Snap On tools, Any deals ever?

[ThaGrandCow]

Originally posted by: Wingznut

Originally posted by: ThaGrandCow
How long does it take for sears to give you a replacement compared to snap-on giving you a replacement? Around here: sears = walk out of the store with a new one... snap-on = wait for it in the mail.

EDIT: I'm assuming mail-in for snap-on... I don't own them myself... but I can't imagine it being a shorter time than jumping into your car as soon as it breaks and picking up a new one 20 minutes later for craftsman.

First off, you are right... For the majority of weekend mechanics, Craftsman is good enough.

But the fact of the matter is that not only do Craftsman tools break easier, they aren't created with the tolerances that Snap-On (and Mac, Matco, etc.) are, so you may end up rounding off a nut/bolt, over/under torqueing, etc.

To answer the question about how long it takes to get a replacement... Sears may sound quick, but consider that the Snap-On socket probably wouldn't have broken in the first place.

"Time is money" has never been more true than working flat-rate in the auto mechanic field. If the tool in question cannot do the job for whatever reason, then you are losing money... More money than the price difference between Craftsman and Snap-On.

And no, Snap-On isn't mail in. If you have a good rapport with the vendor, he'll deliver a new one that day.

But again, this is all from the perspective of an ex-auto mechanic of 10+ years. 🙂

If you're going to quote me, quote my pertinant quotes:

Exactly why I said that snap-on is for PROFESSIONAL usage. 99.9% of the planet will never use a craftsman tool in the way a snap-on is designed for. And even if you do and break it you get a new one for free.

Once again... like paying for a fork lift to put your groceries away...

Notice I said snap-on is for professionals only. I wouldn't expect the local shop to have craftsman, and if they didn't that's not my monetary problem.

If you're asking for advice on getting a deal on snap-on tools from a computer geek off-topic forum... you definitely do not qualify for the professional side of the argument.

 

[Wingznut]

No need to argue with me... I am agreeing with you. 😛

 

[mastertech01]

I use primarily Snap On and MAC. But there are some very good Craftsman alternatives that just make sense for the home user or even a some professionals. I think mechanics/technicians have a larger problem losing tools than breaking them. Its very easy for an 8mm socket to pop off the end of the socket tool and you hear that click, tick, tumble and its lost somewhere in the engine compartment. Some engine compartments are so crammed with BS that you will never find it. Or they leave one laying out of view, and ship the vehicle out and its gone forever. Now it doesnt sound like much, but if you pay 12.00 or so for each one of those lost little tools, and craftsman makes some very good quality 1/4 inch replacements for 3.00 each, then you might consider Craftsman a pretty good alternative for some of your tools. Thier top of line polished wrenches are very good quality too. You can buy a whole set of good quality 1/4 inch drive swivel sockets for the price of one and a half Snap On individual sockets. You can buy a good quality test light from MAC for less than the cost of the power cord on a Snap On. You have to shop around and compare quality and value. If you make a living with your tools you will spend more for durability, quality, and convenience. But there should be no blanket statement that Snap On beats everyone else. In many cases they are just outright rediculous. The individual dealer makes a large difference as well.

Last week one our techs worked on 24 different cars in one day. He made a lot of cash that day. But OPPS! He left his 250.00 Snap On quarter inch air wratchet in one of them! SHEESH!

 

[m2kewl]

my friend's an A/P mechanic and he prays to the snap-on gods. granted he has a 35k toolchest, one day i'm gonna drive my 4x4 to his workplace and...BAM! 😀

seriously, snap-on rocks! :heart:

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: desertdweller

Originally posted by: Graphicd00d
Nope.

They are great tools but way overpriced.

Personally I would buy a set of Sears Craftsman.

Thats because they aren't made for occasional home use.

Craftsman don't last in hard, everyday, professional usage,
which is what Snap-On is made for.


DD

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: desertdweller

Originally posted by: Graphicd00d
Nope.

They are great tools but way overpriced.

Personally I would buy a set of Sears Craftsman.

Thats because they aren't made for occasional home use.

Craftsman don't last in hard, everyday, professional usage,
which is what Snap-On is made for.


DD

True...I proved that using a 3 foot breaker bar on a 3/4 wratchet wrench...the craftsman exploded but I got a new one with lifetime warrenty. The snapon did not even flinch under the same conditions.

Ausm