Why Buy Snap-on?

[William Payne]

This is silly. People but snapon because that's what they want. People buy other brands for the same reason. They buy it because for them it works. It here's buy other brands that work for them.

All brands do the job but not all brands suit the individual users likes and dislikes.

 

[SASORacing]

Like posted above the car anology works good for comparing snap on/ Mercedes vs kobalt/ Kia. Some people would rather buy nicer more expensive cars even though they both get you where you want to go. The Mercedes will be a more luxurious car ride though, plus a status symbol ego boost.

Instead of scrapping your Kia in 15 years the Mercedes/ snap on tool will hold its value and you can get a good Roi if you decide to sell. Snap on tools are the best tools on the planet in general. If someone gave you the option of outfitting you with an unlimited budget of one/ any tool box and you could fill it up until the caster's where sinking into the concrete it is no surprise poll results might dictate SO being #1 choice.

However unlikey someone would be that generous so it depends on if you can afford it. Is it worth it? Some will say yes and some no. In the end there is only so many ways to make a socket, only a limit to how well a socket is chromed, but there is more... dealer convenience, ocd, and resale value are factors too. Me personally I don't need to have a Ferrari for tools I don't use much, sometimes a cheaper jeep is preferred on tools that seldom get used or modified, I wouldn't want to abuse the Porche equivalent of a tool that wouldn't be ideal. I have standards though, usa, Germann, or Taiwan. There are a lot of alternatives.and doing your research on Google and this forum can save you money and help get you the "best" tool you are looking for.

 

[bcradio]

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!

I vote this guy for the win

 

[amlv20]

Wow I'm surprised this thread is still going,thought it wouldn't last so I didn't bother posting.lol

Well for me the matco guy is a Wiesel and the Mac guy straight up pissed me off so **** them both and their tools I will never buy them again.and well I just like snap on and I buy what ever I feel like,just like how I Like toyota's and my girlfriend buys expensive mac make up and coach purses because she likes them.

 

[bushmechanic]

Snap-On's financing model is what cemented them firmly in the hearts and minds (and wallets) of American mechanics.

Were it not for this stroke of genius, they'd just be another manufacturer and re-brander of quality tools, and they'd never have made it this far.

In their early days, they had a bright idea, but that wasn't going to hold them above the competition forever.

Quality alone won't get you to the top. You need top notch marketing, and their business model of private tool truck operators, at your door service, hassle free warranties, and (most importantly) financing, has pushed them to the top of the heap.

Word of mouth carried them very far, as a result. Now, their marketing efforts are simply a maintenance practice.

They've done a good job, and they make great stuff, but don't think they aren't targeting you directly.

They know damned well that the financing options are like a gateway drug.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Wow I'm surprised this thread is still going,thought it wouldn't last so I didn't bother posting.lol

Well for me the matco guy is a Wiesel and the Mac guy straight up pissed me off so **** them both and their tools I will never buy them again.and well I just like snap on and I buy what ever I feel like,just like how I Like toyota's and my girlfriend buys expensive mac make up and coach purses because she likes them.

OK. I fully ag kjh krghqlkerjh

 

[spoon671]

Like posted above the car anology works good for comparing snap on/ Mercedes vs kobalt/ Kia. Some people would rather buy nicer more expensive cars even though they both get you you want to go. The Mercedes will be a more luxurious car ride though, plus a status symbol ego boost.

Snap-On = Cadillac
Hazet = Mercedes
Stahlwille = BMW
Gedore = Audi
Ko-Ken = Lexus
Craftsman = Chevrolet
Husky = Ford

 

[KinzeMech]

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.

Buy what YOU want. Don't worry about justifying it to anyone else.

I would never consider buying *only* snap on, but I would also never consider purchasing a tool without including the snap on offering amongst the selection candidates.

When evaluating alternatives, many like to cite the "truck that comes to you" as an advantage. In my opinion, it is more often a disadvantage. I can go to a store, or log on to a website, anytime I damned well please. With the truck, I am at the mercy of when he decides to show up. I get my snap on from snapon.com now, and warranty service through shipping. Both have been faster than with the driver on my local route, so I don't do business with him anymore.

Avoid financing tools if at all possible (even "truck credit"). If financing is unavoidable (**** happens), use good judgement about it, and be sure you're financing the bare minimum necessary to get by.

 

[bob15]

Can someone tell me: why not buy Snap On?

If I like or want something, I will buy it. If I don't like it or want it, I don't buy it. Plain and simple.

 

[KinzeMech]

I like your plain and simple reasoning. Keeping in line with your reasoning of:

If I like or want something, I will buy it. If I don't like it or want it, I don't buy it. Plain and simple.

I would argue that in the event one does not like or want it, that constitutes sufficient reason not to buy it.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Snap-On = Cadillac
Hazet = Mercedes
Stahlwille = BMW
Gedore = Audi
Ko-Ken = Lexus
Craftsman = Chevrolet
Husky = Ford

HF = Yugo?

 

[spoon671]

^^Haha! If they were built in the former Yugoslavia, then yes!

Can someone tell me: why not buy Snap On?

I do own a bit of Snap-On. And I like them and they work great. However it's just my opinion that there are better tools. I much prefer the German brands over Snap-On. I don't like shiny chrome polished either. Snap-On is shiny, Husky is shiny. I much prefer subdued, smooth matte finishes (not rough like Craftsman or Armstrong).

The Gedore sockets I have for example; they have a matte finish, knurled base, and a machined finish on the upper. My Stahlwille set has a shot peened finish on it, also with knurling, which is unlike any other tool I've seen. It takes more steps and more time to get these finishes on their tools, and I like that attention to detail.

Just my personal preference.

 

[Mike007]

These type threads are ridiculous. Who concerns themselves with what other people are buying? My box is full of a mix of Craftsman, SK and other USA made brands. If that bothers someone I don't care about that either.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Snap-On = Rolls Royce
Hazet = Mercedes
Stahlwille = BMW
Gedore = Audi
Ko-Ken = Lexus
Craftsman = Chevrolet
Husky = Ford

Fixed it for ya

 

[spoon671]

Fixed it for ya

Rolls Royce is European buddy. ;-)

 

[FMC1959]

Hmm, I don't think I've seen this asked before.

Subscribed.

Just an FYI this won't go the way you want it to.

Good luck...

Hang on, I think I may need some popcorn.

These made me laugh the first time I read them on page 1, 13 pages later, they are hilarious. How's that popcorn doing?

 

[scratchedup]

Snap-On = Rolls Royce.....

If this is true why have they started selling packaged junk at Sams and Costco over the last few years?

They started putting flashlite kits and Leatherman type stuff and its all junk. IMO

 

[mmack66]

Snap-On = Rolls Royce.....

If this is true why have they started selling packaged junk at Sams and Costco over the last few years?

They started putting flashlite kits and Leatherman type stuff and its all junk. IMO

Because they can make money off of licensing their name and not have to produce anything, and because they know that people will buy it just because it has Snap-On slapped on it.

 

[kythri]

snap on tool will hold its value and you can get a good Roi if you decide to sell.

This is quite possibly the WORST reason to buy anything, tools or otherwise.

Further, in the case of premium brand tools, it's simply inaccurate. Used premium brand tools may command a higher price than used mid-tier or low-end tools, but it's usually a lower percentage of retail.

Ultimately, though, none of that matters, because buying something based on it's resale value is, again, just a poor financial decision.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Because they can make money off of licensing their name and not have to produce anything, and because they know that people will buy it just because it has Snap-On slapped on it.

Same deal with the baseball caps; neither the New York Yankees or the Minnesota Twins have a cap factory..

 

[Gmonkee]

Its a troll thread, the OP never bothered to post again. Any guesses as to who has this habit of playing with the crew here like that?

It is funny to me to see how polarized this crew gets about such a trivial topic. The odd responses and the hard feelings it brings out.

Duh, we buy what is in our own markets that fits our needs. Be it whatever. "The best" is not a cut and dried definition either. I have some of what I call 'the best' and none of it came from Kenosha's offerings.
A couple came from China....... -gasp- ........ But hey, good user tools can be made anywhere these days anyway.

The HF/cheap ratchet love is where I get lost. I had years of nothing but troubles with cheap ratchets and swore them all off. I got me a well known good model and it has given no troubles at all in years.
You guys who go gaga over them amaze me, but, to each his own. Now with the new thread on the HF new models it starts over again.
Duralast to Carlisle, now we all must have these.

My Facoms haven't failed yet causing me to need to try any of these at all. I'll sit this one out too.

 

[mmack66]

Same deal with the baseball caps; neither the New York Yankees or the Minnesota Twins have a cap factory..

True, but that is a different situation than Snap-On licensing their name to put on crappy trinkets.

 

[stikman56]

This is quite possibly the WORST reason to buy anything, tools or otherwise.

Further, in the case of premium brand tools, it's simply inaccurate. Used premium brand tools may command a higher price than used mid-tier or low-end tools, but it's usually a lower percentage of retail.

Ultimately, though, none of that matters, because buying something based on it's resale value is, again, just a poor financial decision.

Unless you're looking to make money.There's many things that are a good investment. In the case of tools ,it simply don't exist. Simple math. Guy I worked with used that one on me once about his tool box, and his Snap-On tools. I asked him what it cost....4 grand I think he said. I told him sell it and see how much he lost and I'll sell my 800 dollar US General box and see how much I lost. Their tools cost so much, you're always going to lose more than if you bought an inexpensive tool that works, unless you get a deal on used. I say you should buy and use what you like when it comes to ANYTHING though. That's what really matters, isn't it?

 

[scratchedup]

Same deal with the baseball caps; neither the New York Yankees or the Minnesota Twins have a cap factory..

I was just surprised because of THE SO NAME and the stuff was JUNK.

 

[ChvyC10]

As much as I love snapon and have 2 SO boxes + lots of handtools and specialty tools... Their sockets are prices insanely high Imo.. I use mostly sk and craftsman for sockets. I can't justify spending 3 or 4x the amount for sockets when all of my sk swivel sockets haven't let me down yet and i use them daily (ford tech)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mmack66]

The HF/cheap ratchet love is where I get lost. I had years of nothing but troubles with cheap ratchets and swore them all off. I got me a well known good model and it has given no troubles at all in years.
You guys who go gaga over them amaze me, but, to each his own. Now with the new thread on the HF new models it starts over again.
Duralast to Carlisle, now we all must have these.

Most of the made in Taiwan HF ratchets may be inexpensive, but they aren't cheaply made. Plenty of folks love them, so I would say they are of decent quality.

 

[ganymede]

Same deal with the baseball caps; neither the New York Yankees or the Minnesota Twins have a cap factory..

This.
9 yr old me was devastated to find out that Roger Staubach didn't make a cherished, blue n white star logo sweatshirt I had worn for all of 4th grade.

 

[stikman56]

Most of the made in Taiwan HF ratchets may be inexpensive, but they aren't cheaply made. Plenty of folks love them, so I would say they are of decent quality.

I've been using their Pittsburgh Pro 1/2" extendable ratchet for about 3 years now, every day at work, and it's the only 1/2" ratchet I use. It's strong, works great, 72 teeth. There are some gems in the store, AND SOME JUNK. I have no need or want to use another 1/2" ratchet to tell you the truth. I think it was 15 dollars on sale, and I still can't believe how well it functions. Maybe it's hit and miss with their ratchets, I don't know, but I think this is one of those tools that proves you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

True, but that is a different situation than Snap-On licensing their name to put on crappy trinkets.

Those caps are made under license of the teams.. Same with toy manufacturers building models of toy tractors... The license agreement may be stated on the box or a tag.. Some years back, Lionel and the Union Pacific Railroad were in a ******* match over name use infringement....

Registered Trademarks are owned property that can be leased out if the owner chooses to do so.

Those junk trinklets should state something such as "SnapOn licensed product" on the wrapper. Iwould be surprised if they did not.

 

[NorthSea92]

When I started my apprenticeship as a mechanic 3 years ago I was earning £110 a week, I had to pay my mum £30 a week, train fares and also needed money to buy lunch leaving me with roughly £40 to myself.

I had an SK 3/8 socket set, Snap On screwdrivers and spanners when I started but this wasn't enough and I didn't want to buy cheap tools and then replace them with good ones. I didn't want to save my money and then buy the German brands or Koken sockets which are available here and cheaper than Snap On, I wanted the tools right there and then and I'm sure I'm not the only guy who's been like that so I bought about £500 worth of tools from my dealer and paid him £40 a week until my account was cleared, did it again and always made sure to buy the tools on promotion unless it was something that couldn't wait.

After doing that a few times I needed a bigger box and after finishing my first year and getting a pay rise I bought a KRA4107 on Snap On finance and paid it off in less than a year, during the second year I had more money to burn so bought more tools and paid him more money.

Now in my third year I have a KRL722 that's very nearly full, the box is still being paid for but my account with the dealer is clear and I'm going to buy more stuff on Monday but instead of £40 a week I can pay £110 now.

It was the financing that sold Snap On to me, if I'd tried to save that £40 a week at home until I could afford some Euro tools I probably would have blown it on getting drunk with my friends and have hardly any tools now but instead I've got £16000 worth of Snap On. I'm not Snap On daft, something's I hate like the circlip pliers and Instinct handles so I buy them in different brands.

 

[Dust Devil]

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.

lol!!

 

[Dust Devil]

I own a hodgepodge of Pliers ranging from knipex, Snap on, Cl and WF. The only think I prefer about Snap On is that they are easily found on Ebay very reasonable and the comfortable "squishy" red grips, they are very comfortable.

Yes indeed the snap on pliers have awesome grips and some great steel

 

[Dust Devil]

Eh, pull a coolant hose off with a pair of Talon Grip slip joints and then tell me the Germans make better pliers... Nothing quite hangs on like those do. I do like Knipex side cutters though.

Yes indeed. Great for puling on large springs. no more slipping.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

 

[Fretters]

Well, judging from those few posts by DD, whomever asked what the definition of a "S.O fan boy" entailed now has their answer.

 

[joel63]

This is silly. People but snapon because that's what they want. People buy other brands for the same reason. They buy it because for them it works. It here's buy other brands that work for them.

All brands do the job but not all brands suit the individual users likes and dislikes.

Very succinctly and eloquently stated response. (IMHO)



"There is a difference" Can't remember the origin of this quote.

 

[ducksface]

I have not read the thread.
I do however have my first ever new snap on tools.
Someone needed some money so I picked them up.

The handle on the file set have rough flashing on them where they didn't even other to pass them across a buffer.
The vise grip set is pure ****. Embossed as snap on they are also printed as snap on. Print came off in my hand and turned them red. Chrome finish is purest of Western auto **** bin finished. Made in Spain I think.

Chanel locks.... Not up to Lowes quality.
The blueprint digital caliper makes harbor freight look like nasa quality tools.

The bluepointmicrometers are pure **** and says China on them.

Of course I have the vintage ratchet and various unmatched stuff picked up here and there.

I can't believe there are believers in the pure swap meet quality **** I found.

The fi

 

[Dust Devil]

Well, judging from those few posts by DD, whomever asked what the definition of a "S.O fan boy" entailed now has their answer.

They make my work eaiser..I cant help be a fan.

 

[LB-1911]

Its a troll thread, the OP never bothered to post again. Any guesses as to who has this habit of playing with the crew here like that?

They sure took the bait.

Last Activity: 09-26-2014 07:30 AM

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

My cottage on Muskoka Ontario.

I didn't have a price in mind. I guess up to 200, but I don't like spyderco , and I go for quality, not looks. The Hele has both quality and looks. That's why I bought it.

Past Due....

 

[pi_guy]

One question who makes better 1/4 drive flex sockets?
Does any one else make deep flex sockets<non impact>?