Snap-On Tools

[Lee Ann]

Hi Guys,
I had my first opportunity to use Snap-On hand tools this past Thursday in my Brakes class at school. I used the standard 1/2″ drive ratchet (not the flex head) and 1/2″ drive torque wrench (click type). I loved everything about the experience. The ratchet handle felt smooth in my hands, the ratcheting mechanism was clean and could be used quickly and easily. The torque wrench…well, the torque wrench was the bomb! You know you have met your first goal toward becoming a Tech once you get to hold that fine tool in your hands…(anyway, come back to reality)

We had IR impacts, 1/2″ drive, available to us. And well, although I like the setting adjustment knobs and push button forward and reverse torque, I still wished I was using my Snappy. If any of you know me, you know that I love the sound and feel of my air impact (MG725).

Through school, I am eligible for a significant student discount on Snap-On tools…like half off. And then twice a year, the Snap On Regional Rep visits and gives us an extra discount. I’d be silly not to take advantage of that. You’d better believe I will be getting my first set of Snap-On as a graduation gift to myself B)

Hooked on Snap-On
lar1969

Topic

[James O’Hara]

I would say stick to stuff you know you are going to use forever and matter the most for Snap-On. I spent a long time trying to find wrenches that are better then Snap-On Flank Drive+ and I was not able too. So I would say the set from 10mm to 19mm of them is definitely a worthwhile investment. The 1/4″ Drive Fine Tooth Quick Release Flex Long Hard Plastic Handle Ratchet is also another thing I could not find comparable from another manufacturer. I had to have my Snap-On Dealer switch the hard plastic handle over from a non quick release. I like the hard handle because it is ever so slightly longer and it doesn’t get messed up by fluids and gives a superior grip when you are covered in grease/oil. The metal handles while they will hold up extremely well do not work well when covered by grease/oil due to their round shape. The soft grips get chewed up quick and are not covered under warranty as it counts as normal wear and tear.

Basically stay away from buying a Snap-On box and stick with tools that every mechanic needs. A box just holds things the tools make you money. Here are the things I suggest Including the stuff above:

SOEXLM710B Flank Drive+ Extra Long Pattern 10-19mm Metric Set
SGASA204AO Snap-On Mini Pick set (Orange)
FWA62121A Blue Point Oil Filter Claw, 62 mm to 121 mm
TPMA25EM Snap-On Tape Measure, Inches and Metric, 25 ft. / 7.5 Meter
MG325 Snap-On 3/8″ Drive Air Impact (You can feather the trigger like no other impact out there)
RXFMS606B Snap-On Metric Double Ended Flare Nut Wrench Set (aka Line Wrenches)
RXFS605B Snap-On SAE Double Ended Flare Nut Wrench Set (aka Line Wrenches)
213TFSYA Blue Point 3/8″ Drive Twist Impact Shallow Socket Set SAE/Metric
(^ Used for rounded fasteners and/or studs/broken bolts Tap on with hammer use by hand and yes you want the impact ones)
SR40K Snap-On Twisted Square Extractor
(^ Only extractor that works on well hardened/stainless bolts after you drill a little into them. Tap with hammer. Loose with a wrench Open End Preferably)
106ATMXWP Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Wobble Plus Extensions (Plus have less degree of wobble but, can be used as a straight extension as well)
106ATMXW Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Wobble Extensions (More Degree of wobble. Can Not be used as a regular straight extension.)

Choose One:
112RTSM Snap-On Low Profile 3/8″ Drive Ratchet 12pc (5 to 13mm) Metric Set (Special Ratchet and Special Sockets)
110RTSM Snap-On Low Profile 3/8″ Drive Ratchet 10 Socket (5 to 13mm) Metric Set (Special Ratchet and Special Sockets)
210RAFSM Snap-On Low Profile 3/8″ Drive Ratchet (8 to 18mm) Metric Set (Special Ratchet and Special Sockets) *Skips Sizes*
112RT Snap-On Low Profile 3/8″ Drive Ratchet 12pt Socket (3/16″ to 9/16″) SAE Set (Special Ratchet and Special Sockets)
(^ Ratchets Are interchangeable between sets.)

Choose One:
THLFD72 Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Fine Tooth Flex Long Handle Ratchet (Hard Plastic Handle)
TRF72 Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Fine Tooth Quick Release Flex Long Handle Ratchet (Metal Handle)
THR72 Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Fine Tooth Quick Release Flex Long Handle Ratchet (Soft Grip Handle)

Snap-On’s Site is down while I was making this so beware some of them models may not be right though I tried to verify. I personally do not like to buy Snap-On unless I absolutely have to or I know I will be able to use their warranty to my advantage. The results of that are listed above.

Also if you are new or relatively new to all this I suggest you check out this: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/15-Technicians-Only/55499-so-you-want-are-going-to-be-a-mechanic-technician

[Lee Ann]

[quote=”MDK22″ post=139187]I would say stick to stuff you know you are going to use forever and matter the most for Snap-On. I spent a long time trying to find wrenches that are better then Snap-On Flank Drive+ and I was not able too. So I would say the set from 10mm to 19mm of them is definitely a worthwhile investment. The 1/4″ Drive Fine Tooth Quick Release Flex Long Hard Plastic Handle Ratchet is also another thing I could not find comparable from another manufacturer. I had to have my Snap-On Dealer switch the hard plastic handle over from a non quick release. I like the hard handle because it is ever so slightly longer and it doesn’t get messed up by fluids and gives a superior grip when you are covered in grease/oil. The metal handles while they will hold up extremely well do not work well when covered by grease/oil due to their round shape. The soft grips get chewed up quick and are not covered under warranty as it counts as normal wear and tear.

Basically stay away from buying a Snap-On box and stick with tools that every mechanic needs. A box just holds things the tools make you money. Here are the things I suggest Including the stuff above:

SOEXLM710B Flank Drive+ Extra Long Pattern 10-19mm Metric Set
SGASA204AO Snap-On Mini Pick set (Orange)
FWA62121A Blue Point Oil Filter Claw, 62 mm to 121 mm
TPMA25EM Snap-On Tape Measure, Inches and Metric, 25 ft. / 7.5 Meter
MG325 Snap-On 3/8″ Drive Air Impact (You can feather the trigger like no other impact out there)
RXFMS606B Snap-On Metric Double Ended Flare Nut Wrench Set (aka Line Wrenches)
RXFS605B Snap-On SAE Double Ended Flare Nut Wrench Set (aka Line Wrenches)
213TFSYA Blue Point 3/8″ Drive Twist Impact Shallow Socket Set SAE/Metric
(^ Used for rounded fasteners and/or studs/broken bolts Tap on with hammer use by hand and yes you want the impact ones)
SR40K Snap-On Twisted Square Extractor
(^ Only extractor that works on well hardened/stainless bolts after you drill a little into them. Tap with hammer. Loose with a wrench Open End Preferably)
106ATMXWP Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Wobble Plus Extensions (Plus have less degree of wobble but, can be used as a straight extension as well)
106ATMXW Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Wobble Extensions (More Degree of wobble. Can Not be used as a regular straight extension.)

Choose One:
112RTSM Snap-On Low Profile 3/8″ Drive Ratchet 12pc (5 to 13mm) Metric Set (Special Ratchet and Special Sockets)
110RTSM Snap-On Low Profile 3/8″ Drive Ratchet 10 Socket (5 to 13mm) Metric Set (Special Ratchet and Special Sockets)
210RAFSM Snap-On Low Profile 3/8″ Drive Ratchet (8 to 18mm) Metric Set (Special Ratchet and Special Sockets) *Skips Sizes*
112RT Snap-On Low Profile 3/8″ Drive Ratchet 12pt Socket (3/16″ to 9/16″) SAE Set (Special Ratchet and Special Sockets)
(^ Ratchets Are interchangeable between sets.)

Choose One:
THLFD72 Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Fine Tooth Flex Long Handle Ratchet (Hard Plastic Handle)
TRF72 Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Fine Tooth Quick Release Flex Long Handle Ratchet (Metal Handle)
THR72 Snap-On 1/4″ Drive Fine Tooth Quick Release Flex Long Handle Ratchet (Soft Grip Handle)

Snap-On’s Site is down while I was making this so beware some of them models may not be right though I tried to verify. I personally do not like to buy Snap-On unless I absolutely have to or I know I will be able to use their warranty to my advantage. The results of that are listed above.

Also if you are new or relatively new to all this I suggest you check out this: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/15-Technicians-Only/55499-so-you-want-are-going-to-be-a-mechanic-technician%5B/quote%5D

Thanks for your input.
I do have my first kit chosen already from the catalog (9200AGSO) and will add on as necessary. And excellent advice about the box…they’re nice but the tools are most important. And to be quite honest, being the frugal person that I am, I am not too proud to go with a used box in good to excellent shape. Would prefer used Snap-On but hey not critical.
I put together my electrical diagnostic tool kit last semester for class so that is taken care of.
If you think of anything else, give me a shout.
lar1969
P.S.-Regarding your tool recommendations: You own or have used these? I notice you mention the Blue Point Filter Claw. Do you like it?
Yes, gotta have the picks!
Yes, the MG325 is on my list. I hear ya about the feathering.
Short impacts-have not had use yet for these but I hear ya.
Flex head for difficult-to-reach-places, correct?

[James O’Hara]

I have used/own everything on the list multiple times. The flex head is for getting into tight places and weird angles. In school you will likely not need those sockets. In the real world with rust corrosion etc you will. I have used the claw and in most cases it will even fit next to shrouded oil filters. Most lube techs I know use it or buy it after I recommend it. Everyone else’s brand will break on tight filters.

The flex head 1/4 inch is invaluable and I use it a lot.

I don’t normally break or round bolts myself. Normally I come upon a flat rate impact happy’s piss poor repair and have to fix it. Nothing wrong with flat rate as long as times are honest.

Most of the stuff I listed is pricey and the first 3 i listed, the 1/4″ ratchet, wobbles, and flare nuts are what you need the most out of the ones listed. The others are pricey but, the cost is only going to be more when a full time tech and harder to swallow.

[wafrederick]

Snap On does not make everything,rebranded items made by someone else.Taps and dies are rebranded Irwin taps and dies.Release tools are made by Lisle.Schley makes some of their specialty tools.If you have a broken tool bought from the second market,some dealers want to see a receipt and say not purchased from me.One dealer in my area,one of two left questions the customer how the tool was broke and will not warranty it.Used to have 4 of them.One was down the road in my area,Snap On forced him out and the other blew his brain out with a .45 hand gun.There are things to avoid from Snap On,their impact wrenches are one of them.Sent in for repairs more than being used.Look into buying an IR instead.Their 1/2 drive cordless impact get killed by IR’s 20 volt cordless impact including Milwaukee’s 18 volt fuel cordless impact.Plus Milwaukee has filed a lawsuit against Snap On for power tool battery infringements and this was back in December when Milwaukee did this.If looking into a good creeper,Snap On’s is junk and made in China.The Bone creeper is the only 100% American made creeper with a no questions asked lifetime warranty on the casters.

[James O’Hara]

Snap-On air impacts are fine so long as you oil them and don’t keep hitting on something for a long period of time with no progress. Almost everyone in my shop uses them either SO or IR or Air Cat. Almost all of them use the Snap-On guns and have done so for years upon years. So if you have issues with the guns it is probably due to the air supply system not being filtered or dried, not oiling them, or improper use.

BTW, I work on Big Rigs so tighter, more rust, more corrosion, more heat cycling.

Electric Impacts a lot of guys have Dewalt or Milwaukee. I for one do not own an electric impact. They are normally too weak to work on anything I do and I also do not feel like buying batteries every 3-5 yrs and replacing the tool every 10 because they change battery styles and have to buy a new charger, new battery, new gun and whatever else uses that battery.

My current Snap-On beats some of the IR Guns that have been used and abused and the simple reason is care. As for the annoyance of an air line I have a GoodYear flexible hose. I oil my air tools once day every day I use them with lucas air tool oil and Clean them on the outside periodically as best I can. I also have not removed the mufflers out of mine. If I don’t use it for a couple months i drop a couple drops of oil in and run it forward and reverse and put it back Simple care will go a long way and a 6 dollar bottle of Lucas Air Tool Oil every 8mo to a yr is a small price to pay.

[Lee Ann]

[quote=”MDK22″ post=139219]Snap-On air impacts are fine so long as you oil them and don’t keep hitting on something for a long period of time with no progress. Almost everyone in my shop uses them either SO or IR or Air Cat. Almost all of them use the Snap-On guns and have done so for years upon years. So if you have issues with the guns it is probably due to the air supply system not being filtered or dried, not oiling them, or improper use.

BTW, I work on Big Rigs so tighter, more rust, more corrosion, more heat cycling.

Electric Impacts a lot of guys have Dewalt or Milwaukee. I for one do not own an electric impact. They are normally too weak to work on anything I do and I also do not feel like buying batteries every 3-5 yrs and replacing the tool every 10 because they change battery styles and have to buy a new charger, new battery, new gun and whatever else uses that battery.

My current Snap-On beats some of the IR Guns that have been used and abused and the simple reason is care. As for the annoyance of an air line I have a GoodYear flexible hose. I oil my air tools once day every day I use them with lucas air tool oil and Clean them on the outside periodically as best I can. I also have not removed the mufflers out of mine. If I don’t use it for a couple months i drop a couple drops of oil in and run it forward and reverse and put it back Simple care will go a long way and a 6 dollar bottle of Lucas Air Tool Oil every 8mo to a yr is a small price to pay.[/quote]

I oil (Campbell-Hausfeld) mine before each use.
Proper maintenance, on anything, is so important for making things last…and even then, sometimes ya end up with a “lemon.”

[wafrederick]

I have seen a lot of Snap On impacts in my Matco tool dealer’s tool truck as trade ins and no one wanted them.One had a seized up hammering mechanism which is a common problem with the Snap On impacts.He fixed a guy’s new Snap On impact once,the hammering pins broke replacing them.The guy’s Snap On dealer was a no show when this happened.My father was talked into trying a Snap On impact once,a mistake and sent in for repairs a lot.Told this same dealer that questions how a tool was broken I mentioned to get him an IR231 at the time trading this POS in.A huge drawback with the Snap On impacts is they are too heavy and don’t put much of a warranty on theirs.

[Gary]

Snap-On makes great tools, they are just massively overpriced. Take advantage of the discount while you’ve got it.

[Lee Ann]

[quote=”Chevyman21″ post=139263]Snap-On makes great tools, they are just massively overpriced. Take advantage of the discount while you’ve got it.[/quote]

While that is true about Snap-On tools being overpriced, I am willing to pay a little extra for the quality product I know I will get. The student discount will help tremendously.

[Gary]

[quote=”lar1969″ post=139278][quote=”Chevyman21″ post=139263]Snap-On makes great tools, they are just massively overpriced. Take advantage of the discount while you’ve got it.[/quote]

While that is true about Snap-On tools being overpriced, I am willing to pay a little extra for the quality product I know I will get. The student discount will help tremendously.[/quote] Indeed but make sure to do your research. Every tool that you buy doesn’t have to be Snap-on unlike what some guys will tell you. MDK22 had an excellent writeup that I continually praise: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/15-Technicians-Only/55499-so-you-want-are-going-to-be-a-mechanic-technician#122713

In it, he gives recommendations for tools and brands. I believe you’ll find it useful if you haven’t read it already.

[Lee Ann]

[quote=”Chevyman21″ post=139297][quote=”lar1969″ post=139278][quote=”Chevyman21″ post=139263]Snap-On makes great tools, they are just massively overpriced. Take advantage of the discount while you’ve got it.[/quote]

While that is true about Snap-On tools being overpriced, I am willing to pay a little extra for the quality product I know I will get. The student discount will help tremendously.[/quote] Indeed but make sure to do your research. Every tool that you buy doesn’t have to be Snap-on unlike what some guys will tell you. MDK22 had an excellent writeup that I continually praise: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/15-Technicians-Only/55499-so-you-want-are-going-to-be-a-mechanic-technician#122713

In it, he gives recommendations for tools and brands. I believe you’ll find it useful if you haven’t read it already.[/quote]

Thank you for the link, I read through most of it yesterday when MDK passed it on to me.
I have been researching other air tool options (non-Snap-on) and have also been investigating suitable combinations. For example, my local independant shop owner, whom I was learning from last summer (prior to college), suggested that Huskey makes an acceptable deep-well impact socket that pairs well with MG725. So I bought the 1/2″ drive set and have been happy with that combination to this point. Also, I have a couple MAC tools on my list.

What do you guys think about Grey Pneumatic (Been wanting to check their stuff out)?

[Quincy]

Hey Wafrederick, its strange you should say that about the Snap on Dealer doing himself in because we just lost one on my road in the same way…are you in CT by any chance? I didn’t know the guy but so far I really like the new SO Dealer.

[wafrederick]

[quote=”Trod” post=139314]Hey Wafrederick, its strange you should say that about the Snap on Dealer doing himself in because we just lost one on my road in the same way…are you in CT by any chance? I didn’t know the guy but so far I really like the new SO Dealer.[/quote]
I live in Michigan,this ex dealer was not happy what Snap On did to him.Even had fights with the district rep.Snap On wanted him to repo a customer’s tools and equipment and told Snap On fuck you.This customer is going through medical problems and owed five grand to Snap On.The other dealer that blew his brain out with a .45,he was one of 10 dealers that did this.Snap On said it was an affair with another woman which was not true.Owed money to Snap On and was not well liked

[Gary]

[quote=”wafrederick” post=139327][quote=”Trod” post=139314]Hey Wafrederick, its strange you should say that about the Snap on Dealer doing himself in because we just lost one on my road in the same way…are you in CT by any chance? I didn’t know the guy but so far I really like the new SO Dealer.[/quote]
I live in Michigan,this ex dealer was not happy what Snap On did to him.Even had fights with the district rep.Snap On wanted him to repo a customer’s tools and equipment and told Snap On fuck you.This customer is going through medical problems and owed five grand to Snap On.The other dealer that blew his brain out with a .45,he was one of 10 dealers that did this.Snap On said it was an affair with another woman which was not true.Owed money to Snap On and was not well liked[/quote] Hence why to this day I still refuse to open a revolving credit line with any tool truck. It is not financially smart, and life is a roller coaster…it is not linear therefore shit happens. Tool trucks get my money when I have it on hand.

[Quincy]

Oh man! So the regional manager had the dealer stuck between a rock and a hard place? It’s pretty heavy when people are ending their lives over this stuff. The last snap on dealer here in Connecticut, I live in East Lyme, the garage I live next to told me the guy parked himself in his SO truck in a Walmart parking lot and did it. I didn’t get the details as to what the story was but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a similiar situation. The current SO guy says he’s been crazy busy, probably because he kept his existing territory and added on this one. The BOGO deals he was showing me last week had me salivating…showed me one deal where you buy a ratchet and metric socket set and get two more metric socket sets for free, a 4 piece extension set and like two more ratchets all for $454. He said it was over $1100 worth of tools for $454.

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