Fanboys, Fans & Anti-Fanboys: Is exuberance & benefit-of-the-doubt bad? Snap On vs Milwaukee vs Icon

[@olbaid84]

I generally don't consider a person a fanboy unless they're blind to the flaws to the company/tools. Being a fan of a company isn't always a bad thing, ideally it's earned brand loyalty by providing good products at good value consistently. Like street cred or reputation...it helps people make more of a snap judgement without having to overly scrutinize vs an unknown. Another aspect is what is the fan/fanboy exposing as a trait and how accurate it is, and how it compares to the rest of the market.

[@ceefromdasco]

I like Milwaukee but I cringe when I see someone with Milwaukee everything including hand tools and tool box. It’s like cmon man, don’t you know anything else?

[@googledunce9872]

red good

[@harrystanley9921]

Yeah the power tools are great and some of their hand tool are alright but others suck

[@daifeichu]

If it makes them happy then why do you care?

[@randysmith9636]

Why, if a person has a preference for a particular brand, especially a brand that has a history of quality products why would they feel the need to change?

[@chrxx4327]

​@@randysmith9636because Milwaukee doesn't make the best at everything and when you walk around looking like a human bill board for a company it's cringe.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

I’m definitely a Knipex, Wiha, PB Swiss, Benchmade, and Snap-on® fanboy, though I have many other tools I love too. I think you nailed the progression: satisfied customer -> fan -> fanboy -> collector. To me, a fan is someone who has been so satisfied with a brand that they have developed a preference for that brand within a scope of type or uses. A fanboy has had such good experience, perhaps excitement from the brand that they become advocates. A collector takes that enthusiasm further, wanting to have all of something - a brand, a series, a period, a color, etc… Maybe the last step in the progression is Expert Collector, where they develop brand specific deep knowledge of brand history, progression of their tools, how they were made, who owned them, etc…

[@michaellindsay8934]

I'm a Craftsman fan boy as long as its USA made simply because of nostalgia, I grew up going to Sears and I would head right back to the tool department. I got excited when they built the plant in Texas. But now at 69 yearys old I'm a HFT fan boy I guess. I don't need the most expensive stuff I'm not trying to impress anyone, just trying to get the job done. I am a tool collector I buy old tools and clean them up. There's nothing wrong with being a fan boy its their money. It's just the ones that can't see the other side.

[@heritagejonery3879]

Any non objective view or opinion of anything isn't really worth very much, it's one of the main reasons your channel is so good. You are clearly a huge fan of many brands but will always point out the floors, areas that can be improved etc for every tool you speak about. So not a bias fan boy of individual brands more juat of quality tools.

[@lastbesttool]

I appreciate that. Thanks.

[@FunkFPV]

I recorded a video today on a Craftsman tool and talked about nostalgia of that brand for me. 😁 Milwaukee and Snap-On are 100% the top fan-boy brands. In my opinion some people buy brands because they think it portrays an elevated status. When you say something negative about that brand you are threatening the status they paid for. I think haters are in part a result of the fan-boys. As someone who has a gained a respectable following being a hater. I can tell you nothing is more entertaining then watching a fan boy get mad 😜

[@lastbesttool]

I’m with ya! Snap On has branded themselves with the identity of the tool owner so what did they expect when competitors challenge their tools but are really attacking the identity of their owners. Powerful medicine at work on both sides. Only self confidence and a justified sense of purpose can overcome fanboydom. Milwaukee on the other hand is a mystery. It’s comparable would be Dewalt and I’ve never met a serious Dewalt fanboy. Have you?

[@coulombicdistortion1814]

Buying tools to use is one thing. Buying merch, gimmicky promotional items, or going into debt just for a different name, is another.

[@TylerSnyder305]

I'll buy pins and tin signs from American tool manufacturers that I love and will definitely put decals on my box , but that's where it stops for me.

[@likearc]

People just want a one-size-fits-all approach, when in reality things are always changing. In other words, people want to say that a brand is always good or bad and not have to look into it. Less thinking i guess.

[@LaunchOnWarning]

I tend to subscribe to the idea of being most critical of the ones I love. Be it tools, cars, or even family. Critical in the constructive form of high expectations. It’s fine to be a fan just as long as you shoot it straight when the tool falls short. I think Doc does a solid job of practicing this concept.

[@mountaindweller4514]

A fanboy is somebody who defends and always buys a certain brand even if its an inferior product. Like people buying expensive pb swiss ratchet screwdrivers which have huge backdrag compared to other cheaper alternatives (like, whats even the point of having a ratchet mechanism then?). PB swiss fixed screwdrivers also have thicker shafts than others (e.g. wera) which prevents them fitting into tight spaces and people also complain they're over-hardened. Not saying PB swiss is bad, they do make some great tools such as their bit holders and I love their grips, but some of their stuff is not up to par considering the price. Now some people like the neat aesthetics of having a single brand because all the tools match in color and shape. I on the other hand love the aesthetic of mixing and matching all kinds of brands. I like having a tool which looks different from others and works just the right way for the job at hand. I also like when you can see the tools have been used and not just sitting on a shelf in pristine condition. The best feeling is when you reach out for that cheap, old, worn, discontinued tool which still works so much better for the job than some very expensive offering from PB swiss, knipex etc. I just try and buy the best tool. The only place I only buy the same brand, even if its an inferior product, is powertools, cause I don't want to deal with multiple batteries and charger brands or adapters. I do wish the companies would be forced to settle on a single standard, but it is what it is.

[@scotts4125]

I bought the red PB Swiss ratchet screwdriver. I messed up thinking it had bit storage. It sits on my desk in a tool cup. I then bought the insider. Meh. That one sits in a tool bag in my trunk. My goto screwdriver is the Hazet 810R-4 nothing comes close. Zero backdrag and you can use it long or short with great bit storage. That one also basically retired my Wera to garage duty.

[@mountaindweller4514]

@@scotts4125 Yep, the Hazet is much superior in backdrag. You can argue the PB Swiss is better in other ways, but the point of a ratchet screwdriver is the ratcheting, if it has high backdrag then who cares about it having no play or a great finish? Why not just get a nice bitholder instead? With a high backdrag ratchet screwdriver you'll only be able to get a couple of turns out of it before you have to switch it to locking mode and use it as a standard screwdriver. It's annoying to fiddle around with and I don't think you save any time.

[@Bass4LifeBro]

I’m a big fan of Craftsman, Carlyle, Dewalt, and Husky. Use them daily and have been for about 15 years and never any problems apart from my missing 10mm’s. 😭

[@ironfistleadfoot336]

The new craftsman stuff is honestly super nice and very similar to mac and proto. *Cough* I wonder why. Carlyle is nice, but some of there stuff is a bit pricy

[@forteandblues]

lol, my favorite screwdriver is my trusty piquick multique. I’m a fanboy for certain products. Like if I buy a hammer it’s probably gonna be an estwing

[@hansangb]

I think Festool get the most amount of hate in the woodworking side of the house. They are the Snap-On of woodworking. I just fly under the radar by slumming it out with DeWalt. :) But I am an unabashed Wera and Woodpecker tools brand.

[@disco_falcon1895]

Not really in your usual realm but Festool in woodworking is another very polarizing brand.

[@fuloplehel]

Ok, I think I am a knipex fanboy, and wera fanboy. On the power tool side, I am using bosch,just for practical reasons. Bosch was available in Europe even when I was a kid. Hilti and Metabo were a little more expensive and when I started to work, Bosch was a good option and since then I was using their 12v and 18v platforms. But the things are different with knipex and wera, every time they release a new tool I'm ordering it. Like the new knipex stepcut xl. I already have more cable shears from knipex, but I still want the new one. Wera launched their new ratcheting screwdrivers, I already have both versions, but I don't really need them, the older ones are just fine. Same with my g-shock watches from casio. I have almost one of each releases of the mudmaster series. I'm a collector and a fanboy, but not the aggressive one. 👍👍👍

[@moseshancock3336]

I like craftsman tools, old Stanley tools,SK tools, this is what I grew up with I like any tool that gets the job done for me. I buy cheap tools I only use once while . I just like all tools fun toys to have fun with in your life. Just my opinion 🤷.

[@Chromed121]

Certain brands do specific tasks better than others. Milwaukee has a good power tool platform , Wera has quality screw Drivers and lots of compact multi tool options and Klein has you covered for electrical specific tools. Better to pick brands based on your needs than to stay true to one brand that lacks In areas .

[@doogoodminds8157]

I wouldn't say I'm a Fanboy.. But, I do appreciate useful tools! like that Icon bit set.. That's one of my most used tools!

[@DanielTAGyota]

I think people should be fanboys for companies that are deserving and honorable, the number one example for that is Toyota/Lexus. And it seems like almost anything made in Japan, at every turn the Japanese seem to do everything the best. It's their way of life I think anti fanboyism towards Snap On is justified based on their disgusting corporate greed and basically scamming people for a name brand - the Supreme of tools. Koken exists. People should value quality + value for money over an emotional/social attachment to a brand. As for Milwaukee I lean hard towards alternative options because there is that cult like - non informed consumer culture around it. So its DeWalt & Hercules for me

[@TwoTurtlesAndAWrench]

I consider myself a supporter of a handful of brands. But I'm also the most critical on these brands. If Icon makes a inferior product I don't care, but if Milwaukee, Snap-on, Wright, Knipex, or Mayhew makes one I get upset. I use to be a big advocate for Craftsman, SK, and Sunex, but with their moves to China I completely abandoned them.

[@randysmith9636]

Me, Snap On and Milwaukee fan boy. I have made good money with both products and they dont let me down. Also, Wrangler, Lucchese, Mopar, Leatherman, BGE, DR Pepper, we all have a preference. That preference stems from personal experience.

[@6atlantis]

About twenty years ago I started collecting Surefire lights, most lights I have are incandescent and powered by 123a lithium batteries as this was a time before L.E.D was widespread in the weapons/tactical light industry. I haven’t bought anything in fifteen years from surefire. Im told they make l.e.d conversion kits for some older lights, is that true? If they do are they bright? Because the one example of this I saw was pretty weak. Looking for a good conversion kit for surefire. Thanks

[@HammerNQuill]

My dad is a Snap-On, Wiha, Milwaukee guy... because their colors match. 🤨 I admire the two-tone collection he has, but mine looks like professional toys in every color imaginable.

[@gtcam723]

Exists in all the hobbies. Lol I mean, look at the pickup truck world. I have Surefire and I like them but my everyday is a Streamlight because it fit my purposes better. That said, guess what’s mounted to the ARs….. Ahh yes, Benchmade too. If only I could get a G10 gripped Griptilian with an Emerson wave to go with the axis lock.

[@hobbes3]

Have you tried Vessel ball-shaped screwdrivers?

[@lastbesttool]

Vessel Ratcheting Ball-head Stubby Screwdriver: This thing really delivers the options and size $16! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h16ZaKiAjZZmqtk

[@MyKnifeJourney]

Life is too short to envy or denigrate anyone's tools. No matter, they represent hours of work to afford or produce.

[@VeniVidiVid]

It’s all subjective, of course. The earlier term was “fan“. Fanboy is the pejorative version. My personal definition is: Both fans and fanboys may like a brand, but fanboys won’t acknowledge shortcomings in any product of that brand.

[@ericchase5421]

A low end Craftsman screwdriver which is belittled is the only example from the arguably world’s largest tool company. The Stanley works seems to produce the best or at least in the top three or so of, well every tool. Dont you think?

[@pieces94]

I’m a fanboy of tools in general, not so much a particular brand. I have every tool I could need but for some reason want more. How many #2 Phillips screwdrivers could you need? Sure for some things it looks like I’m a Snap On fanboy but in my opinion you can’t beat their ratchets, pliers it’s generally Knipex, screwdrivers Wera and the list goes on. I think the only time it’s a negative to be a fanboy is when you’re blind to other options just because of the brand.

[@Nermash]

Nothing wrong being a fanboy, your money your choice 😊

[@jb76489]

Being stupid is bad. Also fanboys are incapable of keeping it to themselves and so when a person who doesn’t know any better, the fanboy can’t help but give shitty advice, which is also bad

[@jasonstorie8740]

I’m an appliance service tech and tried Nebo products several times and each time I’m let down a little, mainly because of battery life on both the rechargeable and non rechargeable

[@Kenny-mg1ls]

With Craftsman I feel it's that they used to be top notch so alot of people liked there stuff so buy it nowadays hoping maybe they finally got back to that level...now I enjoy all brands but I certainly like to have the best of each different thing if I can aswell. Now milwaukee has a huge platform and are known to be the cream of the crop in power of battery tools but not everyone needs all that extra power thus come your haters because the price matches the quality which would roll into the snap-on which gets complicated but yes they too have the absolute best of certain things... no different than knipex in my opinion but ya I think it's the combo of pricing and quality that make butt's hurt I guess is all I'll say

[@jthatguys]

I think every tool brand, no matter how good, has at least one crappy tool (ok maybe not knipex). I think that’s where the fanboi’s show their colors, defending a tool that has shortcomings. I’m mostly talking performance but also, things way too expensive for what they are.

[@thomasvikoren3981]

Hi Doc, would you consider doing a video on self adjusting pliers. To the best of my knowledge I think you have not opined on the best ones yet. I mean pliers in the cobra pliers or channelock style rather than vice grips style but I suppose you could give your opinion of the best designed pliers in each category. I really enjoy your channel.

[@lastbesttool]

$16 Crescent Auto-Bite Pump Pliers: Half the action of Knipex and a quarter the price. Nice handles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lV6qm3WPoruHrrc

[@lastbesttool]

Knipex SmartGrip Cobra Pliers 8501250. Convenience and Speed when a Cobra isn't fast enough. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKK9l3-crJqAgLM

[@lastbesttool]

Knipex QuickSet Cobra 8721250 Pliers: One hand operation mostly. Why not skip the button altogether? kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2HXd2WXgbOmp6c

[@saucyg6371]

Only things i’m a fanboy of or for is Knipex, milwaukee power tools, and fluke meters. For the money the fluke insulated tools aren’t great value, Milwaukee hand tools arent the best and that’s where knipex steps in for me but you definitely gotta pay for it. Only exceptions are klein strippers and linemans, just havent found anything that beats them

[@GustyOinker]

Unfortunately it’s the over educated and under educated are normally the ends of the spectrum when it comes to fans. The normal in between guys are arguing normally. That’s my experience, your mileage may vary.

[@egbluesuede1220]

"Fanboy" is the unavoidable bias that comes from being a fan of anything. Everyone has bias if you look for it. Watch a slo motion replay of your favorite team, and your bias will come out. Bias for the other team will be expressed by someone else watching the same replay. Neither person can change the call made on the field, but both viewers will swear up and down that their biased version of the play is correct.

[@2121contreras]

Milwaukee /Klein fanman here I make a full time living with these tools . So I got have em. Cus I'm even a bigger fan paying my bills. Contreras out!!! And no flex / no h.f. thanks

[@jb76489]

God what a boomer comment

[@sparkydstoolboxtalk1024]

Being a fanboy also includes loving everything the company makes and dumping on its competitors products without trying either. I don’t see you as being a fanboy of anything but quality, even when I disagree with your opinions. The anti fanboy is kind of new to me, but makes sense, I am definitely guilty of that behavior when it comes to Snap-on pliers and screwdrivers, I just can’t justify spending the money they ask for when other American made tools are just as good if not better, and 1/3 to 1/2 the price. There are Klein Tools fanboys, we’re called American Electricians, and Fluke makes top quality meters so that’s more why people are rabid about them, it’s more knowing you can trust your life with the product. As much as I love Klein, I would never grab a Klein multi meter over a Fluke, and that’s from using both. There are Knipex fanboys too, just tell one of them that you would rather buy Klein linesman pliers and step back if you don’t believe me. As far as Craftsman is concerned, you’re either a collector or you’re into the nostalgia, and you were born before 1990. Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s you were asked for a screwdriver you grabbed a Craftsman. That’s why I will always have a few craftsman screwdrivers at least at home, they just remind me of my father’s garage. Anyway I have ranted enough, keep up the good work.

[@jbn1237]

Fanboys can’t take any criticism of any of the tools from the particular manufacturer they are a fan of. To them it’s not ridiculously expensive or that other brands tool isn’t better than their tool even if it can be demonstrably better. I buy all brands of tools, whichever I think is better or serves my needs better or just feels better to use or I don’t think is ridiculously overpriced for what I need it to do.

[@jacobbruehl3406]

I don’t think it’s in the customers best interest to give a company any credit. Tool companies are only as good as the tool you need.

[@TheSir2005]

Fanboys aint a bad thing, its just a opinion. Some examples with the tools you have there. In my opinion if you buy Fluke screwdrivers you are a ultimate fanboy. Why? Because you are paying extra just to have Fluke on the handle cause its just a rebranded Felo. Knipex screwdrivers a little "fanboyish" because they are just made by Oplast, you can find same quality screwdrivers for less but at least you can say Knipex has their own handle style. So not as bad as Fluke. Buying Knipex pliers or PS Swiss screwdrivers (see how i mention pliers and screwdrivers) doesnt make anyone a fanboy, thats just appreciating quality cause there's arguably nothing better out there. Fanboys buy shit because a brand is on the product, not because its a quality product no because the name is there. So in other words they buy merchandise, nothing wrong with that tho but different world.

[@motorpsykler]

The tool community has got nothing on the gun community when it comes to fanboys. Those guys are ridiculous. It’s not only just brands, they fight about literally everything to do with firearms.

[@Dingleberry1856]

No we don’t! You want to fight about it?😂😂

[@boosted2.4_sky]

A fanboy pays more money for something that isn't clearly better than another option..fanboys will say it is better but the majority will say BS..fanboy pays for the name

[@ks-hg5vo]

Fluke? That's a felo rebranded. Felo fanboy lol

[@roamingcamera9362]

I am a fan of tools that work well, perform well, and hold up well to everyday abuse.

[@davidfridley2182]

Surefire in the house!!!!

[@woohoosocal3489]

Tribalism the best marketing tool to sell more products.

[@Michelle-Eden]

If you love brand X tools, but brand Y makes a better widget than brand X, and you buy the brand X widget anyway, you're a fanboy.

[@ChessSniper]

Harbor Freight is better than Snap-On: Change my mind.

[@motorpsykler]

It’s all tribalism nonsense. There are people who want to attach their identity to the brand of tools they use and then judge others who might choose differently.

[@raymondebert180]

Being a fanboy is ok you like what you like but dont put someone like some thing else

[@shadow7796]

I'm a fan of a few different brands. I just can't stand the arrogant tool snobbieness a select few people seem to have. Everyone knows the kind I'm talking about.

[@georgebonney90]

I'm a tool "FanBoy"

[@timothybrown4635]

I prefer to work with USA made tools and I'm willing to over pay for it.

[@daifeichu]

If a person only likes a particular tool and will only buy from that brand then that is cool. I only carry Spyderco knives. I am a fanboy. If someone doesn't like their knives for whatever reason then that's okay. For flashlights it's only Foursevens. Headlamps it's only Zebralight. I know there are a lot of options out there but I'm a fanboy. I love Milwaukee tools. I have a lot but some of their tools are not very good. I've been called a fairy boy for liking Makita which I also own a lot of their tools. When a person is happy with a tool from a certain company and will only buy from that company, well it doesn't affect me. I'm not sure why it bothers some people. What is a problem with the fanboy realm is when it comes to politics. People will stick with their party no matter what they do. That can be dangerous.

[@aussiehardwood6196]

With Milwaukee...it's more like cheerleaders. Personally I like many brands, the upper tier brands ALL make great products & turds.

[@octaviofigueroafigueroa9794]

I remember that you hate snap on, according to your youbtube message months ago. Even the name is stupid, according to your channel.

[@lastbesttool]

This one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXiTYoSve96Wnrc Did you watch it?

[@octaviofigueroafigueroa9794]

@@lastbesttool Hello. That is not the one. Probably it was like 1 or 1 and a half years ago. I always watch your channel and I like it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@AtomBomb-]

The term fanboy was coined in the 60s by western tourists in Thailand that observed some women of the night employing a folding fan to cover their adams apple. It was rediscoverd by salty Usenet group admins in the mid 80s when a fresh crop of university students would spill onto the service in a rampage of posting that lacked any of the expected tact or etiquette. The word fanboy wouldn't trip any of the word filters that could get your account removed but it did insinuate what some unfortunate soul's evening proclivities could be. It was an inside joke that the new people wouldn't understand. In the 90s it spilled into Comp-U-Serv and AOL where it's original meaning was lost. Now it was a title suggesting someone championed the wrong item or brand in the eternal tribalalist struggles of day to day life. Often spelled "fanboi" to elevate it's heinousness. So no, I do not own a folding fan, I have no reason to conceal my neck anatomy, and do not wish to be a fanboy.

[@midiannite8347]

If that term was coined in the 1960s, why do both Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary agree it dates to the year 1919, with its modern meaning of a person (specifically male, usually) who is an excessively enthusiastic fan of something?

[@AtomBomb-]

@@midiannite8347 Because I made it up. It's a joke. I didn't expect to run into a dictionary fanboy in the comments. Go touch grass.

[@markifi]

howdy

[@merikatools568]

I'm deep into the Hitachi magic wand

[@lastbesttool]

My compound sliding mitre saw is a Hitachi and I wouldn't trade it for any other!