In the hands of an airframer any brand name tool is fragile. I've broken more than my fair share of Snap-On tools.
If a Snap-On truck would stop in my driveway one evening each week I'd probably buy from them. Snap-On won't do that. They won't put their products in a store near my house either. If they did I'd have more Snap-On tools than Craftsman.
I've had Snap-On and Craftsman in the same toolbox while working as a forklift mechanic. I see no advantage to the high priced tools from Snap-On, but as has been mentioned, I can go to a Sears and replace a tool, no sweat.
A few months ago, I had to replace a 6", 1/2" drive extension and my 1/2" drive, 1" socket, both from Craftsman. I happened to be in Grand Junction, CO with the wife doing some shopping at Wal-Mart so we swung by the Sears ( yes, it's the closest one to Moab.). The socket was 30 years old and the extension a mere 27 years old and they replaced them without question. They honored their life-time warranty.
The advantage is that Snap On very rarely breaks. You folks seem to think that a tool failure is okay as long as you can get it replaced. A tool failure can cause injury at times more sever than a skinned knuckle.
Look again at the age of those tools, Roy. I've also got a cold chisel, and a large hammer that my step-dad left me bought from Sears that are older than I am and a "dogbone" multiple box end wrench. The chisel has been reforged and tempered 4 times since I've owned it and it still cuts like new. The hammer head has gone thru 4 handles and was lost for three years in the factory and I caught a set-up man at the muffler factory pulling on the dogbone with a four foot cheater and it hasn't broken.
I made my living for ten years repairing forklifts and factory machinery with Craftsman tools, most of which I still have. The tool that are gone were sold to pay off some debts from a divorce, or I would still have them.
Guess what, Roy, I've seen many Snap-On tools break under load and I have a close friend that calls them "Snap-Off Tools" and refuses to buy them because they break. They're not perfect.
Ya want a pefect tool? Grab a rock, they're free and the warranty's good anywhere in the world.
Yep, and I've had friends that had Snap-On refuse to honor a warranty claims on broken tools.
I agree with you. Junk tools are dangerous. That's why I have Craftsman tools. I'm not saying that Craftsman is the best quality tool, I'm saying Craftsman is the best quality tool available to me.
My pension is enough to cover my bills but it's not enough to maintain my lifestyle. I have some home repairs to finish then I'm going to get serious about another job. I had a water line break in my upstairs bathroom and it did quite a bit of damage. I've been looking at job openings but I want to get my house in order before starting somewhere full time.
I've been going back and forth over this for some time. We spent the entire morning going over expenses. My pension will be adaquate but my wife is 10 years younger so medical insurance becomes a issue. Living here in MA is a expensive deal. Been looking hard at Fla. as I have a brother/siter in law there. Seems I could sell this house and buy one the same size and put about 150K in my pocket. Already found I'd save about1K on auto and homeowners insurance. now to get some figures on tax's and the like. One phone calll to my organized sister in law should provide the rest of the info. Now to get my wife a job teaching there.
Water damage is a bitch but repairable Drywall and Kilz or Bin
Careful how much you make. Mine put's alimit on it.
Your choice, of course. Just, please, don't slam the tools that thousands buy because they can't afford or don't like the ones you like.
Then you're one of a few, from my experience. I've got one Snap-On flat blade 1/4" X 8" screwdriver. It's dull, it slips out and the hardening wore off many years ago and won't stay sharp any more. I use it for a light duty pry.
Good.
So why pay so much for imperfection?
Roy,
I'm not in the habit of lying and my friends consider me to be too honest for my own good, for what it's worth.
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