools than any other and that includes those who've more of other brands than Snap On.

Remember when DeWalt was a quality product? Once they realized people would continue paying big money just for the name, they started really slacking off on quality. It's called greed and any lasting company will do it.

 

[jakemac]

Remember when DeWalt was a quality product? Once they realized people would continue paying big money just for the name, they started really slacking off on quality. It's called greed and any lasting company will do it.

Greed on Dewalt's part had little to do with the drop in quality. The biggest factor in the lowering of quality standards for the the Dewalt brand was retailers like Home Depot pressuring them to lower their wholesale prices, or they would drop them as a vendor. In addition, it didn't help that the decisions were being made by Black & Decker. A brand that had already compromised their quality for the sake of mass marketing years earlier.

 

[Neverfly]

Greed on Dewalt's part had little to do with the drop in quality. The biggest factor in the lowering of quality standards for the the Dewalt brand was retailers like Home Depot pressuring them to lower their wholesale prices, or they would drop them as a vendor. In addition, it didn't help that the decisions were being made by Black & Decker. A brand that had already compromised their quality for the sake of mass marketing years earlier.

Hmmm... do you have evidence to support this? It sounds valid enough but- Check everything.
This is said while fully aware that I posted my own speculative opinion above and I have no evidence for my assertion.

Belated welcome to the O.P. by the way.

My continued assertion is that almost any company will happily take advantage of buyer loyalty.

 

[jakemac]

I don't have any hard evidence, however not only have I used their tools professionally for years, I also spent a few years selling them to contractors. The drop in quality wasn't gradual like B&D. It was sudden, in just a few years. That leads me to believe that there was a trigger above and beyond a marketing plan. In addition, experience with the tools and with warranty/repairs has shown me that the product supplied to the box stores fails at a higher rate than the tools supplied to traditional retail suppliers (local hardware stores). In the end, it's just my opinion though.

 

[USA Tool Supply]

Worked as a storekeeper/tool room man for a highway heavy construction company. Twenty mechanics in shop using impacts all day. Have seen a lot of impact sockets with the square rounded away turned back in, just worn out I think. Kept 3/4 to 2-1/2" drive.
Most of the broken chrome sockets seem to have been mysteriously used on an impact wrench. Ask no questions/hear no lies.

 

[Neverfly]

In the end, it's just my opinion though.

But your reasoning is sound. I appreciate your opinion on it.

 

[chrisa7164]

I had a set of MAC 1/2 dr shallow 6 point metric chrome sockets and I broke every one of them using just hand tools. Now I have all Snap On sockets and never broken one.

 

[DieselSaves]

My experience in breaking tools falls into two categories: breaking cheap tools because they are cheap and failed and that's what was in the shop, and second, using an easily warranteed tool as a sort of Hail Mary option when everything else has failed and desperation set in. Not stupid things like an extension as a punch or ratchet as a hammer but more like impossible angles on wobble extensions or ball tipped hex bits to reach tough spots.

 

[7th Kahuna]

Welcome to Garage Journal Ken. I hope you have been lurking long enough to understand that all this chatter is normal. Sometime threads just take on a life of their own.

We all look forward to your contributions.

 

[7th Kahuna]

I don't have any hard evidence, however not only have I used their tools professionally for years, I also spent a few years selling them to contractors. The drop in quality wasn't gradual like B&D. It was sudden, in just a few years. That leads me to believe that there was a trigger above and beyond a marketing plan. In addition, experience with the tools and with warranty/repairs has shown me that the product supplied to the box stores fails at a higher rate than the tools supplied to traditional retail suppliers (local hardware stores). In the end, it's just my opinion though.

I haven't noticed it big box 'vs' local hardware stores, but I have certainly noticed it in promotional packages 'vs' single item / everyday stock. I don't expect to be buying any more DeWalt promotional packages unless it's primarily for the batteries. If I were smart I suppose I would check out the local hardware stores too.

Could it be that part of the reason the stuff from the local hardware stores fails at a lower rate is because the buyers are different? I will have to start watching their model numbers.

 

[jakemac]

The model numbers will likely be the same. I never noticed a separate model for box stores vs independent suppliers. My experience was primarily with contractors, although some were DIYers. Usually, the contractors would buy the name brands, and homeowners/DIYers would go for the price point and grab the "house" brand import. The warranties and repairs that I took in were mostly from contractors (professionals do repair, homeowners buy a new one), and I made a point to ask if they bought the tool at a box store or local. Just for curiosity's sake. To be fair to Dewalt, I noticed a similar trend with other brands as well.

 

[kenburkholz]

Thank you all for your input! It's nice to know there are people out there with similar interests, thanks,Ken.

 

[Justanoldguy]

My mates 10 year old snap on hammer

 

[JoeSnapOn]

Just my .02 here. I have set of cman 1/2in dr deep impacts.made in Taiwan. Used and THOROUGHLY abused daily for over a year now and no damage or breaks yet. I'm actually surprised. Joe S

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Welcome to the site! I'm fairly new myself, and not very knowledgeable about most things, but it's a great bunch here. I've never seen a question not answered promptly--or incorrectly. Again--welcome!

 

[7th Kahuna]

The model numbers will likely be the same. I never noticed a separate model for box stores vs independent suppliers. My experience was primarily with contractors, although some were DIYers. Usually, the contractors would buy the name brands, and homeowners/DIYers would go for the price point and grab the "house" brand import. The warranties and repairs that I took in were mostly from contractors (professionals do repair, homeowners buy a new one), and I made a point to ask if they bought the tool at a box store or local. Just for curiosity's sake. To be fair to Dewalt, I noticed a similar trend with other brands as well.

Very interesting. Yet another potential reason to support the mom and pop / local hardware stores. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Neverfly]

Very interesting. Yet another potential reason to support the mom and pop / local hardware stores. Thanks for sharing.

This forum could stand to have a "Like" post feature. It would be better, more efficient than boosting post count to embarrassingly high levels just to give a supportive "Heard that" to sensible and agreeable posts.

 

[gungatim]

wow, I've only broken 1 "real" socket in my life, it WAS a snap-on, 3/8 drive 5/16 short. I used a bit of 5/16 allen wrench in it to loosen a stubborn brake caliper pin using a 1/2 inch adapter and my jumbo 1/2" breaker bar. That was 25 yrs. ago and I have learned to use the correct tool for the job since then. Now when I feel I am over-torquing something, I go to the next size or break out the torches : ) A little heat works wonders!

 

[sk farmer]

Welcome to the site! I'm fairly new myself, and not very knowledgeable about most things, but it's a great bunch here. I've never seen a question not answered promptly--or incorrectly. Again--welcome!

i have seen a few questions go ignored and quite a few questions answered incorrectly. sometimes it gets corrected but sometimes not. sometimes a long ******* match ensues leaving one to only wonder what the correct answer really is.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

i have seen a few questions go ignored and quite a few questions answered incorrectly. sometimes it gets corrected but sometimes not. sometimes a long ******* match ensues leaving one to only wonder what the correct answer really is.

Is not! You take that back!!







KIDDING! I guess I'm not here enough--or don't pay attention sometimes. Getting old.

 

[monster1]

Just my .02 here. I have set of cman 1/2in dr deep impacts.made in Taiwan. Used and THOROUGHLY abused daily for over a year now and no damage or breaks yet. I'm actually surprised. Joe S

The oilfield guys around here get similar mileage out of the hf impacts used on the earthquake guns. They beat the **** out of their stuff too.

 

[kenburkholz]

Nothing against snap-on , just saying, anything can fail. Again, thank you all for your replies, Ken.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

My mates 10 year old snap on hammer

I have had major failure with all of my SO rubber handle mallets...Several of them litterally rotted out into thousands of pieces...They did replace them but it took approx 6 months per mallet...Some of them I had never even used...From now on, I will only purchase inexpensive rubber handle mallets new.. And I will change out my SO's as they fail...

 

[fatfillup]

Yes Ken welcome!!

As far as broken sockets, I've had cheap ones fail now and again but I do very little hard wrenching.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Welcome Ken.

I had a broken Easco 9/16" deepwell socket. I think I might have thrown it away as there was no where to trade it in around here. I wasn't on GJ at the time either so I didn't have access to the vast amount of knowledge that is available between the members.