5 Adorable Mini Snap-On Tools To Add To Your Collection

After a hundred years of producing hand tools, Snap-on has proven time and time again that it knows what it takes to make products that last for generations. A homegrown brand, Snap-on has helped shape American history through innovations that have carried its owners through the Great Depression, World War II, and into the needs of the modern world. In fact, it has been used to service everything from space shuttles to motorsport vehicles. Known for high-quality products, their lifetime warranties, and generally satisfied customers, there are plenty of reasons to love Snap-on. Not to mention, many people love that many of its offers are still made in the United States, which makes it a great brand to support for those who want to use their dollars to support local industries and talent. However, there is one other thing Snap-on is known for: high prices. Because of this, many fans of the brand have resorted to scouring garage sales and secondhand shops in hopes of adding to their collections.

While you can find cheap Snap-on hand tool alternatives, there are times when an authentic mini tool from the brand can already do the job. In addition, mini tools can be a neat way to expand your collection when you don't have the budget for the big tools just yet. If you're curious, here are a few mini Snap-on tools for sale that you may have missed and might want to consider adding to your small garage today.

1. Mini Butane Gas Torch

Heating is an important component for several tasks in the workshop, especially when using a butane gas torch. Unlike open fire, butane torches are a little more manageable and less risky to use. In some cases, heat can be used to perform serious work, such as cutting, welding, or bending metal. It's also pretty essential for working with pipes, whether you're soldering, sweating, or defrosting them. On the other hand, it can be a useful tool for personal projects, such as jewelry-making, glasswork, or textured woodwork. If all of these sound like things you do, you can get a Snap-on Mini Butane Gas Torch for $62.

Made in Ireland, this Snap-on tool is pretty compact, measuring just 3.5 inches and weighing 5 oz. Although this doesn't mean it's fragile, since Snap-on says it's made of impact-resistant stainless steel. Capable of generating temperatures up to 2,464 degrees Fahrenheit, it has a hold trigger operation with a safety cut-off switch. With a twin-spark ignitor capable of running up to 30,000 cycles, it lets you adjust the flame up to 125 Watts. Lastly, Snap-on claims it has up to 35 minutes of operating time, but it can exceed that with the right settings. And if you do need to refill the butane, Snap-on says it only takes a quick 10 seconds to get the job done. Just make sure to fill the butane torch properly to avoid any problems in maintaining that good, steady flame.

2. Mini Die Grinders

One of the most versatile power tools, die grinders can do the work of several other tools, including deburring, sanding, polishing, and grinding. Whether you're using it to shape wood, remove rust, or detailing, there's bound to be something you'd need a good die grinder for. However, not everyone needs a full-sized die grinder, especially if you only really work with smaller projects. If this rings a bell, you might want to get a mini die grinder from Snap-on instead.

With prices starting around $210.50, Snap-on's Mini Die Grinder comes in multiple variants, including ⅓ HP Mini Die Grinders, ⅓ HP Long-Neck Mini Air Die Grinders, and ⅓ HP Right Angle Mini Die Grinders. In addition, Snap-on also makes 90-degree Angle Mini Air Die Grinders, 115-degree Angle Mini Air Die Grinders, and 115-degree Mini Air Die Grinders with a 2-inch Quick-Change Disc. Lastly, you can also get Right Angle Mini Air Die Grinders and Extended-Length Mini Air Die Grinders. For people who need more power, Snap-on also sells ½ HP and 1 HP Heavy-Duty Die Grinders.

In addition to being covered by the brand for up to 2 years at its repair center, all Mini Die Grinders list the United States as their country of origin. But if you're looking for more affordable options, we've mentioned before that Harbor Freight's under-$50 Chief Pneumatic 1/4-inch Professional Mini Angle Die Grinder is one of the most highly rated air tools in its portfolio.

3. Flashlights

Although it doesn't hold a candle to the world's brightest flashlight, Snap-On does offer a 1,200 Lumen Rechargeable Battery Mini Worklight with a built-in magnet. Priced at $158, it's pretty durable, with an IP65 rating that means it can handle a lot of dust and some light water spray. With its 2,600 mAh battery that charges via USB-C, it can run up to 3 hours on its highest setting and even longer. For example, if you don't need its full power, Snap-on says the flashlight on its lowest setting of 120 Lumens can last you up to 20 hours.

If you only need a small flashlight, Snap-on also offers a 400 Lumen Mini Inspection Light for just under $90. Similarly, it has magnets on the bottom, is rechargeable, and has an IP65 rating. With the same 2,600 mAh battery, Snap-on says its max brightness can last up to 8 hours. Alternatively, there is also a $90 500 Snap-on 500 Lumen Dual-Sided Mini Flex Light if you think you need a compact flashlight with a 270-degree rotating head and a dimmable light. But take note: none of these flashlight models is made in America, since Snap-on lists their country of origin as China. That said, there are a lot more popular flashlight brands out there. Depending on your budget, you can find models that illuminate significantly farther or are designed for specific uses, like hunting, or even have powerbank functions.

4. Magnetic Mats

Regardless of how careful you are, there are always little loose tools that tend to disappear into the abyss, whether it's screws, nails, or bolts. Thankfully, companies like Snap-on haven't forgotten this universal problem and have developed solutions, such as its magnetic mats, trays, and dishes.

Depending on how many little bits you plan to work with, the brand offers a wide range of options, including rare-earth-powered magnetic mats. For its lowest price, Snap-on sells the bite-sized 2-inch by 2-inch Micro Magnetic Mat for just $12.80, which it recommends for working under the hood. But if you need a slightly larger surface area, Snap-on also sells a Mini Magnetic Mat variant for $34.75. Sold in four color options (black, green, red, and yellow), it measures 4.5 inches on both sides, making it suitable for slightly larger items. Although Snap-on did not share the official weight capacity, it did note that this magnetic mat is compatible with hand tools. For those who want to support locals, note that these Micro and Mini Snap-on Magnetic Mats are made in Taiwan.

Apart from these small mat variants, there is also a $57.75 Flexible Magnetic Mat that you can hang like a hanger and wider High-Power Magnetic Mats that sell for $179. Alternatively, you can snag the highly rated Harbor Freight Icon Magnetic Tool Mat, which has a larger surface area, is built to hold larger tools, and retails for just a little over half the price.

5. Mini Ductors

Mini ductors can help with many tasks for people who do a lot of metalworking, like expanding metal or breaking rust on everything from stubborn fittings to seized bolts. Apart from being able to heat things more precisely, it carries fewer risks when it comes to open flames and working with more sensitive materials like rubber. So, if you're looking for a pocket-sized induction-heating companion, Snap-on offers a few models that might find a place in your garage.

But take note, despite its mini size, Snap-on's Mini Ductors aren't exactly cheap. On this list, Snap-on's most expensive variant is the Mini-Ductor Venom HP Deluxe Kit. Retailing for $1,075, it comes with the American-made unit featuring a pistol grip and twist-lock coil, plus a storage container and 11 coils. If you don't really want the whole box and the additional coils, the Mini-Ductor Venom HP unit itself is much cheaper at $900. There's also the Mini-Ductor Venom, which has a two-year limited warranty, comes with a storage container, and retails for $735. Either way, you can purchase the Mini-Ductor Essential Coil Kit with eight coils for $163, a single Mini-Ductor U-Form Coil for just over $18, and the $47.50 Mini-Ductor Flexible Magnetic Litz Wire if you ever decide to change your mind. If you're looking for other Snap-on tools worth splurging over $200 on, there are several highly rated socket sets, digital multimeters, and jump starters that might be perfect for you, too.

Our methodology in listing these tools

To create this list, we looked through Snap-on's portfolio for tools specifically listed as "mini" on its official website. With this, you'll be sure that they're official products from the lineup. Considering they are all relatively small versions, it's not always possible to include all the full-sized features, but we listed any limitations you should be aware of. We also mentioned similar products, so you can decide whether a micro- or full-sized version suits your needs better. Lastly, since Snap-on is heavily marketed as an American brand, we also took note of which tools list the United States as their country of origin to help you make your decision.

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