With sky rocketing prices Will Snap-On survive the decade

[Autoguy]

Many thing destingushed Snap_on in the past from its competitors

Superior finishing of their tools comapred to the rest

Art Deco styling of their ratchets wrences screwdrivers handles....

Big boxes with behmoth storage capacities

Unlimited array tools selcetions and acessories....etc.

and the competitive pricing of their tools that made it within the reach of many handy men and do it your self home owners.

Now it seems the prices is unresonable compared to similar american brands like armstrong or proto...etc.

Now even the chinese finish their tools with high quality and looks that sometimes you need to read the name on the ratchet or wrench to know it isn't SO.

I used to pay 1/4 the prices to get the same sets that I used to buy 20 years ago.

SO now makes some of their tools outside USA.

I like SO very much but, I don't expect that they can't continue manfactureing any more inside the US in the next decade.

 

[Merkava_4]

Now it seems like the prices are unreasonable compared to similar American brands like Armstrong or Proto...etc.

I don't think their prices are unreasonable for the product I get in return. If a product is high quality but expensive, I may not buy the product by the truck load, but I'll still buy it........

 

[Islands62]

I have never been a SnapOn customer, and I probably never will be, but it would be shame for a top tier American manufacturer to go down... In the tool, or any other industry.

 

[Merkava_4]

Snap-on will not go under because of high prices; just like Rolls-Royce won't go under for having high prices.

Every product has a targeted customer base; and Snap-on has a customer base made up of mechanics who value quality and ease of use over thriftiness and frustration.

 

[Autoguy]

Snap-on will not go under because of high prices; just like Rolls-Royce won't go under for having high prices.

Every product has a targeted customer base; and Snap-on has a customer base made up of mechanics who value quality and ease of use over thriftiness and frustration.

Packard was once the standard of the world fell victim to its high quality, where is it now???. Rolls Royce change hands many times lately for the same reasons.

Bonney, DURO, New Britain,...Williams used to make high quality tools with that cost 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of similar SO items and whrere is BONNEY, Duro now. Armstrong and PROTO and others make high quality tools that costs much much less than SO. SO never reduced its manfacturering costs and never thought of ways to bring their tools prices down. I never meant to encourage everyone to buy low quality to save money.

 

[Merkava_4]

Armstrong and PROTO and others make high quality tools that costs much much less than SO.

Have you priced some of the Armstrong and PROTO tools? I wouldn't say they are "much much" less in price than Snap-on. You've got to do a price comparison piece by piece, part number by part number.

When I shop for hand tools, the price is not the predominate concern; SHAPE is. After that is quality. Somewhere near the bottom of the list of concerns is the price.

 

[Autoguy]

SHAPE is. After that is quality. Somewhere near the bottom of the list of concerns is the price.

I aske about Proto combo set from 7 to 24 mm( 23 not included) full polished that is almost 100% looks like SO and with the same quality and standrd of finsih and from a famous US manfacturer of tools in my country 700SR=186$ so 10 to 19 mm with less wrenches costs 1200 SR= 320$ this is the prices qouted to me two weeks back.

In terms of the looks, I think SO tools are classics and have many SO socket sets (MASTER SETS IN 1/4, 3/8,AND 1/2) and wrenches but it seems that everyone noticed that and started to give their tools a distinctive high finsh and nics shape. Armstrong ratchets and socket sets and wrenches are a top notch. Proto ratchets are quiet ugly to me but the socket extensions etc are comaprable to SO.

 

[Merkava_4]

I asked about Proto combo set from 7 to 24 mm( 23 not included) full polished that is almost 100% looks like SO and with the same quality and standard of finish and from a famous US manufacturer of tools

Proto makes a good wrench, but the SO's will be longer and heavier.

I can see why you're getting sticker shock ... you're pricing full sets from 7mm to 24mm.

 

[walrus]

Looks like the snap on website went down to up their prices. I was looking at the heavy duty T55 3/8 drive bit, it went from twentysomething to thirtysomething. Thats unreal.

 

[Merkava_4]

Looks like the snap on website went down to up their prices. I was looking at the heavy duty T55 3/8 drive bit, it went from twenty something to thirty something. Thats unreal.

I have no problem with that. If you look at what everything else costs in the world, and you compare that to what you get in return, $30+ for a tool that will last you a lifetime isn't that much money.

Out here in California, they want $200 to deliver 7 tons of top soil up to 5 miles away.

 

[walrus]

I have no problem with that. If you look at what everything else costs in the world, and you compare that to what you get in return, $30+ for a tool that will last you a lifetime isn't that much money.

Out here in California, they want $200 to deliver 7 tons of top soil up to 5 miles away.

In Maine that top soil would be called Loam and for 200 bucks I could get 14 yards, 18 20 tons??

I understand it will last a lifetime but thats quite a jump in price from a few weeks ago to today.

Seems like everything I looked at last night on their site refered me to their 877 # and called customer service. Has it always been like that or is it just because I don't have an account set up? I was going to order the the T55 and a 1/4 flew head ratchet tf72 or a locking tf72, shocked at that price also

 

[Autoguy]

I have no problem with that. If you look at what everything else costs in the world, and you compare that to what you get in return, $30+ for a tool that will last you a lifetime isn't that much money.

Out here in California, they want $200 to deliver 7 tons of top soil up to 5 miles away.

Long ago SO was leader and a poineer in tools. Nowadays, everone seems to catch up to their quality and the good looks.

I am telling yopu honestly some Japaneses tools mafactureres make outstanding tools like Koken and Flag. I tried them my self and they costs much les may be 1/8 the price and I am qouting the price of 1/2" flex head ratchet.The guys in Taiwan Genius totul ....etc are doing great in this business. Even the Chineses produce tools of fine quality now and it seems everyone is catching up with SO and it is a matter of 10 yars or so and SO will not be able to distinguish itself from the rest.

Who care about how the tools look during a deep recession.

 

[Autoguy]

In Maine that top soil would be called Loam and for 200 bucks I could get 14 yards, 18 20 tons??

I understand it will last a lifetime but thats quite a jump in price from a few weeks ago to today.

Seems like everything I looked at last night on their site refered me to their 877 # and called customer service. Has it always been like that or is it just because I don't have an account set up? I was going to order the the T55 and a 1/4 flew head ratchet tf72 or a locking tf72, shocked at that price also

I used to be SO customer and a quality customer who buys only the best I ever can afford. I have a couble SO flare nut and ofset box and open end wrenches that cost me dearly, but when I saw the Bonney wrenches sell for 60$ almost 1/3 SO and with suberb quality and finish I stocked several sets in mm and SAE before BONNEY closed down.

 

[walrus]

Who care about how the tools look during a deep recession.

Performance is what matters anytime. How the tool performs is what matters. What you do with them makes a difference also. In my case I broke a brand new Mac T55 on GMC disc brake caliper bolts, that pisses me off. Not sure if the Snapon heavy duty T55 would break or not? I can send the Mac one back but, it will break again. not convienent if you ask me

 

[Merkava_4]

In Maine that top soil would be called Loam and for 200 bucks I could get 14 yards, 18 20 tons??

I should have said 7 yards ... they want $200 to deliver 7 yards of top soil; which I think is about 10 tons; not sure though.

 

[Autoguy]

Performance is what matters anytime. How the tool performs is what matters. What you do with them makes a difference also. In my case I broke a brand new Mac T55 on GMC disc brake caliper bolts, that pisses me off. Not sure if the Snapon heavy duty T55 would break or not? I can send the Mac one back but, it will break again. not convienent if you ask me

I am not familiar with MAC since we dont have it here but PROTO Armstrong BONNEY Williams and were present for long time may be 50 or 60 years ,also SO.

I agree with you but can't justify the prices for the same items that are manfactured without change for more than 60 years or so.

 

[Fedwrench]

Snap on will survive but, may look different in years to come. They are facing many challenges now and will continue to for the forseeable future. The number of car dealerships and independent shops continue to shrink. The number of hour a tech flags is also shrinking. It's hard for techs to pay their bills and buy topline tools. Snap on may be alienating its core customer base by selling more foriegn made tools under the Snap on brand, prostituting its name by selling Chinese made Snap on branded flashlights, gloves, bags, etc. at costco or Checker, and by getting rid of classic popular designs such as the hard contour handles screwdrivers in favor of the Instinct line. Snap on also faces stiffer competition from online vendors such as Ebay, craigslist, and the numerous tool stores. Snap on higher prices to me are part of the mystique of their tools. Although normal people may experience sticker shock at what their tools go for, a tech usually looks at how much more his weekly payment will be if he buys something and does it anyway. There's no doubt that Snap on produces an overengineered quality product that will serve you well for the most part, and that the fundation of their business is truck to shop service, the ability to pay with relatively easy payments while you use the tools to earn, and that you may not be able to find some of their products anywhere else. Although Snap on is facing stiffer competition and quality gaps are closing with other brands, I don't see Snap on going anywhere. They may evolve but, not disappear.

 

[RRmech]

Snap-On makes top-notch tools and will ALWAYS have a base of dedicated fans.
But it's the NEXT generation of mechanics that will decide Snap-On's future?
How Snap-On can sell tools NOT produced in the USA, and still charge a premium price, might be the straw that broke the camels back!?

Steve

 

[billymade]

Again, I think this article explains the market and mystique of the Snap-On brand....http://www.strategy-business.com/press/16635507/9598
Their current financial info and their annual report; may also be a interesting read:
http://www1.snapon.com/display/router.aspx
Price seems to be hammered on this site about Snap-On continuously as the reason it isn't a legitimate choice for people to buy; however, from a strictly financial point of view, all the truck brand tools are pretty similarly priced. I guess if there is any "blame" to be placed; there is enough to go around for all these truck brands.... not just Snap-On specifically. Last week our tech needed a set of Metric line wrenches (flare nut); he checked with Matco and Snap-On the price difference was negligible! Sometimes, Matco is more then Snap-On. The tool trucks are all expensive and the priced difference seems be less then $20 most of the time. On the other hand; I saw a Snap-On set go for $50-$100 on ebay; the used market is always a cheaper alternative to the truck but the week to week payment system, is the way many techs choose to purchase their tools...

Price comparisons from the three major truck brands: Snap-On, Matco, Mac:

6 piece metric line wrench (flare nut) sets:

Snap-On Set, Wrench, Metric, Flare Nut Double End, 6-Point (6 pcs.) (9 to 21 mm)
Stock #: RXFMS606B Price: $226.45

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tool...ame=Double+End,+mm,+chrome&store=snapon-store


Matco tools 6 PIECE METRIC FLARE NUT WRENCH SET
Part#: SRFM66TA Price: $225.00

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2551

Mac Tools Metric Flare Nut Double End Wrench set (6 pieces)
SFBM66PTR Price: $214.99 (USD)

http://www.mactools.com/Product/tabid/120/productid/320031/variantid/310790/Default.aspx

Maybe the greater issue/question is; will the tool truck brands and distribution system survive, with the market changes that are taking place?

 

[forceyoda]

I thought they might be hurting but not this bad-

"Net sales of $572.6 million in the quarter declined 20.6% from 2008 levels; down 13.1% excluding foreign currency translation."

 

[HandyManny]

Snap-On has been closing their own manufacturing facilities over the last few years. Most of their USa made hand tools are now made by Williams and a few other subsidiaries. That should tell you something. I'm seeing a lot of new auto tech these days going into the business using Craftsman and S-K.

Companies are going to have to adapt and change ift hey want to survive these days. Snap-On is not going to have to be different.

 

[-B-]

SO keeps charging high prices and moves the production overseas ( apparently already happening) and fails to reduce pricing they most certainly will go under faster then you think. SO is pricing them self's out of the market very few if their products are of the quality justified buy pricing.

 

[35mastr]

Snap On will survive,But many of there distributors will not unless they have a few large matterass that are fully stuffed.

 

[forceyoda]

Snap On will survive,But many of there distributors will not unless they have a few large matterass that are fully stuffed.

Agreed, I think the end of truck distrubution is coming.

 

[35mastr]

It wont end,But many will depart. As fast as there customers lose there homes. They will be stuck holding the ball. Thats one of the reasons that I also hung it up. Things started to get real ugly real fast around here. All it takes is a half dozon or so and it will make a huge difference on whether you are going to eat at the end of the month.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I could care less if they sink or swim!

 

[forceyoda]

I kind of agree with UB. I feel the same as a lot members that it is sad to see an american business go down or overseas but Craftsman has been able to keep most of their stuff made in the US at a fraction of what Snap On is charging.

 

[Kurn]

With a lot of dealers closing,SO is going to lose their preferred customer base.

 

[krusty the clown]

Agreed, I think the end of truck distrubution is coming.

we have discussed that before. if they continue with truck distribution it will be company stores. i see non stocking route salesman and snap on drop shipping in the future.

 

[fordracing200]

snap on makes few things wortht he money IMO. It for sure as hell isn't there CFM sucking gutless impact guns. But what makes them what they are is the payment plan like previously mentioned. People don't look at it as, can I afford a 27k dollar box? they say can I afford 71 dollars a month for the next 5 years? a much easier way to buy things. now IMO I don't think any of snap on's stuff is worth much besides there die grinders and ratchets. I can buy craftsman extensions, sockets, pliers, all work just fine. Dewalt makes a cordless impact...IR blows them away with impact guns. For the money, you get alot more box from matco then you will from snap on. Not that snap on tools aren't nice, but waiting weeks and months for things to be warrantied isn't feasible. Alot of times you can get the tool warrantied right then and there from sears.

 

[back2class]

This post is silly. Snap-On had built a brand following that any company would drool over. I bet that their costs to make a 1/2 wrench is about the same as Danaher's. Selling something that costs them maybe $50 cents for $20 puts them in very good shape. They are making metal parts and selling for gold prices because of their name. Now companies like Wright and Channellock I worry about but DEFINATELY no snap on. I honestly thought the title of this thread was a joke.

 

[RRmech]

Why a joke?
So many famous American brand names have gone under in the last 30 years, what makes Snap-On immune?

Steve

 

[Merkava_4]

Craftsman has been able to keep most of their stuff made in the US at a fraction of what Snap On is charging.

Craftsman keeps their prices down by lowering the quality and quality control of their products. Their so called "precision" screwdrivers are a prime example: They used to be made by Wiha, but apparently Whia couldn't manufacture them for the ridiculous price point Sears wanted, so when the contract expired, Sears decides to go with the lowest bidder.

 

[48548]

I buy snap on a lot, but only used because it is to much money for to little tool in todays times.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I don't think their prices are unreasonable for the product I get in return. If a product is high quality but expensive, I may not buy the product by the truck load, but I'll still buy it........

I agree with Merk here. Snap-on is expensive, but i never feel like i've been ripped off after buying their tools.

As Henry Royce (Of Rolls-Royce) once said: "Buy only the best, as the quality will remain long after the price has been forgotten."

 

[Merkava_4]

Snap On will survive,But many of there distributors will not unless they have a few large matterass that are fully stuffed.

That "matterass" is in your avatar!!

 

[krusty the clown]

Craftsman has been able to keep most of their stuff made in the US at a fraction of what Snap On is charging.

remember sears tried to have the craftsman line manufactured in japan.

 

[rhandwor]

I purchased a Super Mortorq bit on 2/1/09 and I called last week and said a shipment of 250 will be in this week. I was in the past informed 3 previous times a shipment was due in shortly. Any way I purchased a few Super Mortorq bits from Vega Industries who I think make the bits for Snap On and SPX. Any Snap On doesn't make the other sizes.
I may not be a big customer but I expect better service if they treat other people this way they will go under.

 

[Diesel_Crawler]

Snap on will stay around, If they have trouble they will get a bail out like the auto industry

 

[Merkava_4]

Snap-on has been charging more for their tools for over 80 years, why would they all of a sudden go out of business for higher prices now?

There's enough of us guys who can recognize quality when we see it, and we'll keep Snap-on in business.