Snap-on - VS - Harbor Freight ( MG725 / Earthquake XT ) 1/2" Impact Wrenches 

→ Become a Real Tool Reviews Subscriber: ru-vid.com → Instagram: instagram.com/realtoolreviews → Facebook: facebook.com/realtoolreviews

5:00 Snap-On protective cover, same price as the Earthquake impact gun.

I have used Harbor Freight tools for many years and I honestly see them just as reliable as the name brand Snap On and others. Being I don't make much money as it is, I'm simply not going to pay a 500% markup because some company wants more because of their name. And with the 1/2" Harbor Freight coming in at $124 with discounts and coupons, even if it broke or failed and I had to get another one, I would still be coming in cheaper in the long run rather than wasting $505 for a Snap On.

This guy packs a lot of info in his videos. I like the non BS approach

In addition, as a Harbor Freight employee, i can say that even adding the two year replacement plan on the Earthquake the price still comes in ridiculously lower than Snap-On. Also, when you purchase the two year replacement plan....that ADDS two years to the 90 days (i.e. it starts on day 91 and goes for two more years) giving you 27 months of replacement coverage. Loving the comparisons!!! Keep them coming!!! :)

How about this: Years ago, I bought mostly Harbor Freight stuff because I was a forgetful moron and would work on something, fix it and then use whatever I fixed to finish the job (Farm equip.) and let the tools lay around in the dirt, rain etc. I was also young and poor and worked sometimes 18 hrs a day to put food in our mouths. The impact guns then were a hit or miss from HF. It may work forever but only put out 150 ft lbs, OR, put out 500ft lbs and work for a month. I used them because I couldn't even afford to buy a Snap On sticker for my lunch box. As time went on the HF products (some.....) started to improve SLOWLY and in the last 5 years HF tools have improved 500%. It isn't because HF started making better stuff. It's because the Chinese are starting to get their act together, modernizing their factories and learning to apply quality control. I can remember when the words "Made in Japan" on a wrench or socket translated into "Busted knuckles" and today we wouldn't blink an eye or worry about almost anything made there. If Snap On or MATCO or MAC don't wake up soon they will be out of business. They need to understand that the niche market they are in is soon gone. The arguments being presented by the Snap On fans were valid even 5 years ago. Advocating the high price=high quality thing now is the only platform they have left after watching this video. If you have a mortgage payment every month in tools and reality strikes home, it doesn't take long to realize the tasty Kool Aid from the guy in the tool truck may just be poison after all? So to justify their situation and numb reality the normal human psychological response is to grasp at whatever is left...........

I've had an earthquake impact as a professional mechanic for a while now. It has provided me extremely reliable service and has consistently performed on par with guns from Mac and snap on. i will admit IR consistently makes the best air tools on the market though. For a start up mechanic, DYI'r, or even a seasoned professional there is absolutely no shame in having an earthquake impact, or even some other hf tools in your box. If you are looking for the elite in air tools however, choose IR

I will paint the earthquake green

I still point people to this video to this day. Thank you for doing honest, quality reviews!

The question is lifespan. My impact wrenches are Mastercraft from Canadian Tire, all metal. I've used them professionally for years and they're still going strong. The only impact that's ever failed on me was a 3/8 drive Craftsman my dad had put about 20 years of pro use on before I got it. I just can't justify spending $500 for something I can get for $100.

I own a crap load of harbor freight tools. I think they are great for people who do their own work around the house. Work on their own cars etc. As long as you don't plan on using their tools everyday, 99% of harbor freight tools are great.

My ambitions: snap-on my bankaccount: harbor freight

I have the XT and it is a monster. Getting it for $114 is a great deal, too. I am a home garage mechanic, but with 4 vehicles, and 2 sons with 20 year old, used cars, we have used these tools A LOT over the last 20 years and I can put the "bad" tools on 1/2 of one hand. It's about expectation...and overall, Harbor Freight stuff has far exceeded most expectations while saving me a TON of money along the way. Good review!!

I have been wrenching for, Honestly longer than most of you have been alive. (I was expected to change out of my school clothes and into my work clothes to help my dad, coming home from kindergarden!) So well over 50 years. I have used just about every tool imaginable. I worked in the shipyards and then as a diesel mechanic, then a diesel shop manager. Many years ago I got a cheap set of tools and tool box with the idea that when they broke or wore out I would replace them off the truck. I have a MUCH larger box now and it has some snap-on and cornwell and even a few mac, etc., but surprisingly I still have a lot of that original set and have added some harbor freight as well. The other guys would give me a hard time over my "cheap" stuff and that was o.k. Most of my collection has been with me for decades. The harbor freight stuff that is somewhat newer, relatively speaking, works quite well and I am very pleased with it. I always smile when the other guys come to burrow my earthquake 3/8" impact driver. It got more use than most of the other drivers because everyone liked it so much "for tight spaces" It still performs just great. I am not going to knock the tool truck equipment. It has its place. You can finance your purchases, the truck comes by once a week at a regular time and day. But lets be honest those "conveniences" are not free. The driver has to make a living and I don't blame him for that. I will just say that many of the tools in my box have been there longer than many of the mechanics who have one through the snap-on, etc. which have been replaced one or more times. (in some cases many more). The way I have looked at it is to find what I feel is a good value in a tool and if it gives out on you, just replace it with one from the truck. While many folks will only purchase a tool truck brand, I see them going into debt to the driver for many thousands of dollars. I always pay cash for my tool truck purchases, because I can afford to buy a tool once in a while, thanks to the cost savings on the Harbor Freight and like tools. Maybe I have just beaten the odds but my philosophy has served me well...

Dude, this is an AWESOME video! GREAT job

It is refreshing to see such a well done test using the correct equipment . Most Harbor Freight tools these days are pretty good , they have improved greatly over the years .

I am a mechanic at Firestone, bought the earth quake, it lasted 3 weeks. Currently running a Craftsman pro series oil bath gun, it is great and was $250

At 500 bucks you would think Snap-On could throw in the plastic boot.

the way this dude says "on" is killing me

I've had one of the older, smaller Earthquakes for around 7-8yrs. It is AMAZINGLY strong to this day. Has never failed me.

The way this guy delivers information without pausing to think about what to say is insane. He packs information into every sentence, very nice reviews!

The butt hurt of the people that wasted their money on snap on air tools 😂😂

I am surprised I thought for sure snap on would blow the earth quake away. This is why I love your videos. I hope your realize how helpful you are to those looking to buy as tools. Thanks much keep the great vids flowing

Earthquake w/ 2year warranty (I've had one for 6years and it's still kicking strong)

One of the very best, most exhaustive comparison reviews I've seen about anything...great job!

thank goodness RU-vid can still be used for GOOD. thanks for giving an honest non bias review.

This was a clean, unbiased review. Now if we could get AvE to do the teardown...

I purchased a new Earthquake XT last week and it actually came with a rubber boot cover within the box. Awesome!

Nice job. I am heavy equip mech.32 yrs. Earthquake is winner. The impact sockets at hearbor freight do great also!

So as a long time owner of Snap-On including the MG725, Im not surprised by this. I'll never again spend my hard earned money on a snappy one when IR surpasses all these

Break the Snap on and wait for the replacement, crap out the Earthquake go get another. I'm still waiting for Snap on to replace a hook scribe from 2010!

Snap On all the way! But wait, I need a loan to get it while with HF I just need a coupon. Thank you!

I bought one of these earthquakes when they first came out. Use it every day in the shop. Still works great. The stubby is awesome too.

can we get these tools over to AvE for a second review???

Have the snap on and love it. Had no idea the earthquake would be so competitive. great review - thank you!

Hey bud, I have used the snap-on gun for over 10 years and I have never had to rebuild it. I love it. It gives you the sense of security when your working on customer's cars that the tires are properly mounted. To me that is priceless!!!!

Our shop has several Earthquake XT's and they are really used a ton. I find if I want a heavy slugger I use the XT 20 volt 1/2 drive and it takes almost anything off and I have never busted a bolt either with the easy to change variable torque. I was very skeptical when I first picked one up but now I actually prefer them. Snap on is now just riding on it's name folks. The only downside I have seen with Earthquake is the battery release is broken on some of the tools but we have had some real morons using them as well.

True there is the big price/quality thing. For a home garage, get the cheap stuff, but if this is a business that can not afford down time like a mechanic's garage or an assembly line in a plant, you want something that will last years without failing. Just shutting a line down for 20 minutes while maintenance replaces a tool can cost hundreds of dollars in manufacturing that day. Likely though the Snap-on one is also serviceable and can be fixed by simply replacing a few O-rings. Every time the shop I worked for tried to save money on tools and such they usually turned out losing money in the long run. Even a simple thing like a screw presenter (you manufacturing guys might know of these), they tried $400 all the way up to $1500 ones. The $400 would last maybe a week and would require maintenance regularly and would fall apart after a year tops. The $1500 was indestructible and lasted 10+ years with little maintenance. That is the difference between a Milwaukee heat gun that will run 20,000 hours compared to a Tool Shop one that lasts 50 hours... $200 vs $20. Which one will cost more in the long run? Same thing with things like drill bits. Do you spend $20 on a cheap set or $20 on one good drill bit. Long story short it is not the specs but the reliability that is important for industrial/business use. Remember time is money.

Test them again after 2 years of heavy use, my Snapon has never let me down even after 6 years havent even needed to rebuild it

As a weekend mechanic I have been using the earthquake xt for 2 years. I oil it at the start of each day of use and it performs the same as the first day. I've had no reliability issues with it at all. For the price point it is perfect for the average backyard mechanic who doesn't need to use it day in and day out. The snap on model is much more durable being made of a solid metal housing but just isn't necessary for most unless you need it for your profession. Thanks for the great video with real tested specs!!

I got both of them. Just bought the earthquake 2 months ago when my snapon failed on a weekend while working out of town. Ran to HF and picked up one of their Earthquake XT 1/2 guns and it works great. The big dial on the back is awesome! I like reducing my power a lot especially when removing bolts with a swivel and extension so i don’t launch the socket clear across the shop if I accidentally pull the trigger a bit to hard. The big dial on the back makes that a lot simpler.

this is how a tool review should be done... you have set the bar

Randomly came across this video. Content quality 10/10. Keep it up!

Really enjoyed the video. I've had my snap on mg725 for 5 years now. 3 of us run these around 140 working pressure and they last 2 to 3 years with everyday use before they blow the front seal and slowly lose power. Snap on does rebuild the entire impact for $130 which is affordable. Might recommend some of the new guys try out the earthquake to save some money.

It's amazing the tests you put these 2 impact guns. I'm really impressed... Time to go read my Harbor Freight mag.

I've saved a ton of money maintaining and repairing my own vehicles BECAUSE I can afford the Harbor Freight version of the unobtanium tool. It's a no brainer for me.

I am a shop Forman at a well known shop in Dayton Ohio and we have used snap on and mac guns over the years and a few years ago we started using earthquakes needless to say we were so impressed with them that all the others went into our scrap metal bins they are absolutely the best buy and we run them nonstop every day

I bought the Harbor Freight XT recently have been extremely impressed. They now come with a rubber cover. I've been wary of buying power tools from Harbor Freight because they just don't seem to last, so I was a initially bit cautious about purchasing the Earthquake XT. But it was on sale, plus they gave me 20% off, which made it right around $100, so I figured I'd bite and see how it performed. I've been pleasantly surprised. It feels good and solid in your hands and it's been able to do everything I asked, including removing some really stubborn bolts on my old Jeep. The big power dial on the back is great. It makes the settings easy to change even if you're wearing gloves. It's also surprisingly quieter than my old gun. There's no odd clanking or loose play in it anywhere, and with the rubber cover and regular oiling, I'm hoping it can last for a good long time. We'll see how it goes, but so far, no buyer's remorse.

I am a mechanic like my father, He bought a lot of snap-on, Mac and so on, his tools cost more than my new car and he had a debt to these tool trucks for ever, I on the other hand never went that route, I bought Craftsman when they where made in the USA, I did buy a Ingersoll Rand 235 now that gun is about mid $200.00, I really like it, it has 1000lbs torque in reverse I love the gun. To all you new mechanics tools will be your biggest cost to your tool box buy wisely to prevent from being in debt.

It's also about how many you can buy. Let's say the HF tools aren't as good for sake of argument. I can buy 4 of these EQs vs 1 of the Snapon. Even if the HF one lasts 5 years and the Snapon lasts 20 I'll still spend the same amount but out WAY less initially. Now let's talk theft. Someone takes your EQ "Well shit..." Someone takes your Snapon "HOLY FUCK ME NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

Now let's compare the $17,000.00 Snap On roll around to a comparable one at a fraction of the cost.

Great video and enjoyed and appreciated the documentation of your testing processes.

I bought the earthquake based on this video, your results, and the price difference a year or so ago, and am very happy with it so far!

I bought a $25 Big Lots impact, never let me down, all steel. It rusted up (my fault) but once so I oiled it and ran it high pressure and it kicked out all the rust. That was 1996!

i dont even own a air compressor or any snap or earthquake tools...what am i doing here

This is like the tortoise and the hare scenario. Snap-on has been riding their reputation and not changing, improving or innovating much. Companies like Harbor Freight have been catching up or surpassing their competition by making their product as good or better for a fraction of the cost. I'm thankful for videos like this that demonstrate both tools abilities and dispell some of the stereotypes between the brands. Snap-on should be worried as they're the hare right now and the race is long.

I'm a professional automotive technician and I use the earthquake xt every day and I love it. I've been impressed by it since the day I bought it

Great Test RTR! I worked at an auto recycling yard, we punished these guns day in and day out. With the dirtiest of compressed air supply Harbor Freight Earthquake Impacts will rattle off the toughest nut year after year. "The best bang for your buck!"

I own the older Snap-On IM6500 and it just keeps on going. I think that is the key difference with Snap On and lower priced impact wrenches and tools in general. I've used my Snap On impact in a professional environment for approximately 15 years now and it has never failed to perform. While I can not speak for or against the Earthquake impact wrench specifically (and I do think it is quite impressive for the price) I found out long ago that you usually give up longevity when you purchase bargain priced tools. Yes, I've had Snap On tools fail prematurely and yes I've bought 'Chinese bargain tools' that have performed well but generally the pro tools last much, much longer and break far less often. Lets face it, when you are in the middle of an important job the money saved on a Harbor Freight tool is quickly lost in down time when it fails. Not to mention the busted knuckles and bruised ribs.

Fantastic review! Straight and to the point with real testing equipment.

Well performed and documented test. Very illuminating.

I enjoyed your review. Thorough and unbiased. Subbed.

Now I know what the guy from Movie Phone is doing these days.

man.... i dont know what you do for a living............ but you have a voice made for speaking, and the tone is golden.... just wanted to say thanks for being a well spoken and articulate host.... and for the valuable information, well done all around !

I'm an Infiniti Master Tech. I have tools (Hand and Power) from many different brands. Craftsman, snap on, matco, mac, harbor freight, you name it. I've had nothing but great experience with harbor freight. You can't beat the prices! I walked out of harbor freight with a $100 receipt that would of cost me easily over $1K on the snap on truck. Sometimes it's ok to go cheap if the tool is good quality and gets the job done. This video just sold me on trying the XT as my newest tool. Thanks for the video!

Wow, current list for the H.F. is $99. List for the Snap-on is $550. No brainer.

OK, guys, here's the deal. I can speak to this because I worked 20+years as a certified tech and even ran my own shop, worked for a company that sold high end construction tools (a H.F. mainstay) around the corner from Harbor Freight where wife is a manager and has worked there 12 years over which time I've brought home a LOT of H.F. tools and, of course, many thousands of dollars in Snap On, Mac and Matco told as well. Here's what many years and lots of shop hours has tought me, having thrown my share of broken tools across the shop. The observation that Harbor Freight has steadily increased overall quality and product lines is true. The fact that some of their stuff is, and always will be, not worth bringing home is true BUT not nearly the quantity of their items are bad as used to be. What's the solution?? First, use some common sense. Don't expect to pay 20 bucks for a tool and expect it to hold up like a $150 tool. But... Some of the H.F. tools WILL last for a reasonable life span if you don't punish and abuse your tools. Some times you can buy three or four HF tools for the price of on big name. But how do you decide? The rules are pretty simple. Remember that H.F. tools are cheaper for a reason. lighter, lesser quality materials means a shorter working life and a more fragile tool. They don't take being dropped and pushed too their limit very long. First, look at the tool and how its built and do a little due diligence as to a particular tool, if it holds up, what is the cost compared to the name brand, etc. Second, if you have the luxury of being able to head off and replace a tool if something breaks or quits in the middle of a job OR if you buy a backup (or two) because it's cheap enough then buy the H.F. presuming it will do the job in the first place. If a busted tool will stop production and put you in a real bind, like working in a high production shop or high stress job then spend the big dollars. Don't be afraid to try them, just have realistic expectations of what to expect. Most importantly, though, and especially if you're buying a power tool, BUY THE WARRANTY. There is usually a 90 day standard warranty but for a couple bucks extra you can get a one or two year warranty and even if you run over your tool with a semi they will replace it. Just keep your receipt!!!

I bought the earthquake to rebuild the front end on my 2000 Suburban. No complaints from me. It did everything I asked it to. Out standing video.

Thanks for spending all that time bro, very helpful

I don't know much about harbor Freight Tools but I do know about Snap-on tools that the quality is a little lackluster and it's way overpriced .

HF impact is on sale for 99 dollars for black friday

I have been using Earthquake 1/2 inch impact since it hit the shelf for 79.00$. It was bought for an emergency roadside repair. It worked so good I now use earthquake pneumatics exclusively. For the money. The weight. The abuse on your wrist. Earthquake is the best. Thank you for and real laboratory condition test!

Clear, concise and excellent review!!

Great no B.S. comparison. Between those two I would go with the Earthquake along with an extended warranty. I just can't justify the Snap on price tag, and yes I own quite a few of their tools. Albeit for now with all the options out there I will just stick with my tried and true Ingersoll Rand.

would not waste my money on snapon period. 5x the price for no reason other than name.

Wow! Just the review that I'm looking for! I'm a WEEKEND DIY'er and I purchased the XT a month ago for $130 to upgrade my CHF IW that I purchased 7 years ago. The CHF IW shows a bit of a lag on it's torque because of its age but still works great for the LIGHT work I do to my track vehicle, so I jumped on in on the XT because mainly for its PRICE second, its CLAIMS. Well, your tests verified it! Thank you! Bottom line is, If I have a business that uses these tools EVERYDAY with harsh work load, I would buy the SO IW for RELIABILITY AND DURABILITY, but I'm a weekend hobbyist and I can not JUSTIFY the cost of the SNAP ON so I have to GAMBLE on the low end IW. Great job again on this "in depth" tests of these two great product! God Speed!

The next impact I buy will be an Earthquake XT when my Ingersol Rand gives up the ghost. BTW, excellent video and very fair to both brands.

I don't know Jack about impact wrenches and don't really care. I just watched it, because my son worked at harbour freight.....I watched the whole thing. I would watch this guy, comparing different paints drying, grass growing or a colonoscopy. He has the perfect voice and mannerisms, to teach anyone, anything. Do you do more than tools? (I guess I can look at your home page) Thank you, now I know something about impact wrenches.

Ive been wanting this video!! Thank you, love your reviews. that ive. seen so far.

Just bought the Earthquake today after seeing it used and evaluated previously. Just excited about getting a new tool brought me here to check it out more. I have a 115 volt corded electric unit that does not impress me after failing to remove the rusted rim nuts off of my tractor to replace rims and tires. I used a 3/4 in breaker bar to remove the rusted rim nuts and not terribly difficult with a short cheater pipe. Time for a new impact gun. Great video Sir, thank you! :)

It is my understanding that HF will replace (under warranty) the failed unit where as Snap-on will make you wait while it's at the repair center.

Thanks for the informative side by side testing. I do shop at Harbor freight from time to time just to see if there is something of value and not junk. I had no idea the Earthquake XT would perform as well as it did. I now may purchase one to replace my 47 year old Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" drive air impact (it still works well). Again, thanks for the side by side test.

Your in my opinion a pro doing these reviews. Thank you.

Real Tool Review, thanks for a well informed, accurate review. I always buy two tools at less of a cost of a name brand. I always have a back up available without having to wait for the replacement item under warranty, and it improves my cash flow. Thanks for the review

send these to Ave so he can do a boltr

I have all Snap-on-tools never have liked Harbor Freight but after watching video I might check them out and see how I like them. Thanks for a very good video.

I bought the Earthquake when I was changing the torque converter on my Ford Edge. It worked great for all my needs during that time. With the cost savings with the coupon and the extended warranty, I feel this was a great buy for a shade tree mechanics needs. This was a great review, regardless of some of the idiotic comments below. I really appreciate the time you put into this.

Thanks for a great comparison video. Awesome!!

Snap-on fanboys are gonna bitch a blue streak

Ive used the original earthquake for two years in a shop. I use it all day long at home. Never a single problem. Also use it as a hammer. Heavy but strong.

Great video, I just bought the Earthquake yesterday, plan on putting it to use monday

I am a supervisor at Harbor Freight and have been with the company for 3 yrs. I see every day that I work,all the items that are returned,and why. Its my job to process the returned items. I can honestly say,that there are very few items that I would purchase from Harbor Freight,because of all I see on a daily basis. That said,I have only seen 1,Earthquake tool returned in 3 yrs! It was used and abused,and by the owners admission,had not been oiled "in a long time".I took that to mean,NEVER! I would,and have purchased Earthquake tools,and highly reccomend them to everyone!

I remember when you were just starting on garage journal. Good for you brother!

OK - this is a really good comparison. Great job!

Darn good review, tv show quality imo.

Great tests, great information. Subscribed

Send some to @AvE and lets see how skookum the interiors are compared to one another.

Ingersoll Rand is my favorite Impact never have had a problem

Thanks for your tool reviews they are the best

So cool how this guy just compares both tools and don't judge either one but lets us the viewers decide.