Seems like a lot of different opinions. The reason I asked is that I have been investigating a franchise/dealer. Just wondering what the reputation and demand is amongst the three. The dependabilty of the dealer seems to be an issue. Snap On is the most expensive franchise of the 3 but worth it if it means more business. Just wanted to know from the guys who spend the money.

 

LOL....just so you know.....

Matco is made my Danaher tools makes most of the hardline tools for:

Allen
Armstrong Tools
GearWrench
Holo-Krome
Iseli
K-D Tools
Matco Tools
Sata
Spline Gauges
Craftsman


LOL, when I found that out I about **** my pants......and I still spent 20gs.

 

if you happen to get a snap on franchise i hope you live around birmingham al. because we used to have a guy come by the shop but he is gone and now i have to buy mac tools and i love snap on

 

I found that Mac and Matco are good for building your tool set, I worked as a tech at Sears for a few years and ended up building most of my set with Craftsman, but when it came to the bigger stuff (air hammer, 3/8" impact, wrench sets) and specialty stuff (alignment tools) I bought Snappy

 

If you get the right route, you can be a millionaire with SnapOn. I looked into it a few years ago, but unfortunately the only routes that were available were in less than desireable areas. I went on a couple of ride alongs and found out that good routes consist of alot of independent shops, as they buy alot of the bigger items and specialty tools. Whereas us dealership guys tend to buy only the stuff that's necessary for one manufacturer, and specialty tools are supplied by the dealership.

 

While I'm not a wrench as some are, may I add some. SnapOn is my #1 choice. Mac & Craftsman make up some up mine, along w/ various others, i.e. Channellock, etc. My rollaways & top chest- SnapOn. I've dealt w/ same dealer for 10 yrs or more. I really have no interest in dealin w/ any other Snapon dealer than him. I don't need to buy tools as much as I did before. He's always been good to me, & I'll drive the extra miles to deal w/ him for the occasional tool I need now. ( Trust is earned! Not given.) I was told the buy-in cost is so much to start out, most fold. The economy he said also has to do w/ it. Told me this not long ago. Added, there are 2 types: 1) newbies - less than 1yr, I think he said 6 mo. that are struggling, & unless they're in prime area, will prolly go out. 2) Those in biz many yrs, that paid off truck long ago. The tool truck pymt, house, gas for & storing tool truck, etc. The key is that paid tool truck ( along w/ good route). Good luck.

 

I have always like Snap on, thats all my dad has, but since I can't afford to buy a whole set of Snap ons I have been buying alot of the craftsman pro series stuff. The have a good feel to them, there ratchets have came a light year from where they used to be, they can take the abuse..

John

 

To be truthful I prefer to use Kobalt tools. Kobalt can be found at any Lowe's and have the same lifetime warranty even in commercial useage. And if you research just a bit you'll find that Kobalt is owned and manufactured by Snap-On. But....Kobalt is at least twice cheaper.....same tools.

 

Snap On is the standard,I guess. I have a (very) few of them plus a vacuum pump and a bore mic set I bought from a Snap On facility when they'd sell to walk-ins.

What happened to Proto tools?

My first purchase was a SK Wayne 1/2" socket set(yeah,before they dropped the Wayne from their name).