Why you should NEVER buy a SNAP-ON Scan Tool. 

I seriously thought about buying a Verus Edge off the truck last week for roughly $2500 with a trade-in, was $4200. Our rep said it came with 1 free update. 2 guys I work with bought one each, I told him I would think about it. Oh man, am I glad I saw this. Thank you, sir. Techs need to know they are getting screwed with the software updates and planned obsolescence. Autel Maxisys Elite will move up the list of stuff to get, Snap On scanners come off.

Thanks for taking the time to put this out there. I was considering a Snap-On scanner but now will look elsewhere.

I'm always amazed that Snap-On hasn't been sued under the RICO Act.

Long time viewer of your CB and blog vids, also new hire at Snap-on's Diangostics division. I'll ask our software team and management why we refuse to sell products we've already developed to our loyal customers. Thanks for raising this issue, Eric!

Thank you for this video. I just made up my mind to NEVER GET A SNAP ON SCAN TOOL EVER AGAIN.

I have a Solus and if someone pointed this out to me before I wouldn't have bought it. This is great info that people should be aware of. Great video!

Just bought the Apollo D9....very good for what it's meant to do. First time user, and I love it

This is very useful info. You just saved me from buying and getting into the wrong brand.

I don't blame you those scanners are $9000 new. A 1995 civic was $7800 new they still make parts for one.

Very true! Also I've noticed they lack a lot of bidirectional features vs the competition.

Thanks a lot mate. I was just comparing tools this morning just to get the best way forward. No one seem to give such an insight about snap-on as you've just done. You've made my decision making easier now. I'm going the Autel way without giving it a second thought. Thank you very much.

As an expert IT guy (and auto master tech)...this behavior would kill the whole IT industry...the last available update for an application from almost every company, is normally offered as „legacy versions“ or „unsupported versions“ somewhere on the vendors page....for free!!! Scam-off Snap-on !

I have a Snap-On Modis Ultra , a $ 8,000 dollar plus tool , the update is number 19.4 , and is the last available one for this unit , at a cost of over $ 1,300 bucks , W.T.F. Snap-On . I have bought their tools , boxes , scanners , and merchandise for over 35 years . N E V E R A G A I N will I purchase any kind of Snap-On diagnostic tools , I said A N Y . Just sick of them scamming , and ripping us off with discontinued junk . I couldn't sell this with all its paperwork , and perfect packaging for the cost of the software update . Absolutely junk .

Yeah their modular scan tools are a bit pricey and a headache for updating. The older snap on scanners with the personality keys were the only ones where you could buy every update and hold onto it.

I started working professionally in 2003 and for years myself and many other techs didn’t buy a snap on scan tool until 10+ years later for one reason, the software. The snap on dealers told everyone that if you missed an update then you had to pay for it. So if you had a solus and were 2 years outdated it would cost you about the same price as buying a new solus. I got a new snap on dealer one day that had some older scan tools he was selling for next to nothing I picked up a solus pro he said $250 and I said I would buy it would cost so Much to get updated because it’s so far out. He said that’s not true it’s $580 if it’s current or 5 years out. Every time I’ve gotten an update since the dealer tells me it’s more money and when I tell them what I know they do it for the standard update price.

Anything that has "Snap-on" stamped on it you can guarantee the price will send you to the hospital. I was at a yard sale a few years back and found a complete set of (6) six, Flex head open end Metric wrenches (FHOM) with the plastic separator tool box rack and paid like $6 bucks for the complete set. When I got home, out of curiosity I looked them up online, and the friggen wrenches retailed for $400+ bills, needless to say I filled up my britches 😝

If only Milwaukee made scanners

Ran into the same thing with a Ford Powerstroke. Ten years old and was told Ford no longer supports it. Had to find an aftermarket rebuilt computer online as they couldn’t even reflash it back to original. Basically all they wanted to do was sell me a new truck when the old one was perfectly good, just had a computer glitch because someone had put a aftermarket programmer on it.

I can understand your frustration, if it makes you feel better I'm personally using a MT2500 still lol. The snapon flustration gets 100x worse with second hand units. They simply wont do anything for you and tell you to upgrade. Looked at various units on ebay many are stolen or have liens on them still.

I would agree 100 percent. I have been buying snap on scanners from day one. In the business over 45 years. Same thing happened to me. No support I fell at all. at least offer the last update.

Shame on me for not watching your video prior to my first comment below, but when I read the title that contained the word "Snap-On" I immediately knew the video was going to contain something negative about Snap-on and I ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH YOU 1000%. If that isn't a SCAM, then I'am a Flying Dutchman, and I'am Not DUTCH. What company doesn't support their own product???... Oh... "Snap-On"..pppffttt... silly me. I just have to ask, not trying to be NOSEY but, what does that Scan tool retail for?, if you have no comment, I totally get it. Thanks for sharing your miserable experience with us...lol. great video though Erik. Kind regards, Eric Dee.

Hi , VERY ! Very TRUE !!!! You Miss a " Software Update " ,,, Your SCREWED !

Thanks THANKS I was about to buy one tomorrow and you save me from making that mistake, they should stand behind their products

100% agreed. Learning my lesson right now. They are telling me I need to upgrade to the Zeus In order to use the inline features or update my verus pro for 1,000 so I can use the online features for 6 more months. So pay 2,000 a year and keep it updated or upgrade to a new scanner that costs 13,000!!! There should be laws against this kind of stuff.

Snap On makes the best scan tools for all around use for the average mechanic. They charge about 3 times what they are worth though and only sell them using the, “It’s only $40 a week for 5 years,” sale technique. I have 4 different brand scanners, with the worst being a Launch Torque that shit the bed after less than a year. Turned out to not be the bargain it seemed early on.

Great info on the Snap-on scanner and updates or lack there of. Watching all of your video’s, I am a devote follower. You pack so much information into each one. You explain things in an easy enough understanding way that it is not that the pieces fit together like a puzzle. No, better that that, your explanations flow together in such a way, as you say it, that we the viewers do not have to think about it because the understanding becomes immediately apparent as you talk about everything that you message. I live in a Condo, I pay monthly dues for lawn maintenance. I want to go out, buy an old lawn mower to fix up and mow. I want to dig up my lawn cared for common area and plant something. I have never smoked, I want to go buy a Cigar. I want to go buy a CB radio and install a 30 ft antenna to loop from bumper to bumper on my car. Keep the great video's and information. Thanks for the nice comment about Charleston by the Glass.

Tell you another reason. They were being sold here in uk and I had one for a week trial. Cars I worked on it could not find. Had no support for 20 year old uk cars. Popular in their time too. 5 different cars it could not find. Then whilst plugged in the cigarette lighter and switched on, it consumed more power on than the cigarette lighter could put out. So at one point the device shit down because of empty battery. Yep even though it was plugged in charging. Easiest scan tool as a mobile mechanic I have found so far is my Autel MX908

thanks for the information, is very valuable for a lot of people. and snap on is also to expensive. I was already suspecting that .

WOW, thanks man for the warning, was going to buy a snap-on scan tool.

Thank God I saw this video before pulling the trigger on a new snap on scanner. I was going with either the modis or zues.. nevermind!! Autel maxisys it is!!

I noticed the Yugoslav ad in the background. My first new car was a 1986 Yugo.

Yeah I'm hearing you, lets just see how long they keep it up. When you see this behavior, words like "extortion" "profiteering"and "abandonment" spring to mind, and I can't see this practice being a long term way of keeping customers. You reap what sow.

Snap on isn't tool company they are a loan shark franchise.

This is a common frustration I have heard from all the snap on scan tool owners i know. It's been going on for years. What the reps say is that to stay current, you need to pass the cost onto the customer but in the workshop, The money you need just doesn't stack up for what you have to charge a customer to recoupe.

Your right Eric I was a mechanic. Too. They want you buy the latest and quickly obselet the old it's thier money maker greedy but sad. Bad business ethics....Don

Very sad sometimes you don’t need updates but yes you should be able to get it after the fact. Some guys need to save up that money. .

So what other brand is the "best," would you say? I'm in the market and doing research. I wanted the Snapon unit but probably not after your video because I am an independent mechanic. Thanks for your video.

We have the Zeus from Snap on. It seems that every update, something is REMOVED from the unit. Features that were there for a platform are now gone. I have actually scanned a vehicle, scheduled it to return, and when it returned an update had occurred in between visits. Could not communicate with the same modules!

Wow I was Supossed to pick one up tomorrow from my snap on guy, why would you make a great quality product if you wont stand behind it

Thats all I needed to here thank you.

Loved my Verus edge, but changed shops that has exotics such as Bentley rolls ferarri Lamborghini, doesn’t even cover R8s for audi ☹️ so I use my Autel 90% of the time now

This information is out of date. They do 2 updates a year, and you are not required to buy the ones you miss. I just upgraded yesterday 16.4 to 19.4. Should remove the video or at least update it.

WOW!!! I'm sure glad I saw this. I was just looking at a few Snap-on scan tools that were not the latest versions of software and the mechanic told me, "Yeah just call Snap-on, they'll get you updated to the last version the device supports" NOPE!!! Whew! And to think, I almost bought a $2500 paperweight!!! No thanks Snap-on, I'll pass.

I’ve never had an issue with any snapon product I’ve bought including my scanners

Bunch of liars & money hungry people put snap on name & reputation in trash. Shame on will be the name not Snap on !

THAT IS WEIRD BECAUSE MY VERUSPRO HAS THE LATEST UPDATE ITS A 20.4

Hi! Thanks for sharing and good to know. You mentioned other brands, so what would you recommend as a replacement to the Versus Pro but with a limited budget under $1000?

So my understanding, what are you trying to saying is after few years your scanner becomes worthless , after you paid top dollar few years back so now 5 or 6 years later you have buy a new one and pay top dollar again. I may be wrong.

Wrong on the missed update payment... My SnapOn rep only!!!! Charges you once for the update. Regardless of how many you miss

I agree you folks! Peoples who buy Snapon scanner they’re through away money! I have been using Launch and Autel in the pasted years! I’m happy Laugh and Autel.

That is shameful. Autel is a brand that is now giving Snap on a run for its money.

As a cnc programmer/operator for milling machines, I have done back ups any time I create a new program or make changes. That way if something happens to the memory, we are going again in minutes with current programs. Back ups are saved by the date. My point is, snap on has that last file, and it should be available to anyone who wants it. Great way to lose business. They used to have a pin that went through their half inch swivel ratchets, and new ratchets now is screwed in, which has backed out many times and if you dont catch it and re-tighten it, itll come out while using it, bending the joint all to hell. They tell us to put loctite in there. We still have old pin type ratchets that have had zero issues. Alot of times, new isnt better!

Thanks for the information, very valuable for Tech's.

Sweet and to the point

I'm just now coming across this Video but what is being spoken is the truth just recently I was on the truck and dealer even stated to me exactly what is being verbally demonstrated in this video and it was said to me that more than a few major expensive scan tools will be discontinued due to SNAP-ON will now not be providing new updates for particular models so there for the ppl who have purchased these scanners have dropped thousands of dollars on + including yearly Updates will no longer be able to have them updated within the next following yr so there investment is just a solid Brick and the Dealers are not excepting trade ins on them....their best bets are to salvage them now and get what they possibly could get for them now before it's to late

I have the 21.2v april of 2021 update on my verus pro d10. I dont understand why you couldnt update yours

Thank you, will never invest in one.

Jesus Christ my Modis hasn't been updated since 2014 I might as well start it on fire it's a shame shame on them thanks Eric

glad I watched your video I'm thinking about buying the new "solus legend" just for personal use, my extended warrantys are about to expire on my vehicles

That’s your dealer f-ing you on the updates

Thank you for the info, Farpoint, I always have perceived the overpriced that are the Snapon tools. However; I never have had such a fresh info, about the why this shameful trick concerning the dealing with them, because you are practically chained, buying such a stuff. A grateful greeting from Mexico. My name is Arturo Nuñez Dorantes, .I wish you the very best of the life. Thanks again.

Well done and well said. Snap on ain't a mechanic's friend by any stretch. I never saw a more predatory operation. They have been selling to the US Government too long and think everyone can throw money out the window,

I agree! $$$ is all they want!

That an then when u wanna trade up they offer you $50 for your trade in and want a full pop for there’s, you can go with Autel, launch, topdon for a fraction of the price and do more

THANKS 👍

Don't blame you

This was 4 years ago now the pro link edge is out when you buy licenses it’s for life free updates

What would be a better alternative? I’m thinking about going to school to become a mechanic.

I’m a workshop owner with a modus ultra and I’ll be honest I would never invest in another. The updates are just not liable to constantly spend the outrageous update cost each time they bring out a new software update. Not only that I find the tool to be too basic. It doesn’t have a lot of functionality compared to other scan tools on market. I will be cutting my losses with the snap on tool and buying another brand instead of updating this one to its current update.

Good information, i was about to spend big money on snap on, thank you

You should buy snap on sockets, ratchet, wrenches. That’s it. Nothing else by snap on is worth the price

YOU ARE RIGHT ..SNAP ON IS A BAD IDEA.

I have my issues with Snapon But think of how the windows 98 users felt when Microsoft dropped support on their website. What about the iPhone users that lost support for the 32 pin connector and had to upgrade to the lightning connector? These choices have to made when you run a software company. You’re three hardware versions behind the curve, it was bound to happen. I would do the same thing to you if I was Snap-on, maybe offer you a good trade in, but ultimately I would say “you device is ten plus years old, it’s not cost effective to manage legacy equipment.”

Autel ms906bt $1200 updates $600 just buy a new one every two years. Still save $10000

Look at some John Deere repair systems. Its absolutely ridiculous.

When the update goes in to the snap on persons computer, it overwrites the previous software. They have no control over it fyi. When it comes out, such as 18.2 over 17.4, it is gone forever to the dealer. Sorry

Yet another reason to buy Autel scanners from now on!!!

The only use I got out of that tool was in the begining with the original software after that they turned an expensive tool into a piece of crap

Wow - they are worse than Apple!

When these companies get shitty attitudes like this, then it's time to start "hacking" the system, there is always a work around or someone has the update, too be downloaded! I hear John Deere is the same way, they think they are the only ones that should be able to fix or talk to your $100-$200,000 tractor, combine, etc! WRONG!

I know a guy that can update any snap on scanner that is no longer supported by Snap on.

And to add if you don’t update it’s worthless junk, updated it’s quality. Bidirectional functions come in handy but 99.9% it’s on my autel

My verus pro is 19.2 an I can get this year's update yet I was just on the snap on truck an discussed this very topic on my verus pro

Just updated my verus pro today. Maybe because i buy alot of snap on tools. Not sure why you could not. I went from 18.2 to what ever im at now

I'm actually looking a purchasing an Ethos Edge from an online auction.....maybe I just let this one go for now. lol!

I bought a snapon solus and ever since they up dated the software it got worse and worse it dont get into the cars it used to and then some of them it will only get into the engines and they tried several up date's and none of them worked i will never buy snap on again

Keep up the good work

What scan tool would you recommend? I'm just a DIY guy with a Snap On Solus Pro, currently it won't read either my vehicle or my wife's, and as you mentioned no update available. I'd really like to be able to use this but seems unattainable. Any recommendations?

... That is the honest truth, updates are sold quarterly according to how corporate or S/O Diagnostics acquire and release the data from manufacturing companies ... Franchise Dealer don't want to invest on out dated versions or updates, they rather upsell you with the latest equipment and if you where to update said version the price is considerably high unless you acquire a Bundle according the Date you purchased the unit. Plus the financing interest when buying any equipment with S/O Credit ... That is how they make and create their Diagnostic Equipment and is why it takes longer for S/O to get updates before the OTC, Autel , Launch and many others... Been there done that !!!

Do I have to update my snap on scanner every year. I’m wanting to use it for reading motor and transmission codes and live data. I know updates will let me access newer models and such. Can I get away with a update every 3-4 years

Mate, something doesn't add-up... You are talking about a 5k tool while standing (with some pride if I may say) in front of the cheapest tool box on the market, which has on display a Dewalt charger of a format from ages ago... I'm not sure that you are the right person to talk about that tool... Merry Christmas!

will you lose some functions on snap on Apollo d9 if you didn't update?

I've heard that before that's why I don't buy snap on

Can the update be found on warez/p2p site?

thanks for make this video i am goin to bay other scanner tool thanks again

Thank you for great advice you just save me a boatload of money so I’m gonna go with the cheaper version of a car scanner tool it offers free updates for life. And according to some other mechanics I have use this other car scanner it is one of the best and they keep saying it’s better than Snapon can ever get, think about it the software is cheap to make in a sense you know what I mean you’re gonna sell so many and make your money back and then some but what I don’t like is the guy in the truck is making 50% of that money instead of helping you he’s putting you in a disadvantage all I’ve heard is negative things coming out from mechanics all over RU-vid I’m sorry technicians saying that it’s not the way to go with snap on even though they have their own unit they also have your wallet in their mind God bless you my brothers and sisters take care Jesus Christ is on his way the second coming is coming soon ✝️✝️✝️

So what other Good Brand you Recommend me 😌 ????

Thanks for this great info, I'm new to the automotive industry, been doing Electronics in depth for more than 30 years, which scan tool do you think I should buy ? Thanks again:)

I agree , I also have a verus and im feeling pretty fucked over. Not on the update but on parts for it. And the stonewalling they do they just want me to buy a new scanner

thank bro it does count for me