When it comes to the automotive world, few names stand out to mechanics as much as Snap-On, and with good reason.The company offers reliable hand tools with a renowned lifetime warranty.However, more and more mechanics are ditching the "old way," ignoring tool trucks, and switching to brands like Milwaukee.
Don't get me wrong, Snap-On makes excellent tools, many of which I own personally.But hand tools and cordless power tools are two completely different worlds, and the latter is leaving Snap-On behind.Milwaukee's expansive M12 and M18 tool platforms Lately, there’s been a big shift in garages across the country, and two of my family members with over 40 years of mechanical experience can vouch for it.
Not to mention dozens of users on Reddit.Automotive techs and mechanics are headed to the nearby hardware store for Milwaukee M12 or M18 tools instead of walking inside tool trucks.Why? Performance, affordability, reliability, an extended warranty, and unified battery platforms.
The Milwaukee M18 and M18 FUEL line offers an expansive collection of 250+ tools for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and trade professionals.Some of those include drills, drivers, impact wrenches, angled impacts, hydraulic impact drivers, rivet guns, grinders, shop vacs, and much more.Then there's the smaller Milwaukee M12 (12-volt) line of tools, which, while slightly smaller than the M18 platform, offers compact yet highly capable tools for tight spaces.
That's key, especially when you're under a vehicle or operating in tight spaces.Mechanics covet some of Milwaukee's compact impact wrenches, angled tools, and utility knives.And like most modern brands, every M12 tool runs on any M12 battery, and the same goes for the M18 platform.
The tools and battery packs are highly versatile.Related 5 Milwaukee tools perfect for at-home automotive repairs Trust me, the right angle impact is so worth it.Posts 1 By Cory Gunther Another one of the many reasons Milwaukee is so popular, aside from sheer performance, is its continuous efforts to release high-quality trade-specific tools for electricians and mechanics.
They make a ton of specialty tools, and that's important.A prime example is the Milwaukee M12 FUEL (Brushless) 3/8" ratchet or extended reach ratchets.And, for what it's worth, Milwaukee has a growing selection of hand tools you'll like, too.
Milwaukee M12 3/8-inch Cordless Ratchet Color Red Tool Type Ratchet Warranty 5 Year Limited Tool Warranty Make tough jobs in tight spaces easier than ever with the M12 cordless ratchet from Milwaukee. $169 at Home Depot Expand Collapse Milwaukee tools are more affordable and accessible Mechanics are choosing Milwaukee for the power-to-size ratio, more advanced lithium-ion battery technology, and the huge assortment of tools that are not only affordable but also very accessible.Milwaukee is owned by TTI, a global tool manufacturer that also makes Ryobi, HART, RIDGID, Hoover, and other products.No more waiting around for the tool truck, then starting a payment plan for a few expensive Snap-On items.
Instead, professionals can easily wander into Home Depot or Walmart and find all sorts of Milwaukee M12/M18 tools.Related Sorry Snap-on, I’m reaching for these tools from Harbor Freight instead This tool brand is quietly a top contender for less.Posts 10 By Cory Gunther Being able to instantly go to a hardware store to get a replacement tool or something specific for a job, without having to wait for a truck to order it, is a big deal.
That's especially true when you're trying to flag hours and finish vehicles to throw the next job on the rack.It's no secret that Snap-On tools are expensive.And these days, with prices higher than ever, finding a similar tool that still gets the job done at a significant discount is something everyone can appreciate.
Several professionals on Reddit echo that sentiment.Furthermore, Milwaukee continues to push the boundaries in power tools, battery technology, accessories, and more.And that's just something you don't see from Snap-On.
Sure, the company is great with hand tools, but its power tools are behind the curve.Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2-inch Impact Wrench (High Torque with Friction Ring) Special features Compact, Cushioned Grip, Forward/Reverse Switch, Heavy Duty, LED Light, Variable Speed Tool Type Impact Wrench Warranty 5 Year Limited Warranty The Milwaukee M18 FUEL brushless 1/2-inch High Torque Impact Wrench delivers all the power you'll need.At more than 50% less than the Snap-On competition, what are you waiting for? $299 at Home Depot Expand Collapse A better warranty for cordless power tools So, when you can find Milwaukee tools faster, cheaper, and often more powerful, why buy something like Snap-On instead? I know what you're thinking, and that's the excellent warranty.
Unfortunately, that renowned Snap-On lifetime warranty for your hand wrenches and breaker bars doesn't apply to anything electric, like power tools.Almost every Snap-On cordless power tool, light, speaker, or battery only comes with a 1-year warranty.And in some instances, you'll get a 2-year warranty at best.
That's nothing special, especially when you paid several hundred more for that red tool with a Snap-On logo instead of a Milwaukee.Every Milwaukee power tool generally features a 5-year warranty against problems, failures, or manufacturer's defects.You'll get 3 years of coverage for almost all Milwaukee M12 or M18 battery packs, plus 1 year on accessories, sockets, or heated gear like gloves and jackets.
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Warranty replacements are never the easiest, but when you can spend less for a better tool with a longer warranty, the choice is clear.A few other thoughts In closing, I wanted to highlight a few other points to help you understand why more and more mechanics are making the switch.A big one is Milwaukee's superior battery platforms, which can power hundreds of tools.
Most mechanics don't bring their Snap-On tools home, nor do they have very many Snap-On power tools for around the house.With Milwaukee, you can get all sorts of gear for the shop, then a bunch more for DIY projects at home, lawn care, and more.Bringing a tool home or a few extra battery packs for a quick job around the house gets a lot easier.
Flexibility is important.Additionally, depending on the shop, you've likely noticed the industry slowly moving away from air-powered tools.That's one more area where Milwaukee's expansive, constantly growing, and powerful line of battery-powered cordless tools shines.
They're lightweight, more ergonomic, cause less fatigue, all while being just as powerful, if not more powerful.I still love my Snap-On flex head ratchet, extenders, and combo ratcheting wrench set (especially the 10mm), but for everything else, I'll stick to Ryobi and Milwaukee.Related 5 new Milwaukee products coming soon that aren’t power tools Milwaukee has some new tools on the way, but you'll also want to keep an eye out for these excellent accessories.
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