SNAP-ON PHENOMINON HAS BEEN PEEKING MY INTEREST LATELY - MORE THAN USUAL!

[chief38]

Most of the long term members here are aware that I am into Tools and machinery (I do this as a hobby & enjoyment, not as a living). I purchased my first Snap-On Tool almost 40 years ago and have since acquired many of them. When my Dad passed away 8 years ago I inherited many more and have always enjoyed using them. I am not a Mechanic, just someone who is handy, helps out my friends & neighbors, works on all his own equipment, invents stuff and in general really appreciates high quality tools, machinery & equipment.

I hang out at my friends Automotive Repair Station for a few hours on Tuesdays because Mr. Snap-On shows up around 3 pm and I always like looking. I have on occasion purchased a few items here and there but at this time I think I own more tools than he does!

Be that as it may, he comes every Tuesday and offers up a special of the week. There is ALWAYS some "goofy" free-bee along with the special, like if you spend $450 on a Ratchet and 8 sockets I'll give you a free Snap-on coffee mug or if you but a Pliers set for $289 I'll give you a free Snap-on hat. Yes, I know nothing new, however at least to me it seems the pricing is BEYOND even Snap-On's usual rip off prices!! YES - they make GREAT TOOLS - NO ARGUMENT!! YES they HAVE ALWAYS BEEN expensive!! But NOW it is getting ABSURD!! To add insult to injury, Snap-on no longer even manufactures many of their tools themselves! Their warranty is NOT what it use to be and it upsets me to think that they believe they'll soften the price blow by giving away a Chinese coffee mug or cheap hat!

They are marketing "Rolex" & "Gucci" to guys who for the most part just eek out a living! The sad part is that many of them really buy into this brainwashing, lock stock & barrel. I actually know a few Mechanics that don't work for themselves anymore - they work for the Snap-on guy because every Tuesday they pay the "vig"! I watch this phenomenon and I am just in total amazement on what a great job of "conditioning" SO has done. I have even fallen prey a few times myself, so believe me I know it's not hard for a tool junkie to get nabbed. I have no problem with guys who can buy what they want out of pocket and can well afford it - however it simply amazes me on just how many guys will go into DEEP hock over tools!

I've mentioned many time to fellas looking for a new tool box that they can save many thousands by buying one used but almost as new on ebay or second hand. There are many who start off with $15,000 tool boxes, fail and then must sell them just to get out from under the SO' guys debt plan. They are there for the plucking!

As a PSA to ANYONE here who has a "tool addiction" , before dropping big bucks on the Truck, if there s something you've been jonesing for, for a while you owe it to yourself to take a look at ebay and see what's available. REMEMBER, despite what the local Tool Guy may tell you, the Factory WILL warranty the tools the same way as they do - although you might have to be slightly inconvenienced with sending it in. I have gotten replacement parts in a few days via mail just by calling their 800 number and furnishing them with the tool part number - no questions asked. In most cases I've gotten parts faster than if I waited for the Tool Guy on Tuesday!

With other Company's vastly improving the quality of their hand tools as of late, sooner or later SO will have to face the fact that others are selling tools 99% as good as their for 1/5 of the price. Their legendary name and reputation has been intact up until now, but I do believe hard working Guys are starting to wake up and see the light.

I LOVE S-O Tools - but they need to be sold at what Pro's can afford or they will soon be a diminishing return!

 

[Ozark Marine]

I first saw a Snap-On dealer in 1973 when I got a job as a Utility Mechanic with IHC.
That's when the S-O tool trucks were Chevy or Ford panel vans. Not walk in Grumman step in vans but Chevy C-20's or Ford E series.
Was amazed at all the tools stuffed in there.

Now I had a Sears Craftsman 3 drawer flip top box with basic hand tools my brother bought for me.
I was looking at a Chicago Pneumatic 1/2 drive impact.
Didn't have the cash but could afford $5.00 a week.
That was the start of my love affair with Snap-On.

No other company would give a guy just out of the service credit.
I am retired for 10 years but I still have all my Snap-On tools, Hot Dog Wagon tool box and even that old CP Pacesetter 1/2 inch impact.

I owe Snap-On a Big Thank You.

 

[nachogrande]

SNAP ON

So far I have liked them very much, but it's been years since buying any. The best tool collection I ever saw were tools hand made/forged by the owners family. Some several generations old that worked as well today, as the day they were made.

 

[turbo38gn]

Well ....... being a mechanic all my life and an ex Snap-on Tool Dealer... I have a little experience. I'll sum it up in real easy and quick terms. Snap-on was always and still is the best made tools out there for the professional mechanic. If you want the best, buy the best. Do I buy nothing but Snap-on tools .... no .... the few non SO tools I buy are few and far between, usually something that is non essential in my job and is a throw away tool. Other than the few other tool trucks that show up on occasion, no other tool outlet shows up at my shop every week, no other tool outlet allows me to purchase anything from a wrench to a $3500 air compressor on a handshake and a few dollars down. Are their tool boxes crazy expensive ..... yup, but they are the best! I have $30,000 worth of their tool boxes .... empty. Add in the tools to fill them up, I won't even try to put a value on them other than to say invaluable ... that's it..... This is America, don't buy it if you don't like it .... or can't afford it. Buy what you can live with and be happy.

 

[walter o]

I worked in the steel mills and on overhead cranes ,I would trust my life with a snap-on wrench or socket set pulling on fasteners while on a bridge of a overhead crane .Not so with other brands of tools..

 

[walter o]

I worked in the steel mills and on overhead cranes ,I would trust my life with a snap-on wrench or socket set pulling on fasteners while on a bridge of a overhead crane .Not so with other brands of tools..
Kinda like trusting a R.G instead of a S&W to save your life

 

[vrichard]

Date for year Snap On tools were made.
Dick

 

[chief38]

Yup - just like I stated in my OP, S-O Tools are top shelf, certainly NO argument there! My point was there are better ways to buy them for a person who doesn't need them immediately and S-O is (at least IMHO) now pricing themselves out of the realm of what the average "Wrench" can afford. From what I see in my area, more and more people lease and therefore repair their cars less frequently because they are only a few years old. After 2 or 3 years, they're in a new vehicle again. Independent Mechanics are dropping in numbers around here and small repair shops are closing up in favor of people going to the Dealer under warranty.

I own two S-O tool boxes and 5 Craftsman boxes (about 23 years old) that get used almost every single day. They all have stood up perfectly and they work like the day I bought them even though the S-O are more heavy duty, slide easier etc. Believe me when I tell you, had I purchased all S-O brand I would have been out an additional $25,000 - $30,000! I 'd rather put that money towards more tools!

If someone wants to pay much much more for a spanking new tool in the wrapper and they can afford it - good on them (been there-done that many times). As of a few years ago ebay has been my friend for Snap-On, Starret, air compressors, generators, snow blowers, etc. (ALL brand new or ANIB by the way) - that was my main point. I watch all the Mechanics in my friends place hand the S-O Guy money every single week - even if they do not buy tools that day. Yea, it may be the easy payment plan, but it's almost forever!

I actually feel bad for the S-O Truck Guy! Between what he has to pay for his 10 year contract and now they are making him buy a new larger 20 foot Truck + finance fees, - I don't know how he's gonna make it work! That said, mechanics must do what's good for them and not worry about someone else's problems.......

 

[wingriderz]

Uh yes the auto biz been there done that. A S E tech 15 years add another 16 plus in store managment. Snap On has or had by far best sockets to be had. As far as car biz I have been retired over six years now. Young guys I would tell them DO NOT get into the business. # 1 the cost of tools that you have to buy. That many get stolen by other workers or shop owners.#2 the hours they expect you to work ( more than doctors or nurses.#3 They way they pay you by flatt rate is a ### joke. # 4 the way your treated. Young guys go into other tec field get paid well

 

[chief38]

The ONLY Mechanics I see earning good bucks are the ones who specialize in high end, highly collectible and exotic cars such as Range Rover, Jags, Porsche, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, etc.

 

[turbo38gn]

Well this seems to be heading in a different direction. Now , we hear, find a different profession ...

ok Chief... I will say you are wrong in your assessment.

1. We pay weekly for what we purchase, even when we don't walk off the truck with a new tool every time, You buy $300 worth of tools and pay over time, you get the benefit of making money with that tool while you are paying for it.

2. The right tool for the job allows that flat rate mechanic to do his job quicker, hence another reason for the right and better tool for the job.

3. Buying a cheaper tool and having it break in the middle of a job only adds to the time to finish the job ... hence, we don't make money.

4. Most Snap dealers now work for the company or for another dealer that owns several territories, so no big investment. When I was a dealer, I was one of the last dealers to come into a territory and lease a new vehicle for a minimum sum, when I was done, I just turned in the truck to the lease company.. I can assure you dealers are making their money if they are willing to work the hours needed to make a profit.

5. What do you think happens to those lease vehicles that get turned in ... they get sold again! Outright ... Who do you think works on the cars that go back to the dealership .... a mechanic ... same goes for the local repair shop, if they are good, they are in business ...

 

[Fishinfool]

I have always had good luck with the older 1970's / 1980's Craftsman tools. But then, I am not a pro mechanic, just the enthusiastic shade tree version. I do not buy new SO tools at the price they ask for them, but have acquired a fair number at very good prices at garage sales and pawn shops.

Larry

 

[chief38]

Well this seems to be heading in a different direction. Now , we hear, find a different profession ...

ok Chief... I will say you are wrong in your assessment.

1. We pay weekly for what we purchase, even when we don't walk off the truck with a new tool every time, You buy $300 worth of tools and pay over time, you get the benefit of making money with that tool while you are paying for it.

2. The right tool for the job allows that flat rate mechanic to do his job quicker, hence another reason for the right and better tool for the job.

3. Buying a cheaper tool and having it break in the middle of a job only adds to the time to finish the job ... hence, we don't make money.

4. Most Snap dealers now work for the company or for another dealer that owns several territories, so no big investment. When I was a dealer, I was one of the last dealers to come into a territory and lease a new vehicle for a minimum sum, when I was done, I just turned in the truck to the lease company.. I can assure you dealers are making their money if they are willing to work the hours needed to make a profit.

5. What do you think happens to those lease vehicles that get turned in ... they get sold again! Outright ... Who do you think works on the cars that go back to the dealership .... a mechanic ... same goes for the local repair shop, if they are good, they are in business ...

I actually agree with points 1-3, mostly. I still see a better way to purchase SO's or new competitive lines for certain tools. Being a Dealer or former Dealer I can understand your seeing things through different eyes. I am just looking at them from a monetary and practical basis. AGAIN, NO ARGUMENT = SO Tools are GREAT and I LOVE them!! My other point is that while SO may be the ultimate, there are NOW other Company's introducing tool lines that are really really close to the SO quality BUT 80% less costly - both do the exact same job. Is it worth paying 500% more for a tool only a few percent better and then going into hock simultaneously?



I can only state here what the local S-O Truck Guy tells me. He owns his truck himself and works by himself. He also told me the 18 foot Truck he is currently now driving will be unsellable to another SO Dealer because they want all new contracts to have 20 foot versions. He told me that he could only hope to sell to a Mac or Matco guy as the other SO guys in the area are in the same boat. That is what he stated - I have no reason to disbelieve him.

In my neck of the woods, the creme de la creme (very few) lease returns get cherry picked and sold locally - yes you are somewhat correct. However the bulk of them go to auction out of state. How do I know...... because up until 2010 I ONLY leased vehicles through my business. Since 2010 I have purchased them outright.

Not wishing to starting an argument - this is my own personal point of view. We all see things through different eyes and if what & how you conduct your business is good for you - then I accept what you do, for you. All I am stating is how I see it - it works for me.

 

[turbo38gn]

I have always had good luck with the older 1970's / 1980's Craftsman tools. But then, I am not a pro mechanic, just the enthusiastic shade tree version. I do not buy new SO tools at the price they ask for them, but have acquired a fair number at very good prices at garage sales and pawn shops.

Larry

Right on that Larry, Craftsman tools were made right here in Springfield Mass for a lot of years. When I was starting off in the trade, it was the 1st tool set I purchased. Heck, everyone owned a set that came out the back door of Moore Drop Forge around here.. still have a few of them around, at home. But, eventually the Snap-on dealer found me and I was sold ..

 

[turbo38gn]

It's all good Chief... just wanted to share from the end user perspective. But just for a heads up ... never give up how successful we are, especially if you are selling something, the cost of the new truck is all figured in with being successful.

My other point is that while SO may be the ultimate, there are NOW other Company's introducing tool lines that are really really close to the SO quality BUT 80% less costly - both do the exact same job. Is it worth paying 500% more for a tool only a few percent better and then going into hock simultaneously?


from my perspective .... not really,when you have to use them every day, all day ... it's all in the little design differences.

But it's all good, just have to share my perspective too.

 

[BigBill]

Snap on tools aren’t top shelf there are industrial tools like Armstrong, Williams. I think Williams is one of the best.

Still can’t beat the warranty on the craftsman tools.

Being a mechanic and owning all kinds of snap on tools I had a snap on tool break. Because I didn’t buy it from the present salesman’s tool truck he wouldn’t warranty it. I found another snap on salesman who would.

Since I was a mechanic at the dealer at 18yo I had Husky tools back in the 70’s. I still have them today.

I have mainly craftsman tools today.

 

[turbo38gn]

Usually more to a story than meets the keyboard ...

 

[Drm50]

I'm not a car mechanic but I work with tools everyday. In the
area I live, old Rust Belt you would be crazy to pay big bucks
for Snap On tools. I go to yard sales and by industrial grade
ratchets & sockets for less than you can buy junk tools at the
Dollar store. Wrenches, pliers, tap& die sets and all kind of
specialty tools and measuring devices. Maybe not Snap-On but
big Sears & Kobalt tool boxes go cheap. I have so many rachet
sets from 1/4" to 1" drive I couldn't guess how many I have. I
very seldom use anything bigger than 1/2" drive, but I got them
if I need them.

 

[jessebogan]

I mostly restore old Jags for a living, along with a smattering of newer cars. I am self employed, and THAT means I, personally buy each and every tool in the place, including expensive diagnostic tools. Are SO expensive? Yep. The "after sales" service makes it worth it. I wore out an air ratchet once. I gave it to my snap on guy, and he sent it in for repair. Turns out, that model was so obsolete that there were no more parts to repair it. I was given a new much improved model for the 80 buck price of an overhaul. This sort of thing has always been how I have been treated by Snap On.
My current dealer (Only for the last 12 years or so) once sent his wife to Baltimore to pick up a tool I needed right now, and had her bring it to me. You bet I remember that.
Since I work on old obsolete cars I do look on Ebay for some oddballs that are no longer available through Snap on, like Whitworth wrenches and sockets. Sometimes you get a deal, sometimes not.
The bottom line is, I make my living with these tools. I have to have them. I do not have time to run to sears to get a replacement. Snap on has supported me through 40 plus years so far. I support my dealer.I want him to be there when I need his help. In my mind, it is like supporting your LGS. Sure I could probably get tools "cheaper", but I can't get them any better. Sometimes cheap is a false economy.
Buy the best, you only cry once.

 

[Muley Gil]

"Still can’t beat the warranty on the craftsman tools."

I don't know about that anymore.

I broke a Craftsman ratchet and took it to my local Sears store. I was given a lesser quality ratchet that was obviously rebuilt.

Years ago, when I took in a broken Craftsman ratchet, I received a new replacement. I took in a WW II vintage socket that I had broken. The salesman looked at it, shook his head and gave me a new one.