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Okay so I’m starting school this fall and am going for an associates in Automotive Technology. So I’m wondering which powerhouse to drop all my moolah on, Mac or Snap On. I am in love with Snap On but ouch would that hurt my wallet. Mac seems a little cheaper but I don’t know anyone who sports them. Can ya help your brotha from anotha motha out????
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craftsman and harbor freight are your friend man. There are select tools you want to buy off the tool truck but for the most part you can get your tools elsewhere. If you can get more tools to do more work for the same money then it’s usually the better bet.
[quote=”quickNpainless” post=102624]craftsman and harbor freight are your friend man. There are select tools you want to buy off the tool truck but for the most part you can get your tools elsewhere. If you can get more tools to do more work for the same money then it’s usually the better bet.[/quote]
I agree. For most tools you can buy cheaper versions first, then upgrade later or as sales happen. Once you turn the wrench for a living you quickly figure out what needs to be premium.
I would do most of my business with whichever guy gives the best service.
[quote=”DaFirnz” post=102671]
I would do most of my business with whichever guy gives the best service.[/quote]Yep, if you can. I’m not pimping for Snappy, but in 35 years Snap-On has always been around. In fact, the only area I can think of where service is mediocre is in the oil patch. I have seen the others (Mac & Matco) come and go, and have been stuck with broken tools for months/years at a time. And I realize it could be the other way around in some other locality…
+1 to above.
In the last 6 years I have lived in four states.. The only consistent guys were the Snap on guys.. And if you a pay a premium, you pay for the guarantee you can get a broken tool replaced fairly painlessly… Also, in the four states, I only saw one MAC guy…
I will say this about MAC, you can mail them the broken tools (as well as Snap on) and they will mail you back your replacement reasonably quickly (a week or so)…
Also, Craftsman Pro wrenches are pretty dang good, but I must admit I keep long MAC knuckle saver wrenches in my cart at all times…
-Karl
in my experiences with tools i am not biased too any brand, i like MAC, i like Craftsman, i like SnapOn, but it all depends on what tool i like for the job more, this tool is made this way so its a little more beefier, this wrench is a little thinner so i can fit it in tight spots, this one is longer gives me a little more leverage… if i notice one has a little more of a quality than the others i will take it because of that, you may go with a certian brand for convenience, but i find some mechanics and i think this is true in the case of Eric who will for example go with a set of snap on wrenches, but then have a set of what ever brand wrenches because the boxed end is a little thinner and can fit into a tight spot well or that brand makes a set of wrenches that is really long for good leverage.
[quote=”mustangroddick” post=103321]You may also want to look at SK and Blackhawk.[/quote] hmmm never heard of them I’ll check them out.
Snap On is the Mercedes of tools. The downside is the outrageous price. I have been in the business for 40 years and I have mostly Snap On. I have purchased much of the bread and butter tools(sockets, ratchets, wrenches…)used for usually less than half of the price of new. Ebay is a good place to start. Ingersolltools on Ebay sells Snap On for half of the catalog price. Remember these tools have lifetime warranty and any dealer will exchange a worn or broken tool for you.
I used to hate Snap On. I bought craftsman, but I have watched their quality go down hill for 20 years. So I switched to S K and Proto. S K was bought by Ideal. Their prices almost doubled putting them close to Mac and Snap on and Mac. Now they won’t adjust the older tools. Proto makes good tools but they haven’t change their bulky ratchet in over 40 years. Then I fondled a Snap On dual 80 with a comfort grip. I was hooked. I still think their tools are to expensive, but I want the quality and the local guy is great. I am willing to pay for his service. So it boils down to who is going to give the best service when you start spending thousands of dollars on tools.
tool topia man or amazon . Don’t buy tools off a tool truck because you think its cool, buy tools that will make you money and don’t cost you an arm and leg. been an apprentice at ford for 5 months now. I got a little carried away on the tool truck the first couple weeks and its a mistake i’ll be taking care of for the rest of the year and probably some of next year..
these comments have all been helpful guys I really appreciate all your opinions and experiences. Ergo I think I’ll use my Stafford loan money to stock up on snap on and mac so when I’m done with school I will have all the tools I need to work any where and just pay my loans off as I work. You guys are awesome and I hope I can help a rookie (like meself) some day the way all the people in these forums have helped me!!!! :woohoo:
[quote=”13aceofspades13″ post=105230]the biggest thing i look for is MADE IN USA.[/quote]
HA! Yes, even though I’m in Canada the 2 economies are so closely tied a vote for one is a vote for the other. I bought a set of blue-point pliers. WTF? Made in Taiwan.
I agree with alot of the above. harbor freight is a good friend right now especially for tool boxes. you can get huge ones for cheap and many handtools are good. impact sockets are good and their air ratchets are good. but check out AIR CAT air tools. very cheap and durable. just bought a 1/2 inch impact for 160$. 1000ft lbs of working torque and 1300 reverse torque. craftsman air tools blow but they have great ratchets, impact sockets and hand tools. you have some decisions to make my friend
[quote=”jdub1022″ post=106862]I agree with alot of the above. harbor freight is a good friend right now especially for tool boxes. you can get huge ones for cheap and many handtools are good. impact sockets are good and their air ratchets are good. but check out AIR CAT air tools. very cheap and durable. just bought a 1/2 inch impact for 160$. 1000ft lbs of working torque and 1300 reverse torque. craftsman air tools blow but they have great ratchets, impact sockets and hand tools. you have some decisions to make my friend[/quote]
+1 for AirCat. Made in ‘Murica, to some degree. Have a 1200K, pure beast, I’ve broken too many bolts with it though. The Mac Tools was rebranding it as their own, but now they appear to use some sort of IR. Anyways I bought a 1355XL a few months ago (3/8 drive impact) and I barely pull my 1200K out anymore. The only problem I have is some crusty suspension or subframe bolts.
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