The Ultimate Guide to Snap On Vs Craftsman Tools
This Snap-on vs. Craftsman tool review has been designed to provide useful information regarding both alternatives in the hand tools kit category. Snap-on and Craftsman are both leading brands in this sector, with their provision of a general set for DIY projects and other small scale maintenance and repair work. Though both options offer great value for money, snap-on takes the lead when it comes to comparisons of quality.
Auto repairs and maintenance activities can be classified into various categories based on their severity and the level of expertise required. Dealing with minor issues is something that many car enthusiasts prefer to handle on their own, thus saving the potential expenses involved with a professional visit.
Accomplishing this goal, however, requires a reliable collection of tools capable of handling such work. This Snap on vs. craftsman review can help you decipher the small details that can impact your decision-making process.
The first thing that should be noted is that Snap-on doesn’t really have a small packaged collection of general tools in one kit. As such, this comparison might require one to look at the different tools provided by Snap-on and Craftsman on a more overall basis.
Differences Between Snap-On and Craftsman Tool Sets
How Do They Compare?
| Model | Snap-On | Craftsman |
| Tool Box | Provided with no tools | Travelling kits come with a collection of general tools. |
| Pricing | High-end (fairly expensive) | Affordable |
| Delivery system | Truck tools agents | Online/Physical stores |
| Grade | Professional Grade | Suitable for DIY projects |
| Check on Amazon | Check price | Check price |
What Are Some of The Existing Differences and Similarities Between These Two Brands?
Quality
Snap-on and Craftsman represent two of the leading brands in the mechanic tools market. Though both options offer a variety of items with their collection, taking a deeper look into the specific provisions entailed can help you determine the best option for your particular needs.
Issues such as the kind of work that will be generally involved with these tools, for instance, is something you should consider before making your final decision.
Snap-on offers a higher quality when it comes to the durability and strength of its products. If you plan on handling heavy-duty projects that require immense levels of pressure when working with tools, then Snap-on should be your go-to alternative for such goals.
Craftsman items are designed to handle lighter workloads, which is portrayed via the general socket and drive collection available with most of their smaller kits.
Delivery System
One of the major benefits of Snap-on tools is the truck delivery implemented with their services. This brand takes their consumers very seriously and tries to go above and beyond when it comes to customer service.
Those working with Snap-on tools can receive a visit from an agent every week to ensure they have all the tools they need for their work. As such, one doesn’t have to worry about making a trip to the store every time they need an item. You can simply note down what requires replacing and have the deed done with the next visit.
Craftsman, on the other hand, operate in a more traditional manner. Though both products offer lifetime warranties, you will either need to visit a Sears or Lowes store in person – or fill out an order online when looking for a replacement.
Pricing
These two brands highly differ when it comes to the pricing of their items. A quick check online reveals that one might be able to get a wrench set from Craftsman for about $40, while the same set from Snap-on would set you back an astonishing $290.
Though the higher quality of Snap-on alternatives is not in doubt, their up-market pricing might make it impossible for those with smaller budgets to purchase a variety of tools. If you’re not doing any professional work, Craftsman products will serve you just as well as their Snap-on counterparts – without costing an arm and a leg.
It should be noted that Snap-on items are classified as high-grade pro tools, meaning they are specifically meant for commercial use – and not small tweaks here and there on your vehicle.
Craftsman offers what can be termed as adequate quality with their sets – so you don’t have to worry about them breaking after just a few months of work.
Collective Offers
Another issue to take into serious consideration is the kind of offers available with different products. One of the main advantages of opting for a craftsman alternative is the variety of options that come with their collections.
These products offer a range of different collections that include a number of general tools in a single set. Their 224 piece kit, for example, will come with a range of different drives and sockets packaged in a single toolbox. Thus, such a purchase will leave you with an assortment of different items, including 79 specialization tools, 15 drivers, and 16 combination wrenches, to name a few.
Snap-on, on the other hand, usually sell their toolbox as a separate item (not to mention that you would have to pay thousands of dollars to acquire this single item). If you would like some tools for the box, you will have to purchase them independently.
Size
Most of the options available with Snap-on toolboxes are designed to take up a permanent workspace upon their delivery. The company primarily provides toolboxes that have been designed to serve as work stations, and thus mobility is not an element included with their features.
Once the box has been delivered and placed in position, moving it to another location will require a large amount of effort to accomplish. Craftsman, on the other hand, has a variety of portable alternatives that are designed for journeyman activities.
The 224 piece set, for example, weighs in at 36.9 pounds – meaning you can quickly grab the kit and throw it in your vehicle when working in offsite locations. If you’re looking for something you can store in your vehicle as an emergency kit, the craftsman alternative is pretty much the only option when comparing these two brands.
Snap-On vs. Craftsman Tools Review – Pros and Cons
Snap-On Tools
If you’re a professional looking for reliable tools that can handle heavy-duty work as well as general maintenance and repairs, then the Snap on line is more than ideal for your needs. This line of products represents some of the best tools in the industry for commercial use, with the brand synonymous with high-quality pieces that can last a lifetime.
As a matter of fact, this is guaranteed by a lifetime warranty applied to all their hand tools. Their products are a bit more expensive than most other brands, but the strength and durability of their items make it well worth the investment.
Snap-on is also ahead of the competition when it comes to keeping up with current needs in the market. As such, they are a great option when considering alternatives related to specialization tools.
Some of their winning categories that are hardly comparable to lower-priced options include thin wall sockets and tamper-proof Torx bits. Some options such as flex head impact sockets ranging from ¼”, 3/8”, and ½” drives are nowadays a necessary component for any professional collection and something that cannot usually be retrieved from compact mechanic toolsets.
As such, if you’re serious about this particular vocation – opting for Snap as your primary provider is your best shot of getting the rarer items on your list.
Their truck delivery system also means that you don’t have to take time off work to make a trip to the store should you need a replacement. Their customer service package ensures that the tools can be brought to you.
Pros
- Great quality with insurmountable durability
- Weekly truck deliveries to check on your needs
- Reliable warranty
Cons
- Costly products compared to most alternatives
- Tools delivered on a strict schedule that is hard to influence
View price on Amazon
Craftsman Tools
Craftsman represents some of the best tool collections for DIY enthusiasts and professionals in need of a portable kit. The brand comes with a strong lifetime warranty as well – depicting the high quality of its products.
Their collections include a variety of beneficial tools and features such as universal joints and an equal supply of both metric and SAE tools. This can be crucial in cases where you plan on doing a variety of work on different vehicles.
Their 224 piece includes a portable toolbox that can easily fit in the back seat or trunk of your car, making it ideal for traveling. The various bits on offer are supported by the provision of driving portions ranging from 8 to 11 mm. Some of their collections boast a no skip feature with their tool sizes, which can be quite advantageous when working with specific needs.
Pros
- Cheaper than truck tools alternatives
- Compact alternatives that are suitable for traveling purposes
- Reliable warranty
Cons
- The replacement procedure requires your active participation in terms of acquiring new tools
- Weaker than most truck tools alternatives
View price on Amazon
The Final Verdict
If you’re looking for an option that will last for years on end, even when subjected to commercial use, then snap on tools is the best option for your needs. However, you will have to shell out a significantly larger some as compared to other alternatives.
As such, Craftsman is the best choice for most people looking for a reliable toolset that will not cost them a majority of their savings. Getting craftsman equipment is also beneficial in terms of traveling with the items due to their portability.
