At what point do you say "That costs too much"?

[D60]

^^^ completely agree the tool trucks can "prey" on unsuspecting techs: they show up at work so it's "easy" and offer payments so it seems "cheap". OTOH if you're capable of truly fixing vehicles with the slightest degree of competence you're capable of managing your finances. No one is twisting these guys' (or girls' or non-binarys') arms to buy the stuff or go into debt.

I've never had much interest in SnapOn for the basics like sockets or even their flank drive wrenches or breaker bars (the latter often available as Bahco for way less).

But SnapOn can shine in problematic areas where the rubber really meets the road, like their p/s and alt pulley pullers which are WAY better than the clamshell style most imports produce. Ditto for their pitman arm pullers, but I think they're actually re-labeled OTC??

SnapOn Torx bits are often regarded as the best in the industry, and ditto for their flare nut wrenches.

And there's nothing quite like their ball joint press, with adapters that clip into place and stay there, turning a 4-hand job of juggling into a 2-hand job as it should be. Astro Pneumatic was working on a direct competitor for the ball joint press, but they chickened out and gave up.

 

[40Deluxe]

ICON @ harbor freight

 

[ZedzAmg]

Practically nobody is making 100 bucks an hour off labor. They are charging that much but only due to overhead, so I feel your analysis is way, way off.

Since you are making way less than 100/hr, it's still as relevant as ever to consider the cost:benefit ratio.

I go back to what I already stated, having backup tools. It is insane to me to pay over twice as much as median brands, and have a single tool instead of duplicates. THAT is what you need if you are a pro because high end tools break too.

Coming to your shop, is like a desperate island of despair compared to getting a job done with the duplicate tools. The whole snap on model was only the tiniest bit sensible back when there wasn't not only the internet but also not hardware stores every few miles.

Granted, hardware stores don't carry some specialty tools but if you want to extend that argument, neither does the tool truck.

Snap on is not for pros, it's for ignorant people who don't have enough experience to get the job done without some pretend hand-holding safety net which isn't a net at all unless when your tool breaks, the dealer hops in his truck, has authorization to turn on emergency siren and lights, and blow past traffic to get you a new tool at a moment's notice. Outside of that, you can pick up a new tool just as fast with amazon next day if not carried locally.

Snap on is a dinosaur who can't adapt, and has only survived due to offering credit to young ignorant mechanics who needed a break and didn't realize that all the competitors from overseas have upped their game to where it doesn't matter nearly as much if a tool is made in USA. That is sad but the truth.

The sadder part is snap on is still around while sears went under... not that they are an outlet for high quality tools in their showroom offerings opposed to their pro line, but the store distribution model is far less antiquated than the tool truck distribution model.

Not really true. My mechanic owns a 30k snap on tool chest. His shop is rated top tier from IAG engine blocks. He could do the work with a monkey wrench but he chooses not to.

 

[Shel_B]

Nope. I tried to deduct tool costs and was told by the tax man that I could not.

According to the people at Intuit / Turbo Tax:

Yes, you can claim the entire amount of the tools if they were purchased for a job you held when you purchased them. The tools are considered a job related expense and are subject to the 2% rule (What is the 2% rule? ).

Having owned several small businesses, and having had a couple of sole-proprietorships, this is pretty much how I remember my experiences wrt purchasing items needed in the business to do my work and to generate work and income.

 

[Wolf359]

^^^ completely agree the tool trucks can "prey" on unsuspecting techs: they show up at work so it's "easy" and offer payments so it seems "cheap". OTOH if you're capable of truly fixing vehicles with the slightest degree of competence you're capable of managing your finances. No one is twisting these guys' (or girls' or non-binarys') arms to buy the stuff or go into debt.

I've never had much interest in SnapOn for the basics like sockets or even their flank drive wrenches or breaker bars (the latter often available as Bahco for way less).

But SnapOn can shine in problematic areas where the rubber really meets the road, like their p/s and alt pulley pullers which are WAY better than the clamshell style most imports produce. Ditto for their pitman arm pullers, but I think they're actually re-labeled OTC??

SnapOn Torx bits are often regarded as the best in the industry, and ditto for their flare nut wrenches.

And there's nothing quite like their ball joint press, with adapters that clip into place and stay there, turning a 4-hand job of juggling into a 2-hand job as it should be. Astro Pneumatic was working on a direct competitor for the ball joint press, but they chickened out and gave up.

Doesn't Williams make a lot of tools for Snap On? Wouldn't you just load up on Williams tools or other brands instead of Snap On then if you don't work at a place where the Snap On truck comes by?

 

[2EHA]

Doesn't Williams make a lot of tools for Snap On? Wouldn't you just load up on Williams tools or other brands instead of Snap On then if you don't work at a place where the Snap On truck comes by?

williams is in the snap on family

a lot of the time they’re blue point tier stuff without an easy warranty

you just need to use your brain. snap on power tools are a no-go as are the majority of their pliers

 

[Wolf359]

williams is in the snap on family

a lot of the time they’re blue point tier stuff without an easy warranty

Don't you just mail it back to them for warranty? Not as easy as a truck, but not that hard.

 

[D60]

Doesn't Williams make a lot of tools for Snap On? Wouldn't you just load up on Williams tools or other brands instead of Snap On then if you don't work at a place where the Snap On truck comes by?

Some of the Snappy stuff is Williams. As noted, their ratcheting wrenches are marketed as Blue Point and are markedly different than the actual SnapOn ratcheting wrenches.

I'm not aware of every example of Williams stuff being sold as BP or SO but I'm sure there are others.

You can load up on any brand you prefer and I would encourage each person to do so.

The truck doesn't come to me. I order most at SO's website or on ebay -- the latter sometimes new, sometimes used. Thus far SO hasn't required that I return a tool, they just ship me what I need.

Right now seemingly everything is on backorder at the SO website so if you REALLY want something new, chasing down a truck might be a good option.

Tekton's setup is also pretty cool: their website is already setup for you to upload a pic of the broken tool and then they mail out a replacement. Ditto for SK, but the huge difference is Tekton responds nearly immediately and SK seemingly has no one watching the store with changes of ownership and being overwhelmed by LP90 failures.

 

[Astro14]

Doesn't Williams make a lot of tools for Snap On? Wouldn't you just load up on Williams tools or other brands instead of Snap On then if you don't work at a place where the Snap On truck comes by?

That’s what I’ve done.

Interestingly, some of the Williams socket sets had actual Snap-On sockets as part of the set.

Buy Williams, you’re getting first quality, at a much lower price.

 

[walterjay]

In my opinion, Snap on is overpriced with everything. Good quality tools but for the most part there are good alternatives. No wonder the CEO is a very rich multi millionaire living in the Keys and giving $1,000 tips to waiters.

 

[Sam_Julier]

Some of the Snappy stuff is Williams. As noted, their ratcheting wrenches are marketed as Blue Point and are markedly different than the actual SnapOn ratcheting wrenches.

I'm not aware of every example of Williams stuff being sold as BP or SO but I'm sure there are others.

You can load up on any brand you prefer and I would encourage each person to do so.

The truck doesn't come to me. I order most at SO's website or on ebay -- the latter sometimes new, sometimes used. Thus far SO hasn't required that I return a tool, they just ship me what I need.

Right now seemingly everything is on backorder at the SO website so if you REALLY want something new, chasing down a truck might be a good option.

Tekton's setup is also pretty cool: their website is already setup for you to upload a pic of the broken tool and then they mail out a replacement. Ditto for SK, but the huge difference is Tekton responds nearly immediately and SK seemingly has no one watching the store with changes of ownership and being overwhelmed by LP90 failures.

I have both Williams and Tekton tools and like them a lot.

I had one issue with a Williams ratchet where the lever took a lot of force to move. Snap-On customer service was friendly but told me to call the local Williams rep. In order for the rep to authorize a replacement he had to come to my house to check the ratchet. To save us both time he told me to loosen the screws and soak the head in synthetic oil. I did and the lever became easier to work.

I think Williams could up their game.

 

[JavierH19]

When she gives birth to a girl and not a boy.

 

[Trav]

Doesn't Williams make a lot of tools for Snap On? Wouldn't you just load up on Williams tools or other brands instead of Snap On then if you don't work at a place where the Snap On truck comes by?

Snap on and Williams USA sockets and a few other things made are the same, Williams and Blue Point Taiwan are also the same. Williams ratchets and screw drivers are for the most part older snap on models, same quality, fit and finish. The ratchets are a lower tooth count and the driers are the old black handle models from the late 60's/early 70's, all excellent tools.
Williams round heads are living history and fantastic ratchets in their own right. They are updated (and better) versions of the original J.H. Williams Superratchet eg the S52 and B52 and not an old Snap on model, these ratchets are really worth owning IMO.

Not everything Snap on is the best of even very good, they sell some less than stellar stuff and charge the long dollar for it eg extractor sockets, for over $230 and no where near Rocket socket quality that cost $80. I try to seek out the best quality regardless of brand.

 

[Job]

There's a lot in this topic. Starbucks costs too much, they are full of people and most people burn dollars in gas just to go there. The tool truck is an old personal method of sales. For people that actually work hard, their time is important, even after work. The internet has changed a lot of that (thanks government research grants) so a worker can order tools online quickly and easily at home. But that will eventually destroy the tool truck model. They won't come around if no one buys their tools.
Lastly tools are things that last for decades, the intitial cost may seem high, but it really isn't. Calculate the Starbucks or donut money spent over 30 years. What do you have at the end, a tool chest full of Snap On versus nothing at all.

 

[R1jake]

I think they have always been overboard. With that said I actually prefer the harbor freight ratchets in every aspect. Even the Pittsburgh ratchet.

 

[Job]

I have both Williams and Tekton tools and like them a lot.

I had one issue with a Williams ratchet where the lever took a lot of force to move. Snap-On customer service was friendly but told me to call the local Williams rep. In order for the rep to authorize a replacement he had to come to my house to check the ratchet. To save us both time he told me to loosen the screws and soak the head in synthetic oil. I did and the lever became easier to work.

I think Williams could up their game.

I Bought several with Zoro coupons etc. The 1/4 and 1/2 levers are easy enough to switch, the 3/8, two of them, are very tight. They are sealed head so need to wear in on the rubber for one, and use helps. It used it and flipped switch many times and it got better. It still is a bit too tight, it actually takes a bit of force. But why only the 3/8 in my case and two of them did it.
It's amazing a rep would drive out to a house for a ratchet. Costs more to do that than the ratchet. Not many people will spend the time waiting for an appointment to arrive either. I think basically it means no warranty at all unless you jump through hoops? I don't need a warranty, so that's ok.

 

[Sam_Julier]

I Bought several with Zoro coupons etc. The 1/4 and 1/2 levers are easy enough to switch, the 3/8, two of them, are very tight. They are sealed head so need to wear in on the rubber for one, and use helps. It used it and flipped switch many times and it got better. It still is a bit too tight, it actually takes a bit of force. But why only the 3/8 in my case and two of them did it.
It's amazing a rep would drive out to a house for a ratchet. Costs more to do that than the ratchet. Not many people will spend the time waiting for an appointment to arrive either. I think basically it means no warranty at all unless you jump through hoops? I don't need a warranty, so that's ok.

My experience exactly: 3/8’ closed head (USA made) really tough, 1/2”, 3/8” and 1/4” (Taiwan) QR ratchet levers move as expected. No warranty unless you really pursue them.

All of my 3/8” Tekton ratchets, closed head and QR, are easy to use.

As people have commented Tekton warranty is fast.

 

[Lane]

I think Snap-On really shafts their independent franchise guys in the tool trucks. The pricing comes from Corporate, not the guy in the truck trying to make a living - and having product pushed on him by Corporate.

I’ll stick with my preference for older tools. Let’s see: Stepmom’s first husband, Larry died in ‘65, Dad married her in ‘67. My inherited tools include a few Snap-On wrenches Larry owned for years. Good tools. The old Snap-On and Blue Point were proven. The Craftsman, and even the Dunlap, that Dad bought from Sears in the 50’s and 60’s were good. The Craftsman I bought in the 70’s weren’t bad. Even the Thorsen tools of the 70’s weren’t bad - before they became TAT (Thorsen Allied Tools, but I called ‘em Taiwanese American Tools) and quality went way down. We’re fighting this pattern of a company building its name, then that name being bought by the purveyors of Chinese junk. Happened with Chicago Cutlery a while ago; I grabbed one dust covered American set off the shelf of a small town hardware store, and its replacement came from China.

I recently had an issue with a metric brake line fitting. Old American made Vise Grips bailed me out (that was before my new Malco Eagle Grips arrived) but at the cost of roughing up the fitting. I researched, then choked over the price and ordered a set of Wright metric tubing wrenches. American made and from what I can learn, precisely sized and strong. I’m at the point now where brand doesn’t matter as much as the particular tool I’m looking at. They’ve all had winners and losers over the years. But when I can see a tool has been used and held up well under the stress, that’s the endorsement I want.

 

[SammyChevelleTypeS3]

I had access to Snap On at work and open check book unquestioned to order what I wanted. After my first $1000 plus order of open end wrneches from them, I never ordered Snap On again. Yes they were very good. I just could not see that kind of money for what they were. We spent the money on other equipment. We already had a lot of Milwaukee tools that were just fine.

 

[UncleDave]

Snap on has always been priced high. But in the last few years they have gone overboard on pricing. Yes they are very high quality but are they worth 8x what a comparable Husky or Kobalt set costs?

I don't think so. There is no way that I would pay this kind of price.

At the point cost outstrips the products value to me.

The value is out of balance in that deal.