Snap on is retarded expensive, but thier ratchets and sockets have yet to fail me. I had a few 3/8 craftman ratchets that bit the big one when I was leaning on them, my 1/4" snap on has no problem even when using a 2' jack handle as a cheater bar and leaning on it (well rusted header bolts, 3/8 couldnt get into the tight space)
Bluepoint is made by snap on, and IIRC so is Kobalt, those have always done me quite well.
Another thing to do, hit the trade in and repo box on the tool trucks, they may not always be the pretiest, but the still carry the lifetime waranty.
All said, I have 5-6k in tools laying around, there is no replacement for haing the right tool for the job.