Why Snap-On?

[diesel research]

a job with provided tools ?

Had 4 of 'em, out of the past 5.

Didn't mention the last one provided a strange hodge podge of cheap chaiwan, wright, blue point (usa), proto, snappy, napa professional, milwaukee, IR, and air cat. That job didn't count since most everything was accomplished with 1 or 1-1/2" drive impacts and a torch. The day I left, I was supposed to be put in charge of tool maintenance and procurement. Kind of a shopping spree on tools so to speak. That was a lot more heavy duty job than your typical gm store flat rater. One of the "spanner" wrenches I made was 3ft long with a 12" open end. Had a shackle welded to the end and was pulled by a crane or winch to apply necessary torque.

Forgot the job before that which provided cman professional and thin profile ratchets. Didn't use them all too often. Once in a while on a milwaukee impactor. The tool budget there was "open" so long as individual purchases were less than $5,000. More than $5,000 and you had to break up the purchases or do a lot of paper work like "value added" "return on investment" ect ect. Snap on was an eligible option, BUT the supervisor was a craftsman fanboy and claimed there was no better tool. Atleast he splurged for the professional type, a large margin better than the rp ****. He had a personal grudge against tool truck tools.

 

[stopdroplol]

a job with provided tools ?

The majority of the tools aviation mechanics use are provided. Mostly because of Safety Inspections but not always (FOD ratchets for instance).

Actually got to tour American Eagle and American Airlines facilities at LAX last week. Didn't see any tool boxes at AA. Eagle had quite a few, but the majority were <5 drawers and carries. Only saw a couple of Snapon boxes.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I prefer a good tool, knowing im going to get some use out of it. If you cant afford new (cant blame you Im the same age though ive been a mechanic for 5 yrs) just buy something used here and there, those are my favorite snap on tools.

 

[mofo62]

Why Snap-On?

Its Best of Tools of World!!!.its very simple.Expensive but awesome Tools,


My top 5


1-Snap On
2-Proto
3-Wright
4-Facom
5-Armstrong




V!

 

[CutterFarms]

I am not a tech, but a full time farmer and something is always broke or waiting to be fixed
I bought all craftsman tools 20 years ago and when my open end wrenches started flexing and my neighbor was a John Deere mechanic and loaned me his flank drive plus wrenches all my tools are now snap on and worth every penny to me. Being out in the country its 30 miles one way to go and warranty a box store or craftsman tool but 4 tractor for dealerships within 5 miles of my farm I just call snap on rep and he brings whatever I need. Which 90% of the time is a new purchase and not a warranty item.

 

[Rlfd213]

I started working on cars and trucks back in 1990 and was using craftsman tools my dad gave me. After a while I started buying snap on and what sold me was when he left me a #2 Phillips screw driver. As silly as it sounds I was shocked that he wanted 90.00 for a set of screw drivers and craftsman was 15.00. Anyway after using it for a week and feeling and seeing the difference I was sold on the quality of their tools. Same went with the flank drive wrenches. Just my opinion

 

[zkling]

Anymore it is an investment in the future. They are about the only tool company that seems to...

a.) Have a promising future, will be around for a long time?
b.) Be mostly commited to USA manufacturing.
c.) Have pretty decent service.
d.) Progress in design techonology and innovation.
e.) Somewhat easily accessible to everyone, even though that may mean ordering online.


Buy what you can afford, but also look at the big picture. *Focus on what you really need, pick specific items where quality is paramount for your uses. Last time I checked a Snap On ratchet still fits on a SK, armstrong or the like sockets and vice versa.

For those earning their living with hand tools where time is money, especially those in a flat rate situation, the investment in quality tools to make the job faster is an easy choice to make. Especially when you factor in delivery.

With all that said, off shore (Asian) companies such as HF and gearwrench have really stepped up the quality on certain products (ratchets mostly) where great savings can be had*.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Buy what works for you and what you can afford. I have never, ever gone wrong with Craftsman and have done all sorts of repairs with them over 30+ years. I've had to use the warranty very infrequently over the years.

I can also duplicate my tool set in two locations with Craftsman. With Snap On, I couldn't do that as easily (not without spending a lot of money).

 

[ssdave]

Most of us over time experiment with what we use and reach an equilibrium point balancing price/usability/warranty/availability of our tools. That point changes as our lives change and we change the type or quantity of work we do, and the affluence level we are at.

I have worked as a mechanic and machinist in the past, but I make a living managing people now, and work mostly on the computer. At home, I do mechanic and construction and machinist and industrial work because of interest and to do things better than I can hire them done. To me the most important thing is that I don't hurt myself doing them. No reason to skin up your hands, break bones, cut yourself, etc. Cheap tools break, slip, round off fasteners, etc and lead to this type of injury. It doesn't take may episodes over your life to convince you that you don't want it to happen again.

Snap-on tools have the highest probability of not failing and doing that. They are also well designed, well finished, and just plain nice. There's a real luxury to owning and using things that are top of the line that you like, if you can afford to do so.

That's why I own Snap-on.

I also own many other brands, of comparable quality to Snap-on, These are tools that I like for particular reasons; they work particularly well for the job they do compared to comparable tools in other brands. So, I'm not really a fanboy that uses Snap-on to the exclusion of all others.

Some of the tools that I have in preference to, or equal to Snap-on are Proto, Indestro, Williams, and Mac. I have a more extensive selection of Proto than I do Snap-on. However, for overall quality and features in one brand, Snap-on is tops. If I had to only have one brand that would be it.

 

[shamrock12]

I am not a tech, but a full time farmer and something is always broke or waiting to be fixed
I bought all craftsman tools 20 years ago and when my open end wrenches started flexing and my neighbor was a John Deere mechanic and loaned me his flank drive plus wrenches all my tools are now snap on and worth every penny to me. Being out in the country its 30 miles one way to go and warranty a box store or craftsman tool but 4 tractor for dealerships within 5 miles of my farm I just call snap on rep and he brings whatever I need. Which 90% of the time is a new purchase and not a warranty item.

Seeing that you are a farmer, I would have to ask if you have ever seen or heard of Wright Grip wrenches? They are identical to Snap-on Flake Drive Plus and performs equally, if not better, for significant less money. They are available in chrome and satin finishes, and are made in USA as well.

Just thinking maybe the Wright set would be good for field work so if you should lose one (or a few) then the loss would not be as bad as Snap-on. I still would keep the nice Snap-on set in your shop

 

[PJNJ]

Quite surprised that this thread didn't break down into a fanboy vs. basher fight. Pretty good information and advice. To me the reality is this - Snap On makes from very good to the best in tools in many categories and re-badges some very good tools from other manufacturers. Snap On provides on-premises sales service and in-person warranty service often provided quickly after a phone call (and yes, there are some bad and terrible reps on the job giving a bad name to Snap On). And Snap On provides financing on those tools. For many mechanics making a living with their tools this can mean the difference between a good day at work and a really, really crappy day since time lost costs money and bosses can be real ******* (insert appropriate curse here).

For the rest of us the meaning of all that can be lost or not understood. If you do heavy DIY work on your own and family vehicles, some Snap On tools are indispensable. One example for me is the brake line (flare nut) wrenches. You'll have to come to your own conclusions.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I am not a tech, but a full time farmer and something is always broke or waiting to be fixed

I bought all craftsman tools 20 years ago and when my open end wrenches started flexing and my neighbor was a John Deere mechanic and loaned me his flank drive plus wrenches all my tools are now snap on and worth every penny to me. Being out in the country its 30 miles one way to go and warranty a box store or craftsman tool but 4 tractor for dealerships within 5 miles of my farm I just call snap on rep and he brings whatever I need. Which 90% of the time is a new purchase and not a warranty item.

Basically same situation for me. We've been working toward a lot of Snap On on our farm as well. My dealer went to my brother-in-laws place of work. But he will still makes stops to our shop. Even went out of his way to deliver things for me. When the tools are quality and the service is quality and easier than going to a store why not?

Seeing that you are a farmer, I would have to ask if you have ever seen or heard of Wright Grip wrenches? They are identical to Snap-on Flake Drive Plus and performs equally, if not better, for significant less money. They are available in chrome and satin finishes, and are made in USA as well.



Just thinking maybe the Wright set would be good for field work so if you should lose one (or a few) then the loss would not be as bad as Snap-on. I still would keep the nice Snap-on set in your shop

I can't answer for cutterfarms but for me it's just been about convenience. Sure I may have paid more for a set of Snap On. But if something bust it's a lot nicer when a dealer can come by your shop can show up that day or next day with a replacement. I've thought about buying a set of Wright wrenches, along with several other things. I'm not saying I won't either. But I'm no where near a place that supplies Wright tools. Then I'll have to go through the process of calling the company, sending it in and waiting for what could be a week for a replacement. Where I'm located if you don't buy a truck brand then about the nicest you'll get is a Craftsman, we all know they aren't improving any.

 

[anndel]

I a mix of different brands as I'm not a full time mechanic, not even part time. I just maintain/repair my wife's and my vehicles. Sometimes I help friends and neighbors as well. I only have a few SO tools, those that I use frequently and the ergonomic feel is why I buy them. I have Craftsman, Harbor Freight (emergency truck box), Tekton, Sunex, SK, CDI, Armstrong, Stanley, Channelock, Knipex, Ko-Ken, etc. I buy what I use and can afford but pick up SOs along the way for tools I use most of the time. Different stokes for different folks!

 

[Empty Pockets]

It's been years since I have pulled a wrench for a living. In the early 70's I started my collection of tools with Craftsman. As a kid, fixing lawn mowers, bicycles and mini bikes they were sufficient.

As time went on., I adopted a few antique cars, my Craftsman tools began tearing up fasteners. I began to upgrade with "previously enjoyed" truck brands through auctions and flea markets. The difference was obvious and immediate.

I soon went to work for a local trucking company (oil changes, tires and the like). My truck brand tool collection grew. I later bought a truck, and did my own maintenance. Most of my craftsman tools were put away, never to see daylight again.

As I am approaching retirement, I sold my truck, and I am now diving for someone else and rarely pull a wrench, except for friends and family.

I will still NEVER sacrifice quality for price when buying tools.

 

[scooterGA]

I started at 15 in a family owned shop. Pushing 50 now and have always made my living under the hood. From independents to factory dealerships I have worked in most environments. I still remember the 1st Snap On tool I ever purchased. A 3/8 drive comfort handle ratchet. I remember even in 1982 the way I felt when I held it and how it still works exactly the same to this day. I have had it built a couple times but its still my go to ratchet. I have spent over 30 years in this trade and made a good living and am currently putting a daughter through college. I have owned everything that is most likely available and have to this day a full box at work as well as a full box at home. I am a Snap On believer but I also have some Mac as well as craftsman and others in my box as well. I have purchased what I needed and sometimes what I wanted and sometimes hell because it was cool. Training and commitment and staying educated and taking pride in what you do is far more important than any tool you can own. I am a Snap On mechanic because I truly believe they are the best tools made but I don't need a Snap On tool to do my job however I LIKE to do my job with them because as experience has taught me, there is a true difference in how they are made and the customer service I have always been given.

 

[zmotorsports]

First of all, I'm not trying to start anything with this. I'm sure some of you guys have really strong opinions about this, and I'm sure it's been asked before. But I'd really like to know, from you who own and love them, why Snap-On?

I'm a 23-year-old gearhead. I don't have enough cash to afford nice tools most of the time, so I think I'm pretty good at making do with ****. I've never owned Snap-On, I have mostly Craftsman and Harbor Freight junk. I work on cars for a hobby, and I'm a machinist-in-training. So I know my perspective is very different from you lucky guys who work on cars for a living. But here's what I think:

As far as quality goes, I've used Snap-On once or twice, and you don't have to tell me the quality is awesome. I know it's there, and when people say they don't break, I believe it. But then again Craftsman (for example) has a lifetime warranty, so why does that matter?

As far as effectiveness goes, isn't a wrench a wrench? With the relatively common hand tools, do they do the job any better than others?

As far as price/availability goes, I just don't get it. I've looked at their website, and the prices are...staggering. $400 for a 3/8" socket set. $15,000 for a roll cab. (I could build a garage for the cost of some of their toolboxes!) $1500 for a set of wrenches. Are the prices cheaper when you buy them off the truck? Do you haggle or get a discount? Do they let you buy on credit or something?

I know you stated this is not for full-time wrenching but here is my take. I started wrenching as an industrial maintenance mechanic at age 19. I walked in with a fairly complete set of tools in a Craftsman top and bottom box, nothing special and many tools were of the Harbor Freight quality. I was working as a parts counterman and wrenching on my personal vechicles plus on anything else I could to earn extra money.

Once I started wrenching professionally I found out that there was definitely a difference in quality tools. The tools I brought to the job worked most of the time but I had to know and work within the limitations of them. I rather quickly started acquiring higher quality tools as I was 100% vested in my career and wanted to be the best at what I did. NOT saying that the high end tools is all you need to be a high quality mechanic but it is hard to to high quality work with junk tools. Rounding off fasteners and not being able to fit into some spaces because the cheaper tools wall thickness are real life issues.

I told myself at a very young age (19) that I would not buy junk and I would also not buy any tools on credit. I did side work at home and put approx. 10% of my earnings into a "slush fund" or "tool fund" if you want to call it for tools. When I needed a tool I reached into that fund for the money NOT tool truck credit.

I always told myself that I would buy quality over quantity. I have lived my life that way and so far it has served me well. Many people think that you cannot afford the high dollar tools and still live comfortably but I am here to tell you that is BS. I too started out with nothing, nothing but the thirst for being the best I could be and a drive to accomplish things. I have built race cars, show cars, sand quads, sandrails, motorcycles and RV's all while still buying quality tools and raising a family. I may not drive brand new cars and trucks but I live a quality life.

This question comes up many times and it seems there are those who justify their "Snap-On" or other high end tool purchases almost as a right of passage and there are those on the other side of the fence that feel they can do just as good a job with a worn out peice of **** wrench.

Ultimately it comes down to what "YOU" want to end up with, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. I can reach into any drawer of my toolbox and know perfectly well that whatever tool I pull out of it is of quality and will fulfill the job at hand.

Mike.

 

[anndel]

i know you stated this is not for full-time wrenching but here is my take. I started wrenching as an industrial maintenance mechanic at age 19. I walked in with a fairly complete set of tools in a craftsman top and bottom box, nothing special and many tools were of the harbor freight quality. I was working as a parts counterman and wrenching on my personal vechicles plus on anything else i could to earn extra money.

Once i started wrenching professionally i found out that there was definitely a difference in quality tools. The tools i brought to the job worked most of the time but i had to know and work within the limitations of them. I rather quickly started acquiring higher quality tools as i was 100% vested in my career and wanted to be the best at what i did. Not saying that the high end tools is all you need to be a high quality mechanic but it is hard to to high quality work with junk tools. Rounding off fasteners and not being able to fit into some spaces because the cheaper tools wall thickness are real life issues.

I told myself at a very young age (19) that i would not buy junk and i would also not buy any tools on credit. I did side work at home and put approx. 10% of my earnings into a "slush fund" or "tool fund" if you want to call it for tools. When i needed a tool i reached into that fund for the money not tool truck credit.

I always told myself that i would buy quality over quantity. I have lived my life that way and so far it has served me well. Many people think that you cannot afford the high dollar tools and still live comfortably but i am here to tell you that is bs. I too started out with nothing, nothing but the thirst for being the best i could be and a drive to accomplish things. I have built race cars, show cars, sand quads, sandrails, motorcycles and rv's all while still buying quality tools and raising a family. I may not drive brand new cars and trucks but i live a quality life.

This question comes up many times and it seems there are those who justify their "snap-on" or other high end tool purchases almost as a right of passage and there are those on the other side of the fence that feel they can do just as good a job with a worn out peice of **** wrench.

Ultimately it comes down to what "you" want to end up with, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. I can reach into any drawer of my toolbox and know perfectly well that whatever tool i pull out of it is of quality and will fulfill the job at hand.

Mike.

amen

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm not a mechanic, I don't own any snap on tools.. One thing I CAN tell you is that many people will gravitate towards what the people around them use. when your starting out in a trade and the more senior employees swear by certain brands, logically it would seem they have a lot more experience, so their recommendations shouldn't be ignored. Even if their brand of choice is a great product, that doesn't mean there aren't other options that will work just as well. Most people don't have the means (or desire) to buy the same exact tools in 10 different brands so they can use them all side by side and then split hairs as to why they like one more than another. A lot of people reason that It's sometimes less expensive to NOT buy a mid priced set of wrenches ONLY to wind up buying the most expensive set after you realized you weren't happy with the first purchase.. For that reason, some people will just swing for the hills and jump right to snap on because they know it's a great brand. Many times a cheaper alternative can be just as good, but why experiment with brands each time they buy a new tool.

The only down side to buying snap on is the price. If that's something you can live with, then knock yourself out, but there's probably a dozen other professional grade brands that would make you just as happy, and earn you just as much. Buy what you like, as long as you can afford it. If tools are truly going to be an "investment" for you - then treat it as one, and weigh the cost in with the return on investment. If SK or Craftsman professional can do all the work for you, then let the bulk of your collection goto them, and save the snap on purchases for things like ratchets that get used every single day so you get your money's worth out of them.

 

[SantaAna12]

If I was a machinist in training, I would not be buying SO.

I would focus on becoming a machinist.
I would find the best cutting edge CNC training that would take me. That I could talk my way into. I would invest in a laptop and take property of materials classes at night. I would look for a mentor that, hopefully, will offer you some pearls. I would look for an internship with a good outfit for the Summer. I would find out what the top dog does at that outfit, and how he does it. And I would try to meet his expectation.

Later, if you still want to, you buy SO.

 

[FigureItOut]

I can't speak to this as well as these other guys, but all my trim tools with the exception of my Steck trim list pliers are SnapOn and I would not use anything else. I tried many other tools, but since getting the Snappy stuff I NEVER break clips, gouge panels, or resort to force on anything.
My only other SnapOn tool is a T40 socket, I've had it for years after repeatedly breaking Blue Point, Lisle, Performance Tool and others removing seat belt anchors.
So the answer is, I buy what I buy from SnapOn because it works better than anything else I've tried, does not break, and makes 1/3 of my life better.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[espyking83]

If Snap On didnt pull up to my work at lunch I wouldnt own a single tool of theirs. Great tools, best line from top to bottom, but you pay for convenience. Good company and good tools, they really provide a great product and help a lot of young mechanics out with financing. Im not a snap on fan boy, but there's been a shitload of times when i needed a tool bad but wasnt in the situation to pay for it without financing. I guess what i am trying to say is they're convenient, and generally upper echelon tools. Just dont go crazy with that credit lol

 

[LXCam]

I started at 15 in a family owned shop. Pushing 50 now and have always made my living under the hood. From independents to factory dealerships I have worked in most environments. I still remember the 1st Snap On tool I ever purchased. A 3/8 drive comfort handle ratchet. I remember even in 1982 the way I felt when I held it and how it still works exactly the same to this day. I have had it built a couple times but its still my go to ratchet. I have spent over 30 years in this trade and made a good living and am currently putting a daughter through college. I have owned everything that is most likely available and have to this day a full box at work as well as a full box at home. I am a Snap On believer but I also have some Mac as well as craftsman and others in my box as well. I have purchased what I needed and sometimes what I wanted and sometimes hell because it was cool. Training and commitment and staying educated and taking pride in what you do is far more important than any tool you can own. I am a Snap On mechanic because I truly believe they are the best tools made but I don't need a Snap On tool to do my job however I LIKE to do my job with them because as experience has taught me, there is a true difference in how they are made and the customer service I have always been given.

Dude, that should become a snappy commercial.

 

[Tim37]

When you make a living using tools you will learn to appreciate having tools that last. On day one your not gonna be able to tell much difference between a HF and so ratchet but use it daily for a few months then you will tlknow. The same hold true with any craft. Your a machinist you can buy a b&s indicator and a aerospace. At first they will perform the same but the aerospace will soon show its weakness.

My rule of thumb is If I use it daily buy the best I can. If I use it once a week buy a good one. If I use it once a month buy the cheap one.

 

[ibedayank]

Anymore it is an investment in the future. They are about the only tool company that seems to...

a.) Have a promising future, will be around for a long time?
b.) Be mostly commited to USA manufacturing.
c.) Have pretty decent service.
d.) Progress in design techonology and innovation.
e.) Somewhat easily accessible to everyone, even though that may mean ordering online.


Buy what you can afford, but also look at the big picture. *Focus on what you really need, pick specific items where quality is paramount for your uses. Last time I checked a Snap On ratchet still fits on a SK, armstrong or the like sockets and vice versa.

For those earning their living with hand tools where time is money, especially those in a flat rate situation, the investment in quality tools to make the job faster is an easy choice to make. Especially when you factor in delivery.

With all that said, off shore (Asian) companies such as HF and gearwrench have really stepped up the quality on certain products (ratchets mostly) where great savings can be had*.

and yet Snap-on has a factory in CHINA and sells tools made in CHINA.... Bluepoint and others

 

[iScream]

Because showing off their $5000 toolbox is apparently more important to many people than buying shoes for their kids.

Just kidding. Ha ha.

They really are the top of the line when it comes to USA made tools. And they can compete with pretty much anything made outside the US as well.

I own a dual 80 ratchet and some ratcheting screwdrivers but don't expect to buy much else from them in the future.

In my opinion, the gap between Snap-on quality and the next level down isn't nearly as wide as the gap in price. But I'm just a weekend warrior. Don't need to buy anything on credit and I've got duplicates of most tools so fast warranty doesn't really matter much to me.

 

[blown94conv]

The only down side to buying snap on is the price. If that's something you can live with, then knock yourself out, but there's probably a dozen other professional grade brands that would make you just as happy, and earn you just as much.

I am intrigued by this line of thought. I'll just change a few words here, and tell me if you feel the same.

"The only down side to employing union labor is the price. If that's something you can live with, then knock yourself out, but there's probably a dozen other professional grade workers that would make you just as happy, and earn you just as much."

I have bought Snap-on because I believe in buying the best I can afford. I've never had a balance, paid in full after saving, and enjoy using quality tools. I have other items that aren't Snap-on, maybe 10-15% of my tools in total.

 

[drink]

I own a small set of Snap-On tools. When I was really little my first hand tool discovery was a Snap-On ratcheting wrench that belonged to my dad. Somehow I kept up with it my entire life and it is in my Snap-On tool box today. I think a lot of Snap-On tools are specialized for the auto industry.

I am not for sure but I think a lot of places or people buy Snap-On tools because the truck will deliver them to the door of your business. The sales and service from the truck is a big convenience. Just think of how much it would cost to pay an employee to leave work to either buy a tool or get warranty service.

You might try shopping on the Snap-On tool website and try finding something you like. They will ship free on orders less than $500.00.

 

[WhiffySpark]

First of all, I'm not trying to start anything with this. I'm sure some of you guys have really strong opinions about this, and I'm sure it's been asked before. But I'd really like to know, from you who own and love them, why Snap-On?

I'm a 23-year-old gearhead. I don't have enough cash to afford nice tools most of the time, so I think I'm pretty good at making do with ****. I've never owned Snap-On, I have mostly Craftsman and Harbor Freight junk. I work on cars for a hobby, and I'm a machinist-in-training. So I know my perspective is very different from you lucky guys who work on cars for a living. But here's what I think:

As far as quality goes, I've used Snap-On once or twice, and you don't have to tell me the quality is awesome. I know it's there, and when people say they don't break, I believe it. But then again Craftsman (for example) has a lifetime warranty, so why does that matter?

As far as effectiveness goes, isn't a wrench a wrench? With the relatively common hand tools, do they do the job any better than others?

As far as price/availability goes, I just don't get it. I've looked at their website, and the prices are...staggering. $400 for a 3/8" socket set. $15,000 for a roll cab. (I could build a garage for the cost of some of their toolboxes!) $1500 for a set of wrenches. Are the prices cheaper when you buy them off the truck? Do you haggle or get a discount? Do they let you buy on credit or something?

I'm 25 and own about 40k in snapon/truck brands. Yes the wrenches are different. Same with all their drive tools. I have cheap torx round out and the snapon could still bite and get it out. I'm aware of German tools, but I have a great dealer and he makes it painless. I can't easily warranty anything else. Hell im still waiting on a warranty for a 1/4 gearwench extension

I don't regret buying anything, but if I can sell the box I will. No one pays retail on boxes either no where close. All my tools were brought on specials. But one get one etc

My dealer is the real reason though. I have a little jump pack thing that I sent into warranty. They won't repair it so he's giving me $250 off the battery charger. Not bad

 

[WhiffySpark]

I own a small set of Snap-On tools. When I was really little my first hand tool discovery was a Snap-On ratcheting wrench that belonged to my dad. Somehow I kept up with it my entire life and it is in my Snap-On tool box today. I think a lot of Snap-On tools are specialized for the auto industry.

I am not for sure but I think a lot of places or people buy Snap-On tools because the truck will deliver them to the door of your business. The sales and service from the truck is a big convenience. Just think of how much it would cost to pay an employee to leave work to either buy a tool or get warranty service.

You might try shopping on the Snap-On tool website and try finding something you like. They will ship free on orders less than $500.00.

Is that an actual arm strong box? My kid would love that for Christmas

 

[ZRX61]

I can't stand the ergonomics of their wrenches, Facom is lightyears better.

 

[Keyrick]

Snap On makes top quality tools, no question. They are also in the finance business, and they know their market. Just like an auto dealership, they sell a product, but a substantial part of their profits come from finance. Their service is mostly very good in terms of replacing a broken tool, and of being at the work location in an expected and timely manner.

They don't need to sell their tools in a brick and mortar retail environment, as they would not make as much profit as they do when they provide financing. They have their other brands for that.

Buy what you like. Snap on is very good quality. There are other brands that provide good quality as well.

 

[RalloZ35]

The way I look at it, when I break a wrench the truck guy comes on a certain day, he will hassle free give me one, I take one to sears.. "Well it looks like it was abused" or "Well we can't warranty that" (at least from my sears).. Well that's how I feel about that.

 

[pepgj]

Why Snap-on? Well, for me they seem to work well enough, and if you buy them on eBay they didn't seem too much more expensive than other name brands.

I probably wouldn't bother to buy their pliers or screwdrivers, though.

 

[stevenhs]

When you use it everyday. You will know why

 

[toddoky]

They price their products so high so all the idiots thinks their product is superior than others. Its mostly brand name. It happen all over the world. Some company will put high prices on their product with a label name. If their marketing dept. do a good job, they will succeed. Most idiots think highest price equal highest quality. Its not true. I tried some of SO products. It feels like any other product to me, not really worth their price at all.

Are you a professional mechanic?

 

[johninct]

My father started with Snap-On before WWII. I still use his Snap-On Box as well as his 7115 ratchet. I am to the point that I can not have a tool that can't do the job or worse, damage something (even if it is minor damage). If I break or wear out a tool, I get a replacement hassle free.

 

[jn50308401]

I'm of the mind that if you spend your money on a product, you don't need to justify why to anyone.

I like some Snap on, some Mac, some Craftsman and Harbor Freight. Does anyone company/ brand serve all customer's needs at the optimal price point?

Nope. That's why Maserati Quadroporte's and Ford Focus's can still be called automobiles. However, they serve different purposes at different price points for different consumers.

Basing your shopping needs on your budget and interests make for better decisions than simply shopping on a brand, because the consensus is that brand "X" is better.
when I checked last, nobody worked my 40+ hours but me. If you're willing, then please have at it. I have plenty of projects at home to complete and work is cramping my style. Just send me the pay check and I can spend it for you..

Saving that from happpening, the money that I earn can be spent where I like, on what I like.

Advice, consensus and thought provoking conversation can help someone make a good decison on a purchase such as tools.

Bomb throwing over a brand doesn't help anyone.


Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[kctyphoon]

I am intrigued by this line of thought. I'll just change a few words here, and tell me if you feel the same.

"The only down side to employing union labor is the price. If that's something you can live with, then knock yourself out, but there's probably a dozen other professional grade workers that would make you just as happy, and earn you just as much."

I have bought Snap-on because I believe in buying the best I can afford. I've never had a balance, paid in full after saving, and enjoy using quality tools. I have other items that aren't Snap-on, maybe 10-15% of my tools in total.

I don't have any problem with that analogy AT ALL. Just because something costs more doesn't mean you'll always get a higher level of service, and it's wrong to assume that it ALWAYS will.. A "union" electrician doesn't guarantee the person is more knowledgeable or caring over someone who's not in a local. Each person should be judged on their own merit and personal ability - and not solely on the label attached to them. Just like how bringing your car into a dealer for repairs doesn't "promise" that the guy working on the your car is "better" then every other non-dealer mechanic. In fact many times is quite opposite.

So yes - each wrench should be judged on its own merit, and not "expected" that it will have no equal, or that nothing could "possibly" be better that the one you own - just because you blindly bought the most expensive one. But I must admit, I am intrigued by that line of thought. (Mines the best cause the price tag told me so)

 

[Empty Pockets]

Why Snap-on? Well, for me they seem to work well enough, and if you buy them on eBay they didn't seem too much more expensive than other name brands.

I probably wouldn't bother to buy their pliers or screwdrivers, though.

Their phillips screwdrivers, while pricey, are the best I've ever used.

 

[Flivver250]

First of all, I'm not trying to start anything with this. I'm sure some of you guys have really strong opinions about this, and I'm sure it's been asked before. But I'd really like to know, from you who own and love them, why Snap-On?

I'm a 23-year-old gearhead. I don't have enough cash to afford nice tools most of the time, so I think I'm pretty good at making do with ****. I've never owned Snap-On, I have mostly Craftsman and Harbor Freight junk. I work on cars for a hobby, and I'm a machinist-in-training. So I know my perspective is very different from you lucky guys who work on cars for a living. But here's what I think:

As far as quality goes, I've used Snap-On once or twice, and you don't have to tell me the quality is awesome. I know it's there, and when people say they don't break, I believe it. But then again Craftsman (for example) has a lifetime warranty, so why does that matter?

As far as effectiveness goes, isn't a wrench a wrench? With the relatively common hand tools, do they do the job any better than others?

As far as price/availability goes, I just don't get it. I've looked at their website, and the prices are...staggering. $400 for a 3/8" socket set. $15,000 for a roll cab. (I could build a garage for the cost of some of their toolboxes!) $1500 for a set of wrenches. Are the prices cheaper when you buy them off the truck? Do you haggle or get a discount? Do they let you buy on credit or something?

You have given your reasons not to buy them. Good enough. Don't buy them.