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Snap-On Industrial

Snap-on Toolshistory timeline

Five unique handles and ten sockets that snapped on interchangeably coined "Five do the work of Fifty", and launched Snap-on, a company that would shape the industry.

In 1920, a cultural shift was underway in the United States as the automobile was rising in popularity, creating the need for an emerging automotive repair industry. Joseph Johnson, an engineer from Milwaukee, had an idea that would revolutionise repair and make work easier for professional mechanics.

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  • 1920s

    Snap-on 1920s

    First Patent – No. 6 Ratchet

    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.

  • 1930s

    Snap-on 1930s

    Dream Orders & Needs List

    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.

  • 1940s

    Snap-on 1940s

    Essential to the War Effort

    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.

  • 1950s

    Snap-on 1950s

    Booming Auto Industry

    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.

  • 1960s

    Snap-on 1960s

    Creation of The Flank Drive

    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.

  • 1970s

    Snap-on 1970s

    Business Growth

    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.

  • 1980s

    Snap-on 1980s

    Soaring to New Heights

    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.

  • 1990s

    Snap-on 1990s

    Continuously Evolving

    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.

  • 2000s

    Snap-on 2000s

    Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI)

    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.

  • 2010s – Today

    Snap-on 2010s

    Runways for Growth

    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.

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Snap-on IndustrialCatalogue

THE NEW 900+ PAGE SNAP-ON CATALOGUE

Key product categories and features

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Our Programs

Workmanship, quality and innovation have a long tradition at Snap-on. Our products are light, durable, strong and, above all, safe.

FOD

Make Foreign Object Damage a Thing of the Past

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FOD

Make Foreign Object Damage a Thing of the Past

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News &
Updates

Stay up to date with the latest news about our products and upcoming events.

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Safran Landing Systems depend upon Snap-on Industrial’s Level 5 Automated Tool Management System which allows the use of any number of networked tool storage cabinets to be monitored from one control…

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We’re helping to restore a Fokker F27

At Snap-on Industrial we’re proud to be supporting an ambitious project in the Netherlands to restore a vintage Fokker F27 and get it back in the air. Our knowledge and experience enabled us to…

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Snap-on’s newly enhanced tool management system – launched at the prestigious Red Bull Racing headquarters in Milton Keynes

With Snap-on’s newly enhanced tool management system teams can now work even smarter and faster than ever before - launched at the prestigious Red Bull Racing headquarters in Milton Keynes.

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Snap-on Advantage

Snap-On.Committed to ensuring the safety of your staff and customers.

Workmanship, quality and innovation have a long tradition at Snap-on. Our products are light, durable, strong and, above all, safe. If you'd like to know more about our range of products download our catalogue below.

Download Our 'All Tooled Up' Catalogue

Snap-On.Committed to ensuring the safety of your staff and customers.

Workmanship, quality and innovation have a long tradition at Snap-on. Our products are light, durable, strong and, above all, safe. If you'd like to know more about our range of products download our catalogue below.

Download Our 'All Tooled Up' Catalogue
Snap-on Advantage

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