Snap-on VS Proto cost, quality, & thoughts

[@FrenchmansFlats51]

Worked in military aerospace for 40 years and we use Proto professional almost exclusively. Warranty service was fantastic. Zoro has great discounts on Proto tools for retail public by the way at very low prices. As you point out, 1/3 the price of snap on. Heck, if Proto is good enough to build an F-15, its probably good enough to fix your chevy.

[@chadr2604]

Proto 17mm wrench almost hurt me today. Some jackass cross threaded the bolts on the backside of the chuck in a grinder. I thought I was moving the bolt then I noticed it was the wrench bending. I used one hand to try to keep it on the bolt then I noticed the jaws were opening up. I went to my manager and told him to make the idiot who put it together cut the heads off.

[@chadr2604]

That 19mm actually has a crook in it and the jaws stretched almost up to the next size and it hurt the right side of my trapezius and infraspinatus.

[@samuelw.3992]

Zoro is badass love that site

[@ihavethedocuments2580]

@@chadr2604 cool story bro

[@HardKnocksForge]

So many guys look over SK and Proto when it comes to tool and that’s a shame. Really they’re the same quality as snappy Mac matco and cornwell, and hell sometimes they’re even better quality. Also Armstrong, Williams, Wright, Allen, Channellock, Wilde, Vaughn, Klein and so many others get over looked in the automotive world. It really is a shame guys blowing their money just because they’ve bought into the marketing spunk from the tool trucks.

[@texacajundiy]

If I were starting over today 40-60% of my Snappy pliers would be channellock. The dang SO’s rust too easy.

[@thebackwoodsmechanic5029]

I wish the Armstrong line would have remained , they had some great tools

[@mikeshobbiesandrandomstuff]

@@texacajundiy protect all cable lube penetrating oil will stop that. I've got stuff in my garage I treated with it over a year ago and it hasn't rusted.

[@MrSigDan]

You're so right. I saw a guy talking about snap-on being an automotive brand and Proto being an industrial brand like industrial was a bad thing. I think a lot of people are confused. I worked at a GE turbine factory for 11yrs. All they use is Proto. Those tools are nearly indestructible.

[@HeWhoSitsOnFences]

Sk tools screwdrivers, proto ratchets, Williams sockets, Armstrong wrenches, channellock pliers, bondhus for hex/torx. The brands do different stuff better. Channellocks are reasonably cheap but make THE BEST pliers and are USA made. If you like German brands check out knipex, wiha, wera, felo, and gedore.

[@brad3741]

I'm 35 now, and after about 20 years of working on stuff I'm finally allowing myself to really buy the tools I wish I had all along. I've bought some Proto stuff and like it. I also would recommend Williams USA line of tools.

[@bluracer766]

Wild coincidence for several days now I've been looking at SAE 3/8'' 6 points and just a matter of minutes ago I narrowed it down to Proto and Williams both brand new 13 piece. Do you think they're pretty equal or would you recommend one over the other?

[@brad3741]

@@bluracer766 I think they are pretty comparable. But I will say that with the Williams USA sockets the finish quality can be inconsistent. You will see reviews on Amazon stating this. My first set had a couple sockets with bad chrome. I exchanged them through Amazon and the second set was good. The sockets are made well, they just seem to not have the best quality control on the finishing processes. My Proto sockets are impact, and are very well made. I went with proto for impact sockets because I read a lot of people saying Williams/Snap On (same company if you didn't know) impacts are made kind of soft. They wear faster. I found a decent amount of people who work in the industrial feilds saying they had good luck with Proto impact sockets over other brands. Unfortunately prices have been going up a decent amount in just the last 6 months. For really good quality chrome sockets at a good price I also would recommend Koken. Koken is a Japanese tool company that makes all kinds of nice sockets.

[@bluracer766]

@@brad3741 OK thanks. I just checked and the Kokens are actually more expensive than Proto so it looks like Proto it is. I was hoping to get some vintage SK but the selection is much poorer than the last time I checked a few years ago - I get most of my tools in ebay - there used to be a nice selection of old SK but it looks like people are grabbing / hanging on to the good stuff. I can get the 13 piece Proto for just under $83.00 after tax and it's brand new so that's pretty good. Thanks again.

[@scarling9367]

We used Proto sockets in the Navy. Great stuff. My shop, for their provided tools, uses Blackhawk. If they can take the abuse of hourly employees, they're pretty solid.

[@blake102989]

I died laughin when you showed your $318 of Snap On..... Surprised you didn't have to trade your soul as well lol

[@normcameron2316]

40 years a HD mechanic and I've gotten so many surprises in tools. So many brands are owned by one company, different price points and markets. Snap-on has always been good but I think the quality has dropped, I wouldn't expect a new set of Snap-on sockets to last 40 years as my old set has. Their picks and hooks have really gone downhill. My 40 year old Proto's are still in great shape, the new ones are softer and more springy. Mac has always been a bit on the soft/springy side, but I still have 40 year old Mac impact sockets just pounding it out. When I started out S-K was considered a cheap line because they were sold in hardware/farm stores, I have a bunch and once again they still work after 40 years. Once again a bit springy. A blast from the past: Indestro/Duro, bought at the local farm store, I wish I had bought more 40 years ago. Same old story, considered a cheap line compared to the big names but I'm still using them. Wright, couldn't ask for better sockets. Hot forged. Williams, top of the line. The double pawl ratchets were just beyond excellent. Snap-on bought them up and don't offer that ratchet anymore. Probably didn't want to pay for the patent rights. Import tools are all over the map, and sometimes you get real deals. Canadian company Fuller used to sell wrenches made in Japan by KTC. Hardware store wrench every bit as good as the big names. 40 years ago Husky was a cheaper line of more expensive tools, not as stylish or finished as the companies main line. Husky was a hardware store tool but I'm still using them. 1/2" ratchet still going. Now husky is a Home Despot brand, made in China. I can't say anything bad about them and the price is excellent. This could go on forever. Final words: - If you got the money and desire, buy Snap-on. Don't expect exceptional quality or high resale value. It doesn't work that way regardless of Snap-on's deal with Amazon in which Amazon does not sell used Snap-on tools. You are not buying a retirement fund when you buy Snap-on. What ever happened to made in USA Craftsman tools? Good quality, deep sockets broached all the way to the bottom, good solid tools, good ratchets. Probably dumped in the race to the bottom by Sears and every other North American retailer.

[@texacajundiy]

Norm, I agree with every bit of this.

[@jtoker9758]

What you mean by a bit springy and softer? Was watching one video where dude was trying to break wrenches and some snapped off right at the box end socket, and others just bent on the handle, but did not actually break (he stopped the test when it broke or bent). Seems like I would rather have one bend, than break. Which this shows the actual heat treating used.

[@WhiskeyTangoFoxtraught]

Don't pay for truck service if you don't need truck service. The high cost of Snap-on, Mac, Matco is due to the high cost of the truck routs visiting the dealers, a valuable convenience to mechanics but maybe not worth the cost to most people. A weekend warrior should never (or rarely) buy from a truck, IMHO. The additional cost of these tools are not due to quality or innovations, it's in the business model. You pay the tool-truck owner's salary, not Snap-On or Mac. Case in point, Proto is made in the same factory as MAC but much less expensive because they cater to industrial clients. Trucks : Snap-On, Matco, Mac, Cornwell. No Trucks: Proto, SK, Wright Look at the cost delta. All American made high quality tools, just delivered via a different model.

[@texacajundiy]

It depends on the individual tool really. Matco is the only company that makes a 30" 1/2 ratchet. I feel like SO makes the best Phillips screwdriver, MAC has RBRT. These are just a few examples, but sometimes the ONLY tool of its kind comes from the tool truck. I use the philosophy: best tool for the job at the best price...unless I just want it!

[@WhiskeyTangoFoxtraught]

@@texacajundiy Absolutely! I was speaking "in general" of course. These companies know they must make good products and luckily they compete and competition means we win. For a full time mechanic, a ~10% better tool can be a worthy investment, especially for the every day use. However, the cost of many of these tools are still higher, and that high price is due to the truck sales model. Wright, SK and Proto make really good tools.

[@branned]

SK is now China.

[@ihavethedocuments2580]

Considering the undeserving low pay alot of auto techs are having to deal with now, I think these tool truck guys need to lighten up a bit and quit trying to be effing sales men all the time. It is getting ridiculous, these young techs are worth their weight in gold.

[@Eggomania86]

Most of my tools are Proto, Williams Wright and some SK and Gearwrench. In the automotive world SK, Proto and Wright get over looked. Guys don't know what they are missing out on. If a guy starts out and buys from the truck he's going to have a loan of over 10k off the bat. If you get Brands like proto or SK you will spend less than half of what you'd buy off the truck. I've used Snap-On tools, to me there isn't a noticeable difference in quality to justify their price points. Granted you get excellent customer service meaning convenience of a truck and a lifetime guarantee. A lot of stuff Snap-On sells are rebrands. Here's another kicker, Williams offers the same hand tools as Blue Point and Snap-On at lower price point. Except Williams doesn't have the 80 tooth ratchets.

[@ihavethedocuments2580]

I know it is expensive buying individual, but a 3/8 set deep and shallow is still 350 plus with S-O. That is why I preferred Proto when I worked professionally, not the least expensive, but not a flat out rip off either. Quality is the same. Both top notch, that is not the issue.

[@kjm-ch7jc]

Back in the late 70s I worked for a UK tool merchant, we supplied the north sea oil companies, they would only use Proto, some of the pipe wrenches were huge also proto made anti spark tools.

[@chuckmiller5763]

Proto is top of the line tools, just like SK, never heard anyone say differently. USA made, Matco is now about 90% Taiwan/ China made.

[@W210Garage]

I like Proto/Blackhawk stuff.

[@yeboisiggy]

as do i. proto and blackhawk make good stuff. snap-on stuff is just a little bit better, but i’m not gonna go out and replace all my proto with snap-on.

[@yeboisiggy]

i like mac and old proto professional for all my wrenches and shit, but ratchet wise, it’s proto, and snap-on, and mac. they make the best ratchets that i have found.

[@W210Garage]

Markus Webb I prefer the USA made tools which can be more affordable. Mac and Snap on are top, if you are not professional worker i don’t see the reason to invest in them. I prefer Proto, Craftsman, Wright, Even USA made Stanley stuff is good and SK of course...

[@WHATDATTOOLDO]

If you want snap on sockets but dont want to pay snap on prices buy Williams same exact size and thickness only thing different is the letters and kneriling Williams is made by snap on in usa and less than 1/2 price

[@fordtruckguy5545]

You can get some 5/8", 1/4" drive from S-K and Proto.

[@onegunsalute1202]

Ohnestly those protos looked IDENTICAL to my bluepoints, I'll have to give proto a try!

[@QuantumMind88]

I have a few snap on tools, but they have ALL been bought either on eBay or from local flea markets/sales. I like them and they do the job fine. HOWEVER, for my money I LOVE Proto tools! I have received EXCELLENT customer service from them in the past and the chrome on their tools is AMAZING! I actually believe Proto tools are BETTER than Snap On, especially price wise, which goes without say.

[@QuantumMind88]

Any time I see a Proto, Proto Professional, Plomb, Older Williams/J.H. Williams tool I ALWAYS pick it up!

[@MrSplibb]

The quality of Proto is easily just as good as snap on and for far cheaper prices. I’d choose Proto all day and sk also . Can’t go wrong

[@thebackwoodsmechanic5029]

I've used Proto for a long time for industrial repairs. Love them but their sockets could be even stronger than they are . Proto is great

[@texacajundiy]

when you say "industrial repairs" I thing of my trash truck and dredging days...cheater pipes, sledge hammers, and torches.

[@br529]

I don't know about now. I was going to try and get warranty on proto tool. They wanted original paper work. To show you bought it. Probably need to have a notary stamp on it. Signed by the governor. I knew them never buying proto

[@fordmustangjaime]

Love proto except their sockets for automotive use. They're thick and can cause clearance issues in tight spots. Also the broaching inside is too deep where if you're trying to fasten a bolt/nut it will fall deep in the socket and make it difficult when youre putting everything back together. USA Williams(same as snapon) is better/less expensive when it comes to sockets, the proto is built more for heavy duty industrial use where space isnt an issue.

[@towboatjeff]

Sk makes a 5/8 shallow 1/4 drive

[@itsatoolthing6323]

Armstrong also mad a 5/8 1/4 drive impact socket.

[@andystoolbox]

Worst offender is Matco though they don't even make USA available anymore but sometimes charge even more than Snappy. Thanks for the peek.

[@gtcam723]

None of my stuff has needed to be Snap On except flare nut wrenches. That said, plenty of stuff from Snap On that I prefer. I have sooooo many more wrenches I want….. I have some Dewalt hand tools I wouldn’t purchase again.

[@darrenporsch]

8 sockets, a wobble extension and a small pair of pliers for $317 from Snap-on. I'm sorry but that's ridiculous you can get just as good quality tools for much less. Snap-on is all name I call it the Rolex of tools it's good quality but it's overpriced.

[@branned]

SK is now China-owned. I am now a Proto fan.👍👍

[@LEGOCAMARO]

I got a usa proto USA made 1/4 drive 5/8 6 pint but it’s impact don’t know if they make in chrome 6520H

[@joeframer9642]

American made tools ...are the best

[@Davobeff]

They are now. The old Australian made sidchrome tools where something else. The spanners (wrenches) where thin but had weight. They used to roll all there steel billets in the factory, Great tools for getting into tight spots. Then stsnley bought them and make them in tiawan from crap steel.

[@azmrblack]

Proto is owned by Stanley Black & Decker. Guess who owns Mac Tools? Thats right. These are the same sockets they sell as Mac too, just stamped differently. Good sockets - love Proto sockets.

[@bradleycampbell1634]

Some stuff they don’t even bother restamping. I have a proto multi bit driver sets, like a 50 piece set off something. The 1/4” socket adapter has a Mac stamp, straight out of the blow molded Proto case

[@samuelw.3992]

So I bought a set of Proto 3/8 locking extensions for 124.00 bucks off Zoro. Are you saying that their basically the same 250.00 ones that Mac sells?

[@azmrblack]

@@samuelw.3992 Yes. You pay more on the tool truck because of A. The name, B. They come to you and C. Lifetime warranty. It's an old business trick many people don't know. There is actually a video out there that shows the Proto factory and they are stamping Mac onto the sockets, or vise-versa. Forget which, but you could see it. Snap-on does the same thing - SOME - not all - of their tools are sold under Williams, Bahco, etc. cheaper and some are even Snap-On labeled even though they are made by a different manufacturer. Their locking pliers are actually made by Grip On but have the Snap On name on them, of course with the nice fat markup.

[@samuelw.3992]

@@azmrblack nice. Yeah I was definitely curious. I really like these extensions, they seem built really well.

[@davidhume2842]

Are you based in the DFW area? I’ve started purchasing all Proto sockets but I can’t find a local dealer.

[@texacajundiy]

All Graingers Fastenals and Napa Auto’s carry proto. You’ll pay in those though. Tool up, tools plus and zoro online are the best places to shop. Don’t forget eBay as well.

[@waynegilby4036]

Wow I agree I own some proto a few snapon and proto fits just as nice and had bothe for years and have notest any less or more ware it’s your money and want to show off and pay more that’s your choice not mine

[@Eggomania86]

A lot of the tools you get off the tool truck are re-brands and they jack up the price and you pay for the name. I can see the tool truck being used to buy diagnostic equipment, and specialty tools. Brands Like Proto, SK, J.H Williams, Wright, Knipex, Channel Lock, Trusty Cook, Mayhew, Klein, Ingersoll-Rand, Milwaukee, Wilton, Lisle, hell even Gear Wrench will serve most people well. The idea is to buy your tools over time. You don't need a 12k tool box. I know that there is a lot of peer pressure and marketing hype involving the culture of the tool truck.

[@texacajundiy]

I agree completely. A 12k tool box should be viewed as a treat for a debt free man to work towards. It is not a necessity.

[@jakewells9403]

@@texacajundiy Hell i thought buying a us general box at harbor freight was a treat and the build quality is nice.

[@texacajundiy]

@@jakewells9403 I agree, I was tickled put the last tool in! Here's the deal Eggomania and I were referring to: When in trade school Snappy gives kids ~ a 30% discount and financing. So a lot of kids come out of trade school with an 8-15K box already on the credit card...before they ever get a paycheck! If that doesn't get them: they'll go to work and be roped in by the tool truck guys or pressured to "buy good shit" or "buy American" by their fellow mechanics. Then snap-on will take $25 a week till they die.

[@jeffchapman9867]

Snap-On looks like a rip off. Their getting rich and you're becoming poor buying tools at their prices. What's wrong with Proto? They're American made and you get more bang for your buck. Snap-On is outlandish.

[@lsutigers324]

Where you from, T?

[@texacajundiy]

Breaux Bridge, now I’m in West Texas. Despite my best efforts to go hone, work has kept me here.

[@lsutigers324]

Oil and Gas I presume...same here, we work in natural gas processing...keep up the good work!

[@ellobo8593]

Shoutout from S Texas. Proto sockets are good stuff! Good video.......oh and the tool buying will never end lol. Start your hammer collection next.

[@texacajundiy]

Thanks El Lobo! We were in Del Rio last spring break for a 3 day float on the Devil's River. Personally I think S. Texas is some of the most beautiful land in the US. You know, when editing, I nearly deleted that "done buying hand tools comment". I though of all the old mechanics, machinists, and welders I know and all they've collected over the years. When you like working with your hands there is a joy to using a new tool made by a man who likes working with good tools.

[@ellobo8593]

Ain't that the truth! I'll need to send you one of my OSCA hammers for a review someday. Keep up the good reviews brotha...

[@texacajundiy]

@@ellobo8593 You can send me whatever and I'll review it. That said, I've really only got a few hammers, bare necessities. Is OSCA a brand you trust? I see they make a variety of stuff. Should I go there?

[@waynegilby4036]

I dont pay for package ing I've used many brands and most are as good if not better as crayon so buying snapon is a waste of money

[@jonaustin262]

You are comparing full price to discount online retailers now if you pay full retail and zoro only warranties for 1 year and you are at the mercy of Stanley black and decker

[@CollideFan1]

Snap-On was a waste of money. Could have spent that on more quality tools. Tool truck brands are overrated and overpriced. Proto, Wright and Williams are cheaper and in tests that I've seen are better