one thing to consider when trying to buy tools: how do i get hold of the
seller to enact the warranty? or to buy more tools?

the Snap-On and Mac and Cromwell folks all follow fairly set routes around
town, going to the auto dealers and repair shops ... so if you can find out
from some service department when the tool truck comes by, you can catch him
there (at that dealer). but be aware that lots of the tool sellers are more
interested in selling to mechanics who buy on the installment plan (and pay
by the week) than they are in selling to individuals like you. at least,
that's the case here locally.

and trying to track the guy down when YOU need something can be a pain.
that's why i settled on Craftsman from Sears, or Kobalt from Lowe's or
whatever ... the Sears store don't move around much and they're open late
and on weekends. :) and like Kent said, most of the time i don't need the
extra quality that's in the Snap-on stuff (or the extra price that Snap-on
comes with!). but the Snap-on, Cromwell, Mac, and others, warranty is better
than Sears, actually .. if you even break a screwdriver, most tool truck
guys will give you another one. it's just hard to catch them to do that. :(

just a rambling opinion. :) i'd LOVE for Snap-on to open a retail store here
... well ... no, maybe not. then i'd REALLY be broke. :(

joel