Wrench brands Quality

[Twoblackmarks...]

About 5 years ago maybe I bought a set of MAC-tools Wrenches, Knuckle-Savers. Thinking that it should be really good tools.

They worked, but they were very soft, and actually not what I expected, soft! in the open end..

Example:
Say wen you need to turn a steering arm to adjust toe-in, you usually need to use the open end. There the MAC wrenches always opened-up or slipped if it was somewhat stuck.

But with Snap-On Flank Drive they just bite in! And REALLY grip, on the Snap-On wrenches you can actually use the open end!

I thought MAC-Tools was sort of almost Snap-On-ish quality? Was I wrong?

I have some other MAC tools that is nice, but not their wrenches. Unless they have other quality standards in Europe? Its expensive here!

And yes, the open end on any wrench is usually soft and unusable on heavy stuff, unless its really big sizes.
Except SnapOns though! I have had a lot of Stahlwille, Hazet, and other good tools, but SnapOn is really the King of Wrenches, except they are very wide. Stahlwille are very slim and nice there on the other hand.

[BMR Sales]

Never been a Fan of MAC Tools - they are owned by Stanley and both come from the same Plant

[Rick D]

Ive got both Snapon and Mac opened wrenchs. The Snapons are about 25 years old and look beat up, the Mac are about 20 years old and look brand new? The reason is the Mac are junk so I never grab one, I don't even keep them in my regular box their in the house in my basement shop.

[Wissing72]

Never been a Fan of MAC Tools - they are owned by Stanley and both come from the same Plant

Yep!! I have Snap-On for most of my tools. I started buying them as an apprentice to replace the Craftsman tools that I started with. I have some Mac wrenches at home and they work fine, but not on the job. Always had issues with the quality.

[Twoblackmarks...]

Ah, I actually thought it was high end, before owning it myself.. I have started to gradually change all I can over to Snap-On, but it is expensive, so takes some time :D

I have an Macsimizer tool box, and thats nice, their pliers are rebranded Channel Lock, atleast those I have, some nice screwdrivers too. But stopped buying Mac.. And yes, their Sockets! Their sockets were awful! I have some regular Hazet 6-point sockets that I use as "air-sockets" And I bet they never fail. The Macs were made of gum wrapper, in comparison.. :P

And I like to buy just polished tools, because it looks so good :D

[Revved]

There are some things that you can buy on a second or third tier brand because the Snap On products are just rebadged and over priced but when It comes to hand tools there is no substitute... Wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screw drivers... all of mine are Snap On for a reason.

[BMR Sales]

I have found really good Deals on Snap-On at Pawn Shops.

[nicks67ca]

I have found really good Deals on Snap-On at Pawn Shops.

Yes! I have too! I got a 3/8" curved handle flex head snap on for under $40 in perfect shape. In 2009 / 2010 the pawn shops were loaded with quality tools.

[Ppd1979]

Without a doubt flank drive snap on wrenches, the best hands down.
Switched all my wrenches over after I got a job in a shop.

[snappytravis]

Nice thread guys, I don't know if many of you know I was a Snap On Franchisee for 8 years. I agree they are the best obviously, not only because I sold them. I use them as well. Yes they are spendy and a person needs to look at them as somewhat of a investment. Like one of the members stated if you don't like the wrenches you don't use them. So it's a waste of money.
I had customers wine about the price, but never the quality. They snap on dealers have weekly specials. That is the time to buy.. I also watch ebay as well. Plus they are American made!

[WSSix]

I've never had a problem with Husky tools. I've used plenty of SnapOn and Blue Point tools as well. Husky is easy for me to get at Home Depot.

[Black93GT]

Like one of the members stated if you don't like the wrenches you don't use them. So it's a waste of money.

Exactly. My grandfather had a saying of "I'm too poor to buy a cheap coat". I make purchases with that in mind. I'd much rather spend more up front... nothing pisses me off more than breaking tools and having to buy the same thing over.

I leave an emergency box with a decent set of el cheapos in my truck. Have them just in case, but not the good one just in case they get stolen.

[GregWeld]

I'm a Snap-On guy all the way -- and frankly -- it was a thing for me that I always viewed them as a good investment in my hobby. I won't even buy the Blue-Point tools from them - got burned there a couple times with junk. When I wanted to outfit the rig -- I thought -- I'll just put in all the odd ball and off brand (anything that isn't Snap-On) in that box since I don't use it much. That lasted about a weekend... it's mostly filled with Snap-On now. Once you use their stuff the other just isn't up to the job.

I agree though -- I won't buy and pay for their rebranded products. Some of it is Lisle...Might as well only pay the Lisle price...

Having said all that -- I have two Mac tool boxes - a Snap-On and a Craftsman or two... and I like the Macsimizer tool boxes. With Snap-On they make various "qualities" of boxes and you have to be careful there. Some of it is real crap.

I have a Snap-On Classic in the rig and it's a nice box.

[Bigdog130]

SK tools are back in production in the U.S. of A ..... I picked up a set and I am very happy with the quality .

Ken

[Shmoov69]

Where can you get the SK's at as I have a couple broken sockets of old.

[Revved]

I know this sounds funny but if you want another example of the quality... Drop a Snap On wrench and hear it ring... Drop another brand wrench and hear the clunk, clank, or thud.

It's like fine crystal......

[pist0lpete]

I totally agree that snap on are high quality tools. However, similar or better quality can be had in other brands for cheaper if you are willing to look/research. For example I would put my made in the USA thorsen wrenches up against snap on at half the cost. I can't get them exchanged at the snap on truck but as a hobbiest I can do a little legwork to replace a broken wrench to save $300.(haven't broken any in 5 years of ownership)

[BigJoe]

wrenches and anything that ratchets i buy snap on. for sockets i have mostly snap on but i have random matco and craftsman stuff still hanging out.

I like a lot of matco's stuff for pliers, allen bits, etc. But at the end of the day its funny cuz we just had this conversation at a friends shop, snap on rules the ratchets and wrench department.

[CamarosRus]

I have plenty of $$$$ SNAP-ON bought off EBAY, Craigs List..........never a thing from a dealer.

I recently bought a couple of 84 tooth GEARWRENCH ratchets and their
mid length 6pt 3/8 drive sockets. Real nice good quality, nice cosmetic
finish tools.

I buy from Tooltopia.com