Coming from an Aviation standpoint, the biggest couple reasons why Snap-On and other tool truck tools are good is they're often thinner/ low profile with at least the same tool strength as cheaper tools so they fit in tighter spaces. They also have closer tolerances to the hardware you are removing/installing (using wrenches/sockets) which reduces the chance of marring or stripping the hardware. These points are really important in Aviation where it's unacceptable to reuse any hardware that has been marred by the tool used on it as they could be stress risers and lead to failure of the hardware. For example, Snap-On's "Flank Drive" is generally considered safe for use in Aviation because it fits hardware better without digging into the hardware. BUT their "Flank-Drive Plus" brand is NOT safe for use in Aviation as the grooves/teeth in the tool will put grooves in the head of the hardware, thus ruining that hardware (Not a problem if the hardware is already damaged and you're just removing it for the purpose of replacement). I agree that Snap-On is waaaaaaay expensive and often unnecessary but there are some cases where their tools are just easier/safer to use without having to replace hardware every time.

Yes you can use any tools to fix what ever you are working on. You also probably don't need a 3 bedroom house or what ever car you drive. you could ride a bicycle cheaper or whatever. We all spend our money on what we think is right or like. My opinion is buy what tools and toolbox you like if you are a professional you spend half your life at work you might as well make yourself happy what ever that is. I use Many different brands I spend my money how I like and don't worry about what others buy if someone comes up and says "look what I got" I don't say anything negative even if my opinion about is different I just say hey man that's nice. Just like I always help new Techs and let fellow tech use a tool if they don't have it. I buy tools at yard sales and give them to Techs if they are new and cant afford it or are hard up for what ever reason. I love fixing things and try to pass on my passion any way I can. .

I have been in the trade for 38 years and retired now through illness now, I always bought snap on , but lost loads and had them stolen ,,, now I seen many tool companies have got great quality tools and the only reason I bought snap on ,, the van would call every week ,, but I tell my sons don’t buy snap on unless you are rich , glad you putting the word out to help shrugging engineers who can save money

Grew up farming, working on tractors and implements, and have never owned anything snap-on, and some of my tools are over 30 years old now and still using them regularly, one of my most used socket sets, which is a 3/4" drive, is from Harbor Freight and has had a 6 ft cheater pipe used on it many times and is still going strong, never broke a socket and still using the original ratchet and paid less than $50 for it about 15 years ago!

I went on a snap-on tool truck with the full intention of spending around $4,000 to start my tool collection, and the first sentence out of the salesmans mouth was "you're going to buy something right"? I was so pissed off about his service that I just left. I ended up buying a craftsman 540 piece mechanics set from eBay, a husky tool box, welder, cutoff saw, safety gear, etc... Still have money left over.

i was a professional truck mechanic, worked in the trade for over 30 yrs. i had em all snap-on, mac, matco, cornwell, craftsman & 'hand made tools.. i bought the tool to get the job done & nothing more. there were times i made custom tools for certain applications. those guys that bought those 15k tools boxs from snap on were heavily in debt for years, you have to remember, you work to live, not live to work...

Snap on saw you coming😆🤣. I have never in my life bought from a tool truck and never had any issues when I was a mechanic. Hello Walmart, harbor freight, pawn shop

As a master tech with 25 yrs in the business, I have used most all brands. I have taken Pittsburgh tools back to Harbor Freight and they've asked me to send them to the manufacturer. Snap-on, Mac, Cornwell, Matco all come to the shop weekly. Not sure if some of the brands you mentioned have patented flank drive but that feature saves on rounding bolt flanks. Some lesser brands have sharp edges that cause hand fatigue when used all day, every day. I do feel that Snap-on are over priced, especially when some of them are made in China now. Good job with the video, appreciate your information. Fixing cars isn't what it was and is going to be harder with electronics becoming more and more into the picture. Good luck to all the techs out there.

My grandad took a snap-on ratchet from a burnt out Sherman tank in WW2. He used it for 30yrs working as a prototype mechanic for Land Rover. He gave it me and I used it for 30yrs,about 10 to make a living. Its in the garage now,still working.

I was an airplane mechanic for 9 years and the best tools I had were SK, NOT Snap On. One thing not mentioned is the waiting time. You have to wait for the Snap On man to come by again BEFORE you can replace the tool that's been broken. I've also heard that the open end of a Snap On wrench won't stretch. I don't know what short bus riding individual came up with this line of nonsense, but he was lying like a politician on the campaign trail. Buy good American tools for a damn sight cheaper than Snap On with just as good or better guarantees and use the money you saved on something you really want or need. Are Snap On good tools? Obviously, but most of what you're paying for is a name. Damn near $400 for 5 tools? Really? Nah, I'll pass.

Any one remember old S&K STUFF from back in the day.

My uncle owns a shop for the last 25 years. As I was growing up, I come out to the shop to help him all the time to learn some auto repair skills so that I could fix my own cars or maybe even become a mechanic. He has all kinds of good tools including Snap-on's; but I remembered his snap-on box is always locked so that I don't mess around with it. So I think it is safe to say that Snap-on have one of the best hand tools you can get on the market (notice I said "one of"). However, it isn't significantly better than other quality tools at a fraction of the price.I guess you can say they're the Rolex of automotive technician tools. I now own a Rolex Submariner and I'm proud of it, but my favorite watch and the one that's on my wrist most of the time is my 10 year old Omega Seamaster 300m at a third the price, second is The watch that's on my my Seiko Monster diver for 1/20 the price. Functionally, I wouldn't dare to say my Rolex is much better than my Omega or even my Seiko. There are a lot of good values out there. You don't always get what you pay for.

I agree with you 100%. I have been a professional now for 7 years. I like my snap on tools that I own. However if I could go back to when I first started making purchases professionally. I would stay off the tool truck and invest the difference I spent into a retirement fund. I still use my snap on tools daily. However I keep it simple now and have no tool debt. I purchase used tools, harbor freight goodies and others from Amazon like otc and tekton. If you are considering be a professional. Going to a trade school or just getting started. Listen to this guy. I like at the end when he said "this husky will still break a bolt loose, just the same as the snap on will" perfect!

Autobody mechanic most my life, never owned snap on and got along just fine without. Thieves love stealing them tho.

I worked for a Peterbilt Dealership for years. I got out of the business to make more money elsewhere. I never bought any snap off tools. All of my impact sockets are harbor freight, I’ve never broke one. There were dudes there that would break a couple snap on sockets every couple of months. I bought Cornwell and MAC pneumatic tools, because they are cheaper and better than snap on. My hand tools are a mix of much cheaper companies. I worked with a guy that had 60k in a tool box and tools, and I had twice as much shit packed in my smaller much more affordable tool box for not even a fraction of the price.

There are some tools that I will only get from Snap On. Anybody who has any respectable years in the field knows why. I started with Harbor Freight and Craftsman because I was newly married and barely making it and have worked my way up as I’ve seen the need for certain tools and as my knowledge and skill set has increased. I have often worked hundreds of miles from any gas station much less a store to buy or replace tools. I have to have tools that I can absolutely rely on. For this reason Snap On has its place along other tool manufactures in my tool box. I once had a pretty shotty apprentice I worked with tell me “I don’t need Snap On tools to be a good mechanic!” to which I ABSOLUTELY agreed. I told him “Snap on makes good tools but it can’t work miracles. It would take more than a Snap On tool to make you a good mechanic.” There’s room for all kinds of manufacturers tools in a mechanics tool box, but to say you don’t need high quality tools mixed in there just tells me you’re a cheap mechanic that doesn’t take your profession seriously. Why do you buy a dependable truck or a certain brand of chainsaw etc? Why don’t you just buy the cheapest piece of junk out there? Because you want to be able to depend on it. Funny how that works. Come to think of it I’ve never heard the comment “I only need Harbor Freight and Taiwanese tools to get the job done” come from a respectable mechanics lips, it’s always the crappiest technicians I know that say that. Think there’s a trend there. I would absolutely agree that someone who only buys and works with the cheapest tools and has no desire to find and use higher quality tools honestly does not know what it means to do a quality repair job. If you take pride in your workmanship you recognize and gravitate toward quality workmanship in the tools you use.

I've given up on the tool trucks... if you didn't buy it from him, they just give you a hard time replacing or fixing it... or take weeks to replace it. Snap on guy said he wouldn't warranty a broken socket because he didn't know who I was and i didn't buy from him. he thought he would keep his new sockets for his customers. I could have found it on the side of the road and it would still be under warranty. I had to get area rep involved and get my tools replaced. too much trouble. Cornwell has been the same.

I've been a diesel mechanic for 30 years and still have my original snap on tools -and some sears USA made too -it depends on lots of things on how much you use them yes they're more expensive but i like every thing in life you get what you pay for .

When I got started 2 years ago all I heard was "you have to buy everything from tool trucks because nothing else will hold up". Well I already knew better than that so I went for brands like Tekton, Gearwrench, SK, etc.. 2 years later and I haven't broken a single tool after using them all day every day. The real kicker is that while everyone else owes money to the tool truck my entire box is paid for, I have at least 90% of everything I need, and I currently have the same amount of money set aside that I've invested in tools meaning my box has more than paid for itself. Even had one of the old techs whose about to retire tell me that if he could go back he'd do what I did. The snap on guy also hates me to the point that Im certain he wouldn't warranty anything if I ever did buy from him.

Good video. Never bought Snap-On. Always thought it was ridiculously overpriced. I have found 2 screwdrivers at garage sales, and at garage sale prices, it was a good deal.

A friend of mine used snap-on allen key on a pulley it twisted like a corkscrew changed them for another set tried them they did the same I got out my rusty German CK keys the screw came out

I stopped buying snap on tools when they told me my tools where to old for warranty, saved alot of money,also new wrenches are garbage,can bend em up like pretzels, Diesel tech 28 years

Im going to tl;dr the comments for everyone. People who dont buy snapon are going to defend their decision so their professionalism is not questioned. Snapon buyers are going to defend their purchase so their investment doesnt become devalued. Stalemate. Next video

Having Snap-on tools is very impressive. What makes them even more impressive is leaving the price tag on.

I have used snap on tools for 30 years...and the best thing I can see for the money is there wrenches with the FLANK drive...there have been many a time I would have stripped the head off of a bolt using ANY other wrench....where the snap on will grab it...as far as the rest of there tools you are right..

Okay I'll throw my 2 cents in the ring. I am an aircraft mechanic and worked in aviation back in my younger years. I had a good mix of different brand tools. I did find that the snap on sockets and box wrenches grabbed better on hex bolts. The snap on guy even had a demo plastic bolt and nut and the Craftsman wrench would slip while the snap on tool would not slip. the snap on Screw drivers had more comfotable handles. I did have an issue where a craftsman socket would always break on a certain component. yes I could go get an new one but then it would break again ever time. I could not get the job done with the Craftsman socket. The snap on did not break. This was where quality made the difference. I was a wrencher in the 80s and I belive the Snap on stuff was far better than the few other tool companies back then. These days there are a lot more tool companies and they have copied some of the good designs. In my opinion as for hand tools Snap on makes a better product but they do charge too much. There is a convience factor that someone mentioned with the snap on guy coming to you and giving you a line of credit. interesting points in the video.

I completely agree with things like "how can Snap On make this wrench any better." The material quality in certain cases on certain stress items is better than the cheap quality materials that can be seen on cheaper brands. I will say, I have a tool addiction. I love pretty looking tools that feel right in my hands that make me feel really good using. I love my Snap On ratchets, I love my green hammers, or orange pliers. I think things like a Snap On zip gun, impact gun or other specific tools (fuel pressure tester, leakdown tester, etc) are far too insanely overpriced that it becomes beyond stupid. Because of my tool addiction, I will always spend a little bit more money per tool on something that is really nice because I love my trade and my tools, and I love the satisfaction I feel when I fix things with my wonderful tools. To each their own.

My brother is not a mechanic and I am I’m finishing my diesel program next month and... and he was right. He said don’t be that guy who owns all those expensive tools and can’t even do the job right....

If you're a regular car tech than snap on really isn't necessary. As a heavy duty diesel tech mostly require durable tools. Snap on holds up really good plus I'm working over 10-12 hours a day so I want good quality.

Good points Bryan, I have owned a shop for 30+ years, now I have just opened my second shop. I'm in the trucking business and own about 60 tractor trailer trucks. Quality tools are nice but within reason. We have a mixture of snap on, mac, some matco, Sears, Husky, and Harbor Freight. We have found that Harbor Freight's impact sockets are just as good as Snap On and Mac and we have the broken ones to prove a point. Also we constantly use Harbor Freight's 1 inch impact wrenches because changing tires on the semi's gives a tool a workout. We used to use Ingersol Rand impacts but they were 5 times more expensive and I have had numerous problems with their 1 inch impact. You have made some very good points and I would like to add don't go out and buy the Snap On tool boxes. Some of these prices on the tool boxes are ridiculous. Buy a new pickup truck for 35k not a toolbox. Too many young techs feel peer pressure to buy the fanciest tools and tool boxes they can buy. That's not going to make them a better tech. Don't sell yourself to the Snap On tool truck. It's like cocaine to a junkie, some of the techs feel they have to buy from the tool truck to be satisfied. Be smart with your tool purchases and don't feel the pressure to buy from the tool trucks. Save your money and put your kids through college or buy a new house.

Nicely done and even funny towards the end. I am not a mechanic in any way but I did work in a Flying-A gas station back in the early 1960's and the owner of the joint had a set of Snap-On tools and told us gas-pumpers to stay the hell away from his Snap-On tools when we would work on our own cars. That is when I knew these tools were a big deal to a professional mechanic. Still, the only reason I'd ever even consider buying a Snap-On tool is if there simply was no other tool available to do a certain job. I think back then that happened a lot and likely contributed to their sterling reputation. Like you say, their tools cost a fortune, are nicely made and work but I'll stick with making my monthly mortgage.

I work for Snap-on and these are great points. Our tools have nice little innovations and are top quality. They aren't worth paying 2-5 times as much though.

All 5 reasons on point! You can get jobs done for a lot less money. Snap-on may have better quality tools, but not 5 times the cost!!!

change the name to strap on cause ur gonna get screwed

Contruction worker for thirty five years here.The last twenty eight as journeyman wireman.I have used my share of tools over the years including ninety nine percent of my own automotive maintenance.The number one rule would be be buy quality tools that you use everyday and decent ones you don't.We build America everday on construction sites in this country and snap on is NOT by any means seen in the vast majority of the tool cribs or personal tools anywhere in the country.That being said i know for a fact snap on is not necessary for anything!

I agree. Im a mechanic and usually have more billable hours in my name than anybody else in the shop using a mix of SK, Gear Wrench, Air Cat, Ingersoll Rand, etc and I never break anything and I probably don't even have one tenth of the money invested in tools as the other guys who won't buy anything but snap on. I know some of them are around $20,000 invested and they all owe money to the tool truck. The snap on tools I have are mostly from pawnshops. I like to support American companies as much as anybody but why invest unnecessary amounts of money in order to do so? They bleed you for that support.

you can build an entire garage for how much snap-on tool boxes go for.

interesting video, however I must disagree with some of what you are saying. you see I'm a cnc machinist and I work for snap on tools. I make the ratchet drive body's, and I see the craftsmanship and hard work that goes into these tools. The overall process in general is just unbelievable, not to mention how snap on takes care of their employees when it comes to being paid vs our main competition. I could go so much further in depth and talk on this subject all day. All I'm implying is don't be so quickly to judge on things you don't understand fully. If you would like come see for yourself take a tour of a manufacturing plant just to see, Have a great day sir.

Snap-On - keeping mechanics broke for decades

the worst part of snap-on is their dealers. when you are established and no longer have a weekly payment to them, they do not give a shit about you or your broken tools. for THIS reason alone i would recommend not buying from snap-on. 30 + year ase car light truck tech.

One of the reasons why people buy from snap on is because they come to your shop for one. And two, the biggest reason is being able to make payments which I think is why they’re such a huge company. Everyone has their reasons but I personally think if you cant afford to pay for the expensive snap on tools (or any other brand) without making payments, then maybe consider buying cheaper tools that do the same job and save money. To each is own though you do you...

A long time ago they were really better than most less expensive tools, everybody caught up, even HF hand tools are pretty decent at often 1/10 the cost and same warranty. There is just one basic reason, they cost too damn much 🤬

I try to stay away from snap on. I do stand by their pick set though. Got tired of breaking cheap ones. Bought the mini set used in brand new shape for $30. Highly recommend them.

I use Kobalt under heavy use for small engine repair and have never had a problem. I plan to introduce them to cars and have no doubt they will hold up. The only Snap On tools I have are a set of old screwdrivers I got used.

good point,thats what i said on someone's video who suggested one should drop 50 grand on snap on tools,i said i rather use that money buy a house or even a brand new car or truck,i'm conviced that people that fill their boxes with snap on,matco,mac and cornwell are on power trips,i wish i could go back in time as an auto mechanic,my box would be either craftsman,US general or husky and so would the tools,but i would splurge on S & K i swear by them my first pro tools when i worked as an auto radiator,heater core repairman and installer.

The only thing I know is If you need to replace a Snap on product. You have to wait for the truck to come around or you have to order it online. Others like Kobalt, or Craftsman, You drive to the store and get a replacement the same day.

Hey buddy doing a power steering high pressure hose swap on a 2007 honda crv. Was wondering what's your go to flare nut brand? Or ratcheting wrench do you suggest?

In 1990 I went to Val-Tech Institute in Blairsville, PA. We were offered $2,500 in Snap-On tools or we could get a voucher for $2,500 for whatever we wanted to buy. I took the Snap-On tools because my first instructor must have been paid by Snap-On to sale their tools. when I saw how many tools some of the other students were able to buy with their $2,500, I was amazed I felt like I got ripped off. When a Snap-On tool broke and I tried to deal with the Snap-On guy in the fancy truck I was further disappointed, those guys all must be taught to be assholes. Now 29 years later and I still have most of those Snap-On tools but I have Craftsman, Gear Wrench, Pittsburgh, and many other tools that have stood my test of dependability through the years.

- The # 1 reason not to purchase Snap-On Tools is because they are all ridiculously OVERPRICED...

I don't own a single snap on tool, my toolbox contains koken, Armstrong, Williams, sidchrome etc. I work on rock crushers and earth movers and my tools are worked hard, never broken any. I think Snap on is way over rated and way over priced, not saying they are no good, just that you can buy tools that are just as good for a fraction of the price. I shake my head at young mechanics that think they are shit hot cause they got a box full of snap on.

I just searched for those genius wrenches 44pieces for 344 $ not a bad deal at all. I even bookmark the page, thanks for the review..... you always learn something new every day!!!!

I have a bunch of Genius tools. An independent truck that came to my shop sold Genius, SK, Gray Pneumatic. Genius stuff is amazing in my opinion.

Number 1 Reason not to buy SnapON is they are WAY too expensive for what you get, This guy spent nearly 400 bucks and got a Hammer 2 Screw drivers a sparkplug socket a ratchet and a spark tester. That is ridiculous i will never understand why some people spend countless tens of thousands of dollars on snap on when a great deal of other brands are just as good and 1/10th the cost.

My top 5 reasons why I wouldn't buy Snap-on/Matco/Mac/Cornwell: 1) Borrowed my friend's $400 set of Snap-on torx sockets...broke the bit immediately. Got the same bolt out with my Craftsman socket, and can almost guarantee the Harbor Freight would have worked too. 2) I hate having to wait for the truck to show up or ship something back to warranty my tools. I want to go into a store, pick out the item that I just broke and be back working with that same tool in 20-30 minutes. 3) Most techs make somewhere in the realm of $35-40k/yr. Not near enough to justify spending an entire year's salary on a toolbox and tools when you could invest all of that money into starting your own shop. I may have $5-6k in quality tools from Armstrong, Gearwrench, some Harbor Freight, a few Craftsman, and others, but I was able to start my own business without any debt to my school or one of the truck guys. 4) I was not aware of this until one of the drivers told me, and I'm not sure how true this is, and if it's ever really implemented, but the driver can choose not to honor the warranty of the hand tools. My pry bars are in my big tool box (I will recommend NOT getting the HF ones of these, side note), my screwdrivers are in my tool cart that is right beside me on any job. If my hand is lost in an engine bay and I finally find where the hell I'm supposed to pry, I am not going all the way back to the tool box, when a screwdriver is right there. And if I break a $50 Snap-on screwdriver doing this, the driver is going to find my broken driver lodged somewhere in his back if he doesn't replace it with another one. 5) This one is more personal, but true. So many techs buy Snap-on tools and their douche-o-meter turns to 11. They all of sudden become tool snobs and start defecating glitter. The make sure to stick their pinkies out when using the 1/4" ratchet, and they know the difference between the salad breaker bar, the entree breaker, and the dessert breaker. They must let the tannins settle in their a/c manifold gauge before even thinking about hooking it up.

Really appreciate all your honesty and I totally agree with everything you say.

Shout out to diesel mechanics. I bought a Neiko wrench set that goes from 1 & 5/16 to 2" when I first started out Diesel fleet repair 4 years ago. I haven't had a wrench slip or spread the jaws yet. It equaled out to like 12 dollars a wrench delivered to my door. 1 large size snap on wrench is $150 - $250 . You are much less likely to round a fastener with a wrench 3/4 size nut or larger. I also had really good luck with "Grip" crows feet large sizes and harbor freight Icon series crows feet smaller sizes. The standard harbor freight and mid range crows feet are garbage in smaller sizes. And when it comes to tap and dies Do NOT buy harbor freight. Mac R.b.r.t. wrenches are not a daily driver wrench, the tolerances are too tight and they would never be acceptable in aviation they mare up nuts and bolts bad. Only thing they are good for IMO is extraction of damaged fasteners.

Canadian tire ""Mastercraft maximum "" will do the trick. Look for yourself and don't get carried away by peer pressure.

Great video, I like the way you rationalise your tool choices. I've been a mechanic and an engine builder, mostly motorcycles for 30 years. Anything which is 'mission critical' is Snap On. Then the second line stuff is Facom ( great French brand ), Britool or Blue Point. Screwdrivers, pliers and stuff like that I personally consider to be disposable - I'll buy them anywhere. Snap On stuff is the best in my opinion, not so much for the quality but the ergonomics - but it's also a cult. I love tools, but then I'm not going to throw my money away on items I'll never use more than once in a blue moon, or on toolboxes which cost more than a brand new car would here. I do have an older Snap On top box, but my roll cab and the other larger top box are just " Professional " branded tool store items.

Bought a New Britain 18" ratchet in 1972 have used the hell out of it & it's still working perfectly.

I agree. This applies to all high end brands. Good Techs have an assortment of high end and low end tools and everything in between. Not just one brand.

The one tool I will always buy snap on is ratchets. Too many busted knuckles when one breaks and I have never had a snap on ratchet simply just snap the anvil off or completely strip all the teeth at once. And my snap on classic 96 tool box is 7 years old and works and looks damn near new still. They even warranty the paint finish on the boxes if it starts flaking. It's a lot at first for the box but we'll worth it if your a professional. Plenty of other good IR air tools and other hand tools for far cheaper. And for the cordless for the money Milwaukee cannot be beat, especially the nice 5 year no hassle warranty.

I have a lot of snap on tools. Working in a several and now having my own garage I have had a plethora of brand ls of tools. Sure a box wrench or standard non moving part tools are what they are. Now I have owned Pittsburgh tools and probably have one or two that I haven’t broken yet, but I don’t have time to take them back every time one breaks. As far as them being stolen l, if you use this to fund your livelihood and that’s how you make your living they should he insured. I do believe in buying American and I’m not opposed to having other equipment in my box, however my preference is snap on or even Mac. It seems to me craftsman’s quality has diminished. In this sense you kind of really do get what you pay for again I don’t have time to return or send someone to return tools more often than I should have to. I need a tool to get the job done the first time and move on to the next customer. In this business time is money. Good tools in the hands of a talented technician will pay for themselves.

Some very valid points.. A theory I have is buy 2 of something cheaper and have one for backup.. Instead of waiting for snap on to come by to fix or order it if not on the truck. U are paying for the name and convenience of the snapon truck stopping by. Also paying for American made tools !! If its some sort of powertool it may be several weeks until they get it fixed or more. One thing I can't stand is being without tools that I paid a lot of money for..Another thing to think about is... All tools break... If you're going to buy another brand they at least need to be in the nearby neighborhood . Whoever you can get the best service from. Sometimes that Snappy. Now back to cheap Craftsman tools i bought years ago that were lifetime warranty. I can't even find a Sears nearby anymore to get them warrantied anymore... I do buy snap on tools 2nd hand.same warranty. If it's a to you only use 2 times a year. Definitely doesn't need to be snap on. If use it everyday it'll often make things for pleasant.. I think it's kind of a pride snd sense of accomplishment for guys that have been in it for years and slowly upgraded to everything snap on. Obviously anyone can put things on credit now days... The new guy that buys all snap on and then quits in the 1st year or two is how we get cheap 2nd hand snap on tools;)Just a few scattered thoughts I wanted to share. American made tools.... Hard to beat that these days! Going to have to raise your hourly rate though if you're going to use Strictly Snap-on

I have quite a few snap on tools, but 90% of them were bought at yard sales or off the truck for dirt prices. I like the ease and feel of them and they last. I have used craftsman ratchets and they just don’t hold up. I have also bought other brands of tools from yard sales at good prices as well. I also, only buy what I need. That in itself saves money.

That Genius wrench looks beautiful, nice chrome finish. But the comment below is correct, they are designed and based in Canada

I own a bunch of tools after 40+ years as a mechanic. I still have my first craftsman ratchet, and my newest snap-on ratchet. My favorite one is a J.H. Williams S-52 super ratchet that I have used for over 30 years, and never broke. How many of you have one of these?

That's why I love Canadian tire, good quality, wide range of tools , lifetime warranty and there always a store nearby, like McDonald's ! I have a lot of Craftsman tools, but now , all the Sears store in Canada are close, that's really sad

I have spent 12 years in a service truck doing truck repairs in the middle of nowhere. I will say there are a lot of snap on tools that are not worth it. There are a few tools that are though. I have alot of sunex impact sockets. They are awesome. And affordable. I have a few snap on specialty sockets that make jobs easier. All my ratchets are snap on. Had a craftsman that broke all the time. Hurt myself kinda bad because of it. Went to snap on never went back. Gave up on cordless snap on. Milwaukee and dewalt very good and more affordable. I do love the cordless ratchet though. Hex key sockets snap on. Kinda screwed if you break one of those.Every mechanic finds his way. There are alot more options today than there was 20 years ago. Happy wrenching!

I traded an old truck for a huge toolbox full of tools; some Snap-On but mostly just a variety. Dozens of companies make great tools, Snap-On being one. It's easy enough to tell junk. Quality tools are worth paying for but Snap-On isn't worth five or ten times as much as the rest.

5 different reason why people think they need or buy snap on tools 1 they are a old skool tec stuck in the 80's . 2 convenience and opportunity/impulse, truck pulls right up every week buy on credit and might lack knowledge of what and we're to get it else were 3 why younger ppl do it trying to buy the respect /showoff to other employees/just follow what others are doing 4 the don't have anything else to do with there money 5 reason to buy a expensive toy with the reasoning that it's a "investment". I own all brands of snap on matco and Mac along with a variety other brands but iv never bought them off the truck. stay off the rape van.

It's as simple as this.. One of the most important things in life is happiness. It is human instinct to have hobbies, which make you happy. For some it's modifying their vehicle, flying planes, sports, and for some their hobby is collecting expensive tools such as snap on. One could make the money argument when it comes to any hobby, but the moment you look factor in return on investment, it's easy to discredit the topic. Assuming you are financially responsible in the things that matter, such keeping a roof over your families head and bills are paid, there is nothing wrong with spending money on something that you enjoy and makes you happy. There are plenty of things in life that bring you down, so don't restrict yourself even further. Being happy is the most important thing in life.

Checked out Snap-On site - the one thing the jumped out were the absurd prices. But then, traditionally, these tools were sold by merchants driving around to mechanics i.e. selling door to door. There is a service cost built into the price - but this does not explain charging the same price for internet sales. Therefore, it is not cost efficient to pay such prices for similar quality, guaranteed, available at much cheaper prices.

I love SNAP ON because I can buy snap on tools at the swap meet and resell them for a lot of profit to a snap on lover.

Dropping my two cents. I am a mechanic that works in a shop 6 days a week. Excellent example with the 3/8 Pittsburgh Long Flex Head. I actually owned a Snap On one briefly and traded it towards some sockets and picked up the Pittsburgh and it's been great to me! However, saying that mechanics that are Snap On fanatics are not good technicians is far from accurate. I know tons of master technicians using Snap On tools. Not to mention, the large majority of action sports teams (NHRA, NASCAR, etc) use Snap On tools and they are far from "Not the greatest techs" lol I have a little bit of everything in my box. Most of my wrenches are gearwrench and I prefer that over snap on. Screwdrivers are a lot of Classic Craftsman. However, I believe there are some snap on tools that just perform generally better. Not to mention, you pay a lot up front, but they hold value making them a decent investment. I just traded my old generation Snap On CDR Drill for a 14.4 Microlithium Snap On Drill Kit brand new and paid $200 with the trade in. Included tool, batteries, and charger. My CDR help up excellent for years and still had value when I traded it in. The same goes for my other Snap On tools. They have all held up and held value.

I'm so glad that you posted this video.. there all great tools but at the end of the day they all serve there purpose...

I considered buying a Snap-on ratchet just to try one out, but concluded that if I were out on a job site and broke my ratchet for whatever reason, it’s easier to find a Home Depot than a truck.

Snap On BJP1 Master Ball & U-Joint Set is hands down one of the best ball joint sets to have if you weren't born with three arms. And it's made in the USA.

I buy less expensive brands all the time. I have replaced some of my heavier used sockets and wrenches with Snap On, Blue Point, SK, Cromwell. Not everything has to match. Why spend good money on a 7mm wrench or socket you will hardly ever use? 1/2”, 10 and 12mm get used constantly. My favorite 3/8” ratchet is a 40yo Craftsman. It is as smooth as butter. Been searching pawn shops for another like it. Best tool I own, everyone that uses it asks if I will sell it. The newer craftsman ratchets I won’t buy, but the older ones are as good as anything out there.

Collision tech here. I do use some cheap tools but most are snap on. The extra money for tools that don’t break and make my life easier are well worth it. If something breaks it can cause damage to fresh paint that I work on and or my time to replace it. I do 80-110 hours a week in a 40hr work week so every minute counts.

I have been working on heavy equipment and class 6 - 8 trucks for over 25 years. When I first started out companies like Snap On were the only ones that made some of the specialty tools that you needed to do the job correctly. The same could be said about tool boxes. When you work on heavy equipment, you have some large tools that would not fit in the tool boxes that you could buy at Sears, Home Depot or Harbor Freight. Now with the internet, mechanics do have more options. I have a mix of tools from Snap On, Mac, Matco, Craftsman, Husky and stuff from Harbor Freight and Northern Tools. I do most of my work using other brands of tools. I do have a set of wrenches from 1 1/8" to 2" and a 3/4 drive ratchet set from Snap On that I purchased over 20 years ago. They were expensive, but they have held up great over the years. To me it was not worth the risk of getting injured because the only non snap on large wrenches or 3/4 drive ratchet sets available at that time were of poor quality and broke once you put a lot of pressure on them.

For what its worth when I was in tech school. Every single student with Snap-Off tools had warranty claims the first day of class. I had tools from Lyle, Gear Wrench etc. and made me through tech school and then some. I do not believe in brands names on anything. Clothing, food, tools, or anything. I used to, but life expeirence has shown me the error of my ways.

I've used off-brand socket sets where the ratchet end literally came apart in my hand. I've had a socket break in two trying to remove a crank shaft main bearing. Both were nice and shiny and made in Taiwan, just like a lot of the crap you see at Harbor Freight.. Take that box end wrench and put some serious torque to it and watch what happens. Most likely it'll bend like butter or break..Test both brands like this and you'll see why people always say "you get what you pay for". If you won a prize that offered a choice between Snap-On and any other brand, every single guy commenting here would choose Snap-On

Using tools for over 50 years and I agree with you 100%...!!!

Im in school about to go into the diesel industry for freightliner, what are some high quality tools that are cheaper than snap on.

did they at least use lube?

I worked high bridge construction. When an inferior tool breaks, the consequences can be grave…..or, a grave. I prefer high quality tools, and buy a lot of used, older tools. Long ago, even Black and Decker made good tools, though now I wouldn't take their stuff for free. I seldom buy Snapon, because I can get equal or superior quality for less. It boils down to knowing quality, and who makes the best tools for a particular purpose, and who made good stuff when. But cheap junk will mess up your work, and are expensive in the long run.

I had a Snap-on truck come 2 my place of employment every other week, I often bought tools from Snap-on 4 1-reason, they let me make payments, but I agree w/U Bryan, the majority of my tools are Craftsman, Husky, Milwaukee, De-Walt & So on, I'm a 50yr Oldman who's been a Sawmill Worker since I was 18, So I'm Justified when I tell U that Craftsman Toolz are my Choice of good Quality & Price. I Thank you for your time Bryan!!!

how do you grip those skinny round ratchets ?

I love “harbor freight it if breaks I can get a new one” where I have snapon tools that have been passed down to me for from the early 1970’s that still get used all the time. Had a 3/8 snapon ratchet that I bought from a pawn shop skip a tooth while using it like a break over bar, so I took it to the truck and it was fixed no questions asked. The one reason you should buy snapon (if you have the money I don’t personally like I said they were passed down) is because they do last like no other and service is amazing. I agree other brands are just as good and will work. I have tons of craftsman and Kobalt tools myself but lifetime quality is lifetime quality.

gear wrench has been good to me

If you can get the job done without damage to the fastener, busting your knuckles or breaking the tool that is just a base line; Some tools just feel better in your hands and work better, are easy to read the fastener size or clean up faster. Pick the tools best for your situation: I’ve used many brands of tools on and off the job and no one manufacturer has the very best on every tool they sell, keep a open mind and spend more if makes your life better.

The flank drive wrenches by a snap on are my favorite tool. I use craftsman for about everything else

Agree with most of your assessments about tools and your list of 5 reasons. I was one of those "less than top-notch" mechanics that bought quite a lot of snap-on tools especially during an 8 year period when I worked at Ag Dealerships. I wish I would have taken the money I could have saved and put it into bitcoin. I worked with great mechanics who used much cheaper tools than snap-on. I will say however, now that I have them, I am happy to own them and I do not like really cheap poorly made tools...their is a difference

Many years ago I had purchased some SNAP ON tools. One of them broke during normal use. I went to a shop my mechanic friend worked at to get a replacement for the tool that had broken. The SNAP ON tool truck owner refused to exchange my broken tool out. He said he did not sell it to me and he did not have to honor their warranty. My mechanic buddy along with another mechanic that worked at the shop heard this and both said if you do not honor the SNAP ON warranty for our friend do not ever come back to this shop. Even then the SNAP ON tool truck guy reluctantly did the warranty exchange for me. I have not bought a SNAP ON tool since then and that was just over 22 years ago. I will never buy another SNAP ON tool as long as I live based on that experience.

Things seems to be different now, but back in the mid-1970s . . . My late brother was a auto dealership mechanic, where he had a saying of: "Craftsman tools are made for use a dozen times a year, Snap-On are made to be used a dozen times a day!" Case in point: At his workplace, his 9/16th inch socket got lost after five years of daily use. With a Sears store about a mile away, he went there, on his lunch break, and got a Craftsman brand 9/16th inch socket replacement . . . which wore-out in three months of daily use.

I haven't swung a wrench for a living for a number of years now. But when I started, I started with all Craftsman tools. The other mechanics all made fun of my tools (theirs were all Snap On and Mac). But I had 2 of every socket, ratchet, wrench. And when I broke one, I had another to use. I would just stop by Sears on my way home to exchange the broken tool. By the end of my second year at that shop, the other mechanics were buying Craftsman as well. We were located less than a mile for a Sears, and that beat waiting for the weekly visit from the Snap On or Mac truck. While the Craftsman DID break more frequently than Snap On or Mac, we got same-day replacement. And never an argument about possible abuse like the trucks sometimes presented. Today, I own a wide range of tools. Snap On tools ARE superior to most. The tolerances are tighter than cheaper tools, and often the design makes for better fitment. For example, cheaper sockets tend to have to steeper taper, leading to rounding-off of bolts/nuts where you can't get on perfectly straight. Wrenches are stiffer, not subjective to springboard response when you're really leaning on them. At the end of the day, you have to weigh the type of work you are doing with reliability, price point, and workability. Use that Pittsburgh and save the money where you can,. and invest in the high-dollar stuff where you need to.

Snap-On ain't expensive in the pawn shop! I got that hammer but in 2lb plus a 3/8" dual 80 extra long ratchet in a $100 toolbox. I went through a couple, saw those 2 tools, knew they were at least $125+ each, and tossed down like $15 to put it on 90 day layaway (hint hint for some of you on a budget. Snap On does allow you to make monthly payments but some pawn shops do too)

I like to use mostly American, Japanese and European tools and refuse to buy anything made in China. Depending on the type of tool I find that some manufactures work better to me than others. I would not buy a Snap-on air tool because for the price it makes more sense to buy Ingersoll Rand but that is my preference. As far as Ratchets I prefer Snap-on and anybody who thinks Harbor Freight, Craftsman or Husky comes close should think twice because their is a huge difference in quality and yes you pay for it but the way I look at it is you pay once and it really will last forever. The balance and feel is superb for me with Snap-on and you can find options that not many even offer. If you are just a hobbyist then paying more may make no sense but if you are a working pro it does. For pliers and cutters I like Knipex and Snap-on just use my tip below to break them in. I will say that from experience I no longer buy any Snap-on allen socket bits as they are inferior to others by wearing out quickly and are very expensive and not covered under any warranty. Lisle makes a very inexpensive set of socket Allen's that are very durable and so reasonably priced it is unbelievable, made in the USA and are covered by a replacement warranty so you could literally buy 7 sets for the price of one Snap-On set which is hard to beat. I rarely ever have a problem with the Lisle bits except after a lot of use for the smaller bits and all I did was make a call and they replaced them by mail. That is customer service for sure... Craftsman Pro screwdrivers in the Phillips are cheaper than the Snap-on but there is no comparison, especially now with how hard it is to get anything replaced under warranty. If your tip goes bad on a Snap-on you simply call them up and they send you out a replacement. You do have to re-use your handle but all the metal is new. Matco and Mac are also the same I believe but with Craftsman you are SOL and might as well through the tool in the garbage not to mention the Craftsman screwdriver has chrome on the shafts that starts to come off from day one. So on one hand it is cheaper to buy but if you need to pay again to replace it what is the point? So in a nutshell all of the great tool manufactures have different things to offer and they all have pluses and minuses so buy the brand that makes the most sense rather than sticking to just one brand.

Worked in maintenance in a shipyard the last 12 years, didn't have a lot of money for tools when I started. I have a mix of Harbor Freight and Stanley tools that have lasted me since I have started. I have only messed up one Stanley ratchet. It was one of those with the adjustable handles, but that was my fault because i put an extension on it. The only thing i seem to go thru whole sale on is screw drivers. But most of the stuff I work on is so rusted and corroded, so I am surprised I haven't went thru more. When you have to grind down a wrench to get behind something to hold a nut, ruining one from a $5.00 set hurts the feelings a lot less.

Was up Bryan you got to hit the sale flyers. Get some back ups. Until you get the snap on fixed