Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Attention Forum Users: On the 28th of December 2023 at 9:00am Central Time, we will be taking the forums down for maintenance while we prepare the new forums for your use. Please click here for more information.

Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Name Brand Tools

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
Jay87T

04-03-2005 06:44:22




Report to Moderator

hey guys, just been looking around ebay for some stuff to buy, what I dont understand is why Namebrand tools cost so much money?? lets take a air rachet for example I picked up a ingersoll rand air rachet, and compared it with my cheap Campbell Hausfeld and to me they seem like the exact same thing except one is double the price. also with wrenches, you take a set of snap on wrenches which seem to be a hot item on ebay, they had 4 snap on wrenches going for 200.00 dollars!!! for that price I can buy 4 sets of wrenches of everysize from sears or Canadian tire, yet how much better quality can the snap on wrench be to justify that price? I have Mastercraft wrenches from Canadian tire and I couldnt be happier with them, infact in my opinion they look and feel better than the snap on wrenches. to me, its all a name game and guys seem to think you need a "name brand" to look cool.
Thank you.

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
Opa A

04-04-2005 12:02:30




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 06:44:22  
20 years ago when I started the quality of Snap-On was above most of the others and the dealer here was excellant, Proto and MAC were fine choices as well. Now it seems that a whole bunch of companies have really increased the quailty of their tools, making it harder to justify the cost of buying Snap-On. All my Snap-On's are in the shop, but the service truck is full of Westward, Craftsman, Mastercraft etc. Can't afford to lose Snap-On's in the feild. Last Snap-On dealer is also a jerk and we can't seem to keep a MAC dealer around for more than a year, now its a real pain to get MAC warranty.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
rotten robert

04-03-2005 16:32:18




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 06:44:22  
Had to buy me a 1 1/4" - 1/2" drive crowsfoot last week. Couldn"t one nowhere in town so I got one off the Snap-On truck for $35.63. Thats right $35.63 for ONE crows foot wrench. There are a couple of hyd. fittings way up under a Case 580L backhoe that are a bugger bear.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
CRUSADER

04-03-2005 10:35:18




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 06:44:22  
Opinions, are like navels. Everyone has one. I am sure that there are as many preferences as there are brands and manufacturer's. Prior to joining the service back in 1985, I worked in the garages mostly on Agricultural and Industrial Equipment. Through the seven or so years of doing so and since then I have purchased numerous tools by different brands. My most recent supplier has been Sear's due to the fact that I am not in a garage and have access to a Snap-On or MAC tool truck that a salesperson comes by with once a week. The majority of my conglomoration of tools in my boxes are still Snap-On. The quality can't be beat, the warranty and service can't be beat either. Of the tools that I have had to have warranteed, Snap-On gave the best service and was the fewest needed. And Craftsman was the most needed and until my most recent experience with Sear's had not been a pleasant one very often. I used to have to take off and drive accross town to the Sear's store to replace a Craftsman when it broke. That was time consuming not to talk about the hassle from the personnel in the store about whether or not it was or was not tool abuse and should they or should they not swap it out with another one.

The majority Snap-On's are over 20 years old, and have given me good service and are capable of being used to earn a living with still. My father used his Snap-On tools to raise his family with. He started purchasing them when he left the Army Air Corps after World War II. He used them to earn a living with into the early 60's when he went to work for the DOD. His tools are showing a little wear, but are still capable of putting forth 100% and getting the task completed in a timely manner. Don't know about them mastercraft or them other brands of tools. Most off those type of off-brand tools that I have had and used didn't last very long when I used them. The ones purchased that were used have been broke and thrown away because NO-ONE would warranty them.

Each of us have our own preference. Mine is to buy and use the best tool that I can afford. I prefer to not have to buy the same tool more than once. Therefore I will (given the opportunity) buy the Snap-On Tool over the others when I have the opportunity and can afford it.

later days mates,
Jim

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 10:51:21




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to CRUSADER, 04-03-2005 10:35:18  
EXACTLY! Use what you have good luck with! I (personally) have had nothing but bad luck with what I choose to call, snap-off. I have broken more of them than all the other brands I own COMBINED. Living in a rural area, I find it easier to not have to wait for the next truck visit to replace my tool. I don't break or wear out one very often, so it isn't really an issue. The best tools I have are also 20+ years old that I purchased while I was in the military. I still have a couple of snap-offs, but most of the died years ago. I cannot justify the high cost of something that I have had bad luck with in the past. Some others have had good luck. It's just like the Ford/Chevy thing - if you have good luck chances are, you'll remain loyal. I'm pretty sure the guy on ebay will get what he wants for the tools, but not from me!

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Jay87T

04-03-2005 10:57:44




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 10:51:21  
Hey Galen what brand do they use in the Military?



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 11:09:52




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 10:57:44  
We used LObster, Bonney, Proto, Thorson, Echo, and others I can't even remember.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 11:07:30




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 10:57:44  
Well - can't speak for every unit of evary branch, but in the unit(s) I was assigned to, we HAD snap-offs for awhile. We went from breaking 3-4 tools a week with the "off" brand, to 5-6 a DAY with snap-offs (I worked in the tool section and kept detailed notes as to how, why, who, when, etc). After 6 months of the mess (as well as problems getting the truck there) we decided to return to more reliable tools. Friends of mine (and relatives) who are still in the military (a friend's son is in one of the same units) tell me that the "off" brands are still used.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
dr.sportster

04-03-2005 17:56:49




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 11:07:30  
If you were breaking five or six wrenches a day you better stop and think about what you are doing.I was in the military In a heavy junk unit and we broke no wrenches in three years.What were you working on and who torqued it to begin with???



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 18:43:00




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to dr.sportster, 04-03-2005 17:56:49  
In a helicopter squadron, where there are about 150 different workers, things happen. It's not how they were using the tools that broke them - the "off" brand (which held up way better) were being used the same way.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
dr.sportster

04-04-2005 14:56:45




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 18:43:00  
I avoided all aircraft, helicopters, boats,tanks,amtracks, etc,Didnt even know the Marine Corps was Dept.Of Navy untill I got to Parris Island.I was pretty lucky I turned out to be a weldor.Saw a movie at a trade show once where a guy attached a device to an M16 and blew the turret off a tank.Ill weld the mine plow when you break. it You go plow out the land mines.Ill be right here in the rear with the gear.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-04-2005 15:13:11




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to dr.sportster, 04-04-2005 14:56:45  
Spent 8 years in USMC working on and crewing CH-53 Helos Loads of fun.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
dr.sportster

04-05-2005 14:48:15




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Galen, 04-04-2005 15:13:11  
And we were each working with completly different types of hardware.Best I saw was probably a grade 8 bolt where every nut and bolt you used was manufactered and inspected under a whole different set of rules.No wonder wrenches could break.Only thing that keeps those vibrating things together is good harware and mechanics.You were one of those air wing guys[slightly different haircuts]Semper Fi.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
stum

04-03-2005 09:30:27




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 06:44:22  
The Snap-on stuff is high priced because they have interest and one heck of a markup is figured into the prices. Very few people go on the tool truck and lay down $250. for a set of wrenches. They pay $15-20 a week until they are paid off and then buy something else.The tool truck driver has to pay for the stuff when he buys it,but has to finance it "interest free"over a period of several months.Also with the exception of the wrenches ratchets and some sockets,the majority of the Snap-on,or Mac equipment is made by some one else and branded Snap-on.Their $2000.mig welders for example can be bought at any welding store under their original name for about 40% less.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Jay87t

04-03-2005 09:40:13




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to stum, 04-03-2005 09:30:27  
yeah, but if thats the case, why do people dish out 200.00 for 4 Normal snap on wrenches on ebay. or 40.00 for 2 snapon sockets?



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
stum

04-03-2005 12:57:51




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87t, 04-03-2005 09:40:13  
Probably cause they are too stupid to know any better,and want to impress somebody.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
BFO

04-03-2005 09:47:45




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87t, 04-03-2005 09:40:13  
Well, when the Mastercraft truck comes to your shop, I think you'll see a significant increase in price, think about it.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
BFO

04-03-2005 08:31:16




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 06:44:22  
I think you'll find that the older you get, the slower the skin grows back on your knuckles. My original tools from 25 yrs ago were pretty much all crafstman, then I discovered Proto's Protoplus, and Torque-Plus wrenches, and the old Craftsman stuff rarely gets used. Same goes with sockets. Snap-on makes real nice line wrenches.HTH



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Eddfie in MI

04-04-2005 18:18:38




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to BFO, 04-03-2005 08:31:16  
Just my opinion here, but I just finished a brake job. I used the Craftsman "Professional" full polish line wrenches. They performed beautifully. I would recommend them.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 08:36:25




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to BFO, 04-03-2005 08:31:16  
I have a few older Proto tools- found them to be excellent - they were a bit pricey, but hold up well.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
dr.sportster

04-03-2005 08:24:59




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 06:44:22  
Say what you like about the Snap-on but they have the patented flank drive system on the six points that others dont.They will grip a rounded bolt like no others can.Snap-on flank drive six point is a must for anything with chrome hardware.Guys dont pay more for Snap-on as a status symbol,they pay more because it is the superior brand of wrench.That being said the Snap-on open end flank-drive invention is a peice of crap that will ruin chrome hardware and in my opinion is to be avoided.What you are seeing now is many Snap-on like copies but they are not flank drive.Although Snap-on tried and failed there is not anything to improve on an open end wrench.Use impact sockets on impact wrenches and you should not have breakage problems of any brand socket.Also proper drive size matters.3/8" will break where 1/2"drive will not etc.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Big Jim

04-04-2005 02:30:15




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to dr.sportster, 04-03-2005 08:24:59  
I dont know but I think Snap-On's patent expired or they were forced to license it. I've seen other brands recently with flank drive, even Craftsman, I think.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 08:34:16




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to dr.sportster, 04-03-2005 08:24:59  
Wasn't talking about sockets - never have broken one (any brand), it's the high dollar, low quality snap-off wrenches I have found to break. Everyone has thier own preference in tools - I just won't buy another snap-off. You may have better luck.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
BFO

04-03-2005 08:47:44




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 08:34:16  
The worst Snap-on product I have are hex sockets, constantly twisting them or rounding the ends, and if I grind them back (to finish the job!!) the dealer won't replace them. Never once have I broke or twisted a Proto. The latest dealer needs a crash course in customer relations as well.
My Proto's were 1/2 price of the Snap-On, lucked out when I bought a bunch of stuff at the same time.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
dr.sportster

04-03-2005 08:39:55




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 08:34:16  
Im talking about sockets and open ends and six point box wrenches.Try buying Snap-On if your buying Snap-off which nobody ever heard of no wonder they are breaking.A good mechanic can loosen a nut with a rock and a piece of threaded rod if he has to.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 08:50:53




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to dr.sportster, 04-03-2005 08:39:55  
I know, I've had better luck with the rock than snap-offs (the true name for snap-on).



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 07:14:07




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 06:44:22  
I have found that most of the "name brand" tools are no better than MOST of the "off" brand stuff (cheapie swap meet, Chinese junk excluded). I have Blackhawk, Echo, Lobster, S-K, Thorsen, Proto, Bonney, Craftsman, Snap-OFF, and others. Only thing good I have to say about Snap-OFF is they do have a good warranty - I've needed it. I've broken more Snap-OFF tools than any others (including cheap Chinese stuff). MHO

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Big Jim

04-04-2005 02:47:11




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 07:14:07  
You know, I have to wonder if you ever really held a wrench in your hands. Snap-On wrenches are the best I've ever used, period. In over 20 years of servicing trucks and busses, I NEVER broke a Snap-On wrench. A number of times, mine were used by others because they were the only ones that would fit because of clearance issues. Never wore one out either. They all still fit and work fine. I also found that their overall design and finish were the easiest to work with hour after hour. I busted sockets but fewer Snap-Ons than Craftsman and the bargin basement brands aren't worth the effort to put on a ratchet. SK is supposed to have a good rep for sockets and I had a brand new 18mm 1/2 drive split right in half off my breaker bar. I don't make my living with tools any more so I now buy Craftsman due to cost and a Sears about 15 minutes from the house. If I were still doing it professionally, there is no question in my mind that 95% + of the hand and air tools in my box would be Snap-On because I could not afford to have inferior tools and service.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-04-2005 07:20:10




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Big Jim, 04-04-2005 02:47:11  
Well - you can wonder all you want! I wonder why people spend 4 times the amount of money on (what I feel are) cheap tools. Worked on aircraft for over 10 years - most of the time Snap-off DIDN'T have a wrench to fit. You buy what you want, I'll buy what I want. You've had good luck with them , I haven't. I can't afford inferior tools or service either - that's EXACTLY why I won't buy Snap-off.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Dale B

04-03-2005 09:37:46




Report to Moderator
 Re: Lobster Wrenches in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 07:14:07  
Galen : is there still a source for Lobster wrenches ? I need to finish a set. Got any metric sizes you want to sell ?



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 10:31:37




Report to Moderator
 Re: Lobster Wrenches in reply to Dale B, 04-03-2005 09:37:46  
Don't know if there still is a Lobster source - I've had mine for over 20 years. Don't have any metrics, though, sorry!



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Easy

04-03-2005 09:01:31




Report to Moderator
 Lobster wrench? in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 07:14:07  
Whats it fit on? LOL



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Jay87T

04-03-2005 07:16:08




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 07:14:07  
yeah snap-on has a no better warrenty than Sears or Canadian tire, everytime I break a socket or something I bring it back to them and they dont even ask me a question and replace it.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Galen

04-03-2005 08:12:06




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Jay87T, 04-03-2005 07:16:08  
Sears around here has been a little more "questioning" about the tools before replacing them. Useta was you could find a "road kill" wrench and they'd replace it no-questions-asked - now they ask. But, on the other hand, haven't had to replace many C-man tools.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
dr.sportster

04-03-2005 08:28:21




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to Galen, 04-03-2005 08:12:06  
Look in the archives about the sears warranty.Bring a copy to Sears with you .They have to take them back.That is what the Craftsman warranty states.Ask for the store manager and read it back to them if need be.If you are not satisfied...



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Stickler

04-08-2005 14:22:33




Report to Moderator
 Re: Name Brand Tools in reply to dr.sportster, 04-03-2005 08:28:21  
My tools both at work and at home are mainly Snap-On, because of the dealer that used to come around where I worked when I was an apprentice. Now, 30 years later, I haven't seen a dealer come here in over 20 years. Try getting one replaced when there ARE no dealers anywhere near. Actually try getting ANY tool replaced when the nearest Sears or Crappy Tire or any tool dealer is over 200 miles away. Brand don't matter a damn, it's what works and holds up the best. I still like my Snap-On stuff best.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy