While Kansas heads into the NCAA Tournament as the favorite team, the unlikely No. 1 stock in the S&P 500 Index right now is Snap-On Tools

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[SNA  Loading...      ()   ], the Kenosha, Wisconsin-based purveyor of power tools and wrenches.

Three analysts rate Snap-On a ‘strong buy’ and two others give it a ‘buy’ rating, according to a screen of the index members, giving the stock the most enthusiastic consensus rating amongst the Wall Street community.

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The stock has lived up to these expectations so far, surging 65 percent the last 12 months.

“It’s benefiting from the same do-it-yourself mentality in the weak economy right now that’s helping shares of Home Depot

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[HD  Loading...      ()   ] as well,” said Guy Adami, managing director for Drakon Capital and a ‘Fast Money’ trader. “It’s also getting a takeover premium because of the Stanley Works-Black & Decker deal.”

Home Depot shares are up 43 percent in the last one year. Stanley Works completed its purchase of Black & Decker for $3.5 billion on Friday. The new entity, now called Stanley Black & Decker

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[SWK  Loading...      ()   ], is the country’s largest toolmaker.

The most-loved stocks based on sheer number of favorable ratings goes to Apple

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[AAPL  Loading...      ()   ], with 33 analysts giving the company a ‘buy’ or ‘strong buy’ opinion. Four analysts give the iPhone-maker a ‘hold’ rating and two say ‘sell’.

Even after a vicious drop during the housing crisis in 2008, the Snap-On shares are up 35 percent over the last five years and today, pay a 2.7 percent dividend. Snap-On’s market value of $2.5 billion makes it the 18th smallest member of the S&P 500. The company, founded in 1920, offers nearly 14,000 products, according to its web site.

“This is not just a short-term trend based on the bad economy,” added Adami. “With all the do-it-yourself TV shows and networks out there now, everyone thinks they’re Bob Vila.”

For the best market insight, catch 'Fast Money' each night at 5pm ET on CNBC. To play Fast Money’s bracket challenge, go to fastmadness.cnbc.com.

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John Melloy is the Executive Producer of Fast Money. Before joining CNBC, he was an editor for Bloomberg News, overseeing the U.S. Stock Market coverage team.

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Trader disclosure: On March 18th, 2010, the following stocks and commodities mentioned or intended to be mentioned on CNBC’s Fast Money were owned by the Fast Money traders; Adami Owns (AGU), (BTU), (C), (GS), (INTC), (MSFT), (NUE); Stutland Equities Is A Market Maker in (VIX); Stutland Equities Is A Market Maker in (SPX) Futures; Stutland Owns (GS) Call Spread; Stutland Owns (GE); Kelly Is Short (EURUSD); Kelly Is Short (GBPUSD); Kelly Is Short (EZU); Finerman's Firm Is Short (SPY), (IWM), (MDY), (IJR), (SPY), (USO); Finerman's Firm Owns (IYR) Puts; Finerman's Firm Is Long S&P Puts; Finerman Owns (AAPL); Finerman's Firm Owns (BAC), (BAC) Leaps; Finerman Owns (BAC), (BAC) Preferred; Finerman's Firm And Finerman Own (GOOG); Finerman's Firm And Finerman Own (JPM); Finerman's Firm And Finerman Own (WFC) Preferre ; Grasso Owns (TSO); Grasso Owns (AAPL)

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