Your Snap On Tool Suggestions

[hershey66]

Hey everyone
I was thinking since Snap On watches this forum for feedback why don't
we just post in this thread what we want to see them offer for us.

 

[hershey66]

I would like to see all tools available in more than just the color red.
More colors than green and orange would be great too.
We all have seen how much blue,turquoise,pink,etc color tools go for on Ebay.
There is definitely a serious demand so why not produce a array of colors?


I have a friend that is a professional boat tech at a dealer.
He said he would pay anything if Snap On made a short swivel 18mm spark plug socket
that fits in the engine cowl area so he doesnt have to remove the cowl sections.

 

[William Payne]

Black hard handle screwdrivers, like they were before they went to the instinct handle.

 

[binkcat16]

i would like to see them bring back retro tool boxes that would be awsome

 

[1984Datsun]

I wish they'd remove "it's the name premium tax" from their tool pricing... they'd sell a hell of a lot more tools if they did reduce the prices.

I would buy more (instead of none) new tools from them if they did so. As of now, I have all used Snap-On stuff. The Snap-On box that I have is used. Well used with a few battle scars...

The prices are ridiculous. It certainly doesn't cost them 200 bucks for them to make a good torque wrench or whatever. Unless they got some unions or something working in their factories, then I guess that's possible since most those guys are greedier than hell. Until they lower the prices, they won't get much business from me, and certainly others that feel and think the same way I do.

And make a better tap/die set... the Snap-On set I have is worse than the Chi-com set I have. The stupid things are chipping and breaking like there's no tomorrow. Yes, I'm using them properly.

They are just way too brittle. Sure, the thread cuts are very accurate, but geez, if I'm chipping teeth off of a tap every time I use it (yes, with cutting oil, and backing it up every few turns) then it's worthless. Same for the drill bits... they don't hold up very well either, too brittle.

The HF drill bit set I have is better than the Snap-On/Bluepoint drill bits that I've used. What does that tell you? Overpriced and worthless IMHO.

Sorry if this hits you SO kool-aid drinkers hard in the nuts, but it's the truth. I'm putting my unbiased opinion in... I have lots of different brands of tools, old and new(er) Some work better than others due to design, metal composition, etc.

Like Channellock pliers/side cutters... and Craftsman screwdrivers. I think they work better than Snap-On's offerings. The grip on the Craftsman screwdrivers is bigger, which allows the user to lean into it and really torque that screw loose.

Channellock, well they were the first to really get those tongue and grooves to lock solidly and stay together. I have a couple of off brand/unbranded pairs, and they don't do either of those.

I will say the SO fine tooth ratchets are smooth and will hold up to hard use, but I still won't drop more than 20 bucks for a good, properly working one, used or new. For what they're charging now, I could (and would) get an entire set of Craftsman ratchets, and two back ups for each drive size. That would come in less than buying each drive size from SO.

 

[BHH]

I think they should get rid of their Blue Point line or disassociate from it and make some of the tools blue point does. Like the vice grips and magnetic dishes.

I also feel like any new stuff they come out with like the hard handle screw drivers should have something to distinguish from the old discontinued models like the "Racing" on the handle. You know to make us people that have the old stuff still feel elite haha.

 

[HandyManny]

I don't get metrosexual about my tools, but......I don't care what color their tools are as long as they are red/white/blue all the way through, if they are going to charge a premium for them. They better all be Made In USA for that price!!!

 

[Jim C.]

snap on monitors this forum? Really? I didn't know that. Okay, well monitor this......

"Hey snap on, your tools cost way too much money!! Pro and shadetree mechanics alike shouldn't have to go into hock for the rest for their lives to be able to afford a good set of tools."

Jim C.

 

[1984Datsun]

snap on monitors this forum? Really? I didn't know that. Okay, well monitor this......

"Hey snap on, you're tools cost way too much money!! Pro and shadetree mechanics alike shouldn't have to go into hock for the rest for their lives to be able to afford a good set of tools."

Jim C.

 

[smoky]

please, bring back the round head index-able ratchet. I just bought the matco version of it and liked it.

I realize that this topic has been beat to death, but I agree completely about the price of their tools. snap-on must have a large overhead cost to justify some of these prices. the more people finance the tools the better it is for the tool dealer, just my opinion. less people would finance the tools if they were cheaper, and probably buy more. as it has been stated many times before ebay and craigslist are basically the best way to get good deals on quality snap-on tools. if snap-on wants to continue to loose money to used tool sales on the internet, then continue charging premium prices for their tools.

 

[blown94conv]

as it has been stated many times before ebay and craigslist are basically the best way to get good deals on quality snap-on tools. if snap-on wants to continue to loose money to used tool sales on the internet, then continue charging premium prices for their tools.

You do realize that those used tools were in fact, sold new at some point? Someone paid for them, and for whatever reason decided to sell them. How is Snap On losing money on those sales?

 

[jjjrmx5]

I wish they'd remove "it's the name premium tax" from their tool pricing... they'd sell a hell of a lot more tools if they did reduce the prices.

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I bet if Porsche dropped the price on their new 911's to $10,000 they'd sell a lot more of them and wait....just think of the number of new Corvettes you could move if you priced them at $7,500 new out the door.

Sadly, that not how the market, pricepoint, business model and image that Snap-On desires works.

***** all you want about price, but it is what it is. Money talks, bulls^%$ walks, or at least it drives to the closest HF to buy some Pittsburgh Pro tools.

Not everything Snap-On sells is the best thing out there as they do indeed have heavy competition in many areas of what they sell. Some of it IS the best though, or close to it.

Cherry pick the good stuff via the used tool market or sack up and buy what you need. I find them often to be worth every penny for the S-O tools I have.

 

[smoky]

You do realize that those used tools were in fact, sold new at some point? Someone paid for them, and for whatever reason decided to sell them. How is Snap On losing money on those sales?

yes you are right, they were sold new to someone in the past. they are losing money to tools they produced in the past, by still honoring warranties to those tools.

 

[Creditor]

There will always be a used tool market no matter what Snap-on sets their prices at. Used tools will always sell for less than new. So basically what some of you are saying to Snap-on is "Lower your prices to a point that I can afford to buy new. Thats never going to happen. Snap-on has positioned its brand as a premium product. A premium brand will always have a premium price tag attached to it. It's like complaining to Lexus that their new cars are too expensive and stating that you will only buy a used Lexus because they can be had for less money.

Snap-on seems to be doing just fine with its current pricing. My shares of SNA have performed very well in the current market and they have also just recently raised the quarterly dividend that they pay on their stock.

I think that people complaining about the price of new Snap-on is evidence that their is a strong demand for their brand. As long as the demand remains strong and enough people are willing to pay the premium, the prices will not change much.

 

[oldtools]

Stop selling tools at Costco, K-mart, Pep boys, etc..

 

[wornoutoldman]

Please produce the Instinct screwdrivers in a BLACK handle. Keeping the other colors clean (enough to satisfy my OCD) is next to impossible! My tools get used. Hard and for a lifetime (maybe two lifetimes)!


Oh an please stop diluting the brand with the crappy licensing play tools thing...

 

[CHRIS LUCKYMAN]

I don't mind the prices, as long as the quality and service goes with it... and it usually does.
I'd like to see more body tools - specialty sheetmetal tools, more dollies, spoons. Less Blue Point and more Snap On-made versions.
How about some kind of point earning system so I know when to expect free ****, instead of hoping my dealer will hook me up? Where's my ****** free shirt?

 

[Creditor]

yes you are right, they were sold new to someone in the past. they are losing money to tools they produced in the past, by still honoring warranties to those tools.

So according to you, they are losing money by pricing their tools too high because you can't afford them and they are losing money because they are honoring the warranty on a tool that they originally sold at a premium price. What you have failed to realize is that the average warranty cost associated with any tool is already figured into the original sales price.

 

[Creditor]

Stop selling tools at Costco, K-mart, Pep boys, etc..

They aren't.....

.......
Oh an please stop diluting the brand with the crappy licensing play tools thing...

wornoutoldman understands what Snap-on is doing.

I have to agree with the sentiment though.

 

[Wakefield]

Broach your wrenches perfectly. (Not offcenter at all,or at least not enough for me to see. So that there are no thin places in the box end.

 

[buffalobill]

I wish they'd remove "it's the name premium tax" from their tool pricing... they'd sell a hell of a lot more tools if they did reduce the prices.

I would buy more (instead of none) new tools from them if they did so. As of now, I have all used Snap-On stuff. The Snap-On box that I have is used. Well used with a few battle scars...

The prices are ridiculous. It certainly doesn't cost them 200 bucks for them to make a good torque wrench or whatever. Unless they got some unions or something working in their factories, then I guess that's possible since those guys are greedier than hell. Until they lower the prices, they won't get much business from me, and certainly others that feel and think the same way I do.

And make a better tap/die set... the Snap-On set I have is worse than the Chi-com set I have. The stupid things are chipping and breaking like there's no tomorrow. Yes, I'm using them properly.

They are just way too brittle. Sure, the thread cuts are very accurate, but geez, if I'm chipping teeth off of a tap every time I use it (yes, with cutting oil, and backing it up every few turns) then it's worthless. Same for the drill bits... they don't hold up very well either, too brittle.

The HF drill bit set I have is better than the Snap-On/Bluepoint drill bits that I've used. What does that tell you? Overpriced and worthless IMHO.

Sorry if this hits you SO kool-aid drinkers hard in the nuts, but it's the truth. I'm putting my unbiased opinion in... I have lots of different brands of tools, old and new(er) Some work better than others due to design, metal composition, etc.

Like Channellock pliers/side cutters... and Craftsman screwdrivers. I think they work better than Snap-On's offerings. The grip on the Craftsman screwdrivers is bigger, which allows the user to lean into it and really torque that screw loose.

Channellock, well they were the first to really get those tongue and grooves to lock solidly and stay together. I have a couple of off brand/unbranded pairs, and they don't do either of those.

I will say the SO fine tooth ratchets are smooth and will hold up to hard use, but I still won't drop more than 20 bucks for a good, properly working one, used or new. For what they're charging now, I could (and would) get an entire set of Craftsman ratchets, and two back ups for each drive size. That would come in less than buying each drive size from SO.

you sound like you are bitter because you have a ****** job. maybe you need to join one of those "greedy" unions, and bargain yourself some real pay and benefits, so you won't have to make yourself feel better about bashing a top of the line tool brand. Or, you can just stick to your chinese ****, and shut up.

Keep your worthless political views to yourself in the snap on thread. and don't insult me with the "greedy" comment.

 

[HandyManny]

Stop selling tools at Costco, K-mart, Pep boys, etc..

Wasn't aware that they were. Seen things like flashlights and other stuff labeled Snap-On at Ace and Costco, but never seen anything in the way of hand tools from Snap-On being sold at these places. The best you are going to get at K-Mart is Craftsman.

 

[HandyManny]

I wish they'd remove "it's the name premium tax" from their tool pricing... they'd sell a hell of a lot more tools if they did reduce the prices.

I would buy more (instead of none) new tools from them if they did so. As of now, I have all used Snap-On stuff. The Snap-On box that I have is used. Well used with a few battle scars...

The prices are ridiculous. It certainly doesn't cost them 200 bucks for them to make a good torque wrench or whatever. Unless they got some unions or something working in their factories, then I guess that's possible since those guys are greedier than hell. Until they lower the prices, they won't get much business from me, and certainly others that feel and think the same way I do.

And make a better tap/die set... the Snap-On set I have is worse than the Chi-com set I have. The stupid things are chipping and breaking like there's no tomorrow. Yes, I'm using them properly.

They are just way too brittle. Sure, the thread cuts are very accurate, but geez, if I'm chipping teeth off of a tap every time I use it (yes, with cutting oil, and backing it up every few turns) then it's worthless. Same for the drill bits... they don't hold up very well either, too brittle.

The HF drill bit set I have is better than the Snap-On/Bluepoint drill bits that I've used. What does that tell you? Overpriced and worthless IMHO.

Sorry if this hits you SO kool-aid drinkers hard in the nuts, but it's the truth. I'm putting my unbiased opinion in... I have lots of different brands of tools, old and new(er) Some work better than others due to design, metal composition, etc.

Like Channellock pliers/side cutters... and Craftsman screwdrivers. I think they work better than Snap-On's offerings. The grip on the Craftsman screwdrivers is bigger, which allows the user to lean into it and really torque that screw loose.

Channellock, well they were the first to really get those tongue and grooves to lock solidly and stay together. I have a couple of off brand/unbranded pairs, and they don't do either of those.

I will say the SO fine tooth ratchets are smooth and will hold up to hard use, but I still won't drop more than 20 bucks for a good, properly working one, used or new. For what they're charging now, I could (and would) get an entire set of Craftsman ratchets, and two back ups for each drive size. That would come in less than buying each drive size from SO.

I can see your point for the most part. When I wrenched for a living I was able to supply myself with plenty of high quality professional grade tools with very little from Snap-On. But that was back in the days when we had way more quality American made hand tools to chose from. Back then quality made domestic hand tools (even pneumatic and power tools) were the norm rather than the exception. There was a time when you could find S-K, New Britain, and Proto tools at better auto parts supply stores. And back then nearly all Craftsman hand tools were pro grade (made by quality manufacturers) and sold at a good price.

 

[HandyManny]

Overall I really don't think Snap-On really cares what we here at GJ think or want. Sure, we have a couple SO dealers who are members here, but overall as a company I doubt SO cares. Truthfuly the vast overwhelming majority of weekend warriors or shadtree mechanics really don't care about forking out the money to use the tool brand the so-called pros use either. For the average backyard mechanic HF and Cman work just fine. I currently know of and knew many pros out there who never swallowed the Snap-On coolaid either. About the only domestic tool maker I've seen on here at GJ who showed any interest in what we think is Channellock and I haven't seen much on here from that rep in a while. But I don't think too many people have a beef with Channellock.

 

[Davefr]

Expand the offering at Costco B&M or Costco.com.

 

[kv501]

you sound like you are bitter because you have a ****** job. maybe you need to join one of those "greedy" unions, and bargain yourself some real pay and benefits, so you won't have to make yourself feel better about bashing a top of the line tool brand. Or, you can just stick to your chinese ****, and shut up.

Keep your worthless political views to yourself in the snap on thread. and don't insult me with the "greedy" comment.

HA sounds like you just put your "worthless political views" out there the same as 1984Datsun did. Gee...I wonder if ol' buffalobill is a union worker or not?

While I agree that Snap-On makes good tools, even you have to admit that paying $1500 for a set of wrenches that you could get for $100 is moronic. It is 99% a prestige thing, and 1% a quality thing. And yes, I do use my tools daily, and I have SO tools (inherited from my dad who bought them in the 60's before the kool-aiders drove prices up).

Also, for jjjrmx5, who compared the situation of SO lowering their prices to Chevy selling a Corvette for $7500, what solar system are you from? Do you honestly expect anyone to believe that the difference in performance between a 'Vette and a $7500 car is the same as the difference between a Craftsman ratchet and a SO ratchet?

If you have the money, buy them.

If you are insecure about non-truck tools, buy them.

But don't try to blow smoke about how your $140 ratchet is worth 566% more than this $21.00 one. Is it better? Yes. 566%? Get real.

I love these threads because I get to see the fanboys come out of the woodwork with their feelings hurt. This is like going over to mac-forums.com and saying that Steve Jobs was overrated. Let the flaming begin; I won't lose any sleep over it. Also, lest someone brings up the assumption that I'm bitter because I have a crappy job or can't afford SO, I can. I can afford them and I'm perfectly happy with my mixed assortment of mostly CMan and 1960's SO.

ibtl

 

[1984Datsun]

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I bet if Porsche dropped the price on their new 911's to $10,000 they'd sell a lot more of them and wait....just think of the number of new Corvettes you could move if you priced them at $7,500 new out the door.

Sadly, that not how the market, pricepoint, business model and image that Snap-On desires works.

***** all you want about price, but it is what it is. Money talks, bulls^%$ walks, or at least it drives to the closest HF to buy some Pittsburgh Pro tools.

Not everything Snap-On sells is the best thing out there as they do indeed have heavy competition in many areas of what they sell. Some of it IS the best though, or close to it.

Cherry pick the good stuff via the used tool market or sack up and buy what you need. I find them often to be worth every penny for the S-O tools I have.

Apparently you missed this bit of info... "I have lots of different brands of tools, old and new(er) Some work better than others due to design, metal composition, etc." from my post.

I do have plenty of different brand tools, including Snap-On. I've got a SO box, full of tools. No problems with it. Well, the drawer slides could use some cleaning and relubing.

I ain't drinking anyone's kool-aid. They all taste like ****...

If there is some real specialty tool, I know Snap-On probably has it. I might end up buying one new from them if I can't find it used or from somewhere else for less money.

Anyhow, all I was trying to say was that they'd make a lot more in sales if they just drop a bit off of their prices. I'm not saying from 125 bucks to 10 bucks. More of 125 to around 35, maybe 40, where it's closer to where it actually costs to make the stupid tool. Same goes for car manufacturers... hell, even John Deere. I'm sure it doesn't cost them 15,000 bucks to make an X series garden tractor. Which is why I am still sticking with the 317's...

I agree with HandyManny... Snap-On probably doesn't really give a **** what we (or most anyone for that matter) say about them/their prices/their ****** warranty denying drivers/dealers.

Pittsburgh tools? There ain't a damn thing wrong with them... I've got a floor jack and an engine hoist from HF. Both work excellently. The hoist does have a couple of welds that aren't as pretty as I like, but they'll hold fine.

I wonder how much a SO kool aid drinker paid for his SO engine hoist... 2,000 bucks? I paid 140 for my hoist...

Sad how the name thing can actually drag a company to its death. It's only a matter of time before that happens to SO. Look at Matco, they're in trouble.

 

[1984Datsun]

HA sounds like you just put your "worthless political views" out there the same as 1984Datsun did. Gee...I wonder if ol' buffalobill is a union worker or not?

While I agree that Snap-On makes good tools, even you have to admit that paying $1500 for a set of wrenches that you could get for $100 is moronic. It is 99% a prestige thing, and 1% a quality thing. And yes, I do use my tools daily, and I have SO tools (inherited from my dad who bought them in the 60's before the kool-aiders drove prices up).

Also, for jjjrmx5, who compared the situation of SO lowering their prices to Chevy selling a Corvette for $7500, what solar system are you from? Do you honestly expect anyone to believe that the difference in performance between a 'Vette and a $7500 car is the same as the difference between a Craftsman ratchet and a SO ratchet?

If you have the money, buy them.

If you are insecure about non-truck tools, buy them.

But don't try to blow smoke about how your $140 ratchet is worth 566% more than this $21.00 one. Is it better? Yes. 566%? Get real.

I love these threads because I get to see the fanboys come out of the woodwork with their feelings hurt. This is like going over to mac-forums.com and saying that Steve Jobs was overrated. Let the flaming begin; I won't lose any sleep over it. Also, lest someone brings up the assumption that I'm bitter because I have a crappy job or can't afford SO, I can. I can afford them and I'm perfectly happy with my mixed assortment of mostly CMan and 1960's SO.

ibtl

I love this forum...

 

[Subyroo651]

I think they should get rid of their Blue Point line or disassociate from it and make some of the tools blue point does.

+1 on this ^

and 2 pages into a "Snap-On Suggestion" thread and there is ranting already.

There are some valid points but please, lets leave the argument at the login screen.

 

[byoungblood]

please, bring back the round head index-able ratchet. I just bought the matco version of it and liked it.

I realize that this topic has been beat to death, but I agree completely about the price of their tools. snap-on must have a large overhead cost to justify some of these prices. the more people finance the tools the better it is for the tool dealer, just my opinion. less people would finance the tools if they were cheaper, and probably buy more. as it has been stated many times before ebay and craigslist are basically the best way to get good deals on quality snap-on tools. if snap-on wants to continue to loose money to used tool sales on the internet, then continue charging premium prices for their tools.

When I questioned them about sending back a possible duplicate ratchet after I hadn't received a warranty replacement after 5-6 weeks, the lady on the phone just told me to keep it. I don't think thier overhead is that high, but they evidently do compensate for the cost of replacements (and then some) in their list prices.

Simple truth is, SO makes enough money off of their trucks going around to shops that what little business they may potentially lose to the used market is probably comparatively small. I'm sure they've probably done an analysis on the effect of lowering their prices (or at least leveling them off) for a few years and concluded it wouldn't capture much, if any of the used tool market.

I think for the DIY that is trying to put together a better tool set, pick and choose from the well known brands, and buy based on value instead of getting hung up on the name on the tool.

 

[hershey66]

Come on guys, I didn't start this thread for people to complain about Snap On prices.
If you are not a professional technician then don't buy Snap On tools.

This thread is for how we would like them to improve their products or develop new tools that we need. Plain and simple, NO WHINING about their prices.


Yes, Snap On does watch this forum. The dealers on here have said so.

 

[Creditor]

Sad how the name thing can actually drag a company to its death. It's only a matter of time before that happens to SO. Look at Matco, they're in trouble.

Matco is in trouble? Thats news to me. Got anything to back that up other than the lawsuit thread that was posted a couple of days ago.

Looking at Snap-on's financials only shows a company that is in a strong cash position and a strong market share.

Anyhow, all I was trying to say was that they'd make a lot more in sales if they just drop a bit off of their prices. I'm not saying from 125 bucks to 10 bucks. More of 125 to around 35, maybe 40, where it's closer to where it actually costs to make the stupid tool.

So you are calling for about a 65% reduction in their prices. Thats hilarious. No company can survive selling things for cost. Companies are in business to make a profit. They arent in business to sell their products at cost.

 

[hershey66]

Ya look online at Snap On's investor page. They have made $65 billion this year and their sales are 25% higher this year. They are in great financial shape. lol

 

[smoky]

So according to you, they are losing money by pricing their tools too high because you can't afford them and they are losing money because they are honoring the warranty on a tool that they originally sold at a premium price. What you have failed to realize is that the average warranty cost associated with any tool is already figured into the original sales price.

you assume way to much, just because I said the price is to high doesn't mean that I can't afford them. I just value my hard earned money. so you're telling me that snap-on likes the fact that people are re-selling their tools online? I doubt it.

 

[Creditor]

you assume way to much, just because I said the price is to high doesn't mean that I can't afford them. I just value my hard earned money. so you're telling me that snap-on likes the fact that people are re-selling their tools online? I doubt it.

Any durable good is going to have a used market. That is just a fact of life.

 

[hershey66]

It is what it is. I don't own a complete Snap On socket set yet. I buy the Snap On tools I can afford and that is that I own. Im not crying about it. So get over it.
This thread is not for a ranting debate on your views or issues with Snap On.

 

[crewchief888]

snap on monitors this forum? Really? I didn't know that. Okay, well monitor this......

"Hey snap on, your tools cost way too much money!! Pro and shadetree mechanics alike shouldn't have to go into hock for the rest for their lives to be able to afford a good set of tools."

Jim C.

hmmm

all my "working" tools are truck brands,
home tools are a mix of truck brands, CM, HF, and many others.

i'm not in hock for the rest of my life.....
i dont owe a dime to anyone for tools.

 

[ekeller]

Get rid of your crappy plastic trays and make one that does not crack after 5 min!

 

[fordbroncodave]

my suggestion to snap on is;

STOP DISCONTINUING ****

if the application is needed and presented then why take away the tool that fit the job for its intended purpose. not having the tool anymore poses a risk.

yes nobody is after an r12 freon machine or dinosaur sized cordless drill batteries but someone out there is probably looking for one. not having it to sell results in a lost sale.

 

[kv501]

my suggestion to snap on is;

STOP DISCONTINUING ****

if the application is needed and presented then why take away the tool that fit the job for its intended purpose. not having the tool anymore poses a risk.

yes nobody is after an r12 freon machine or dinosaur sized cordless drill batteries but someone out there is probably looking for one. not having it to sell results in a lost sale.

That wouldn't be cost effective for any business. If they discontinue a tool it is because the demand is gone (i.e. specialty tools for long out of production vehicles)--period. If there was enough demand for that freon machine or drill battery to turn a profit they would sell it. Just because maybe 5 people in the country want something, it doesn't make business sense to produce and store those items. It's easy to forget at times but SO and every other company is in business to make money, not to make everyone happy. Could you imagine if GM had to stock every car part from the last 40 years because a few people wanted to restore certain models?