Snap-On Dealer ??

[Martin1974]

Craftsman are good tools especially for the money.

If you are worried about looks then get the Snap On. Snap on's are some pretty tools and they look nice for sure but not for 3 times the price of a Craftsman.

 

[alreadygone]

If anyone's doing enough personal auto repair to even consider buying SnapOn,, they'd be much better off spending that money to get a better car!

Bob

 

[ArrestMeRedZ]

Ah, but long after that better car has gone to the rust pile, those SnapOns would still be like new. A buddy I work with has a pretty complete set he bought (before he was married, of course) over 30 years and about 8 cars ago.

Like has been said, SnapOns are for professional mechanics. I'm not one; however, if I ever hit the lottery, I'm getting a garage full of them. And a bigger garage.

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: alreadygone
If anyone's doing enough personal auto repair to even consider buying SnapOn,, they'd be much better off spending that money to get a better car!

Bob


That's funny...and likley true

I bought a whole bunch of Snap-on sockets and ratchets 30 years ago. At that time they were only about double the cost of average tools, so I thought it was money well spent. They are just used for home use, so still look like new. I have no relationship with any dealers today, and my dealer is long gone. I hope they will fix my 3/8 ratchet that I broke with incorrect use when I was frustrated with a rusty bolt.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Bluestream,

They will either fix it or replace it. My dealer had to order the selector switch for my 1964 model 3/4 drive ratchet a few months ago. They still had the parts...

 

[doitmyself]

Besides the professionals that can justify Snap On tools, I suppose there are some that buy them for the status.

But, there is also the hobbyist/enjoyment aspect of having Snap On Tools. For these guys and gals, beyond the practical aspects of diy auto work, they tinker with cars for enjoyment. It's what they do in their leisure time. I can understand them buying Snap On tools the same way that other hobbyists spend money (hunters, model railroaders, photographers, etc.). It's not about cost effectiveness.

The rest of this Snap On debate is

 

[Jeff3126]

Originally Posted By: thooks
Are the Snap-On, Matco, and MAC ratchets, sockets, wrenches THAT much better than Craftsman? Honest question. I'm not a mechanic and I've never really used anything but Craftsman. I won't buy or use that cheap [censored]. I know some of you will say Craftsman is cheap [censored], but it works for me and many others. I'm no fan of Sears, but their tools have been good to me (non corded tools).

Just curious. Would I like to have a decent collection of these tools? Yes. Do I want to pay 3 times the cost? No. Would I pay twice the cost of a Craftsman? Maybe.


To me, this tool-truck business going out of business is a lot like the concerts right now. 1/2 full arenas, but the ticket prices are the same or more than previous years. Why not lower the prices and fill the venue???


I had the MATCO guy quote me a price on 3/8" drive flex head stubby ratchet. $75. Craftsman is $25. The mechanic I know CANT have his tools break on the job, which is why he prefers buying MATCO tools. Craftsman works fine for me but I don't make a living using them.

 

[Steve S]

all my work tools are Snapon tools .I would say they are overall by far the best.I have had lots of Snapon tools break or wear out because at work the tools are used every day all day. I have Craftsman tools from 1968 that are home use tools. I wouldn't consider Snapon tools for home use because they are not needed unless there is a special need tool. You can buy 6 Craftsman tools for 1 Snapon tool . Most mechanics have spare tools for example I have 3 half inch impact wrenches .

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Originally Posted By: alreadygone
If anyone's doing enough personal auto repair to even consider buying SnapOn,, they'd be much better off spending that money to get a better car!

Bob


That's funny...and likley true

I bought a whole bunch of Snap-on sockets and ratchets 30 years ago. At that time they were only about double the cost of average tools, so I thought it was money well spent. They are just used for home use, so still look like new. I have no relationship with any dealers today, and my dealer is long gone. I hope they will fix my 3/8 ratchet that I broke with incorrect use when I was frustrated with a rusty bolt.
They will repair the tool.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
If you really want to learn about tools at the OCD level that we discuss oil here, go to the tool thread at the garagejournal forum.

There is some really good information there dispersed within threads that nitpick tool specifications. Just like what we have here.

Many there believe Craftsman is still the best "value" for diy level mechanics, but that their quality is going downhill. The Sears warranty is unbeatable.

MANY there complain that Snap On warranty is very hit or miss, and that a tool truck can tell you to send your stuff to the company for warranty. Chances that he will warranty something from a non customer are iffy.
I have never had a Snapon dealer ever turn down a tool repair.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: Martin1974
Craftsman are good tools especially for the money.

If you are worried about looks then get the Snap On. Snap on's are some pretty tools and they look nice for sure but not for 3 times the price of a Craftsman.
If you use then all day they are the best and Craftsman tools don't come close.