SK Socket set worth it?

[joshboogie]

I know alot of people have been saying SK has been having QC issues but I found this on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/SK-94547-6-Millimeter-19-Millimeter-Assortments/dp/B0002NYCJU/ref=sr_1_34?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1221617401&sr=1-34

Anyone think it's worth it?

 

[Fedwrench]

It's not an outstanding price but, it is a decent price. There are a few versions of this set. Some have thumb ratchet, universal joint and a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter. I have the set and the 1/4 drive version too. I like them and it's a nice collection of the most common sizes. You may want to check ebay

 

[Paumanok]

I have this set which is a few bucks cheaper than the one you showed, plus few extra pieces.

http://www.amazon.com/SK-94549-8-Inch-Fractional-Metric/dp/B000MAOQVC/ref=pd_cp_hi_1?pf_rd_p=413863601&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000MANQCW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0MNG0PHPVBPQQ1Z7K2S2

I have been happy with it, and since I picked it up for like $80 at the time - I'm happier with it every time I go fix stuff with it. I like the knurled handle on the ratchet for when I'm doing dirty work (nasty grease and such).
Think about it, at that price - it is like every piece in the set is $1.80 and you get the plastic case for free

On a side note I will aknowledge SK's questionable quality control lately , but All my recent SK purchases have been good.

 

[vssjim]

The pro style SK ratchet that is in that kit are top knotch

 

[nissan_crawler]

Not only no, but hell no.

 

[eschoendorff]

Not only no, but hell no.

Mine are nothing special. At this point, I would recommend a GearWrench ratchet/socket set. You get a [Matco] ratchet and the QC is definitely there.

If you need a set that is made in USA, go buy yourself a Craftsman socket set and then splurge on the Snap On ratchet of your choice. I have not been impressed with my S*K sockets... I reach for my Craftsmans first anyway.

 

[nissan_crawler]

If you need a set that is made in USA, go buy yourself a Craftsman socket set and then splurge on the Snap On ratchet of your choice. I have not been impressed with my S*K sockets... I reach for my Craftsmans first anyway.

[/thread] that's all folks!

 

[Merkava_4]

Not only no, but hell no.

LOL! You can't get a more straight answer than that.

 

[joshboogie]

Not only no, but hell no.

I think I'll take this answer and run with it. lol

 

[nissan_crawler]

I sold all my SK tools at a huge loss to buy Craftsman, which cost me more than what I sold my SK's for. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[Paumanok]

^ could I ask why you sold your SK? I'm just curious- in an age where SK quality is going downhill, I've been upgrading lots of stuff too. So nissan what is you personal beef against SK? remember, I'm not on the SK wagon - I am just looking for others opinions.

 

[64merc]

Well, I still say that if you can get a good deal on SK stuff they are worth buying for the most part. I wouldn't pay truck brand prices or anything but they aren't that bad. Their pro series ratchets in particular are very good, but I guess it really depends on what you are buying.

 

[mastiff]

Op yes the set you have linked isn’t a bad set however as mentioned before look on eBay you might be able to find the same or similar set at a better price.

Personally there have been very few instances where my SK sockets have not worked for the application. I have had my sets going on 10 years of professional work / abuse with out a failure. Yes it is true that QC has been an issue in the past in regards to finish however what I have seen lately by them has been on par with the other manufactures.

Remember no tool is the ultimate tool and keep in mind most people develop brand loyalty / blindness and that affects their judgment to a point.

Side note: if you are unsure about the tool manufacturer buy a smaller set or a single item and put it through it paces... Remember discovery is half the fun in life.

edit for spelling / I need coffee

 

[nissan_crawler]

^ could I ask why you sold your SK? I'm just curious- in an age where SK quality is going downhill, I've been upgrading lots of stuff too. So nissan what is you personal beef against SK? remember, I'm not on the SK wagon - I am just looking for others opinions.

My wrenches look like they were drug behind a truck for a few miles before getting chromed.

The deepwell sockets are necked down inside, and as such, are only as good as shallow sockets, because they won't fit on a stud. They also don't wear well.

The screwdrivers don't fit well, and they round off easily.

The ratchets are too thick to get in half the places I need to.

The plier joints got sloppy within a year of having them.

The punches are not accurately sized at all.

The chisels deform from using them on aluminum rivets.


Blind brand loyalty? Nope, I just got sick of SK stopping me from doing my job.

 

[Merkava_4]

I've got a list of American manufactured tools that are sub-par in quality:

1. Vermont American
2. Cal-Van
3. SK (newly added to the list)

 

[Moose-LandTran]

4. Mac. (I've yet to see something of theirs i was remotely impressed by.)

 

[Merkava_4]

I need to take some pictures of my MAC 3/8 and 7/16 EX-LONG wrenches; they've got a wickedly thin box end (ring end).

 

[mastiff]

My wrenches look like they were drug behind a truck for a few miles before getting chromed.

The deepwell sockets are necked down inside, and as such, are only as good as shallow sockets, because they won't fit on a stud. They also don't wear well.

The screwdrivers don't fit well, and they round off easily.

The ratchets are too thick to get in half the places I need to.

The plier joints got sloppy within a year of having them.

The punches are not accurately sized at all.

The chisels deform from using them on aluminum rivets.


Blind brand loyalty? Nope, I just got sick of SK stopping me from doing my job.

Um chisels on rivets.... on aircraft? If so why?

Btw I never had a problem with the screw sticks or the pliers’ joints and have had them for 10 years maybe longer. I can’t speak for the chisels or the punches.

 

[Danglerb]

I bought an old set of SK 1/4 drive sockets off ebay and like them fine. I'd rate them someplace between Craftsmen and Snapon. I really like the Mechanics Timesaver carrier that came with mine, so they tend to be my most used sockets.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Um chisels on rivets.... on aircraft? If so why?

Btw I never had a problem with the screw sticks or the pliers’ joints and have had them for 10 years maybe longer. I can’t speak for the chisels or the punches.

Because when some ***** drills 50 of them off center in a place you can hardly get to, you aren't left with much choice. If the rivets are in a thick piece of aluminum, you can also drill just through the ****, then go along with a rivet gun and chisel and knock off 200 butts in a few seconds. It works great if they've been swelled in oversize holes.

 

[mastiff]

Ok I suppose I could see that as being a reasonable last resort in the instance you described. I know here that would be frowned upon due to the increased possibility of material damage. The “*****” would be dealt with severely e.g. suspension / termination at our shop due to loss of revenue / up time especially after we (QC) got a hold of him.

But back on topic, I have not had the problems with SK that you have posted but then again I wouldn’t buy chisels or punches from SK as we order ours from various aircraft tooling suppliers.

Note; I am not discounting your experiences’ I just find them odd when contrasted with mine.


edit for wording