Back in the day the SK ratchets always had by far the finest nicest feeling click. SK could always run with the best, but just failed in marketing them, many young mechanics have never heard of them. Good video.

I have tons of Snap-On and love using their tools, but I'm sorry, $749.00 is absolutely insulting lol.

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

I paid $350 new off the truck.

@mysticjedi6730

8 ай бұрын

Might as well buy reasonable and have spares.. most of my tools got at garage sales..

@gtcam723

29 күн бұрын

@@MrSubaru1387makes me consider finding a local truck

S*K tools are heirloom tools.. I have my dad’s set... we went to Alaska and back to Maine in a 17’ motorhome back in 1968. 2021 they still work, no replacements.

You know you need to do this format up to 3/4dr now just don't leave out wright and proto

I've been using the SK Tool 1/4" Drive Socket Set for over thirty years now. This set has served me very well with no issues. I would happily purchase again, if need be.

@MarzNet256

Жыл бұрын

Those older SK tools are the best. I have a full set of SK-Wayne metric and fractional combination wrenches from the 60's. Also, love the 1/4 drive round head ratchet-it's small but strong as heck.

@Manuel3525m

Жыл бұрын

I have used craftsman for ove 5 years no problem

I like that SK set even though its ratchet is shorter but the knurling on the handle 🔥

All three makers are top notch. I don’t believe you can go wrong. If you’re a Snap On or Mac owner nothing else will do regardless of price. S-K is great for the cost but is harder to get warranty replacement depending on where you live. Dealing with that right now myself.

Yeah I got the Snap On a few years back brand new for less than $350. Love the set. But I agree the SK is a clear winner for USA made value. Although SO is much easier to warranty with dealers everywhere

I bought the Snap-on set 20 plus years ago on special for less than $300. This is my favorite socket set of all time, it’s like a old friend.

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

Same, I think I got mine for around $350 in 2011.

Used the SK set at work a ton, loved it but don’t have the money to rationalize buying my own. Bought a cheap knock off SK set and upgraded the ratchet to a Williams. Happy so far, one day I’ll pick up a nice SK set. For 1/4 I don’t have a ton of issue going cheap on the sockets especially with DIY levels of usage, but the nice socket is 100% the game changer and I loved that SK ratchet.

The best is the one you can afford....icon it is for me lol

@staypositive4358

3 жыл бұрын

Nothing wrong with that!

@bbodan5393

3 жыл бұрын

Icon sockets are terrible on the corners. I got a couple sets of sockets I want to get rid of. They killed the chrome on lug nuts.

I have had the snap-on set since 96. I have worn out 2 plastic boxes,and just switched to the Milwaukee thin 1/2 size packout. I removed the smaller sizes of close sizes (like 1/2-13 mm 7/16-11mm etc),and replaced them with swivels. This set plus a small Knipex plierwrench goes everywhere I go. I replaced the

Thanks for these comparisons. I’m a fan of the SK tools I own, the rest being craftsman or the like. I recently picked up a wrench set to keep in my vehicle for a long off-road trip. Amazon special, Sata brand. $100 for a 23-piece metric combo wrench set. Most sizes 6-32mm. For the price, I was shocked impressed in the execution, chrome job, stamping/marking, smooth edges, etc. even came with a thick tool roll. I’m not above paying for quality, but for a truck set or entry level, I’m just not sure it can be beat. Can you find a set to review against the premium brands, I’d like your opinion on it.

Coincidentally, my smallest 1/4 is a SK from the time they were owned by Facom. A 72-tooth Facom design made in USA. Not the tightest thing I have, but it sure is small.

15 yrs as a mechanic, 15 yrs selling MAC tools, and a lifetime of wrenching. Prices on MAC and Snap On are stupid, crazy expensive! Folks gave me a set of SK 1/4 and 1/2 drive sets when I got out of high school (in 1970) I STILL use them to this day! SK is my favorite ratchet hands down, followed by MAC, Snap on in last place. I believe the MAC and Snap on are marginally stronger sockets, but for the home mechanic? SK is plenty strong enough

Just bought an SK 3/8" drive set because of this video for Prime day! My STI thanks you! Haha

20 years ago when I was turning wrenches for a living, I started with Craftsman and loved them (USA made, and usually good quality) but I never liked Craftsman's socket sets. Even the blow molded cases were crappy and sockets would go flying around. I bought the SK 1/4 and 3/8 sets and while I have piles and piles of other sockets and ratchets from every brand in the drawer, these 1/4 and 3/8 SK sets have been my first go-to sets every time, for the last 20 years! I don't love the SK ratchets as much as others, but the overall set is still my 1st choice. Depending on the job, I'll grab the SK socket set and possibly another brand ratchet, again depending on the task. It's neat that the SK set (and I believe the Mac and Snap On sets) haven't changed either, over the last 20+ years. That's not a bad thing. All 3 are well made and great. As for warranty, I had my 1st claim last year. The 1/4" ratchet was binding up, even after I cleaned it. Grainger carries and warranties SK Tools. As expected with Grainger, it was a friendly, easy swap, no problem. Great comparison video!

I really enjoy your videos. Just found your channel a couple weeks ago... wish I had found it sooner. My next project car is going to be A 04 subaru forester xt ...

I've had my s.k sey for 15 years minimal and it's wicked

I have the SK set in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" and I got a free upgrade for each ratchet all I had to do was pay shipping. My SK 1/4" set came with a few more pieces and it came with a thumb wheel ratchet. The SK sets are absolutely perfect

@swingcity7

3 ай бұрын

Congrats dang where/who was the merchant?

Looking back on my career, my biggest aggravation was sockets and extensions coming apart in use. To me, in 1/4 inch drive, socket retention is most important, followed by the swing radius of the ratchet.too much time, everyday, searching for fallen tools on the shop floor.

I have all three I've had the SK set for 18 years now they're all good tools but Snap-on is the winner by a Longshot the sockets tighter tolerance keeps you from rounding out Fasteners, the thickness of the wall is thinner to get in tighter places, and due to the heat treating it stronger and holds up better, the Finish doesn't come off or peel and the ratchet is Head and Shoulders above the other two I would definitely say the snap-on's worth the money and if I wanted to go cheap I will get the SK set and buy a Snap-on ratchet go with it

For me the best price to value is the SK. I have the same set as you. But mine has a thumb ratchet too.

I found that exact SK set on a lease Road....😊. Snap-on ratchet included. I love it it's nice. the other 2 sets.....they're great also but the price I just couldn't justify.

I purchased the Snap-On set along with a 3/8" metric set (deep and shallow, ratchet and nice set of extensions) both "new" at a pawn shop for $250 about 10 years ago. Your quoted price makes my score better than I guessed. It was a nice score for a backup set for the home shop. Over the years that Snap-On has become my favorite and most used set. I kitted up the quarter inch set with a much smaller steel case, about a dozen more extensions, about a dozen more ratchets, various screw driver handles, spring extension, etc. Everything in the kit is Snap-On except for a super thin long handled soft grip Matco ratchet that I just happen to favor. I rely on this kit more than anyother set I own. Its portability and completeness meets my needs. I don't care for the blow molded cases. They take up so much drawer space and the loose sockets disorganize and spill so easily when open. Rails work better for me, compact and socket order stays organized. I started collecting Snap-On about 40 years ago. I remain convinced that they still out perform all other mechanic tool brands. Their retail price is a very bitter pill to swallow. Second hand tools has been a very viable option for me. Very nice condition Snap-On isn't hard to find on the used market. I probably own 30 Snap-On ratchets with only 2 or 3 sets of duplicate styles. I find that only a couple of sizes or styles have proven to be superfluous. My other brands of ratchets are also premium brands, but I find that virtually all of them are substandard to Snap-On performance. I did like and use the 72 tooth SK style round head ratchets until Snap-On finally introduced their fine tooth pear head styles. If I require an additional style now, I choose that Snap-On style before looking elsewhere. I have yet to damage or wear any of that style from Snap-On. I had a chance several years ago to chat with the president of SK. He gave me some of his take on how they were trying to resurrect the almost non existent SK brand and still make USA tools. Their limited product line and limited availability coupled with their historic clunky and fat bodied tool designs have made me still inclined to steer clear of the SK brand. I like what they are trying to do, but I still prefer a higher quality tool even though I have to sometimes yield to Snap-On extremely high cost.

As a millwright, ill stick with my S/K set, ive used it for 15 years without a issue & its my go to 1/4" drive set

I said the hell with it and bought the sunnex impact set and it has been great and don't have to worry about it with the m12 ¼ impact

I have some Snap on and MAC of my father's, good stuff. I purchased a lot of SK on student discount while in school and have liked most of it compared to Snap on stuff I also purchased with student discount. My experience with the new stuff from both SK and Snappy is the Snappy just about always wins in fit, finish, and quality; however it comes with a stout price tag. SK is more available on sale than Snap on if you don't have regular access to a truck. Warranty on both is good; I have had to use the warranty with both on brand new tools. Again, Snappy edges SK out in just about every category besides price. Professional and especially at home mechanics will enjoy SK. I do have a couple critiques for SK, I considered making a video on it but I'm not a creator so no one would see it. For example, look at your 8mm and 10mm x frame wrench and you'll notice the body is the same; that translates to a bigger 8mm than you need which is counter productive to tight spaces an 8mm would be needed. Also, I returned SK 3/8 impact socket sets in semi deep and shallow because some sizes shared the same diameter socket body, I think that was a manufacturing defect as the sizes that shared the same diameter body were different between sets(17/18 & 14/15 on one set and 16/17 & 12/13 on the other, very odd) and both sets had some sizes with unfinished broaching; regardless absolutely not acceptable, I went instead with the Snappy semi deep and Williams USA made deep and shallow. Don't forget about Proto as well! Zoro tools is a great place to buy Proto and Williams stuff, they have 20% off codes many times a year. Great video!

Great review!!

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

The snappy is the best. I’ve had the kit for 15 years. Never had the ratchet rebuilt. Probably because it’s short and you can’t put huge torque on it unless you hook the extension on the handle with a socket.

I have the snap on set and the sk set i always grab the sk and have the 1/4 inch impact set with swivals use daily

I didn't hear a retail price for the SK. Would you mind telling me?

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

Thought I mentioned it twice, but list is $320. They're on sale for $200 something on their website. I bought this set from SK's Amazon store for $199 Prime.

@cheyenneobregon184

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrSubaru1387 its26offsk gets you 26% off as well on anything

I have the Snap On set and I love it. The MAC set has sockets that are too soft in there set and they tend to round out bolts. The SK is far more bang for the buck and comes with 4mm sockets!

@RobtheAviator

Жыл бұрын

That’s a real problem. I have a snap on setup in the main shop I work at and a MAC setup in the second shop I work at. I’ve never had to warranty a Snap on socket. I’ve had to warranty a couple MAC sockets. I also believe that the MAC sockets are not hard enough.

@MoneyMarcMes

Жыл бұрын

@@RobtheAviator Yup even the MAC chrome sockets are too soft. The hex end of the socket tends to wear extremely fast. Ridiculous.

Taiwanese made tools are generally good quality and very good value for money. Far better than Chinese shit.

@ozyrob1

2 жыл бұрын

100%

I have both the SK and the Mac sets, the Mac one I purchased recently and I’m happy with everything but the ratchet. The SK set I’ve had for maybe 14 years, it is honestly well worth what I paid for it. The ratchet is original and has never needed a rebuild. I have the snap on 1/4 ratchet that comes with the set, that ratchet is great as well. If I had to suggest a set to someone, it would be the SK set. The Mac set is great too but the ratchet is terrible. It’s tight to move and if you want to twist the socket with your fingers in a tight space it’s not easy. The snap on one is most likely great, but it’s too damn expensive.(Also, when I bought the SK set it came with the universal and a palm ratchet. I would rank SK first, snap on 2nd and Mac 3rd.(only cause I really don’t like the ratchet.

Sk is pretty good although I have busted several of the deep sockets but they warranted them with no problems

Felton is the winner it’s my fist and only full set I got it in 1/4 inch and it’s phenomenal for the price and quality

Definitely need to update this video because the prices on these have almost doubled LOL. I actually took my Snap-on kit and put it in a Sk A-box that has metric and standard so I can get the 15 and 16 mm along with the 5 mm that they skip along with a few other sizes . Actually prefer the SK kit but getting anything warrantied in this area is horrible and their mail in warranty has been a horrible experience for me as well. I have all three of these kits between home and work and always loved to lay out of them but like I said always preferred the SK box because of the additional socket sizes the other two kits lack

I have three sets of the SK at my shop. We bought them back in the day when you could buy them at the local parts store. I believe that they were 55.00 back then.

No 5/8 anywhere sheesh. Nice video brudda.

I don’t like how they don’t give you the same sizes in deep and shallow. Sure, probably won’t need a deep 4mm socket but still. The option would be nice.

I own sk and snap on 1/4 sockets and ratchets; the snap on is definitely nicer but the sk set is still great for the price and would buy again if the coin isn't there for snap on

Don't forget you can buy Proto (Mac industrial brand) also made in Dallas for less money.

I have had the snap on set for years which I got off the tool truck as a trade in that only put me back 150 bucks.....so you know no brained. But before then I had been rocking a similar sk set that I got when I was in tech school through the votech discount program. The long and short of it is that you can't go wrong with any of these sets.

Bonus point for SK case being green, my favorite color.

didn't want to put the calipers to the I.D.'s and check tolerance and wall thickness or finish?

I’ve owed all three, i prefer the snap 1/4 set. Fits fasteners better, the shallow shoulder has been a life saver more then once. They are all great tools, never had a problem with any of the sockets. Didn’t care much for the sk or Mac ratchets but still got the job done.

@CSLFiero

3 жыл бұрын

old SK-wayne sockets were shown by another tuber to have incredible tolerances, to within .03 of the asme specification. since Ideal took over, dont know. I know they use a lot of the same machines, from the old factory, but that doesn't mean they run them the same or do the same QC. edit: for clarity, and don't quote me on this, but I think the asme spec for a 10mm is 10.2mm with a over/under of .15mm for class A socketry and sk-wayne would nail it at 10.2 to 10.25 and just be tight as high school volleyball shorts.

@jamesflanary8146

3 жыл бұрын

@@CSLFiero Thanks for that info👍 Do you happen to know the channel? Would love to check that video out.

@CSLFiero

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesflanary8146 client graphics. Search socket tolerance should be the first result

I've got a full set of SK-WAYNE tool set ivs had since I was a mechanic in the Police garage then transferred to heavy equipment then on to a job as a Plant Mechanic III, served me well through all those jobs, never a problem as I remember

I have a blue point set that I keep on my service truck for my smaller cab jobs or anything that small. Comes in a nice blow mold case. I’ve had it for years now, I’ve only had to warranty out the case once since I’ve had it. Way more affordable then these brands.

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

It's also made in Taiwan, not the USA.

I can't justify, or afford! Snap On Tools, but I love my USA made SK sockets etc, they suit this amateur mechanic perfectly. I do have Snap On Ratchets, and like using them, but they can be a bit bulky when working on my small British car. I do like to have a few different ratchets available, including Facom, SK, Milwaukee etc. P S. I was buying my SK sockets when they went Chinese. I refuse to buy Chinese, so I completed my set with Wera.

I’ve tested the SK sockets and they have a bigger grip on the socket the snap on showing just a line. Snap on claims the socket gets better with use but SK just went ahead and made the socket grab better right away.

I know these are all USA made, but I’ll take my Taiwan made Tekton 56-piece set for $90 over these. Has deep and shallow sockets without any skips from 5/32”-9/16” and 4mm-15mm. Tekton’s warranty is awesome too!

@lowellhalsteadjr4832

8 күн бұрын

I just received my 1/4 inch tektons in the mail.. drop a nut in that socket and it falls all the way to the back. No thanks

Sadly, most SK presently doesn’t seem to be US made. Maybe they’ll return to that at some point. This did cause me stumble of a small Mac set that I think is slick. Everyone complains about stuff not being US made but then they recuse to pay for it. Just a fact of life. Everything here costs more. Material, labor, etc

The SK is perfect I bought 3 of them one for work one for home and one for the truck. Not as nice as snap on but great quality and price to bad SK is now owned by a Chinese company but still made in USA

I have quite a few snap-on and SK that I have bought from dealers when I was working in a transmission shop many years ago. I have few tools that failed over the years but having them repaired or replaced are too much of hassle, as I am no longer in car repair business.

I own lots of SK sockets and I can only warranty via email and then snail mail.

Tekton made in USA 1/4 set $75 reg price even cheaper on sale. 55pc set offered in 6 point or 12 point. Buy both and still beat sk

🤣 Mac ratchet with fail in no time. My dad left me his SK and seems like it was made a long time ago 50’s or 60’s has 8pt sockets and everything. But its all SAE so nit useful for much mechanic work. I really like Gearwrench socket sets like SK They dont skip. Ratchet is not bad but not great. Broke a few 84t but love the feel.

I own SK ....Craftsman usa made both 3/8 .... the AM_pro 1/2 ratchet 72 teeth my late father had snap-on alot sold it all would have been nice to have em with his red box

I have the snap on and mac lol now I should buy an SK and I'll have the same collection

Which one of these sets would be best for replacing spark plugs in a vehicle?

Don't forget Canadian made, such as Gray tools. They're really good too.

I’d really like to get the SnapOn set, but I think it’s damn near $1000 now. Just can’t bring myself to pay that. The Mac one is on special this month and can be had for $335 ($200 trade in). My dealer usually doesn’t worry about the trade in and just gives us that price, but I’ll have to think about it. The sockets seem decent, but that ratchet didn’t look all that great. Since SK got bought out, I’ve been waiting to see what happened with them.

@mmholling87

2 жыл бұрын

You're right it's over 1k now which is crazy. Just buy a T72 and some mid length sockets.

@josephriddle2772

Жыл бұрын

@@mmholling87 I got my semi deeps plus the metric fdx set

@mmholling87

Жыл бұрын

@josephriddle2772 I did the same thing. I prefer the regular FD in most cases. The FDX are too tight.

I hated when carrying cases don't hold the pieces in place and this test game me anxiety. lol

I have a sk set from like 03 my ratchet is the same body but is much less teeth but still smooth.

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

Likely the 60T, you can buy and swap in the 120T guts.

@adamdaniello2300

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrSubaru1387 yeah I just found that out

I prefer sure grip it leaves a larger flatter impression on the fastener the snap on leaves a sharp mark damaging the anodized coatings found in automotive.

Hey mr. Subaru, quick question. Just recently did timing belt on my 2004 forester. With the help of your awesome video. I reused the crank pulley bolt. Was that a misstep on my part? My neighbor claims they stretch. Driven over 1,000 miles with no problems. Just wondering. Thanks

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

You're good. I only replace them if damaged.

@johnnydubrow2279

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrSubaru1387 much appreciated. Love the sambar.

Retail price for the Snap-on set today (4-28-23) is $1,110. Are they plating them in 24 karat gold now? Unbelieveable. Suggested new slogan for Snap-on tools........"Snap-on Heritage: 100 Years of Keeping Mechanics in Debt"

Love Snap-On and own MANY of their tools but Gearwrench 3/8 plus 1/4 for $100? Couldn’t pass it up… I figured if I really need the Snap-On the I will get it then.

Honesty, for all that money there is NO excuse for missing out any sizes!

All awesome sets question is that Macs latest 1/4 ratchet or do they offer a finer tooth ratchet today ? Just wondering 👍👍

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

The MAC was bought a few months ago, new off the truck. They offer the 90T AXIS ratchets, but not in these sets.

Also, Mac ran a BOGO on the set a couple months ago. It’s was buy the 3/8 set and get the 1/4 set free for around 600 bucks maybe? That’s when I picked them up.

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

Yup. This is from that deal. 👍🏻

@mr.m3820

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrSubaru1387 ratchets are terrible, I feel like they’ll never break but they are not the best.

With the low profile 3/8 ratchets you can get now and shorty 3/8 nano sockets, I've stopped using 1/4 for anything.

SO set is $1110 on 11/1/2023. This inflation stuff is getting serious. The crazy part is that the price will probably only go up from here.

Sk all Day!!!

On the slop test you didn't pop the sk's tension ball all the way back in to the extension when you wiggled it

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

I did.

Its a very sad thing you can't have an Armstrong USA set to include in this comparison of usa beauty

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, Apex axed them.

@kennethstephens8046

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrSubaru1387 sucks they killed Allen as well. Would love to see a comparison with some other industrial brands like wright, Williams, Martin(if they make sockets), proto.

@andrewscott8892

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrSubaru1387 I downloaded their last catalog and it's 520 pages of tear inducing beauty lol, I bought 8 of their ratchets(including all three maxx88 drive sizes) and both new old stock and vintage armstrong tools. Just wish I was this into tools 5 years ago but in a decade or 2 a bunch will be hitting the government surplus market

I have never liked any of mac ratchets always have to hold sockets to ratchet on a bolt a pain to use. I like the snap on sockets and ratchet but love the sk ratchet for ease of use but not a robust as the snap on.

S-K has always been reliable and faith full to me ive never had a problem with rebuild kits or replacements. Nothing worse than having to chase the trucks.

@MrSubaru1387

Жыл бұрын

Too bad they sold out to China in July 21

@fracatdiesel3159

Жыл бұрын

@@MrSubaru1387 Sad but true still made in America??? but unfortunatly owned by china for now? Had verified through there lovely ladys in the warranty dept. So many great tool brands have gone to shit over the years.....

Any thoughts on Wright Tools?

Now snap on will be the easiest one to warranty

Of considering SK now is the time to get them before the Chinese company starts putting out what they make Snap on is the best but SK is a great tool at better price

Tekton!! Thank you 😂

Hi from the UK. We don't have sk here very much. Most professional mechanics use snap on and or mac tools. Snap on is expensive but worth every penny, when I'm working under a rust heap car which is common in England, cheap sockets just don't cut it. USA made tools all the way.

Recommend the gear wrench set they got the best ratchets for the price

S K Gets my vote based on experience

Will too bad SK tools are no longer made in USA.

Why did they drop the horsepower in the WRX? It was beat by a Hyundai😳

I hate the knurling on the Mac and SK ratchets and I hate the selector on the SK ratchets. I hate the price on the snap on.

I got the Mac master torx socket set and it was made in Taiwan. I felt ripped off.

I’ve always wanted that snap on set but it’s always been too expensive it used to be 450 15 years ago

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

I got mine for around that on promo in 2011.

@jonk6137

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrSubaru1387 we are headed for trouble inflation is a bitch

Also those sets are old snap on has new sockets flank drive extra their sockets are totally different now. 👍👍👍👍

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

Flank Drive Xtra is an extractor style socket. They're not for everyday use. Flank drive sockets are still the standard. FDX is mainly for rusted, damaged, or compromised fasteners.

Have you ever tested or used cornwell? Are they worth the price?

@jamesflanary8146

3 жыл бұрын

Yes they are worth the price. In my personal opinion they are just as good of quality as snap-on made I USA. Cornwell also has their blue power line which is definitely worth looking into, blue power is the equivalent of snap-on’a bluepoint. I have multiple sets of chrome and impact sockets, they may not be as thin wall walled as cornwell or snap-on but still great quality for the price and backed with a lifetime warranty.

@markkobza8129

3 жыл бұрын

I like the Cornwell sockets I have their impacts and their chromes and they're older like 36 tooth ratchets everybody complains about the 36 tooth because it's not fine tooth but for some reason the Cornwell ratchets get so smooth they're just real easy to work with

SK for the win.

Mac for the win

I believe the least slop winner should be Ko-Ken :)

@MrSubaru1387

3 жыл бұрын

The zeal series wins for sure.

what about cornwell?

did you mention the price of the sk set?

I love sunex.

Extra texture means extra grease and dirt retention. Evven with weekly visits by the Snap-On sales truck and lifetime warranty, the Snap-On set and the MAC set are very hard to justify for the money and spent. I am now a proponent of Harbor Freight Icon. I have broken enough Snap-On from normal use (I have never put an impact on my chrome sockets) to realize they are also destructible. The chrome sockest will split in the "flank drive" and so will the impact sockets. They are not as brittle as many other brands but, eventually, they break. Their coarse ratchets suck. I have injured myself ;more than once when the teeth on the gear or the ratchet pawl break off. BTW, I was for 3 years a Snap-On dealer. Talk about a rat race...