Originally Posted by moparx
Originally Posted by TJP
When I had my employees, there were 3 rethreading kits int he shop.
Craftsman 50.00 new
mac Tools 125.00 new
Snap off 195.00 new.

They were identical in every way except the "sticker" on the lid. Even the intructions inside the box and the pebble finish on the outside were identical>

All made is the USA by the same company whistling beer




haha imagine that ! was the "USA" letters separated by "period" marks ? [as U.S.A.]
beer

I just checked and yes they are. i actually called Snap off and queried their techs on it, they bounced me over to purchasing/ procurement. I talked to a really nice guy that said he could not answer if they were any better or not. He said they source from many places and there was just no way of knowing. I did appreciate his honesty wink

I will also say that Most major manufacturer's have Final test procedures of some type. There are normally also different specifications supplied by the end user (say comp cams)
During the manufacturing two identical parts made at the same time on the same machine may perform differently for a number of reasons to numerous to list. So we have Final Test. This is where the completed parts are subjected to a variety of tests under different conditions and then sorted according to their performance. For example a;
"Bin1" part is the highest quality and consequently is priced at a premium.
"Bin 2" is slightly lower on performance and priced cheaper.
"Bin 3" is middle of the road on performance and priced cheaper yet.
"Bin 4" is still functional but will fail if exposed to Bin 1, 2 or 3 spec's
"Bin 5" is a reject and gets recycled of scrapped

In addition, The end user say Ford, may require their own set of test parameters: In the case of hydraulic lifters it might be x amount of spring pressure with different viscosity's of oil under extremely hot and cold temps.

Blueprint engines may be buying Bin1's

Comp Cams may be buying a bin 1, 2 or 3 part.

the local parts house will likely be selling bin 4's as their house brand, TRW may be Bin 3's, Bin 2's and the Joe Blows engine kit supply company is going to go for the bin 4's and probably other stock crate engine rebuilders.

So, were the Snap off's bin 1's or even tested? the person I spoke with was unaware of any required testing with the orders he placed but said it was possible.
whistling shruggy beer