Nothing better than finding your Snap on screw drivers and ratchets in the yard.

Or using a screwdriver as a chisel. I don't earn a living anymore with my tools so I have a mix. I just picked up a Facom 3/8 drive its Sweet. Smooth as silk. I feel most tools are only as good as the operator. Doug

Hey I've been known to use a screwdriver as a chisel or prybar now and then and I do this for a living. My avatar is a picture of me siting on my pride and joy.

[QUOTE=hillbilly24]Hey I've been known to use a screwdriver as a chisel or prybar now and then and I do this for a living. I have also, there a few I don't care so much about get that duty. Doug

I prefer Snap-On, especially the 1/4" drive sockets, screwdrivers, and small wrenches. They fit much better on the fasteners. I also prefer the Snap-On ratchets, but I do have a Craftsman "Professional" 3/8" ratchet that is very solid. It's price is also up closer in price to the better stuff!

I probably shouldn't get started on this, but I'm going to anyway. I've been a very successful Matco distributor for 16 years, so I've seen the ins and outs of the tool industry up close and personal. The three majors (Matco, Snap on, Mac) all make some good products, so it usually boils down to how your distributor treats you, but there are vast differences in how the companies are operated.

Matco is owned by Danaher Tool Group (DTG on the stock exchange). Danaher is the largest manufacturer of hand tools in the world. They own over 40 tool companies, among many other interests. Their yearly sales make Snap on look like a gnat on a bull's backside. Danaher actually produces many of the tools on the Snap on truck, as well as most of Napa's and Craftsman's higher end tools. The Matco trucks have a wide variety of brand names stocked since Danaher ownes most of them. Because of this arrangement, Matco can naturally sell these products at a better price than Snap on.

Mac makes a quality product, but the company has made some grave errors in recent years, which has cost them market share. Matco passed them in yearly sales about two years ago, and has continued to widen the gap. If Mac can fix their internal problems, they will survive, but they have become the leader in bringing really trashy asian products into their line, and it has hurt them. All three companies have put asian product on the shelves, but Mac has taken it to the extreme. I don't like the trend, but I have to find a way to live with it.

Now for tool boxes. Any semi-intelligent mechanic that has a choice, and an open mind, and actually compares the boxes side-by-side will never buy a Snap on box. I hate to step on anyones toes, but the quality is the lowest of the three by a wide margin. If you only have a Snap on dealer, then the choice is made. Otherwise, there is no comparison. The die hard Snap on customers always say "My tool box holds my tools just fine". That's true. And a Bayliner will get you across the lake.

Sorry for the rant, but I looked long and hard at all three companies, and for me to survive in the tool business, the choice was clear, and still is. Take a look at the whole package when buying tools (price, quality, warranties, service, variety) and you'll see that Matco stacks up very well.

Here we go!!!

Hey Toolz, your right you never should have gotten started on this one. I appreaciate your opinion and it sounds like you have a clue what you are talking about, but please don't ever compare my $11,000 tool box to a Bayliner Matco does make some nice tools and I own more then a few of them, however in my area their dealer network sucks. We have one dealer in about a 100 mile stretch. I had a falling out with him (along with alot of other mechanics in the area) he never had anything on the truck and was always behind with Matco so it tok him forever to get anything. He wanted us to pay for tools in advance that he had to order. As a dealer youelf you know that isn't gonna fly. Do I get to ask my customer for money upfron to pay for parts for his equipment ? I don't think so. I know this situation doesn't have anything to do with the quality of Matco tools, but I feel the fact they allow a dealer like this to represent them speaks very poorly of the company itself and I don't deal with anymore. Like I said, you sound like you have some informed opinions, but when it comes to trash talking someone elses tool box that they spent alot of money on and are very proud to own, keep your mouth shut alright.

I have been a mechanic for over 13 years and had used a wide varity of tools like most. Its hard to place an exact best tool for the right job. There are jobs that I would use my cheap Crapsman just in case they broke and then Snap-on & Matco for all the rest. Things that I have learned over the years are Stanley owns Mac tools hence quality has gone down a notch. Snap-on wrenches & Craftsman Professional series are made by the same company, and last I heard Waterloo makes Snap-on boxes the same company that makes the boxes for Craftsman... Matco is the only company that makes there own tools and sells tools to everyone else as well.
As far as boxes go Snap-on & Mac Boxes are quality for sure but would have to agree that Matco boxes are the built the best.

Well I guess I will have to chime in as well, It seems like this is going to turn into a heated debate, So I will just put my opinion in as well. I have been in the automotive industry for about 15 years, I was a tech for 10 and a snap on dealer for 5, What everyone has been stating is all true. Matco is owned by danahuer, stanley owns mac, Snap on is stand alone, Craftmans is made by danahuer, As for the toll guy that . Danheur is a large company and does make a lot of tools, Snap on does sell some tools that are made by danaheur but the are marked bluepoint, the price is very close, I will match the matco guy, cornwell, mac or sears because my customers I want to keep them my customer. ANYTHING that is marked snap on is made or owned by Snap on Tools INC. Snap on tool boxes are made by snap on in Kenosha Wis.and waterloo does not make them. As for the person that stated that anyone that buys snap on boxes is not smart!! WOW that was a huge insult to a lot of people. I have over 210 snap on boxes in my route alone. I think matco, crafstman, cornwell, mac, waterloo all make great boxes.When a customer buys one of those boxes I congrat them and tell them that when they are ready to own a snap on box to let me know that box will make a great downpayment on your new snap on box. Just to mention I only have 4 customer in my route that do not own snap on tool boxes yet. I love the fact that I only have to explain the price once and enjoy returning every week knowing that the quality will hold up or I will replace it. If anyone needs help with replace or purchasing Snap on Tools Just let me know I will get you set up with your local dealer or Snap on direct. I hope I was not disrespectful I am just a firm believer in my product and just wanted to express my opinion