I now own both. I just received the Snap-On yesterday, but was able to put it to some use. My initial observations:
- Snap-On is noticeably heavier and noisier than the Milwaukee.
- Snap-On’s housing does not flex when you use it to manually break fasteners loose. Then again, Snap-On does advertise “158 ft-lbs of manual torque” for this purpose. Milwaukee doesn’t officially support using their tool as a manual ratchet.
- Snap On has more power but spins slower, but that was expected - and I specifically purchased it for the additional power. Snap On has 60 ft lbs/275 RPM vs. Milwaukee’s 35 ft lbs/450 RPM.
- Snap On ergonomics are better, at least for me. The size of the housing (and grip) are a better fit for my hands.
- I am indifferent on the switch. I recognize that this is a hot topic, but the Milwaukee paddle does not bother me.
- Light. Snap On has a neat ring of lights to light up your work area, but I find them to be of limited value.
- Cost. On paper, Milwaukee has a serious advantage. But if you look around, you can buy the full Snap On Kit (with 2 batteries and a charger) for the same price as buying the Milwaukee ratchet, two cp 2.5 batteries and a charger a la carte.
- Warranty. Milwaukee has a serious advantage - 5 yr vs. Snap On’s 1 yr. However, Snap On does have an out-of-warranty rebuild program; $135 flat-rate gets you a full overhaul.