Snap-on Tools

In 1923, Snap-on filed for its first patent, a ratcheting attachment. The No. 6 Ratchet was designed by Joseph Johnson and was the first ratcheting attachment made for use with the original set of interchangeable socket wrenches.

In the grip of the Great Depression, Snap-on salesmen would say to their customers, “Everybody is in a fix today – no money – but when you have money again, what tools will you need?” They called these “Dream Orders.” The novel idea quickly developed into a “Needs List,” and is still used with success today.

The early 1940s were marked by World War II and the military experienced severe tool shortages as a result. As a preferred supplier to the government, Snap-on was called into action, producing tools that kept air and ground equipment operating. Wartime demands also led to product innovations.

Post-war America began an era of optimism and growth of the middle class. The baby boom created a surge in home construction and a departure from the city to the suburbs.

Snap-on was well positioned to take advantage of this cultural shift; the dealer network continued to expand as a result of the fast developing auto repair industry and industrial sales accelerated as factories returned back to pre-war production.

At this time, the aviation industry was making advancements in reducing space and weight by modifying fasteners, but was struggling with rounding of the fastener corners upon removal. The Navy sought Snap-on to solve this dilemma.

The solution, called the Flank Drive® Wrenching System, was issued two patents in 1965 and proved so popular that it spread throughout the Snap-on product line.

As Snap-on celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1970, it began a decade of explosive growth. The number and variety of products jumped 30% and capacity was added through plant expansions.

For the decade, Snap-on net sales grew from $76.5 million in 1970 to $373.6 million in 1979.

In the late 1980s, the “Soaring to New Heights in Customer Service” theme was created as the Corporation strived to reach the $1 billion sales milestone.

The eagle, a powerful, regal bird known for fast and furious flight, was chosen as the symbol to guide the Company to even higher levels of quality and customer service. In 1987, the $1 billion sales goal was achieved.

Throughout the 1990s, Snap-on continued to expand product lines globally to better serve professionals in critical industries. More than two dozen companies were acquired.

With Sioux® and Williams® we extended our offering in power and hand tools for critical industries. In 1995 Snap-on purchased Eurotools, reaching professional tradesmen globally. In 1999, Snap-on acquired the Bahco® iconic brand.

RCI is a structured set of tools and processes, used by associates globally to eliminate wasted effort and create productivity and quality, leading to sustainable operating efficiencies.

Beginning in 2005, Snap-on enlisted the masters of the Toyota Production System, Shingijutsu, as a guide.

Snap-on is positioned for the future with favorable vehicle population trends, increasing vehicle complexity, growing demand in emerging markets and significant opportunities in industries outside of vehicle repair.

To capitalize on these opportunities, we are investing strategically in these wide runways for growth in order to reach more professionals.