Questions and Answers
Chrome Or Industrial Finish?
Q. I recently came across Vincent Ciulla's article on TOOLS at your web site and it was just the advice I needed at just the right time. My son has just begun a two year automotive program at a State technical school and will be required to purchase a minimum set of automotive tools within his first few weeks of school.
Based on Vincent Ciulla's article I have decided to go with the Snap-on brand of tools because of their quality. Although the Snap-on tools are more expensive than other brands it appears that my son will just be able to afford to purchase the entire required set of tools from Snap-on with the money he will be receiving from his first year student loan.
This was only made possible, however, because the area Snap-on representative that I have been working with was able to offer my son a discounted student price on his set of tools ($2,636.00 vs the $5,300.00 retail price) and because many of the Snap-on tools he has offered to provide at that price come with Snap-on's "industrial" finish rather than the "chrome" finish.
The Snap-on representative has assured me that, while the chrome finished tools may look better and may be easier to clean, the tools with the "industrial" finish are every bit as good and will last just as long. However, before I make a final decision on the matter I would like to have your opinion. If it really makes a difference I would be willing to borrow the additional money needed myself to enable my son to acquire the "chrome" finished tools.
Thanks in advance for the help and advice.
Richard
A. I'm glad my article was helpful to you. I personally have been using Snap-on Tools for the last thirty years and I still have the very first 3/8" drive set I ever bought.
The Snap-on man is correct, the only difference between the chrome and industrial tools is the finish. He will get the same performance from either one. The industrial finished tools are primarily for industry where looks are not important.
What it boils down to is the chrome finish has two distinct advantages over the industrial finish. One is that they are easier to clean. This is a matter of personal pride for me. I like to keep my tools clean and shiny because it's a reflection of how I perform my job.
The other advantage is a little more practical. A chrome finish tool is easier to spot under the hood of a car. I have made it a habit to look over the engine compartment before I close the hood. I look to make sure everything is in it's place and to make sure I didn't leave any tools behind. A shiny tool is easier to spot than a dull, black finished tool.
If the cost is an issue, he can get the industrial finish tools now and over time he can trade them in for the chrome finished tools. The Snap-on man will have no problem with that.
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