Why Snap-On?

[tehfade]

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?

 

[treasureseeker]

What a tool is worth comes from personal experience, research and intended use.

 

[chewy7]

to each person a tool is worth sometimes a different way, some more than others

 

[mrshaun]

When a cheap tool tears up your fastener you will see why quality matters.

 

[TruckTech]

First of all, I'm not trying to start anything with this.

Really? I doubt that.

 

[t100]

an over-sized wing on a Honda Civic can add 10% extra horse power, a Snap On wrench in your hand can increase your skill level and pay grade by 50%.

a Chinese tool can automatically get yourself killed, according to some of the GJ members belief.

now move on.

 

[shampoop]

I didn't really get it either at first and owned only craftsman and harbor freight like yourself. But once you start using the tools a lot and find yourself in tough situations, you realize how awesome they are. You really will never understand unless you buy some yourself. I think their best tools are their soft grip, dual 80 ratchets. ESPECIALLY their 3/8" locking flex head soft grip! I know I sound like a broken record on this board talking about it, but I really really really love mine. It's by far what you will use the most, and also the one that is much better than the competition and allows you to do things you couldn't previously do, and do everything else much easier. I also really like their pliers and wrenches. Most of all of their other tools aren't that big of a deal.

 

[pipsters]

Just a hunch but there really aren't any "low cost" alternatives for mechanics to get student loans. My student loans were set at 2.25%, practically below inflation. Tools are like a mechanics student loans in some ways. For guys without the means to borrow cheaply or pay cash for items, it's possible the Snap-On or other tool truck is their only means to get tools they need to start earning money.

 

[billymade]

Pick a tool that you use the most... (for me) I think IMHO, this would be a long 3/8" drive swivel head ratchet! My most used tool; get a Snap-On one, try it and then make your own decisions about what you like and enjoy using. This type of question will go on forever, get some Snap-On yourself and see what you think... I have a sneaking suspicion you will enjoy using them.

Find one of these used; no reason to pay retail!: (post a wanted in the classifieds here or look at your local pawn shop or flea market! Snap-On tools can be found for 1/2 retail price or lower.)

Ratchet, Dual 80 Technology, Long Flex-Head, Comfort Grip, 3/8" drive, 13 5/8"
Stock#: FHLF80

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=21365&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

As time goes by, you'll find that everyone's needs are different. Start with what you can afford, and as time goes on, GRADUALLY start replacing things that you use regularly with higher quality stuff. And don't look TOO hard at recommendations from others - use your own judgement. I personally prefer SK ratchets over Snapon, but it doesn't make me right. It just makes me someone who prefers SK's ratchets. Conversely, I don't think that anyone other than Snapon can make a decent screwdriver.

You'll also learn that there are pretty radical differences in wrenches from manufacturer to manufacturer. One day a while back I got bored and went through all the ¾" wrenches in my box (figured it was an easy size to remember) with a set of feeler gauges and a grade 8 bolt and found that a "cheap" Bluepoint had the tightest tolerances of the bunch (something like a .004 variance), followed by Snapon, Mac, SK and Craftsman.

 

[Ford12508]

You are a machinist in training, so you should know not all steel is the same. I use USA tools at home and chinese stuff at work. The chinese tools at work are not as comfortable in my hands most of the time, I have been through numerous pairs of tongue and groove pliers at work, and the tools rust so quickly. Granted these are cheap chinese tools, not quality tools. I just don't want to be out at someones house and have the 1 pair of pliers I have on me break so I can't do the job. My boss has yet to figure out that between the cost of 3 pairs of chinese pliers and the fact that we have to use gas and our own time to get new ones, it would be cheaper to buy snap on.

 

[usdemt]

I started buying snap on around Christmas last year. Right before that I was working on a 30ft Rescue truck in the middle of no where Iowa. I was 20 miles from any kind of hardware store, and 60 minutes from an auto parts place. I was also working at all hours of the day and night to get this truck into service. Needless to say I almost melted down at 3 in the morning one night when I ended up breaking 4 different tools on different projects on the truck. Being as this is not an unusual situation for me I started buying them. Before I was using hardware store stock brands, night and day difference to SO. I still do not buy all SO as some tools are rarely used or I like other manufacturers better. Now not everyone is in my situation but this is just my reasoning. I also have found an amazing dealer who hooks me up with some great deals, so I do find myself buying a few SO tools that I normally wouldnt just because the deal is good and he is only a phone call away for warranty.

 

[therealwormey]

i pass

 

[dime]

to me the main reason to stay with snap on or any truck brand is that they usualy do there job better, is it usualy hundreds of dollers better? well thats up to you but to me any amount less aggravation in my life is worth it.

 

[countryroad82]

Ok here is my take, I like you couldn't get past the initial purchase price of Snap On. I first started wrenching for myself on dirtbikes, hot rods, and daily drivers and all I ever had was Craftsman, I was raised that there was no better. Then I started breaking screwdrivers on a regular basis, I bought some SKs and cured that problem. I always hated Craftsman raised panel ratchets as when you really put the torque on them you hurt your hands so I upgraded to Performance Tool (Taiwanese I know but I still stand by the stuff for the price). Then I started turning wrenches for a living as I started out as a school bus mechanic, tools were provided but the box was a nightmare to find anything so I bought SK 1/4 and 3/8 sets to keep on my truck (and I still stand by that decision today SK is excellent stuff). At home I have a body shop that I mainly do restoration work or light customization and have gotten into a position where I wanted to start upgrading some of my tools. There is nothing wrong with my Craftsman sockets so I am keeping those for now but I did start upgrading my ratchets around last year to SO Dual 80s and do not regret it at all (the Performance Tool brand is still there though ) I was going to stop there but now after trying out the Flank Drive line of wrenches I am now going to upgrade on those too (refer to my last thread) and a few other knick knacks. What I am getting at is if you don't wrench for a living, yes it is hard to spend the $$ on tools that are rarely used. For myself although I am buying more SO I still have bigger things I want to buy (lift) or personal projects I want to complete (at least one of the three Chevelles I have, 2 of the damned things are taking up precious space in the shop.... anybody in the market for a 71? PM me) so I will be stretching my purchases out for the long run mainly as I have a little extra cash and want to treat myself. Anyway sorry for the long post but hopefully this might shed a little light from one end of the SO spectrum..... Oh yeah I still use and love my SKs so don't think I am a complete SO snob.

 

[Jim C.]

a Snap On wrench in your hand can increase your skill level and pay grade by 50%.

Wow!!!!!! That is one heck of a claim!!!!!

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

back when being a dealership mechanic was a high paying job , I spent about what a house costs [outside of the northeast ] on snap on tools

most of junk is over 20 years old
snap on is the only dealer in most places

 

[LawnDart79]

So I know my perspective is very different from you lucky guys who work on cars for a living.

Lucky?!?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

While some may consider themselves lucky they get to work on cars for a living, most think otherwise.

It aint what it used to be.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

be used to switching jobs and not getting paid

should have bought a house

 

[canuckian]

for me, it's personal preference and the fact that I was sick of ruining fasteners and beating my hands up when wrenches slip or ratchet teeth shear. For a lot of pro mechanincs, it's because of warranty, convenience, tool strength, how the tool feels in the hand, etc etc etc.
everyone has different reasons and justifications as to why they choose Snap On so there's no one conclusive answer on the subject.

 

[NWphotog]

Tools don't make the mechanic, the mechanic makes the tools.

 

[t100]

Wow!!!!!! That is one heck of a claim!!!!!

75% if he's got a triple-bay KRL box.

seriously, good mechanics get **** done with whatever they have on hand, great mechanics are prepared, they get the same **** done with proper tools in the right ways.

Tiger Woods can hit a golf ball farther with a broom stick than I use a titanium driver.

there have been few threads here about people rather spend their money on good tools than get themselves trained. all they end is debt and useless(for them) tools.

 

[demographic]

Tools don't make the mechanic, the mechanic makes the tools.

Worth quoting.

 

[Jim C.]

75% if he's got a triple-bay KRL box.

Do you have any facts or figures to support this claim?? LOL!!!!

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

When a cheap tool tears up your fastener you will see why quality matters.

He is right, I had remove a rusty *** brake line in ford, I had my Craftsman pro polished ones,they rounded the tube nut..
I had to replace that section..
On the other side I used my Snap On, it came out....

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

hold your head up ...you can fix a car ...now getting paid is another story

 

[t100]

you fix a car ...now the toolman getting paid is the story

fixed for ya.

 

[ARAMP1]

When I was 23 I couldn't afford snap on either.

 

[Brutl67]

Snap on trucks will allow you to maintain a truck account, so you can purchase their tools and pay for em over a period of time. Also, take a Snap On tool, put it in the hand of a Technician and let him wrench with it, and then offer to trade him a craftsman tool and a couple bucks....90% of the time he won't give you that Snap On Tool he's using. I'm just saying, as an Automotive Technician that uses tools to make his living....The quality and piece of mind that if you somehow manage to break a tool, or don't have the tool you need, that the truck is just a phone call away, and he'll usually be able to get to you that day, or get to where you can meet him/her. I've met the Snap On truck on several occasions when I needed that one special tool.

 

[JMLoughrey]

I dont use snapon, i use mac, the snapon guy in my area is a shady and very unprofessional person. But, my end point is the same.

Im a Car audio installer, been doing it for a little over 6 years now. The first 3 years i used whatever i could afford. Mainly craftsman, some kobalt here and there. It wasnt until i changed jobs, and tried the higher end tools that i really notced the difference.
It started small, with screwdrivers, they just felt better, grip was more ergonomic, i wasnt breaking the tips every couple weeks either. Been using the same one for 3 years now, i've probably taken out 10K+ screws by now with it. Bits still straight, not bent, little worn, but thats expected with any tool used daily.

Then i had an issue with my ratchet, 3 months old, shattered the internals, couldn't leave the shop and get a new one, was the only installer in the shop that worked there at the time, and without my ratchet i couldn't put this guys car back together. Called the Mac guy and he was there in less then an hr. Bought a new ratchet and got the job done. Even gave me a fee rebuild kit and the next week showed me exactly what to do to rebuild it incase i got in that situation again. Over time i noticed the ratchet felt nicer, didnt have any "flex", hand didnt hurt after torqueing a bolt down anymore. I was sold.

In the end, its all personal preference, and personal experience. If you've ever had a "cheaper" tool break on you while your using it, be it a socket, ratchet, even screwdriver, it never happens at a good time, and usully you end up bleeding, almost never fails.

I grew up playing ice hockey, i remember looking at say shin pads, they ranged from $25 to $200. Theres a big price differnece there in terms of quality. Would buying $200 shin pads make me a better hockey player, hell no. But they'll more likely make you feel a little better about life whe an 80MPH slap shot hits you in the shins then if you bought the $25 pair.

I guess its just the way i was raised, the area i was raised in, and the people i've met along the way but i've always been told "you get what you pay for."

If you give 5 contractors plans to build a garage, 4 of the guys come in at right around $50K (within $500 either way) and you have one guy come in at $30K. All for the same garage, i bet your not picking that $35K bid, somethings gotta give somewhere.

 

[durallymax]

I know your feeling. I couldnt believe my eyes when i saw the prices of the truck brands. i thought the internet prices were just MSRPs and that the truck sold them for half of that. I was wrong there, still couldnt believe the prices. Until I started using them everyday. It becomes very obvious.

I can say with my nice tool truck brands, i have fewer rounded fasteners and less busted knuckles.

You really can tell a difference in the quality.

The customer service is part of it too.

For me the SO guy is a 5 minute drive away, the Matco guy is 2 minutes.

start with cheaper stuff, then work your way up. Buy the HF roller chest and start filling it with good tools.

 

[smalltruck]

If you have to work on rusted bolts you soon learn why people buy SO Cornwell Mac or Matco wrenches....

 

[Gasser Built]

I think you are at the right age to buy tools from the trucks.
Last year I was 23 years old, and bought a little more than $6k on Snap-on, Matco, Mac and Cornwell.
Now if I was older, married and had kids, I don't think I would be able to afford them.

 

[richfinn]

The sockets fit the fasteners better and have thin walls for better clearance in tight spaces.

The extensions are thicker and dont twist as much which makes it easier to gauge how much torque you are applying.

The ratchets are tough and hard wearing and comfortable.

When you fix cars for a living, every second counts and you need reliable easy to operate tools without any quirks that wont break fasteners or parts.

This is true of all well made tools not just Snap-On.

Its OK tinkering at home with crappy tools but you cant make any real money with them as they are too slow in a workshop environment.

 

[durallymax]

Another piece of advice I think was mentioned was spending money in the right places first. Buy a couple of very nice 3/8" Ratchets a stubby flex, long locking flex, you will find yourself using these more than anything.

And I agree with the age thing. Your at the age to buy. Later on you will have many more expenses.

Another comparison of tools is tool truck brand deep wells versus say craftsman. On the ones where they have to neck down to the fastenee size the tool truck brands start just after where the drive square ends. Craftsman only neck down at thr very end. This comes into play in right circumstances . Little things like these are what to pay attention to when buying.

 

[back2class]

Well, they offer the best on just about every item across their line. That is about 1/3 of it. The other 1/3 is convienence of delivery, warranty and payments. The last 1/3 is buyer ego.

Truth is if it werent for the easy credit and come to your door their tools would be priced around the same as Proto or Wright. I sold most of my snap-on and replaced it with just as good stuff in many cases and in others slightly lower quality. I am a hobby user though and I do not value shine, brand image or easy come to you waranty. For me snap-on made little sense.
If I were working with them every day as a tech, the stuff that got used everyday would be snap-on. The 2-3% better in terms of quality over lets say Craftsman in function adds up to a few less hassles a year in messed up tools, fasteners and knuckles. That means a few hundred dollars lost time making Snap-On a better value. Since this is my opinion let me add this is what I think it makes sense to own Snap-On tool in. Torx, hex, wrenches with open ends and other tools that are often pushed to the very edge of falure. May I add screwdrivers and taps/dies because of high quality and easy warranty. I would add ratchets to that easy warranty/quality list, but I just don't care for SO ratchets. The rest like Adjustable Wrenches, common pliers, punches and so on, snap-on serves no real value except ego.

 

[diesel research]

I started buying better tools at age 23 or 24.

My tool beginnings started with a kmart benchtop 3/8 set I bought for maybe $10 when I was 16. Was a beast of a set, and actually preferred over my fathers craftsman stuff. Partially because I had to pay if I lost them. They proved themselves worthy, the winter day I sheered the cylinder head bolts off with a 5ft cheater. Tough enough.

I went on to buy a 254pc set when I moved out (age 18) and forgot to take the benchtop stuff with me. There were not many failures, but there were quite a few times you could feel something about to give. I was working on heavy trucks on a daily basis, and trying to maintain my bmw. 2 things that stuck out. There was quite a lack of tools that I actually needed. Sure there was plenty of duplicates of 6 and 12pt, but there were quite a few skipped sizes in both wrenches and sockets. The wrenches were short, the ratchets were subpar. Of course there was an ergonomic factor at play as well.

My foreman rolled out this giant bin of loose miscellaneous tools and told me to piece together my own set, which I could keep. Pieced together a very complete SK superkrome wrench set, a LOT of SK sockets, some armstrong stuff, bondhus, proto, ect ect. All 100% free.

I was now experiencing higher quality "mid range" industrial tools. Noticed a better finish, felt more secure, and definitely more ergonomic. I absolutely do not like feeling tools flex excessively. Leaves that feeling of uncertainty.

Later, they provided me with employer provided snap on. I noted a more useful tool length, bit better fit, was amazed by the screw drivers, nice punches/chisels/chisel holder, a wider variety of sizes with less holes. Again, did not pay for them. I also observed some things I didn't care for so much. Wasn't fond of the course 36T 936 type ratchets, the cost I paid when losing one (s936 ratchet), and thin wrench beams that dug in when bared down upon.

I moved on to another shop, my previous free collection was gone, and lucked out with provided SK set similar to what I had pieced together myself previously. Never liked those SK ratchets.

Went on to buy more SK, including the spline/palm control set, some recent armstrong, some snap on screw drivers and prybars, some snappy swivel impacts, a snappy diesel timing set, a few specialty wrenches, ect ect.

Never once were the purchased tools used. Nor were they on any form of credit or revolving account. Outright cash, new. As a matter of fact, the tools were never from the tool truck, rather from industrial rep or online. Warranty convenience is an oxymoron, so I do not purchase based on trucks convenience or payment plans.

A more important question I have to frequently ask myself, is "why craftsmen?"

 

[TruckTech]

Tools don't make the mechanic, the mechanic makes the tools.

First of all, I'm not trying to start anything with this, but Ive known way too many *******, "I make **** money because Im a hack and therefore call you and idiot for investing in nice tools" ***** iron slingers who liked to throw that phrase around with a hell of alot of pride, right before they ask to borrow the most basic of my Snap-on tools.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

a job with provided tools ?

 

[-Brent-]

The warranty/return policy is great and all, BUT, I just broke a Cman ratchet I've had for 15 years and it was used when I got it. What they gave me in replacement broke (blew up is more like it) the first time I used it - and I'm not terrible on things like ratchets. I try to use the right one for the job.

With things like screwdrivers and ratchets I'm going over to better quality items than what I have when replacement is necessary.