Snap-on Wins Three Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) 2010 Innovation Awards

KENOSHA, Wis., Nov 03, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) comes out on top again this year by winning three Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) Innovation Awards. Snap-on was voted "best" in the equipment category for the Quadriga automatic tire changer, the hand tools category for its 10-piece, 1/4-inch drive metric low profile ratchet/socket set and the tool storage category for its KEW-Series LED light assembly system for tool storage units.

PTEN's panel of active and independent technicians, shop owners, mechanics and tool distributors scrutinized all of the nominees and voted Snap-on the best in the following categories:

• Equipment: Quadriga automatic tire changer
  
  The Quadriga ATC 1000 is the industry's first truly automatic tire changer. No other tire changer automatically measures tire diameter, uses imaging technology to precisely profile the wheel, automatically positions the tire for hydraulically-driven dual bead-breaking, and uses precise motor controls to remove the tire from the wheel. Standard features include an integrated wheel lift to handle heavy lifting and a hydraulically-activated center clamp that safely clamps the wheel without the risk of damage associated with table-top machines. Smart Vision(TM) laser-guided bead-breaking and demounting tools completely eliminate tool-to-wheel contact for damage-free and worry-free tire and wheel handling. The Quadriga can accommodate rims up to 30" in diameter and 17" wide, with a maximum wheel diameter of more than 47".

• Hand Tools: 10-piece, 1/4-inch drive metric low profile ratchet/socket set (110RTSM)
  
  Snap-on's new low profile ratchet/socket set (110RTSM) is perfect for under-dash cramped quarters, under cowls on late model pickup trucks, transmission bolts on traverse mounted engines and torque converter belts. The ratchet and socket system is up to 43 percent shorter than a standard 1/4-inch ratchet with a 1/4-inch shallow socket. The low profile sockets, combined with the zero degree mini ratcheting wrench, work well in the tightest of areas. Its 72 gear teeth require minimal movement to engage the next tooth in those hard to reach places. The easy-action reverse lever won't get in the way, while the thin handle cross section allows for great accessibility. Sockets are 6 point and range in size from 5mm to 13mm.

• Tool storage: KEW-Series LED light assembly system
  
  Snap-on's new KEW-Series super bright LED light bar is a high-end lighting system for Snap-on tool storage units. It is the brightest system available, throwing 2080 lumens of useful light output and doubling the DOE rating for under-cabinet lighting. Top quality 60mil by 60mil LED chips (2.25 times larger than commonly used commercial LED chips) are directly mounted in the aluminum housing using patented technology and are individually housed to optimize heat dissipation so these LEDs stay cool. Most commercial LEDs dim over time, but the Snap-on system uses much larger, longer lasting LEDs. Technicians appreciated the automatic on/off, and the magnetic installation.

"We are truly honored to have received three Innovation Awards this year and we'd like to thank all of the PTEN readers who chose Snap-on products," said Tom Ward, president, Snap-on Repair Systems and Information Group. "These awards are especially meaningful for us because they are voted on by shop owners and technicians - the people who use our tools and equipment in their repair bays every day and rely on their ability to safely increase productivity and simplify tasks."

About Snap-on

Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users. 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 customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources. Products and services are sold through the company's franchisee, company-direct, distributor and Internet channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.4 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

For additional information on Snap-on, visit http://www.snapon.com.

SOURCE: Snap-on Incorporated

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