I have worked as a technician for almost 20 years. I have probably close to 18000.00 dollars in my snap-on toolbox and tools. About 5 years ago I bought some craftsman, and stanley tools for home, (got tired of lugging them home and back). If I could do it all over again, I would buy some snap-on, but the bulk would be craftsman, or stanley. I have never had a problem returning broken tools to sears or walmart.
My .02 cents worth.

 

I have a 2 full boxes of craftsman tools, one at home one at the shop. I have never really has many problems with anything and when i do i take it back and get a new one no questions asked.

 

This thread inspired me to go swap some broken ratchets at sears. They didnt have the ordinary quick release 1/4 ratchet so they gave me a full poish quick release 1/4. I was happy.

The other refurb ratchets they gave me looked just as good as the ones I gave them. Yeh for the price and conveniece craftsman is it. If I start to split the craftsman sockets...well then its time to get some craftsman impact sockets.

 

I am not in any way bashing craftsman tools since I have a few thoussand dollars worth of them and I use craftsman tools since I am a mechanic, but I went with a friend to replace his craftsman ratchet, well, he got a new one without questions just like he was suposed to, the only problem is now he has an older looking ratchet with someone elses enitials on it. At least harbor freight doesn't do this. I had also asked a fellow mechanic about craftsman tools, he said he used to use them until he broke three of the same sockets back to back. But on the other hand, what other store can you buy a tool set to meet your needs that has every size socket, and goes on sale with a reliable warrenty? Yes snap-on wrenches are nicer since they are longer and thinner, but a 5/16" wrench for $25, come on!!!!!!! I got a set of craftsman wrenches from 3/16" to 1 1/8" on sale for $70. $70 from snap-on will buy you two or three small wrenches. At that price, I would have to take a whole years pay to buy a complete snap-on tool set, for what, to say I have snap-on tools? Also, I I break a tool that I need, I don't have to wait a week for the snap-on guy to come around. One other thing about snap-on is that most ratchets aren't quick release, which can get agrivating with oily hands.

 

The way I see it is like this. If I were a professional mechanic and used my tools day in and day out, I would get snap-on because higher quality lasts longer and your tool is your trade. I am not a professional and don't use my tools all that often. I've never even broken a tool that I can remember. Craftsman is my brand for hand tools.

I don't see why Snap-on doesn't slash their price in half and distibute their tools through a major outlet like sears, wal-mart, or k-mart. They would probably make a lot more money and broaden their market share by 50%.

 

Here's a thought...Why not mix em up. The tools you use most often ought to be high quality, even expensive, but exchangeable. Go with the less expensive for your least used tools. I'm an airplane mechanic ("Technician", I believe they call us these days) and have found that this idea has worked well for me. Also, be particular in what you buy. It's more important to have a few of the right tools, than to have a whole bunch of the wrong tools. Buying a large set might seem prudent, since they're usually on sale, but you may get a bunch of tools you won't use. Buy what you need, and build your set that way.

 

ive never broken them but they sure have broken my knuckles more than once.

and it has been my experience that if you break a tool more than once like say a 1/2" drive breaker bar then go find or buy a 3/4" drive and if you break 3 of the same socket well then if it is a 12 point go get a six point and if it is a normal chrome socket go get an impact socket.

using the right tool for the job will 9 out of 10 times save from breaking tools.

 

I was using this wrench today to tighten a nut, NOT loosen it, and I was just using hand pressure and not even a cheater bar. I bought this flare nut wrench since I did not have a 16/18 mm. flarenut wrench in my set for those wierd cars, like my wife's GM.

Good thing I was pulling it so my knuckles would not hit if I slipped. Having the wrench break was not at the top of my list for possible things that could go wrong.

Because this cheap wrench broke, among other things, we had to take a taxi to pick up the kids ($15) and it made my wife late for work ($$). I had to use a crescent wrench to finish. Real pain. It would have been cheaper if I had just bought a good Snap-On or something like it instead of the Autozone "Great Neck" tool.

 

I once read on the Kobalt web site that Kobalt was an arm of Snap-on. Seems like they took that note off.

I have read this thread/argument on every motorsport/car/truck/bike forum.

We used alot of Wright tools when I worked at GE Aerospace.

I have noticed at a fellow racer's shop. -- the seasoned guys have mostly Snap-On -- the new guys have mostly Craftsman. The Snap-0n boxes hold up better. One pro had this to say...if its a tool he uses every day Snap-on or Mac, something once a year..the cheapest he can find.

I dont think a DYI cant beat Craftsman for the bulk of his tools. Craftsman is very popular for all the above replys' reasons. Snop-on stuff is great, but don't buy $nap-on if you don't need them -- I think there is a snob appeal otherwise.

 

I have that same style wrench made by craftsman. Trying to work on my 66 stang, it flexed enough to slip the nut inside but not enough to break! If I really needed a flare nut wrench for some serious torque I would go snap-on for that.

 

Kobalt tools used to be to be made by snapon. I have a toolbox full of them and craftsmans. However, about a year ago, lowe's tools got "redesigned" and all the 'new' kobalt tools look like cheap walmart knockoffs. Needless to say, I like my 'old' kobalt tools; however, I won't be buying any more kobalts.

I've bought a lot of craftsman wrenches, they are inexpensive, have a lifetime warrantly, and I have yet to break one. All my sockets are 6 point, they are stronger and don't round bolts off as easy.

I also like the quality from S&Ks. However, they are a little more expensive, and I haven't figured out if they are worth it or not. I have a S&K torque, which works like a champ.

 

To answer your question regarding S&K tools being worth the money. Simply Yes!
My Grandfather bought S&K Tools Back in the 1940's And I am using these tools today.
Shade tree mechanics? Hardly, He used them to work on cranes back then and I'm Using them on 30 ton Hydraulic presses today. I have not had to replace any of these sockets or wrenches yet. Even After using an eight foot long cheater bar on them and yes I did bend the 2" Sqare tubing 1/4" wall.
LETS SEE SNAP ON Do That!!!!!!!!

 

Kobalt is still made by snap-on, more specifically a minor tool manufacturer that Snap-on purchased in the last year, specifically to make less expensive tools under the Kobalt name.

I break whatever I buy.... sears, husky, and kobalt, so I just buy whatever I need when I'm at whichever store I'm at, taking advantage of their lifetime free replacement policy. All three stores have that policy, which is good for guys like me

My vast collection of hand tools is really a combination of each. I tend to buy Kobalt ratchets because the handles are a little larger in diameter than the other brands, and I find them easier to grip. But, my hands dont' work so well anymore so I appreciate minor little things like this. In fact, when using a breaker bar, I wear gloves, and wrap my left hand/glove in duct tape around the breaker bar.

The joy of carpal tunnel, and refusal to have surgury.

 

in reference to the s&k tools the ones from the forties may be good but having those tools in my box while working for the army i have broken several of their sockets their ratchets fail all the time and the wrenches bend easily. like most other companies their tool standards went way down at some point and havent gone back up yet but they are still very proud of them and price them to show it.

 

The first series of kobalt tools were made by snapon, these were the ones that Lowes were almost giving away about 6 months to a year ago. The new kobalt are made by allen, which are pretty good tools for the money.

Ryan