For years I just had a few od Snap-on items, and I really liked the feel of their hand tools. Then I realized that there were over 1,000 auctions ending every day for used Snap-on tools on eBay. I was hooked. I could buy used Snap-on for less than the cost of new Craftsman. Little by little, I acquired a whole collection of Snap-on tools, all second hand.

Seeing that this was a great marketplace, I got my teenage son started selling professional tools on eBay, mostly to keep him from playing video games 24/7. He is doing really well, and sells about 100 tools each month; mostly Snap-on. Every time he buys a big collection of tools, I take a few items to add to my collection. So the cost of Snap-on tools for me has now gone from 60% to 70% off to free, (I do help my son quite a bit with his business though). At this point, I'm as well equipped as most professional technicians; all I'm really missing is a lift and modern electronic diagnostic equipment.

 

I have a set of their line wrenches - can't beat them when you're working on brake lines.

 

I have a large selection of snap-on tools. and a growing collection of matco stuff as well. we have even stocked the race trailer with a good variety of snap-on tools. can't get any better tool. they fit the hand well and dont get easily worn out.

 

I only use snap-on. Tool box and all.

 

i only use craftsman,,, when we built our barn i found in the dirt i dug up an very old wooden handled screwdriver, on the shaft it craftsman imprinted... i took it to sears and they said they would replace it, but hell no that things sweet,

 

^^ i have a similar story with Mastercraft, i found a broken 1/2" ratchet while mowing the lawn at my new place, returned it to Canadian Tire and they gave me a brand new one (without any receipts). Guaranteed for life.

 

The unconditional warranty is pretty common now a days. I think even Harbor Freight has it with their Pittsburg line of tools. There is a pretty large markup on hand tools and they know 98% of the tools will not come back.

What most people do not realize is that once a heading machine (what ,most sockets are made on) is setup it can run 120 per minute. Thats 7200 sockets per hour. Most machine cost about $80 per hour to run. You will spend more money driving to exchange a socket then it costs to make it.

 

but i break alot of tools so its worth it to me to get replacments

 

i got napa tools from school and they are ok break every once in a while but i also have a set of craftsman that my father in law found in a house he was flipping and he really isnt into working on cars so he gave them to me

 

Spoken like a true Craftsmen user Most mechanic start with craftsmen. I uses to keep (3) 15mm deepwell sockets so I could go a whole week without going to sears. I switched to Snapon and I never broke a socket. Thats working flat rate, I have even beated undersize sockets on to rusty bolts and used a 1/2" impacted on them. The socket would form a new hex. Course I have to use the press to get the bolt out of the socket. Try that with a craftsmen

BTW I do have craftsmen now. They are fine for a hobbiest. If a socket breaks I don't loose money like I did as a mechanic. Although I do use the pro series ratchets and wrenchs. Those made an china craftsmen wrechs are just looking for knukles to bust and those base line ratchet have about 20 teeth.