Is SK outsourcing some ratchets?

[PowderKeg]

Look at the pic and tell me my eyes are deceiving me - that couldn't possibly be a Danaher sourced teardrop (or pear-head) ratchet, could it?

http://www.skhandtool.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=3880

Tell me it's just getting late and my eyes are gettin tired and hazy...

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

Looks like "USA" is etched on the handle.

Edit: Sorry...you are not questioning country of origin...but manufacturer.

Looks like it might be...I haven't seen one in a while but the end of the handle looks different to me?

 

[Uncle Buck]

Look at the pic and tell me my eyes are deceiving me - that couldn't possibly be a Danaher sourced teardrop (or pear-head) ratchet, could it?

http://www.skhandtool.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=3880

Tell me it's just getting late and my eyes are gettin tired and hazy...

Another one bites the dust! Looks like all the rest! Nope, unfortunately it is not your eyes, and that is not what any SK ratchets are supposed to look like!

 

[Uncle Buck]

Looks like "USA" is etched on the handle.

Looks like the cheap Cman version to me!

 

[lbgradwell]

Yeah, I saw that a few weeks ago & thought the same thing... Definitely looks like a Danaher product.

 

[billymade]

The head design is a dead giveaway for another junk Danaher ratchet!
Look at this NAPA ratchet!

Ratchet, 1/2"; 1/2" Drive Quick-Release - Teardrop Style
Part:NHT NS67 $60.59
http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(...=NHTNS67_0006400677&An=0+59999+2999999+109999

The directional lever is the same and the bodies are very close; outsourcing to Danaher strikes again! Danaher must be extremely aggressive in their pricing, production capabilities or courting companies to use their designs right now! So many companies use them to supply their tools; on the other hand, there may not be that much of a manufacturing base anymore to the point that Danaher is one of the few options left for a cost effective USA made tool supplier!

 

[Uncle Buck]

The head design is a dead giveaway for another junk Danaher ratchet!
Look at this NAPA ratchet!

Ratchet, 1/2"; 1/2" Drive Quick-Release - Teardrop Style
Part:NHT NS67 $60.59
http://www.napaonline.com/NOLPPSE/(...=NHTNS67_0006400677&An=0+59999+2999999+109999

The directional lever is the same and the bodies are very close; outsourcing to Danaher strikes again!

God it is like they are swallowing up everyone!

 

[wrenchr]

I will puke the day a snap on is sourced from junkaher.

 

[Fedwrench]

This isn't new. These ratchets were discussed here before. The ratchets have been around for more than a few years. The only thing they lack from Danaher clones is the quick release button. I once asked an SK rep why these were made. His reply was that SK wanted to offer a pear head ratchet to appeal to those customers that prefered that design over the traditional round head SK professional series.
It's hard to tell these days which company actually makes what for who. I think that there is only one company in Taiwan cranking out the same tools with different labels for everyone.
When you think about it outsourcing makes sense in this case. Why retool for one type of ratchet in 3 drive sizes?
Aloot of people bad mouth Danaher tools and their extensive family tree of clones. However, danaher tools are in alot of peoples toolboxes.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I will puke the day a snap on is sourced from junkaher.

The way they are going it may not be long! I really hate every brand looking identical, it ***** big time!

 

[billymade]

Looks are one thing but the fact the head design is so poorly designed and is not durable; is what pisses me off! You wouldn't believe how many come back for rebuilding at Sears!

 

[Merkava_4]

Someone on here said that SK and Danaher are enemies; who said that?

 

[Uncle Buck]

Someone on here said that SK and Danaher are enemies; who said that?

That pic sees to blow a big ol hole right through that theory now doesn't it!

 

[wrenchr]

Someone on here said that SK and Danaher are enemies; who said that?

 

[bchee]

Matco and Armstrong are still pretty good, no?

 

[Fedwrench]

Matco and Armstrong are still pretty good, no?

Yes. They're both good if you like them. The most expensive tools aren't always the best.

 

[Merkava_4]

That pic sees to blow a big ol hole right through that theory now doesn't it!

Am I gonna have to go on a long deep search? Because I will if I have to.

 

[Merkava_4]

I knew I saw this topic somewhere before; it was Krusty's thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13970&highlight=Danaher

 

[nissan_crawler]

Maybe they'll work half-decent now. These ratchets were the biggest piles I've owned:

The sockets weren't any better. I would trade any SK set straight up for a Craftsman set, any day of the week. I sold my SK at a loss to get Craftsman, and was much happier.

 

[eschoendorff]

This isn't new. These ratchets were discussed here before. The ratchets have been around for more than a few years. The only thing they lack from Danaher clones is the quick release button. I once asked an SK rep why these were made. His reply was that SK wanted to offer a pear head ratchet to appeal to those customers that prefered that design over the traditional round head SK professional series.
It's hard to tell these days which company actually makes what for who. I think that there is only one company in Taiwan cranking out the same tools with different labels for everyone.
When you think about it outsourcing makes sense in this case. Why retool for one type of ratchet in 3 drive sizes?
Aloot of people bad mouth Danaher tools and their extensive family tree of clones. However, danaher tools are in alot of peoples toolboxes.

True, true.... I remember discussing this a while ago.

Actually, the full polish Danaher ratchets aren't that bad... I have a Craftsman Pro bent handle flex-head that really works well. Maybe it is the way that they forge the cavity for the ratchet guts (more precise maybe?)... I dunno. but I have not had a problem with the Craftsman Pro/S*K/NAPA/Kobalt/ etc... full polish ratchets.

 

[eschoendorff]

Maybe they'll work half-decent now. These ratchets were the biggest piles I've owned:

The sockets weren't any better. I would trade any SK set straight up for a Craftsman set, any day of the week. I sold my SK at a loss to get Craftsman, and was much happier.

I hate to admit that you right... I have had more problems with my S*K sockets than any other sockets that I own. It was disappointing because I bough the S*K sockets as an upgrade. I'm glad I stopped buying them when I did. The Craftsman sockets work plenty well for me...

 

[MAD]

Maybe they'll work half-decent now. These ratchets were the biggest piles I've owned:

The sockets weren't any better. I would trade any SK set straight up for a Craftsman set, any day of the week. I sold my SK at a loss to get Craftsman, and was much happier.

I use the original SK Pro series ratchets for the most part and love them. I have found them to be bullet proof and smooth working. I have one 1/2" drive Tuff 1 series ratchet like the one pictured that I got in an eBay lot a while back and it seems great so far. What did you not like about your ratchets?

I have never been particularly impressed with SK sockets. The ones I own have always seemed a bit cruder than most and I don't like the design of the deep sockets where the hex does not extend full length. Years ago SK was always much cheaper than Craftsman and I have always attributed the less refined sockets as a remnant of that era. I have not looked at any new SK sockets in a while so I am not sure if this all still holds true.

The SK wrenches have been great for me as well.

 

[Merkava_4]

I have never been particularly impressed with SK sockets. The ones I own have always seemed a bit cruder than most and I don't like the design of the deep sockets where the hex does not extend full length.

nissan_crawler has mentioned that too; don't get him started.

 

[nissan_crawler]

What did you not like about your ratchets?

I have never been particularly impressed with SK sockets. The ones I own have always seemed a bit cruder than most and I don't like the design of the deep sockets where the hex does not extend full length.

The SK wrenches have been great for me as well.

1. I hate the knurling. You charge that much for a ratchet and can't make a semi-smooth grip?

2. The heads are too damned thick to get in half the places you need to.

3. The direction selector hits every ******** thing and changes direction.

4. The deep well socket are absolutely worthless, as you stated. It's no different than a shallow with a 1" extension, they won't fit on studs due to the choked down design.

5. I sold all my wrenches, too. Crappy, uneven finish, looked like a 12 year old Iraqi boy forged them. I didn't care much for their fit, either.

6. The screwdrivers were as ergonomic as a rock.

7. The plier joints were looser than Madonna.

All in all, SK tools were the biggest mistake I made in my wrenching career. I went from over $1000 worth of them, to one plier (duckbill, and solely because it's the only brand I can find with no teeth on the jaws) and one hammer (soft one with screwed in tips, same as many brands) in my toolbox. I swapped them out for Craftsman, and personally feel there was not one SK tool that had an advantage over the cheaper Craftsman.

 

[nissan_crawler]

nissan_crawler has mentioned that too; don't get him started.

To late.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

They look a lot like my Draper ratchets:

 

[wilbilt]

Danaher S•K ratchets don't surprise me. I suspect a Danaher connection in their Taiwanese ratcheting wrenches as well.

The global manufacturers are all swapping spit as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I hate to admit that you right... I have had more problems with my S*K sockets than any other sockets that I own. It was disappointing because I bough the S*K sockets as an upgrade. I'm glad I stopped buying them when I did. The Craftsman sockets work plenty well for me...

Now see, if some a youse guys would just listen to me, but noo, gotta learn the hard way! (LOL) Most of my sockets I bought new have been Cman, but the reality is I have had few problems from any brand and do not see enough difference to justify the higher dollars!

 

[64merc]

Nissan_Crawler, I generally agree with you on most topics, but I think you are just a wee bit too critical of SK. Regarding their ratchets, IMO their pro series ratchets are very good. Yes, the knurling is a bit rough, but I figure if it bothered enough people they would have changed it already, since they've been making that same ratchet for many years. If it aint broke don't fix it.

As for the wrenches, I think you must have gotten a bad lot or something. I know there have been other threads about this. The SK wrenches I have, and most that I have seen, are all nearly perfect. By design, their wrenches are good. If anything, it's their quality control that should be in question.

I'll get off my soap box now

 

[MAD]

It is possible that SK started making those pear head ratchets with their eye on the contract to provide Craftsman professional ratchets. SK has been the manufacturer of some of that line since its inception over a dozen years ago. Getting another slice of that pie would be a good reason to add a Danaher clone ratchet to the line.

As I said in the other thread it is also possible that SK gets them from Danaher in order to expand their product line to include a pear head ratchet. I know that Wright tools gets their cheaper "Cougar" line from Danaher/Kingsley tools.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I know that Wright tools gets their cheaper "Cougar" line from Danaher/Kingsley tools.

I did not know that about the Couger brand, I got a 1/4" set for pops some years back and they have served him very well.

 

[MAD]

I called SK and asked outright if they get those tear drop ratchets from Danaher. I explained that one of the companies I work for prefers not to buy Danaher products because of Danaher's poor record with organized labor (Which was not a lie). The rep did not know the answer at first but called me back right away. She said that they prefer not to reveal the source of that product and could only tell me that it was made in USA.

I guess if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks...

 

[nissan_crawler]

Nissan_Crawler, I generally agree with you on most topics, but I think you are just a wee bit too critical of SK. Regarding their ratchets, IMO their pro series ratchets are very good. Yes, the knurling is a bit rough, but I figure if it bothered enough people they would have changed it already, since they've been making that same ratchet for many years. If it aint broke don't fix it.

As for the wrenches, I think you must have gotten a bad lot or something. I know there have been other threads about this. The SK wrenches I have, and most that I have seen, are all nearly perfect. By design, their wrenches are good. If anything, it's their quality control that should be in question.

I'll get off my soap box now

Each to their own, it was worth it to me to sell near new tools that I had paid around $1200 for new, for less than half that, and buy craftsman. I think that says enough. Even if it's a quality control problem, who cares? Their shouldn't be one. The worst quality control issue I've had at sears is the socket number and such engraved upside down on a socket.

 

[64merc]

I called SK and asked outright if they get those tear drop ratchets from Danaher. I explained that one of the companies I work for prefers not to buy Danaher products because of Danaher's poor record with organized labor (Which was not a lie). The rep did not know the answer at first but called me back right away. She said that they prefer not to reveal the source of that product and could only tell me that it was made in USA.

I guess if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks...

I'm not happy about them outsourcing their ratchets, but I can see why they wouldn't want to advertise who their supplier is. I don't think that SO wants to tell people who made their re-badged stuff, do they? I would guess not, but who knows.

 

[64merc]

Each to their own, it was worth it to me to sell near new tools that I had paid around $1200 for new, for less than half that, and buy craftsman. I think that says enough. Even if it's a quality control problem, who cares? Their shouldn't be one. The worst quality control issue I've had at sears is the socket number and such engraved upside down on a socket.

I can see your point, and I agree about the quality control issue. And you're right, everyone has their preference. Someone can say something bad about every brand out there. For this reason, so many different tool companies are able to stay in business. I'm probably a little sensitive right now because I have some SK wrenches in the classified section. So keep the bashing to a minimum will ya'!!!

 

[Thumper]

7. The plier joints were looser than Madonna.

DAMN..........now thats LOOSE !!

 

[eschoendorff]

Now see, if some a youse guys would just listen to me, but noo, gotta learn the hard way! (LOL) Most of my sockets I bought new have been Cman, but the reality is I have had few problems from any brand and do not see enough difference to justify the higher dollars!

Yeah, the Craftsman sockets and Pro wrenches serve me just as well as my Snap On stuff...

 

[Ducroix]

Those SK pear heads are garbage compared to others, I personally prefer the round head sk but if you want pear head go snap-on these lack in quality, I used a co-workers and they are useless in tight spaces and when they finally do work, they bust your hands

 

[kythri]

Danaher rules. Craftsman rules. SK now rules more.

That is all.

 

[PowderKeg]

We are the Danaher. Resistance Is Futile. You Will Be Assimilated.

Was checking out the SK website looking for sku's of some long hex sockets - I've got an SAE set that's decent (via flea bay some time back) and wouldn't mind finding a long metric and torx set to match. Stumbled on that pear-head ratchet and thought ?!?

Looking over the pile of ratchets I've got, the thing that stands out is the really wide variety of styles, brands, and actual manufacturers over the years - and how so many have been bought up, sold out, closed down, or reduced to just a different name on a handle with a generic head. While one of the reasons I started “collecting” ratchets was to see how many different brands could be found in any specific ratchet design, and try to determine who might have actually manufactured it vs contracted/outsourced it - it would be a real shame to see the future reduced to just a limited selection of a few bland designs with only minor cosmetic differences in the handles to tell them apart.

I suppose the reason I was surprised to see that apparent Danaher design with an “SK” brand on it, is that I've generally thought of SK as a tool company that has successfully stood apart from the rest and charted its own course with its own (generally) well-designed product - not much out there that can be confused with SK, except the few contracts/outsourcing they've supplied over the years, like Kraeuter and Artisan. Just a guess at the moment ('cause I don't have any dates in front of me), but I would hazard to say they've got almost the longest running, basically unaltered ratchet design in tool history, with maybe only the Plomb/Proto design being older.

From Alloy Artifacts:

The "round-head" ratchet has remained one of the most popular ratchet styles in the seven decades since S-K's first development, and many modern ratchets are little changed from the earliest design.

Yeah, they've been bought and sold and merged over the years - really thought the Facom deal would be the end of them - but that same round head ratchet has continued on. Yes, that ratchet is still being made, but it was still surprising and a little depressing to see that ”Borg” ratchet pop up on the 'puter screen as an “SK” stamped - but not SK produced - alternative.

I know that Wright tools gets their cheaper "Cougar" line from Danaher/Kingsley tools.

I find that interesting too, was wondering if Wright was actually making it, or outsourcing it as some others do with their alternative “budget” line.