This is why I don't like franchises this matter was Dunkin Donuts or any type of franchise because it's like the EU you got to give money to them they control you they say you own your own business but you're basically a worker with some say but you basically don't own nothing I say build your own business from the ground up this way is 110% yours that's the only way to go franchises off of lazy people who wants who has money in their pocket I want to start something quickly
Like I said before the sad commentary about these American companies they dare to call themselves American and they for America but they don't look for American interest they go to places that China that don't like us to make that profit so all that money goes there to them made in America you say what's a load of bollocks
Never had the opportunity oddly enough. Never seems to be a Snap-on van around when I need one but Sears, Ace, and Harbor Freight are just down the street.
@@davidgrover5996 that's why I say support Harbor Freight that the best and Sia's don't buy from a Snap-On crappy company and don't start a franchise start your own business from the ground up hard work pays off when you start it if you do it the cheap way and cut Corners to get a franchise to get rich quick they control you not the other way around let that sink in the moment
I still have some of the Craftsman tools my dad bought back in the 70's. None have worn out, they just have a tendency to wander off. I'm not sure what he paid, but I know it was less than a comparable Snap-on.
my wife got me a set like 5 yrs ago must have been an old stock set everything was made in the usa i cldnt believe it i waited like 3 yrs to open it cause i thought it was all chinse-ium lol was i surprised. i lost a lot of my crafts set i got when i was in H.S. needed bsome sockets to replace went to that new set and was like omg smh.
Craftsman is a brand name which contracts other companies to make tools with the name Craftsman on it. Back in the 1950s some Craftsman tools were really made by Snap-On.
Ahhhh...to be able to go back in the mid 1960s and snap up every single Craftsman tool in the Sears wish book !!!! Those were the BEST in the world...then for some reason, in the 1980s, the tools began to totally fall apart...I have my late Dad's Craftsman 150 piece tool box...yeah, the one that was $120 back in the day..EVERY piece still works fine....then I purchased my "own" Craftsman tool kit...same model...in 1982...nearly every ratchet fell apart or failed..WTH !!! The replacement policy was twisted also...Almost took a Congressional hearing for me to get replacement for free...the folks at Sears tried to come up with reason why or how the took was ABUSED !!! Nope used normally...died on it's own....internal failure ...it was heart rending...after that, I never bought another tool from Craftsman...sorry...HELLO Harbor Freight or Northern Tool !!! These guys honor their warranties...
I can’t stop watching the bear! Absolutely amazing detail of research, well constructed delivery, and the most affable bear you could find! The entire bear concept and execution is absolutely brilliant, keep up the good work...
The snap-on man got me, i bought a 55” roll cab and haven’t looked back. I was in the market for a while but nothing had the quality of the snappy box. Once i bought it, i filled it with tools from all different companies. The only thing i have really spent money on since then were the flank drive wrenches, metric. Worth every penny.
I've been wrenching for 60 years, never owned Snap-on tools. Feel they were well overpriced for the work to be done. Made a good living without Snap-On. I think it's just an ego thing.
what tools you all be using? im just a shade tree mech so i use what ever wrks(mostly craftsman from the mid 1990's) and just recently some tools from horrible fright lol
It’s not so much an ego thing for everyone... for some guys, it’s just that the guy comes around and let’s you walk off the truck and put the stuff on credit.. which is handy, but for me, I know they make the best when it comes to certain tools. Line wrenches for example..
I love snap on.. for the farm work I do I can’t afford stripped bolts and broken wrenches. When you are alone in the middle of a field working on the only machine you have to do the job. Balls deep in mosquitoes, flies, sweat burning your eyes. You grab a tool made for a lifetime of service.
My Father had a set of quarter inch snap on sockets made in 1926 it is missing one socket, but still has the"t" handle as you pictured and the rachet. It was suppose to go to me, but its funny as it has disappeared
Cornwell is older company. Started in 1918. One thing : they do that most techs are picking up infomation on. They use suppliers codes in the product numbers like Lisle starts with "LS" or Ingersoll Rand is "IR" so they're not scared to enclosed who actually makes the tool. The BOGO deals Cornwell have are VERY HARD to beat. "Buy this angle die grinder for 300 bucks; get this straight die grinder for free." Its their best die grinders they have their name stamped not some cheapie crap. I have let guys who owns Snappy ones used mine and they were amazed how well it performed. I got most of my air tools from those BOGOs and I probably saved closed to $2000. I live about 15 miles away from SO headquarters. Not scared to wear my Cornwell hat around Kenosha. Oh I do get lot of dirty looks hahaha
Ok. Here goes. To the best of my memory. I had a neighbor who became a snapon dealer and he struggled for a couple years never being able to get ahead of the franchise fees. He started making better money but then the fees climbed. Snapon was charging him 50,000 dollars for use of the logo that was advertising on the truck then they decided to dump on him a bunch of cheap promotional give aways that they were charging him an arm and a leg for without even his permission. The more he made, the more they took until he couldn't take it anymore and sold the truck, franchise and route which almost bankrupted him while he waited for a buyer. What a nightmare.
I remember in like the 90's Snap On was considered the absolute best and you couldn't even buy it in stores. Sorta crazy they were able to get that reputation without even being sold in stores.
My uncle, who was a mechanic, had snap-on tools and they were nice..... But you're right, I couldn't see dumping that much money on my daily driver and project vehicles. Harbor freight for tools that are cheap and there's a good chance I'm going to destroy them, like pounding a socket on a rounded off lug nut, because it was put on with an air gun at the stealership Home Depot, Lowe's and Menards for the rest of my generic tools like wrenches, sockets, etc, etc Oreilly Auto, Advance, etc, etc for specialty car tools I might need to rent/buy
When I started my career, I had to supply my own tools. For a 19 year old kid, that meant huge expenditure. I could have bought from the big red truck but then I couldn't have afforded a car to get me to work. I chose Craftsman. I still use all of them and that was over 50 years ago. In my mind then and now, the difference between Snap-On and Craftsman was their appearance. Snap-On was highly polished with a thicker chrome finish. Another benefit to Craftsman was they just seemed to fit my hand better. I made the right choice. (Back then we didn't have as many choices as we do now)
Charlie, my old boss had some Snap-on, and some Craftsman. I preferred the Craftsman. It is the rough chrome finish that I like. I tend to have a better grip on a ratchet that is slightly pebbly. steve
Well, Milwaukee was once known as the machine shop to the world. Although many of the companies that made Milwaukee what it was back then, though there are many that still remain. Milwaukee was also a huge parts supplier to Detroit. But if you like your history this town has quite a bit. It is hard to find outside of Milwaukee and Wisconsin there is a set of DVDs called the making of Milwaukee and as well as a book Milwaukee 150 years that's tells a lot of the stories of the industry's that began here.
Thanks for making an informative channel with a sense of humor. I also really appreciate you taking time making a fun animation on top of all the hard work you do with research. Love your channel it’s fun and easy to watch.
I’m with you Bear and I totally agree! I was a very young truck mechanic @ Louisville Motors Ford in Louisville, KY. When I say young, right out of the Air Force. The snap on rep saw me and started sharpening his fangs. I was giving him almost a third of my paycheck every week. I started to learn, I got him paid off and bought my tools from Sears and other places. Sears wasn’t cheap, but paid about 1/2 or even less than the snap on tools. Thanks again for your videos and I really enjoyed this one!
Hey Bear, I've seen some sockets made by Snapon that were 5/8" drive for the military. The idea being to keep them from being stolen for home use. Of course somebody came out with a 5/8 to 1/2 adapter. Go figure.
Very interesting. I have found over the years ,many sockets that were former military and they always have an M amongst the letters and numbers that designate the sockets and everybody knows it and they won't touch it so I've got a small drawer with quite a number in there as backups that I'll never be able to trade off or get warranted. Lol. Oh well.
Great video Bear. I was born in Milwaukee and all my family is from Kenosha. They have all left that frosty cold place (Milwaukee is the coldest big city in North America - that winter wind off Lake Michigan is brutal), but Milwaukee (and Kenosha) sure is ground zero for a lot of tool outfits and heavy machinery companies.
Back in the late 80s, early 90s I worked as a mechanic, I made my living using mostly Craftsman tools, I can remember the Snap-On tool guy like it was yesterday, they used heavy handed sales tactics, like a bad used car salesman, they would give people endless amounts of crap if they saw you using any other tools other than craftsman, especially if you were using a craftsman tool box, they pushed there tool boxes very heavily, if your not using Snap-On your not a real mechanic, that was there attitude, they make great tools but there tactics left such a bad taste in my mouth I have not purchased a snap on tool to this day.. seriously 5k for a tool box? Not me, love these videos Red..
R&D, quite a few of my Craftsman tools, came OFF OF that Snap-on truck. He would buy sockets and stuff, from guys "updating" to Snap-on, and sell them to people like me. steve
A good set of tools is not made up of one brand, but of a good specific mix. I'll give an example....I have mostly Snap On sockets, but In that same socket drawer are old Craftsman sockets. Craftsman sockets were the only sockets that I could find that had thin walls. I needed thin walled sockets for my bell housing on my transmission.
Great segment and yes you don’t need expensive tools to work on cars unless it’s a specific tools designed for a specific vehicle. Weekend warriors to professionals do very well with tools from HF, Kobalt, Craftsman, Dewalt, Milwaukee, MAC, Matco, etc. just to name a few.
When i started in Automotive , at the tender age of 15, I had a old set of SK tools, still have them, as time went on , I picked up all kinds of different brands. Yes I have some Snack on, but mostly Cornwell and Matco, and of course Carpman. Now im gonna say, in most cases tools dont make the mechanic, the mechanic makes the tools
We’ve got a Snap-on tool box and set from the 80’s on the Farm, and they’re good tools but we’ve still broke them. I really like the snap-on ratchets and wrenches over about anything else. But my at home set of tools is mostly Craftsman and gearwrench.
I am now in the habit of looking for DaBear every time I visit a Harbor Freight in Las Vegas. Great video! Thanks for all of the tool company history videos.
Just love this series. We have a Snap-On franchisee in the neighborhood and by all appearances he works really hard and does pretty well. Nice house, a bunch of boys, church-goin' solid family. Sad to hear how corporate is treating them. My wife was a State Farm agent for many years and over those years corporate played similar games and became so noxious she retired early. Years ago after seeing how a bigger business treated my dad, I vowed never to work for one. And I didn't. And all these years later, I'm glad I didn't.
Only scram on tools I have are 1.7/32 nut driver, 1 #2 Phillips screw driver , 1 carb adjustment tool. From 1985. When I was doing tuneups a expert tune, prices to high so I went to craftsman.
Outstanding presentation. I've watched all the history of videos and I'm seeing a trend of the tool business. And it is a underhanded cut throat world out there. Thanks for your hard work. I look forward to seeing more. As for snap on I has a very limited amount of sockets, a couple of wrenches and 2 screwdrivers. I just don't want to spend that much money when there are other things in life I'd like to enjoy.
My younger brother technically worked for a custom body shop for a couple of years, but in fact he was working for Snap-On during that time. He got a lot of nice tools, but he never seemed to bring any money home. I have one Snap-On tool - a 10mm flare-nut wrench (I got tired of the cheapo wrenches rounding over the fittings on the brake lines for my Honda Civic - the brake shoes on that thing wore out like the erasers on a third-grader's pencil). I bought the wrench at one of the short-lived Snap-On retail stores, and managed to get out without anything else (although if I'd had any money no doubt I would have ended up with a complete set of tools).
Never owned a Snap-on tool even when I was a mechanic. I got by with HF, Craftsman and Cornwell stuff. I was not going to go into debt with Snap-on over a minimal set of tools. The only Snap-on item I've owned was their code scanner. The old guy in the shop I worked at had a bunch of Snap-on tools and was tired of having to send them in for repair. He was big into HF's Earthquake impact guns when they came out. The only HF sockets that I broke with an impact gun were their impact sockets, never broke the chrome jobs which I always thought was funny.
Bear! I was getting a haircut on Friday and while I was in the chair, this van rolled up and when the guy slid the door open, there was a little barber supply shop inside. I was like "That's like the Snap On guy!". The ladies that worked there said they loved it, and his prices were less than at a typical barber/beauty supply store.
From what I underatand S-O doesnt report to the big 3 credit score companys.So if you walk away from something it doesnt ding your credit or does it bump your score up when you pay it off. Best thing to do is keep the account on the truck to cover your bases.
I remember buying some MasterCraft tools (probably Harbour Freight equivalent in Canada here) as some tools for home and my coworker who was a former "mechanic" at a lube shop told me my tools were crap because they weren't Snap-On and his whole tools box alone was worth more than all of my tools. Big whoop the freaking do, you bought a tool box worth 4k dollars when he made $18/h. Big whoop de freaking do, I will stick with my crap to do work around my house/car and not waste my savings on buying overpriced tools.
Menard's here in the U.S. sells a line of tools called MasterCraft. They are affordable and many are actually made in the U.S. I have a few of them and they're great tools, they're kinda like how Craftsman used to be. From what I've read, they are unrelated to the MasterCraft tools sold at Canadian Tire up there though.
@@CVTaxi interesting. I just looked it up and see a mastercraft for doors and a MasterForce brand for tools down there. Ours is at Canadian Tire up here, they aren't bad, I use the stickers with impact guns etc and they work fine. I'm not a master mechanic and even if I was I still couldn't justify snapon prices
Canadian Master Craft mechanics tools are mainly rebranded Stanley with some rebranded Gear Wrench. The Canadian equivalent of Harbor Freight is Princess Auto.
I own thousands of $ of snap on , there good but a set of spanners from 3/8"- 15/16" cost $700 AUD 15 years ago Since they changed the font on their spanners the chrome is to soft , I'm not complaining as they have given good service but still vanity over quality don't cut it. N.B I've been a truck mechanic for over 30 years , when I started out you either bought snap on , stallwille , geador, hazet, or spent time bleeding .
I can appreciate starting with a 40" Blue-Point box filled with every brand under the sun. I can also appreciate what every manufacturer can bring to the table. It all depends on the intended work, efficiency and quality of output. This is why professional technicians choose top tier tools. FYI, I haven't owed a dime to a truck in over a decade.
You should include patent right infringement in your videos. Snap on and Bosch are 2 companies currently in trouble in this area! It's import to the consumer because when you buy into a line you want to know how the service will be or expanded and if they will be ordered to stop!
thanks for the video, totally agree that the tools are exceptional the difference between the greatest screwdriver in the world, for example the snap on ratcheting screwdriver which costs well over 100$ and a Stanley 20$ one is nominal. Plus on a job site expensive tools grow wings
The Snap-On truck is my favorite toy store. I bought their lithium cordless impact recently, and HOLY CRAP it has changed the way I wrench going forward.
Please get your hands on some Wurth Tools. This company is HUGE is Europe and have been selling tools in Euro-land for a while and have started selling in the US for about a year. Pricing is about 1/2 of Snap-On, Matco, Mack, etc. and they have a lifetime warranty, as well.
My tool line up varies. I have bought a couple of Snap-on items. But, more Cornwell Tools will be accompanying my older Craftsman tools and my Carlyle tools. Other tool manufacturers I have include Lisle, Pittsburgh Pro, Earthquake XT (air impact), Power Torque (O’Reilly Auto Parts tool brand) and a couple of other tool names. I like how Cornwell is a family owned and run company and ole Joe Sydorowicz from the “Cornwell Monday” on the Koon Trucking channel has provided great service for me. What do you reckon about a film on Cornwell Tools, Red?
Hill Top Machine Works I’ve liked what I purchased so far and have a couple more items on the way. Silly me, I said I’d never order tools through the mail mainly for the warranty, but I’ve ordered the Cornwell items from a Rep in SW Tennessee and NE Mississippi ‘cause I have yet to find a Cornwell dealer in Alabama. I’d rather support a small, independent business than Amazon.
Its not just snap on. Most tech/trade schools have programs in place that push the students to buy $20k in tools from one of the "pro tier" tool companies before they even graduate
Awesome video! Snap-On does make some great tools but I fully agree about the price compared to the work to be done i worked at a state dept as a heavy equipment mechanic. I had a Craftsman chest and Craftsman tools. They worked just fine but the guys in there looked down on me. Im like dude, you make 5 grand a month and have a $15,000 tool cart? Cool 👎 haha
I drive past their headquarters in Kenosha almost everyday so I feel a little connection to them. When I get a (quality and expensive) toolbox I think I'm gonna go to them
I own all of one snap on product, a reject dead blow. It is about only good for using to vent agression. Kobalt, craftsman, and stanley are the only ones i have multiple tools in.
Snap On trucks became the only way they could bring their product to market. Competitors wouldn’t distribute it for them as a start up. I like Snap On, just not their prices. Everything is twice what it should cost, or more. I went from them being my first choice, to making them my last resort because of pricing.
I’ve been wrenching for over 40 years on three different car lines. When I started, I had a toolbox full of Craftsman tools. Now I have a mix of things-almost none of it Craftsman. Since I’ve always specialized, I seldom, if ever buy a set of anything. That’s kept the price WAY down regardless of who I bought from. I almost always bought off the tool truck, and my choice usually depended on which salesman was the most honest, upfront and reliable. What good is a “great” socket if the salesman never shows up, or gives you crap about warranting the tool? Also, the last thing I want to do after a 12 hour day or a 60 hour week is go stand in line to exchange a tool. I heard that in the last years of Sears, if my coworkers went there to replace a broken socket, and they were still wearing their uniform, Sears wouldn’t honor their warranty. Oh, and there was a big banner on the wall offering a 5% discount to trade school students!
If my memory serves me correctly, when Snap-On started the existing tool distribution chain wouldn't distribute them so they were forced into creating their own system of directly visiting professional tool users. So trying to destroy them actually gave them an advantage. As for retail distribution of Snap-On Tools, I was at the Toyota dealership parts counter recently and they had a fancy display of Snap-On tools (ratchets and such) and glossy catalogs. I asked if they sold Snap-On tools and he said yes. They charge Snap-On list price and if they don't have it will get you any tool you request.
i work in a shop the only wrenches i have of snap on are open end flare wrench for brake lines my tool rep tells me that younger mechanics are buying tools from e bay or amazon making it hard to sell tools from snap on i like your chanel because your a harbor freight pitchman .i have a tool set i still have from sears i bought in 1980 i still use the ratchet on occasion. thanks mr red beard.
Truthfully, I own a fair amount of Snap-On tools. BUT...and I stress BUT!!! I've never bought a single Snap-On tool first hand. Pawn Shops, Flea Markets, Rummage Sales and Auctions have yielded me a good deal of Snap-On tools for a penny on the dollar OR LESS! Are they nice tools? Absolutely....are they worth the inflated prices? ABSOLUTELY....NOT!! So, if you MUST have Snap-On, someone is ALWAYS looking to unload their over priced tools when they either can't make the payment or they're just simply strapped for cash. I've even bought from disgruntled Wives and Partners who are "punishing" their man/woman for spending too much on what they view as a waste of money. So, they're out there if you hunt and peck long enough. Great video on the history my Friend! Cheers!! Zip~
I learned early on that I was not going to buy everything snapon, I don't and didn't care back then what the tech's wanted to say or do I wanted to take my paycheck home not give it to snapon!! And would do it over again the same way, if I were young! Thanks for your good videos!
My father was an autobody repairer back in the 70s/80s, and I remember meeting the Snap-On driver for our small-town and my dad telling me they had the best quality tools, but you paid for them.
I have a few Snap-on odds and ends but I prefer and collect Proto and SK Wayne tools. I also have a cabinet filled exclusively with older Made In USA Craftsman tools. Just check out Estate sales and flea markets for the best in Mechanic and machine tools. I have had some of my tools for over 50 years. Buy quality wisely not from a van.
$0. I think there is the perfect tool for every person, and situation. For me, harbor freight at least in terms of mechanic tools. (I have professional grade plumbing and cordless tools because I was a plumber) This is based on no experience but seeing what Snap On tools cost, I don’t think they are worth anyone’s hard earned money. I don’t think I would ever tell a mechanic they need to just buy harbor freight, but there is certainly higher quality than harbor freight for significantly less money than snap on. To me there is a sweet spot for every tool, and that varies between professionals and handymen. Eventually I’m going to do a video on this.
I actually really haven't dumped all that much into snap-on. Mostly because of their price. All i have is either Craftsman, Kobalt, Harbor Freight and Cornwell. (Which I just bought a new tool box from LOL)
I probably have $6-7000 in snap on before I realized.i can get more for my money with husky or kobalt.i feel those brands want to step into the high end tool bracket and they work really hard to put out a quality tool at a good price.and it’s a lot easier for me to warranty those tools over snap-on
Oh shit? My shop has pro-cut lathes. I never knew! I wish you could do a little more detailed, like what the old toolboxes had, and how they evolved over time
I can sympathize with a mechanic that wants snap on sockets or wrenches. If you're using the tools every day even a small step up in quality can make a big difference. I work for a railroad and have a specialty gear bag that costs $170. Did a $30 Walmart bag also work? I guess. But when you're lugging the thing around at 4am 14 hours into your shift the expensive bag is worth every penny in terms of comfort, durability, and ease of use.
What got me is the cheap slide hammer set at harbor freight I bought for 20$ being sold for over 500$ by Snap On. Don't get me wrong I have more Snap On hand tools than any other brand but, I draw the line there. Their KRL 35' series is worth it and add a top chest later or put a wilton vice on top with a butcher block. They also have great licensed merchandise and other odds and ends that are good ie. socket organization ect. It's all about USA made for me, but I do have a moral threshold like the bear. :]
Politics too. Had a buddy in the air force. He said a new colonel came in and they were forced to throw out all the snap on and snap on boxes. Replaced with Stanley/proto. 🤮🤮
When I buy Snap On, I usually hunt down deals. Mostly, I just like their sockets, wrenches, and ratchets. I looked up their vise today for a laugh. F THAT. But then, I also get that they have a significant number of specialty tools that you just aren’t going to get from Harbor Freight. That said, I think Bonney may have actually beat them to market with the non-corner loading with their Loc Right design (sp?) This hilarious to look back on considering where Icon boxes are priced these days.
When I first got started 35 or so years ago I never bought into the Snap-On marketing BS. I own a bunch of their tools but paid for them as I bought them and only buy tools that will make me money or solve a specific problem. When I worked as a full time Caterpillar mechanic the fact that they came to you with quality tools that they replace if it gets worn or broken was well worth the price. I never bought a new tool box. I found a used one in good shape for a fair price that I still have and it is not huge. Some of mechanics I see now a days with their big boxes that cost well over $10K boggles the mind. These days Snap-on seems to be more of a finace company than a tool maker. Now when I have to buy tools I look at other brands. Our local "Snap-Hole" is breathing the air two good men could breath in my opinion and I refuse to deal with him. How much I have spent on Snap-on tools you ask Mr Bear? Who knows really. Nearly 40 years of working with mechanics tools, big stuff too, It is well in excess of $20K of Snap-On stuff alone. Never mind other brands or the specialty stuff. OTC/Power team Hydraulic tools will set you back a fair amount as well.
Not many Snap-on tools in my toy box. I have more tools from Plome dating back to the 30s and 40s that I use every day. My old tools are just stronger and better made than the new junk that comes out.
@@denoftools 😂 That's what I love about tools. We all have our own preferences. And if your like me you have all 3. I'll say vessel is good. I like both my vessel sets. But for me. My snapon instinct soft grip set. Is the best I've used. I'll give knipex the cobra line, the twin grip pliers, and cutters But all my lineman, slip joint, needle nose is snapon. But I have basically the entire snap on, knipex, and mac tools pliers line.
I'm just a guy that fixes the lawn mower, keeps the family cars running and wrench on my Harley's. I got a mix of Craftsman, Huskey, and Pittsburg. I even have a set of large wrenches that I was given by a friend on my 16th birthday and they were no name Chinese wrenches from China. If I have any snap on sockets lying around it's because I bought some odd sockets at a lawn sale somewhere....
Ok, now I have to say something about this company 9:50, I worked for one of their manufacturing company's in Elkmont Al. The HR department was useless they did not take care of their workers. The number of problems continued to grow till they just fire the worker. Pay is lower than average for the area. They get rid of the problem by getting rid of the worker. I quit before they could fire me. My next job paid $1.50 more an hour and was 2 to 1 better place to work.
That's what I was saying, Bear. If you're a DIYer, or a new mechanic (even not a new mechanic), it doesn't matter what kind of tool you use. People have been whining to me, in my own comments section, to stop using Stanley and use things like Snap On. I tell them, nicely, to either buy it for me or fuck off.
When my snap on truck dealer first met me and i asked what set his tools apart from the gear wrench and matco, he said that other companies will lie and say that their toola are 100% made in the usa and that snap on now tells the truth that a few components are made overseas
Well said. I confront tool snobs with this question " do you have the skills that equals the high end tools" as a shade tree mechanic craftsman and others are still better than I am lol
I think I'll impress my friends. I'll get a big U.S. General toolchest, then stick chrome Snap-On letters on it. I have very few old Snap-On tools in my jumbled assortment that goes back many years. Some of my best tools are Craftsman that Dad bought in the 50's and 60's and I bought in the 70's. So many of our great names have gone down the tubes, though. These days, thought I do hit Harbor Freight regularly, I prefer to look for used tools. It's easier and more affordable to find old high quality tools.
I've seen people put put Snappy badges on USG's. Your friends have got to know enough to know Snappy is king, but know so little that they can't identify what it really is/isn't. So if they know they'll laugh at you for lying to impress. The ones I like are when people replace their USG emblems with fancy "Snap-Off" or "Crap-On" badges and stuff like that made to look exactly like a Snappy logo
Thanks Bear, but you didn't, say about the "KICK-BACKS", company Managers got, allowing, those vans too sell outside company, in their, Parking lots, @ lunch time?
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Confession time, how much have you dumped into your Snap On addiction?
my self respect does not allow me to answer this question
This is why I don't like franchises this matter was Dunkin Donuts or any type of franchise because it's like the EU you got to give money to them they control you they say you own your own business but you're basically a worker with some say but you basically don't own nothing I say build your own business from the ground up this way is 110% yours that's the only way to go franchises off of lazy people who wants who has money in their pocket I want to start something quickly
Like I said before the sad commentary about these American companies they dare to call themselves American and they for America but they don't look for American interest they go to places that China that don't like us to make that profit so all that money goes there to them made in America you say what's a load of bollocks
Never had the opportunity oddly enough. Never seems to be a Snap-on van around when I need one but Sears, Ace, and Harbor Freight are just down the street.
@@davidgrover5996 that's why I say support Harbor Freight that the best and Sia's don't buy from a Snap-On crappy company and don't start a franchise start your own business from the ground up hard work pays off when you start it if you do it the cheap way and cut Corners to get a franchise to get rich quick they control you not the other way around let that sink in the moment
I still have some of the Craftsman tools my dad bought back in the 70's. None have worn out, they just have a tendency to wander off. I'm not sure what he paid, but I know it was less than a comparable Snap-on.
my wife got me a set like 5 yrs ago must have been an old stock set everything was made in the usa i cldnt believe it i waited like 3 yrs to open it cause i thought it was all chinse-ium lol was i surprised. i lost a lot of my crafts set i got when i was in H.S. needed bsome sockets to replace went to that new set and was like omg smh.
Craftsman is a brand name which contracts other companies to make tools with the name Craftsman on it. Back in the 1950s some Craftsman tools were really made by Snap-On.
Ahhhh...to be able to go back in the mid 1960s and snap up every single Craftsman tool in the Sears wish book !!!! Those were the BEST in the world...then for some reason, in the 1980s, the tools began to totally fall apart...I have my late Dad's Craftsman 150 piece tool box...yeah, the one that was $120 back in the day..EVERY piece still works fine....then I purchased my "own" Craftsman tool kit...same model...in 1982...nearly every ratchet fell apart or failed..WTH !!! The replacement policy was twisted also...Almost took a Congressional hearing for me to get replacement for free...the folks at Sears tried to come up with reason why or how the took was ABUSED !!! Nope used normally...died on it's own....internal failure ...it was heart rending...after that, I never bought another tool from Craftsman...sorry...HELLO Harbor Freight or Northern Tool !!! These guys honor their warranties...
That little $3 attachment, is around $40 when adjusted for inflation.
They were expensive from the beginning.
Christopher Conard at least back then you were actually getting something that was an advantage over competitors prodyct
I can’t stop watching the bear! Absolutely amazing detail of research, well constructed delivery, and the most affable bear you could find! The entire bear concept and execution is absolutely brilliant, keep up the good work...
The snap-on man got me, i bought a 55” roll cab and haven’t looked back. I was in the market for a while but nothing had the quality of the snappy box. Once i bought it, i filled it with tools from all different companies. The only thing i have really spent money on since then were the flank drive wrenches, metric. Worth every penny.
I've been wrenching for 60 years, never owned Snap-on tools. Feel they were well overpriced for the work to be done. Made a good living without Snap-On. I think it's just an ego thing.
Wire Works
what tools you all be using? im just a shade tree mech so i use what ever wrks(mostly craftsman from the mid 1990's) and just recently some tools from horrible fright lol
they can't tell you.
It’s not so much an ego thing for everyone... for some guys, it’s just that the guy comes around and let’s you walk off the truck and put the stuff on credit.. which is handy, but for me, I know they make the best when it comes to certain tools. Line wrenches for example..
Technician gucci!!!
I love snap on.. for the farm work I do I can’t afford stripped bolts and broken wrenches. When you are alone in the middle of a field working on the only machine you have to do the job. Balls deep in mosquitoes, flies, sweat burning your eyes. You grab a tool made for a lifetime of service.
My Father had a set of quarter inch snap on sockets made in 1926 it is missing one socket, but still has the"t" handle as you pictured and the rachet. It was suppose to go to me, but its funny as it has disappeared
Cornwell is older company. Started in 1918. One thing : they do that most techs are picking up infomation on. They use suppliers codes in the product numbers like Lisle starts with "LS" or Ingersoll Rand is "IR" so they're not scared to enclosed who actually makes the tool.
The BOGO deals Cornwell have are VERY HARD to beat. "Buy this angle die grinder for 300 bucks; get this straight die grinder for free." Its their best die grinders they have their name stamped not some cheapie crap. I have let guys who owns Snappy ones used mine and they were amazed how well it performed. I got most of my air tools from those BOGOs and I probably saved closed to $2000.
I live about 15 miles away from SO headquarters. Not scared to wear my Cornwell hat around Kenosha. Oh I do get lot of dirty looks hahaha
Love to hear the story of “ Bonnie” tools.
I really like this series on tool history. Also maybe “Proto tools”?
Ok. Here goes. To the best of my memory. I had a neighbor who became a snapon dealer and he struggled for a couple years never being able to get ahead of the franchise fees. He started making better money but then the fees climbed. Snapon was charging him 50,000 dollars for use of the logo that was advertising on the truck then they decided to dump on him a bunch of cheap promotional give aways that they were charging him an arm and a leg for without even his permission. The more he made, the more they took until he couldn't take it anymore and sold the truck, franchise and route which almost bankrupted him while he waited for a buyer. What a nightmare.
I remember in like the 90's Snap On was considered the absolute best and you couldn't even buy it in stores. Sorta crazy they were able to get that reputation without even being sold in stores.
Still has that rep (I own 0 of their products)
My uncle, who was a mechanic, had snap-on tools and they were nice..... But you're right, I couldn't see dumping that much money on my daily driver and project vehicles.
Harbor freight for tools that are cheap and there's a good chance I'm going to destroy them, like pounding a socket on a rounded off lug nut, because it was put on with an air gun at the stealership
Home Depot, Lowe's and Menards for the rest of my generic tools like wrenches, sockets, etc, etc
Oreilly Auto, Advance, etc, etc for specialty car tools I might need to rent/buy
When I started my career, I had to supply my own tools. For a 19 year old kid, that meant huge expenditure.
I could have bought from the big red truck but then I couldn't have afforded a car to get me to work. I chose Craftsman. I still use all of them and that was over 50 years ago. In my mind then and now, the difference between Snap-On and Craftsman was their appearance. Snap-On was highly polished with a thicker chrome finish. Another benefit to Craftsman was they just seemed to fit my hand better. I made the right choice. (Back then we didn't have as many choices as we do now)
Charlie, my old boss had some Snap-on, and
some Craftsman. I preferred the Craftsman.
It is the rough chrome finish that I like. I tend
to have a better grip on a ratchet that is
slightly pebbly.
steve
Well, Milwaukee was once known as the machine shop to the world.
Although many of the companies that made Milwaukee what it was back then, though there are many that still remain. Milwaukee was also a huge parts supplier to Detroit.
But if you like your history this town has quite a bit. It is hard to find outside of Milwaukee and Wisconsin there is a set of DVDs called the making of Milwaukee and as well as a book Milwaukee 150 years that's tells a lot of the stories of the industry's that began here.
Milwaukee and Cincinnati were once homes to many German immigrant machinists. Quality workmanship.
@@chuckhaynes6458 Yep, the good old rust belt.
Thanks for making an informative channel with a sense of humor. I also really appreciate you taking time making a fun animation on top of all the hard work you do with research. Love your channel it’s fun and easy to watch.
I’m with you Bear and I totally agree! I was a very young truck mechanic @ Louisville Motors Ford in Louisville, KY. When I say young, right out of the Air Force. The snap on rep saw me and started sharpening his fangs. I was giving him almost a third of my paycheck every week. I started to learn, I got him paid off and bought my tools from Sears and other places. Sears wasn’t cheap, but paid about 1/2 or even less than the snap on tools. Thanks again for your videos and I really enjoyed this one!
Hey Bear, I've seen some sockets made by Snapon that were 5/8" drive for the military. The idea being to keep them from being stolen for home use. Of course somebody came out with a 5/8 to 1/2 adapter. Go figure.
Very interesting. I have found over the years ,many sockets that were former military and they always have an M amongst the letters and numbers that designate the sockets and everybody knows it and they won't touch it so I've got a small drawer with quite a number in there as backups that I'll never be able to trade off or get warranted. Lol. Oh well.
Great video Bear. I was born in Milwaukee and all my family is from Kenosha. They have all left that frosty cold place (Milwaukee is the coldest big city in North America - that winter wind off Lake Michigan is brutal), but Milwaukee (and Kenosha) sure is ground zero for a lot of tool outfits and heavy machinery companies.
Another quality video on the history of a tool company. Well done Bear !
Always love the brief history vids, well done.
Back in the late 80s, early 90s I worked as a mechanic, I made my living using mostly Craftsman tools, I can remember the Snap-On tool guy like it was yesterday, they used heavy handed sales tactics, like a bad used car salesman, they would give people endless amounts of crap if they saw you using any other tools other than craftsman, especially if you were using a craftsman tool box, they pushed there tool boxes very heavily, if your not using Snap-On your not a real mechanic, that was there attitude, they make great tools but there tactics left such a bad taste in my mouth I have not purchased a snap on tool to this day.. seriously 5k for a tool box? Not me, love these videos Red..
R&D, quite a few of my Craftsman tools, came OFF OF
that Snap-on truck. He would buy sockets and stuff,
from guys "updating" to Snap-on, and sell them to
people like me.
steve
A good set of tools is not made up of one brand, but of a good specific mix. I'll give an example....I have mostly Snap On sockets, but In that same socket drawer are old Craftsman sockets. Craftsman sockets were the only sockets that I could find that had thin walls. I needed thin walled sockets for my bell housing on my transmission.
Great segment and yes you don’t need expensive tools to work on cars unless it’s a specific tools designed for a specific vehicle. Weekend warriors to professionals do very well with tools from HF, Kobalt, Craftsman, Dewalt, Milwaukee, MAC, Matco, etc. just to name a few.
When i started in Automotive , at the tender age of 15, I had a old set of SK tools, still have them, as time went on , I picked up all kinds of different brands. Yes I have some Snack on, but mostly Cornwell and Matco, and of course Carpman. Now im gonna say, in most cases tools dont make the mechanic, the mechanic makes the tools
We’ve got a Snap-on tool box and set from the 80’s on the Farm, and they’re good tools but we’ve still broke them. I really like the snap-on ratchets and wrenches over about anything else. But my at home set of tools is mostly Craftsman and gearwrench.
Snap-Oo addict here who drank the Coolaid in the 80s & 90s, Snap-On makes a great product. I'm now retired, and ICON tools are very good quality.
I am now in the habit of looking for DaBear every time I visit a Harbor Freight in Las Vegas. Great video! Thanks for all of the tool company history videos.
Just love this series. We have a Snap-On franchisee in the neighborhood and by all appearances he works really hard and does pretty well. Nice house, a bunch of boys, church-goin' solid family. Sad to hear how corporate is treating them. My wife was a State Farm agent for many years and over those years corporate played similar games and became so noxious she retired early. Years ago after seeing how a bigger business treated my dad, I vowed never to work for one. And I didn't. And all these years later, I'm glad I didn't.
I bought several big box store toolchest and put Snap On decals from Ebay on them. Feels good in my pocket book. Thanks for sharing
Only scram on tools I have are 1.7/32 nut driver, 1 #2 Phillips screw driver , 1 carb adjustment tool. From 1985. When I was doing tuneups a expert tune, prices to high so I went to craftsman.
Outstanding presentation. I've watched all the history of videos and I'm seeing a trend of the tool business. And it is a underhanded cut throat world out there. Thanks for your hard work. I look forward to seeing more. As for snap on I has a very limited amount of sockets, a couple of wrenches and 2 screwdrivers. I just don't want to spend that much money when there are other things in life I'd like to enjoy.
My younger brother technically worked for a custom body shop for a couple of years, but in fact he was working for Snap-On during that time. He got a lot of nice tools, but he never seemed to bring any money home.
I have one Snap-On tool - a 10mm flare-nut wrench (I got tired of the cheapo wrenches rounding over the fittings on the brake lines for my Honda Civic - the brake shoes on that thing wore out like the erasers on a third-grader's pencil). I bought the wrench at one of the short-lived Snap-On retail stores, and managed to get out without anything else (although if I'd had any money no doubt I would have ended up with a complete set of tools).
Love these history vids, very informative like a case study into the company!
Never owned a Snap-on tool even when I was a mechanic. I got by with HF, Craftsman and Cornwell stuff. I was not going to go into debt with Snap-on over a minimal set of tools. The only Snap-on item I've owned was their code scanner. The old guy in the shop I worked at had a bunch of Snap-on tools and was tired of having to send them in for repair. He was big into HF's Earthquake impact guns when they came out. The only HF sockets that I broke with an impact gun were their impact sockets, never broke the chrome jobs which I always thought was funny.
Bear! I was getting a haircut on Friday and while I was in the chair, this van rolled up and when the guy slid the door open, there was a little barber supply shop inside. I was like "That's like the Snap On guy!". The ladies that worked there said they loved it, and his prices were less than at a typical barber/beauty supply store.
From what I underatand S-O doesnt report to the big 3 credit score companys.So if you walk away from something it doesnt ding your credit or does it bump your score up when you pay it off. Best thing to do is keep the account on the truck to cover your bases.
I remember buying some MasterCraft tools (probably Harbour Freight equivalent in Canada here) as some tools for home and my coworker who was a former "mechanic" at a lube shop told me my tools were crap because they weren't Snap-On and his whole tools box alone was worth more than all of my tools. Big whoop the freaking do, you bought a tool box worth 4k dollars when he made $18/h. Big whoop de freaking do, I will stick with my crap to do work around my house/car and not waste my savings on buying overpriced tools.
Menard's here in the U.S. sells a line of tools called MasterCraft. They are affordable and many are actually made in the U.S. I have a few of them and they're great tools, they're kinda like how Craftsman used to be. From what I've read, they are unrelated to the MasterCraft tools sold at Canadian Tire up there though.
@@CVTaxi interesting. I just looked it up and see a mastercraft for doors and a MasterForce brand for tools down there. Ours is at Canadian Tire up here, they aren't bad, I use the stickers with impact guns etc and they work fine. I'm not a master mechanic and even if I was I still couldn't justify snapon prices
I would say Princess Auto is the Canadian version of Harbour Freight.
@@379insk touche, I can see that at a good comparison
Canadian Master Craft mechanics tools are mainly rebranded Stanley with some rebranded Gear Wrench. The Canadian equivalent of Harbor Freight is Princess Auto.
Yup, that drop test will be awesome, especially watching the big bear paws maneuvering the controls.😱😱😱
I own thousands of $ of snap on , there good but a set of spanners from 3/8"- 15/16" cost $700 AUD 15 years ago
Since they changed the font on their spanners the chrome is to soft , I'm not complaining as they have given good service but still vanity over quality don't cut it.
N.B I've been a truck mechanic for over 30 years , when I started out you either bought snap on , stallwille , geador, hazet, or spent time bleeding .
I can appreciate starting with a 40" Blue-Point box filled with every brand under the sun. I can also appreciate what every manufacturer can bring to the table. It all depends on the intended work, efficiency and quality of output. This is why professional technicians choose top tier tools. FYI, I haven't owed a dime to a truck in over a decade.
Great history. I knew nothing about Snap On so it was good to get that perspective.
You should include patent right infringement in your videos. Snap on and Bosch are 2 companies currently in trouble in this area! It's import to the consumer because when you buy into a line you want to know how the service will be or expanded and if they will be ordered to stop!
thanks for the video, totally agree that the tools are exceptional the difference between the greatest screwdriver in the world, for example the snap on ratcheting screwdriver which costs well over 100$ and a Stanley 20$ one is nominal. Plus on a job site expensive tools grow wings
The Snap-On truck is my favorite toy store. I bought their lithium cordless impact recently, and HOLY CRAP it has changed the way I wrench going forward.
Please get your hands on some Wurth Tools. This company is HUGE is Europe and have been selling tools in Euro-land for a while and have started selling in the US for about a year. Pricing is about 1/2 of Snap-On, Matco, Mack, etc. and they have a lifetime warranty, as well.
Another solid video, bear! Good job
Good and fair overview, Bear. Shine on !
Love your content. Thanks for the lesson.
Good lord!
Looks like I won’t be buying Snap-on ever!
Incidentally, Orson Welles (War of the Worlds, Citizen Kane) is from Kenosha.
My tool line up varies. I have bought a couple of Snap-on items. But, more Cornwell Tools will be accompanying my older Craftsman tools and my Carlyle tools. Other tool manufacturers I have include Lisle, Pittsburgh Pro, Earthquake XT (air impact), Power Torque (O’Reilly Auto Parts tool brand) and a couple of other tool names. I like how Cornwell is a family owned and run company and ole Joe Sydorowicz from the “Cornwell Monday” on the Koon Trucking channel has provided great service for me. What do you reckon about a film on Cornwell Tools, Red?
Cornwell has some good stuff.
Hill Top Machine Works I’ve liked what I purchased so far and have a couple more items on the way. Silly me, I said I’d never order tools through the mail mainly for the warranty, but I’ve ordered the Cornwell items from a Rep in SW Tennessee and NE Mississippi ‘cause I have yet to find a Cornwell dealer in Alabama. I’d rather support a small, independent business than Amazon.
I have tried to support "Joe" also since I lost my Cornwell rep many years ago.
@@hilltopmachineworks2131 where are you located?
Currently in NC. Hoping to move up to the mountains of VA or southern WV soon.
Its not just snap on. Most tech/trade schools have programs in place that push the students to buy $20k in tools from one of the "pro tier" tool companies before they even graduate
Awesome video! Snap-On does make some great tools but I fully agree about the price compared to the work to be done i worked at a state dept as a heavy equipment mechanic. I had a Craftsman chest and Craftsman tools. They worked just fine but the guys in there looked down on me. Im like dude, you make 5 grand a month and have a $15,000 tool cart? Cool 👎 haha
I drive past their headquarters in Kenosha almost everyday so I feel a little connection to them. When I get a (quality and expensive) toolbox I think I'm gonna go to them
I have no Snap On tools and will not buy any unless I really need them. They are way overpriced! I use mostly Craftsman
Same here. I do have some specialized Snap On tools and that's it.
Do you buy tools you dont need??
Smarter than the average bear.
They also own part of my pay check each week. They acquired that back in 2018.
I own all of one snap on product, a reject dead blow. It is about only good for using to vent agression. Kobalt, craftsman, and stanley are the only ones i have multiple tools in.
Cant wait to see "a brief history" for Mac Tools
Snap On trucks became the only way they could bring their product to market. Competitors wouldn’t distribute it for them as a start up.
I like Snap On, just not their prices. Everything is twice what it should cost, or more.
I went from them being my first choice, to making them my last resort because of pricing.
I see that red doesn't have the cigar in this one! How does the bear get on the video?
I’ve been wrenching for over 40 years on three different car lines. When I started, I had a toolbox full of Craftsman tools. Now I have a mix of things-almost none of it Craftsman. Since I’ve always specialized, I seldom, if ever buy a set of anything. That’s kept the price WAY down regardless of who I bought from. I almost always bought off the tool truck, and my choice usually depended on which salesman was the most honest, upfront and reliable. What good is a “great” socket if the salesman never shows up, or gives you crap about warranting the tool? Also, the last thing I want to do after a 12 hour day or a 60 hour week is go stand in line to exchange a tool. I heard that in the last years of Sears, if my coworkers went there to replace a broken socket, and they were still wearing their uniform, Sears wouldn’t honor their warranty. Oh, and there was a big banner on the wall offering a 5% discount to trade school students!
Love it. definitely agree on a lot of what u said & while I love my snap on tools in some cases they r too pricey but they always work!!
If my memory serves me correctly, when Snap-On started the existing tool distribution chain wouldn't distribute them so they were forced into creating their own system of directly visiting professional tool users. So trying to destroy them actually gave them an advantage. As for retail distribution of Snap-On Tools, I was at the Toyota dealership parts counter recently and they had a fancy display of Snap-On tools (ratchets and such) and glossy catalogs. I asked if they sold Snap-On tools and he said yes. They charge Snap-On list price and if they don't have it will get you any tool you request.
i work in a shop the only wrenches i have of snap on are open end flare wrench for brake lines my tool rep tells me that younger mechanics are buying tools from e bay or amazon making it hard to sell tools from snap on i like your chanel because your a harbor freight pitchman .i have a tool set i still have from sears i bought in 1980 i still use the ratchet on occasion. thanks mr red beard.
Stay off the tool truck! lol. Hey have you tried SK? I'm a huge fan of their stuff and it's all 100% USA made.
yes i have , ive had some for over 20 yrs.
Truthfully, I own a fair amount of Snap-On tools. BUT...and I stress BUT!!! I've never bought a single Snap-On tool first hand. Pawn Shops, Flea Markets, Rummage Sales and Auctions have yielded me a good deal of Snap-On tools for a penny on the dollar OR LESS! Are they nice tools? Absolutely....are they worth the inflated prices? ABSOLUTELY....NOT!! So, if you MUST have Snap-On, someone is ALWAYS looking to unload their over priced tools when they either can't make the payment or they're just simply strapped for cash. I've even bought from disgruntled Wives and Partners who are "punishing" their man/woman for spending too much on what they view as a waste of money. So, they're out there if you hunt and peck long enough. Great video on the history my Friend! Cheers!! Zip~
Great video DaBear. You are right on target.
I learned early on that I was not going to buy everything snapon, I don't and didn't care back then what the tech's wanted to say or do I wanted to take my paycheck home not give it to snapon!! And would do it over again the same way, if I were young! Thanks for your good videos!
Great job Red!
They bought Challenger Lifts around 2013, which is based out of Louisville KY
My father was an autobody repairer back in the 70s/80s, and I remember meeting the Snap-On driver for our small-town and my dad telling me they had the best quality tools, but you paid for them.
I have a few Snap-on odds and ends but I prefer and collect Proto and SK Wayne tools. I also have a cabinet filled exclusively with older Made In USA Craftsman tools. Just check out Estate sales and flea markets for the best in Mechanic and machine tools. I have had some of my tools for over 50 years. Buy quality wisely not from a van.
Very informational and interesting video!
$0. I think there is the perfect tool for every person, and situation. For me, harbor freight at least in terms of mechanic tools. (I have professional grade plumbing and cordless tools because I was a plumber) This is based on no experience but seeing what Snap On tools cost, I don’t think they are worth anyone’s hard earned money. I don’t think I would ever tell a mechanic they need to just buy harbor freight, but there is certainly higher quality than harbor freight for significantly less money than snap on. To me there is a sweet spot for every tool, and that varies between professionals and handymen. Eventually I’m going to do a video on this.
I actually really haven't dumped all that much into snap-on. Mostly because of their price. All i have is either Craftsman, Kobalt, Harbor Freight and Cornwell. (Which I just bought a new tool box from LOL)
I probably have $6-7000 in snap on before I realized.i can get more for my money with husky or kobalt.i feel those brands want to step into the high end tool bracket and they work really hard to put out a quality tool at a good price.and it’s a lot easier for me to warranty those tools over snap-on
Oh shit? My shop has pro-cut lathes. I never knew! I wish you could do a little more detailed, like what the old toolboxes had, and how they evolved over time
I can sympathize with a mechanic that wants snap on sockets or wrenches. If you're using the tools every day even a small step up in quality can make a big difference. I work for a railroad and have a specialty gear bag that costs $170. Did a $30 Walmart bag also work? I guess. But when you're lugging the thing around at 4am 14 hours into your shift the expensive bag is worth every penny in terms of comfort, durability, and ease of use.
The old joke - "Billy Jean King just got a new job. She's the new spokesman for Snap-On-Tools!"
What got me is the cheap slide hammer set at harbor freight I bought for 20$ being sold for over 500$ by Snap On. Don't get me wrong I have more Snap On hand tools than any other brand but, I draw the line there. Their KRL 35' series is worth it and add a top chest later or put a wilton vice on top with a butcher block. They also have great licensed merchandise and other odds and ends that are good ie. socket organization ect. It's all about USA made for me, but I do have a moral threshold like the bear. :]
There was much more than just tools in that water. Harley Davidson was founded there along with Miller and Pabst Blue Ribbon beers.
cool info best place to buy snap on products is used yard sales or storage auctions
Great information
I was a mechanic in the Navy Circa 1975 it was largely snap on tools. By 1985 it was mostly brands like husky. Must have been the low bidder.
Politics too. Had a buddy in the air force. He said a new colonel came in and they were forced to throw out all the snap on and snap on boxes. Replaced with Stanley/proto. 🤮🤮
When I buy Snap On, I usually hunt down deals. Mostly, I just like their sockets, wrenches, and ratchets. I looked up their vise today for a laugh. F THAT. But then, I also get that they have a significant number of specialty tools that you just aren’t going to get from Harbor Freight.
That said, I think Bonney may have actually beat them to market with the non-corner loading with their Loc Right design (sp?)
This hilarious to look back on considering where Icon boxes are priced these days.
When I first got started 35 or so years ago I never bought into the Snap-On marketing BS. I own a bunch of their tools but paid for them as I bought them and only buy tools that will make me money or solve a specific problem. When I worked as a full time Caterpillar mechanic the fact that they came to you with quality tools that they replace if it gets worn or broken was well worth the price. I never bought a new tool box. I found a used one in good shape for a fair price that I still have and it is not huge. Some of mechanics I see now a days with their big boxes that cost well over $10K boggles the mind.
These days Snap-on seems to be more of a finace company than a tool maker. Now when I have to buy tools I look at other brands. Our local "Snap-Hole" is breathing the air two good men could breath in my opinion and I refuse to deal with him.
How much I have spent on Snap-on tools you ask Mr Bear? Who knows really. Nearly 40 years of working with mechanics tools, big stuff too, It is well in excess of $20K of Snap-On stuff alone. Never mind other brands or the specialty stuff. OTC/Power team Hydraulic tools will set you back a fair amount as well.
Not many Snap-on tools in my toy box. I have more tools from Plome dating back to the 30s and 40s that I use every day. My old tools are just stronger and better made than the new junk that comes out.
Plomb, became proto correct?
Evan Watson yes they did.
Buy your screwdriver sets, pliers, and ratchets. The rest can be bought elsewhere if desired. But those 3. Are worth the extra money.
We can argue about the ratchets, but Knipex makes better pliers and Vessel makes better screwdrivers
@@denoftools 😂 That's what I love about tools. We all have our own preferences. And if your like me you have all 3.
I'll say vessel is good. I like both my vessel sets. But for me. My snapon instinct soft grip set. Is the best I've used.
I'll give knipex the cobra line, the twin grip pliers, and cutters
But all my lineman, slip joint, needle nose is snapon. But I have basically the entire snap on, knipex, and mac tools pliers line.
I'm just a guy that fixes the lawn mower, keeps the family cars running and wrench on my Harley's. I got a mix of Craftsman, Huskey, and Pittsburg. I even have a set of large wrenches that I was given by a friend on my 16th birthday and they were no name Chinese wrenches from China. If I have any snap on sockets lying around it's because I bought some odd sockets at a lawn sale somewhere....
Ok, now I have to say something about this company 9:50, I worked for one of their manufacturing company's in Elkmont Al. The HR department was useless they did not take care of their workers. The number of problems continued to grow till they just fire the worker. Pay is lower than average for the area. They get rid of the problem by getting rid of the worker. I quit before they could fire me. My next job paid $1.50 more an hour and was 2 to 1 better place to work.
Could you do some videos about Hilti cordless tools?
It's on the list.
That's what I was saying, Bear. If you're a DIYer, or a new mechanic (even not a new mechanic), it doesn't matter what kind of tool you use. People have been whining to me, in my own comments section, to stop using Stanley and use things like Snap On. I tell them, nicely, to either buy it for me or fuck off.
Amen to that.
When my snap on truck dealer first met me and i asked what set his tools apart from the gear wrench and matco, he said that other companies will lie and say that their toola are 100% made in the usa and that snap on now tells the truth that a few components are made overseas
Snap On I bought in Costco are LED work light and storage rack .
Well said. I confront tool snobs with this question " do you have the skills that equals the high end tools" as a shade tree mechanic craftsman and others are still better than I am lol
The roach coach, the tool truck and the city bus...... Question is: What vehicles do mechanics with DUI's count on?
I have always felt like that about Snap On tools, congratulations on the pilots license.
I think I'll impress my friends. I'll get a big U.S. General toolchest, then stick chrome Snap-On letters on it. I have very few old Snap-On tools in my jumbled assortment that goes back many years. Some of my best tools are Craftsman that Dad bought in the 50's and 60's and I bought in the 70's. So many of our great names have gone down the tubes, though. These days, thought I do hit Harbor Freight regularly, I prefer to look for used tools. It's easier and more affordable to find old high quality tools.
I've seen people put put Snappy badges on USG's.
Your friends have got to know enough to know Snappy is king, but know so little that they can't identify what it really is/isn't.
So if they know they'll laugh at you for lying to impress.
The ones I like are when people replace their USG emblems with fancy "Snap-Off" or "Crap-On" badges and stuff like that made to look exactly like a Snappy logo
@@jeffmitchell72 👍Love it! 😅
Thanks Bear, but you didn't, say about the "KICK-BACKS", company Managers got, allowing, those vans too sell outside company, in their, Parking lots, @ lunch time?
Find the old Harbor freight news flyer with milwaukee in it as they started out