What are some Snap On must haves?

[garfunkle24]

Everyone is saying screwdrivers, but I don't necessarily agree. A set of quality German drivers can be had from Amazon or Chadstoolbox for less than the SO ones. The Snappy ones would certainly be easier to warranty of course. If you do end up getting a Snappy set, they usually only contain flats and Phillips so consider getting some Pozidriv and make sure you know the difference.

 

[mossyboy6]

Everyone is saying screwdrivers, but I don't necessarily. A set of quality German drivers can be had from Amazon or Chadstoolbox for less than the SO ones. The Snappy ones would certainly be easier to warranty of course.

There are companies that make better drivers than snap on for cheaper.
But waiting 2 weeks on shipping for a warranty on a tool that you NEED is unacceptable for a tech.

 

[Matt018]

ohh that semi deep set would be awesome but i mean 190 for 12 sockets?

 

[garfunkle24]

There are companies that make better drivers than snap on for cheaper.
But waiting 2 weeks on shipping for a warranty on a tool that you NEED is unacceptable for a tech.

Yep, but each to their own. That's why I pointed it out as a consideration.

For example, I own a ton of NWS and Knipex pliers and also PB Swiss bits which are a PITA to warranty. Why? Because they're the best.

 

[mossyboy6]

ohh that semi deep set would be awesome but i mean 190 for 12 sockets?

I bought my set used for $65

 

[RhodesSpeedShop]

At least get a few ratchets. They are that good...why...cause they are. Decades of loyal users will and HAVE testified of course. But it's all a matter of opinion. The number of taiwan ratchets you break in your lifetime come out to what you spend on an SO or two but who's to know.

Buy a used one off the forum and give it a whirl. Some guys with bigger hands pick the comfort handles for a better fit since the chrome handles are thinner. Then some with smaller hands think the comfort handles are to bulky.

Either way get some Dual 80's :hitit:

 

[Subytech]

From my opinion the tool boxes because they open and close so smoothly, I love the luster of the paint job.I bought my KRL7022 going on 4 years and it still looks brand new.the other big 2 (matco and mac) they make great boxes but not better than snap on in my opinion. They can take abuse from day to day usage and designed to last for your whole career and beyond.worth every penny.

Other must have tools from snap on are: screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, ratchets.

 

[mossyboy6]

From my opinion the tool boxes because they open and close so smoothly, I love the luster of the paint job.I bought my KRL7022 going on 4 years and it still looks brand new.the other big 2 (matco and mac) they make great boxes but not better than snap on in my opinion. They can take abuse from day to day usage and designed to last for your whole career and beyond.worth every penny.

Other must have tools from snap on are: screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, ratchets.

Any time someone suggests a Snap on box to a starting tech, I cringe.

 

[marcusicp]

I hate the instinct screw drivers I bought and ended up buying the re-branded Witte's from Matco.

I would say my top must haves are the striking prybars (love the smallest one), bit sockets, and flare nut wrenches. Also worth getting are the regular chrome sockets, deadblow ballpeen hammers, and the big pick set for radiator hoses.

 

[Subytech]

Any time someone suggests a Snap on box to a starting tech, I cringe.

If you can afford it why not.you can also find some deals on CL.I bought my krl brand new in the first year of my career.I don't regret it one bit.It serves me well.sure you can buy another brand box, but something about snappy boxes which sets them apart from the rest.but I do understand about the cringing part lol.but snappy boxes are not for everybody.I'm just talking from experience.
.

 

[canuckian]

Things that I left out ....others May have mentioned but I'd like to reiterate:
-Ratcheting screwdriver. Most, me included prefer the hard handled one but there's a soft grip too
-Pry bars-I have at least one of their smallest one in every toolbox. Handy little buggers
-6 in 1 or 10 in one screwdriver - best bang for the buck snap on has IMHO.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Socks.

 

[garfunkle24]

Socks.

Have to stock up on them when you wear 4 at a time and have hooves, hey?

I do hear they're great socks though.

 

[Matt018]

Any time someone suggests a Snap on box to a starting tech, I cringe.

Dont worry my parents raised me right... I plan on staying debt free

 

[garagegeek]

I tend to buy SnapOn for things I use a lot, or items that take a lot of abuse. I am not a technician, but from working on my own cars, I found that oxygen sensor sockets were worth the money (especially the crows foot style. Their high leverage pliers are another nobody else has mentioned.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Everyone is saying screwdrivers, but I don't necessarily agree. A set of quality German drivers can be had from Amazon or Chadstoolbox for less than the SO ones. The Snappy ones would certainly be easier to warranty of course. If you do end up getting a Snappy set, they usually only contain flats and Phillips so consider getting some Pozidriv and make sure you know the difference.

Agreed. I don't really rate Snap-on screwdrivers for the price. And i have almost 300 of them!

A good set by Wera, Wiha, Witte (Matco), etc would be a better choice and most likely cheaper.

There are companies that make better drivers than snap on for cheaper.
But waiting 2 weeks on shipping for a warranty on a tool that you NEED is unacceptable for a tech.

How often do you break screwdrivers?

I don't recall ever breaking one, and i do use some of mine a little outside what would be considered "normal useage". I've never known someone to break a screwdriver while using it properly. Only when using them as prybars and the like.

Solution? Matco. Witte screwdrivers, easy warranty.

 

[bigdummy30]

their screwdrivers and ratchets are very nice....

 

[marcusicp]

Dont worry my parents raised me right... I plan on staying debt free

Your parents did a good job then! Debt free is the only way!

I forgot about the socks. At least try one pair. They really are great socks!

 

[mossyboy6]

Agreed. I don't really rate Snap-on screwdrivers for the price. And i have almost 300 of them!

A good set by Wera, Wiha, Witte (Matco), etc would be a better choice and most likely cheaper.



How often do you break screwdrivers?

I don't recall ever breaking one, and i do use some of mine a little outside what would be considered "normal useage". I've never known someone to break a screwdriver while using it properly. Only when using them as prybars and the like.

Solution? Matco. Witte screwdrivers, easy warranty.

My main job is a cabinet maker so I probably use my screwdrivers far more than you do. I have worn out a few phillips heads, and have snapped and twisted my fair share of flat heads (keep in mind, Im only 20).

In cabinet building, you cant really abuse screwdrivers in any way, other than maybe using them as a chisel, but that is something that I would get thrown out of the shop for.

 

[Matt018]

wait that wasnt a joke? they really make socks? and my harbor freight box is holding the tools i do have just fine and i frankly dont care what luster my pait is or whatever when it comes down to it its gonna be a greasy dirt box with tools the drawers that slide in and out.

 

[jethro29]

line wrenches and ratchets.

 

[browntown]

Buy used, the value proposition is a lot more tolerable and in general the tools are ready to work. The FS section here moves a lot of new or near new snap on for half of retail often.

Matco stuff is often cheaper on the used market and many of their tools are top notch. Plus, older Mac tools (the US made, ideally sabina's) are fantastic tools that can be had very inexpensively.

 

[j.c.whitney]

Snap On ratcheting Screwdrivers rock!
It took a long time to pony up the $$$ but the action on these is exquisite.
SSDMR4BO - Perfect size, balance, feel, action. Great bit selection.
SSDMR1AO - Stubby greatness see above.
SGRMINI - If you work on electronics the SGRMINI is choice.

 

[metal4130]

Where's a guy get this SGRMINI set?

I have seen one of 2 on eBay but the part number isn't on the Snap On site.

 

[Skin]

and also the hook and pic sets look nice are they good to buy from snap on? or is a lesser expensive set just as good? I like the look of this one

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=13338&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Dont waste your money on these. Get Ullmans [Craftsman]. They're stronger and far far cheaper. Can damn near buy 5-6 sets for the cost of that 1.

I sipped the koolaid during the last thread about snap-on "superior" mini-picks, bought a set, and snapped two out the gate prying very lightly on a tiny welch plug [which i turned to swiss cheese with a drill bit prior to attempting this], got them replaced and broke another last week. They have the all the durability of a sharpened wooden twig.

And yep, someone can point out i abuse small picks. Well if i didnt abuse them and only used them for slipping o-rings off they'd never break and there would be no point to get SO anyway. Fact of the matter is in the way i use them they've proven quite terrible compared to other cheaper brands.

I'm fairly impressed with some of their pliers and i think they make very good bit sockets though. I also like their wrenches in certain situations. Uncomfortable bastards but they've shaved so much material off them its like a butter knife, really handy in certain tight fit situations.

 

[metalhead212121]

wait that wasnt a joke? they really make socks? and my harbor freight box is holding the tools i do have just fine and i frankly dont care what luster my pait is or whatever when it comes down to it its gonna be a greasy dirt box with tools the drawers that slide in and out.

Yes they REALLY do make socks. Ive heard A LOT of guys swear they're the best thing since sliced bread. Ive never tried them...

Dan

 

[chevy302dz]

Line Wrenches are the single biggest must have, first Snap On tools I bought brand new just for that reason. I know everyone is recomending the ratchets and they are nice but I'd get one regular 3/8" off ebay for 1/2 price or less and try it before dropping several hundred on a few ratchets when you have other things to buy.

 

[boohocky]

I was a skeptic at first, but I now personally own over $1500 dollars worth of their ratchets (2 FHLF80's in my box). They are leaps and bounds ahead of just about everyone else in my opinion. The dual 80's are tough to beat. They've held up to quit a **** whippin from me on a daily basis and continue to work just as smoothly as they did when they were new.

Sockets and wrenches are just about as good as it can get also, I could tell an immediate difference in the feel of the socket on a fastener with the snap-on vs the other brands I own. I bought a set of flank drive plus combo wrenches just to try them, and they are the best combo wrenches I own.

Is Snap-On overpriced? I think so, and I work my **** off to pay for it, but when I pick up a dual 80 I know I have a tool for life that will perform time after time.

 

[diesel research]

Dont waste your money on these. Get Ullmans [Craftsman]. They're stronger and far far cheaper. Can damn near buy 5-6 sets for the cost of that 1.

Only good AFTER you epoxy the handles back on, so they don't constantly slip off after the 2nd use.

 

[MattPersman]

the socks are good if your feet are always cold, if not those things are hot in the summer.

I like the 4 way angle wrenches, flank drive plus combo wrenches, dual 80 ratchets, sockets, picks, the 54" pry bar kicks ****, the pliers wrench, torx sockets

 

[wornoutoldman]

Snap on tools appear expensive at first glance. However after you have used them daily for 30 or 40 years and they are still performing flawlessly then you will understand where the true value lies. That initial investment albiet high at the time will reward a *professional user with ROI (return on investment) that makes whole lot of economic sense. Essentially those tools will have paid for themselves many times over (essentially making them "free" tools) and not only do they hold resale value but can often sell (used) for multiples of the original purchase price. Of course this analysis does not apply to DIY or casual tool users.

That said I would encourage you to use GJs classifieds, Craigslist and Ebay to maximize your SO purchasing power (I only wish these avenues were available to me when I started buying tools in 1979)

*One who relies on and uses tools daily to earn a living (a career tool user)

 

[nelstomlinson]

What Snapon items are must-haves, based on their low price rather than their quality? I'll lead off with their socket rails and clips, which are pretty cheap. Any others?

 

[FergusonTO35]

Used Snap-On tools are an awesome value, even thought they typically cost more than new Craftsman.

 

[greybeard]

Where's a guy get this SGRMINI set?

I have seen one of 2 on eBay but the part number isn't on the Snap On site.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap...t=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item3f0e9d5236

 

[gj67stang]

Where's a guy get this SGRMINI set?

I have seen one of 2 on eBay but the part number isn't on the Snap On site.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap...t=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item3f0e9d5236

That's just a regular ratcheting screwdriver.

The mini's are NLA from Snap-on, however you can still get the blades/shanks.

I've got a mini for sale here.


Back on topic:

I think the Snap-on crowfoot wrench holder is a great item at a good price.

 

[wave180]

What are some Snap On must haves?

deep pockets

Best reply so far.

 

[bindernut]

another vote for the socks here!! My dad bought me a set of striking prybars for Xmas last year. The dealer he used threw a pair in free(my dad was a walk up customer off the street). Man oh man are they nice in a set of boots!!!! Thick & warm, perfect for the winter. I've since bought 3 more pair.
The one snap on tool I can't imagine using any other brand is the hand impact driver, the kind you strike with a hammer. I had a proto, and have tried lots else. After trying a coworkers Snap On, I bought one the enxt time I saw my dealer. The Snap On is light years better than any other out there. It's the cats *** for stubborn screws.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...5&group_ID=223&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
as for anything else, I'd say get a ratchet or 2 & try one out. I prefer the chrome handles, though in the winter I do through my hard handle ratchet in the toolbox when i head to the farm, as it doesn't get as cold. Laugh all you want, but it's a lot nicer grabbing plastic vs. steel when it's real cold out.

Sure you can break stuff, but if you use the tool how it was meant to be used it won't happen often.

If you're interested, I have an 8 piece set of older snap on hard handle screwdrivers I might sell. I bought them used. Red handles, do have some wear. I replaced the shanks in the phillips & they haven't been used since then more than 1 or 2 times(I already had two other sets of SO screwdrivers...black hard handles & the original soft grip). They are just sitting in a drawer in one of my boxes.

I do like their impact sockets. I had craftsman, but the snap ons are thinner, which allows them to fit in more places. Same with their chrome sockets.

And I'll toss in another vote for the ratcheting screwdrivers.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

snap on air chisel zip gun and harbor freight sells toys

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/2632087969.html

 

[Creditor]

A good dealer