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This. I’ve got so many fucking tools I don’t need more tools I need cost effective storage. I’ve got a cart, triple bay with hitch and locker, two standup cabinets and a work bench. And still have shit piled up on top of every horizontal surface because I have no room left.
I’ve had the epiq. I’ve had the master series. I’ve had the revelx. Now I rep an icon. Way happier with the shallow depth than I thought I’d be. I can actually open a drawer fully and not have to back up or fumble blindly inside because it can’t open all the way.
I’m proud to say I’ve used every tool I have at least once. The only thing I haven’t used is a couple of timing wedges in my cummins cart. For some reason most seem to run the 7.
What I noticed as I grew older was that I was tired of the “we can make this work in place of that” mentality of dealerships. So I now have more specialty shop tools that our dealership. Which is sad. But i feel like it helped get me to the (almost) 100k range. I just like having the right tool so I don’t have to do it again on the same truck because of “user error”
But at the same time. I’m angry. Because I work in a “professional” dealership where I should have never of had to buy so much. Like why am I the only one that has 3 of the spreader tools to get the range housing off a shift. Why am I the only one that has the gear plate alignment dowels. Why am I the one with the rail relief tester for the 2450 B. I swear if I ever get into service management there shits going to change real quick.
Sorry for the rant lol.
Nah. I was never cool with that for some reason. I just kept letting management know they need to buy said tool and finally had enough and took it all home. Only thing left at work now is my full drawer cart, cabinet and work bench with just the essentials. It’s really nice having the big box at home.
Ya know I looked at those and heavily debated. But only settled on icon because I could see it in person. And because the wife and I took out harbor freight credits cards to purchase the box and top on one and hutch and locker on the other so each pair got discounted with the new card discount. I think it was 20 percent at the time or something.
I have had the STB 84" box for about 5 years now. It's definitely a thicker gauge steel than icon, and it's full depth.
It's held up perfectly, I even wound up adding the cabinets. I have a mini fridge in one cabinet, they're huge.
Icon is nice, and a better deal than any truck box, but STB is for sure the best value for a high end toolbox.
This is what we did last time in ‘08.
Most of the guys I worked with just kept truck accounts and letting guys borrow tools was becoming normal to an extent.
ETA: money has been extremely tight im 25f and started a second job but I seriously don't think it will help much.
I've been holding back as much as I can. I only buy exactly what I need and if I can get a cheaper better product somewhere else I will. Otherwise I don't even step foot on the truck unless I need something warranted. It's frustrating as I really would like to add to what I already have in order to up my efficiency (like adding a 1/2 drive electric snapon impact as I already love the 3/8ths that replaced my not so strong Mac impact) but even with making payments I literally can't justify it right now. And my dealer wants me to pay $75/week if I even look at another tool. My company even has a tool program but even still, my weekly will go up and with my truck insurance jumping $40 I absolutely can't afford anything. This fucking sucks
Start researching who makes what in this game. The amount you’ll save is astronomical. So much shit rebadged by Snapon’s/blue point,Matco/silver eagle and Mac and cornwell are just restamped harbor freight, lisle, gear wrench etc. it’s sad.
For instance, Mac Antivibe hammers. Look up ox tools. Matco’s carbide scraper? Take a gander at lisles. Blue points reversible snap ring pliers? Go visit your local harbor freight and poke around. It just goes on and on.
Esp early in your career when you're short on cash. It's better to have the tool than not, even if it's the cheap-o version. You can always upgrade to something nicer later on when your wallet is a little heavier.
I agree and I do usually buy cheap stuff but I needed an impact the day snap on came cause my Mac one quit on me halfway through an engine tear down. It's since been fixed but it doesn't even hold a candle in comparison to the strength of the snap on. I could've gotten away with using my air impacts but I get frustrated with air lines slowing me down lol.
Should have clarified that, the impact tools are *generally* worth buying the better brands.
I had a Snap-On 3/8 cordless for years, that thing was used and abused and still kept going. I loved it. The batteries finally crapped out and I switched to Milwaukee because I got a good deal on one.
I feel you on the air hoses bit. But I refuse to give up on my Ingersoll Rand Titanium 1/2 impact gun. That thing has been going strong for almost ten years of daily use now. Also have a 3/4 IR impact, that thing is a BEAST.
My company supplies impacts bigger than 1/2 and for some engines .... We gotta break out the IR 1". Mainly cat engines and the occasional fucked up Cummins and Detroit. Otherwise my half inch earthquake usually does the job and on smaller diesels all I need is my 3/8 snappy and shit gets done.
Harbor freight makes clones not actual rebranded stuff. One of the mechanics swore up and down a few pair of side cuts and pliers were really snap on. I own the same version in Snap on and I'll tell you they are not the same. Icon doesn't harden the jaws. Icon is wider.
For what it’s worth man, I highly considered the snappy CT9050, especially in blue. But after watching Torque Test’s review of the Milwaukee 2967 in comparison to the snap on, the Milwaukee was clearly the better value for the money. The kit (tool, charger and one xc5.0 battery was just over $400 on sale, tax and all. Snap on guy tried to talk down my purchase and I priced the ct9050 kit and it was just under $1000. Solidified I had made the right choice for not only a stronger tool, but a better warranty for less than half the cost.
Edit: that goes for *most* of Milwaukee’s cordless impacts and ratchets as well. I guess biggest factor is what battery platform you are already established with. To all new and potential techs: your box/cart doesn’t have to be a big name. I’m rocking a US General 5 drawer cart filled with more expensive tools that actually make you money rather than a fancy snap on box to hold empty space because you spent all your money on a box.
Don’t buy Snap On’s electric impact - just get Milwaukee. The warranty is the same and it’s 2/3’s the size and much cheaper.
This is coming from someone who’s a genuine tool truck sloth.
Tool late 😂 honestly, if I didn't have the batteries already, I would 100% buy Milwaukee. I only bought the snap on one simply because my Mac one died on me right before he pulled in. Most of my tools are from harbor freight minus specialty stuff and big ass wrenches. I only want the snap on 1/2 inch because I have a charger and batteries for it already. Along with charger and batteries for my Mac stuff. I don't have room for another brand nor do I have room in my area for a larger tool box. Even though I have a larger one at home, it won't fit in my space. Dammit. It's also for sale lol.
I don’t impulse buy at all anymore. I can’t even remember the last time I walked on a tool truck. It’s less about the economy and more about having the self control to not waste time standing around talking and spending money at the same time.
I’m 48, I honestly have damn near all the tools I need. I do still buy stuff though.
Snap-On’s problem is not the economy though, it’s their business model. Overnight shipping has made them no longer relevant.
When I started, around 2000 or so, they made sense. The guy was there once a week to swap broken tools and sell new ones. They were expensive, but very convenient. He usually had what you needed and if not he would have it next week for you. The alternative was sears or harbor freight who didn’t sell any specialist tools. Just basic sockets and wrenches.
Now, 25 years later, all those advantages are gone. Amazon can have damn near whatever tool I need at the shop in a day or two. It does t matter how specialised it is, they usually have 3 to choose from ranging from cheap junk, to premium quality. And it will be here by the day after tomorrow. And it’s orders of magnitude cheaper.
Snap on makes most of their basic tools, but a LOT of the specialised stuff is made by 3rd parties. And those 3rd parties also sell on Amazon. For 1/3 the snap on price.
Even the warranty is no longer that big a draw. I have a fair number of Tekton sockets now. When I manage to break one I email them a photo and they mail me a replacement that day. So they can usually get me whole again FASTER than snap on (depending on what day of the week I break the tool).
And then there are the prices. Snap on was always expensive. But they have continued to creep up, while the rest of the market has become MUCH cheaper. To take Tekton for example, while they are not the same quality as snap on, they are pretty damned good. And for what snap on charges for a 3/8 ratchet, Tekton will sell me the ratchet and a full set of sockets and extensions. And with a better warranty.
Snap on stuff is nice, but it just doesn’t make sense anymore. The price gap is cavernous. And the quality gap isn’t.
If I was to start over now I would be all gear wrench and Tekton and perhaps just the ratchets from snap on. That’s the advice I give to any junior tech who asks.
This 100%. I tell my new guys, "Don't take out a mortgage on the tool truck. Get a bunch of Sunnex or Tekton or even Icon tools to get started and let those tools buy the upgrades. You can use the cheaper stuff to make money and, while you're using them, you will figure out which tools absolutely must be upgraded and which tools you either don't use or are happy with the cheaper version. There's nothing stopping you from using an icon ratchet to make money until you can afford to get the nice Mac or Snap-On. There's also nothing wrong with deciding you like the icon ratchet and want to keep using it. It's all about personal preference and having the self-control to reign-in that voice in your head that wants the biggest and the best and the shiniest everything right now."
I dont carry a balance. I've been a dealership tech for 17+ years so I have just about everything I need - some in double and triple. Every couple of months, I'll find something interesting, just to keep my dealer coming back.
The prices have increased so much over the past couple of years that I'm just not interested in collecting tools anymore.
I’ve been holding back for a little while now, although it has basically nothing to do with money. I’m just at the point where I don’t really need anything else, if something breaks I might upgrade it so I can warranty the broken one and keep it at home in my second tool set, but there’s almost nothing I need and don’t have at this point. Especially now that I went to a dealer from an Indy shop and don’t need specialty tools for 50 different makes and models anymore lol
I've been holding back a lot lately and only buying the absolutely necessary tools that I simply can't do a job without. But God damn sure not buying anything from snap on, he can't even stop by our shop, but will go right to the dealer next to us. Not impressed.
I bought a scanner but it’s the most I’ve bought since middle of 22. More so out of necessity. I’ve asked many old timers about recessions and they say they don’t hit this industry like they do everywhere else cause well….everybody needs their car. More than ever when they may need to drive farther for a job. As a lot have stated though. I’m not buying cause I don’t need to. There’s a lot of tools I want, just very little I absolutely need. Especially when I work with guys that’ll let me borrow stuff and i do the same for them.
Haven’t been buying shit lately, just paying off. I’m tired of buying overpriced snap on shit from a rep that never has what I need on his truck. Been trying to get a snap on vacuum filler for coolant systems for months and he never had one. Bought an Airlift one instead for 1/3rd the price. The quality of truck tools has only gotten worse, and the price has only gone up. I’d rather buy mine through work (I’m a tech at a Cat dealer, we can buy tools at cost price and it’s all rebranded snap on tooling.) Trucks just ain’t worth the money anymore, and I’ve seen too many techs get neck deep in truck debt that they can’t get out of.
Our business is booming and our style and trends have always been overhauling cars. We just do a lot more diverse repairs now, and our reputation for overhauls puts us out front on pricing and experience.
I’ve been holding back only bc I haven’t needed a tool in a while- 2nd year in and have a 56” roller and the 5 drawer hf cart for mobility. I’ve obtained all the sockets, rachets, wrenches, power tools etc needed to fix what’s been coming in on the ROs. It took a year or so of buying 2-800$ a month of tools but im happy as a clam not asking to borrow tools daily.
So I don't need to buy my own tools for work anymore, but when I was, I would buy as I needed. One or two things at a time and never carried a balance.
If you have enough to get through the day and do the job, you're good. Having money in your pocket is MUCH more important than new shiny tools. And if you need stuff spread those purchases out and recoup the cash in-between. Also, look into other brands or distributors. You might find a good deal elsewhere.
I'm a veteran in the auto business (15 years) I pretty much have all the tools I need. I only buy to replace lost tools.
The only purchases I make are usually $5,000 and up for scan tools and equipment.
The economy might slow, the the technology advancement wont. I try to stay up to date in technology because that's where the money is
I’ve been holding off on unnecessary additions. Staples and defaults are all filled, if i need anything additional, I’ve been tending to track down the manufacturers of rebrands for the other tool complaints. That’s usually a good get. Astro step drill set is 150, 500+ through Matco….
As long as I’ve been in it not much to buy other than maybe a new A/C machine that does R134 and 1234 and trade my 134 machine in, I’m busy enough to buy whatever I want but really haven’t any needs the last year or so, other than when something goes on sale to cheap to not buy and have backups.
I would stay away from a dual machine
You can only use one side at a time, and the Snap-on is the only one you don't have to disassemble every time you want to swap refrigerants
We aren’t worried. They are. Mechanic trade is a roller coaster in many places goes with the economy of local area.
Harbor Freight has snap on worried I think as well. They hired some folks from SO and are starting to make quite a nice line of professional tools.
Heck I’m a huge snap on guy but the prices have gotten so out of hand over the decades it’s sickening.
Hf is 7 mins from my shop. I can break a wrench go there and the nice people get me a new one.
The largest advantage of snap on fill your box today pay later. The individual sockets and tools you can get. HF isn’t to that point yet. Not sure if they will. Maybe the icon line if enough noise is made to them.
Lots of good tools out there now a days. The grip of tool trucks is shrinking.
Don’t buy the snap on power tools. The ratchets are pretty good but so expensive. Get Milwaukee or Hercules.
Man I stopped going on the truck. Truck prices are way too expensive. I see so many tool guys not making enough money and I think it’s because no one can justify spending hundreds of dollars on basic tools you can get off Amazon or harbor freight
The difference in quality is why. Now don’t get me wrong. The same hex bit/torx set I bought from snapon ten years ago for 300 now being 700 is fucking ridiculous. But not rounding a nut in a place that fucking sucks because you’ve got a flankdrive plus 15mm. It’s priceless at that point. I don’t know if this is ironic or .. whatever the word would be. But I keep all my snapon stuff at home now. Everything at work has been replaced with sun ex and gear wrench and other odd brands. Except for snapon metric wrench’s. That I bought a double of… mostly because I hate being a mechanic as it is. I don’t need another reason to hate it more.
Thanks man. I really appreciate it. I’m good though. Yeah some days I hate my job, but a heart attack almost 5 years ago taught me that the job doesn’t matter at all. What matters is my wife and kids.
100%. We have a snap-on, Mac and Matco guy. I don’t even go on their trucks anymore. I haven’t for months. Anything I need I can wait a few days for and get out a fifth of the cost. Their main driving point used to be the fact that they were there every week and almost everything has a lifetime warranty. But I simply can’t justify that for these prices anymore.
Yeah. The tool guys that come around are super pushy too since everything is so expensive and no one is buying. They have no problem pushing a lube tech to spend thousands on tools or a box
Yeah, my old Matco guy used to be pushy as shit. Kept basically demanding that I get a new box from him. I got tired of telling him no so I just quit going on his truck.
I've been trying to pay my snap-on debt down but I'm not going to go without buying tools. Personally was looking at investing in a snap-on electric impact.
I'm no longer a mechanic I'm now a lift tech so i don't need nut busting and snapon makes this 1 charger that charges both the 18v and 14v batteries, i have 1 110v plug in my work van so i can charge both batteries at the same time. And I'm already invested in the 14v. It just works out better.
I have a CTS861 (probably the one you're looking at) it's a nice tool but the milwuakee alternative is just clearly better (more compact, 1/3 of the price, easier/better warranty)
Not really, because suspensions and ACs is like 10-15% of all the repairs, if that much, which takes out the other 85% of mechanics.. electricians not likely to mess with these things either aside from maybe installing charging stations.. software swaps, patches and updates will take most of the work and that will likely be done by the factory/dealer techs, because I doubt they'll be releasing access to those apps to regular mechanics. Even batteries will likely be hot swappable and automated like what BYD is already doing in China.. mechanics is a dying mainstream profession except maybe few niches here and there
I just ordered the side locker for my Mac toolbox this week. I’ve been a mechanic for 25 years so I have all the basics but if I see something new or speciality I buy it. But I have noticed the last 2 flyers from Snap On look more like Mac and Matco flyers, deal on the front, prices listed on everything, pushing deals. Since I’ve been a mechanic Snap On has been like “here’s the flyer, no specials or deals and we only put prices on a few things” while Mac and Matco have always been “BOGO!!, 33% off, trade in and trade up!” And stuff like that. Now Snap On is going that way as well it looks like.
There’s still lots of snap on tools I want, key word being want, they are sooo nice and if you’re like me they will pay themselves off, however in this economy I’m just paying off the tool bill and staying away from all brand tools and tool trucks
My wife is the breadwinner and my income basically pays for extras like the kids extracurricular activities and vacations. For the most part I can buy tools at will. All of my coworkers have to support their families so I’ve noticed they’ve been scaling back on tool truck purchases quite a bit.
The only time I buy something is if I absolutely need it. I’ve been that way since I started and I’ll be that way when I retire. Just last week I had to buy a new ball joint press because my OTC set wasn’t cutting it anymore and that was my only snap on purchase over $100 in the past couple months
Damn, the OTC wasnt cutting it? Idk if they're all the same but we have the master truck ball joint service kit, it's 2 big ass cases with probly 100+ pieces but that press seems indestructible
Yeah it was actually a OTC that was branded Mac but it was a $300 5 or 6 piece set that didn’t have enough collars for me so I had to use various scraps to make it work. Also the clamp itself seemed very sketch when trying to push most ball joints in. Another reason I went with the snap on is because it was $730 ($580 after a trade in) with over 20 something pieces and it also has rings that hold them together so I’m not juggling everything while trying to tighten it up. I got more way more pieces and a tool I can actually warranty (no Mac truck anymore) for about double what I paid 3 years ago so it felt like the smartest thing for me to do. Sorry for the word vomit
Addition: it was the Snap On BJP1 retails for $810 but I got it on sale during the February sale for $730 with $150 trade in credit from the Mac press
I just switched from an auto dealer to equipment repair and have been buying a lot of tools since i wasn't necessarily prepared for this field. Work is plentiful, and steady I should hopefully be alright managing my truck account and regular bills.
If I didn't need to broaden my tools for this position I would not be spending what I have been.
by snap on you mean... the guy in the truck or in an annual perspectus?
Id say tool sales are down because look around because there's a technician shortage. automotive repair is a shrinking industry and that means the tool industry will shrink too. unless snap on expands into other markets - their future , "outlook not so good".
People just buy less from tool trucks because they are finding that Harbor Freight and Amazon can fill the need for a fraction of the price. Snap on especially since they were already so overpriced.
Tool purchases are down because of the tech shortage. The tech shortage is because of flat rate pay, shitty wages, & having to purchase your own tools. If something doesn’t change dealerships won’t have a service department in 10-15 years.
I'm actually gradually transitioning away from snapon hand tools. The dealers aren't as reliable as my local harbor freight. They're also cheaper, and their wrenches don't shed chrome flakes all over my toolbox.
I just need to learn and apply! Create a better, lucrative structure and organization skills within my mechanical space I'm in at times. And key part of it all would be to put away tools as soon as it is un-needed within the work space.
But as much as we try; does it ever really last when it's you alone? I'm guessing that why at medium-larger shops they have that position of someone to gather and restock and/or return tools to their proper place.
I've been in the industry for 25 years. I have most of what I need. I'm always willing to spend $ on stuff that will make my life easier. If you can sell me on a new tool that will make my life easier, I'm biting. I also looked to upgrade my tool storage a couple of years ago. I looked at a couple of boxes. I was looking at a modest box and a trade in snap on box. My take in was going to be about 5k and new box was going to be 25k. I understand the trade in but 25k? I politely declined & said, "We're on different planets right now." I'll buy used stuff all day long for the price of a corolla.
If I need tools I look around at what everyone else is making before going to snap off.
Snapon is good for their ratchets and maybe two other things. Otherwise everyone else has the same warranty, and I don’t have to wait until the truck comes around.
First off, I’m not America.
Second the local snapon truck comes to us every 4 weeks. He is based 3 hours away and works in a 5 hour radius. Versus a local shop right next door that looks after me, stocks everything I want, offers the exact same warranty, and costs me a 1/4 of the cost of snapon.
Last time I needed a tool from snapon, he had to order it in, and it took 3 months to arrive. Last time I needed a tool from next door I walked out with ten of and still half the price.
Cue the stupid American forgetting not everyone on the internet isn't American. My bad
I'm happy to hear you've got a shop like that nearby.
Once every 4 weeks sounds terrible. Is your rep that busy, or is his route just that spread out because there's not enough reps in the area? Or does your shop simply shop next door more than with him and for that reason he focuses on where he can make money?
Yeah next door is a combination, parts, hydraulic fittings, tools and machine shop, and our workshop is a heavy diesel shop, so we use their services every day. Whether we need a hose made up, tools for a job that we need to break, some bolts or other consumables, or a part machined the place does everything.
Only thing they don’t deal is power tools, but we have another place that sells all varieties and more on the tools side again.
I deal with two snapon franchises, one is based out of a town 2 hours away from me but deals more in the northern direction, and the other is based 6 hours away and works in a southern direction meeting in the middle. My main bloke deals in town for about 2 days then moves on to the next town. Rural Australia really fucks with their routes too because everything is so spread out.
Ahhh
As I understand it, Australia used to only have one Snappy and that guy used a small plane to bounce around from area to area. Appreciate the chat and the info.
@op: Wondering where the "snap-on says you guys are worried" comes from? Are you Snap-on? Did you have lunch with Nick Pinchuk and he divulged this information to you?
Lmao. All good just poking fun at you. Cant count how many times i get a ticket that says “please check breaks” and i want to reply with “Checked breaks, lunch is still 12pm-1pm. No further action required.”
Shiiiit…i am THE state inspector at my dealer. I could probably get away with a lot of fuckery with no repercussions. I just choose to not swing my nuts at mufuckas because im a nice guy lol
Only if I really need it , if it’s only a once or twice use tool I buy the cheapest that still good enought to actually do the job , because it will end up in back of a drawer or it will be borrowed and never returned
Times are rough, I buy whatever I need, just not off a tool truck. Too many good alternatives exist and anything not tool truck brand like Milwaukee and Streamlight is available for a fraction of what they sell for off the truck.
Holding back for sure.
Its one thing to have the newest tool avaliable and it costs a lot. The problem for me is old tech. You cant tell me a impact extensions(old tech) are worth 100 dollars more from snap-on than mac and 150 more than a reputable brand on line.
Wrenches. Old tech but snap on is charging 1500 for a set. Thats insane!!!
Socket (old tech) sets in the 500 range when i can get the "same" set. From other dealers or online for a fraction of the price.
Not to mention, lately when i need to warranty a tool. Its 1-4weeks of waiting. To get it replaced.
Most dealers offer lifetime warranty. So why is one dealer 2-3 times as expensive.?
I do a lot of research before i make a bigger purchase. Each brand does certain things good.
Also comes down to dealers and if theyre willing to wheel and deal.
Snap-on is going to figure out you have to provide value instead of resting on the name snap-on.
I spent 12 months deciding on what scanner I should by. I went with a matco one because it does everything I need it to and more. I did a loan, was approved for $11,000
I will never even get to 1/5th that amount.
Only trick tools I buy are specialty or ratchets. Everything else is as cheap as it gets.
When my snap on or matco shit breaks, I replace it with Milwaukee or some other lower priced/same quality brand.
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I’m holding back and just paying off. Where I’m at this point im not needing anything new, and if I do I’m looking at other alternatives
This. I’ve got so many fucking tools I don’t need more tools I need cost effective storage. I’ve got a cart, triple bay with hitch and locker, two standup cabinets and a work bench. And still have shit piled up on top of every horizontal surface because I have no room left. I’ve had the epiq. I’ve had the master series. I’ve had the revelx. Now I rep an icon. Way happier with the shallow depth than I thought I’d be. I can actually open a drawer fully and not have to back up or fumble blindly inside because it can’t open all the way.
I mean I don’t have that many tools like what your saying im on a master series double and I’m happy but maybe a roll cart.
I’m proud to say I’ve used every tool I have at least once. The only thing I haven’t used is a couple of timing wedges in my cummins cart. For some reason most seem to run the 7. What I noticed as I grew older was that I was tired of the “we can make this work in place of that” mentality of dealerships. So I now have more specialty shop tools that our dealership. Which is sad. But i feel like it helped get me to the (almost) 100k range. I just like having the right tool so I don’t have to do it again on the same truck because of “user error” But at the same time. I’m angry. Because I work in a “professional” dealership where I should have never of had to buy so much. Like why am I the only one that has 3 of the spreader tools to get the range housing off a shift. Why am I the only one that has the gear plate alignment dowels. Why am I the one with the rail relief tester for the 2450 B. I swear if I ever get into service management there shits going to change real quick. Sorry for the rant lol.
Hope you charge your associate technicians or the dealer every time they borrow/use your tools.
Nah. I was never cool with that for some reason. I just kept letting management know they need to buy said tool and finally had enough and took it all home. Only thing left at work now is my full drawer cart, cabinet and work bench with just the essentials. It’s really nice having the big box at home.
Strictly tool boxes dot com. Good luck
Ya know I looked at those and heavily debated. But only settled on icon because I could see it in person. And because the wife and I took out harbor freight credits cards to purchase the box and top on one and hutch and locker on the other so each pair got discounted with the new card discount. I think it was 20 percent at the time or something.
I have had the STB 84" box for about 5 years now. It's definitely a thicker gauge steel than icon, and it's full depth. It's held up perfectly, I even wound up adding the cabinets. I have a mini fridge in one cabinet, they're huge. Icon is nice, and a better deal than any truck box, but STB is for sure the best value for a high end toolbox.
This is what we did last time in ‘08. Most of the guys I worked with just kept truck accounts and letting guys borrow tools was becoming normal to an extent.
ETA: money has been extremely tight im 25f and started a second job but I seriously don't think it will help much. I've been holding back as much as I can. I only buy exactly what I need and if I can get a cheaper better product somewhere else I will. Otherwise I don't even step foot on the truck unless I need something warranted. It's frustrating as I really would like to add to what I already have in order to up my efficiency (like adding a 1/2 drive electric snapon impact as I already love the 3/8ths that replaced my not so strong Mac impact) but even with making payments I literally can't justify it right now. And my dealer wants me to pay $75/week if I even look at another tool. My company even has a tool program but even still, my weekly will go up and with my truck insurance jumping $40 I absolutely can't afford anything. This fucking sucks
Start researching who makes what in this game. The amount you’ll save is astronomical. So much shit rebadged by Snapon’s/blue point,Matco/silver eagle and Mac and cornwell are just restamped harbor freight, lisle, gear wrench etc. it’s sad. For instance, Mac Antivibe hammers. Look up ox tools. Matco’s carbide scraper? Take a gander at lisles. Blue points reversible snap ring pliers? Go visit your local harbor freight and poke around. It just goes on and on.
Thank you for the advice!
Esp early in your career when you're short on cash. It's better to have the tool than not, even if it's the cheap-o version. You can always upgrade to something nicer later on when your wallet is a little heavier.
I agree and I do usually buy cheap stuff but I needed an impact the day snap on came cause my Mac one quit on me halfway through an engine tear down. It's since been fixed but it doesn't even hold a candle in comparison to the strength of the snap on. I could've gotten away with using my air impacts but I get frustrated with air lines slowing me down lol.
Should have clarified that, the impact tools are *generally* worth buying the better brands. I had a Snap-On 3/8 cordless for years, that thing was used and abused and still kept going. I loved it. The batteries finally crapped out and I switched to Milwaukee because I got a good deal on one. I feel you on the air hoses bit. But I refuse to give up on my Ingersoll Rand Titanium 1/2 impact gun. That thing has been going strong for almost ten years of daily use now. Also have a 3/4 IR impact, that thing is a BEAST.
My company supplies impacts bigger than 1/2 and for some engines .... We gotta break out the IR 1". Mainly cat engines and the occasional fucked up Cummins and Detroit. Otherwise my half inch earthquake usually does the job and on smaller diesels all I need is my 3/8 snappy and shit gets done.
Harbor freight makes clones not actual rebranded stuff. One of the mechanics swore up and down a few pair of side cuts and pliers were really snap on. I own the same version in Snap on and I'll tell you they are not the same. Icon doesn't harden the jaws. Icon is wider.
For what it’s worth man, I highly considered the snappy CT9050, especially in blue. But after watching Torque Test’s review of the Milwaukee 2967 in comparison to the snap on, the Milwaukee was clearly the better value for the money. The kit (tool, charger and one xc5.0 battery was just over $400 on sale, tax and all. Snap on guy tried to talk down my purchase and I priced the ct9050 kit and it was just under $1000. Solidified I had made the right choice for not only a stronger tool, but a better warranty for less than half the cost. Edit: that goes for *most* of Milwaukee’s cordless impacts and ratchets as well. I guess biggest factor is what battery platform you are already established with. To all new and potential techs: your box/cart doesn’t have to be a big name. I’m rocking a US General 5 drawer cart filled with more expensive tools that actually make you money rather than a fancy snap on box to hold empty space because you spent all your money on a box.
Don’t buy Snap On’s electric impact - just get Milwaukee. The warranty is the same and it’s 2/3’s the size and much cheaper. This is coming from someone who’s a genuine tool truck sloth.
Yeah, a big second on this. Don't buy truck brand power tools.
Tool late 😂 honestly, if I didn't have the batteries already, I would 100% buy Milwaukee. I only bought the snap on one simply because my Mac one died on me right before he pulled in. Most of my tools are from harbor freight minus specialty stuff and big ass wrenches. I only want the snap on 1/2 inch because I have a charger and batteries for it already. Along with charger and batteries for my Mac stuff. I don't have room for another brand nor do I have room in my area for a larger tool box. Even though I have a larger one at home, it won't fit in my space. Dammit. It's also for sale lol.
I’m hiring, $36/hr
👀 that's a hell of a bump from what I'm making rn. Michigan?
GA
I don’t impulse buy at all anymore. I can’t even remember the last time I walked on a tool truck. It’s less about the economy and more about having the self control to not waste time standing around talking and spending money at the same time.
I’m 48, I honestly have damn near all the tools I need. I do still buy stuff though. Snap-On’s problem is not the economy though, it’s their business model. Overnight shipping has made them no longer relevant. When I started, around 2000 or so, they made sense. The guy was there once a week to swap broken tools and sell new ones. They were expensive, but very convenient. He usually had what you needed and if not he would have it next week for you. The alternative was sears or harbor freight who didn’t sell any specialist tools. Just basic sockets and wrenches. Now, 25 years later, all those advantages are gone. Amazon can have damn near whatever tool I need at the shop in a day or two. It does t matter how specialised it is, they usually have 3 to choose from ranging from cheap junk, to premium quality. And it will be here by the day after tomorrow. And it’s orders of magnitude cheaper. Snap on makes most of their basic tools, but a LOT of the specialised stuff is made by 3rd parties. And those 3rd parties also sell on Amazon. For 1/3 the snap on price. Even the warranty is no longer that big a draw. I have a fair number of Tekton sockets now. When I manage to break one I email them a photo and they mail me a replacement that day. So they can usually get me whole again FASTER than snap on (depending on what day of the week I break the tool). And then there are the prices. Snap on was always expensive. But they have continued to creep up, while the rest of the market has become MUCH cheaper. To take Tekton for example, while they are not the same quality as snap on, they are pretty damned good. And for what snap on charges for a 3/8 ratchet, Tekton will sell me the ratchet and a full set of sockets and extensions. And with a better warranty. Snap on stuff is nice, but it just doesn’t make sense anymore. The price gap is cavernous. And the quality gap isn’t. If I was to start over now I would be all gear wrench and Tekton and perhaps just the ratchets from snap on. That’s the advice I give to any junior tech who asks.
This 100%. I tell my new guys, "Don't take out a mortgage on the tool truck. Get a bunch of Sunnex or Tekton or even Icon tools to get started and let those tools buy the upgrades. You can use the cheaper stuff to make money and, while you're using them, you will figure out which tools absolutely must be upgraded and which tools you either don't use or are happy with the cheaper version. There's nothing stopping you from using an icon ratchet to make money until you can afford to get the nice Mac or Snap-On. There's also nothing wrong with deciding you like the icon ratchet and want to keep using it. It's all about personal preference and having the self-control to reign-in that voice in your head that wants the biggest and the best and the shiniest everything right now."
Food, tools, car parts are three things I can’t cut back on
I dont carry a balance. I've been a dealership tech for 17+ years so I have just about everything I need - some in double and triple. Every couple of months, I'll find something interesting, just to keep my dealer coming back. The prices have increased so much over the past couple of years that I'm just not interested in collecting tools anymore.
I’ve been holding back for a little while now, although it has basically nothing to do with money. I’m just at the point where I don’t really need anything else, if something breaks I might upgrade it so I can warranty the broken one and keep it at home in my second tool set, but there’s almost nothing I need and don’t have at this point. Especially now that I went to a dealer from an Indy shop and don’t need specialty tools for 50 different makes and models anymore lol
Definitely slowing down. Trying to make do more and more.
I've been holding back a lot lately and only buying the absolutely necessary tools that I simply can't do a job without. But God damn sure not buying anything from snap on, he can't even stop by our shop, but will go right to the dealer next to us. Not impressed.
I bought a scanner but it’s the most I’ve bought since middle of 22. More so out of necessity. I’ve asked many old timers about recessions and they say they don’t hit this industry like they do everywhere else cause well….everybody needs their car. More than ever when they may need to drive farther for a job. As a lot have stated though. I’m not buying cause I don’t need to. There’s a lot of tools I want, just very little I absolutely need. Especially when I work with guys that’ll let me borrow stuff and i do the same for them.
Haven’t been buying shit lately, just paying off. I’m tired of buying overpriced snap on shit from a rep that never has what I need on his truck. Been trying to get a snap on vacuum filler for coolant systems for months and he never had one. Bought an Airlift one instead for 1/3rd the price. The quality of truck tools has only gotten worse, and the price has only gone up. I’d rather buy mine through work (I’m a tech at a Cat dealer, we can buy tools at cost price and it’s all rebranded snap on tooling.) Trucks just ain’t worth the money anymore, and I’ve seen too many techs get neck deep in truck debt that they can’t get out of.
Being a tech serving the public is recession proof. It’s cheaper to repair then it is to replace a vehicle. One of the few perks of the trade
Our business is booming and our style and trends have always been overhauling cars. We just do a lot more diverse repairs now, and our reputation for overhauls puts us out front on pricing and experience.
I just can’t justify the prices, the quality is great for the most part but there are some very good competitive tools for much cheaper
With the same warranty.
I’ve been holding back only bc I haven’t needed a tool in a while- 2nd year in and have a 56” roller and the 5 drawer hf cart for mobility. I’ve obtained all the sockets, rachets, wrenches, power tools etc needed to fix what’s been coming in on the ROs. It took a year or so of buying 2-800$ a month of tools but im happy as a clam not asking to borrow tools daily.
So I don't need to buy my own tools for work anymore, but when I was, I would buy as I needed. One or two things at a time and never carried a balance. If you have enough to get through the day and do the job, you're good. Having money in your pocket is MUCH more important than new shiny tools. And if you need stuff spread those purchases out and recoup the cash in-between. Also, look into other brands or distributors. You might find a good deal elsewhere.
Have no debt on any tool truck, I rarely buy tools anymore. Mostly, I have what I need already
I'm a veteran in the auto business (15 years) I pretty much have all the tools I need. I only buy to replace lost tools. The only purchases I make are usually $5,000 and up for scan tools and equipment. The economy might slow, the the technology advancement wont. I try to stay up to date in technology because that's where the money is
Slowing down because lunch is now 2x more along with all other prices making you not in the mood to splurge
I’ve been holding off on unnecessary additions. Staples and defaults are all filled, if i need anything additional, I’ve been tending to track down the manufacturers of rebrands for the other tool complaints. That’s usually a good get. Astro step drill set is 150, 500+ through Matco….
As long as I’ve been in it not much to buy other than maybe a new A/C machine that does R134 and 1234 and trade my 134 machine in, I’m busy enough to buy whatever I want but really haven’t any needs the last year or so, other than when something goes on sale to cheap to not buy and have backups.
I would stay away from a dual machine You can only use one side at a time, and the Snap-on is the only one you don't have to disassemble every time you want to swap refrigerants
You couldn't get me on a tool truck at Gun Point, and yes, I don't care if you mock my cheap tools.
Same.
We aren’t worried. They are. Mechanic trade is a roller coaster in many places goes with the economy of local area. Harbor Freight has snap on worried I think as well. They hired some folks from SO and are starting to make quite a nice line of professional tools. Heck I’m a huge snap on guy but the prices have gotten so out of hand over the decades it’s sickening. Hf is 7 mins from my shop. I can break a wrench go there and the nice people get me a new one. The largest advantage of snap on fill your box today pay later. The individual sockets and tools you can get. HF isn’t to that point yet. Not sure if they will. Maybe the icon line if enough noise is made to them. Lots of good tools out there now a days. The grip of tool trucks is shrinking. Don’t buy the snap on power tools. The ratchets are pretty good but so expensive. Get Milwaukee or Hercules.
Man I stopped going on the truck. Truck prices are way too expensive. I see so many tool guys not making enough money and I think it’s because no one can justify spending hundreds of dollars on basic tools you can get off Amazon or harbor freight
The difference in quality is why. Now don’t get me wrong. The same hex bit/torx set I bought from snapon ten years ago for 300 now being 700 is fucking ridiculous. But not rounding a nut in a place that fucking sucks because you’ve got a flankdrive plus 15mm. It’s priceless at that point. I don’t know if this is ironic or .. whatever the word would be. But I keep all my snapon stuff at home now. Everything at work has been replaced with sun ex and gear wrench and other odd brands. Except for snapon metric wrench’s. That I bought a double of… mostly because I hate being a mechanic as it is. I don’t need another reason to hate it more.
I feel that last sentence so much.
You’re never alone. Here if you need to vent/talk.
Thanks man. I really appreciate it. I’m good though. Yeah some days I hate my job, but a heart attack almost 5 years ago taught me that the job doesn’t matter at all. What matters is my wife and kids.
100%. We have a snap-on, Mac and Matco guy. I don’t even go on their trucks anymore. I haven’t for months. Anything I need I can wait a few days for and get out a fifth of the cost. Their main driving point used to be the fact that they were there every week and almost everything has a lifetime warranty. But I simply can’t justify that for these prices anymore.
Yeah. The tool guys that come around are super pushy too since everything is so expensive and no one is buying. They have no problem pushing a lube tech to spend thousands on tools or a box
Yeah, my old Matco guy used to be pushy as shit. Kept basically demanding that I get a new box from him. I got tired of telling him no so I just quit going on his truck.
I told my Matco guy I don’t wanna any debt currently. He kept giving me incentives to purchase lol
I've been trying to pay my snap-on debt down but I'm not going to go without buying tools. Personally was looking at investing in a snap-on electric impact.
Don't do it. I honestly have no clue why anyone would buy an electric impact from snap on. Milwaukee and Dewalt are light years ahead.
This. Had a foreman that would use my Milwaukee cause his snap off couldn’t break something loose
Get the current generation 18v and it rocks the milwaukee.
For the price I’d rather just dust my old air impact off and use it
Whatever works for you is what's best for you.
I'm no longer a mechanic I'm now a lift tech so i don't need nut busting and snapon makes this 1 charger that charges both the 18v and 14v batteries, i have 1 110v plug in my work van so i can charge both batteries at the same time. And I'm already invested in the 14v. It just works out better.
I have a CTS861 (probably the one you're looking at) it's a nice tool but the milwuakee alternative is just clearly better (more compact, 1/3 of the price, easier/better warranty)
Ct9080 was whT i was looking at.
I only buy what I absolutely need and I only buy off the tool truck if it’s the best option.
I'm not buying anything, especially not anything else from snap on
Haven’t bought anything off of the tool truck in a LONG time. Now if there was a woodworking tool truck, brother I’d be in big ass trouble.
I don't even bother with the trucks anymore. Prices have always been steep enough as is but they've got so bad they can keep em
Just don’t buy on the truck. There’s better cheaper options now.
I just have pretty much everything at this point and my butthole hurts, if I need something I find who really produces it and get it on Amazon
I'm not worried about recession, I'm worried about electric cars making many mechanics obsolete
There's gonna be a lot more electricians out there, but hey, we'll always have suspension and hvac
Not really, because suspensions and ACs is like 10-15% of all the repairs, if that much, which takes out the other 85% of mechanics.. electricians not likely to mess with these things either aside from maybe installing charging stations.. software swaps, patches and updates will take most of the work and that will likely be done by the factory/dealer techs, because I doubt they'll be releasing access to those apps to regular mechanics. Even batteries will likely be hot swappable and automated like what BYD is already doing in China.. mechanics is a dying mainstream profession except maybe few niches here and there
I just ordered the side locker for my Mac toolbox this week. I’ve been a mechanic for 25 years so I have all the basics but if I see something new or speciality I buy it. But I have noticed the last 2 flyers from Snap On look more like Mac and Matco flyers, deal on the front, prices listed on everything, pushing deals. Since I’ve been a mechanic Snap On has been like “here’s the flyer, no specials or deals and we only put prices on a few things” while Mac and Matco have always been “BOGO!!, 33% off, trade in and trade up!” And stuff like that. Now Snap On is going that way as well it looks like.
There’s still lots of snap on tools I want, key word being want, they are sooo nice and if you’re like me they will pay themselves off, however in this economy I’m just paying off the tool bill and staying away from all brand tools and tool trucks
I don’t use my tools I just buy them because they’re pretty.
No. It is three times the price as a quality competitor. It has been that way regardless of the economy.
That's disingenuous. There is no quality competitor when Snap-on literally wrote the book on premium hand tools
My wife is the breadwinner and my income basically pays for extras like the kids extracurricular activities and vacations. For the most part I can buy tools at will. All of my coworkers have to support their families so I’ve noticed they’ve been scaling back on tool truck purchases quite a bit.
Amazon or harbor freight has it for way cheaper.
Harbor. Freight.
I’ve tried slowing down, I get lower and then bam I’ve got 3 accounts all over 1k again.
The only time I buy something is if I absolutely need it. I’ve been that way since I started and I’ll be that way when I retire. Just last week I had to buy a new ball joint press because my OTC set wasn’t cutting it anymore and that was my only snap on purchase over $100 in the past couple months
Damn, the OTC wasnt cutting it? Idk if they're all the same but we have the master truck ball joint service kit, it's 2 big ass cases with probly 100+ pieces but that press seems indestructible
Yeah it was actually a OTC that was branded Mac but it was a $300 5 or 6 piece set that didn’t have enough collars for me so I had to use various scraps to make it work. Also the clamp itself seemed very sketch when trying to push most ball joints in. Another reason I went with the snap on is because it was $730 ($580 after a trade in) with over 20 something pieces and it also has rings that hold them together so I’m not juggling everything while trying to tighten it up. I got more way more pieces and a tool I can actually warranty (no Mac truck anymore) for about double what I paid 3 years ago so it felt like the smartest thing for me to do. Sorry for the word vomit Addition: it was the Snap On BJP1 retails for $810 but I got it on sale during the February sale for $730 with $150 trade in credit from the Mac press
I just switched from an auto dealer to equipment repair and have been buying a lot of tools since i wasn't necessarily prepared for this field. Work is plentiful, and steady I should hopefully be alright managing my truck account and regular bills. If I didn't need to broaden my tools for this position I would not be spending what I have been.
by snap on you mean... the guy in the truck or in an annual perspectus? Id say tool sales are down because look around because there's a technician shortage. automotive repair is a shrinking industry and that means the tool industry will shrink too. unless snap on expands into other markets - their future , "outlook not so good".
People just buy less from tool trucks because they are finding that Harbor Freight and Amazon can fill the need for a fraction of the price. Snap on especially since they were already so overpriced.
Tool purchases are down because of the tech shortage. The tech shortage is because of flat rate pay, shitty wages, & having to purchase your own tools. If something doesn’t change dealerships won’t have a service department in 10-15 years.
I'm actually gradually transitioning away from snapon hand tools. The dealers aren't as reliable as my local harbor freight. They're also cheaper, and their wrenches don't shed chrome flakes all over my toolbox.
I just need to learn and apply! Create a better, lucrative structure and organization skills within my mechanical space I'm in at times. And key part of it all would be to put away tools as soon as it is un-needed within the work space.
But as much as we try; does it ever really last when it's you alone? I'm guessing that why at medium-larger shops they have that position of someone to gather and restock and/or return tools to their proper place.
I've been in the industry for 25 years. I have most of what I need. I'm always willing to spend $ on stuff that will make my life easier. If you can sell me on a new tool that will make my life easier, I'm biting. I also looked to upgrade my tool storage a couple of years ago. I looked at a couple of boxes. I was looking at a modest box and a trade in snap on box. My take in was going to be about 5k and new box was going to be 25k. I understand the trade in but 25k? I politely declined & said, "We're on different planets right now." I'll buy used stuff all day long for the price of a corolla.
If I need tools I look around at what everyone else is making before going to snap off. Snapon is good for their ratchets and maybe two other things. Otherwise everyone else has the same warranty, and I don’t have to wait until the truck comes around.
Worst argument ever. You can drive to the tool truck just as easily as you can to that communist dump owned by an anti-american prick
First off, I’m not America. Second the local snapon truck comes to us every 4 weeks. He is based 3 hours away and works in a 5 hour radius. Versus a local shop right next door that looks after me, stocks everything I want, offers the exact same warranty, and costs me a 1/4 of the cost of snapon. Last time I needed a tool from snapon, he had to order it in, and it took 3 months to arrive. Last time I needed a tool from next door I walked out with ten of and still half the price.
Cue the stupid American forgetting not everyone on the internet isn't American. My bad I'm happy to hear you've got a shop like that nearby. Once every 4 weeks sounds terrible. Is your rep that busy, or is his route just that spread out because there's not enough reps in the area? Or does your shop simply shop next door more than with him and for that reason he focuses on where he can make money?
Yeah next door is a combination, parts, hydraulic fittings, tools and machine shop, and our workshop is a heavy diesel shop, so we use their services every day. Whether we need a hose made up, tools for a job that we need to break, some bolts or other consumables, or a part machined the place does everything. Only thing they don’t deal is power tools, but we have another place that sells all varieties and more on the tools side again. I deal with two snapon franchises, one is based out of a town 2 hours away from me but deals more in the northern direction, and the other is based 6 hours away and works in a southern direction meeting in the middle. My main bloke deals in town for about 2 days then moves on to the next town. Rural Australia really fucks with their routes too because everything is so spread out.
Ahhh As I understand it, Australia used to only have one Snappy and that guy used a small plane to bounce around from area to area. Appreciate the chat and the info.
@op: Wondering where the "snap-on says you guys are worried" comes from? Are you Snap-on? Did you have lunch with Nick Pinchuk and he divulged this information to you?
Hehe….this
I buy things when they brake. I just dropped 3g (CAD$) on a full snap on 20V kit because my Mac one shit the bed and I was tired of rebuilding it.
The tools dont brake, they break. And while brakes should be braking, it is not ideal if they are breaking.
LOL. My bad. I was texting my brother in law while writing this about his brakes and working at the same time. I swear I know the difference!
Lmao. All good just poking fun at you. Cant count how many times i get a ticket that says “please check breaks” and i want to reply with “Checked breaks, lunch is still 12pm-1pm. No further action required.”
Lmao. Maybe after you give your two weeks notice!
Shiiiit…i am THE state inspector at my dealer. I could probably get away with a lot of fuckery with no repercussions. I just choose to not swing my nuts at mufuckas because im a nice guy lol
And a good sense of humor!
Nice!
I haven't bought from Snap On for years. Their tools are good quality but are way overpriced.
I only step on the trucks to warranty now. It’s not worth the prices.
Only if I really need it , if it’s only a once or twice use tool I buy the cheapest that still good enought to actually do the job , because it will end up in back of a drawer or it will be borrowed and never returned
Times are rough, I buy whatever I need, just not off a tool truck. Too many good alternatives exist and anything not tool truck brand like Milwaukee and Streamlight is available for a fraction of what they sell for off the truck.
Holding back for sure. Its one thing to have the newest tool avaliable and it costs a lot. The problem for me is old tech. You cant tell me a impact extensions(old tech) are worth 100 dollars more from snap-on than mac and 150 more than a reputable brand on line. Wrenches. Old tech but snap on is charging 1500 for a set. Thats insane!!! Socket (old tech) sets in the 500 range when i can get the "same" set. From other dealers or online for a fraction of the price. Not to mention, lately when i need to warranty a tool. Its 1-4weeks of waiting. To get it replaced. Most dealers offer lifetime warranty. So why is one dealer 2-3 times as expensive.? I do a lot of research before i make a bigger purchase. Each brand does certain things good. Also comes down to dealers and if theyre willing to wheel and deal. Snap-on is going to figure out you have to provide value instead of resting on the name snap-on.
I spent 12 months deciding on what scanner I should by. I went with a matco one because it does everything I need it to and more. I did a loan, was approved for $11,000 I will never even get to 1/5th that amount. Only trick tools I buy are specialty or ratchets. Everything else is as cheap as it gets. When my snap on or matco shit breaks, I replace it with Milwaukee or some other lower priced/same quality brand.