Snap-on Tools

[joe strummer]

Can someone explain the Snap-on phenomenon? I have often wondered about it, and can't figure it out.

A set of 13 Snap-on 1/4" metric sockets, two extensions, a universal and a ratchet goes for $361.35 on the Snap-on store site.

A set of 17 Craftsman 1/4" metric sockets, two extensions, a nut driver and a ratchet goes for $67.50.

I worked as a civilian machinist maintaining Navy submarines for 20 years using Craftsman tools I bought, and I can't understand how I could possibly have done a better job using tools that cost 5-6 times as much. And I can't remember returning a Craftsman tool for a replacement during that time.

It's remarkable, and people are obviously paying their prices. How does Snap-on pull this off?

Anyone?

[Decay107]

Why do people buy Ray's when Enkeis do everything just as good for 1/4 the price?

[joe strummer]

Originally Posted by Decay107

Why do people buy Ray's when Enkeis do everything just as good for 1/4 the price?

No idea, but that doesn't answer my question.

[S84kam]

its gucci tools, you got'em and everyone else can't afford them!

[joe strummer]

Originally Posted by S84kam

its gucci tools, you got'em and everyone else can't afford them!

That, I understand. The Ferrari of tools.

[Eighty 6]

[Ashikabi]

It's just so you can say you have the "best". Many many people are the same way with everything else from car parts to purses. Will snap on handle 1% more abuse than craftsman? Probably. But the vast majority of people using them will never even come close to breaking a craftsman anyways. And when they do, you just run to Sears or Ace. It is in fact a waste of money

[Sideways]

Usually companies like snap-on, MAC tools have contracts with big companies, where they go in once everyweek and replace or fix any tool thats broken. They have life-time-no-question-asked warranty. Plus they have payment plans and corporate discount.

At my work, MAC truck comes every tuesday, the guy goes around and ask every one if they need anything fixed or need any tools. Plus, if you are a full time licensed mechanic who uses his the tool everyday, you can't wait to send the tools in to craftsman or other company. They just call MAC guy and he drops the new tool off. Plus I found MAC tools last longer than craftsman and mastercraft tools when subjected to daily hard usage. I have seen craftsman torx bit break and snap-on torx bit put that bolt in easily.

I personally dont have MAC tools as I'm not a mechanic and can't justify 200$ tools that I can get from crappy tire or princess auto for like 50 bucks, but someone who makes his daily living from his tools can.

[go_a_way1]

[Ashikabi]

I have broken life 5 craftsman ratchets. However, for the price of one Snap On ratchet I could buy 3 Craftsman spares, in case one breaks, and still have money left over. Obviously it would be a mild inconvenience if one broke buy really for the cost I'll deal with going to my tool box to get another ratchet

[Decay107]

[86kahl]

I look at it as a long term life investment. Snap-on and Matco have earned my trust. I know that in the 12th hour or 13hr of a shift I won't have to worry about replacing something at the last second. A lot of my tools are specialty and can't be purchased at just any hardware store so reliability is a top priority. Someone mentioned that Reps will come out and replace/sell you new tools but for me, it's about KNOWING my tools won't let me down. But that's for work.

At home my box is filled with cman,husky, and cornwell. If you're doing DIY or working on your own cars they're perfect, great quality at a good price.

It all depends what you're doing with them to justify the cost. I feel like I need them to do the best work possible, reliably. So I spend alittle extra for the peace of mind.

[Pekingduck]

I used both craftsman and snap on. I mainly use snap on when I use my friend garage. I find the snap on tool feel nicer on the hand, has a tighter fit, and the ratchet has smaller degree of ratcheting. If you find those minor conveniences worth the price by all mean by it. I have craftsman in my garage because price is deciding factor in my purchase. Don't forget if you break craftsman you can always go to sears on the weekend or until 9.

[e1_griego]

I have lots of craftman tools and they were fine for a long time. Until I used my buddy's matco 88-tooth locking flexhead stuff --- no comparison at all. Now I have my own 1/4" and 3/8" drive matco ratchets and they're awesome. You can troll ebay and find good deals on them and I can't recommend them enough.

Also the new craftsman stuff isn't like the old. My 250ish pc kit that I started with 10 years ago is nicer than the 'same' kit you get now. The wrenches are slimmer, for one.

I also just picked up a snap-on torque wrench (ebay) because I figured out that my craftsman was about 20 ft/lb off after years and years of use. The snap-on is much nicer to use (nowai!) and I figure it's a good long-term investment considering how much I use it.