In the world of professional tools, two names usually reign supreme: Snap-On and Milwaukee. Coincidentally, both tool brands use red and white coloring. Brand identity aside, both tools have very specialized lineups for automotive use, plumbing (Milwaukee has several tools for clearing drain blockages), carpentry, engineering, or even aviation purposes. As such, Snap-On has tools Milwaukee doesn’t, and vice versa. Similarly, a certain Snap-On tool might be the best tool for the job over Milwaukee. It all really depends on what the job is and how much you’re willing to pay. For example, Snap-On has crazy expensive power tools.
Both companies have been around for over a century, with Snap-On first opening its doors in 1920 and Milwaukee following soon after in 1924. As such, both brands have very wide lineups. But, specifically, what does Snap-On have over Milwaukee? Both brands appear to do the same thing (make tools for professionals), but Snap-On does have a few things in its vast product catalog that Milwaukee can’t hold a candle to.
Railroad sockets
SlashGear has reported on some of the wackier tools that Snap-On has in its repertoire. One such category is railroad-specific sockets. Given Snap-On’s reputation as an All-American tool brand, naturally, it would have accessories for working on railroad components, supporting one of the oldest heavy industries in the country. Now, both Milwaukee and Snap-On have large cordless or corded impact wrenches that can be used in the railroad industry, but only Snap-On makes sockets designed specifically for working on the actual rails and rail ties of the railroad.
Snap-On’s “Railroad Service Tools” category isn’t all that big, but it consists of tools that are vital to working on the railroad all the livelong day. The rectangular head lag socket that it sells for $55 does not have an equivalent in Milwaukee’s catalog. This socket is used to drive long, rectangular-headed lag screws into railroad ties. Snap-On notes that such screws are used by North American freight railroads like Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.
Pneumatic tools
Snap-On is known throughout the world for its automotive tools, and no category of shop tool is more iconic than an air-powered impact wrench. The sound is immediately recognizable and inextricably linked with motorsports and mechanic work (even though your average DIYer and a lot of professionals have switched to battery-powered tools). Milwaukee doesn’t offer any air tools. It makes compressors that you may use for air tools, but its red-tinged catalog does not feature a single air hammer or air-powered impact wrench…