Truck brand vs. other

[01ps]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but I can't seem to find a topic to match

I have been professional working in the automotive field for quite some time, but have never been able to invest in a large collection of premium tools. I have a mix of mostly midrange, parts store brands, and even some cheap stuff in rarely used items. I do have some snap on, and what I have I am happy with.

I am curious as to what your reasoning is on buying tool truck brands, vs functional cheaper tools? I have never had any real problems completing my work with a good quality ratchet connected to a parts store socket, etc. , and expensive stuff gets lost/stolen as easily as, if not easier, than cheaper.

I am not saying top quality is not a reasonable investment, especially in power and air tools, but am curious as to your motivation for buying the best and paying 5 to 10 times as much?




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[soulstryke]

I am not in automotive but I assume usage is the main answer. For example my wrenches i use everyday so i bought a very nice Proto Full polish sae set, while my nutdrivers i use once in a blue moon so i bought craftsman.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

For me the main reason is two fold. First the snap on truck comes to my house where I work out of. Pretty convienant. Secondly for stuff I use a lot i need to have a warranty. I have broken enough sockets, wrenches, and pliers over the years to need this. Sure sears and HF have warranties, but I need to drive there. . Some other factors are quality and availability of specialty and precision equipment. Some things other companies have, but have not done good with.

I am not a tool snob. I have a decent mix of stuff. If I feel I need a truck brand I will get it. If I can get by with HF then I go that route. It's all about the tool and what your needs are. The trucks are expensive and we all understand that aspect as well. I don't judge on someone's box or their tools. I love looking thru here and seeing some of the stuff members have fixed or made. I guarantee it wasnt done with all snap on.

Guys that work in shops will chime in as well. I know they can't leave the shop to replace broken stuff or buy new stuff. After working 8 hours they want to go home. Having the truck at their shop is necessary.

 

[Westly]

I haven't worked professionally in automotive, but I have in factory maintenance. Nearly all of the tools anybody had were Chinese or Home Depot-type brands. Many of them got harder usage than automotive tools.

Think about it, the appeal of a big Snap-on box of Snap-on everything would have to be prestige appeal. Scale down that thought and you have your answer. I did know one young guy with a set of Snap-on industrial finish wrenches but the main thing they got him was worrying about them getting stolen. There are very cheap examples of "tools" that you might find at a flea market that will split, stretch, or whatever, but that's a whole different class.

 

[Skin]

There are numerous small answers but there are 2 primary reasons.

The first is its what shows up on the door step so its convenient compared to driving around before or after work for a tool you'll need for a job, or waiting an unknown time for someone from an etailer. When you show up to work, you want to work, not waste time (especially flat rate). The truck solves that. If you need X item to solve a vehicle that day and get it out of your bay and the tool man is handing it to you, do you think you'd question it?

The second is payment plans. Mechanics are probably one of the last professions on the planet who need a premium priced product but if the tool man is handing you a set of wrenches you really need and says "$25 a week" most guys wont question it despite the fact that ultimately they end up paying 4x more in the end compared to a more mainstream brand. Some may argue against this but its been pretty well proven the blue class working man is not the best with money management so its a perfect market for overpriced tools.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Tool brand preference is best explained by a clinical psychologist.

Any CPs here on GJ care to elaborate for the OP?

 

[tyndall]

I never understood the "convenience" of tool trucks either.

You pay a premium to deal with someone that is probably not in your neighborhood when you need him. Most likely doesn't have what you need in his truck at the moment. Gets sick and doesn't come around that week.

At least with my industrial tools I can stop by the store on the way home and be productive at work the next morning. I don't have to spend the day tracking someone down and hoping he shows up.

If I need something right away, a couple of bucks for gas and twenty minutes of my time is still more cost effective than waiting around all day and then paying a premium for the "convenience". Hell, you could pay a courier driver to shuttle your tools around and still come out ahead.

 

[kythri]

OP:

This topic is the biggest source of animosity and rancor on this forum. The fact is, there's no right answer.

Ultimately, it's going to come down to personal preference, and you're never going to know until you get your hands on some stuff for yourself as to whether or not it's "worth it" to you.

Virtually every pro or con of a particular make or source of tools has it's proponents/defenders, and you'll never get a group consensus on stuff.

As has already shown in this thread - some find the truck coming to them, and everything that entails, as more convenient. Others find buying in a store or online to be more convenient.

Find what works for you, or what you like, and ignore the rest of the BS.

 

[RRmech]

I like hitting garage sales and flea markets.
I've probably purchased the majority of my tools there.
99% of them, are older USA-made stock.
When I can purchase a set of Wright 3/8" drive Metric sockets for $20, why not??
In my book, Tool Trucks are reserved for.....specialty items.....only.

 

[Westly]

Somebody said what you like is what you like and what anyone else likes is BS. I don't subscribe, but somebody said it...

 

[01ps]

Actually, I'm surprised by the answers so far. I expected a lot of comments about quality as being the main motive.

My findings over the years is this:

Convenience - in my area, convenience is not a tool truck. once every 2 weeks, and likely he won't have what I need, but he will do his best to get me by. Parts store deliver several time a day, so I can usually get a replacement quickly. Box store are a short drive away.

Warranty - tool truck drivers don't seem to like giving warranty in my experience, and when they do, it typically it involves repairs, which take time, sometimes weeks. Parts store are usually easy to deal with because they sell us thousands in parts, and want to keep us happy. Besides, their stuff is usually many times cheaper, so if the warranty doesn't apply, buy a new one. Same with store brands, cheap, easy to replace.

Quality - most tool truck stuff is very high quality, and is a joy to use. In fact, enough of a joy to use that it may merit the huge cost for many people. However, IMO, the other choices get the job done in most cases.

Prestige - I find this is the main reason most people buy tool truck brands, especially snap on. no question, I am shallow enough to be impressed by a snap on tool chest filled with awesome tools. I am also smart enough to realize that someone has payed, and is probably still paying, a fortune for these tools. And IMO, they are way overpriced, many times more expensive, but not many time better in most cases. There are many exceptions to this though, especially in speciality tool. There is also the loss/theft factor to consider, and a prestigious tool is more of a target, and warranty does not cover loss.

This is just my opinion after many years of working in the field, using g my own experience, and watching others.

That being said, if I could afford it, I'd buy a huge box full of snap on, or another even more exotic brand. I appreciate quality, but getting the job done right is my main goal, and it can usually be done with a decent quality, reasonably priced tool. If I have to work harder and faster, sacrifice spare time at home, or pay more than what I payed for my house for a tool cab and tools, I can't justify it.

I am sure there are those that can, and should, if that is what is important to them.

I'd be interested to hear more though.


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[Skin]

I never understood the "convenience" of tool trucks either.

You pay a premium to deal with someone that is probably not in your neighborhood when you need him. Most likely doesn't have what you need in his truck at the moment. Gets sick and doesn't come around that week.

At least with my industrial tools I can stop by the store on the way home and be productive at work the next morning. I don't have to spend the day tracking someone down and hoping he shows up.

If I need something right away, a couple of bucks for gas and twenty minutes of my time is still more cost effective than waiting around all day and then paying a premium for the "convenience". Hell, you could pay a courier driver to shuttle your tools around and still come out ahead.

Your view of a tool truck is skewed. The guys that act the way you're describing are the ones that don't make much profit or outright fail. The good ones will show up the same day after a phone call.

 

[Ruger_556]

Having a cheap tool break is more of an inconvenience for me than paying extra for a higher quality tool. For a lot of the work I do there are people on the clock waiting, machinery down, freight's not moving, etc... Simply put, somebody somewhere is loosing money while I'm working. I just don't have time to run to the store and replace a busted socket.

The feel of a well made wrench in your hand also makes the day go by just that much better.

One thing that bothers me is people that complain about manufacturing leaving the U.S. but still buy imported tools because they're such a great deal. I prefer to not send my money directly to PRC.

 

[01ps]

Having a cheap tool break is more of an inconvenience for me than paying extra for a higher quality tool. For a lot of the work I do there are people on the clock waiting, machinery down, freight's not moving, etc... Simply put, somebody somewhere is loosing money while I'm working. I just don't have time to run to the store and replace a busted socket.

The feel of a well made wrench in your hand also makes the day go by just that much better.

One thing that bothers me is people that complain about manufacturing leaving the U.S. but still buy imported tools because they're such a great deal. I prefer to not send my money directly to PRC.

Do you not find that the us made is severely overpriced? I am willing to pay a premium, but 5-10 times as much is outrageous, based on snap on pricing in Canada. Not an argument, just a question.

 

[bobcatdan]

I buy tool truck tools because of the service. I also like the easy of warranty. If I had a brick and mortar store that sold wright, proto or Williams and had a well rounded stock, I would probably spend way to much money there. I don't. I have little interest in buying anything on line, let alone tools.I have a buddy who is an Indy dealer and I have bought a ton of SK from him. He is getting more into Armstrong, but Armstrong tools so far have not impressed me at all.

 

[Ruger_556]

Do you not find that the us made is severely overpriced? I am willing to pay a premium, but 5-10 times as much is outrageous, based on snap on pricing in Canada. Not an argument, just a question.

Not really... Expensive yes but would you make a tool for less than what they charge?

 

[sberry]

If I need something right away, a couple of bucks for gas and twenty minutes of my time is still more cost effective than waiting around all day and then paying a premium for the "convenience". Hell, you could pay a courier driver to shuttle your tools around and still come out ahead

Agree.

 

[rtole]

I have a mix of snap on, gearwrench, and grey pneumatic for hand tools and sockets. Ingersol rand for air tools. Those would be my main brands. Why do I own the snap on stuff that I have? Number one reason, because I can. I have been in the automotive field since 1994, somtimes as a wrench, sometimes not. I didnt start with the good stuff, i upgraded as I wanted and could afford. Still do this.
Why do we need them, we dont. Tell a pro golfer that walmart has a whole set of clubs for 200 bucks. Why do they need them? They dont. Cheap clubs work, cheap ratchets work, just not as well or as long. Its what I like and what works for me. Why do you drive what you drive?

 

[bobcatdan]

I never understood the "convenience" of tool trucks either.

You pay a premium to deal with someone that is probably not in your neighborhood when you need him. Most likely doesn't have what you need in his truck at the moment. Gets sick and doesn't come around that week.

At least with my industrial tools I can stop by the store on the way home and be productive at work the next morning. I don't have to spend the day tracking someone down and hoping he shows up.

If I need something right away, a couple of bucks for gas and twenty minutes of my time is still more cost effective than waiting around all day and then paying a premium for the "convenience". Hell, you could pay a courier driver to shuttle your tools around and still come out ahead.

What store do you talk of? Only places I can stop at after work sell chicom garbage.

 

[GTA Matt]

I usually don't get into these threads because there really is no right answer. It all depends on your budget and you intended use of the tool. It's also hard to find an unbiased opinion on here too. There are those that will only buy truck brands, and those that are so against truck brands for whatever reason that they will state it in their sig lines as if it will convince others to go along with their opinion. I have a pretty even mix of truck brands and non truck brands, well over 75k worth. When I buy a tool, I fully expect it to last the rest of my working career, my kids careers, and on to their kids, much as my grandfathers tools are still usable. If I think a non truck brand tool will get the job done after doing some research, I'll buy it. I really don't care what name is on it. That being said, having a reliable dealer at the shop at the same time every week is very convenient. Ease of warranty, having a driver that is no more then an hour away should the need arise are bonuses. I've had dealers go above and beyond for me. Those with ****** service simply don't last, or at least don't get my money. Is some of the stuff overpriced? Absolutely, but a lot of it isn't when you consider the lifetime of use you will get from it.

 

[Hiball]

I have a mix of snap on, gearwrench, and grey pneumatic for hand tools and sockets. Ingersol rand for air tools. Those would be my main brands. Why do I own the snap on stuff that I have? Number one reason, because I can. I have been in the automotive field since 1994, somtimes as a wrench, sometimes not. I didnt start with the good stuff, i upgraded as I wanted and could afford. Still do this.
Why do we need them, we dont. Tell a pro golfer that walmart has a whole set of clubs for 200 bucks. Why do they need them? They dont. Cheap clubs work, cheap ratchets work, just not as well or as long. Its what I like and what works for me. Why do you drive what you drive?

I usually don't get into these threads because there really is no right answer. It all depends on your budget and you intended use of the tool. It's also hard to find an unbiased opinion on here too. There are those that will only buy truck brands, and those that are so against truck brands for whatever reason that they will state it in their sig lines as if it will convince others to go along with their opinion. I have a pretty even mix of truck brands and non truck brands, well over 75k worth. When I buy a tool, I fully expect it to last the rest of my working career, my kids careers, and on to their kids, much as my grandfathers tools are still usable. If I think a non truck brand tool will get the job done after doing some research, I'll buy it. I really don't care what name is on it. That being said, having a reliable dealer at the shop at the same time every week is very convenient. Ease of warranty, having a driver that is no more then an hour away should the need arise are bonuses. I've had dealers go above and beyond for me. Those with ****** service simply don't last, or at least don't get my money. Is some of the stuff overpriced? Absolutely, but a lot of it isn't when you consider the lifetime of use you will get from it.

+1 on both accounts.

If only it was that simple around here..

 

[Airframer]

Some items just work better.

 

[Wamsutta]

I am not saying top quality is not a reasonable investment, especially in power and air tools, but am curious as to your motivation for buying the best and paying 5 to 10 times as much?

Not all tools are shaped the same - and when I say shaped - I'm talking about triangles, rectangles, circles, and squares. If brand X screwdriver has a better shape than brand Y screwdriver and I absolutely hate the shape of brand X screwdriver, I'll spend the extra money for the brand Y screwdriver even if it costs 5 to 10 times more. It has nothing to do with the convenience of a truck coming by or the warranty. I hope that answers your question.

 

[Ruger_556]

I am not saying top quality is not a reasonable investment, especially in power and air tools, but am curious as to your motivation for buying the best and paying 5 to 10 times as much?




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Because it's the best... As with anything else the quality and price do not flat line. As quality goes up the price goes up exponentially.

 

[abvw]

When you factor in the BOGO deals they're not that expensive. I rarely purchase anything at full pop, there's always some deals going around.

I've bought a whole set of 6pt 3/8" socket, shallow semi and deep, 6pc extensions, F80 and FL80 for $470ish. Full list is almost $1000 before tax. Even if you sell everything at 1/2 off you're still coming ahead of the game. Now here's a brilliant idea, if you have enough cash to purchase multiple BOGO deals, and can sit on a pile of tools before they sell out (with ebay, GJ, craigslist and kijiji, it's easy), you can literally own truck brands tools for nothing! Also build up your street cred with the dealer for more awesome deals and discounts.

 

[Flivver250]

No professional mechanic should need to turn to a forum for an answer to this question. The answer is in your box. A dentist and doctor can buy bargain basement implements too.

 

[Skin]

No professional mechanic should need to turn to a forum for an answer to this question. The answer is in your box. A dentist and doctor can buy bargain basement implements too.

Why is it that anything not bought off the truck is "bargain basement"?

 

[KamiCrit]

This is my usual response when it comes to wrenching brands.

I usually just go with Proto, they'll give SO tools a run for their money at half the price. Along with that, in Canada our selection can be limited at times and I know there is a store chain that reliably carries Proto product (KMS tools). So I know I can just walk in and out with Proto tools with no hassle. No trucks to hunt down, no problems.

 

[GTA Matt]

Why is it that anything not bought off the truck is "bargain basement"?

Exactly. I wouldn't consider brands like lisle, otc, mayhew, williams, etc. bargain basement. Especially when a lot of the trucks just rebrand them. I believe in quality tools, but smart buying.


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[HaroRider]

Professional or not, buy the best YOU can AFFORD. End of story.

 

[William Payne]

Not all tools are shaped the same - and when I say shaped - I'm talking about triangles, rectangles, circles, and squares. If brand X screwdriver has a better shape than brand Y screwdriver and I absolutely hate the shape of brand X screwdriver, I'll spend the extra money for the brand Y screwdriver even if it costs 5 to 10 times more. It has nothing to do with the convenience of a truck coming by or the warranty. I hope that answers your question.

This times a million. Comfort and ergonomics are a big deal. Ratchets, wrenches. And screwdrivers I will spend big money on. Other things I just buy reasonably priced quality brands.

 

[tomshep]

If all tools were priced the same, what would your purchase? A full set of Cman, Proto or SO? Probably SO since the quality is higher. The reality is they charge more for their tools because they are better.

I am a weekend warrior but love spending time in the shop. I have a TON of Cman, mostly purchased prior to year 2000. All USA and good quality. I have probably broken 8-10 pieces over the years and all easily warrantied.

In the last 10 years I have purchased both MAC and Snap On. To me, they are very comparable in quality. I prefer the MAC ratchets over SO. Most all of these tools were bought in virtually new condition off ebay for about 50% of list.

They are better than the Cman but accomplish the same objective. In most cases, the sockets and wrenches fit better than the Cman tools. The screwdrivers grip much better. Extensions are beefier and hold together better. Simply better tools.

I can afford them so I am slowly switching them out and the Cman go to my son.

Tom

 

[hallboyone]

Do you not find that the us made is severely overpriced? I am willing to pay a premium, but 5-10 times as much is outrageous, based on snap on pricing in Canada. Not an argument, just a question.

Wright 3/8" ratchet, USA, $28
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HWCPFS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Kobalt 3/8" ratchet, Taiwan, $25
http://www.lowes.com/pd_337308-2232...pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=3%2F8+ratchet&facetInfo=

Just one example, doesn't look over priced to me.

 

[hallboyone]

Snap on doesn't equal US made and vice versa

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I'm a weekend wrencher, so I'm not brand loyal to anything. I can't remember ever breaking a tool that I was using properly. When I buy tools, I tend to buy only made in USA tools, and I'm hardly ever let down. I don't have a tool truck coming to my house, so all my truck tools are sourced through ebay. Like others have said, I find Proto and some of the other industrial brands to be every bit as good or even better than the truck brand tools. I buy the best I can afford at the time.

Hell, I just sold a Snap On KRA series box and a Matco service cart to buy two HF 44" boxes........which is kind of ironic since I refuse to buy non-USA tools. I have 9 Dual 80 ratchets (I feel are the best on the market) that must be pissed being stored in a HF box.

 

[Pumpman1968]

I'm just gonna add my 2 cents.

I hear a lot about the tool trucks and how convenient they are for warranty. I also hear about the quality of the tools the trucks sell. Then I hear about the "pros" , who buy from said truck...and use the right tool for the job.

Sometimes.....I read all 3 of those things in the same paragraph.

Anyone confused yet?

Ya know what else confuses me? I see posts with pictures under "show us your toolbox" type threads with 3 sets of 3/8" metric socket sets (for example).....how is 1 broken socket gonna hold ya up?

Don't get me wrong....I'm not trying to start and argument or say that (enter tool truck brand here) isn't a premium tool and worth every penny in the hands of the guy who uses them everyday to make a living. What I am saying is.....no matter what brand you buy.........you buy them because you WANT THEM!

Almost all of the American brands and (gasp!) even Gearwrench produce shiny goodness that we, as men, cannot live without!

 

[nicksnothereman]

I just have 2-3 redundancy on most of the critical stuff I have. Don't break a lot of tools though and if the torque is iffy for cr-v I usually use impact grade with hand tools. Just the way I work. Obviously I don't buy truck stuff unless it's something I can't get at retail or can make a work around for.

 

[Flivver250]

I consider Snap-On the best overall tool company and their service for a pro goes a long way. Mac and Snap-On make more specialty tools than part store brands. If Wright had tool trucks I would rank their tools up with SO in quality. I consider Asian tools absolute junk on average.

 

[cburnscrx]

Tool brand preference is best explained by a clinical psychologist.

This is probably the best answer you're going to get.

 

[William Payne]

The reality is that if the tool does the job it is ok the rest is preferance. Why do I say that, well american tools are not easy to get down here in New Zealand. There are many many many in fact I would say the majority of mechanics down here in New Zealand are making a living using asian origin tools. The guys down here with the snap-on or other high end USA and european brands are guys who have been around a long time or made the effort to buy those tools.