The Dual 80 is a beast of a tool, one of the best ratchets ever made IMO the proverbial Timex of ratchets.
At 67 I am still getting it done but I cant lift as much as I could at 30 so you work smarter and get a young guy to lift it.
Capri and Icon beat Snap on
- Thread starter Trav
- Start date
exactly, but I'm sure you know mechs who are in worse shape. I definitely felt it when I was in my early 40s, and being the youngest mech in the dealership.
Did a simple Corolla oil change yesterday.
At 72 I don't pop up off the garage floor like I used to, but ya gotta get used to it... Sheesh.
Regardless I love the feel of a quality wrench in my hand. Plus I'm too dang cheap to pay someone to over torque everything. I can do that myself.
Last edited:
Snap on makes awesome tools. But you pay for the name and the service. They get you on a $30 per week bill no interest kinda thing. But chrome flaking is warranty, flat spots on pliers is warranty, my dealer will warranty anything. Icon is nice b
I've been doing it 30 years. I am tired of it. No longer enjoyable and body is breaking down
I bought my Snap-on tools either a set at a time or a tool at a time on a truck account (no interest) to replace the Craftsman stuff I started with. We didn't have many options in the mid 90's.
Didn't own a Snap-on tool box 'til 2010 & 15 years into the industry....And I bought it used with cash at a really good price, 10 years later I bought my first new Snap-on box (KTL1023) albeit with some factory paint blemishes....My trade in & a cash deal with the blemish discount was far cheaper than ANY 72" Icon box.
So true. In the 90's we didn't have many options for pro grade tools other than the truck brands. New guys today have more options and choices. Back then we had sears, auto parts stores and tool trucks
I'm 30 years in as well, While I do get tired of it & certainly isn't always enjoyable....I still have a passion for the craft.
Opened my own shop in 2019 to concentrate on Powertrain, EVAP, & Electrical diag.
If the price reflects it I never understood concerns over paint blemishes. Some guys even wax their boxes which to me is just as insane as TDS.
It's a sheetmetal box with drawers. It holds tools but is a tool unto itself. Use it and enjoy life.
I've got nothing against SnapOn boxes at the right price but honestly my 72" Homak and US General cart do everything I need. I often eye used Snappy service carts but then I ask myself what it would do that my current cart doesn't.
Apparently some Snappy fan bois were upset and cried foul saying Icon is inconsistent, so TTC tested 10 ratchets consecutively:
The Snappy bois can rejoice because 2 of 10 did appear questionable. However they'll be upset that I point out the obvious that the "questionable" Icons still failed at about the same point as SnapOn would, so worst case you pay less and get the same strength as SnapOn.
That said, I'm not surprised and the whole thing is dumb. You pay less for Icon and you can maybe expect less, but overall value per dollar is still higher. SnapOn is better, smoother and more consistent but at a considerably greater cost.
People continue to be confused by this simple concept, much like universities who still run studies asking, "Is exercise good for you??" Hmm, I'm on the edge of my seat for that one also.....
The Snappy bois can rejoice because 2 of 10 did appear questionable. However they'll be upset that I point out the obvious that the "questionable" Icons still failed at about the same point as SnapOn would, so worst case you pay less and get the same strength as SnapOn.
That said, I'm not surprised and the whole thing is dumb. You pay less for Icon and you can maybe expect less, but overall value per dollar is still higher. SnapOn is better, smoother and more consistent but at a considerably greater cost.
People continue to be confused by this simple concept, much like universities who still run studies asking, "Is exercise good for you??" Hmm, I'm on the edge of my seat for that one also.....
I see back drag now rivals the Snap on. I will say this when lubed with a light grease the G2 feels just as smooth, I know because I did it and have multiple Dual 80's to compare it to.
So 80% are stronger and 20% are less but not by much, the price difference is beyond belief. I think AvE explains why there is a manufacturing discrepancy.
So 80% are stronger and 20% are less but not by much, the price difference is beyond belief. I think AvE explains why there is a manufacturing discrepancy.
Well I guess I still enjoy it to some extent. I get tired of the struggle and engineering decisions by the manufacturers. Cars aren't as easy as they use to be.
Similar threads
