Mac vs. Snap-on tools
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 414
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From: Kingman, Ks
Mac vs. Snap-on tools
What is your guy's opinion on these two brands of tools? If you were to invest several thousand dollar's worth for a good set of tools to use as a mechanic which one would it be? I want your honest opinion and experience with them and main reason why you would pick one over the other. Thanks.
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,953
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From: NY and VA
Ditto scrapeyard. I've got both Mac and Snap-on. Like the "feel" a little better with S-On. Also have a lot of Craftsman (some for 40 years). Like most brands it's impossible to get parts for my 35 yr old Snap-on air ratchet, air chisel and impact. Check out craigslist sometimes you can find bargains in tool boxes and tools.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Kingman, Ks
I know that Snap-on has a reputation for being good tools and a lot of people swear by them but they are just so darned expensive. You wonder why their tools cost so much compared to Craftsmen, they are basically the same tool except I've heard that Snap-on seems to be able to get rounded off bolts off that the Craftsman created, and that they feel better and are lighter. I was first thinking of getting Craftsman but then I decided since I will be using them for a profession that I would step up to the Snap-on and now I trying to find an excuse to get Mac tools because they are less expensive but still are supposed to be good.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 626
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From: Rome, GA
I have about 3500.00 in Snap-on and MAC with a few Matco mixed in. You can carry every bit of it in a 20" box. Now if I had been smart and invested in Craftsman. I would have a serious tool set for the 3500.00 I have invested in this small pile. You can get a huge set from Craftsman for that price. The equivilant set from Snap-on or MAC would be well over 20G.
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
If I had to choose between Mac and Snap On, I'd pick Snap On every time. I'll tell you why. Snap On tools feel more refined. The screwdriver handles fit the palm of my hand better. Ratchet handles are finished, rather than knurled like the Mac ones. If you're gonna pay top dollar for tools, you might as well get the best.
Now, there are times when I buy Mac tools. If Snap On doesn't have what I'm looking for, I'll get a Mac. If I need a tool NOW, and the Mac guy shows up, I'll get a Mac. If one of my Mac tools breaks, I get it replaced with a Mac. I just don't like the way their ratchets and screwdrivers feel.
Now, there are times when I buy Mac tools. If Snap On doesn't have what I'm looking for, I'll get a Mac. If I need a tool NOW, and the Mac guy shows up, I'll get a Mac. If one of my Mac tools breaks, I get it replaced with a Mac. I just don't like the way their ratchets and screwdrivers feel.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 194
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From: North Dakota
Mac ratchets and wrenches are not as good as Snap On I have had both or used both. As far as airtools Mac runs IR on the more expensive ones and CP on the cheaper ones. Both are okay. I am not sure who makes Snap On air tools but I am really happy with them with the exception of my XT 7100 1/2 impact. Mac has really dropped there prices compared to Snap On. If my first 3 Mac reps were not dinks I would probably have more but I run mainly Snap On and SK. Toolboxes the Mac rep even told me Snap On makes a better box with more selection. Just my thoughts take them with a grain of salt.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Kingman, Ks
I think that I will probably buy the main tools, (ratchets, sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.) snap-on and then less used tools mac, and then some that are just outrageously expensive in Snap-on and Mac I will buy Craftsman, like 3/4 drive socket set. Snap-on charges $2800 for the set and Craftsman is $400. I will be getting these for college and will receive about a 50% student discount on them so it won't be too bad. I will probably have close to $10,000 of snap-on tools but will only be about $5000 will discount so not to bad. Not to mention I will be working internship during college making about $5000 total the first year so I will have them almost paid off after the first year.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 626
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From: Rome, GA
I know some top knotch mechanics that dont have the first Snap-on or MAC tool in their box. Then I know some so-called mechanics that I wouldnt let work on my lawn mower much less my vehicle and they sport 30,000.00 Prof. tool sets. If you are just getting started and about to go to school, save your money. Go to Sears and spend 500-600 bucks and get everything you will need for school. Then build a little along as you go. Dont get caught up in that trap of having to make payments to the Snap-on or MAC dealer every week. Your tool set will not make you a good mechanic. Get your knowledge and experience. Then if you want this expensive tool set you are in a lot better position to get it. I can just about garantee that you will not come out of school making anywhere near what you will be making in 10 years. Very few people start out at the top. Shop wisely.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 282
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From: Quad Cities, Iowa
bhardy501 is right.
Buying "Professional" tools from a Franchised guy with a truck is very expensive. A huge interest rate is built into the purchase price. The tools are undoubtedly very good. However, are they that good. Military mechanics work on BILLION dollar systems and use industrial versions of PROTO. Craftsman has the same lifetime warranty that Snap and Mac have. The one time a ratchet broke, I drove to sears and they gave me a new one. I was once a tool snob, then I bought a "serviceable" tool instead of the best. My thought was, I can buy five for the price of one. Sad to say... That first one is still working just fine.
Buy "Servicable" tools with lifetime warranties. Put the money you saved in CDs so you can't touch it. Down the road, it will be the downpayment on a house. Meanwhile, the fancy tool guys will be living at home or renting...
Just a thought...
Buying "Professional" tools from a Franchised guy with a truck is very expensive. A huge interest rate is built into the purchase price. The tools are undoubtedly very good. However, are they that good. Military mechanics work on BILLION dollar systems and use industrial versions of PROTO. Craftsman has the same lifetime warranty that Snap and Mac have. The one time a ratchet broke, I drove to sears and they gave me a new one. I was once a tool snob, then I bought a "serviceable" tool instead of the best. My thought was, I can buy five for the price of one. Sad to say... That first one is still working just fine.
Buy "Servicable" tools with lifetime warranties. Put the money you saved in CDs so you can't touch it. Down the road, it will be the downpayment on a house. Meanwhile, the fancy tool guys will be living at home or renting...
Just a thought...
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Kingman, Ks
You do make some very good points. But I get a 50% discount at the beginning of school on Snap-on, Mac, and Matco tools but not Craftsman. And the tool requirement for the college is huge. I added up a set of Craftsman tools from the list and it was going to cost about $4000 including tool box. Now I set from Snap-on will be about $10,000 including tool box, with the discount it will be about $5000. So the way I see it, it would probably be worth my money to just get the Snap-on tools.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 194
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From: North Dakota
Buy as many tools as you can if you are getting the student discount. If you do not you will regret it. Even if you do not want to be a mechanic afterwards you will make money if you decide to sell them.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 414
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From: Kingman, Ks
I plan on buying every tool I need plus tools that I might need on down the road when I buy them. Because at a 50% off price, you will probably never see that price again and will regret it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,139
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From: Maine
I think with a 50% discount, you'd be better off with the Snap On tools. I have a lot of Craftsman and a lot of Snap On. (Mac and Matco don't service this area.) Craftsman prices are much cheaper but their tools are not as good. Plus for me, I have to drive an hour 1 way to get to Sears where as the Snap On truck comes every week. I think Snap On tools feel better in my hands than the Craftsman do. You'll pay more but they seem to be better. Craftsman's best box is not as good as Snap On's worst. My 2 cents.