I started buying tools as an apprentice GM mechanic back in 1974 in Naperville. My dealer was Gail Voight who was killed on his route a couple years later. Prayers for him.
I eventually acheived the "status" of Journeyman and Pontiac Master Service Craftsman. Then I quit and went into computers and software
.
I have since worked on motorcycles, diesel trucks and transmissions, boat engines and anything else the needed it.
When I started, Snap On and Vulcan were really the only game around. Cornwell existed but not common. Mac came along about 5 years later, or maybe just moved into the area. Then Matco later on.
All decent to good tools. I think Matco is the only one who does not have representation in my box but only because they were not present while I was still actively wrenching.
I bought 80% Snap On because the dealer financed, treated me fairly and came to the shop every week.
I never bought Craftsman, perhaps a little bias but mostly was the Snap On truck showing-up at the shop made it easier.
I will add I don't feel any others matched the quality of snap on. The fit on fasteners and the hand feel are unmatched.
Back in 2017 I made a warranty claim. Forty Three Years (43) after buying the tools from the dealer.
Called Snap On, explained the issue, new tools showed-up within a week via FedX. I probably could have found a current dealer and done the exchange but I wouldn't feel right. I didn't even need to show receipts though I did ship the old tools (screwdrivers, those who know, know why) back.
For the record I NEVER had a Snap On Wrench, Socket, Ratchet or any other tool fail in-service, never.
For home use today I have found that Kobalt are decent tools and that is what I stocked the boat with and they have been great for many years. The good tools still live in my garage and I use them a couple times a month.
If I were to go back into professional wrenching I would still lean to Snap On.
I bought their tools and they bought my loyalty.
Cole