Why Buy Snap-on?

[WhiffySpark]

If you think that Snap On does the best at everything, then you're completely wrong. There's only 2 or 3 things they do better than the rest, and one of them is warranty, another one is convenience. Quality tools, yes. But the best? No. 99 out of 100 tools, another company can do just as good (if not better) for a hell of a lot less. They make great tools and excel at customer service, but that doesnt make them the best at tools.

Actually you're wrong. Very wrong. Sounds like someone that has no first hand experience or uses tools everyday

 

[d.mcfarland]

He makes a point actually Whiffy.

 

[Hiball]

He makes a point actually Whiffy.

Opinions about which brand is best is subjective, to blatantly tell someone there opinion is wrong is hypocritical. The best tool is the one that allows the individual to complete the task at hand, It doesn't get any simpler than that. Why is it so Hard for people to understand? Oh I know why.. Because people feel the need to justify whichever brand(s) are in there arsenal.

 

[kiatech]

Why buy harbor freight?

 

[spoon671]

Here's the issue.



Outside of this forum no one knows who the hell those companies are



I sure didn't

I wouldn't be admitting that.

 

[spoon671]

Actually you're wrong. Very wrong. Sounds like someone that has no first hand experience or uses tools everyday

"American food is the best food, hands down. Mexican food? Never heard of it."

 

[hamilton2]

i have a mixture of tools. snap on, matco but mostly gearwrench and kd. i will buy snap on ratchets and impact tools but thats about it. i do like my gearwrench ratcheting t-handle though. i use it quite a bit at work. well worth the investment.
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-3880.aspx

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

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

Let's see, you joined the site four days ago, and three days in started a thread asking why people buy Snap On. That makes you a troll.

Sounds like a banned member that doesn't have anything else to do.

 

[bcradio]

Why buy harbor freight?

Best ROI.

 

[William Payne]

I still stand behind my logic of if I want it, if I have the money and can afford it, then I buy it.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Why buy harbor freight?

Wrong concept. Harbor Freight, like Sears, doesn't "make" anything.
Whoever is in charge wants a tool to add to the(huge) list and the agents go hunting. Deals are made and the stamps get made.
It would make for interesting reality TV to take a HF piece off the shelf and track it to the source. I think once the taxi pulled into a factory, and they cranked the camera, some jaws around here would hit the floor when they saw the list of brands at the same delivery ramp.
The Irega factory hits my thoughts here. Those folks make adjustable's for everyone on earth it seems.

 

[spoon671]

Here's the issue.



Outside of this forum no one knows who the hell those companies are



I sure didn't

Oh and here's the issue:

Stahlwille, Hazet, and Gedore all started toolmaking before Snap-On even existed -- 1862, 1868, and 1919 respectively.

I will say though that none of these manufacturers is very convenient. Add to that they are much more expensive than Snap-On. These are probably contributing reasons to why you've never heard of them.

 

[Ncognito]

Most of what I do want however is not available through the SEP program.

What do you want? You can't get the big stuff through SEP, but you can enter Snap-On part numbers in the SEP search box and find items with the discount that aren't listed on the SEP site. Play around with it, and you might be surprised. Matco gets a hard time on this site, but I've been more than happy with the purchases that I've made with their student discount.

As to why buy Snap-on, warmpancakes answered that question five pages ago.

 

[Ruger_556]

What do you want? You can't get the big stuff through SEP, but you can enter Snap-On part numbers in the SEP search box and find items with the discount that aren't listed on the SEP site. Play around with it, and you might be surprised. Matco gets a hard time on this site, but I've been more than happy with the purchases that I've made with their student discount.

As to why buy Snap-on, warmpancakes answered that question five pages ago.

You can buy anything through SEP except big tool boxes. Call the industrial rep and he places the order for everything that isn't listed on the SEP website.

 

[spoon671]

Matco gets a hard time on this site, but I've been more than happy with the purchases that I've made...

No kidding man. I used to own much more Matco, but the only Matco tools that I have now are a leak down test kit, a set of SAE deep impact sockets and a set of self adjusting pump wrenches. I have always been happy with them, and have never been let down by them ever.

 

[Ncognito]

You can buy anything through SEP except big tool boxes. Call the industrial rep and he places the order for everything that isn't listed on the SEP website.

When I asked, my rep told me no Solus, Verus, Kool Kare, etc.

 

[Ncognito]

No kidding man. I used to own much more Matco, but the only Matco tools that I have now are a leak down test kit, a set of SAE deep impact sockets and a set of self adjusting pump wrenches. I have always been happy with them, and have never been let down by them ever.

It may sound silly but I love their fender covers, and I haven't found a better deal anywhere.

 

[supersteve]

All the older guys in my shop in their 30s and 40s said they buy Snap-on tools because the S-o guy will give you a discount if you tell him the secret code: you have to ask him for a "happy ending", whatever that means. I think I'll ask him for one Monday when he shows up.

 

[Wamsutta]

This may sound oversimplified, but all tools are shaped differently and the shape is what makes the tool easy to maneuver or not. For some reason, the tools that seem to be the easiest to maneuver are Snap-on.

 

[ATC]

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.

For lack of better words, I defend those of us who choose "lesser" tools. When SO guys respect the rest of us, I'll return the favor.
And to answer the rest of your questions, BirdMobile sums it up nicely in his last paragraph.

I don't think that anyone here would argue that Snap On are not quality tools.
I don't think anyone here would argue that Snap On doesn't have great customer service, warranty, and financing.
I seriously doubt that anyone here would argue that Snap On tools aren't rugged tools that hold their value.

The quality of the Snap On product is almost beyond reproach.

I think the main argument you will read here, on thread after thread, is that Snap On is NOT the only tool manufacturer making quality stuff, and that Snap On is just too costly for many people's budgets and requirements.

Boiling it down again: if it's worth it to you, then it's worth it. Snap On just plain isn't worth it for some people and the type of work they do. That doesn't make them idiots or incapable of recognizing a good thing, it just means they have made the determination that Brand X tools will fulfill their needs for less money. I've read posts on threads like this where people are praising Snap On as God's own tools... and implying that we're all broke/jealous or idiots if we don't agree and fill our boxes with Snap On. My reply is that Snap On is great stuff, but it's NOT the only stuff out there. I just feel extremely grateful we all have so many choices!

You sir...you get it

 

[WhiffySpark]

Oh and here's the issue:

Stahlwille, Hazet, and Gedore all started toolmaking before Snap-On even existed -- 1862, 1868, and 1919 respectively.

I will say though that none of these manufacturers is very convenient. Add to that they are much more expensive than Snap-On. These are probably contributing reasons to why you've never heard of them.

I know who they are now, but the majority of the world doesn't. That's the problem. Everyone knows who snap on is

 

[William Payne]

What's interesting is while Snap-on is revered down here in New Zealand my stahlwille tools are equally as thought of. Made in Germany is a big deal in New Zealand as far as tools go.

A good example is in machine shops down here if you want good taps or good milling cutters you buy German. I couldn't even tell you a good USA brand for taps or cutters but I'm sure you USA guys it would be the opposite.

 

[kythri]

Snap on tools fit better! For example the hex bits fit so tight it that there is no way they will round it out! The ratchets last longer than any other company for sure! I have a F80 from like the 70s and it never needed a head kit yet!

Was the Snap-on truck a DeLorean?

 

[espyking83]

Actually you're wrong. Very wrong. Sounds like someone that has no first hand experience or uses tools everyday

Hehe. Please tell me how I am wrong. Also how I fix airplanes without using tools everyday....

 

[carterbeauford]

I skipped over what I can assume is 10 pages of arguing, this is why I buy Snap On....

I broke a new Stanley hacksaw, which is a tool I always though isn't supposed to break. bought a Snap On hacksaw at a good price and found the saw and the blades were the best I've ever used. thus began a slippery slope.

I haven't used my Snap On tools to the point of breakage but find them more ergonomic and rewarding to use than anything else I've ever used. my sockets are still Craftsman laser etched and my ratchets are all Gearwrench 120XPs but I've replaced everything else with Snap On.

their Talon Grip pliers are the best you can buy. if you disagree you are wrong. I suffered with ****** pliers for years and am still blown away at how nice their pliers are.

I have little time to buy tools or supplies for my shop and their free shipping and wish list saves me time. I lose a glove on the farm, I can have a new pair in 3 days with a couple clicks.

pride, my dad always used Snap On and I was introduced to their tools and boxes at about age 12.

I have OCD and prefer as many of my tools match as possible.

I find their corporate culture disheartening, same with some of the politics they play with their franchisees but this doesn't directly affect me since I buy everything online. in summary their tools work very well in my small woodworking and tractor restoration shop and work even better for mundane homeowner tasks.

 

[MGibson]

I only have one tool van come round to me, and that's snap on. Yes I could buy things off the web, but I have to pay for them there and then. Snappy - just fire it on my account!! £20 a week is better than being broke.

 

[n8n]

I know who they are now, but the majority of the world doesn't. That's the problem. Everyone knows who snap on is

German car guys know them, but here in the US all we're likely to see is Hazet DOE wrenches in the factory toolkits of cars, Stahlwille specialty tools that aren't available from any other manufacturer, and really old Gedore stuff in pawn shop lots...

I would add to "quality but not well known" brands Heyco; long ago in a land far far away I had a job as a machine setup/repair guy and was provided the tool set by my employer. The wrenches were all Heyco and stood up to an astonishing amount of abuse. I am pretty sure I've occasionally seen them in BMW toolkits instead of Hazet as well.

 

[abvw]

German car guys know them, but here in the US all we're likely to see is Hazet DOE wrenches in the factory toolkits of cars, Stahlwille specialty tools that aren't available from any other manufacturer, and really old Gedore stuff in pawn shop lots...

I would add to "quality but not well known" brands Heyco; long ago in a land far far away I had a job as a machine setup/repair guy and was provided the tool set by my employer. The wrenches were all Heyco and stood up to an astonishing amount of abuse. I am pretty sure I've occasionally seen them in BMW toolkits instead of Hazet as well.

+1, they flex quite a bit but provides very good tactile feedback. They are also some of the lightest wrench I've ever held.

 

[John Galt]

I buy like new snap-on on tools on EBAY for 1/3 what they cost new.

Look for like new socket sets that are missing one or two sockets out the set then just pick up the missing sockets on EBAY. I've found some incredible deals on snap-on tools after the 2008 crash.

 

[j-guenth]

Snap-On will finance your purchase and there isn't any finance charge. That is why they cost a bit more than you would pay for Craftsman, Kolbalt, S-K, and etc. Also they have specialty tools designed for a certain repair.

I have found their punches and chisels to be superior to any other brand!

By and by I do have Craftsman, Williams, S-K, Matco, Mac, etc. tools that are of good quality.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

SnapOn'S premium tool design X premium manufacturing X premium warranty X premium doorstep service X premium finance = premium price.
multiplied by
lower cost quality tools that are what some workers can afford X not knowing the difference between junk and good stuff X workers who really don't give a **** X workers who will destroy any tool they lay hands on because they don't use them properly X some who want the best price X some who want the best tool.
multiplied by
everyone's opinion on all of the above.

You are asking others for input.
Your first hand experience is being applied.
You are putting some serious thought into your future tool purchases.

My opinion; you are using your head, keep up the good work.

 

[Wakefield]

"Why buy Snap-On?"
Because it got the spark plugs out (and the new ones in" (Jeep Grand Cherokee)
made it easier to get the carburetor off of the Citation (Sorry Craftsman)
they are exquisite and shiny-like Nepros and KoKen and maybe the premium German tools that I think Snap On is competitive with
because the tool truck was at the business where I was visiting my mechanic

but there is a place for S*K and Wright and maybe some others,good wrenches and sockets that don't cost a fortune (wish Wright made more 6 point combos,miniature wrenches) Actually if I were a professional mechanic I would probably have a lot more of those tools but also a few Snap On to spice things up-those golden look Torx bits? Various one of a kind obstruction tools?
Snap On 6 point for those rusty underdeck Tecumseh muffler screws? (Or Vice Grip!)

 

[spoon671]

Snap-On seems cheap to me. Plain chrome just like Husky wrenches.

 

[Notorious BRT]

Snap-On seems cheap to me. Plain chrome just like Husky wrenches.

What should they have on them??? And they'd still be better even if they were bare steel. We aren't buying them for the chrome. The high quality steel, superior design, and tight quality control is what you get when you buy them.

 

[spoon671]

The high quality steel, superior design, and tight quality control is what you get when you buy them.

Yup I agree! I was just poking at the guys who say they like Snap-On because they are shiny.

 

[bcradio]

I skipped over what I can assume is 10 pages of arguing, this is why I buy Snap On....

I broke a new Stanley hacksaw, which is a tool I always though isn't supposed to break. bought a Snap On hacksaw at a good price and found the saw and the blades were the best I've ever used. thus began a slippery slope.

I haven't used my Snap On tools to the point of breakage but find them more ergonomic and rewarding to use than anything else I've ever used. my sockets are still Craftsman laser etched and my ratchets are all Gearwrench 120XPs but I've replaced everything else with Snap On.

their Talon Grip pliers are the best you can buy. if you disagree you are wrong. I suffered with ****** pliers for years and am still blown away at how nice their pliers are.

I have little time to buy tools or supplies for my shop and their free shipping and wish list saves me time. I lose a glove on the farm, I can have a new pair in 3 days with a couple clicks.

pride, my dad always used Snap On and I was introduced to their tools and boxes at about age 12.

I have OCD and prefer as many of my tools match as possible.

I find their corporate culture disheartening, same with some of the politics they play with their franchisees but this doesn't directly affect me since I buy everything online. in summary their tools work very well in my small woodworking and tractor restoration shop and work even better for mundane homeowner tasks.

Nope, you're wrong. Many pliers are as good or better. Especially in the German arena.

Not saying they aren't great pliers though.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

For lack of better words, I defend those of us who choose "lesser" tools. When SO guys respect the rest of us, I'll return the favor.

Why should a Snap On guy give a sh/t if a Chinese tool buyer respects him?

 

[Notorious BRT]

Yup I agree! I was just poking at the guys who say they like Snap-On because they are shiny.

Lol, gotcha

 

[Hiball]

For lack of better words, I defend those of us who choose "lesser" tools. When SO guys respect the rest of us, I'll return the favor.

IMO that's one of the dumbest things I've ever read, We are talking about tools right? I suppose I should install some night vision cameras in my box to make sure some of my Non-Snap on tools aren't getting picked on when I'm gone. Lol.. Defending lesser tools... Haha, This place is great. It must **** to go thru life defending "Your" tools, no wonder people are stroking out daily. My life is hectic enough trying to balance life, maybe there is something to be said for owning tools that can stand on there own merits, Who'd thunk it?

Thanks for the laugh man.. It's been a rough day.

 

[espyking83]

Nope, you're wrong. Many pliers are as good or better. Especially in the German arena.

Not saying they aren't great pliers though.

German pliers are better in every way, it's the truth. It's not that the American companies can't make the same quality pliers, they just choose not to. The same with our cars. They know we will support them until they outsource to China, so they dont constantly innovate and improve like Germans/Japanese do.