Why Buy Snap-on?

[Brownsfan]

I have MANY brands in my box. Snap On included. There are tools that feel they do better than others. Like cotter pin extractor and hook tools. Interior panel removal tools and screwdrivers. Ratchets and ratcheting screwdrivers. These are some of the tools I own from snap on. Oh I almost forgot about.pliers. In my opinion they make some of the best pliers on the market. The needle nose are one.example. i have not used a better needle nose from any other brand. I couldn't buy all my tools from them because i would go broke. Just too expensive for me personally. Example for me is sockets. Just.way too much for ke. My Craftsman USA sockets have served me well over the years. They have been nothing short of great.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The only tools people want a justification for owning are the Snap On ones. Go figure.

Actually, a very good and valid point. But I would also add that it's just as common for people to look for some kind of justification for the cheapest end of tools also.

 

[beatcad]

http://troll.me/images/futurama-fry/****-its-this-thread-again-thumb.jpg

 

[espyking83]

FTR, Snap On is so much more expensive because the dealer has to make their commission too, not necessarily because the quality is better than Proto, Wright, SK, etc... Most truck brands are like that, with the exception of SK.

 

[LB-1911]

I just picked up today tap sockets they allow you to use a 3/8 ratchet as a tap handle or easy-out holder.

Who else makes that?

Lisle Corp markets a set.

You may want to have a look around over at
The Truck Tool Equivalents Thread 2.0 - Expanded with Part Numbers
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249851
&
The Truck Tool Equivalents Thread - Gathering Data
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136120&page=11

Part # PLEASE!!! I WANT!

Stock#: TDL8

You mean this: http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=398

Been around for years.....

Stock#: TDL8
Brand Blue Point
Country Of Origin USA
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=635200&group_ID=675369

 

[espyking83]

Koken ratcheting adapters are on sale everywhere (Franks tools, level chrome, etc). I bought a Williams RA and it's one of the best investments an aircraft mechanic can make, IMO. Mine will never leave the tip of my speedhandle.

 

[PureLeaf]

When I heard "monthly payments" just had me back to the days at coal mines where family's would potentially owe more money to the coal company's general store then that actually made per week.

 

[Zrexxer]

Stock#: TDL8
Brand Blue Point
Country Of Origin USA
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=635200&group_ID=675369

Or buy the Lisle branded item for $25.99 instead of $69.99:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRFOE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Skin]

Yeah I think it's like % 19 which is crazy high and just bad business for an aspiring mechanic.

That's why they also push their franchises to offer truck credit which is 0%. Sure you can use a CC but the lowest % I've ever seen is around 8%, nothing is 0% unless you constantly open and close credit accounts to abuse the promotional rates.


Some things Snap-On just plain makes better. Their chrome universals are excellent as are their ratchets, wrenches, and general fit and finish of just about every hand tool they sell. They're also one of the only brands that still offer USA made bit sockets. They make many other things in house, too many to mention, where other brands have gone to contracting it out. They also make one of the best aftermarket scan tool systems of anyone. Whether or not any of it is worth the premium is up to each individual person.


I will say that Snap-On markets hard. They give a lot of technical schools breaks to get their tools, boxes, and advertisement into their classrooms and aspiring mechanics hands then of course they hook them with the student discount before they leave.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I was just wondering why some people buy Apple computers. And that iPhone. Do any of you have one of those? I just can't justify the high price for all that good design and convenience.

NOW you just poked the bear. LOLZ.

One more thing, does anybody here vote Democrat?

Now you just broke the GJ rules AND went to "5th base" with the bear.
Hahahahaha.

As for S-O tools, many things they make are not available elsewhere or what is, is of a leser quality.

No one is demanding anyone buy any brand. Buy what you like. Buy what you can afford.

But like the rest of life, using tools or things that are of a high quality certainly raises your awareness that they exist and usually make your life more efficent and thus less stressful and often more profitable. Both time-wise and money-wise.

Down time in industry = money lost for both the co. and the employees.

It sorts itself out as life goes on. Trust me.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I will say that Snap-On markets hard. They give a lot of technical schools breaks to get their tools, boxes, and advertisement into their classrooms and aspiring mechanics hands then of course they hook them with the student discount before they leave.

That they do, they sent a rep to our school with a bunch of widgets to show the "superiority" of Snap On tools.

I plan on buying some of the items available with the discount (it's a limited selection) but not really loading up on much (and I'm sure as hell not buying it at the 19 percent interest rate). Most of what I do want however is not available through the SEP program.

 

[Hiball]

I was just wondering why my fellow mechanics all buy snap on and blue point.

They feel sorry for you and want to make sure that they don't infringe on your favorite brand and Possibly buy a tool you wanted. Consider yourself lucky, You really should buy them a beer, Competition is rough in the Real world.

 

[SantaAna12]

1/4" flex sockets.
3/8" drive hex (the new ones) that don't round out.
flank drive open ends that I can load up on.
wobble extensions.

 

[mechanicalchild]

As I am 16 years old, maybe I'll buy them a pop.

 

[wild cowboy]

I have yet to find 1/4 flex sockets that work as well as the snap-on ones.

can you provide a snap on part number off of one of these sockets that you like

 

[Hiball]

As I am 16 years old, maybe I'll buy them a pop.

I was just wondering why my fellow mechanics all buy snap on and blue point. It Seems like a waste of money to me, because I have had the same set of Gray Canada wrenches for all the time I have been working, and even the chrome is still good on them. My mechanic friends complain about broken tools sometimes, yet I have only broken a few tools in my life. I have always used Gray, old craftsman, belzer, and old husky. The snap on tools that I own, in my opinion, don't exceed the quality of the others. I don't want people attacking me, I just want to know why you think they are better.

My Opinion.. Forge your own, Put in the Wrench time with your "Mechanical Friends" and get Actual Hands on with different brands, Starting a Thread like this one will only get you the typical Internet chest pounding Opinions that run rampant across the Web I suspect. There are Tons of Quality tools in the Marketplace.. to limit yourself to only buying 1 brand is silly and its highly unlikely that even the most seasoned mechanic only has Brand X.

 

[gtermini]

Lisle Corp markets a set.

You may want to have a look around over at
The Truck Tool Equivalents Thread 2.0 - Expanded with Part Numbers
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249851
&
The Truck Tool Equivalents Thread - Gathering Data
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=136120&page=11


Stock#: TDL8





Stock#: TDL8
Brand Blue Point
Country Of Origin USA
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=635200&group_ID=675369

you just cost me $70 next Wednesday when I see Snappy. I don't care that I can buy cheaper ones, because I like ease of warranty and supporting my local SO man.

Greyson

 

[Toyota mechanic]

Coming from a guy who owns a box full of snap on tools, I find myself having a harder and harder time justifying the price. Part of the problem is our truck guy has become hard to get a hold of and has a poor attitude on the rare occasion that I need something replaced. The quality of tools is excellent but on most tools it can be met with different brands for less money if you really shop around.
Just one opinion.

That is my problem with Snap-on, the damn business model, and non-reliable dealers. I love Snap-on tools, but the red tape is brutal... I don't allow myself to indulge... I have some and they are very good tools, but... Price, dealers, warranty issues... I just don't bother and am happy with 'less'.....

 

[Wakefield]

can you provide a snap on part number off of one of these sockets that you like

tmusm10 tmusm12 tuam6 ........... should be capitalized

wow-Price go Up! TUAM6E now? TMUSM10A now? (the first one has a 6mm.hex(like socket head Allen drive) business end from a flex)

 

[WhiffySpark]

That is my problem with Snap-on, the damn business model, and non-reliable dealers. I love Snap-on tools, but the red tape is brutal... I don't allow myself to indulge... I have some and they are very good tools, but... Price, dealers, warranty issues... I just don't bother and am happy with 'less'.....

If you open a truck account they come every week lol

 

[Cato]

'cause they are the most expensive wrenches on the market.

It's that simple.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

If you open a truck account they come every week lol

For awhile! The dealers I have had, are rude, think all tools **** except theirs, try to run huge accounts with too many mechanics. They are hot for 6 to 10 months and then go under... due to bad business practices. Too bad nice tools, but 800 dollar bit socket sets! That are 30 pieces or so... Just too much money for too little. I can't afford it as a family man. A young single guy? probably. Can't see taking the income from my family. My tools seem to work just fine. I do really like Snap-on tools, can't justify the expense, or hassle. Those of you with good dealer be grateful!

 

[LB-1911]

you just cost me $70 next Wednesday when I see Snappy. I don't care that I can buy cheaper ones, because I like ease of warranty and supporting my local SO man.

Greyson

As you well know a good rapport pays dividends over time.

Besides....

 

[pi_guy]

Lisle Corp markets a set.

No I paid 49 dollars for this set.

http://store.snapon.com/Adjustable-Tap-Sockets-Set-Socket-Tap-Adjustable-2-pcs--P647396.aspx

Found it was more useful than an other rack of sockets.

 

[Art From De Leon]

I have yet to find 1/4 flex sockets that work as well as the snap-on ones.
I have 30 year old snap-on air tools that work better than new harbor freight stuff.
There is a great assortment in different type wrenches, size, angle and ratchet
Two the feel of the tools I prefer over most others.
I have had any of my tools warrantied with out any question.
You get credit, walk off the truck with stuff and give him money later.
My snap-on guy at times will go out of his way for me.
Plus I do not have a hard sell one, he is laid back and knows his product.
He does my area on Tuesday which is often a track test day and I miss him, I meet him else where and he spends the time I need.
He answers texts 7 days a week even when out fishing, sometimes he makes me jealous by sending me pictures of big fish he caught.

I agree with the majority of your reasons.

I buy Snap-on because that is the brand that I started with, and every dealer that I have dealt with over the 40 years have been decent to deal with.

It is to the point now, where I have to make excuses to find something I 'need', especially now that I am not a mechanic, and that I really have nothing to 'work' on. Sometimes, if I find something on the truck, that I think is a bargain, I will buy it and give it to a friend of mine, that was a classmate at TSTI 40 some years ago, who, as far as I know, has never had quality tools to play with.

 

[SASORacing]

The good thing about Snap-On is that you can count on it mostly being made in USA, they have the best selection, and they are the best tool company in the USA I think. Lots and lots of better values out there if you stay on this forum and do your research. $800 bit socket set is crazy, Matco has a similar 30pc set for about $230.

 

[LB-1911]

No I paid 49 dollars for this set.

http://store.snapon.com/Adjustable-Tap-Sockets-Set-Socket-Tap-Adjustable-2-pcs--P647396.aspx

Found it was more useful than an other rack of sockets.

Looks similar to

Hanson 3095001 Adjustable Tap Socket Set - 2-Piece

Jaws adjust to tightly secure taps from #6 to 1/2" taps
3/8" square drive compatible with common ratchets
Small profile for use in tight workspaces
Knurled ring twist to adjust for quick fit
2 piece set for greater versatility

Both adjustable tap sockets are 3/8" drive, one fits #6 through 1/4" taps and the second adjustable socket fits 1/4" through 1/2" taps.

This Irwin innovation allows the easy use and changing of various sizes of taps.

https://www.google.com/#q=Hanson+3095001+Adjustable+Tap+Socket+Set+-+2-Piece

 

[Tronyadorable]

As a machinist but not really what you "master wrench" guys would consider a "mechanic", I can say that Snap-On is quite a piece of work. Good steel, correct harness-flexibility ratio. Perfect quality control.
I think buying a welder , vice grip,flashlight, beer bottle opener, coffee cup or ball peen hammer is flat silly.
There are many specialists in those fields.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

The good thing about Snap-On is that you can count on it mostly being made in USA, they have the best selection, and they are the best tool company in the USA I think. Lots and lots of better values out there if you stay on this forum and do your research. $800 bit socket set is crazy, Matco has a similar 30pc set for about $230.

Just an 12 piece torx bit socket set is almost 350 bucks! Too much for me!


http://store.snapon.com/TORX-174-St...-1-4-3-8-Drive-T8-to-T55-12-pcs--P630555.aspx

 

[Toyota mechanic]

I guess to the original member who asked. Buy them if you can afford them, they are good tools, but I personally cannot and look my family in the eyes. I don't need them, want them? yes, but need? Not in my current point in life.

 

[Hiball]

I guess to the original member who asked. Buy them if you can afford them, they are good tools, but I personally cannot and look my family in the eyes. I don't need them, want them? yes, but need? Not in my current point in life.

No shame in that... Life is full of choices, I have the big snap on bit set, bought it at a auction with the majority of them loose in the bottom for like $75. I picked up the missing pieces via Ebay. I probably have $200 in the entire set..

 

[Toyota mechanic]

No shame in that... Life is full of choices, I have the big snap on bit set, bought it at a auction with the majority of them loose in the bottom for like $75. I picked up the missing pieces via Ebay. I probably have $200 in the entire set..

Maybe one day, was just online buying a saxophone for my son, last week was soccer stuff, then the house, bills, cars.......... groceries... I am far from done, lol... I just can't do it. If the 'lesser' tools work fine, in my case meaning Craftsman, Gearwrench, many others from HF to Proto, and some snappy.. not much... I am bound by NUMBERS.... and time... Just learned to love what I have, they work. One day... who knows.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Just an 12 piece torx bit socket set is almost 350 bucks! Too much for me!


http://store.snapon.com/TORX-174-St...-1-4-3-8-Drive-T8-to-T55-12-pcs--P630555.aspx

Probably a bit off the wall but say..............you had 50 guys spinning # 35 torx into some part each shift, 1000 times per shift, 3 shifts(24 hours) per day.
The $40 bit out performs the $6 bit **/1.That when decisions are made.

That's where higher end, "seemingly" overpriced stuff, comes in.
I suppose a better example would be impacts used at a tire store.
That would be a great comparison to mechanics or factory assembly guys.
Some guy spinning lug nuts on and off, all day long, with an impact.
In six months he wastes 10 brand A. 10 pieces at $/piece
Brand B @** pieces @ $.
Brand C @ ** pieces @ $.
Accounting calls the shots as the end result.

Any opinions ?

 

[Ruger_556]

They feel sorry for you and want to make sure that they don't infringe on your favorite brand and Possibly buy a tool you wanted. Consider yourself lucky, You really should buy them a beer, Competition is rough in the Real world.

This has to be the best response ever...

 

[pi_guy]

My dealer is a great, no hassle type. Does truck credit on toolboxes.
He tells me if there is something better by another manufacturer not that there normally is.
Have a 35 year old rolling cart with 5" vise --it has taken more abuse and he replaced 6 of the draw slides in warranty. Some of my one year old Husky boxes the drawers are opening like ****. And there is less than 50lbs in them.
He sold me some gearwrench ratchet wrenches thought I would rather save money, he took them back, he ordered the snap-on equivalent-- just did not like them.
He does not push electronic stuff on me, I have more meters and test equipment than he has. I showed him my $400 wire strippers him and one other snapon guy had no clue what it was. I said try to strip a 30 gauge wire with out nicking it. Then do it 64 times for the same harness.
I have a large pile of non snap-on tools but for mechanical assembly stuff they are perfect, for measuring Starret for crimping connectors they have no good products. I seek solutions elsewhere. Have Longacre and Intercomp racing tools, Snap-on has no car scales.
Miller is my choice in welders 35 years of using Miller stuff, my cutting tools are mostly imports. Power tools are Milwaukee and De walt.
It is not just being sold on Snap-on it is very important at the track to work every time and products that work I use.
I rent my welder at the track for 100$ a use, do you think I could keep a straight face renting a HF tig welder for $100?

 

[2oolhound]

How many of you have discovered a new way of performing a difficult task either through methodology or with the use of a special tool you improvised and posted your solution here on GJ, then seen it reposted time and time again by someone who now uses it as "his" fix? No biggie, that's why we post here, to share ideas and learn from one another. Some of us know our stuff from doing it and some of us know our stuff from reading about it but may have never actually done it. I think of the latter type as hitch hikers (they didn't pay for the gas).

What I'm getting at here is customer appreciation and loyalty. Companies like snap-on have been striving to understand the needs of mechanics for 100 years. They have been liaising with the automotive and mechanical based industries and mechanics, conceiving and designing the tools we need. They've strived to make tools so good you only have to buy them once.

Today many new multinational conglomerate companies have entered the playing field without the baggage of: old factories, manufacturing processes, tooling, retirement plans and high wages to keep paying for. They set up using all the latest technologies in countries where labour is cheap and safety and pollution standards are low. They can make the tools with the proven track records where the patents have expired, or they can find a loop hole for or even swallow up a floundering company for it's patents, hitch hiking on earlier pioneer technology.

Young and new mechanics coming into the workforce today have no history with the older pioneer companies but a lot of the older generations do, so I think we can add a pinch of customer appreciation and loyalty to our list of why we buy snap-on. They've always been there for us.


1. Dealer support (financing, ease of warranty and on site shopping)
2. Wide breadth of product offering
3. Consistent high quality
4. Brand name (ie "monkey see, monkey do" in the tech community)
5. Customer appreciation and loyalty

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I heard here one time that you might not get a bucket of rusty flea market tools warrantied on a snappy truck you see at McDonald's if you don't buy at least 15000 clams from him.

sorry that was the only thing missing from this **** storm.

 

[warmpancakes]

Because I can.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

Probably a bit off the wall but say..............you had 50 guys spinning # 35 torx into some part each shift, 1000 times per shift, 3 shifts(24 hours) per day.
The $40 bit out performs the $6 bit **/1.That when decisions are made.

That's where higher end, "seemingly" overpriced stuff, comes in.
I suppose a better example would be impacts used at a tire store.
That would be a great comparison to mechanics or factory assembly guys.
Some guy spinning lug nuts on and off, all day long, with an impact.
In six months he wastes 10 brand A. 10 pieces at $/piece
Brand B @** pieces @ $.
Brand C @ ** pieces @ $.
Accounting calls the shots as the end result.

Any opinions ?

That is assuming a dealer replaces the bits... The bit inserts are not warranty, they sell them. Dealers give them if you are a good customer. Snap-on tools are great quality, never said they were not best of best, but that I can't afford them in a timely enough fashion to make them affective to me. All money put aside, they would be a first choice. I don't break much so I am not 'going through' the tools I have.... so.. Snap-on would be an upgrade in the same way getting an equal but prettier wife would be......

 

[Hiball]

That is assuming a dealer replaces the bits... The bit inserts are not warranty, they sell them. Dealers give them if you are a good customer. Snap-on tools are great quality, never said they were not best of best, but that I can't afford them in a timely enough fashion to make them affective to me. All money put aside, they would be a first choice.

That's not Right... I've had a couple torx/hex warranted. Who told you that?