Which kind of tools?

The price difference between the two sets is about $450. Thanks for any help.

Brian Miller

But the bottom line is,"You are just starting out!" You need to get the most bang for your buck. The Craftsman will work for now and you can have another $450 for other things that you need. You can always upgrade when you are established and are makin the big $$$$.

Another idea that has worked for me....Pawn Shops. All of the Snap-On tools that I have were bought at pawn shops. Also keep an eye out for classified ads. Try www.thriftynickle.com

But be careful about buying used. A few years ago I always got great deals at Pawn shops. But times are a changin. YOU MUST KNOW THE NEW PRICE OF AN ITEM BEFORE YOU BUY IT USED AT A PAWN SHOP. The shops sometimes even have a greater than full retail on some items. Go figure??

Whatever you do NEVER EVER use a Sears credit card. If you do, you will pay on the #@!&*%^#@ thing until you are old and grey. This is no joke or exageration.

Also, Tool Trucks, Snap-On, Matco, etc., these too seem to take forever to pay off. I bought MATCO on credit. Once. Never again. $60.00 a week for a couple of years.

Buy good USED tools. Pay cash.

Appologize for the sermon. I'll shut up now.

: I am starting a heavy equipment school and I need to know what kind of tools would be the best value for me. The school recomends either Snap-On or Craftsman. I know that both are good tool sets, but which would be the better buy.

: The price difference between the two sets is about $450. : Thanks for any help.

: Brian Miller

: The price difference between the two sets is about $450. : Thanks for any help.

: Brian Miller

Brian,all I can add is my father-in-law was a farm equipment service mechanic.If I didn't buy Snap On he threatened me with bodily damage.His words were "If you make a living with your tools,get tools worth your life!"This was nineteen years ago,and so far I can still outrun him.

: The price difference between the two sets is about $450. : Thanks for any help.

: Brian Miller

Snap-On is the best of the two,but Craftsman is the better value.I'd take a look at a few other brands,like Proto,Matco,Mac,etc.before laying out a huge amount of money.Also be certain that you will always be able to get replacements.For instance,you know you will always be able to flag down a Snap-on truck or find a nearby Grainger for Proto.Some brands have a much more complete line than others too.I'd steer clear of any that you aren't 100% sure of.I've read about Lowes deal with Snap-on for Lowes store brand(Kobalt)tools,but what happens is the marketing guys at either company decide it wasn't a good idea?I know this may sound silly but if you're just starting a career as a mechanic you have a lot of tool buying ahead of you and continuity is important.These are the tools of your trade and a nice set of tools are something to be proud of,and it also makes you look more professional(compared to a box with assorted types and flavors-the best being stamped K-Mart).Good Luck! Mark

: The price difference between the two sets is about $450. : Thanks for any help.

: Brian Miller

Slap Off are better than craftsman Proto is also very good and truecraft are not the worst but they are imported

: The price difference between the two sets is about $450. : Thanks for any help.

: Brian Miller

Hoo-boy, this should stir up some dust! Of the two mentioned, I would lean toward the Snap-ons. In my admittedly limited experience, a Snap-on wrench is lighter, stronger, built to closer tolerances and easier to get into tight spaces than the equivalent Craftsman. Today's Craftsman wrenches aren't what they were 20 or 30 years ago in my opinion. They cast them much larger than they used to, and the castings are not as nicely finished. There are other brands out there that are a good happy medium. Some I've heard good things about are MATCO, Blackhawk and Proto. I expect you'll get a lot of replies to this, I'm looking forward to seeing other opinions.

: : Brian Miller

: Hoo-boy, this should stir up some dust! Of the two mentioned, I would lean toward the Snap-ons. In my admittedly limited experience, a Snap-on wrench is lighter, stronger, built to closer tolerances and easier to get into tight spaces than the equivalent Craftsman. Today's Craftsman wrenches aren't what they were 20 or 30 years ago in my opinion. They cast them much larger than they used to, and the castings are not as nicely finished. There are other brands out there that are a good happy medium. Some I've heard good things about are MATCO, Blackhawk and Proto. I expect you'll get a lot of replies to this, I'm looking forward to seeing other opinions.

: : The price difference between the two sets is about $450. : : Thanks for any help.

: : Brian Miller

: Hoo-boy, this should stir up some dust! Of the two mentioned, I would lean toward the Snap-ons. In my admittedly limited experience, a Snap-on wrench is lighter, stronger, built to closer tolerances and easier to get into tight spaces than the equivalent Craftsman. Today's Craftsman wrenches aren't what they were 20 or 30 years ago in my opinion. They cast them much larger than they used to, and the castings are not as nicely finished. There are other brands out there that are a good happy medium. Some I've heard good things about are MATCO, Blackhawk and Proto. I expect you'll get a lot of replies to this, I'm looking forward to seeing other opinions.

I graduated from an auto-tech school about 20 years ago. I started out with all Craftsman, they were good, got me started and were what I could afford. over the years I've traded 90% of them for Snap-On, including the tool box. When these tools are in your hand 8 hrs. a day you will get a feel for what you like and what works. If Craftsman fits your budget right now go for it, the Snappys will come as you need them, they are the best but Man they are not cheap! Mac and Matco are very good too, but not quite Snap-on. Get the best you can and start wrenching, you'll see what I mean. One more thing, if you need Line wrenches...A.K.A. Flare nut wrenches, just buy the snap-on, nothing else works as good. Sorry to be so long winded, my one typing finger has a blister and I need a beer. Good luck.

: : : The price difference between the two sets is about $450. : : : Thanks for any help.

: : : Brian Miller

: : Hoo-boy, this should stir up some dust! Of the two mentioned, I would lean toward the Snap-ons. In my admittedly limited experience, a Snap-on wrench is lighter, stronger, built to closer tolerances and easier to get into tight spaces than the equivalent Craftsman. Today's Craftsman wrenches aren't what they were 20 or 30 years ago in my opinion. They cast them much larger than they used to, and the castings are not as nicely finished. There are other brands out there that are a good happy medium. Some I've heard good things about are MATCO, Blackhawk and Proto. I expect you'll get a lot of replies to this, I'm looking forward to seeing other opinions.

: I graduated from an auto-tech school about 20 years ago. I started out with all Craftsman, they were good, got me started and were what I could afford. over the years I've traded 90% of them for Snap-On, including the tool box. When these tools are in your hand 8 hrs. a day you will get a feel for what you like and what works. If Craftsman fits your budget right now go for it, the Snappys will come as you need them, they are the best but Man they are not cheap! Mac and Matco are very good too, but not quite Snap-on. Get the best you can and start wrenching, you'll see what I mean. One more thing, if you need Line wrenches...A.K.A. Flare nut wrenches, just buy the snap-on, nothing else works as good. Sorry to be so long winded, my one typing finger has a blister and I need a beer. Good luck.

Back about 15 years ago when I worked in the station, I'd buy a few pieces now and then off the Snap-On truck. During this time my buddy down the street at the Sohigro Shop would buy the BLACK Snap-On tools, as they were not as expensive. How these things felt in yer hands
after 8 + hours a day I can't say, as I never bought the non-chromed Snap-Ons myself.