Are Snap-On Tools Still Made in the USA?

Snap-On Tools Aren’t All Made In The USA in 2018:

Snap-on tools are touted as the top of the line for DIYers and professional automotive technicians. They started as an all American company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin almost 100 years ago. They have grown to employ more than 12,000 people. So do they still make all their tools in the USA? No, Snap-On has tools made in the USA and in other countries including China for sale under the Snap-On brand. Most hand tools are still made in Milwaukee and other parts of the USA. However, many of their other tools are made outside the USA. 

Are Chinese Snap-On Tools Worse Quality?

Answer: I believe so, and I believe you should be checking to see if what you’re buying from Snap-On was made in the USA or a different country. 

Also, there is a reason people favor tools made in the USA, they typically are built better, have higher quality standards, and don’t break as often. Plus, with Snap-On you’re paying top dollar price for everything regardless of whether it was built in the USA or not. I am a firm believer that there exist a ton of rebranded Snap-On tools on the market that are just as high quality at a fraction of the price. Most of those tools are going to be the ones that Snap-On produces in China anyway.

What tools are still made in the USA by Snap-On?

• Wrenches
• Screwdrivers
• Ratchets
• Roll Cabs for Tool Storage
• Sandblasters

What tools have Snap-On started to make outside the US?

• Welding Helmets – China
• Cordless Screwdriver Kit – China
• Gas Torches – Ireland
• Welding Helmets – China
• Safety Gloves – China
• Air Compressors – Canada and China

How to check if the tool you want is still made in the USA by Snap-On:

1. Go to Snap-on’s website.
2. Search their catalog for the tool you want.
3. Click on the specifications tab.
4. Scroll down to where it says “Country of Origin”
5. If it has anything other than US or USA then it is made outside the USA

Where are Snap-On factories located:

As of 2018, Snap-On tools have more factories located outside the USA than inside America.

Therefore, please remember this when you’re buying tools.

Soon, I will be compiling a table soon of tools that are very good copies of Snap-On tools, sometimes they’re the exact same tool just rebranded and sold cheaper.

Certainly, Snap-On still does make tools that are amazing. It is just my opinion you’re paying way too much for them.

Therefore, always follow the steps above to double check that the tool you want is made in the USA or not. Then, make your own educated decision whether you think it is worth paying the high price for a tool not made in the USA. When I am pretty confident you can find a similar quality tool for half the price or less, just without the Snap-On brand.

Final Analysis of Snap-On China Versus USA made tools:

Therefore, while many of the hand tools are still made in the USA by Snap-On they have moved a lot of their production overseas. Also, customers have noticed a reduction in their quality, especially in the tools made in China or outside the USA.

Next, I will compile a list of tools that are not branded as Snap-On but are direct copies or the exact same tool for 50% less or more. With Snap-On tools you are paying a lot for their brand name, gone are the days where the tool was guaranteed to be made in the USA.

Furthermore, I have worked with both Snap-On tools and every other brand and a lot of times I have found cheaper brands that feel the same if not better than Snap-On.

An example of this is my favorite 3/8″ ratchet set made by Gearwrench that is like 80% less than the Snap-on equivalent. Meaning you can buy 2-3 sets for the same price as the equivalent Snap-On set, and have replacements forever.

Finally, read about my favorite 3/8″ metric socket set here.

Also, if you want to learn a pro tip I learned from working on airplanes (that everyone should be doing on their cars/trucks/tractors) click here.