Why Buy Snap-on?

[stikman56]

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.

Any mechanic worth his salt knows you buy what works, and that does not have to be all one brand,but it can be with high quality tools as well. You could end up with many brands rounding out your tool box. I have some Snap-On ,not much though, but for some things that's all I will own, other tools, Craftsman, Pittsburgh, Matco,SK, Kobalt, Task force, Ingersoll Rand, Cornwell , Nitrocat, Mac and on and on. Couldn't tell you how many brands are in my tool boxes, ( boxes themselves are US General) but all of it works for what it was designed for, year in and year out.
Some people just like all Snap-On I think. Whatever stirs your Kool-Aid is what I say. As long as it works for you, that's all that matters. I refuse to pay their price for many things, becuase I work to take money home, not put it back into my job, and there are tools for cheaper in some instances that are actually better as well. You have to do some research to get the good tools that hold up, but you can fill your tool box and keep your wallet a lot fatter if you're willing to do it that way.

 

[Fretters]

do you think I could keep a straight face renting a HF tig welder for $100?

If it does what's required and does it well, why would the brand/tag make a difference? Make is irrelevant unless brand snobbery is concerned. It's merely results which matter.

 

[Toyota mechanic]

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

The last dealer... Snap-on rep said the insert part was considered a disposable wear item..... They sold bits to replace them. I bought the bits online, and plan to sell the set... I have no Snap-on dealer around here.

Dealers will do it, but they are not bound to.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I don't want people attacking me, I just want to know why you think they are better.

Because they are, Troll.

 

[Hiball]

The last dealer... Snap-on rep said the insert part was considered a disposable wear item..... They sold bits to replace them. I bought the bits online, and plan to sell the set... I have no Snap-on dealer around here.

Ive never encountered anything remotely close to that, nor heard anyone here complain about it, which tells me its more than likely "Not True". In fact most people claim that dealers replace the standard bits with the gold ones to cut down on warranty claims.

 

[HSURDDY]

Because I can.

Exactly. Can we close this thread?

 

[warmpancakes]

The last dealer... Snap-on rep said the insert part was considered a disposable wear item..... They sold bits to replace them. I bought the bits online, and plan to sell the set... I have no Snap-on dealer around here.

Dealers will do it, but they are not bound to.

Find a better dealer, the entire tool is warranted, only thing my driver won't warranty is drill bits,saw blades and other things like that. He's swapped entire ratchets if he doesn't have a rebuild kit on the truck, just sent my mg725 out for warranty rebuild gave me a loaner on the spot

 

[Hiball]

Exactly. Can we close this thread?

No because some people Can't, so they need there time to vent...

 

[franzdom]

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.

I just knew you were going to slip that in

 

[Toyota mechanic]

Find a better dealer, the entire tool is warranted, only thing my driver won't warranty is drill bits,saw blades and other things like that. He's swapped entire ratchets if he doesn't have a rebuild kit on the truck, just sent my mg725 out for warranty rebuild gave me a loaner on the spot

The dealer went out of business, was a 10 month dealer... I saw alot come and go at the last dealership I worked at. We had a reliable Cornwell guy, but....... Cornwell didn't have the same 'sparkle' to me. If I could afford the truck tools, I would want Snap-on.... I started my own shop some time ago... I need alot of things besides tools. I plan on a upgrade someday.... just to make my senior years as a mechanic a little more enjoyable; since I am a tool nut. Kids are growing fast.... Someday

 

[Wamsutta]

If you have to ask you will never know

That's the absolute truth. I've been in some aggravating situations where the Snap-on tools have made life MUCH MUCH easier.

 

[mechanicalchild]

Because they are, Troll.

Nice. I should have seen it coming. Face Palm... ._.

 

[rtole]

I started the auto trade with craftsman, they got me buy most of the time, but broke often. I then met the matco guy, they were better bit way more money for a small improvement. Then I was a bit soured on tool trucks.....but I caved when I bought a snap on ratchet at a garage sale. I thought since it was old I would get a shiney new one when I broke it. I took off lugnuts with it. (3/8 long 720) I could not break it! Cheater bars.....nothing. Then one day I came to work and someone borrowed it and broke it! Then the snap on guy rebuilt it.....dang. It was nice to use, and tough as can be.....I then bought my shiney new ratchet, and more and more. I dont buy sockets or bit sockets. I do have flank drive plus metric wrenches, I do alignments and they are the best open end wrench that I have ever used. I have tried many brands over the years. I like many brands, but when I find I am breaking something often, I step up and buy it in snap on. Then I dont break stuff near as often.
I have been there, and done some stuff.......I am not looking for any justification of the tools I buy. I will say this.....when some one compares another tool brand....they ALWAYS compare it to snap on. Seems to be the standard....you dont get there by being decent and more expensive. Better is better. Seems to me the guys not buying snap on are looking for the justification.

 

[spoon671]

Snap on is easy...they come to you
Snap on is easy...they finance for you
Snap on is high quality, when tools break you can get hurt.
Snap on is shiny....we are guys...we like shiny things

Bob

All good points!!!

I like having the best stuff when it comes to tools. When I started out as a tech, I couldn't afford it. But, the Snap-On guy was extremely nice and gave me a line of credit. A long one.

Now that I can afford the best stuff, I do not buy Snap-On. I buy Stahlwille or Hazet. I have a lot of Gedore too (although they've come under fire a time or two).

Personally, and just one opinion on this, I like the finish on the German tools much better than the polished chrome of Snap-On. I don't know why...maybe because now that I am older I see too many people with Snap-On stuff, and I just want to be different so I go an extra length to get the German stuff.

Largely, I think status symbol is pretty accurate.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

If a mechanic uses tools as what they are designed for, And not abuse them he or she will not brake much tools. Snap-On makes excellent tools but are very expensive. Are they superior to other name brands I don't think so. Why buy Blue Point when you can buy Williams a lot cheaper as they are both the same and imported like any other Taiwan or Chinese tools. Its just the brand name and peer pressure. Oh and why Snap-On dont stamp Country Of Origin on their tools anymore Like Made In USA. Mmmmm why? Get my Point?



I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me o credit

 

[BDT/NWMN]

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

Been around for years.....

Yep .... sure like mine,

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Why do people even reply to these types of threads anymore?

 

[Adam.C]

What makes me laugh about these conversations, is the insinuation that all mechanics tools are sockets or maybe sometimes ratchets.

Sockets are important tools, but they comprise a small percentage of a working mechanic's tool kit, both in terms of number of tools and cost.

For me, some of the most important mechanical tools are bit sockets. I don't think anyone makes bit sockets as nice as Snap On.

I also prefer Snap On extensions, tho Matco are nice too, I like SO screwdrivers, pliers, FDP wrenches, hi performance wrenches.

The other annoying thing about these threads is the belief that all pros pay retail for their tool sets. Many pros I know bought their sockets as students at half retail- which makes Snap On comparable to premium Taiwan tools. They buy additional, often specialty tools that no one else offers, on special deals from the truck. Good drivers offer test drives of tools, loaners, financing...

People check the retail price of a 3/8 socket set ($160) and decide that's robbery, snap on is this, snap on is that....it's opinion born in true ignorance. That's why I hate these threads.

 

[spoon671]

People check the retail price of a 3/8 socket set ($160) and decide that's robbery, snap on is this, snap on is that....

This is true. I know that elevated quality comes at a cost. Some folks won't agree. A lot of guys are willing to pay the price because they value what they get for their hard earned dollar. I can respect that. My 19pcs. Stahwille 3/8" set cost over $200 euro...tell me about it.

 

[Kiwi 007]

I've twiddled spanners for a few years and have owned several different brands other than Snap On.

Lets deal with some of the other makes, Koken socket sets wore a few of the common ones out then split a 27mm socket, this set was about 15 years old. Took the socket to a Koken dealer and was told they would have to send it away...........bought a replacement Snap On after about 2 weeks, another couple of weeks latter was told that it wasn't covered by warranty as it was past its lifetime???????????

I've worn out a few Stahlwille spanners and sockets, these seemed soft and wore out quickly...........replaced then with Snap On.

Sidchrome sockets and spanners, quite brittle when push as a few of them have broken.

Had a 6mm bolt (10mm hex) to undo, not enough room for a 3/8 drive socket, broke every single 1/4 drive 10mm socket I owned, SK, Koken, Sidchrome and a couple of others..........along comes the Snap On dealer and borrowed a 10mm 1/4 drive socket.............the bolt finally come undone..........I bought the socket.

Now while Snap On is expensive it does break, long 1/2" breaker bar, twisted the square on the end off trying to undo a Subaru front axle nut.......no problem replaced under warranty. Same breaker bar trying to undo another Subaru axle nut, pretty tight this one so on goes a bit of pipe, break the side out of the bar this time...........replaced under warranty.

My favourite 3/8 ratchet a Snap On roto head with black plastic handle, I think I've had 5 new inserts.........no problem all under warranty, broke the side of the yoke that the head swivels in.......ratchet replaced under warranty.

A stubborn bellhousing bolt, Snap On impact swivel socket 36" 3/8 extension and my long 1/2" breaker bar with an adapter, put a bend and a twist in the extension.........replaced under warranty.

Why do I buy Snap On, it maybe expensive but the Warranty makes it worth it, you only have to buy it once and as yet I haven't worn out a Snap On socket or spanner, unlike other "quality" makes I've had.

Only thing the Snap On warranty doesn't cover is when it goes missing.

 

[joel63]

What makes me laugh about these conversations, is the insinuation that all mechanics tools are sockets or maybe sometimes ratchets.

Sockets are important tools, but they comprise a small percentage of a working mechanic's tool kit, both in terms of number of tools and cost.

For me, some of the most important mechanical tools are bit sockets. I don't think anyone makes bit sockets as nice as Snap On.

I also prefer Snap On extensions, tho Matco are nice too, I like SO screwdrivers, pliers, FDP wrenches, hi performance wrenches.

The other annoying thing about these threads is the belief that all pros pay retail for their tool sets. Many pros I know bought their sockets as students at half retail- which makes Snap On comparable to premium Taiwan tools. They buy additional, often specialty tools that no one else offers, on special deals from the truck. Good drivers offer test drives of tools, loaners, financing...

People check the retail price of a 3/8 socket set ($160) and decide that's robbery, snap on is this, snap on is that....it's opinion born in true ignorance. That's why I hate these threads.

"There is a difference"

 

[ATC]

What makes me laugh about these conversations, is the insinuation that all mechanics tools are sockets or maybe sometimes ratchets.

Sockets are important tools, but they comprise a small percentage of a working mechanic's tool kit, both in terms of number of tools and cost.

Hmm...I imagine sockets and ratchets are a pretty big part of a mechanics box. Generally when working on something, you need to start by removing a part...sometimes removing several more to get to it. These are held on by bolts, nuts, screws, allens, torx, etc.
Add in short, deep, 12pt, 6pt, impact, chrome, swivel, sometimes mid-length, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 drives.

Myself...I use sockets/ratchets for about 75% of my work.

For me, some of the most important mechanical tools are bit sockets. I don't think anyone makes bit sockets as nice as Snap On.

They do make very nice bit sockets. I have exactly four Snap-On tools, and one of them is a gold T55. It was in the bottom of a 5gal bucket of tools I bought for $20. It does have a chipped tooth, but who knows the life it had before I got it.

The other annoying thing about these threads is the belief that all pros pay retail for their tool sets. Many pros I know bought their sockets as students at half retail- which makes Snap On comparable to premium Taiwan tools. They buy additional, often specialty tools that no one else offers, on special deals from the truck. Good drivers offer test drives of tools, loaners, financing...

People check the retail price of a 3/8 socket set ($160) and decide that's robbery, snap on is this, snap on is that....it's opinion born in true ignorance. That's why I hate these threads.

They might not pay full retail...but they do pay a lot more than they would for most other brands of comparable quality.
Even at 50% off student rate, a 14-pc socket set is $192. One hundred and ninety two US dollars for just 14 chrome sockets Nowhere near premium Taiwan stuff...
Hell, I just bought a 250-pc Craftsman mechanics tool set for $139. Made in USA with one of the best warranties out there.

Also, you generally have to spend A LOT of money to get "in" with your dealer for the deals, good financing, freebies, etc...
How many dealers would really offer me these "deals" having never set foot on their truck before?


I also hate these threads. Just like religion, politics, Ford vs. Chevy, whatever....people have their opinions and are usually pretty attached to them. Even more-so when money gets involved.

But hey, your money, your choice.
Just don't turn your nose up at my box full of quality tools without the S-O name. (not you personally...for the general Snap-on-or-nothing fan boy's)

 

[woody 73]

Interesting six pages... The question should be asked "Why buy any brand of tools"; now that would make for a good post reading.

 

[MagnumForce]

As someone who has had iPhones and top of the line androids, if you think iPhones are better then you are nuts. Purely a status symbol at this point. When androids first came about that was true, but definitely not anymore. The iPhone 6 is just now catching up to 2 year old Androids.


As for tools, the comparison is very much like Apple to PC. Sure Snap On is great, but it sure as hell isn't 4 times the price great... but it isn't my money.
If the buyer thinks it is worth it that is all that matters.

 

[Hiball]

But hey, your money, your choice.
Just don't turn your nose up at my box full of quality tools without the S-O name. (not you personally...for the general Snap-on-or-nothing fan boy's)

Respect is a 2 way street... You cant belittle someone for making choices in one breath and then complain about people for "turning there Noses Up" in your choice in another, Well you can but it makes that person a Hypocrite. Im curious.. What makes a person a "Snap on Fan Boy"? Is it based off a percentage of the tool brand? There tool Box? Ratchets? Because as ive said before I doubt anyone here has a full toolbox that is strictly brand specific, Im pretty sure that's just a GJ Myth that people like to spread around for defense of there position/opinion.

Its the Internet, I get it.. you are going to find people who are very adamant about there tool purchases, Whether they bought the most Expensive, Cheapest, Brand specific Or COO. What it boils down to is that is the Choice you Made, Doesn't mean that its the Only Choice or its Better or Worse than your Neighbor.

 

[n8n]

There are some things that Snap-On just... does... better. Dual 80s and the hand impact drivers come to mind.

 

[nicksnothereman]

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.

I don't know why you'd buy blue point unless maybe they rebrand williams as blue point (I assume they do). People like that stuff and probably want the truck warranty but with the import stuff that's very similar to retail stuff at a tremendous markup I don't get.

Snap on makes good stuff it's just pricey. If I'm paying for it I would make do with cheaper stuff (which is what I do) besides specialty tools.

 

[APEowner]

I started turning wrenches in the early '80s in the dark ages before the internet was a common tool. At that time truck tools were really the most convenient for a working tech, Snap-On had the exclusive patent on Flank Drive and while Mac ran a close second in quality there was a clear difference in quality between Snap-On and the competition. Over the years the quality difference has narrowed and on-line shopping has provided a convenient alternative to the weekly truck visit and on-call emergency service that Snap-On provides.

While Snap-On still produces a full line of top quality tools and in a lot of locations the the drivers provide excellent service if I were to build my tool set from scratch now I'm not sure that it would be as Snap-On heavy as it is now.

I no longer turn wrenches for a living but I still hate working with sub-standard tools. Even if a cheap tool will perform the required task I prefer the feel of quality. When I buy tools now I often just order from McMaster-Carr. Whatever they send it'll be quality and sometimes it's Snap-On.

 

[whaler2001]

I like snap on. However as of this year, they have lost their %$#$%# mind on their prices. Can't justify some of the prices they ask for.

 

[Dust Devil]

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

Exactly!

Thanks for the part number I have been looking for an alternative to tap handles for years!!!

 

[Dust Devil]

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.

Thank you.

 

[Ruger_556]

What is really going on here is those that can't afford expensive tools for their weekend hobby are depressed. They just need to feel better about themselves so they start threads on the interweb trying to convince themselves that no one should buy pro tools.

Do we really need this thread every week though? Can we get like one running chat thread like other forums and keep all this there? People care wayyyy too damn much how other people spend their money. You ask why buy HF or SO, who the hell cares? It isn't your money!

 

[ScottsGT]

When I was younger and was in the auto body business, the tool truck showed up at the shop and it was like walking into a tool catalog. I consider the Snap On tool truck the first virtual tool catalog! Now being that they were bright and shiny and the only other tool I know of at the time was Craftsman (1980's) I was drawn to them like a moth to a porch light at night. I was also sold on the "Flank Drive" concept Snap On claimed exclusive rights to back then. And throw in the truck financing, I had no idea the value of money still living at home.
Funny thing was, the shop owner insisted on me taking my tools home. He wanted to provide me my tools, and he provided old ****. So yes, I was collecting. To this day I still own the SAE and metric wrench and 3/8 socket sets I bought back then. Just about all the screwdrivers are gone now thanks to kids.
Would I buy them again? No way. I don't turn wrenches for a living any more. But I sure wouldn't buy Taiwan Craftsman either. Not because they are Taiwan, but because Craftsman grew and made their line off of "Made in the USA" reputation and now they have thrown that out of the window. If they are willing to do that, what's to say they are willing to even provide a lower quality from Taiwan to increase profits?
I maintain what I have with replacements when they break or get lost. But my days of buying new Snap On's are long gone. My latest acquisitions have been the Gear Wrench ratcheting flex heads and HF Impact sockets in 1/2" and Craftsman USA made 3/8 Impact sockets.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

There are some things that Snap-On just... does... better. Dual 80s and the hand impact drivers come to mind.

Please add flare nut wrenches to that list.

 

[franzdom]

They also service mechanics better, and I agree that holistically they provide an awesome service, I mean that they have so much depth and breadth to their line. They provide solutions, which is becoming cliché, but it is meaningful.

 

[Fretters]

They also service mechanics...

That's the opinion I've formed from hearing about their prices and credit charges.

 

[Snap_cap]

Thank you.

Made in China, according to the S-O website.

 

[n8n]

Please add flare nut wrenches to that list.

I haven't tried them... actually have a set but they're SAE and haven't had the opportunity to actually use them yet. My metrics are RP Cman and I can't wait for my new SK ones to arrive...

 

[franzdom]

That's the opinion I've formed from hearing about their prices and credit charges.

 

[newchris]

if I could make payments on sk id buy that all day.