As a Diesel Technician I put my tools through a lot of abuse and honestly you can’t beat good tools Made In America. I own a lot of Snap-on and Mac and some Matco and I’ve tried to own harbor freight but long term they do not hold up, people can say whatever but real mechanics that use them everyday know the difference. God Bless American Tools!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Us heavy truck guys have to go hard on tools to get things done, I’m in the rust belt personally and there are times I’ve bounced on my 36” breaker bar because it was the only thing that would do the job. The anvil twisted but it broke the bolt loose.Fking Peter and ken.
@@notme6071 Yeah I get the warranty but comparing Japan and Taiwan… ya not even close there hoss. The Japanese outdo American cars easily and Koken is no exception. If you ever get a chance you should check out their “nut grip sockets”. Unlike anything you’ll find in North America. To each their own
I earned a living for 15yrs with Craftsman, HF, and Gearwrench. (had a few SO pieces) Once I felt established and like I could be a little more free with my money, I decided to get on the Snap-On truck. Man, the difference in quality is night and day. I never thought I'd be paying $300 for a ratchet, but now that I've got it, I've got no regrets. I definitely don't begrudge anyone for using HF, etc. and I still got plenty of it in my box. But the S-O stuff is truly on another level.
First snap on ratchet I ever owned was given to me. Best ratchet I ever had, even being half worn out. I was sad just last week when I warranted it and the snap on guy just gave me a new one, because he couldn't get one of the screws out to rebuild it...I was doing a job on my wife's Yukon at home a couple years ago and needed a big 1/2 ratchet, but all I had was that old 3/8 snap on. I laid on the ground and put both feet on that ratchet and gave it everything I had to break the bolt loose. I just knew it was going to break, but to my surprise it didn't. Ever since that day I've been sold on snap on ratchets and will never buy anything else.
@@mmholling87 It just feels different somehow. Like when a bolt clicks when you break it loose with a SnapOn just feels smoother. It feels like you've got a lot more control, there's no violent motion, just a gentle click and smooth turn. I don't know if it's tighter anvil or the composition of the steel or what, but there's a clear difference.
@CP THE TOOL ADDICT , I bought my first set of Mac Ratchets the other day and you can definitely feel the quality , I have some harbor freight stuff but this definitely will open your eyes and give you a sense of Motivation and aspirations like you said . I will eventually buy my first snap in ratchet.
There's a lot to be said for the inner joy a super dependable and well designed tool can bring in the middle of a challenging job. Every time you pick up that excellent Snap On ratchet and it takes massive leverage without flinching and feeds back with precise clicks through the handle, your day improves just that little bit more. Concerns over whether you over spent on a particular tool melts away every time it works like clockwork and has that special, familiar and dependable feel in the hand. Bad tools by contrast, are like bad workmates, bad friends and unreasonable spouses. Sooner or later, they piss you off and ruin your day. Long live American quality and engineering.
The thing that people who think Snap-On is all a waste of money and the people that think Snap-On makes everything the best have in common is they are both wrong :D
Been a tech and shop owner for 40 yrs. Snap-on is by far the best hands down. They take abuse and hold up for years. Nothing worse than breaking a cheap socket in the middle of a job with no back up.
I always tell people, a large part of it is having that "Made in USA" mark. I love this country, and I'm willing to pay for that. Turning an American made wrench feels like shaking hands with a close friend.
The problem is a lot of people seem to see things as Snapon vs Harbor freight, not realizing that there are good quality American made tools that aren't as expensive because the industrial brands aren't widely sold in the consumer retail sources.
@@TylerSnyder305 You are correct. Wright tools is a great example. Their sockets are just as good and in some cases many times better than snap on,yet not as expensive. I love my Snap On stuff but man, Wright Grip 2.0 wrenches are the best I’ve ever used HANDS DOWN. Don’t get hung up on one brand. A lot of great tool companies in 2023.
There's not that much I feel the need to buy from Snapon, but I do understand Snapon tools and don't hate them at all. I have bought some Snapon pliers and their grips are just damn nice, I don't care enough to make the switch from Channellock and WILDE but I would say the Snapon grips are probably the best. One very aggravating trend I have noticed is for a lot of people to look at tool purchasing as Harbor freight vs the tool trucks ( often specifically Snapon) completely ignoring the less fancy but still high quality industrial brands. There's a ton of DIY'ers out there who can't afford and don't really need the truck brand tools, but for some reason they seem to be fixated on them. That's why they only seem to see the truck brands and truck brand imitators. I'm a strong believer in American made tools, and a big proponent of the American made industrial brands. If you don't need the features and Technologies offered by the truck brand tool designs, forget about them. Save a little and buy some American made industrial tools instead of fixating on what you can't afford and don't really need. They're not as fancy but they are still made to last. My personal favorite is WRIGHT tools because I absolutely love their contour grip ratchets, but PROTO and Williams are also great.
A little story about tools. When I first started as a Mechanic , some forty years ago, I worked in a shop where the owner supplied the tools. There was no tool trucks running around back then, so the owner had mostly Craftsman tools and one JC Penny 3/8 rachet. Yes, there was a time when JC Penny sold tools. I can't count how many Craftsman sockets I broke with that JC Penny rachet. Speaking of Craftsman, I once bought a set of wrenches from Sears and got them out of the package and they said, "Made in Japan" upon closer inspection you could tell they weren't as well made as the "Made in USA" wrenches I had. I still have quite a few Craftsman tools from when I first started, again over forty years ago, but when they break it is such a pain to get a replacement that I don't even try anymore and of course now I started buying Mac, and or Snap On, but I do have a set of SK wrenches that in my opinion are on par with Snap On. Just think, for us older guys, some of our tools are way older than those young guys starting out. I feel sorry for those just started as tools are so expensive these days.
Hello everyone: CP Thank you for another wonderful video based on your I depth experience. Many people will not understand what you are talking about unless they actually try it out. The ergonomics of a tool is essential for proper feel & hold off fatigue 😩. The last thing you don't need is a tool failure Injury. REMEMBER IF YOU GET INJURED, CAN'T WORK, THERE IS NO MONEY COMMING IN. CP, my best wishes to you and Henry, TMP from N.J. 😊😊😊😊
If you choose, choose! At the end of day no one pays your bills but you. We have choices! If you feel that what ever brand you choose is yours and yours alone. Let the noise be there’s and not yours. PROFESSIONAL WORK GETS DONE WITH PROFESSIONAL TOOLS!! NUFF SAID 🤙🏽
Another thing I like about Snap-on are the dipped comfort handles on their pliers. I like that they have a slightly tacky feel which improves grip and less slip. And they are also easy to wipe clean like other dipped handles.
CP, This video is the sanest expression on UA-cam regarding why Snap-On is the best mechanic tool brand available in the USA. Other makers can an do hit iccasional home runs, but Snap-On consistently remains at the top. I am retired 6 years and can still justify Snappy costs, because I value premium performance even in my hobby life. I buy Starrett, Fluke, Knipex, etc for the same reasons. Premium performance affords me joy, efficiency, better function, ergonomics etc. I appreciate less costly options when premium performance cannot be justified and the budget won't allow, Snap-On hatred must come from folk that have little experience using premium tools. I buy what my budget allows and what the work demands. That most commonly has me purchasing the the premium trade brand. Most folk have budget limitations. Not being able to afford or justify premium tool costs doesn't diminish that the "best" will still ou perform a second tier option. I am glad that second tier and really cheap tool makers are stepping up their game. This helps the budget minded market. I value premium performance. I value it enough to only own and use premium tools. The costs still hurt a lot, but under performance hurts me every time that I do even a simple task.
I buy them because like many other brands I'm more comfortable with them and have a concept that they won't hurt me if used right most importantly the sence of pride of ownership of a quality product
Down here in New Zealand, Snap on is even more expensive than in the US. I'm a heavy use DIY guy, not a pro mechanic, so I can't justify the cost. But I have always bought tools of quality, and own all but Snap On. Mac and Matco aren't available in NZ I don't think but Koken, Stahlwille and Hazet have been for decades and they've served me extremely well. I doubt very much that Snap On would beat out the best German brands, but I do agree the finish and feel of Snap On is superb.
I get why people get mad at those who buy snap on. They aint the cool kids that get all the attention so they gotta cry about how overrated snap on tools are 😂. At the end of the day regardless of what people think, i have a mix bag of tools and im most proud to have snap on tools that i can pass down to my kids. And i wouldnt let them use that garbage harbor freight
Thank you alot of people don't prefer quality I guess. Heirloom quality, I'd never own that harbor freight garbage or hand it down to my kids. Plus they don't recognize the service they provide when they come to us. Sorry I don't wanna be at HF every week for a warranty. I have warrantied like 4 things in 7 years from S/O
I have tools from snap-on and its peers all the way down to Harbor Freight and everywhere in between. It’s all about picking quality and price level for what you need at the time and can afford. Blind brand loyalty to either end of the spectrum or any specific brand is what’s dumb IMO. All that being said, I’ve regretted wasting money on cheap tools that didn’t work a whole lot more than I have from spending it on a quality tool that will last a lifetime or that I can easily sell if I don’t need it anymore.
Snap on was the absolutely BEST tool Ive ever used. I was a professional mechanic for 8 yrs from 90 to 98. About 60% of my tools were Snap on then MAC etc. I had other preferences like Ingersoll or Robinair but Snap on was the bomb.
Im just beginning to enter the diesel tech/mechanic field and also agree that snap on is much better than other cheaper tools. I bought a lightly used ratchet of a coworker and was very impressed with it. I have started to buy more tools used off of facebook marketplace as they are half or less the price than new and are in very good shape. One thing, however, is that i will not purchase any of their power tools as they are very expensive, and my coworkers have not had good luck with them. Batteries have broken with just one small drop and they dont hold up well, also not to mention the limited warranty. I will still continue to purchase the snap on hand tools as they are, as you said, very nice and worth the price. For power tools, milwaukie is my go to as they are very durable and very comparable, if not a touch more powerful and better, to snap on.
I have a lot of Snap-on, Mac, Cornwell, Matco, S-K, Armstrong and Craftsman and many other brands. I buy what I like not what other people like. But my favorite go to ratchets and Screwdrivers are Snap-on. Great video CP
*_Snap-on_* Yesterday *_Snap-on_* Today *_Snap-on_* Tomorrow Now, I am not some crazed fanboy. Just an American patriot. 😉 As to be expected, another excellent video CP👍
Back when I swung wrenches for a living, I bought a lot of Snap-On, Mac, Matco, Proto, etc. Now that I use them around the house - and hardly daily - Craftsman, Stanley, and some of the better HF stuff serves me perfectly well. It all matters what you're using them for.
It all comes down to knowing each individual's business, and situations. You do what's necessary no right or wrong way, unless you're really the guy who caught the football and ran the wrong way down the field and scored for the opposing team😂
Well said. In many categories, all I want is snapon. Pros use pro tools. My snapon dealers gives me decent prices and I buy used as well. But anything that I use for work, I want the best.
My name is mat and I’m a tool addict. I started my journey as a mechanic at a ripe age of 27. Story for another time but I’ve been at it for a little over a year. With that I have many hand me downs from my dad who did this for 30 plus years. He’s a snap on fan boy. But I have Mac, matco and a little bit of Cornwell. (I have a Cornwell dealer so I purchase my own.) But when I started I filled my box with gearwrench because my boss (my dad) said he would disown me for bringing harbor freight into his shop. So I worked and worked with what I had and what I was handed. I began to study. A LOT of my study comes from CP and mr Subaru. Mostly CP. It all started with a damn socket set. 1/4 drive deep well. I saw a video of cp showing sloppiness in a gearwrench Vs a flank drive snap on. The difference it makes folks. I have hand me downs of snap on but that’s 20 plus years of beating so I never really saw it but again folks. Some of the sockets I own today I wasn’t even born for. It does the job and does it well. I’ve had old macs crack and matco but those snap on still going. He’s not lying. I’m not a fan boy. I wish I had them all come to my shop. But, again thank you CP. YOU have helped me majorly by keeping money in my pocket. You help me know what’s worth it and what ain’t.
@@CPthetooladdict CP, honest to god man. I’m just going to be straight with you. I owe snap on 12k including a epiq 68. I owe Cornwell 700. I eat a good meal every day. I never worry about where money is going to come from. I’m not behind on any bill. I have two beautiful daughters and I get them what they want or need that’s practical or when they do well and deserve more. My have a beautiful wife that I’ve dated since I was 14. I’m paid well and work little overtime when he’s called for not because I have to. My wife and I had nothing and built everything. I don’t struggle even in this world. Yup I paid both tool guys never missed a week
Well I hope that you aren't paying to much interest it's not horrible but I have a rule no more than 3k debt on a truck and no credit I appreciate the honesty and am glad younare doing well get that stuff paid off asap don't give them your money through interest. Much respect
@@CPthetooladdict well CP, I’ll be honest. I’m not the bread winning by a long shot. My box is set to be paid off in 1 year interest free. Thanks to your info
CP. When the shop I work at. Got broken into. The thieves broke in the SNAP ON TOOL BOXES. To get snap-on tools to steal and resale. My " cheaper " tools weren't taken. That should say it all.
As a heavy duty mechanic for the City of LA I bet my tools a lot even my cheap ones but some tools I’d rather have Snap On. Buy whatever you like or can afford you can always upgrade as you progress in your career. Don’t let other people’s opinion of your tools influence you to do something you don’t want to do or can’t do aka debt as a entry level tech.
I'm not a professional, but not a Snap-on hater. I have one Snap-on tool: a spark plug socket. I have it because (long ago) I bought a car for which my cheap spark plug socket wouldn't fit because of lack of clearance. I knew Snap-on had one which would work, so one day when I saw a truck in my neighborhood, I bought it. The best tool is the one that works.
You nailed it! There is a place for harbor freight and that is when you are in a pinch and there are no other options. One use and done. Their tools may get the job done but I rarely enjoy using harbor freight (icon included) tools and they are certainly not tools I want to use over and over again.
You don't impress me as a snap-on fan boy , but you do seem to be one of the more knowledgeable QUALITY AND VALUE FAN BOYS out there . Seriously , snap-ons " new " Pliers? May be nice but I took your advice and information and got 4 pairs ( all slightly different but still slip needle nose ) for less than snap-on cost and just as good as quality . Still haven't been able to find a better ratchet ( not even nepros ). Keep going your awesome .
There is some things that Snap-On makes that far exceeds anyone else. Their ratchets, and and wrenches are some of the best. With that being said there are great alternatives to Snap-On that are great quality that make more logical sense for most. I own a variety of tool brands, and there is certain tools I buy from Snap-On.
One thing I like about harbor freight now with their new Icon line of tools is the ease of warranty no question asked at least where I'm at. If I buy a used Snap on their warranty doesn't apply to me, unless I bought from the tool truck. As a dyi person can't really justify the price for my hobby, I do have snap on that I have bought used from pawn shops and such I do like them but don't really think they are worth what they are asking, especially if the tool you have gets the job done, that's what is important in the end.
Just start buying a few things from a local Snap On truck owner and establish rapport with them. Don’t go crazy. They will in turn 9 times out of 10 warranty anything you want.
I appreciate quality and work hard to have the best tools. Sure, I have lots of non-Snap-on tools but they’re still made in the USA (and are decades old). If I need something and Snap-on offers it, I’m buying.
Snap On and Matco Ratchets are the bomb. I started out with HF and the quality of professional tools you feel as soon as you use it for the first time. It doesn't matter the tool brand I can get the job done, but it's leisure and feel like you say.
Hey I have Snap On taste but I have a Home Depot/Lowe's budget. Too bad for me! My only gripe is when they have a rebranded tool that you can get cheaper elsewhere and they gauge people who work hard for a living.
To that I have a few things to say. 1st, i suggest you forget your snapon tastes and save a little to buy some American made industrial tools that are probably more within reach of your budget. 2nd, it may not always be true but it seems that many times the markup on the rebrands is reasonable when you consider that they have to drive to the pro's who are getting convenience in both purchase and warranty for their money when time is money. $75 from snapon for a rebranded $25 Vaughan hammer is inexcusable , but from what I've seen in all the tool truck tour video's the markups are generally less crazy. A diyer can afford to shop around and buy for less from the OEM, but it seems the trucks are just a option for the pro's.
When I started out I bought cheaper tools because it was easier in my wallet. After just getting married and moving I wasn’t about to spend all my money on tools. As I made more I bought better tools, mostly Mac because the dealer I was at didn’t have a Snap-On dealer. And yes, better tools do cost you more money. Simple economics.
Snap on tools are fantastic i have a bunch of different brands including harbor freight mac matco gear wrench craftsman sk ect.. but i like that point u made snapon resale value is high. And they are a heritage tool my tools will be passed down to my son and they will still have alot of value to them.
@@CPthetooladdict Well at least it's amusing. Here in Germany i never engaged such arguments. It's pretty much common sense that the cheap crap you can buy at the local hardware store doesen't have the same quality as, for example, something from Hazet or Stahlwille. Discussions are mostly focused around whether or not, you need the premium brands for the things you do.
@@CPthetooladdict My Hazet wrenches that I inherited are all at least 20 years old, so I can't say anything about the current production. But my torque wrenches, and some specialty tools I've bought over the past 2 years are all excellent quality. I also haven't heard anything negative so far either. Alongside Stahlwille, Hazet ist recoginzed as the best you can get here - with Stahlwille slightly above quality wise. Both still manufacture the majority of their tools (Hazet states 80% of their range) in Germany. Also note that Stahlwille has a stronger focus on aviation, while Hazet is more represented in the automotive industry. One brand that has slipped in quality in recent years is Gedore. They started early with outsourcing (got a few "Made in India" wrenches from the 80s) which continues on to this day. Their low-cost line "Gedore RED" also consists of rebranded Chinesium. So be carefull, and check COO before you buy.
Exactly CP. I am a home gamer now but still use daily, and appreciate quality tools. Have plenty of 20 plus year old Snap-On tools. IMO the best pliers overall. I use M12 stuff mostly but I can’t grasp and appreciate the design and little details Snap-On puts into their line of electric tools. You can see no they really have the end user in mind. A contractor, millwright, and automotive guy all have to a point varying criteria for the best tool. Snap-On gets those differences. Milwaukee might be great for an electrician, Proto for a millwright, and Snap-On for an auto guy. This mirrors what you always say about not being brand loyal.
I agree with everything you said especially about the snap on chrome, I live in Canada so I thought I would support a local company and bought a set of gray tools wrenches, I’ve had them for about two years and the chrome already looks worse than my snap on wrenches that I’ve had for 15 years
Snap on does have good tools for the professional mechanic. For me there's different purposes of why you would want to either pay something expensive for the long term or inexpensive for the short term when it comes to the quality of the tool. As much as I want a snap on tool, it doesn't necessarily warrant me needing a tool from snap on since I work on cars as a hobby by using the tools that I have that are either middle of the road or somewhat inexpensive.
What always puzzles me is the negative comments people make because someone will buy quality tools and not use them. They may collect them or use them sparingly. (keeping them clean) I don't care if you buy a 100000 dollars in Snap-on Tools and hang them on the wall. More power to you and enjoy your collection even if you just look at them.
They are not smart enough to understand. No way we would hire someone who places no value on their tools. The work elsewhere. People choose us everyday because of the quality and standards we have for our equipment.
Very wellsaid CP. I own more tool truck than HF but if i only use ot once or twice ill buy from there. Wouldnt trade my tool truck tools for anything else.
Most of the tools I own, were bought 20 plus years ago, on Ebay? New SK USA wrench sets, Snap On, Mac trucks going out of business? Traded tons of stuff, and got lightly used Snap On tools? It's all there for the taking, you don't have to shell out retail for anything, especially Snap On?
I can sum up Snapon vs other tools in a few words. Quality Control. There has been very few Snapon tools I got faulty out of the box or soon after. I can’t say much about the other current American companies.
@@Tools_and_Guitars yep hands down easiest warranty. Even if you don’t buy it off the truck they warranty it. I look at at Snapon as 2 things, 1 quality over quantity, 2 your paying a convenience tax most of the time. I rarely have to ask my Snapon supplier to order me things, he keeps a well stocked truck.
Honestly CP I think some people Can’t recognize or appreciate the extra value in a quality tool. I’m glad you used your example of comparing different levels of cars.
@CPthetooladdict I can totally agree with you about the cheap tools not being safe. I am a hvac contractor. We were on a job unbolting a large twelve inch steam valve and I was on top of a ladder somebody handed me up a wrench and it felt strange in my hand right off the bat I looked at it and it was a Pittsburgh wrench and I thought to myself oh great this thing's gonna break low and be hold. It snapped when I was on top of a ladder fell off of course I lost my balonce hit the ground granted I was OK. But the point you make about being safe is a 100% correct. I told that person to just throw that tool out and he said yeah but? It's? Lifetime. Guarantee? And I said you just saw what happened right? We are all lucky nobody got hurt... I grabbed my wright wrenches and said for 200 bucks more for the hole set it's worth my safety and these will out last me and my son.. thank you for bringing up the safety fact because we all don't think about that.
Loved the video CP and the things you said are right on point!! I catch a lot of slack at work for buying mostly Snap On tools but at the end of the day it’s what I trust love and enjoy using, also my MONEY lol!! Keep ‘em coming brother!👍
90% of the tools in my main box are snap-on I used to get shit at the last shop I worked in for having a smaller box that the main mechanic He had a massive box full of cheap tools he couldn’t see the point in buying snap-on he has Bunnings (cheap hardware store) brand electric tools The snapon electric 3/8 impact is like 5 times the price But I breaks most stuff loose I don’t have to go back to my box again for the bigger impact gun or a breaker bar Add up how many times a day he has to do that over a year that’s a lot more energy and time is that not worth money?
i have a mix of everything in my boxes, from HF, all the different tool trucks, HD, lowes, Auto parts stores, i will admit that most my SO stuff i have was bought used off the truck as trade in or repo stuff, half price or less in most cases. and i hit up the local retool store almost weekly to see what hidden gems are in there.
Wait until the trade deals with China fall apart and all that manufacturing needs to come back to the US. All the companies who moved factories there will probably have their machines seized. Or wait until China blockades Taiwan and the tool shipments stop. International sourcing is cheaper, but the geopolitical risks involved are much higher.
If you’re a DIY guy that puts a new motor in your truck or does your own clutch on the weekends go ICON tools. if your a full time mechanic try cheap tools at first but overtime you’ll just end up loving snapon they come to you and both their warranties are the same, SNAPON is just more established which is a big plus that really doesn’t matter to the DIYer and that’s okay cause tools are not part of their career!
I prefer shopping eBay and pawn shops for good quality tools and sometimes cheaper than the Freight. Like some of the snap on rachets I scooped up lately
I’ve only had one bad tool with the snap on logo on it and that was a pair of locking pliers and I absolutely hated them that being said everything else I own from snap on has been so good
Great vidjya, Cee Pee! As much as I agree with you and I have a great deal of SO tools in my toolbox, I wish their pliers wouldn’t rust as easy as they do. Also, my Dad and Grandpa, used to always say “A man is only as good as his tools”, I believe that to be true.
I'll piggyback off what other top commenters have said. I buy and use Snap-on tools because they work as intended and don't break. I started working as a tire tech (i.e. aspiring auto mechanic) and started my career buying and using cheap tools. Whatever didn't break, I kept. What did break, I replaced with better, more costly tools. Originally my dumb ass bought tools from Walmart that I'll be lucky if I can now sell in a yard sale to hopefully regain some of the money I lost buying them. The only Walfart tool I still have is my 1/2" torque wrench, which hasn't broken yet. From that point I mainly got my tools from Harbor Freight, save for my wire brushes which I got at Lowes. Lowes wire brushes are the best just for the small brush on the end which makes them useful for cleaning out lug nuts. But when I needed a valve core remover that wouldn't break, the only one I've used that consistently worked as intended were Snap-on valve core removers that belonged to other techs. The harbor freight one that came with my Maddox tire plugging set broke the first time I tried using it. (P.S. do NOT buy the Pittsburgh tire plugging kit. It's flimsy, useless junk) Finally when I got transferred to a shop that a Snap-on van visited, I jumped at the opportunity to buy _certain_ tools. In other words, I probably would get Milwaukee cordless electric tools over Snap-on if I didn't buy my DieHard drill given all the bad things I've heard about Snap-on's electric tools. I spent a decent amount of money on tools from the Snap-on truck, sure. But I understand it was worth it because I've had experience with lower quality tools that just don't do the job. Other brands may do it for the DIY folks who occasionally work on their own cars. But as someone who puts strain and wear on my tools on a daily basis, why would I settle for less? I got a socket set from Tekton specifically for removing valve stems that require long thin sockets because I've heard good things about Tekton, so it's less about brand loyalty and marketing, and more about what specific tools I need to be the Snap-on variant. Now, I know Mac, Matco, and Cornwell also have tool trucks, but out of all of them I've only ever seen a Matco truck once. Well, at least that I can remember. Whether or not I've seen tool trucks before working as a tech is a mystery to me since I wasn't looking out for them at the time. In my experience, MAC Tools products are more often seen with older mechanics, I used to work with a tech who apparently stole an impressive MATCO box, and I've only seen Cornwell wrenches. Since I've heard Mac Tools is more expensive than Snap-on, and since Snap-on seems like the "jack-of-all-trades, master of some", I feel comfortable sticking with Snap-on when possible and within reasonable limits of expenditures.
On top of all that, buying Snap-on supports American businesses and American workers, because most of their goods are American produced and not made somewhere else and finished in the US like the tools that have the "Proudly Made in the USA with 'Global materials'" labels on them.
Big Brother, my snap on pliers just happen to be HiViz! So is my FH80 std length. I like the green as well. You hit the nail on the head too, my little Hercules 1/4” and 3/8”!guns are throw away, the 14.4s are going to be kept in a safe
I have a pair of VectorEdge diagonal cutters in Hi-Viz. Awesome color! But my FH80 is the older, time-tested red/black. Nice, but kinda lackluster next to Hi-Viz. 😃
@@Tools_and_Guitars The Hi Viz stuff just kinda piles up on my guy’s truck, I like to mix it up a little sometimes. The long locking flex ratchets are green, the Quick release and Extended Straight Handles are red. My Hard Handles are Blue. I might just get a set of regular flex heads in Orange to round it all out.
I mostly have Maximum tools (Canadian brand) they're very good quality and the warranty goes like this; walk into Canadian Tire service desk, show them the broken tool (no receipt required) and they get you a new one right then and there. But I love my snap-on tools I got later on and won't knock you for getting it
Snap On pliers are a bargain, actually? Knipex doesn't make all the types that Sanp On does? Until then, I'd buy Snap On's? I own Bahco pliers, which are a subsidiary of Snap On, just like Blue Point and Willliams, they are excellent tools?
Wright Tool is still around, make a fantastic tool, equal or dare I say even better, than Snap-On, and typically cheaper. Every tool they make is made in USA, which is NOT the case for Snap On (or Mac, Matco, etc). I also buy Proto, was buying SK but since the buyout have shied away from them, and other Made in USA tool brands. I do buy some Snap-On, but my problem with them is the OVERpricing. I've bought Mayhew, Precision Instruments, Lang, and Lisle tools that were the exact tool that Snap-On outsourced to them, for like half the price. My second issue is the price on their Chinese/Taiwanese tools. I'm not paying Made in USA price for Made in China. Especially not when the other guy makes them in USA for the same, or less, price.
They do make some good stuff. I have a mix of everything and ive been working as a mechanic for 7 yrs so far. Some of the cheap stuff has held up well, some stuff i spent the money to replace with better quality. Really just depends. Snap on wrenches grab much better than some Pittsburgh wrenches. Snap on hammers absorb the shock from impacts, actually works really well. I havent been really impressed with thier impact sockets, they seem a bit too soft. Ratchets are 11/10, i have removed bolts in very tight spaces with that tight swing arc. At the same time, all of my blue power and blue point stuff has held up too. And its made in Tawain...still have some Pittsburgh in my toolbox too. Theres so many options out there now, its best to try a little of everything.
I love me some snap on tools. But after over 20 years of wrenching have also realized that many jobs can be done effectively for many years with other alternatives. Not sure on the better taste comment, these ain’t cheap and that has a lot to do with peoples decisions.
I completely agree with everything your saying, and I have an interesting reasoning for why I buy a lot of Snap On. I have a nickel allergy and my hands break out from using tools, however I noticed that when using Snap On the allergic reaction is not nearly as bad and it doesn’t happen as often when compared to using cheap tools. Maybe this can help someone out if you or think you have a nickel allergy.
What is the resale on snap-on? A third? A third of what? Very expensive. Honestly Harbor Freight is the new Craftsman nothing wrong with that. Craftsman was never as good Snap-on. Honestly they all have their place. Where Harbor Freight shines is many many store fronts walk in with a broken tool warranty it and walk out. No email no mailing no waiting just like Craftsman used to be. Honestly a lot of the new Craftsman isn't as good as HF. Don't get me wrong HF is far from perfect but it is undeniable they have stepped up their game. I love me some Snap-on screw drivers, their line wrenches are probably the best and no doubt their wratchets are some of the very best. Thing is for most people the very best isn't necessary. I agree get what you can afford and works for you.
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t like all snap on tools. And it’s not because of the price primarily. I honestly believe that that a lot of the industrial tools like Armstrong, proto, and Williams (snap on) lol are just better. Snap on pliers are very very well built, but I just can’t fit them anywhere.
Forget the out of country brands. Is a Snapon socket really better than a Williams USA socket? Or a Wright socket, or Proto? Until Snapon admits that they use different materials and processes on their Williams line, they might as well be the same. Wright has shown that their sockets and wrenches perform just as good. Anyways, I really don't care what other people buy. I just can't see any reason to pay so much for something that the same company makes and sells much cheaper under another name.
@@CPthetooladdict So, your only response is to ridicule and divert. No real answer. No real argument. Why the negativity? You obviously have a hard time with people who don’t agree with you. Wow, Google, what a novel idea. Lots of anecdotal evidence on Google. Snap-on salesmen saying they are higher quality steel. People saying that they are made on the same machines in the same factory, but they use different steels. But they definitely don’t want to say that Williams uses weak or bad steel, just not as good. People also say that they use the same steel, but different QA. Or, the same steel but different heat treat and chrome. It is possible, albeit more complicated, to keep 2 types of steel in supply and not mix them up when changing the stampings. I can believe that. It is also possible to have tighter tolerances for one type of socket over another with the same machines, but Snap-on doesn’t claim that. What I don’t find is proof or some type of numbers. What is the tensile strength, yield strength, compressive strength, or elongation? Have you ever asked Snap-on to provide material properties for their sockets? Guess what, I have. All they say is that they meet ANSI standards. Showing your material strength numbers doesn’t give away your secret recipe or even the secret processes. It is an easy way to show why they are better than the competition. Why don’t they show it? How much better or stronger are Snap-on sockets compared to Williams? 3x stronger? Steel manufacturing and all the different blends and processes are not new. Snap-on’s competitors could easily test Snap-on sockets, look at the material composition, and replicate. There isn’t a patent on it. Do you really think Stanley or Wright or Cornwell or Sk or any other socket manufacturer doesn’t know how to make the best socket? The only source for Snapon being the best is from a Snapon salesman, or from mechanics that spent a ton of money on them. How much better are they to Mac or Matco or Cornwell? Are they 2-3X better than Wright, Williams, or Proto? Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to answer any of my questions. All you will do is more ridicule with no proof.
I’m not a professional mechanic and I buy all brands. Something i use all the time like a snap on ball joint press well worth the money. Breaker bar Pittsburgh because I never use it rather just get the torch. My impact guns are Matco personally I feel there better than snap on. Spend the money on the tools you use all the time and make you money.
Pros 1. American made. 2. Lifetime hand tools. 3. Ethically sourced. 4. No intellectual property theft. 5. Looks and feels good to use. Cons 1. Expensive. 2. Having to listen to annoying people tell you why this icon tool is just as good as your Snap-On tool because they are Harbor freight simps or are jealous and want to prove to themselves they’re tools are good enough. 3. Occasional bad snap on reps.
I’m a rank amateur, but I bought some Snap-On stuff, and I can tell you the Snappy ratchets are miles ahead of the other brands I own. Yes, they make the job easier. Yes they are more expensive.
Snap-on tools are great and if you're a professional they're a great choice. I have used some of my friends snap-on tools who's a mechanic and they feel amazing. Me as a DIY/weekend warrior they don't make sense to spend the money on. Harbor freight, Husky, Craftsman, Dewalt etc are my go to cheap tools. That being said if I was in this profession I would absolutely get the best tools I could such as the tooltruck brands.
CP, as you know and I have shared this on other threads, I’ve had 18v and 14.4 electric tools that have been over 20 years old. I can hand that tool over to my snap on dealer, and for a flat rate charge of typically $125.00 I’ll get handed back a fully rebuilt tool, and in most times with a new plastic cover. No original receipts. No questions asked. Try that with a Milwaukee tool
My job buys tools but will not spend money on nice tools. They pay me a lot of money. I keep telling my manager they need to protect there investment. What good am I with a broken hand?
Harbor freight is the bottom of the barrel, Snap on only warrantees to origin purchaser so much for passing them down, Then there is a company like Tekton with a guarantee that has no time limits and no fine print Shipment of replacement parts is on them .
My analogy of choice: why would you EVER pay $100 for a steak dinner when bologna exists for $1? I own and LOVE a whole bunch of high end tools…i also own dang near every 18v Bauer made.. i LOVE those, too! They are dirt cheap and things like the hot glue gun and vacuum are super handy for house chores and to bang around and beat up.. i just like tools man.. there is absolutely some HF stuff that I wouldn’t own. I just consider myself down to earth about what is worth my money and what isn’t on both ends of the spectrum. Dig you and your channel/content. Subscribing now, brother 🤙🏻
I love snap-on, but I can't justify the cost because I only used them occasionally. I would buy them if I were a professional. I do have my early Mac tools.
As a Diesel Technician I put my tools through a lot of abuse and honestly you can’t beat good tools Made In America. I own a lot of Snap-on and Mac and some Matco and I’ve tried to own harbor freight but long term they do not hold up, people can say whatever but real mechanics that use them everyday know the difference. God Bless American Tools!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Us heavy truck guys have to go hard on tools to get things done, I’m in the rust belt personally and there are times I’ve bounced on my 36” breaker bar because it was the only thing that would do the job. The anvil twisted but it broke the bolt loose.Fking Peter and ken.
Until you try KOKEN Japan stuff. Love my Snap On but they meet their match when you first use Koken.
Snap on USA made is a lot closer than japan or Taiwan . when it comes to warranty. If I have it I will break it.
@@notme6071 Yeah I get the warranty but comparing Japan and Taiwan… ya not even close there hoss. The Japanese outdo American cars easily and Koken is no exception. If you ever get a chance you should check out their “nut grip sockets”. Unlike anything you’ll find in North America. To each their own
@@nordicpride9708you never worked with German Tools. Greetings from bavaria
I earned a living for 15yrs with Craftsman, HF, and Gearwrench. (had a few SO pieces) Once I felt established and like I could be a little more free with my money, I decided to get on the Snap-On truck. Man, the difference in quality is night and day. I never thought I'd be paying $300 for a ratchet, but now that I've got it, I've got no regrets. I definitely don't begrudge anyone for using HF, etc. and I still got plenty of it in my box. But the S-O stuff is truly on another level.
Agreed great comment!!
First snap on ratchet I ever owned was given to me. Best ratchet I ever had, even being half worn out. I was sad just last week when I warranted it and the snap on guy just gave me a new one, because he couldn't get one of the screws out to rebuild it...I was doing a job on my wife's Yukon at home a couple years ago and needed a big 1/2 ratchet, but all I had was that old 3/8 snap on. I laid on the ground and put both feet on that ratchet and gave it everything I had to break the bolt loose. I just knew it was going to break, but to my surprise it didn't. Ever since that day I've been sold on snap on ratchets and will never buy anything else.
Exact same scenario. Nothing else compares. Snap-On is no. 1.
@@mmholling87 It just feels different somehow. Like when a bolt clicks when you break it loose with a SnapOn just feels smoother. It feels like you've got a lot more control, there's no violent motion, just a gentle click and smooth turn. I don't know if it's tighter anvil or the composition of the steel or what, but there's a clear difference.
@CP THE TOOL ADDICT , I bought my first set of Mac Ratchets the other day and you can definitely feel the quality , I have some harbor freight stuff but this definitely will open your eyes and give you a sense of Motivation and aspirations like you said . I will eventually buy my first snap in ratchet.
There's a lot to be said for the inner joy a super dependable and well designed tool can bring in the middle of a challenging job. Every time you pick up that excellent Snap On ratchet and it takes massive leverage without flinching and feeds back with precise clicks through the handle, your day improves just that little bit more. Concerns over whether you over spent on a particular tool melts away every time it works like clockwork and has that special, familiar and dependable feel in the hand. Bad tools by contrast, are like bad workmates, bad friends and unreasonable spouses. Sooner or later, they piss you off and ruin your day. Long live American quality and engineering.
The thing that people who think Snap-On is all a waste of money and the people that think Snap-On makes everything the best have in common is they are both wrong :D
Best comment hands down!
Absolutely 💯
Been a tech and shop owner for 40 yrs. Snap-on is by far the best hands down. They take abuse and hold up for years. Nothing worse than breaking a cheap socket in the middle of a job with no back up.
I always tell people, a large part of it is having that "Made in USA" mark. I love this country, and I'm willing to pay for that. Turning an American made wrench feels like shaking hands with a close friend.
The problem is a lot of people seem to see things as Snapon vs Harbor freight, not realizing that there are good quality American made tools that aren't as expensive because the industrial brands aren't widely sold in the consumer retail sources.
@@TylerSnyder305 You are correct. Wright tools is a great example. Their sockets are just as good and in some cases many times better than snap on,yet not as expensive. I love my Snap On stuff but man, Wright Grip 2.0 wrenches are the best I’ve ever used HANDS DOWN. Don’t get hung up on one brand. A lot of great tool companies in 2023.
@@nordicpride9708 WRIGHT is one of my favorites, I absolutely love their contour grip ratchets.
There's not that much I feel the need to buy from Snapon, but I do understand Snapon tools and don't hate them at all.
I have bought some Snapon pliers and their grips are just damn nice, I don't care enough to make the switch from Channellock and WILDE but I would say the Snapon grips are probably the best.
One very aggravating trend I have noticed is for a lot of people to look at tool purchasing as Harbor freight vs the tool trucks ( often specifically Snapon) completely ignoring the less fancy but still high quality industrial brands.
There's a ton of DIY'ers out there who can't afford and don't really need the truck brand tools, but for some reason they seem to be fixated on them.
That's why they only seem to see the truck brands and truck brand imitators.
I'm a strong believer in American made tools, and a big proponent of the American made industrial brands.
If you don't need the features and Technologies offered by the truck brand tool designs, forget about them.
Save a little and buy some American made industrial tools instead of fixating on what you can't afford and don't really need.
They're not as fancy but they are still made to last.
My personal favorite is WRIGHT tools because I absolutely love their contour grip ratchets, but PROTO and Williams are also great.
A little story about tools. When I first started as a Mechanic , some forty years ago, I worked in a shop where the owner supplied the tools. There was no tool trucks running around back then, so the owner had mostly Craftsman tools and one JC Penny 3/8 rachet. Yes, there was a time when JC Penny sold tools. I can't count how many Craftsman sockets I broke with that JC Penny rachet. Speaking of Craftsman, I once bought a set of wrenches from Sears and got them out of the package and they said, "Made in Japan" upon closer inspection you could tell they weren't as well made as the "Made in USA" wrenches I had. I still have quite a few Craftsman tools from when I first started, again over forty years ago, but when they break it is such a pain to get a replacement that I don't even try anymore and of course now I started buying Mac, and or Snap On, but I do have a set of SK wrenches that in my opinion are on par with Snap On. Just think, for us older guys, some of our tools are way older than those young guys starting out. I feel sorry for those just started as tools are so expensive these days.
Hello everyone: CP Thank you for another wonderful video based on your I depth experience. Many people will not understand what you are talking about unless they actually try it out. The ergonomics of a tool is essential for proper feel & hold off fatigue 😩. The last thing you don't need is a tool failure Injury. REMEMBER IF YOU GET INJURED, CAN'T WORK, THERE IS NO MONEY COMMING IN. CP, my best wishes to you and Henry, TMP from N.J. 😊😊😊😊
If you choose, choose! At the end of day no one pays your bills but you. We have choices! If you feel that what ever brand you choose is yours and yours alone. Let the noise be there’s and not yours. PROFESSIONAL WORK GETS DONE WITH PROFESSIONAL TOOLS!! NUFF SAID 🤙🏽
Another thing I like about Snap-on are the dipped comfort handles on their pliers. I like that they have a slightly tacky feel which improves grip and less slip. And they are also easy to wipe clean like other dipped handles.
CP,
This video is the sanest expression on UA-cam regarding why Snap-On is the best mechanic tool brand available in the USA. Other makers can an do hit iccasional home runs, but Snap-On consistently remains at the top. I am retired 6 years and can still justify Snappy costs, because I value premium performance even in my hobby life. I buy Starrett, Fluke, Knipex, etc for the same reasons. Premium performance affords me joy, efficiency, better function, ergonomics etc.
I appreciate less costly options when premium performance cannot be justified and the budget won't allow, Snap-On hatred must come from folk that have little experience using premium tools. I buy what my budget allows and what the work demands. That most commonly has me purchasing the the premium trade brand. Most folk have budget limitations. Not being able to afford or justify premium tool costs doesn't diminish that the "best" will still ou perform a second tier option.
I am glad that second tier and really cheap tool makers are stepping up their game. This helps the budget minded market. I value premium performance. I value it enough to only own and use premium tools. The costs still hurt a lot, but under performance hurts me every time that I do even a simple task.
I buy them because like many other brands I'm more comfortable with them and have a concept that they won't hurt me if used right most importantly the sence of pride of ownership of a quality product
💯
Down here in New Zealand, Snap on is even more expensive than in the US. I'm a heavy use DIY guy, not a pro mechanic, so I can't justify the cost. But I have always bought tools of quality, and own all but Snap On. Mac and Matco aren't available in NZ I don't think but Koken, Stahlwille and Hazet have been for decades and they've served me extremely well. I doubt very much that Snap On would beat out the best German brands, but I do agree the finish and feel of Snap On is superb.
Thanks for sharing
I get why people get mad at those who buy snap on. They aint the cool kids that get all the attention so they gotta cry about how overrated snap on tools are 😂. At the end of the day regardless of what people think, i have a mix bag of tools and im most proud to have snap on tools that i can pass down to my kids. And i wouldnt let them use that garbage harbor freight
💯
Thank you alot of people don't prefer quality I guess. Heirloom quality, I'd never own that harbor freight garbage or hand it down to my kids. Plus they don't recognize the service they provide when they come to us. Sorry I don't wanna be at HF every week for a warranty. I have warrantied like 4 things in 7 years from S/O
I have tools from snap-on and its peers all the way down to Harbor Freight and everywhere in between. It’s all about picking quality and price level for what you need at the time and can afford. Blind brand loyalty to either end of the spectrum or any specific brand is what’s dumb IMO. All that being said, I’ve regretted wasting money on cheap tools that didn’t work a whole lot more than I have from spending it on a quality tool that will last a lifetime or that I can easily sell if I don’t need it anymore.
Amen, preach it!!! 🙌,
Snap on was the absolutely BEST tool Ive ever used. I was a professional mechanic for 8 yrs from 90 to 98. About 60% of my tools were Snap on then MAC etc. I had other preferences like Ingersoll or Robinair but Snap on was the bomb.
Im just beginning to enter the diesel tech/mechanic field and also agree that snap on is much better than other cheaper tools. I bought a lightly used ratchet of a coworker and was very impressed with it. I have started to buy more tools used off of facebook marketplace as they are half or less the price than new and are in very good shape. One thing, however, is that i will not purchase any of their power tools as they are very expensive, and my coworkers have not had good luck with them. Batteries have broken with just one small drop and they dont hold up well, also not to mention the limited warranty. I will still continue to purchase the snap on hand tools as they are, as you said, very nice and worth the price. For power tools, milwaukie is my go to as they are very durable and very comparable, if not a touch more powerful and better, to snap on.
I have a lot of Snap-on, Mac, Cornwell, Matco, S-K, Armstrong and Craftsman and many other brands. I buy what I like not what other people like. But my favorite go to ratchets and Screwdrivers are Snap-on. Great video CP
I absolutely LOVE my Snap On ratchets. Occasionally use Super Lube oil in them and they are FLAWLESS
*_Snap-on_* Yesterday
*_Snap-on_* Today
*_Snap-on_* Tomorrow
Now, I am not some crazed fanboy. Just an American patriot. 😉 As to be expected, another excellent video CP👍
Thank you
Back when I swung wrenches for a living, I bought a lot of Snap-On, Mac, Matco, Proto, etc. Now that I use them around the house - and hardly daily - Craftsman, Stanley, and some of the better HF stuff serves me perfectly well. It all matters what you're using them for.
It all comes down to knowing each individual's business, and situations. You do what's necessary no right or wrong way, unless you're really the guy who caught the football and ran the wrong way down the field and scored for the opposing team😂
Snap-On 14.4 line are by far the best cordless 1/4 and 3/8 tools for a mechanic. As far as 1/2 inch goes I gotta give it too Milwaukie.
Well said. In many categories, all I want is snapon. Pros use pro tools. My snapon dealers gives me decent prices and I buy used as well. But anything that I use for work, I want the best.
My name is mat and I’m a tool addict.
I started my journey as a mechanic at a ripe age of 27. Story for another time but I’ve been at it for a little over a year.
With that I have many hand me downs from my dad who did this for 30 plus years. He’s a snap on fan boy. But I have Mac, matco and a little bit of Cornwell. (I have a Cornwell dealer so I purchase my own.)
But when I started I filled my box with gearwrench because my boss (my dad) said he would disown me for bringing harbor freight into his shop. So I worked and worked with what I had and what I was handed. I began to study. A LOT of my study comes from CP and mr Subaru. Mostly CP. It all started with a damn socket set. 1/4 drive deep well. I saw a video of cp showing sloppiness in a gearwrench Vs a flank drive snap on. The difference it makes folks. I have hand me downs of snap on but that’s 20 plus years of beating so I never really saw it but again folks. Some of the sockets I own today I wasn’t even born for. It does the job and does it well. I’ve had old macs crack and matco but those snap on still going.
He’s not lying. I’m not a fan boy. I wish I had them all come to my shop.
But, again thank you CP. YOU have helped me majorly by keeping money in my pocket. You help me know what’s worth it and what ain’t.
Thank you very much. I need to ask if you are financially stable after buying good tools. Do you live a decent life, be honest?
@@CPthetooladdict CP, honest to god man. I’m just going to be straight with you. I owe snap on 12k including a epiq 68. I owe Cornwell 700. I eat a good meal every day. I never worry about where money is going to come from. I’m not behind on any bill. I have two beautiful daughters and I get them what they want or need that’s practical or when they do well and deserve more. My have a beautiful wife that I’ve dated since I was 14. I’m paid well and work little overtime when he’s called for not because I have to. My wife and I had nothing and built everything. I don’t struggle even in this world. Yup I paid both tool guys never missed a week
Well I hope that you aren't paying to much interest it's not horrible but I have a rule no more than 3k debt on a truck and no credit I appreciate the honesty and am glad younare doing well get that stuff paid off asap don't give them your money through interest. Much respect
@@CPthetooladdict well CP, I’ll be honest. I’m not the bread winning by a long shot. My box is set to be paid off in 1 year interest free. Thanks to your info
CP. When the shop I work at. Got broken into. The thieves broke in the SNAP ON TOOL BOXES. To get snap-on tools to steal and resale. My " cheaper " tools weren't taken. That should say it all.
That's funny because those same guys probably buy cheap stuff pretty ironic and terrible human nature
As a heavy duty mechanic for the City of LA I bet my tools a lot even my cheap ones but some tools I’d rather have Snap On. Buy whatever you like or can afford you can always upgrade as you progress in your career. Don’t let other people’s opinion of your tools influence you to do something you don’t want to do or can’t do aka debt as a entry level tech.
I'm not a professional, but not a Snap-on hater. I have one Snap-on tool: a spark plug socket. I have it because (long ago) I bought a car for which my cheap spark plug socket wouldn't fit because of lack of clearance. I knew Snap-on had one which would work, so one day when I saw a truck in my neighborhood, I bought it. The best tool is the one that works.
It isn't all about snap-on, but it certainly seems to be a new trend to think harbor freight is good enough for professionals it isn't sadly to say.
You nailed it! There is a place for harbor freight and that is when you are in a pinch and there are no other options. One use and done. Their tools may get the job done but I rarely enjoy using harbor freight (icon included) tools and they are certainly not tools I want to use over and over again.
I have a lot of Snap On Tools by what you want. It’s your money don’t worry about what people think.
H.F. has its place. On the rare occasion I have to customize a big wrench by chopping it in half, I’m going to harbor freight 😂
You don't impress me as a snap-on fan boy , but you do seem to be one of the more knowledgeable QUALITY AND VALUE FAN BOYS out there . Seriously , snap-ons " new " Pliers? May be nice but I took your advice and information and got 4 pairs ( all slightly different but still slip needle nose ) for less than snap-on cost and just as good as quality . Still haven't been able to find a better ratchet ( not even nepros ). Keep going your awesome .
There is some things that Snap-On makes that far exceeds anyone else. Their ratchets, and and wrenches are some of the best. With that being said there are great alternatives to Snap-On that are great quality that make more logical sense for most. I own a variety of tool brands, and there is certain tools I buy from Snap-On.
my very experienced auto mechanic told me he doesn’t waste his time on anything but Snap On. This is based on years of experience
One thing I like about harbor freight now with their new Icon line of tools is the ease of warranty no question asked at least where I'm at. If I buy a used Snap on their warranty doesn't apply to me, unless I bought from the tool truck. As a dyi person can't really justify the price for my hobby, I do have snap on that I have bought used from pawn shops and such I do like them but don't really think they are worth what they are asking, especially if the tool you have gets the job done, that's what is important in the end.
Just start buying a few things from a local Snap On truck owner and establish rapport with them. Don’t go crazy. They will in turn 9 times out of 10 warranty anything you want.
I love snap on warranty. They always replaced snap on tool that broke no questions asked.
There sockets are the best I ever owned.
I appreciate quality and work hard to have the best tools. Sure, I have lots of non-Snap-on tools but they’re still made in the USA (and are decades old). If I need something and Snap-on offers it, I’m buying.
Thanks Dave I appreciate that
Snap On and Matco Ratchets are the bomb. I started out with HF and the quality of professional tools you feel as soon as you use it for the first time. It doesn't matter the tool brand I can get the job done, but it's leisure and feel like you say.
Take a snappy pry bar outside when it’s -40 and it gets cold. Accidentally drop it on the concrete and watch it break
Like the handle?
Hey I have Snap On taste but I have a Home Depot/Lowe's budget. Too bad for me! My only gripe is when they have a rebranded tool that you can get cheaper elsewhere and they gauge people who work hard for a living.
To that I have a few things to say.
1st, i suggest you forget your snapon tastes and save a little to buy some American made industrial tools that are probably more within reach of your budget.
2nd, it may not always be true but it seems that many times the markup on the rebrands is reasonable when you consider that they have to drive to the pro's who are getting convenience in both purchase and warranty for their money when time is money.
$75 from snapon for a rebranded $25 Vaughan hammer is inexcusable , but from what I've seen in all the tool truck tour video's the markups are generally less crazy.
A diyer can afford to shop around and buy for less from the OEM, but it seems the trucks are just a option for the pro's.
When I started out I bought cheaper tools because it was easier in my wallet. After just getting married and moving I wasn’t about to spend all my money on tools. As I made more I bought better tools, mostly Mac because the dealer I was at didn’t have a Snap-On dealer. And yes, better tools do cost you more money. Simple economics.
Snap on tools are fantastic i have a bunch of different brands including harbor freight mac matco gear wrench craftsman sk ect.. but i like that point u made snapon resale value is high. And they are a heritage tool my tools will be passed down to my son and they will still have alot of value to them.
As someone from Europe i find it quite funny to watch how all the guys over there in the US constantly fight over the Snap-On brand.
It's because of harbor freight people being jealous for no reason
@@CPthetooladdict
Well at least it's amusing.
Here in Germany i never engaged such arguments. It's pretty much common sense that the cheap crap you can buy at the local hardware store doesen't have the same quality as, for example, something from Hazet or Stahlwille.
Discussions are mostly focused around whether or not, you need the premium brands for the things you do.
Amongst good people, that's how it is here. Also, don't let the internet fool you in public. These people don't say anything they are just trolls.
I'm curious as a German tool advocate. Do you find hazet slipping in quality in your opinion?
@@CPthetooladdict
My Hazet wrenches that I inherited are all at least 20 years old, so I can't say anything about the current production.
But my torque wrenches, and some specialty tools I've bought over the past 2 years are all excellent quality. I also haven't heard anything negative so far either.
Alongside Stahlwille, Hazet ist recoginzed as the best you can get here - with Stahlwille slightly above quality wise. Both still manufacture the majority of their tools (Hazet states 80% of their range) in Germany.
Also note that Stahlwille has a stronger focus on aviation, while Hazet is more represented in the automotive industry.
One brand that has slipped in quality in recent years is Gedore.
They started early with outsourcing (got a few "Made in India" wrenches from the 80s) which continues on to this day.
Their low-cost line "Gedore RED" also consists of rebranded Chinesium. So be carefull, and check COO before you buy.
Exactly right. Buy what makes you happy. For me, using a good tool that works well regardless of the brand makes me smile.
I love snap on quality. I will always buy their tools and I've passed on the tradition to my children.
Exactly CP. I am a home gamer now but still use daily, and appreciate quality tools. Have plenty of 20 plus year old Snap-On tools. IMO the best pliers overall. I use M12 stuff mostly but I can’t grasp and appreciate the design and little details Snap-On puts into their line of electric tools. You can see no they really have the end user in mind. A contractor, millwright, and automotive guy all have to a point varying criteria for the best tool. Snap-On gets those differences. Milwaukee might be great for an electrician, Proto for a millwright, and Snap-On for an auto guy. This mirrors what you always say about not being brand loyal.
I'm seeing this a bit late, but I'm inspired to show off some tools from a past generation.
Did you make that sticker of Calvin pissing on harbor freight 😂 I want one 😅
I agree with everything you said especially about the snap on chrome, I live in Canada so I thought I would support a local company and bought a set of gray tools wrenches, I’ve had them for about two years and the chrome already looks worse than my snap on wrenches that I’ve had for 15 years
I have snap on tools my uncle bought in the 60s. Still used daily and working great.
Love the good old stuff really has a soul.
Snap on does have good tools for the professional mechanic. For me there's different purposes of why you would want to either pay something expensive for the long term or inexpensive for the short term when it comes to the quality of the tool.
As much as I want a snap on tool, it doesn't necessarily warrant me needing a tool from snap on since I work on cars as a hobby by using the tools that I have that are either middle of the road or somewhat inexpensive.
Agree it's your money spend it how you want!!!
The harbor freight commercial was a great addition to the video not sure if it was intentional 👍😅
It was. I certainly just love to piss off all the hard-core snap-on haters
What always puzzles me is the negative comments people make because someone will buy quality tools and not use them. They may collect them or use them sparingly. (keeping them clean) I don't care if you buy a 100000 dollars in Snap-on Tools and hang them on the wall. More power to you and enjoy your collection even if you just look at them.
Agreed just be honest
I agree with you, but at the same time, if I need to bash a wrench with a hammer it's not going to be my snap on wrenches. Time and place you know?
They are not smart enough to understand. No way we would hire someone who places no value on their tools. The work elsewhere. People choose us everyday because of the quality and standards we have for our equipment.
Great comment mitch!!
Whats your favourite 1/4 stubby ratchet? Im talking like under 3inch in length
Koken
If you desire snap on feel and quality JH Williams tools is your supplier. Thier parts kit will work on snap in ratchets
I use snap-on for the simple fact that they work when I need them to which is often since I pick them up daily
Very wellsaid CP. I own more tool truck than HF but if i only use ot once or twice ill buy from there. Wouldnt trade my tool truck tools for anything else.
People who get pissed off by what other people spend their money on are a special breed.
Amen to that!!
Most of the tools I own, were bought 20 plus years ago, on Ebay? New SK USA wrench sets, Snap On, Mac trucks going out of business? Traded tons of stuff, and got lightly used Snap On tools? It's all there for the taking, you don't have to shell out retail for anything, especially Snap On?
I can sum up Snapon vs other tools in a few words. Quality Control. There has been very few Snapon tools I got faulty out of the box or soon after. I can’t say much about the other current American companies.
Agree people are offended for no reason.
And I found that whenever that rarely does happen, their warranty process has been top-notch, at least in my experience.
@@Tools_and_Guitars yep hands down easiest warranty. Even if you don’t buy it off the truck they warranty it. I look at at Snapon as 2 things, 1 quality over quantity, 2 your paying a convenience tax most of the time. I rarely have to ask my Snapon supplier to order me things, he keeps a well stocked truck.
Honestly CP I think some people Can’t recognize or appreciate the extra value in a quality tool.
I’m glad you used your example of comparing different levels of cars.
You are extremely correct unfortunately
@CPthetooladdict I can totally agree with you about the cheap tools not being safe. I am a hvac contractor. We were on a job unbolting a large twelve inch steam valve and I was on top of a ladder somebody handed me up a wrench and it felt strange in my hand right off the bat I looked at it and it was a Pittsburgh wrench and I thought to myself oh great this thing's gonna break low and be hold. It snapped when I was on top of a ladder fell off of course I lost my balonce hit the ground granted I was OK. But the point you make about being safe is a 100% correct. I told that person to just throw that tool out and he said yeah but? It's? Lifetime. Guarantee? And I said you just saw what happened right? We are all lucky nobody got hurt... I grabbed my wright wrenches and said for 200 bucks more for the hole set it's worth my safety and these will out last me and my son.. thank you for bringing up the safety fact because we all don't think about that.
@@markusa5521
Glad you’re ok Mark. Thanks for sharing your story
Loved the video CP and the things you said are right on point!! I catch a lot of slack at work for buying mostly Snap On tools but at the end of the day it’s what I trust love and enjoy using, also my MONEY lol!! Keep ‘em coming brother!👍
4:41 those pliers are really calling my name especially in that hi-viz.
90% of the tools in my main box are snap-on
I used to get shit at the last shop I worked in for having a smaller box that the main mechanic
He had a massive box full of cheap tools he couldn’t see the point in buying snap-on
he has Bunnings (cheap hardware store) brand electric tools
The snapon electric 3/8 impact is like 5 times the price
But I breaks most stuff loose I don’t have to go back to my box again for the bigger impact gun or a breaker bar
Add up how many times a day he has to do that over a year that’s a lot more energy and time is that not worth money?
i have a mix of everything in my boxes, from HF, all the different tool trucks, HD, lowes, Auto parts stores, i will admit that most my SO stuff i have was bought used off the truck as trade in or repo stuff, half price or less in most cases. and i hit up the local retool store almost weekly to see what hidden gems are in there.
Wait until the trade deals with China fall apart and all that manufacturing needs to come back to the US. All the companies who moved factories there will probably have their machines seized. Or wait until China blockades Taiwan and the tool shipments stop. International sourcing is cheaper, but the geopolitical risks involved are much higher.
If you’re a DIY guy that puts a new motor in your truck or does your own clutch on the weekends go ICON tools. if your a full time mechanic try cheap tools at first but overtime you’ll just end up loving snapon they come to you and both their warranties are the same, SNAPON is just more established which is a big plus that really doesn’t matter to the DIYer and that’s okay cause tools are not part of their career!
I prefer shopping eBay and pawn shops for good quality tools and sometimes cheaper than the Freight. Like some of the snap on rachets I scooped up lately
Smart man
I’ve only had one bad tool with the snap on logo on it and that was a pair of locking pliers and I absolutely hated them that being said everything else I own from snap on has been so good
Great vidjya, Cee Pee! As much as I agree with you and I have a great deal of SO tools in my toolbox, I wish their pliers wouldn’t rust as easy as they do.
Also, my Dad and Grandpa, used to always say “A man is only as good as his tools”, I believe that to be true.
I’m a mechanic 23 years and I don’t want to be farting around with my tools I’ve other shit I need to worry about. That’s why I use and buy Snap On
I'll piggyback off what other top commenters have said. I buy and use Snap-on tools because they work as intended and don't break.
I started working as a tire tech (i.e. aspiring auto mechanic) and started my career buying and using cheap tools. Whatever didn't break, I kept. What did break, I replaced with better, more costly tools. Originally my dumb ass bought tools from Walmart that I'll be lucky if I can now sell in a yard sale to hopefully regain some of the money I lost buying them. The only Walfart tool I still have is my 1/2" torque wrench, which hasn't broken yet.
From that point I mainly got my tools from Harbor Freight, save for my wire brushes which I got at Lowes. Lowes wire brushes are the best just for the small brush on the end which makes them useful for cleaning out lug nuts. But when I needed a valve core remover that wouldn't break, the only one I've used that consistently worked as intended were Snap-on valve core removers that belonged to other techs. The harbor freight one that came with my Maddox tire plugging set broke the first time I tried using it. (P.S. do NOT buy the Pittsburgh tire plugging kit. It's flimsy, useless junk)
Finally when I got transferred to a shop that a Snap-on van visited, I jumped at the opportunity to buy _certain_ tools. In other words, I probably would get Milwaukee cordless electric tools over Snap-on if I didn't buy my DieHard drill given all the bad things I've heard about Snap-on's electric tools. I spent a decent amount of money on tools from the Snap-on truck, sure. But I understand it was worth it because I've had experience with lower quality tools that just don't do the job. Other brands may do it for the DIY folks who occasionally work on their own cars. But as someone who puts strain and wear on my tools on a daily basis, why would I settle for less? I got a socket set from Tekton specifically for removing valve stems that require long thin sockets because I've heard good things about Tekton, so it's less about brand loyalty and marketing, and more about what specific tools I need to be the Snap-on variant.
Now, I know Mac, Matco, and Cornwell also have tool trucks, but out of all of them I've only ever seen a Matco truck once. Well, at least that I can remember. Whether or not I've seen tool trucks before working as a tech is a mystery to me since I wasn't looking out for them at the time. In my experience, MAC Tools products are more often seen with older mechanics, I used to work with a tech who apparently stole an impressive MATCO box, and I've only seen Cornwell wrenches. Since I've heard Mac Tools is more expensive than Snap-on, and since Snap-on seems like the "jack-of-all-trades, master of some", I feel comfortable sticking with Snap-on when possible and within reasonable limits of expenditures.
On top of all that, buying Snap-on supports American businesses and American workers, because most of their goods are American produced and not made somewhere else and finished in the US like the tools that have the "Proudly Made in the USA with 'Global materials'" labels on them.
Big Brother, my snap on pliers just happen to be HiViz! So is my FH80 std length. I like the green as well. You hit the nail on the head too, my little Hercules 1/4” and 3/8”!guns are throw away, the 14.4s are going to be kept in a safe
Absolutely 💯
I have a pair of VectorEdge diagonal cutters in Hi-Viz. Awesome color! But my FH80 is the older, time-tested red/black. Nice, but kinda lackluster next to Hi-Viz. 😃
@@Tools_and_Guitars The Hi Viz stuff just kinda piles up on my guy’s truck, I like to mix it up a little sometimes. The long locking flex ratchets are green, the Quick release and Extended Straight Handles are red. My Hard Handles are Blue. I might just get a set of regular flex heads in Orange to round it all out.
I mostly have Maximum tools (Canadian brand) they're very good quality and the warranty goes like this; walk into Canadian Tire service desk, show them the broken tool (no receipt required) and they get you a new one right then and there. But I love my snap-on tools I got later on and won't knock you for getting it
Snap On pliers are a bargain, actually? Knipex doesn't make all the types that Sanp On does? Until then, I'd buy Snap On's? I own Bahco pliers, which are a subsidiary of Snap On, just like Blue Point and Willliams, they are excellent tools?
I think alot of there stuff is good and alot of there stuff is junk but i will never buy another impact,scanner,or nut driver from snap on
I have noticed using snap on wrenches and sockets, you are way less likely to round the head of a bolt
Wright Tool is still around, make a fantastic tool, equal or dare I say even better, than Snap-On, and typically cheaper. Every tool they make is made in USA, which is NOT the case for Snap On (or Mac, Matco, etc). I also buy Proto, was buying SK but since the buyout have shied away from them, and other Made in USA tool brands. I do buy some Snap-On, but my problem with them is the OVERpricing. I've bought Mayhew, Precision Instruments, Lang, and Lisle tools that were the exact tool that Snap-On outsourced to them, for like half the price. My second issue is the price on their Chinese/Taiwanese tools. I'm not paying Made in USA price for Made in China. Especially not when the other guy makes them in USA for the same, or less, price.
They do make some good stuff. I have a mix of everything and ive been working as a mechanic for 7 yrs so far. Some of the cheap stuff has held up well, some stuff i spent the money to replace with better quality. Really just depends. Snap on wrenches grab much better than some Pittsburgh wrenches. Snap on hammers absorb the shock from impacts, actually works really well. I havent been really impressed with thier impact sockets, they seem a bit too soft. Ratchets are 11/10, i have removed bolts in very tight spaces with that tight swing arc.
At the same time, all of my blue power and blue point stuff has held up too. And its made in Tawain...still have some Pittsburgh in my toolbox too.
Theres so many options out there now, its best to try a little of everything.
I love me some snap on tools. But after over 20 years of wrenching have also realized that many jobs can be done effectively for many years with other alternatives. Not sure on the better taste comment, these ain’t cheap and that has a lot to do with peoples decisions.
I completely agree with everything your saying, and I have an interesting reasoning for why I buy a lot of Snap On. I have a nickel allergy and my hands break out from using tools, however I noticed that when using Snap On the allergic reaction is not nearly as bad and it doesn’t happen as often when compared to using cheap tools. Maybe this can help someone out if you or think you have a nickel allergy.
Perhaps use some 8mm nitrile gloves.
What is the resale on snap-on? A third? A third of what? Very expensive. Honestly Harbor Freight is the new Craftsman nothing wrong with that. Craftsman was never as good Snap-on. Honestly they all have their place. Where Harbor Freight shines is many many store fronts walk in with a broken tool warranty it and walk out. No email no mailing no waiting just like Craftsman used to be. Honestly a lot of the new Craftsman isn't as good as HF. Don't get me wrong HF is far from perfect but it is undeniable they have stepped up their game. I love me some Snap-on screw drivers, their line wrenches are probably the best and no doubt their wratchets are some of the very best. Thing is for most people the very best isn't necessary. I agree get what you can afford and works for you.
Some of the euro stuff , stahlwille, hazet, Wera etc isn’t always as good as the price.
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t like all snap on tools. And it’s not because of the price primarily. I honestly believe that that a lot of the industrial tools like Armstrong, proto, and Williams (snap on) lol are just better. Snap on pliers are very very well built, but I just can’t fit them anywhere.
Right there with you
23 year master tech i own all snappy stuff and it’s all paid for and owned
Forget the out of country brands. Is a Snapon socket really better than a Williams USA socket? Or a Wright socket, or Proto? Until Snapon admits that they use different materials and processes on their Williams line, they might as well be the same. Wright has shown that their sockets and wrenches perform just as good. Anyways, I really don't care what other people buy. I just can't see any reason to pay so much for something that the same company makes and sells much cheaper under another name.
They do, but you clearly aren't capable of writing cursive or using Google, so I'm not going to waste my time arguing.
@@CPthetooladdict So, your only response is to ridicule and divert. No real answer. No real argument. Why the negativity? You obviously have a hard time with people who don’t agree with you.
Wow, Google, what a novel idea. Lots of anecdotal evidence on Google. Snap-on salesmen saying they are higher quality steel. People saying that they are made on the same machines in the same factory, but they use different steels. But they definitely don’t want to say that Williams uses weak or bad steel, just not as good. People also say that they use the same steel, but different QA. Or, the same steel but different heat treat and chrome. It is possible, albeit more complicated, to keep 2 types of steel in supply and not mix them up when changing the stampings. I can believe that. It is also possible to have tighter tolerances for one type of socket over another with the same machines, but Snap-on doesn’t claim that. What I don’t find is proof or some type of numbers. What is the tensile strength, yield strength, compressive strength, or elongation? Have you ever asked Snap-on to provide material properties for their sockets? Guess what, I have. All they say is that they meet ANSI standards. Showing your material strength numbers doesn’t give away your secret recipe or even the secret processes. It is an easy way to show why they are better than the competition. Why don’t they show it? How much better or stronger are Snap-on sockets compared to Williams? 3x stronger?
Steel manufacturing and all the different blends and processes are not new. Snap-on’s competitors could easily test Snap-on sockets, look at the material composition, and replicate. There isn’t a patent on it. Do you really think Stanley or Wright or Cornwell or Sk or any other socket manufacturer doesn’t know how to make the best socket?
The only source for Snapon being the best is from a Snapon salesman, or from mechanics that spent a ton of money on them. How much better are they to Mac or Matco or Cornwell? Are they 2-3X better than Wright, Williams, or Proto?
Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to answer any of my questions. All you will do is more ridicule with no proof.
I’m not a professional mechanic and I buy all brands. Something i use all the time like a snap on ball joint press well worth the money. Breaker bar Pittsburgh because I never use it rather just get the torch. My impact guns are Matco personally I feel there better than snap on. Spend the money on the tools you use all the time and make you money.
I don’t really care about the name as long as it’s an American company with American manufacturing.
Pros
1. American made.
2. Lifetime hand tools.
3. Ethically sourced.
4. No intellectual property theft.
5. Looks and feels good to use.
Cons
1. Expensive.
2. Having to listen to annoying people tell you why this icon tool is just as good as your Snap-On tool because they are Harbor freight simps or are jealous and want to prove to themselves they’re tools are good enough.
3. Occasional bad snap on reps.
Hell ya I'll fight for Texas on that comment!!
I’m a rank amateur, but I bought some Snap-On stuff, and I can tell you the Snappy ratchets are miles ahead of the other brands I own. Yes, they make the job easier. Yes they are more expensive.
Snap-on tools are great and if you're a professional they're a great choice. I have used some of my friends snap-on tools who's a mechanic and they feel amazing. Me as a DIY/weekend warrior they don't make sense to spend the money on. Harbor freight, Husky, Craftsman, Dewalt etc are my go to cheap tools. That being said if I was in this profession I would absolutely get the best tools I could such as the tooltruck brands.
Thanks for sharing
You get what you pay for…. Buy cheap tools get cheap feel
CP, as you know and I have shared this on other threads, I’ve had 18v and 14.4 electric tools that have been over 20 years old. I can hand that tool over to my snap on dealer, and for a flat rate charge of typically $125.00 I’ll get handed back a fully rebuilt tool, and in most times with a new plastic cover. No original receipts. No questions asked.
Try that with a Milwaukee tool
I know exactly what you mean and completely concur!!!
My job buys tools but will not spend money on nice tools. They pay me a lot of money. I keep telling my manager they need to protect there investment. What good am I with a broken hand?
Harbor freight is the bottom of the barrel, Snap on only warrantees to origin purchaser so much for passing them down, Then there is a company like Tekton with a guarantee that has no time limits and no fine print Shipment of replacement parts is on them
.
How do you feel about milwaukee wrenches and ratchets?
They are good enough for diy folks
My analogy of choice: why would you EVER pay $100 for a steak dinner when bologna exists for $1?
I own and LOVE a whole bunch of high end tools…i also own dang near every 18v Bauer made.. i LOVE those, too! They are dirt cheap and things like the hot glue gun and vacuum are super handy for house chores and to bang around and beat up.. i just like tools man.. there is absolutely some HF stuff that I wouldn’t own. I just consider myself down to earth about what is worth my money and what isn’t on both ends of the spectrum.
Dig you and your channel/content. Subscribing now, brother 🤙🏻
I love snap-on, but I can't justify the cost because I only used them occasionally. I would buy them if I were a professional. I do have my early Mac tools.