Snap-On tools. Are they worth it?

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Forget Snap-On and Norton! Get Harbor Freight and an XS650!





Personally, I use Craftsman and Norton - and can't really afford either! :oops:
 
For the average joe, snap-on isnt necessary. Really the only snap-on items I would buy are the socket wrenches, only because I like how smooth they ratchet. All my craftsman tools ratchet like crap. As far as open and box end wrenches and screw drivers, craftsman is just fine. We use nothing but snap on in my AFB, but they also have alittle higher bank account:)
 
I bought a couple of Snap-On adjustable wrenches back in the early '80's and they're still tighter with less slop than any other new adjustables I've ever used. A lot of their tools may be overkill for someone not using them day in and day out, but the quality of their adjustables means they work when most others would just round off the nut!
 
The snap-on 6 point sockets are real nice. They don't beat up the corners of the nuts because the socket corners are rounded. When no 12 point will not get it off, the 6 points will.

Dave
69S
 
They also have that "flank drive" feature. When it absolutely positively has to come off overnight, you can't beat it....
 
'GEARWRENCH' make a reasonable range of ratcheting spanners, lots of configurations, I prefer the offset head with the reverse switch, with the straight non reversing type you have to be carefull not to lock the spanner into a postion that you can't remove it from, because you can't wind the bolt back in if you can't flip the spanner over, don't think you will find any whitworth size and I would hate to think what they would charge you if you did..
Also the gearwrench ones are better than the ones made by them but sold under a different name.
 
Personally, I use Craftsman and Norton - and can't really afford either!
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I like the bit about the Norton. Properly done up, these are expensive bikes. I could of been very close to that new BMW K1300 GT I've been drooling over for the money I spent and am still spending on my Norton.

I used to try and dissuade some of these guys who had just acquired a Norton that had sat in someone's back yard for ten years and think a $1000 will bring it around. I don't say a thing anymore. I guess we've all been there.
 
I have a fair amount of Snap-on stuff (I checked when I was in the US some time ago - the prices in the UK were about the same) which I bought when I was a full-time bike mechanic.
The guy who owned the company I was visiting had a couple of H***** D*******s in his workshop complete with HD monogrammed Snap-on Tool chests. I was *almost* jealous :wink:

I sometimes flinched at the price at the time, but I'm now enjoying the rest of my life not regretting it! A classic case of once the money's spent all you've got left is what you spent it on.

I'm with everyone else here; OTT for occasional use (on a Norton?! :shock: ), but definitely the best.
 
Thanks guys. I'll probably spring for the ratcheting wrench set but will watch ebay for a while. Maybe if my tax return is a good one I'll buy new since the 7-piece set I'm looking at is $239 CAD.
 
King Dick is a good Birmingham brand, made in Tyseley near the Velocette factory.
 
The only problem I see with snap-on (except for price) is what I here from pro mechanics, that the snap-on warranty is only as good as the snap-on rep. I have been told that some reps will deny claims for what they claim as misuse.
 
I just wasted 2 hours here at work going through the Snap-On site.

I need to buy a lottery ticket.
 
Hi jimwood

I have seen a snap on van traveling along and followed it until it stopped and exchanged briken tools, if you are firm with them and have not hit your 3/8 spanner with a big hammer its usually ok.


A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

bob
 
Yes, most Snap-On tools are worth it, if you can justify the expense. They seem to fit the hand and the workspace better than most. I have many but have aquired most from the dealer, used, at "repo'ed" discount. (If you can't afford the payments, they come and reposses them.) My personal favorites are their ratcheting wrenches, phillips screwdrivers, offset needle nosed pliers, and 1/4" deep/6 point sockets.

I also have 2 Hazet ratchets (3/8" & 1/2" drive, hinged head) (they have a nylon grip, fine teeth, and are very strong but expensive) and they are the ones that I reach for the most...after my Snap-On 1/4" articulating head...very fine ratchet teeth and gets just about anywhere...it's a beauty!

However my tool boxes are filled with many brands, depending on the tool...Gedore BSW wrenches, Klein pliers and side cutters, Mastercraft Pro combinations and sockets, Ridgid aluminum pipe wrenches, Weiss tin snips...and so on. Buy the best that you can afford of what feels the best in your hand for the level of work that you have to do.

$.02
Tony
 
R Model Tony said:
My personal favorites are their ratcheting wrenches,..............and 1/4" deep/6 point sockets.

Tony
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Those are the 2 sets I'm looking at. The ratcheting wrenches and the really shallow socket set. Should I go for 6 or 12 point?

I have to qualms about my old Craftsmen socket set my dad bought me 20 years ago but sometimes the ratchet and sockets are just too big so I'm going to grab a low profile Snap-On set. I'm just going to watch ebay for a while.
 
Hi
For me with sockets its 6 point every time for the fit, I use long series 6 point spanners but always have a set of 12 point short series spanners for those difficult to access fixings.
One of the things I like about quality tools is the good fit and the less chance of slippage and knuckle damage (spanner rash).
Nearly 60 years old now and still working with Snap on tools I bought as an snotty apprentice.

Regards Bob.
 
Yes, I wish I could find more 6 point sockets, they work so much better. The auto stores don't carry 6-points, don't know about Craftsman, maybe, but Sears is a big trip for me.

Here is a 6 point snap on with the rounded releaves in the corners. They work great on tough nuts and they don't break loose and round the corners of the nuts or bolts. I wish I could afford a metric set much less a Whitworth set?

Snap-On tools. Are they worth it?


Dave
69S
 
DogT said:
Yes, I wish I could find more 6 point sockets, they work so much better. The auto stores don't carry 6-points, don't know about Craftsman, maybe, but Sears is a big trip for me.

Here is a 6 point snap on with the rounded releaves in the corners. They work great on tough nuts and they don't break loose and round the corners of the nuts or bolts. I wish I could afford a metric set much less a Whitworth set?


Dave
69S
Click to expand...

Have you guys ever use Metrinch? They never really caught on, but I sure do like them.

Snap-On tools. Are they worth it?


I managed to pick up a set from Sears on closeout a long time ago. Really nice to prevent rounding nuts.
 
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