Power tools I have a lot of experience with, with a fairly decent woodshop if I do say so myself, but handtools outside of the woodworking realm are something I've never really invested any amount of money in having inherited my fathers collection which represents about 50 years as an industrial mechanic and then an A&P. But they're an oddball assortment of different brands, definitely don't shine anymore and the storage is pretty much rusted out.

For what I've needed them for, they've served me well, but the new job is already pushing me towards replacing them, and one of the perks is a 50% employer match on tools. The two other mechanics have Snap-On and Matco sets, I'm not familiar with either brand but I set up an account with both and a couple of purchases, a wratcheting screwdriver handle and blade set from Snap-On and a bit set in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive from Matco and I've concluded that I can't tell the difference between the two in quality, but the Snap-On freebies are better.

Anyway, I'm thinking of taking the plunge and getting a loan from my 401K and buying a good set of tools, metric and standard, and I can't make up my mind which brand to go with, so I figured I'd see who uses what.

Snap-On or Matco (Craftsman is not an option, I hate their power tools so I doubt the handtools are any better)

 

snap-on

thats what we have for the race car and home shop..

they have been around as long as craftsman or close to it

my dad and uncle have all snap on tools

good stuff same warranty as craftsman..

my 2cents

...zap!

 

Go with whoever has the better dealer, IMO. They both make good tools, and they both make a lot of innovative, mission specific stuff. My Matco dealer however sucks; little inventory, gotta pull teeth to get stuff replaced, long wait times to get something special ordered. Service with my Snap-on dealer has been excellent though - lots of inventory on the truck, usually takes no longer than a week to get stuff I ordered, replaced broken stuff no questions asked. That's why for the vast majority, I rock Snap-on.

 

Snap-on

 

I did notice the Matco dealer doesn't have the truck the Snap On dude does, and warranty is a big point. Lifetime warranty don't mean squat if I have to wait a lifetime.

 

It's kinda funny, my dad works just down the street from me, but he has a different Matco dealer (one that I've dealt with in the past) that's a good all around dude. Lots of stuff, good prices, fast service. I just wish he'd come down the street...or maybe not, just means I'd get into debt more.

Customer service matters more to me than the brand name when it comes to the truck jobbers. I deal a lot with Snap-on and Mac, and very little with Matco, 'cause the Matco dealer sucks.

 

Snap-On. I've been a tech for 16 years and still have the same tools I got when in tech school, only I've add a few. I have my tools at work insured for $20 grand and that may be on the low side. At home I have a few Craftsman hand tools (wrenches and sockets) but the rest are DeWalt, Bosch, Delta, Makita. I got a Craftsman 19 volt 4 piece cordless tool set from a neighbor. That stuff is junk. I would have returned it for something better but I didn't want to hurt my neighbors feelings.

 

WOW what a guy....... You know there is folks in 3rd world countries that would give a reach around for them junk tools.....