SK 10mm vs Craftsman 10mm

[kippieland]

I don't know what SK is current doing in regards to their sockets but it's a moot point because they are putting old stock in. But regardless, it's not the fact that they were painted inside (I have found several pictures of old SK sockets that also were painted) I just find it hilarious that folks like blarf will rail on Danaher for painting the interior of their sockets but give SK a pass. Just humorous is all.

Let's call a spade a spade here. Does painting the inside of the socket effect its use in any way? Absolutely not. Does it make it inferior to ones that are not painted? Absolutely not. Is the price for the SK set an excellent price for US made sockets? Yes. Are they capable of producing a quality product? Yes (just like Craftsman). Do they do it consistently? No (just like Craftsman).

Thank you!

 

[blarf]

I just find it hilarious that folks like blarf will rail on Danaher for painting the interior of their sockets but give SK a pass. Just humorous is all.

Why do I give SK a "pass"?

Note how cleanly the socket is broached in comparison to the Danaher one. Note the lack of yellow, and the resulting lack of **** dripped all over my socket rail. If you were to feel the inside of it, you'd notice it's significantly smoother than the Danaher sockets. The one pictured is a deep 1/2" drive socket. If you feel past the broaching, you'll notice that while not mirror finished, it's still far smoother than the Danaher sockets. IOW, someone paid attention while making it. This socket is from around 2008. If memory serves this would be around the time SK filed for bankruptcy.

I give SK a "pass" because even the worst of my SK tools (sockets, ratchets, breaker bar) look better than the best of my Danaher stuff.

 

[Steve_P]

The ~5 largest sockets in the 1/2 drive metric SK socket set I bought a few months ago were painted silver on the inside. A couple also had paint overspray on the outside so I cleaned it off with lacquer thinner. For curiousity, I also cleaned the paint off the inside of one; once the paint was removed there was good quality chrome plating under the paint. So, I have no idea why they painted the insides.

 

[steelespeed]

Well, I happen to have a brand new and unused 17mm SK socket right here on my desk. I bought this to compare with a few other brands before I pull the trigger on a complete set from any manufacturer.

Now, I know the inside of the socket doesn't need to be cosmetically perfect to do it's job, but the inside of this socket is terrible. There are slivers of steel hanging off, it looks as though the tool used to finish the inside chattered like crazy and created the gouges seen in the photo, and the drive end ball-detent is damn near non-existent. It almost looks like someone just barely breathed on it with a Dremel tool.

The exterior of the socket is OK. The chrome beats any new Craftsman I have seen based on color and luster. This socket's markings are deep, but they are a bit "jagged" in places. The bottom of the socket has a ton of tooling marks that surface prep didn't take care of, but they don't effect the tool's use.

I also have a new 13mm deep Craftsman socket here that was hand picked from the shelf so it's a very good example. I will go as far as to say that besides the current Danaher/Craftsman chrome process that this socket is at the very least on par with the SK. The interior is perfect and the ball-detent grooves are crisp. The stampings aren't as deep as the SK but they are legible (this also has the laser etched size) and the surface would be perfect if there was an actual layer of chrome over the nickel.

Are they Snap-on quality? I don't know as I don't own a Snap-on socket. However, these can be picked up for a fraction of that company's price.

The big problem is that BOTH of these USA made tools look barely average inside and out when compared to a quality tool coming out of Taiwan. In fact, I have a cheap set of Benchtop Pro (Taiwan) sockets out in the garage that have better chrome, markings, and interiors than either of these sockets combined. The only problem? They aren't USA made. It's clear to me that USA made "quality" usually means "dictated by the assholes in the board room looking for an extra .35% gain on their stock prices." Pathetic.

And that, my friends, is the BIG problem.

 

[Skin]

you people stare into your sockets too much.

 

[Hiball]

you people stare into your sockets too much.

You Think? Who cares what the inside of the Socket looks like, Paint, Chrome, Nickel, My head hurts.

 

[kippieland]

you people stare into your sockets too much.

+1 for that!

 

[kippieland]

You Think? Who cares what the inside of the Socket looks like, Paint, Chrome, Nickel, My head hurts.

I think I am over this thread.

 

[pipsters]

You Think? Who cares what the inside of the Socket looks like, Paint, Chrome, Nickel, My head hurts.

What I consider a minimum acceptable quality standard for a socket:

1) Chrome (or whatever material used) completely coats the outside to protect the finish and stamping, with no signs of flaking
2) Markings to indicate size are easily legible
3) Ball detents are fully formed and when inserted into the ratchet hold the socket at an appropriate depth
4) Broaching is tight

Above that I could care less what the inside looks like...it's a freaking socket it will have a ton of **** in it in short order.

The SK sockets look great but a large percentage fail on the above list. Craftsman believe it or not is fine for the vast majority of them and the ones that weren't I got shipped to me. Plus the price is very good.

 

[scott4]

Now, I know the inside of the socket doesn't need to be cosmetically perfect to do it's job, but the inside of this socket is terrible. There are slivers of steel hanging off

Screw it. Its paint.

 

[Hiball]

Wright uses something similar inside, I expect its some-sort of Rust Preventive Coating. Ill see if i can get a hold of the Wright guy and see if he can shed some light on the subject.

 

[scott4]

Adding to the paint / not paint info. I'm interested.

Hi guys I have a funny one with Facom's customer service, I wrote them an e-mail because from the size 18 and up the inside of their sockets seems coated with a mat silver matérial, brittle and easy to remove. When you remove an extension you always see some small flakes falling dawn, I wonder what it was, not chrome definitely.
When you remove it you see shiny chrome just the same as 17 sockets and smallers.

Facom told me it was a paint to protect steel because they didn't chrome plate the inside of their sockets as it was useless
It's really strange because what's under this "paint" looks really like chrome and it would be normal, I wonder if that guy knew what he was talking about...?

Member "Chreese" posted once that his Stahlwille 3/4" sockets are also painted silver inside, because they can´t plate the inside or something like that. Maybe the chrome you see is nickel ?

Concerning Facom coating, it might be just nickel in the inside, but the guy told me it was naked steel...

Unfortunately the inside is polished (nickel), too bad I would have loved to paint the inside of my sockets, it would have been nice, with the thickness of the paint I would have had a complete collection of half size sockets, 10,5 14,5 17,5 ...

Thread on interior sockets and paint

... I realize it's an unprotected part of the socket, no chrome and the paint inside wears off, exposing the metal.

Yep, Brand new Craftsman sockets are painted on the inside.

I've wondered about the various chemical baths and how this relates to "untreated metal," but I didn't wonder too much - ultimately realizing my original goal was compromised for the time being.

Good luck, hope that helps out. I'd go with pipsters list 'o **** that matters above, first.

-----
adding
----
Its linked above, but here it is posted

I'm asking this question on behalf of our Armstrong Industrial Tools brand. Most of the USA tool manufacturers add a cosmetic paint to the interior of sockets during finishing.

Do you have a preference for which color we should use (see attached pictures)?

If you vote in the survey (above) AND respond with comments below, I'll pick a random winner for a GearWrench 40PC Tap and Die Drive set (your choice SAE or Metric). PS - let us know if you are an Industrial tool user in your comments.

Thanks for your input!

Steve

Winner is SCguy! Thanks everyone for voting.

 

[toolmaker1]

Wright uses something similar inside, I expect its some-sort of Rust Preventive Coating. Ill see if i can get a hold of the Wright guy and see if he can shed some light on the subject.

Thanks Highball, it would be nice to get some real info from the mfr. and put this subject to bed

 

[Hiball]

Thanks Highball, it would be nice to get some real info from the mfr. and put this subject to bed

I heard back from Wright this Morning.

Steven,

Thanks for the inquiry. I'll get with our engineers and see what type of information we can actually release. It seems every US hand tool manufacturer does something a little different than the rest. Depends on what type of chrome processes they are using. I'll let you know this week.

Here are some Pictures of some Newly Aquired Wright Sockets, they have a similar coating inside. Its a very Uniform coating and dont suspect its from a guy holding a Rustoleum Can at the end of the Line.

 

[KEH]

On warrenting SK tools: If someone is close enough to or is passing through Spartanburg. SC, there is an excellent private tool store, Mack Fullbright's, 864 583 5211. They sell and warrenty SK, Proto, and Wright, along with a lot of other stuff. The old and new SK have always been picky about abused tools, particularily chrome sockets that have been used on an impact wrench.

Re: Danaher chrome problems, I have a NAPA 3/8 ratchet of the same design as the Craftsman RP and the NAPA machining is much better, like perfect, the action is smoother , and the chrome has a much nice finish than the Craftsman. It's also pricier. Both made by Danaher.

KEH

 

[burnin53]

The first tools I bought new when I was a kid were Craftsman. A friend of mine would laugh every time I broke a socket or ratchet,which was way to often. He'd hand me one of his his S-K's to use. I started buying S-K stuff soon after,have not looked back since.
I don't care what they coat the inside of the socket with,
you couldn't give me ten "Craftsmans" for one of my S-K's.

 

[kippieland]

WOW. How does a thread about some differencies between Craftsman and SK sockets turn into a thread about gray pain and other brands of sockets?

 

[Hiball]

WOW. How does a thread about some differencies between Craftsman and SK sockets turn into a thread about gray pain and other brands of sockets?

Sorry if I offended any readers, I was only showing that there are numerous companies that use a thin layer of "something" as a interior coating. Never attempted to bash anyones brand etc.

 

[kippieland]

Sorry if I offended any readers, I was only showing that there are numerous companies that use a thin layer of "something" as a interior coating. Never attempted to bash anyones brand etc.

No worries! I was more calling out the fact for some reason certain members want to get hung up on the paint thing.....No problem with it just start a new thread! But your points about other companies doing as well is a very good one and maybe we can stop bashing on one company since the other one is to cheap to do it!

 

[pipsters]

No worries! I was more calling out the fact for some reason certain members want to get hung up on the paint thing.....No problem with it just start a new thread! But your points about other companies doing as well is a very good one and maybe we can stop bashing on one company since the other one is to cheap to do it!

You would hope but the haters love to hate

 

[Tony N.]

I'm about to switch from Craftsman because I'm pissed that they are moving to China for manufacturing. There's no point in supporting a tool company like this. I believe in paying for quality for almost everything, unless I can get away with it (rare).

After reading this thread, I really don't care about the inside of the socket. I do hate that they have a weak stamping on the sockets. Is this a wide spread issue? If I were to buy a 3/8 socket set today would I be having the same issue as some here?

 

[kippieland]

WOW back from the dead!

I have zero problems with stamping. I think that is more of personal preference then anything....just like the inside of the socket. I have more problems with craftsman easy read coming off then reading the stamping on the SK.

I love the SK 10m that I have but I haven't had any problems with the Craftsman and since they are still USA made (for now) they are still a great value.

 

[shoturtle]

The new chrome is more gray in the US as it is an enviromental reason. It is just new stock. The SK is a little older stock.

From the looks of it, the flank drive on the craftsmen is more pronounce vs the SK. That would account of the wiggle from the corners of the nuts they sit on. It will bite the flat of the nuts just the same and less rounding of the corner.

The thicker metal of the craftsman means it can take more torque. So it is actually a plus, can you show us the drive side of the sockets?

 

[moronmountain]

OK here is my take on the SK 94959 3/8" set.

Overall, I like the SK socket set HOWEVER I am still disappointed in it. I expected/wanted perfection on these sockets out of the box.

Perfection costs a LOT of $$$ I consider Craftsman a quality budget tool, and SK a quality mid level tool. I wouldn't put either of them in the perfection arena.

 

[moronmountain]

I'm about to switch from Craftsman because I'm pissed that they are moving to China for manufacturing. There's no point in supporting a tool company like this. I believe in paying for quality for almost everything, unless I can get away with it (rare).

After reading this thread, I really don't care about the inside of the socket. I do hate that they have a weak stamping on the sockets. Is this a wide spread issue? If I were to buy a 3/8 socket set today would I be having the same issue as some here?

The SK sockets I've seen lately have a pretty good stamp on them. I plan on getting SK 1/2" drive deep sockets, as SO ones are just TOO expensive. All my other sockets are SO though, but I don't use 1/2" drive deep sockets enough to justify the SO prices.

 

[kippieland]

The SK sockets I've seen lately have a pretty good stamp on them. I plan on getting SK 1/2" drive deep sockets, as SO ones are just TOO expensive. All my other sockets are SO though, but I don't use 1/2" drive deep sockets enough to justify the SO prices.

Pipsters review was based off of old stock from the "old" SK that went bankrupt. The new ones seem to have better quality control. I know he was really bummed on them.....I know they were in the CL. Have to see if he does an update.

I think their Chrome is much nicer then the Craftsman but I don't really look at it when I am working, thats why I think the Craftsman are better value. Neither of them are perfect.

 

[kippieland]

The new chrome is more gray in the US as it is an enviromental reason. It is just new stock. The SK is a little older stock.

From the looks of it, the flank drive on the craftsmen is more pronounce vs the SK. That would account of the wiggle from the corners of the nuts they sit on. It will bite the flat of the nuts just the same and less rounding of the corner.

The thicker metal of the craftsman means it can take more torque. So it is actually a plus, can you show us the drive side of the sockets?

Yes, that is what I have come to realize as well. The SK is better at straight shot fastners and the craftsman has a bet more tolerance for angle work. Really its spliting hairs. I don't aways think thicker is better....look at the SO wrenches. They are 3/8 drive.

I have since polished a craftsman socket (polishing compound and wheel) and their chrome is still poor compared to the SK. Its not very thick and has small holes in it. But its just chrome and I really don't care....My Craftsman set works great.

 

[kippieland]

OK since you guys are bring up a thread from the dead as new questions about it, I want to correct some of the things I said in the review. First, I should have done it as more of observational comparison, rather then a verses thread. Second, I wrote this thread as when I was first learning about tools and had never seen anything different then a Craftsman. I was more into the SK because it "seemed nicer...therefore it is!" Things have changed and I currently feel that a its just socket and when I am going to town on a project, I really think...."wow this socket ***** and this one is some much better." As long as it does its job and doesn't break anything, then it will work for me!
Finally, I feel that for the money, the current USA made Craftsman sockets are better value then the SK. While they may not have the nicest chroming in the world, when it comes down to doing the job and doing it well they do a great job.


Problem with old threads.....opinions change!

 

[moronmountain]

OK since you guys are bring up a thread from the dead as new questions about it, I want to correct some of the things I said in the review. First, I should have done it as more of observational comparison, rather then a verses thread. Second, I wrote this thread as when I was first learning about tools and had never seen anything different then a Craftsman. I was more into the SK because it "seemed nicer...therefore it is!" Things have changed and I currently feel that a its just socket and when I am going to town on a project, I really think...."wow this socket ***** and this one is some much better." As long as it does its job and doesn't break anything, then it will work for me!
Finally, I feel that for the money, the current USA made Craftsman sockets are better value then the SK. While they may not have the nicest chroming in the world, when it comes down to doing the job and doing it well they do a great job.


Problem with old threads.....opinions change!

Yeah Cman is prolly a better value, but they don't make 1/2" drive, large sockets that I want. SK is the cheapest USA brand that I can find that does.

 

[pipsters]

Pipsters review was based off of old stock from the "old" SK that went bankrupt. The new ones seem to have better quality control. I know he was really bummed on them.....I know they were in the CL. Have to see if he does an update.

I think their Chrome is much nicer then the Craftsman but I don't really look at it when I am working, thats why I think the Craftsman are better value. Neither of them are perfect.

Well you don't know that for sure. My stuff was bought a good 8-ish months after they started production back up again. I returned them and actually got $20+ more back so after shipping I made $6 on the deal...lol. Not bad. But I would've rather kept them.

For 1/2" sockets I personally would just buy impact sockets. Wish I would've done that instead of bought the entire 299 pc socket set from Sears. No real need for chrome that big IMO.

 

[Steve_P]

Yes, that is what I have come to realize as well. The SK is better at straight shot fastners and the craftsman has a bet more tolerance for angle work. Really its spliting hairs. I don't aways think thicker is better....look at the SO wrenches. They are 3/8 drive.

I have since polished a craftsman socket (polishing compound and wheel) and their chrome is still poor compared to the SK. Its not very thick and has small holes in it. But its just chrome and I really don't care....My Craftsman set works great.

The plating on newer craftsman sockets (the last 10+ yrs) is not chrome; it's nickel. SK is chrome over nickel. That is the difference in the appearance and it's been discussed a lot- search if you want.

 

[pipsters]

The plating on newer craftsman sockets (the last 10+ yrs) is not chrome; it's nickel. SK is chrome over nickel. That is the difference in the appearance and it's been discussed a lot- search if you want.

Semantics and splitting hairs. Precision instruments torque wrenches are nickel plated and their description notes "nickel / chrome".

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/prec2fr100f.html

Yes, it's technically correct that SK applies a layer of chromium over their nickel however both are plated. Personally I actually even prefer the nickel plate, if done correctly, and Danaher/Craftsman can make a nice looking socket it just isn't done 100% of the time, which is where they went wrong IMO.

 

[Jerelld321]

Hello I need help I like sk tools they have a 3/8 socket set for $150 and a 1/4 socket for $126 online I was wondering is that kind of pricey for some one that is a diy kind of person I love tools and can guarantee they will be put to use alot .

 

[geologist]

I believe that it's because it's not chrome, it's only nickel plating on the
Craftsman sockets. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

You're correct.

 

[kippieland]

Hello I need help I like sk tools they have a 3/8 socket set for $150 and a 1/4 socket for $126 online I was wondering is that kind of pricey for some one that is a diy kind of person I love tools and can guarantee they will be put to use alot .

For sockets I think they are bit much for a DIY'er IMO. I think Craftsman work great and a quite a bit cheaper. I would spend my money (and I have) on higher end ratchets verses sockets.

 

[kippieland]

The plating on newer craftsman sockets (the last 10+ yrs) is not chrome; it's nickel. SK is chrome over nickel. That is the difference in the appearance and it's been discussed a lot- search if you want.

That would makes sense why the SK looks so great, but it still doesn't answer all the pitting and little holes on the Craftsman.