Snap-on Honored With Three Tool Innovation Awards

KENOSHA, Wis., Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Snap-on was recently honored with three prestigious awards that recognize the company as providing unique productivity solutions that address the needs of the vehicle repair industry.

Snap-on received two Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) Innovation Awards for the Semi-Deep Flip Socket (S6810) in the hand tools category and the Digital Video Borescope (BK6500) in the inspection tools/lab scope category. Snap-on also received a MOTOR Magazine Top 20 Tools Award for the Two-Piece, 3/8-inch Drive Impact Swivel Extension Set (202IPFX).

"We are pleased to be recognized again this year for our efforts to understand our customers' work and develop innovative tools that help service technicians repair vehicles faster and more effectively," said Tom Kassouf, president – Snap-on Tools Group. "We are committed to deeply connecting with our professional customers and translating that insight to productivity innovations."   

Features and benefits of the award-winning tools:

1/4-inch Drive 8mm and 10mm Semi-Deep Flip Sockets (S6810)
The 1/4-inch Drive 8mm and 10mm Semi-Deep Flip Sockets (S6810) were developed to save service and body shop technicians' time when working on jobs that require removal of underbody panels. The use of underbody panels is a growing trend on vehicles as they provide protection against road debris, sound insulation and improved aerodynamics. In many newer model vehicles, technicians need to remove a combination of 30 or more 8mm and 10mm fasteners for a simple oil change. The S6810 offers technicians the convenience of using one tool to remove the two most common sizes of underbody panel fasteners, which speeds up completion of the job. The double hex (12-point) allows the socket to engage a single hex fastener every 30 degrees rather than every 60 degrees, providing better access to restricted areas.  

BK6500 Digital Video Borescope
Offering a true digital image and the largest viewing screen in the market, the new generation Snap-on BK6500 Digital Video Borescope can be used to diagnose internal engine problems, inspect door panels, check for corrosion inside radiators, examine brake pad wear and view inside manual transmission and axle housings. While competitive units use old analog technology, the BK6500 exemplifies product innovation with its true digital image transmission and recording and playback capabilities for superior viewing and high quality performance. As a productivity enhancer, the BK6500 features a touchscreen interface for easy feature selection and dual-imager lenses for straight ahead and 90 degree angle viewing. The 4.3-inch diagonal LCD screen offers a 40 percent larger viewing area than competitive units. The robust, durable construction of the BK6500 Digital Borescope withstands tough shop environments.

Two-Piece 3/8-inch Drive Impact Swivel Extension Set
The Two-Piece 3/8-inch Drive Impact Swivel Extension Set was created to assist technicians by providing enhanced access to difficult-to-reach fasteners, including transmission bolts, drive line bolts, exhaust manifold bolts and cylinder heads. A core innovative feature of the 202IPFX is its laser-welded pivot pin, which allows for smooth, full 30-degree swivel action. This innovation provides technicians more efficient power transfer for difficult to reach bolts and heads.

The Professional Tool & Equipment News Innovation Awards recognize companies whose products respond to the automotive repair industry's market challenges with creativity and innovation. A panel of active and independent technicians, shop owners and tool distributors carefully examine all nominees and vote for the winners in each category.

The MOTOR Magazine Top 20 Tools Award winners were chosen by technical editors as innovative products that help make the jobs of professional shop owners and technicians easier, while enabling them to fix their customers' cars and light trucks more accurately and quickly. 

Customers can find out more about these innovative, award-winning tools by contacting their participating Snap-on franchisee or representative, visiting www.snapon.com or by calling toll free 877-SNAPON-4 (877-762-7664).

About Snap-on Tools
Snap-on Tools is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as for customers in industries, including aviation and aerospace, agriculture, construction, government and military, mining, natural resources, power generation and technical education. Snap-on Tools is one of the largest non-food franchise companies in the world, selling its products and services through franchisee, company-direct, distributor and Internet channels.  Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $3.1 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.  For additional information, visit www.snapon.com.  

SOURCE Snap-on Tools