Why do you buy Snap-on tools?
Uwe Knie
For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
tools, in contrast to other brands.
Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
else?
Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
been one?
It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
Happy Easter.
Uwe
Clark Magnuson
I pay extra for Snap-on tools because they cost extra when they were new.
For wrenches I would pay:
Snap-on... $2
American made... $1
Taiwanese ... pass
Spehro Pefhany
wrote:
>Hey guys!
>
>For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>tools, in contrast to other brands.
I know some people (largely of the female persuasion) pay insane
prices for them in their fancy shopping mall stores because they think
they make nice gifts, and they think they are high quality because of
the insane prices.
Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
sp...@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com
Bill Higdon
> On 17 Apr 2003 09:43:29 -0700, the renowned uwe....@web.de (Uwe Knie)
> wrote:
>
>
>>Hey guys!
>>
>>For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>>Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>>tools, in contrast to other brands.
>
>
> I know some people (largely of the female persuasion) pay insane
> prices for them in their fancy shopping mall stores because they think
> they make nice gifts, and they think they are high quality because of
> the insane prices.
>
> Best regards,
> Spehro Pefhany
I know a technician at the Utah Army Aviation Support Facility (the Army
Guard Aviation Facility at Air Port 2) (West Jordan) that bought a
bunch because of a fast talking salesman, and "generous" credit.
Bill Higdon
The Older Gentleman
<snip>
When I buy them it's usually second-hand, if I can find them.
Why? Utter quality, feel good in the hand.
--
XJ900S 750SS SR500 CB400F ST70 GAGARPHOF#30
GHPOTHUF#1 WUSS#5 YTC#3 IHABWTJ#1 BOTAFOT#60 ANORAK#06 OSOS#1
BOF#30 www.btinternet.com/~Chateau.Murray/homepage2.html
Stuart
not buy Snap-On tools after their first purchase. When you are first
starting the truck shows up with a salesman who is friendly and ready to
give you a huge line of credit on tools. What alot of people don't really
realize at the start is that you can go to Sears, Canadian Tire, Home Depot
and get the same quality tool at a lower cost, and they also come with a
lifetime garentee. It has been my experience that Snap-On salesmen are
happy to sell you tools, but are very unhappy when you try to get warrenty.
As for Air Tools, You can get the exact same tools from Ingersol Rand, or
Chicago Pneumatics. ( IR or CP ).
From what I have found, talking to other mechanics, as long as you can get a
lifetime garentee, who cares about the brand name. And sometimes, if its
inexpensive enough, who cares about the garentee, sometimes you won't use a
tool very much.
Uwe, hmmm U&I Tools perhaps? VW Bug with a trailer?
"Uwe Knie" <uwe....@web.de> wrote in message
news:94672b91.0304...@posting.google.com...
Tom Gardner
2. When I bought all my tools, the wagon jobber delivered and gave lots of
credit.
3. Shiny!
4. Mark of a pro...at one time that was important.
Did you know that Snap-on has a minimum of 300% mark-up?
"Uwe Knie" <uwe....@web.de> wrote in message
news:94672b91.0304...@posting.google.com...
Barnyard BOb --
>Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
>or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
>Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
>been one?
>It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
>comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
>Happy Easter.
>
>Uwe
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I've been on the planet for 64 years.
Been twisting wrenches much of my life.
Not a single one is Snap-On. However...
My flight instructor of choice is a retired Snap-On
dealer and is now quite wealthy...
and he didn't make it from flight instruction.
Craftsman BOb -
Kevin Bukowski
I break just as many snap-on as craftsman. My reasoning is price. Snap-on
does have a few tools that other brands don't make. Most of the people I
know purchase snap-on just because of the name. They feel the more expensive
tools are better.
Just my opinion.
Kevin B.
SE Michigan
Walt LeRoy
extension for $15. 50 cents down, and 50 cents per week. Of course over the
years I added many more. Used them daily as a heavy eqpt. mechanic for 42
years. They are still in fine working order and still in use in my little
home shop.
Walt
Stuart <taylo...@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:xcCna.147466$vs.16...@news3.calgary.shaw.ca...
RobertR237
1. Good Basic Quality
2. Reasonable Price
3. Ready availability anywhere and just about anytime.
4. Lifetime Guarantee (and I have taken advantage of it on several occasions
even when a few of those occasions it was MY fault.)
Bob Reed
www.kisbuild.r-a-reed-assoc.com (KIS Builders Site)
KIS Cruiser in progress...Slow but steady progress....
"Ladies and Gentlemen, take my advice,
pull down your pants and Slide on the Ice!"
(M.A.S.H. Sidney Freedman)
Jeff Dantzler
Cornwell, S&K, Allen, Diamond, Proto, Craftsman etc. Most of these
tools are simple hand tools (wrenches, ratchets / sockets, pliers, snips,
screwdrivers etc.) for working on my motorcycle/car/bicycle/etc. I have a
huge pile of import hand tools for loaning out, giving away, and making
"scupture" out of when I'm bored. Crappy hand tools caused me many a
stripped fitting or busted knuckle before a friend introduced me to
Snap-on/etc.
I rarely buy hand tools new. I've gotten stuff from Ebay, pawn shops,
classified ads, and garage sales. I have only had to use the replacement
policy a few times and the guys in the truck have always been
accomodating. I don't usually pay more than 1/2 to 2/3 new price for used
tools.
I also have a weak spot for old tools that still work well. Brands
made in Chicago or other old steel towns that have long since been
gobbled up or gone out of business. Ones that are usually dirt cheap and
need 10 minutes with a wire wheel and then some oil. Often these end up
being far superior to most current tools.
Mainly I buy stuff that functions well so I can concentrate on the job at
hand.
As far as power tools go, I stick with name brands like Porter Cable or
Bosch, etc. I usually buy these new.
Snap-on power and air tools are often obscenely over-priced and are made
by someone else, with the Snap-on logo. Things like their MIG welders come
to mind as examples of stuff I wouldn't go near.
The tool truck guys have pretty aggressive marketing tactics and are
generous with credit. I have known more than one tech who got in way over
his head financing $10k+ worth of fancy tools.
I must say that I really like Snap-on toolboxes.
Cheers,
Jeff Dantzler
Seattle, WA
M. MacDonald
Like a 24mm hex socket for the really big stuff. Other than that, some
people need the tax write-off for their job. Oh, the credit line is good
too.
Mack
Flightdeck
First complete set of Snap-On 35 years ago. At that time the quality was
top-notch, better than most, and they had some good specialty tools. It got
harder and harder to get replacement of broken or worn items without a
hassle and a very pushy sales pitch to buy more. But, I still have all of
the the ratchet wrenches and they are still silky smooth in operation.
I switched to "SK" for a while and then bought any brand that prove to have
good quality in specific items. Quality is important because a replacement
warrantee does you no good when it is 2230 hours and you need to finish a
job before morning. However, with other quality tools available, the price
of Snap-on is too high these days just to get a shiny native finish.
Mobile dealers seemed to come and go quickly for a while. One A&P mechanic
I know bought a full set of tools with tool boxes years ago right from the
truck when he got his first job with a major airline. The dealer took the
down payment, never filed the credit paperwork, and dissapeared. He phoned
Snap-on and they gave him a hard time (very snotty) before he could get it
through their heads that he wanted to give THEM money. He finally hung up
on them. Now, THAT turned out to be an inexpensive set of Snap-On for the
mechanic.
J
"Uwe Knie" <uwe....@web.de> wrote in message
news:94672b91.0304...@posting.google.com...
Sydney D. Hoeltzli
> For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
> Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
> tools, in contrast to other brands.
> Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
> service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
> else?
I have a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver which is one my prize
possessions because it fits my hand better than other screwdrivers
I've met
I suppose that would be a reason like "superior design of tool"?
It's the only Snap-on tool we have, even most of the bits for
it are another brand but I wish we had another my husband keeps
stealing mine. I suppose I need to buy him one.
> Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
Most of our hand tools are Craftsman because of the warranty and the
much lower price esp. if you hit a sale combined w/ extra "Craftsman
club" discount.
> Does a higher price pay off on the long run?
Higher price for Craftsman vs. some cheap stuff from Taiwan certainly
pays. Most of our cheaper tools have worn out by now. For something
not used much cheap might be fine.
> Are you a pro
No
FWIW
Sydney
Leon McAtee
>Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>tools, in contrast to other brands.
When I made my living using tools I bought mostly Snap-On because it was the
most cost efective way. The time it took to search out other tools cost more
in the long run than Snap-On's higher price, they were usually of pretty good
quality. (except their screw drivers.... Sears lasts at least 4 times as
long), and the truck stopped by each week, and was also "on call" if you needed
something fast.
Warranty means little to a pro. Breakage is simply unacceptable.
Now that I have a good assortment of tools and don't make my primary income
from them I buy the most cost efective tool that will get the job done. This is
a slightly different set of parameters than when you are using themj
professionally. My second set of tools is primarly Sears.
My favorites are my Stahlwille - they fit where even Snap-On won't.
jim
on it..... but as a homeowner/handyperson who had been doing it for
about 40 yrs. i buy craftsman... the tools fit each time and are not the
general cheaper tools that break or bend when in use.. and it the
craftsman tool does break then you just bring it back to any sears store
and get a replacement on the spot.... i did and will continue to buy
some other brands, like when i needed to make a special wrench i did not
have on and the sears catalog did not show one.. i needed a 13 mm
open end wrench with a cureved handle.. something like an obstrction
wrench and could not find any 13 mm sized ones, only 1/2 in. 5/8 in,
9/16 in.. i then bought a cheap no name brand tool and heated it with
the act. torch and began to bend the handle to what shape i needed and
it worked fine and the cost of the tool was like $3.00 so it was
cost/cheap is what made me buy this wrench, but i only needed it one
time and if i was using it in a trade, jobe type operation i would have
went with the higher priced sears for quality..... i also figured the
lower quality no name brand would not take as much heat and would bend
quickeer and that is what i was looking for... i have some snap on
tools, but they were given to me i did not buy them as the delivery vans
that sell snapon only goes to places like repair shops, so i never
worked in any shops and never had much contact with these sale trucks...
that would be the major reason why i dont have any(that i bought)... the
second reason would be the higher cost and the lack of need for a
better quality tool....
thats about it...
kawasaki Bob
Uwe Knie wrote:
I buy Craftsman tool because of quality, availability, pluse you always
can find a Sears store.
Rick Sisney
>I have a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver which is one my prize
>possessions because it fits my hand better than other screwdrivers
>I've met
That really is an incredible screwdriver. I couldn't part with mine.
Most of what I have purchased new from Snap-on are unique and superior design
items such as this.
I have a friend that was a Snap-on dealer. He described his job as 20% tool
salesman, 80% finance man. They basically will offer a huge credit line to
anyone with a job and a heartbeat. Of course, this creates a lot of time and
leg work chasing down payments, skips and repos and the expense has to be
absorbed somewhere. So, you have highly inflated retail prices.
Too bad they don't offer reasonable pricing for cash sales, and show an
interest rate for what it really is.
In answer to the original poster, I think most of the Snap-on sales comes from
a glistening box full of new tools rolling off the truck to anyone stupid
enough to sign the bottom line.
Rick S
OKR...@AOL.com
Bob Chilcoat
news:lwCna.139$V2....@eagle.america.net...
> In 1940 I bought a set of Snap-On sockets, long handle ratchet, and 6 inch
> extension for $15. 50 cents down, and 50 cents per week. Of course over
the
> years I added many more. Used them daily as a heavy eqpt. mechanic for 42
> years. They are still in fine working order and still in use in my little
> home shop.
> Walt
So are the Craftsman tools I bought to start my box in 1960. The ones that
survived the infamous toolbox purge by my brothers when I was overseas in
graduate school, that is. The ones that are left are much better quality
than more recent Craftsman I've bought, but all are still guaranteed. I
have a few Snap-On sockets that I've collected, but the older Craftsman
sockets seem to have thinner walls and fit into tight places better. I
wouldn't pay the extra for Snap-On.
--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)
Carl Byrns
I used to work as a mechanic and bought Snap-On (and Mac) at a time when
there was a huge difference in quality between the 'pro' tools and the
stuff Sears sold.
Today, the quality gap between the pro grades and the homeowner grades
is much narrower- the quality of some brands of home owner tools has
gotten much better, while the pro stuff has slipped a bit.
-Carl
Harry Balzak
salesman to black snap on sales man. I have never seen a black snap on
person in my life, in Detroit area.
Racist bastard company.
"Carl Byrns" <carl....@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:3E9F19C9...@verizon.net...
Kyle Boatright
"RobertR237" <rober...@aol.composit> wrote in message
news:20030417144138...@mb-m10.aol.com...
Craftsman hand tools (i.e. non-powered) are a fine value. Unfortunately,
their power tools are priced like *nice* power tools, but built like the
cheap ones. I will never buy another craftsman power tool.
I use Snap-On when I need a special tool. The local Sears just doesn't have
some of the neat/wierd stuff that comes in handy when you're in a jam.
KB
Kai St-Louis
Kai
"Uwe Knie" <uwe....@web.de> a écrit dans le message de news:
94672b91.0304...@posting.google.com...
Mike Romain
Snap-on parts from the mobile truck. My main set was a mix of other
brands, still with lifetime warranties on some of them.
I mostly bought specialty and high wear tools from them like a really
cool rad hose remover (I recently 'lost' it and am going to chase the
next mobile truck I see for another) and u-joint knuckles. Some high
wear sockets too. My knuckles are still thanking me... One ratchet
too, that still works smooth 20+ years later. They also were the first
I think to have 'wobbler' extentions that can be worth their weight in
gold somedays.
The main reason was convinience because the truck showed up. They had
cool stuff that was very time or knuckle saving so he got me as a
customer. I never had a warranty issue, never a question asked on a
return.
They also figured me out pretty quick. I only buy tools I need for a
specific job, so trying to sell me anything with my existing set was
pretty much useless.
I always paid cash and never even realized they offered credit (or
thought about it) until today.
I do believe the higher price is justified in lots of cases to have the
warranty and service I got. Especially when I was a mechanic in a small
town were the nearest city to shop was a 4 hour drive away. The local
hardware store sold junk. The no name sockets would split with less
than 100 ft lb on them and bang, off goes your knuckle...
Gotta give the mobile guys a lot of credit for that. I would maybe buy
or exchange something every 2-3 stops... I got charged the same prices
as the folks in the city.
One socket or screwdriver sure don't pay his gas.... Good job there were
other garages in town, or I never would have seen him.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
TBBlakeley
>salesman to black snap on sales man. I have never seen a black snap on
>person in my life, in Detroit area.
>
>Racist bastard company.
>
Maybe it's because the salesmen are working for themselves..I might be wrong,
just ask my wife, but to sell you must purchase a franchise...correct me if I
am wrong. This DOES NOT make Snap On a racist company. Trust me..I am sure
they will sell a franchise to anyone, green, purple or even polka dot....I
personally do not purchase Snap On as the price is a bit steep compared to
Craftsman.....Craftsman has worked for my family for decades.
TBBlakeley
>their power tools are priced like *nice* power tools, but built like the
>cheap ones. I will never buy another craftsman power tool.
I totally agree...I will NEVER buy a powered Craftsman tool.. This is a whole
different ball park compared to their hand tools.
Nick Funk
Etz
> I know some people (largely of the female persuasion) pay insane
> prices for them in their fancy shopping mall stores because they think
> they make nice gifts, and they think they are high quality because of
> the insane prices.
Would you please introduce me to some of these people?
Roy Hauer
Snap on Tools for free, and they are tools so what the heck. I really
do not like their wrenchs and some other items as trhey are too slick
to use if you have damp or oily hands. My personal choice is Easco or
Bonny or Blackhawk. All have lifetime waranty as well. Even KAL tools
have a lifetime warranty and are about 1/4th the price of a snapon
tool and are quite decent.
On Thu, 17 Apr 2003 17:47:30 -0500, Nick Funk <nf...@rtconline.com>
wrote:
>x<>-I buy Sear's Craftmens tool when they are on sale!
>x<>-
>x<>-
>x<>-Uwe Knie wrote:
>x<>-
>x<>->Hey guys!
>x<>->
>x<>->For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>x<>->Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>x<>->tools, in contrast to other brands.
>x<>->Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
>x<>->service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
>x<>->else?
>x<>->Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
>x<>->or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
>x<>->Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
>x<>->been one?
>x<>->It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
>x<>->comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
>x<>->Happy Easter.
>x<>->
>x<>->Uwe
>x<>->
>x<>->
--
Visit my website:
http://www.frugalmachinist.com
Contents: foundry and general metal working and lots of related projects.
Regards
Roy aka Chipmaker // Foxeye
Opinions are strictly those of my wife....I have had no input whatsoever.
Remove capital A from chipmAkr for correct email address
Nathan Nagel
Does she have a sister?
nate
JDupre5762
I buy Snap On hand tools for the quality and the convenience of having the
dealer show up every week. Though after 20 year I don't buy as much as I used
to. These are the tools that I can count on using every day. I have also
bought MAC tools as well for the same reasons. I have Craftsman tools as well
though generally they are larger wrenches that are nice to have but I use only
rarely. I will buy off brand tools that I can cut, bend and grind on to make
special ultra thin wrenches or sockets as needed for occasional use.
There are always some application that one company does not provide for. For
example Continental fuel injection nozzles take a half inch socket but the
interior of a Snap On 1/4 inch drive socket is milled incorrectly for the
application and won't reach the hex portion, a Craftsman socket will.
For air tools, multi meters and precision measuring tools I will generally go
with a better independent brand rather than buy a dealer name brand. Usually
the big dealers buy these things from a name maker and simply rebadge them and
charge more.
I think that Snap On hand tools have a definite edge in quality and feel to the
hand. Next I would put MAC and Matco as a tie for second and Cornwell and
Craftsman a close tie for third. I have seen Craftsman Professional Series
tools that seem to rival Snap On for fit and function but have no idea on long
term quality.
I have been told that Snap On is the only tool maker that makes tools from its
own forging equipment to packaging. Supposedly MAC, Matco, Craftsman and
Cornwell all use the same forging plant to make their tool blanks and then they
finish them in house. Does this arrangement really affect quality? I don't
know but you could ask Lycoming....
John Dupre'
Craig
> Hey guys!
>
> For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
> Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
> tools, in contrast to other brands.
Besides all the other good reasons people have given, with the guys
that I bought from, they would gladly open the truck up at 3 in the
morning to replace a broken tool if I had an emergency. Try that with
Sears or any other big retailer.
Also, almost every time I've had a Crapsman tool that failed, I would
have to spend a couple of hours calling every store in a 75 mile
radius to find one that had a replacement and was open. They are
perpetually out of stock on about 90% of the tools that I have had
fail.
In over 22 years, the only Snap-On tool that I have had trouble with
is a 32 tooth, 1/4 drive ratchet. Had to overhaul it about 15 years
ago, and due to it being submerged in linseed oil and having been
severely used over the years, it is going to have to be done again
pretty soon.
Craig C.
cvair...@ev1.net
larry g
When my father-in-law, a life long diesel mechanic, died in a car wreck the
Snap-On guy came in and bought any tool that we wanted to sell back at 75%
of current list price. Some of these tools were 30 years old and well used.
Probably cost a small fraction of the current price. Some of those 1" drive
sockets were over $100 each. Sears won't do that!
At work we were purchasing some new tool sets and took in bids from various
vendors as well as Snap-On industrial sales. Snap-On matched the Crapsman
bid so we went with Snap-On. If you can check out Industrial sales, they
will negoiciate!
lg
no neat sig line
"Uwe Knie" <uwe....@web.de> wrote in message
news:94672b91.0304...@posting.google.com...
> Hey guys!
>
> For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
> Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
> tools, in contrast to other brands.
> Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
> service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
> else?
> Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
> or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
> Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
> been one?
> It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
> comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
> Happy Easter.
>
> Uwe
James P Crombie
correct now. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr :-) Still have a couple in the basement
somewhere. And I also have some of the mugs from the earlier 90's with
the calender girls on them.
James P Crombie
Fairly good deal and we used a fair bit of stuff at work. For myself I
have a set of 1/4 to 1-1/4 wrenches, and 4 sets of 3/8 drive sockets,
short and long in metric and sae. plus lots of other stuff. I got most
of the stuff through a company tool plan so I didn't have to go through
the snap-on credit thing. I use the tools every day and have never had
a problem with them. Most of my stuff is also the industrial(black
oxide) finish stuff as well. They stay in my toolbox and don't go
outside so I felt getting the chrome stuff was unnessesary plus there
was a $200 difference between the chrome and industrial finish wrench
set. It's not just for impact sockets :-)
I also think their screwdriver sets have the best handles I have seen.
Another plus I think is the speed in getting a replacement from the
dealer. I can call and usually have it the next day.
Dick Steel
"Nathan Nagel" <njn...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:3E9F41C5...@earthlink.net...
If there's a women out there buying Snap-On tools for guys I vote we make
her the newsgroup "Poster Girl."
Dick
Dick Steel
"The Older Gentleman" <chateau...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:1ftkoeq.1fj...@dial81-135-63-53.in-addr.btopenworld.com...
> Uwe Knie <uwe....@web.de> wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> When I buy them it's usually second-hand, if I can find them.
>
> Why? Utter quality, feel good in the hand.
>
Work all day with Snap-Ons and then work a day with anything else and tell
me which one make your hands the most sore.
Dick
>
> --
> XJ900S 750SS SR500 CB400F ST70 GAGARPHOF#30
> GHPOTHUF#1 WUSS#5 YTC#3 IHABWTJ#1 BOTAFOT#60 ANORAK#06 OSOS#1
> BOF#30 www.btinternet.com/~Chateau.Murray/homepage2.html
Burnout
>Hey guys!
>
>For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>tools, in contrast to other brands.
>Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
>service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
>else?
>Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
>or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
>Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
>been one?
>It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
>comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
>Happy Easter.
>
>Uwe
When I started out as an apprentice I bought Craftsman. Over the years
I learned there is a huge difference in tool quality. It isn't just
the replacement guarantee when you're making your living with tools.
Snap-On fits the fasteners better which means you don't wind up
working for free because your cheap socket rounded the nut off. They
also have a lot of trick tools that can save lots of time. And having
the truck come by every week is a big plus. Snap-On is expensive, but
when you make your living as a mechanic they're worth every penny. The
fact that I could be using the tools while I was still paying for them
helped too.
Craftsman may be the best deal for amateurs, but not when you're
trying to make a living.
Ace
would not go onto a sparkplug, and getting a big hassle from the local
store, I started looking at Snapon.
Just a few days ago, I dug out the old Craftsman 1/2 inch drive and had
to get a screw driver to pry off the socket after I was finished. My
hands were clean and dry. Back when I used them in the "trade", and
hands were oily, etc. it was simply a pain in the ***.
The quality is in Snapon (or at least was).
Ace
Uwe Knie wrote:
>
> Hey guys!
>
> For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
> Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
> tools, in contrast to other brands.
> Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
> service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
> else?
> Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
> or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
> Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
> been one?
> It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
> comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
> Happy Easter.
>
> Uwe
--
----- ------
Many people receive advice; only the wise profit from it
**** author unknown ****
Barnyard BOb --
>> Why? Utter quality, feel good in the hand.
>>
>
>Work all day with Snap-Ons and then work a day with anything else and tell
>me which one make your hands the most sore.
>
>Dick
Unless Snap-On has changed...
my hands thoroughly despise Snap-On ergonomics.
I'll take a Craftsman over the long haul, regardless of price.
Barnyard BOb - never sore, just sound that way.
Peter Dohm
on anything that gets used out in the weather, and therefore my Craftsman
tools are good enough; and my Snap-On tools were stolen a few years ago.
However, if I was doing any mechanical work, I would quickly buy Snap-On
again even though they are really inconvenient when you are not on their
route; because they get the job done efficiently and much more safely.
Their sockets, open ends, and box wrenches are all available in six point
and have strain releived corners; resulting in a very strong thin walled
tool. And their strain relief, for which they use the trade name "Flank
Drive", has the beneficial side effect of securely gripping some rather
badly damaged fasteners. In addition, they offer a wider range of socket
sizes for any given drive size than any one else that I know of. That's
especially usefull on aircraft and modern automobiles because so many
parts and assemblies are aluminum and the torque specifications are low
for the fastener size--so that you can use a smaller and more convenient
quarter inch drive in many places which would have required three eighths
inch drive if the major parts were steel.
Worth every penny if you're using them!
Just my .03
Inflation ya'know
Peter
Rich Ahrens
> On 17 Apr 2003 09:43:29 -0700, the renowned uwe....@web.de (Uwe Knie)
> wrote:
>
>
>>Hey guys!
>>
>>For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>>Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>>tools, in contrast to other brands.
>
>
> prices for them in their fancy shopping mall stores because they think
> they make nice gifts, and they think they are high quality because of
> the insane prices.
You sure you're not thinking of strap-on tools?
Del Rawlins
> Mobile dealers seemed to come and go quickly for a while. One A&P
> mechanic I know bought a full set of tools with tool boxes years ago
> right from the truck when he got his first job with a major airline.
> The dealer took the down payment, never filed the credit paperwork,
> and dissapeared.
For a while, Snap-On was intentionally giving their mobile dealers an
insufficiently sized sales territory to stay in business. When a dealer
inevitably went out of business, they would repossess the truck and tool
inventory, and sell it to the next guy. There is a fairly well known
court case in which they got in trouble for doing this; I remember it
from one of my business law classes.
----------------------------------------------------
Del Rawlins- del@_kills_spammers_rawlinsbrothers.org
Remove _kills_spammers_ to reply via email.
Unofficial Bearhawk FAQ website:
http://www.rawlinsbrothers.org/bhfaq/
Dev Null
> Hey guys!
>
> For a school research paper about hand and power tools in
> general and Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are
> buying Snap-on tools, in contrast to other brands.
> Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or
> additional service compared to other companies, or convenience,
> or something else?
> Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like
> Craftsman or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille
> etc.)? Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a
> pro or had you been one?
> It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some
> other comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a
> lot and Happy Easter.
>
> Uwe
Hello,
I buy the best tools I can afford regardless of brand. To say
specifically why I own many Snap-On tools, it's because I bought
them used and that's what was for sale. Since Snap-On is a defacto
sign of a professional mechanic, many mechanics who want to be seen
as professional buy them. Thus there are a lot of Snap-On tools
"in circulation."
I own MAC, Matco, Facom (GREAT ratchets!), PB Bauman, Acu-Min,
Chapman, Ingersoll-Rand, Milwaukee, Etc.
Some of the European brands look very nice but they are
impossible to find locally. They are even hard to find on the web
and very expensive. You just don't see many "All Stahlwille tools
now on sale!!!" ads (I've never even seen one!).
In general I will buy tools from companies whose reputation or
advertising convinces me that the tool offers better performance
than a competitor. If there is no significant difference then I
will buy the tool that is: 1. Available, 2. A better deal, or 3.
Totally rad.
And yes, I can tell the difference between using a top,
professional tool and a consumer grade tool. The general
difference is there is more "slop" with a consumer grade tool, and
they are usually heavier.
One interesting point is that this difference is much less
pronounced in electronic test equipment. I chose to buy a Protek
506 DMM for $140 instead of a Fluke 189 DMM for $300 (big
discount!) because I do not believe there will be $160 worth of
difference between the readings I get.
Carl Byrns
Harry Balzak wrote:
>
> Here's something to think about. What is the ratio of white snap on
> salesman to black snap on sales man. I have never seen a black snap on
> person in my life, in Detroit area.
>
> Racist bastard company.
>
Not likely.
-Carl
Ed Price
>
> For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
> Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
> tools, in contrast to other brands.
> Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
> service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
> else?
> Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
> or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
> Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
> been one?
> It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
> comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
> Happy Easter.
>
> Uwe
I buy tools almost exclusively from Harbor Freight! Why?
1. I don't depend on the mechanical tools for my work; I'm not a mechanic.
2. I already own a core set of good tools (a mix, Snap On, SK, Craftsman,
Klein), which I have had nearly forever. They serve me well for my weekend
garage and home work.
3. The Red Chinese HF stuff varies widely in quality, but it's so cheap that
you can afford a big selection of those rarely used tools. And be honest,
rarely used tools obviously last a long time. I have had some HF tools
break, chip or dull quickly. But the great majority of their tools are
decent enough for my level of use.
4. The biggest reason is that I buy tools to replenish the tool selection
used in my company's electronics lab. In this setting, tools are rarely
abused, and the best economics is to have a lot of relatively cheap tools
available.
5. The lab always sees some tool loss due to theft and/or misplacement.
Why buy enduring quality when, typically, in a few months, the 7mm open-end
wrench is missing? If you bought a high end set like Snap On, it will piss
you off, and you will waste valuable peace of mind wondering who took it, or
who was dumb enough to lose it. Next thing you know, you'll start making
asinine written procedures for use and accountability of tools. Instead, go
to HF, and buy two more sets for less than $20. Actually, it's almost a fun
game; most tool thieves are too stuck up to bother stealing the HF tools.
Ed
RellikJM
1. I rounded a nut with a craftsman wrench and a Snap-On wrench took that
same rounded nut off. The wrench wasn't even Flank Drive.
2. The screwdriver handles. Also their ratcheting screwdrivers.
3. Website ordering.
--
RellikJM
RellikJM AT Yahoo DOT Com
Don't forget about my "FREE" EPROM programming !
Advice is only worth what you paid for it!
Canuck Bob
program that let me buy the tools on time as an apprentice. As I am
no longer a pro mechanic I still enjoy using my Snap-on tools. The
sockets also had thinner walls and would fit aircraft nuts and bolts
that were countersunk slightly into castings. This meant I didn't
have to grind the sockets and thus void the warranty.
Steve Rayner
tool breaks, a replacement is just a phone call away. They are also one of
the few makers of quality thin wall socket wrenches. These will fit into
places, where a thick walled one would have to be ground, or machined down.
--
Steve Rayner.
Tim G.
<nob...@nowhere.nohow> wrote:
>
>"The Older Gentleman" <chateau...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
>news:1ftkoeq.1fj...@dial81-135-63-53.in-addr.btopenworld.com...
>> Uwe Knie <uwe....@web.de> wrote:
>>
>> <snip>
>>
>> When I buy them it's usually second-hand, if I can find them.
>>
>> Why? Utter quality, feel good in the hand.
>>
>
>Work all day with Snap-Ons and then work a day with anything else and tell
>me which one make your hands the most sore.
I'll take the Snap-On anyday.. But they're expensive.
Gary Coffman
>For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>tools, in contrast to other brands.
The main reason is that the Snap-on truck guys extend credit to anyone
working in a shop, even the ones who are bad credit risks (and lots of them
are, for lots of reasons). The Snap-on salesmen tend to be fairly high pressure
too. They want to sell as many tools as they can, and lots of mechanics are
tool junkies who are easy to convince to spring for the expensive sets and
boxes, though they'll likely only regularly use a handful of the tools in the
set.
Snap-on hand tool quality is good, but buying them off the truck, especially
on credit, is going to cost a lot more than buying other brands from other
vendors (either the traditional brick and mortar vendors, or online). But if
your credit is bad, those other vendors won't talk to you. The Snap-on
guy will. He's basically the loan shark on the corner you turn to when no
one else will lend you money.
I have a fairly good assortment of Snap-on tools, but only a few of them
were bought off a truck. Most come from pawn shops, fleamarkets, estate
sales, etc, places where I could buy them at a more reasonable price.
I also have tools labeled Craftsman, Blackhawk, Blue Point, SK, Husky,
MAC, etc. All are good serviceable tools, some particular ones are even
better than the equivalent Snap-on (at least I like them better). In almost
every case, they cost less, even at the pawn shop or fleamarket.
What I do not like is Snap-on power tools. Not only are they way over-
priced off the truck, they're also not a cut above their competitors the way
some Snap-on hand tools arguably are. I'm talking about air tools, electric
tools, and welding machines now. Snap-on is not first quality in any of
these categories. Nor are they even adequate quality at an attractive
price (ie Lowes, Home Depot, or Harbor Freight type stuff), due to the
loan shark pricing of the Snap-on dealers.
Note, being a Snap-on franchisee is no picnic. The truck guys have to
operate the way they do to survive. I don't fault them for that, but I also
realize I can almost always get better value for my money elsewhere.
BTW, same goes for MAC. Their tool trucks operate basically the same
way. A close friend of mine and his son operated MAC franchises for
a number of years. They gave me the inside scoop on how the business
operates. They also gave me a very large discount, but even so, the
price *they* paid for the tools they sold was often higher than what I'd
pay for an equivalent tool at a box store.
Gary
Paul A Gigl Jr
> Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
> tools, in contrast to other brands.
I purchase Craftsman hand tools based on their quality, availability,
warranty, and because they are made in the U.S. (as are Snap-On). I prefer
not to purchase foreign manufactured tools because the quality is typically
poor and I would rather see my money supporting American jobs.
-Paul
Dick Steel
"Barnyard BOb --" <r...@hotmail.net> wrote in message
news:b2mu9vcfp4t5e3hpr...@4ax.com...
Corky Scott
>Hey guys!
>
>For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>tools, in contrast to other brands.
>Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
>service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
>else?
>Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
>or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
>Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
>been one?
>It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
>comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
>Happy Easter.
>
>Uwe
I bought a used Snap-on tool cabinet, with some of the Snap-on tools
in it for one reason, it was a real bargain. The tool cabinets are
really top quality. I've seen some cheapo Sears tool cabinets and
there's just no comparison.
But if I'd had to pay the new price, I wouldn't have been able to buy
it at the time. Snap-on is REALLY expensive.
One time I was in the Snap-on truck looking for a torque wrench. The
salesman was all over me trying to get me to buy the Snap-on brand he
had. He was gushing that it had torque settings all they way from 20
lbs up to something like 350 lbs. I asked him if he could name one
bolt or fastener that needed 350 lbs of torque in an automobile. He
thought about it for a long minute, then admitted he couldn't think of
any.
Corky Scott
Stephen Bigelow
"Harry Balzak" <dontbo...@home.ever> wrote in message
news:v9u7al4...@corp.supernews.com...
> Here's something to think about. What is the ratio of white snap on
> salesman to black snap on sales man. I have never seen a black snap on
> person in my life, in Detroit area.
>
> Racist bastard company.
You *do* know that they are all independant franchised dealers ....right?
http://www.snapon.com/franchise/
"Snap-on dealers own their businesses, which includes a walk-in van, an
inventory of merchandise for sale, and accounts receivable. They call on
each customer once a week, selling tools or collecting money from previous
sales. "
Rob Munach
> had. He was gushing that it had torque settings all they way from 20
> lbs up to something like 350 lbs. I asked him if he could name one
> bolt or fastener that needed 350 lbs of torque in an automobile. He
> thought about it for a long minute, then admitted he couldn't think of
> any.
>
> Corky Scott
Some crankshaft pulleys are in that range. If you have any farm
equipment, there is lotsa stuff in that range as well.
X-Addict
> I purchase mostly craftsman. I have used both professionally and found that
> I break just as many snap-on as craftsman. My reasoning is price. Snap-on
> does have a few tools that other brands don't make. Most of the people I
> know purchase snap-on just because of the name. They feel the more expensive
> tools are better.
I *used* to buy Craftsman until they screwed me over a failed
torque wrench that was *STILL* in warranty.. They claimed their
warranty didn't cover tools with moving parts such as torque
wrenches et-al.. That was the last time I ever bought a Crappsman
tool..
Personally I like S&K tools which I believe are still cheaper than
Snap-on but they at least stand by their warranty 100%.. I had an
S&K 3/8" socket drive fail and just "spin".. I took it to my local
S&K dealer and watched him rebuild it in front on me without even
asking for a reciept showing that I purchased it.. Very cool if you
ask me!
X-addict
Corky Scott
wrote:
If you are talking about huge diesel engines, perhaps. In my auto
mechanic career, which ended back in '83, I had never seen any bolts
that needed anywhere near that kind of torque.
Corky Scott
Brent P
> On Fri, 18 Apr 2003 13:08:35 GMT, Rob Munach <xle...@pobox.commotion> wrote:
>> salesman was all over me trying to get me to buy the Snap-on brand he
>>> had. He was gushing that it had torque settings all they way from 20
>>> lbs up to something like 350 lbs. I asked him if he could name one
>>> bolt or fastener that needed 350 lbs of torque in an automobile. He
>>> thought about it for a long minute, then admitted he couldn't think of
>>> any.
>>Some crankshaft pulleys are in that range. If you have any farm
>>equipment, there is lotsa stuff in that range as well.
> If you are talking about huge diesel engines, perhaps. In my auto
> mechanic career, which ended back in '83, I had never seen any bolts
> that needed anywhere near that kind of torque.
A better question is how does one generate 350 ft-lbs of torque with
a wrench to tighten it :) That's one big cheater bar..
highflyer
>
> Hey guys!
>
> For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
> Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
> tools, in contrast to other brands.
> Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
> service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
> else?
> Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
> or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
> Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
> been one?
> It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
> comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
> Happy Easter.
>
> Uwe
The wrench clearance on aircraft engines and many aircraft parts and
fittings is just a smidge too tight for cheap wrenchs to go over the
nut. Snap On wrenchs have thinner walls around the working end and will
work where cheap wrenchs will not.
--
Highflyer
Highflight Aviation Services
highflyer
>
> I buy used tools at garage sales.
> I pay extra for Snap-on tools because they cost extra when they were new.
> For wrenches I would pay:
> Snap-on... $2
> American made... $1
> Taiwanese ... pass
I buy snap on wrenchs at garage sales no matter what condition they are
in. My Snap On driver will replace any beatup old Snap On wrench with a
new one. :-)
highflyer
How about the flywheel nut on a VW? For working on aircraft I am more
concerned about the bottom end of the torque range. Lots and LOTS of
nuts on an airplane call out a torque LESS than 20 foot pounds! :-)
Another one you need a lot on airplanes is the 11/32 wrench. Snap On is
one of the few who have one! :-)
David Ervin
I do the same with Craftsman tools and the flea market. I buy the worst ones they have for cheap and
then exchange them at Sears.
--
David J. Ervin 512.996.6393 Motorola Embedded Memory Center
"There are 10 kinds of people in the world:
Those who understand binary, and those who don't."
Rob Munach
around 350 ft-lbs. The snap-on torque wrench we used was about 4 ft
long. I pulled on it and he held the crankshaft with a 2x6 wedged
between the crank and the block (the engine was on a stand and the oil
pan was off) It may of been a 3/4" drive wrench as he borrowed it from a
guy who works on large diesel trucks.
Nate Nagel
Rear axle nuts on an aircooled VW or car using a tapered axle Dana
rear (Studebaker, AMC)
nate
Mike Romain
Jeep have the tapered axle too, AMC made the Jeeps for a while.
The front hub nut on some of the newer ones with the sealed hubs is
close to that tight too. They are cheater bar time.
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Angry Gumball
I know for sure that the crank bolt in an Audi 2.3 takes 340 ft-lbs, or
250 ft-lbs if using the special Audi crank bolt tool.
Dan
--
Anyone who cannot cope with mathematics is not fully human. At best he
is a tolerable subhuman who has learned to wear shoes, bathe and not
make messes in the house.
Barnyard BOb --
>>
>> Rear axle nuts on an aircooled VW or car using a tapered axle Dana
>> rear (Studebaker, AMC)
>>
>> nate
>
>Jeep have the tapered axle too, AMC made the Jeeps for a while.
>
>The front hub nut on some of the newer ones with the sealed hubs is
>close to that tight too. They are cheater bar time.
>
>Mike
>86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Ditto for the pinion nut and crush ring on the
older full sized Ford/Merc/Lincoln rear ends.
Barnyard BOb
Peter Dohm
Nearly anything that uses a "gland nut" to retain the fly-wheel, such at
the air cooled Volkswagen engines, requires a torque setting in that
range.
Peter
Peter Dohm
Snap-On offers a "gear head torque multiplier" for that purpose, which is
intended specifically to multiply a torque wrench. They offer 10:1 and
probably other values :-)
It's also much more expensive than a big wrench, and I don't need one
nearly enough to buy it :-(
Peter
Peter Dohm
Amen!
Nathan Nagel
A buddy of mine buys tools only at pawnshops, junk stores, etc... I
don't know *how* many 11/32" deep sockets he has but I find every one
when I'm looking for one of the two 3/8" ones that I know he has
somewhere! (frustration...)
nate
Keith Carroll
fit and finish of snap-on more to my liking.
I also like the fit and finish of some matco tools.
It' personal preference.
Hope this helps.
Keith
Del Rawlins
> Another one you need a lot on airplanes is the 11/32 wrench. Snap On
> is one of the few who have one! :-)
No problem getting an 11/32" wrench from craftsman, though you have to
buy the deluxe set or buy it individually. Getting a 9/32" (used on
older GM truck interiors) wrench was a royal PITA, had to buy a set of
ignition wrenches to get one.
----------------------------------------------------
Del Rawlins- del@_kills_spammers_rawlinsbrothers.org
Remove _kills_spammers_ to reply via email.
Unofficial Bearhawk FAQ website:
http://www.rawlinsbrothers.org/bhfaq/
Del Rawlins
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Hey Mike, how's the CJ doing these days? Been a while since I've
followed the Jeep group.
randee
other manufacturers do not. In this regard the only other example might
be Kent-Moore tools. One example might be the Bendix eccentric brake
cam adjusting wrench from Snap-On. Another example might be the
Kent-Moore Dana differential spreader, or their specialty Stude Pitman
Arm puller. AFAIR most all the 'J' tools referenced in auto
manufacturers shop manuals are made by Kent-Moore.
Stuart wrote:
>
> I am a Commercial Transport Mechanic, and I find most of my co-workers do
> not buy Snap-On tools after their first purchase. When you are first
> starting the truck shows up with a salesman who is friendly and ready to
> give you a huge line of credit on tools. What alot of people don't really
> realize at the start is that you can go to Sears, Canadian Tire, Home Depot
> and get the same quality tool at a lower cost, and they also come w
<<snip>>
--
wf.
Wayne Flowers
Randee Greenwald
ran...@zianet.com
randee
Peter Dohm wrote:
>
> > One time I was in the Snap-on truck looking for a torque wrench. The
> > salesman was all over me trying to get me to buy the Snap-on brand he
> > had. He was gushing that it had torque settings all they way from 20
> > lbs up to something like 350 lbs. I asked him if he could name one
> > bolt or fastener that needed 350 lbs of torque in an automobile. He
> > thought about it for a long minute, then admitted he couldn't think of
> > any.
> >
> > Corky Scott
>
> Nearly anything that uses a "gland nut" to retain the fly-wheel, such at
> the air cooled Volkswagen engines, requires a torque setting in that
> range.
>
> Peter
--
randee
Brent P wrote:
>
> In article <3ea0254...@news.dartmouth.edu>, Corky Scott wr
> A better question is how does one generate 350 ft-lbs of torque with
> a wrench to tighten it :) That's one big cheater bar..
--
Mike Romain
Do you still have a Jeep?
I have pretty much totally restored it with a fiberglass body and it has
been treating me nice since.
I bought a local Canadian Made body and have even rolled it once with
minimal damage. The seam from the firewall to the floor pan cracked...
Tore a muscle at the top of my leg and had to walk 3 hours in 2-3' of
snow to get to the camp that was 25 miles from the nearest house. The
local loggers working right there in the bush wouldn't even bring in
their skidder with it's 6' tires for me. A snowmobile club sent in it's
big John Deer Groomer with the tank tracks to get me out. He got stuck
trying to get to me! He has a winch, I didn't at that time. Do now...
There is still a large eastern Canada group of us from
rec.autos.makers.jeep+willys that go out wheeling on a regular basis.
We do 2 or 3 week to ten day trips summer and winter a year and day
trips still. Had 9 for the last ten day August run.
Photos of that run are here:
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291402603
If you look down on the main page, there are links to lots of other runs
too.
Sony now requires you join to view photos, but it is free and they don't
spam.
Mike
randee
crankshaft timing gear retaining bolts say. The hex centerlock wheel
nuts. Dana tapered axle nuts. AFAIR Packard and Pierce axle pinion
nuts were well over 200 ft-lbs. Sounds like your auto mechanic career
was rather limited in its variety. Altho to be sure, there were not a
lot of auto fasteners that required that kind of torque, just a few.
Corky Scott wrote:
>
>
> If you are talking about huge diesel engines, perhaps. In my auto
> mechanic career, which ended back in '83, I had never seen any bolts
> that needed anywhere near that kind of torque.
>
> Corky Scott
--
Doug
They buy Snap On Tools because the truck comes to the shop and the
driver gets them out to the truck, shows all the trick stuff and even
runs a tab and payment plans.
A big part of the price structured into SnapOn is taht truck and
driver. They make 40% profit (that's a 66% markup) on the tools.
Those mechanics taht work for me can definetly not afford to buy Snap
On.
For myself, I go to Canadian Tire or order tools from the Sears
catalog.
I pay a fraction of what my mechanics do for similar tools. I do
prefer the Snap On and Mac ratchets though and buy those.
Some of my tools are over 30 years old, used frequently and
professionaly. They never break.
I can definetly afford to buy Snap On, but I would rather spend my
money wisely.
Gee.....maybe that is why I am the boss and own the business.
Hmmmmmmmm
Doug
Roger
news:94672b91.0304...@posting.google.com...
> Hey guys!
>
> For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
> Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
> tools, in contrast to other brands.
When I was employed they bought me Snap-on. However after about 15 years,
they started purchasing Craftsman and Stanley tools. They still had any
broken Snap-ons replaced, but quit paying the premium price.
They have a good warranty as does Craftsman.
Me? I buy Craftsman and Stanley. Or....as Highflyer, Snap-ons if I find
them at garage sales.
--
Roger Halstead (K8RI EN83 & ARRL Life Member)
WWW.RogerHalstead.com
N833R - World's oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2)
Ray Curry
bob.b...@shaw.ca (Canuck Bob) wrote:
> For me it was the convienience of the mobile truck and the credit
> program that let me buy the tools on time as an apprentice. As I am
> no longer a pro mechanic I still enjoy using my Snap-on tools. The
> sockets also had thinner walls and would fit aircraft nuts and bolts
> that were countersunk slightly into castings. This meant I didn't
> have to grind the sockets and thus void the warranty.
Actually I don't work at a shop, I drive to the shop when I know the
SnapOn truck will be there. When I lived in Seattle, the truck guy knew
me well and treated me like I did work at the shop (willing to give
credit to someone that just walked up to his truck and that was before I
spent a couple grand). I'll join the group that says fit is the reason.
Their flank drives really work and they were the first. Others have come
up with copies and I wouldn't hesitate to by any pro tool, Mac, etc. but
I'm around the SnapOn guy more. Sears (Craftsman) has a pro line as well
that only came in the catalog. The store bought rough finish just has
too many problems for my use. The camfer on the wrenches means you can't
use them on thin nuts and bolt heads and fit is poor. I was able to get
a lot of Philips screws out of my bikes with SnapOn screwdrivers without
an impact driver. The pro tools often have trick stuff before the mass
market though I'll admit Sears has come up with some clever stuff
lately. I have found off brands occasionally that worked really well. I
still have a 1/2 inch socket set I bought in 1968 from Lafayette Radio.
It was from Japan, cost a fraction of what Craftsman did then, and they
still fit and function well today. Never broke one though I lost a
couple of pieces. Wait, did break one piece. The breaker bar naturally.
Had used it with 10 foot pipes a couple of times over the years and
hammered on it with a sledge once or twice. Then this fireplug built guy
at Sears Point broke it taking a trailer hitch ball off.
--
Advice is free... and worth every penny.
Del Rawlins
> Just excellent Del, thanks for asking.
>
> Do you still have a Jeep?
Yeah, I still have the '01 TJ and my yard ornament '70 CJ-5. Since the
TJ is pretty much where I want it buildup wise for now, I haven't been
around the jeep group and have been focusing on my airplane hobby. Once
I get my Bearhawk flying I will eventually turn my attention to the CJ
and do a 'glass body rebuild (or aluminum) like you did. Since the body
is totally shot anyway, I'd like to come up with something just a tad
different than your standard Jeep.
Nathan Nagel
randee wrote:
>
> Don't have to include diesel engines at all; Stude, Packard, Pierce,
> crankshaft timing gear retaining bolts say. The hex centerlock wheel
> nuts. Dana tapered axle nuts. AFAIR Packard and Pierce axle pinion
> nuts were well over 200 ft-lbs. Sounds like your auto mechanic career
> was rather limited in its variety. Altho to be sure, there were not a
> lot of auto fasteners that required that kind of torque, just a few.
>
You and I are probably the only two people reading this thread who have
worked on both Stude and Packard engines :) (and I have only because I
have the 56J, I couldn't afford a real Packard without winning the
lottery... never touched a Pierce and probably never will...)
nate
davefr
1. They have a "cult" like brand following that they've built up thru
the years. (like Harley Davidson)
2. They have a good dealer channel. The dealers are usually very good
salesmen or they don't survive.
3. Credit terms to anyone.
4. Onsite/Onestop shopping; professional mechanics don't want to spend
their personal time shopping for tools at Home Crapo or Sears. Snap-On
has a wide variety of specialty tools.
5. Quality is "top shelf" but there isn't a big difference between
Snap-On and other quality brands like SK.
I have Snap-On, Crapsman, SK and Thorsen. IMHO, SK is as good as
Snap-On but priced much better. Old Crapsman used to be good but is
now medocre. Husky brand is terrible quality and I'd never buy any
junk from Harbor Freight. (I've seen HF SAE sockets that don't even
fit SAE fasteners properly).
Lowe's Kobalt brand is supposed to be made by Williams tools which is
owned by Snap-On but I haven't used any of their tools. ACE hardware's
store brand hand tools are quite good.
On 17 Apr 2003 09:43:29 -0700, uwe....@web.de (Uwe Knie) wrote:
>Hey guys!
>
>For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>tools, in contrast to other brands.
Wright1902Glider
bought my first set of Craftsmans with my high school graduation money (no trip
to Daytona for me). I chose Craftsman because thats what I grew up using and
thats what I was comfortable with. I've used a few snap-ons and liked them,
but the truck never comes to my house.
I've only broken 2 Craftsman tools. The 1/2" ratchet while using a 6 foot
cheater bar, and a 1/2" x 24" breaker bar while using a 13 foot long cheater
bar. The square drive pin sheared off at about 2600 ft -lbs. I was trying to
break torque on a rusted front axle nut on an '89 Dodge mini-van. Never did
get that nut loose and ended up pulling the half-shaft out of the trans. by
removing the entire spindle with it.
BTW, the special "torque multiplier" tool is often used for main rotor head
nuts. I've never seen one, but heard that they are quite impressive. I've
also seen a hydraulic cylinder powered torque wrench on Discovery Channel. It
was being used to torque huge nuts on the USS Truman.
Fun stuff,
Harry
Carl Byrns
Gary Coffman wrote:
> Snap-on hand tool quality is good, but buying them off the truck, especially
> on credit, is going to cost a lot more than buying other brands from other
> vendors (either the traditional brick and mortar vendors, or online).
Sort of true- cash tends to lower the price.
> But if your credit is bad, those other vendors won't talk to you.
On the flip side, when I was younger and applying for my first loan, the
Snap-On guy was good credit reference.
> What I do not like is Snap-on power tools. Not only are they way over-
> priced off the truck, they're also not a cut above their competitors the way
> some Snap-on hand tools arguably are. I'm talking about air tools, electric
> tools, and welding machines now.
I agree- all newer air tools are sub-par. Snap-On used to sell relabeled
ELU electric tools, which were as good as they got.
-Carl
Steve Rayner
as high as 300 - 400 foot pounds (example: 1980 - early 1981 FLH)!
--
Steve Rayner.
"Rob Munach" <xle...@pobox.commotion> wrote in message
news:nNSna.66804$ja4.4...@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> salesman was all over me trying to get me to buy the Snap-on brand he
> > had. He was gushing that it had torque settings all they way from 20
> > lbs up to something like 350 lbs. I asked him if he could name one
> > bolt or fastener that needed 350 lbs of torque in an automobile. He
> > thought about it for a long minute, then admitted he couldn't think of
> > any.
> >
> > Corky Scott
>
ATP
> On 17 Apr 2003 09:43:29 -0700, uwe....@web.de (Uwe Knie) wrote:
>
>> Hey guys!
>>
>> For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>> Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>> tools, in contrast to other brands.
>> Do you buy just the quality, or an image the brand has, or additional
>> service compared to other companies, or convenience, or something
>> else?
>> Or why don't you buy Snap-on and prefer another brand (like Craftsman
>> or maybe European brands like Facom or Stahlwille etc.)?
>> Does a higher price pay off on the long run? Are you a pro or had you
>> been one?
>> It would be nice if you could get me a rough overview or some other
>> comments, which helps me with my research paper. Thanks a lot and
>> Happy Easter.
>>
>> Uwe
>
> in it for one reason, it was a real bargain. The tool cabinets are
> really top quality. I've seen some cheapo Sears tool cabinets and
> there's just no comparison.
>
> But if I'd had to pay the new price, I wouldn't have been able to buy
> it at the time. Snap-on is REALLY expensive.
>
> had. He was gushing that it had torque settings all they way from 20
> lbs up to something like 350 lbs. I asked him if he could name one
> bolt or fastener that needed 350 lbs of torque in an automobile. He
> thought about it for a long minute, then admitted he couldn't think of
> any.
>
> Corky Scott
My medium duty truck requires about 270 lbs of torque for the lugs. I found
a nice torque wrench on ebay at a fairly reasonable price.
sam
sammm
--
toys:
diesel BMW motorcycle, gold wing trike, honda gyros, dodge diesel dualie,
fiat osca 1500 cabriolet,
W3CYO/R, 145.49, 224.40, 443.300 mhz. repeater
"Steve Rayner" <ud...@victoria.tc.ca> wrote in message
news:3ea1...@news.victoria.tc.ca...
Fly
> fittings is just a smidge too tight for cheap wrenchs to go over the
> nut. Snap On wrenchs have thinner walls around the working end and will
> work where cheap wrenchs will not.
>
> --
> Highflyer
> Highflight Aviation Services
I second that. I've never failed bolting up exhaust nuts with a snap-on
u-joint socket and long extenstions. Craftsman sockets won't fit
sometimes.
I have mostly craftsman tools but have bought snap on for somethings. I have
a set of snap on angle head wrenchs that I grab first to break the torque
on fastners. They fit better and do not gall the hardware. Craftmans will.
Craftsman does not make angle head wrenchs or duckbill pliers.
I hate the craftsman ratchet plastic buttons, but a sears store is close by
so its not much of a problem to exchange. I'm on my fourth warranty ratchet
now.
I'd have all snap-on if I wanted to spend the money.
Sears tools are not what they use to be, if they ever was to begine with.
Kent Ok
John
snap on. Should've bought them first, as they're the only ones that actually
fit flare nuts. Even the snaponcrowfoots fit better than my regular crapsman
or sk's. And I do like sk for run of the mill wrenches and sockets.
"Steve Rayner" <ud...@victoria.tc.ca> wrote in message
news:3ea1...@news.victoria.tc.ca...
Sean Trost
long with out anyone flaming !
Congrats ! for you regulars is this not some sort of record ?
BTW I do not have any Snap-on tools in the toolbox. Never been in the right
place to hit a supply truck to browse. However I am smitten with the Kobalt
stuff Lowes is now carrying.
all the best
Sean Trost
"Uwe Knie" <uwe....@web.de> wrote in message
news:94672b91.0304...@posting.google.com...
RobertR237
<sean...@nc.rr.com> writes:
>
>Holy smokes Uwe ! you've managed to create a thread close to 100 replies
>long with out anyone flaming !
>Congrats ! for you regulars is this not some sort of record ?
>
NO! But you just came real close to starting one since most are the result of
someone making a smart ass remark.
Bob Reed
www.kisbuild.r-a-reed-assoc.com (KIS Builders Site)
KIS Cruiser in progress...Slow but steady progress....
"Ladies and Gentlemen, take my advice,
pull down your pants and Slide on the Ice!"
(M.A.S.H. Sidney Freedman)
Rich S.
news:20030421112119...@mb-m26.aol.com...
> In article <Q9Loa.30805$RE3.2...@twister.southeast.rr.com>, "Sean
Trost"
> <sean...@nc.rr.com> writes:
>
> >
> >Holy smokes Uwe ! you've managed to create a thread close to 100 replies
> >long with out anyone flaming !
> >Congrats ! for you regulars is this not some sort of record ?
> >
>
> NO! But you just came real close to starting one since most are the
result of
> someone making a smart ass remark.
Do you suppose his success is due to most people refusing to reply to a
5-newsgroup cross posting?
Rich S.
Old Nick
wrote something
......and in reply I say!:
Glad somebody is treating thsi "reseach for school" as it appears they
should.
>On 17 Apr 2003 09:43:29 -0700, the renowned uwe....@web.de (Uwe Knie)
>wrote:
>
>>Hey guys!
>>
>>For a school research paper about hand and power tools in general and
>>Snap-on in special, I need to know, why people are buying Snap-on
>>tools, in contrast to other brands.
>
>I know some people (largely of the female persuasion) pay insane
>prices for them in their fancy shopping mall stores because they think
>they make nice gifts, and they think they are high quality because of
>the insane prices.
>
>Best regards,
>Spehro Pefhany
>--
>"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
>sp...@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
>Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com
Nick White --- HEAD:Hertz Music
Please remove ns from my header address to reply via email
!!
<")
_/ )
( )
_//- \__/
FOR THE LATEST WORD ON THE INVASION OF IRAQ DIAL
1 206 555 5455
Old Nick
wrote something
......and in reply I say!:
>Holy smokes Uwe ! you've managed to create a thread close to 100 replies
>long with out anyone flaming
Given the start of the thread, I really don't understand it.
Everyone's too full of chocolate?
kobalt
Something's going on with them right now - I've heard that Snap-On is
redesigning the line and also that Allen Tools is going to take over the
line. Ought to be interesting.
"Sean Trost" <sean...@nc.rr.com> wrote in message
news:Q9Loa.30805$RE3.2...@twister.southeast.rr.com...