Dropped $300 on a Snap-on ratchet that stripped out in 2 months

I bought a fancy Snap-on ratchet from the truck last spring, thought it would last forever. After maybe 60 days of turning bolts on 737s, the pawl inside just gave up and started slipping. Snap-on warranty covered it but I had to drive 45 minutes to the nearest dealer in Atlanta to swap it out. Anyone else find these tools aren't what they used to be?

2 comments

2 Comments

bettyfox2d ago

Read somewhere that Snap-on's quality has been slipping since they moved more production overseas a few years back. Really makes you wonder if the price still matches the quality these days.

the_hayden2d ago

...and honestly @bettyfox is right about that overseas stuff. I've seen the same thing happen with a few of their newer wrenches. My old Snap-on stuff from 15 years ago still feels solid, but the new ones have a different feel to them. That pawl issue is a known thing with their newer ratchets, I've heard other mechanics complain about it online. For $300 you shouldn't be driving 45 minutes for a warranty swap two months in. Your mileage may vary but I'd look at the older used stuff on eBay if you want something that actually lasts.