New here-Cuban ?'s

[ggiese]

I'm trying really hard to compare the Craftsman to the Snap On tools - but I can't get them to be apples to apples...

For starters - Craftsman sure is thin on details. Snap On sure does have quite a bit more information about their tools...

Craftsman 1/2 in. Socket Wrench

Product Overview:
Item Weight (lbs.): 1.4 lbs.
General Features:
Drive Size: 1/2 in.
Drive Tool Length: 10-3/8 in.
Drive Tool Type: Ratchet
Socket Type: Quick release
Others:
Drive Size: 1/2 in.
Ratchet Style: Polished

Snap On 1/2 in. Socket Wrench

Snap On Socket Wrench
Name Ratchet, Quick Release, 1/2" drive
Price** $149.95
Brand Snap-on
Country Of Origin USA
Dimension A, Head Depth, inches 3/4
Dimension B, Head Width, inches 1 5/8
ASME/ANSI B107.10
Dimension C, Length, inches 10 5/16
Finish Chrome
Gear Action 4.5°
Gear Teeth 80
Handle Standard
Head Type Quick Release
Ratchet Service Kit RKRSR80A
Square Drive, inches 1/2

Description:
•80 tooth gear for 4.5 degree of swing arc
•7 teeth in contact with the gear at all times to provide maximum strength and durability
•Quick release has a positive locking feature to hold socket securely in place when needed and push button for easy removal
•Sealed head keeps dirt and contamination out and lubricants in

I know that 80 gear teeth is better (makes is easier to take shorter strokes - "4.5 degree of swing arc") which costs more to manufacture (tighter tolerances). "7 teeth in contact with the gear at all times to provide maximum strength and durablility". I don't see what's in Craftsman, and not sure why they did not publish that information in their catalog...

But - your second Craftsman example is more telling...

10-3/8 in. long standard teardrop 1/2 in. drive ratchet. One-hand reversing lever. 36 gear teeth equates to 10 deg. ratcheting arc. Shape allows better access in tight spots. Weight 1.5 lbs.

Not apples to apples - definitely!

This does pair with my experience between Snap On and Craftsman. Craftsman is "ok" (definitely better than WalMart), but is definitely not the same quality as Snap On. If I were a professional mechanic, I would definitely use a Snap On over a Craftsman. I do like the way their tools "feel" and (more importantly) how they work compared to the Craftsman. To me - apples and oranges difference - and clearly not "pennies" (or even "quarters") difference to manufacture...