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Snap on/Blue Point/SK Tools?
Hi Guys,
Curious - what are you using? What do you like the best? If you don't want to blow the budget on Snap on, is Blue Point a good second? I've been using SK for years and love them but would like to know what you think? Thanks, Dan |
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Blue Point is Snap-On, SK also a lot of other brands are good tools but don't have features some Snappy tools do. Snap-On Sockets/Wrenches are usually thinner than others so fit where others won't. Drive a Snappy socket onto a stripped head and you'll get it off, others often crack when subjected to the same stress. Note Snappy 6-Point tools have reliefs at corners so flat edges drive bolts/nuts without stripping...lots more but you need to decide whether worth the extra dough as a lot of offshore stuff is pretty good for most tasks. Techs working flat-rate really do need Snappy but hobbyists can usually get by without also have time to spare when difficulties arise. I've never loved Snappy Ratchets but one of my fav' tools are their Battery Pliers which have amazing grip so useful w/ other difficult tasks like door pins etc. If on a budget, best buy 6-Point Snappy Sockets/Wrenches + a few of their specialty tools and good brands of other stuff. If paying immediately/not on account, Snappy guys often take less if your offer fair also used Snappy Tools are a deal if what you need available. Happy wrenching! :beers: ~ Pete . |
I use Snap On mostly...better tools I think. I do have some Craftsman tools but will go to Snap on more and more. Can be pricy on certain tools...I do have a few of the Matco tools that are good as well and a little cheaper then Snap on.
Sk tools been around a long time and do have some open end/socket wrenches. 6 point all the way for anything though. Dave 67 Nova Boy |
I'm a Snap On guy. I had SK for many years but started to switch over after my first set of Snap On line wrenches. Like mentioned before, you can get Snap On's into some tighter spaces. Added to that, I do not have near the problems with damaged fasteners anymore.
Yeah, it's expensive. Damn expensive. Considering what I am working on, it's an investment that continues to pay back. Tim |
Lots of discussion on hand tools at the garage journal web site.
Snap on haters and snap on lovers in every thread. IMHO, the ONLY reason to hate Snap on is the price. I have Snap tools that I bought in 1972. I used them professionally until 89. Always a chance you can find a used set of wrenches. If buying new, search CL, ebay and even this site. Someone just sold a set of SO wrenches here in last week or two. If I were starting a set of tools, I would buy a set of combination flank drive Snap on from 5/16 to 7/8. Bigger than 7/8 and the extra meat isn't nearly as important, as there is normally not a really confined space you are working in. I would also buy a set of Snap on 6 point sockets in the same size range, or whatever else range you find a deal on. Proto makes good tools. In fact, I have a set of Proto screwdrivers that I prefer over the Snap on screwdrivers. I don't think Craftsman are nearly as good as they were decades ago. I haven't looked at SK lately. |
A 37 pc TORX and Hex bit socket driver set is on sale from Snap On. This month it will only set you back 963.90 instead of the regular price of 1134.00.
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:eek2: :no: That's too much!!
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Was given a 1/2" drive socket set made by Sears Craftsman on my 18th birthday. 52 years later, I still have it. Works like a charm, just like it did on day one.
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I have Snap-On tools that I've used since 1970 when I worked in service stations.And unfortunately have lost a few also.Lotsa used Snap-Ons available on Ebay for a fraction of their original cost.When my dad passed I inherited his tool box.When I do anything on my Camino I tend to use his tools,makes me feel good.
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As for Blue Point, they're NOT lifetime warranty, like Snap-On. They, also, seem to come from China more and more now. I have a mix of Matco, Snap-On and a few Mac tools. Some old Craftsman that are worn out, but not worth trading in, as everything Craftsman now comes from China and are crap compared to the tools they sold years ago. Nothing wrong with SK tools either, but I don't see them sold in my area anymore.
If you are using them in a hobby capacity, Blue Point should be fine with a cost savings. |
I’m currently in a career where I have been working with the Germans and have become a big fan of Wera tools. They’re so nice that they are like jewelry!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024LRV00...XEKQ9WMQY5M1S8 |
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Nice looking tools and not unreasonably priced..:biggthumpup:
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Interesting. While that does seem to be a German headquartered company, that Amazon link shows those tools as originating from the Czech Republic.
Not sure if that matters; I just noticed it. Still, an interesting alternative for sure. |
I used to hate soft handled ratchets but after chipping a very rare, NOS part when a metal ratchet swung down I realized the soft ratchets will definitely have a place in my world.
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Thanks guys. I have an allegiance to SK for no reason other than I was gifted a set at 17 years old... 17 years later (you can figure out my age), they work great and look great. We've added lots of other SK to the arsenal without considering other brands. I just bought my first Snap On tool box and since been exploring all sorts of tool options. Wera tools look very nice. Thanks for sharing.
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Used to be Blue-Point was just Snap-On without the chrome finish, black oxide like their impact sockets. About 15-20 years ago they changed them to China made and to me ruined the brand.
SK and Craftsman were the only ones my dad had, but when I started as a diesel tech they would not take the punishment, so I kept any of them at home. SK went off the market for awhile and just recently was started up again - so if you have any broken sockets I would urge everyone to find their website fast before they are gone again. If anyone is looking for a Snap On Epiq toolbox I have one sitting idle in one bay of my garage. Since I moved to a different career I dont need it any longer. |
Hand tool preferences
I have accumulated a real mixture of hand tools over the last 50+ years of wrenching. I started buying most of the common tools at age 18, when I went to school - mostly Craftsman at that point due to the quality (mostly made by Easco), a smattering of SK (a brand I sold as a distributor), and finally a few Snap-on, primarily after calling on the hand tool plants as a cutting tool supplier. I hate that Craftsman tools are mostly sourced offshore now, after Easco ended as a brand/supplier in the late 90's; guarantee was always a big drawing card.
Having said that, I can tell you first hand that Snap-on Tools are tops in class, premium material and process quality tools, mostly if not all made here in the U.S. I had the distinct honor to supply some of their cutting tools used in manufacturing ratchets, breakers, end wrenches, chisels, punches and other tools, witnessed forging, machining and finishing operations right down to final polish and plating. Top shelf stuff, but unfortunately way out of my price range - Regards, Steve |
As others have said, new Craftsman tools are off shore tools with only a one year warranty. I have a Craftsman torque wrench that I won't trade because the one they offered looked and felt like junk.
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I bought an apprentice set of snap on tools with a top box when I was 20. I turn 61 next week. Everything is still tip top. Love em.
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