What do you think of SK? Old or New?

[creativecars]

Since there has been a lot of SK talk on the forum, with the SK Day and all, what is your opinion of SK? What experience have you had with SK in the past? I enjoyed watching Jori’s interview and tour with the people from SK and thought it was interesting that they are going to warranty any tool (within reason) that is an SK tool, regardless of which company it was under when it was made.

I also thought it was interesting that they wanted to be the “The Professionals” tool company. I always thought SK made good quality tools, but did not put them in the same category as the tool truck brands. At one time we had an independent truck guy that sold SK hand tools, CP air tools and almost anything else if you wanted to wait a week or two for him to get it in. He lasted about 10 years before he went out and never heard if anyone took over his route.

After that our only SK option was to purchase/ warranty them at which ever auto parts store was carrying them that year. Many professionals replaced their SK tools because of these issues and they were filtered down to home tool sets and flea market tools. I am not saying that they are not being used professionally, but at least in this area they lost their professional use image.

That said, I think they have been good tools. And I feel I am giving them the benefit of doubt as a consumer that their new flair nut wrench sets are as good as their competitors and hope their quality/price match the level s I am looking for.

 

[vandezand]

Well I've only had experience with the new sk. And my experience is limited to a 3 inch extension at work. We use them on cordless impacts to take bolts out of molds. We also have proto and westward. I will say the knurling is so sharp and comfortable. Its easy to hold onto when you have sweaty hands. I'd choose the sk over the others any day

 

[rice rocket]

The trucks carry a certain aura with them that they're the professional's choice because they fill the distribution part of the equation very well. Truth is, if any brand stepped into that realm, I bet they would carry the same image as well barring complete garbage.

Snap-On breaks, Mac breaks, Matco breaks. When it gets replaced immediately, no one remembers that it broke. When you have to wait 3 weeks, everyone remembers.

I'm not sure they're going about becoming the professionals' tool company in the right way, but I'm just one in the peanut gallery.

 

[zkling]

I really like their ratchets as well as breaker bars, extensions, combo wrenches and sockets. IMHO I think their screwdrivers and pliers are a bit over priced for what they are compared to the competition.

 

[JonDick13926]

Well, most of my experience is with new SK, although I have some old SK sockets that seem fantastic in quality, as well as a ratchet that is oldER, but I don't know how much older. They still sell the same ratchet today, but it looks just a little tiny bit different.

I did just buy three new ratchets a few weeks back. 40971, 42470, and 45170. I like how heavy they feel relative to other ratchets of similar size, particularly the 1/2" drive.

As for customer service, I've heard good and bad, but my experience is outstanding. I needed a rebuild kit for that older 1/2" ratchet. Well, I didn't "need" it, the issue was very minor - just a slight catch every 360 degree turn that was unnoticed when ratcheting with any speed, but still. I wanted one anyway. So I emailed them and told them about the problem, not expecting a reply for at least 2 weeks. 2 days later, I got an email reply saying they were sending a free kit. 3 days later the kit was at the door. That's 9 days sooner than I even expected to get a reply.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I really like their ratchets as well as breaker bars, extensions, combo wrenches and sockets. IMHO I think their screwdrivers and pliers are a bit over priced for what they are compared to the competition.

I'll agree with ZK.

I find some of the S-K line better bought elsewhere, but the ratchets, extensions, sockets and wrenches are all top rate and I have many.

With teh slow demise of Craftsman, it's a big step up in price, but really one of the few routes besides Proto, Williams and the Industrial brands if looking for USA tools.

For me I also source screwdrivers elsewhere as well as pliers just like ZK.

The Craftsman Chinese made stuff is kinda a fork in the road for many thses days. Go up to S-K or industrial brands or a bit lower with Taiwanese and Chinese brands from big box stores?
Yes--quite the fiscal canundrum it is.

 

[cheechi]

They have had good and bad items, I have worked with plenty of SK, though at the time I couldn't tell you what era they were from. They are basically like Klien or Channellock; they do some things incredibly well (wrenches & sockets) and some things badly (availability & marketing) and plenty in between.

I really think the difference is going to be availability. If they really want to be the fifth (fourth? sixth?) truck brand, that's fine. But why be the 'also' brand? What they need to be successful is get in a retail store. Not available for order, just plain available.

 

[jd_1138]

Since there has been a lot of SK talk on the forum, with the SK Day and all, what is your opinion of SK? What experience have you had with SK in the past? I enjoyed watching Jori’s interview and tour with the people from SK and thought it was interesting that they are going to warranty any tool (within reason) that is an SK tool, regardless of which company it was under when it was made.

Here's a link to that video:

 

[sonvolt]

I really like their ratchets as well as breaker bars, extensions, combo wrenches and sockets. IMHO I think their screwdrivers and pliers are a bit over priced for what they are compared to the competition.

^^^^ I agree 100% I have their wrenches, sockets, extensions, breaker bars but feel their screwdrivers and pliers are overpriced

 

[Zrexxer]

I've changed my opinion of SK over the years. At the time I first became aware of them in the early 80's, the only dealer for SK was a local auto parts chain who had them on their tool board behind the parts counter. We kind of sneered at them then, considering them a poor fifth to Snap On, Matco, Mac, and Cornwell. At the time, SK is what you bought when you needed a 9/16" wrench to change the rebuilt water pump that you'd just bought, out in the parking lot.

I do have some of the older SK stuff, and they're good tools. But I think they suffered from distribution and marketing problems, and I wasn't really surprised to hear they'd hit the skids.

In the meantime, I'm very encouraged by the re-birth of SK, and I hope that they become successful. They sound as if they're committed to the idea of American manufacturing and producing a quality product, and the new SK tools I've seen look promising. I'm becoming an SK fan, after all these years.

 

[jakemac]

My impression of the old SK is that, like Craftsman USA, they were great tools for the money until the 2000's (1990's for Cman). Then, as the company began to have problems the quality of SK tools began to suffer to the point that near the end it was iffy if they were worth the money.

My grandfather still has a deep metric 3/8dr set from the early 70's that I covet.
Too bad the metal set cases aren't still available.

I have high hopes for the new Ideal/SK tools. The video that Jori did, and their commitment to keep as much of their manufacturing in the US as possible gives me reason to believe that they are serious about keeping a high standard of quality at a reasonable price.

 

[skruft]

I have used SK sockets and ratchets, all sizes, old and new, and found them very good. No experience with other SK.

I have seen a large SK combination wrench with the box end broken but it ws not mine and I have no idea whether someone abused it or not.

 

[JonDick13926]

They have had good and bad items, I have worked with plenty of SK, though at the time I couldn't tell you what era they were from. They are basically like Klien or Channellock; they do some things incredibly well (wrenches & sockets) and some things badly (availability & marketing) and plenty in between.

I really think the difference is going to be availability. If they really want to be the fifth (fourth? sixth?) truck brand, that's fine. But why be the 'also' brand? What they need to be successful is get in a retail store. Not available for order, just plain available.

I've found that as far as product availability, Amazon is the way to go. Not only because of their prices, which are usually lower than most, but also because of their free two day shipping with prime, 1 day shipping for $4 with prime, and their vast library of customer reviews.

 

[gearhead1]

My impression of the old SK is that, like Craftsman USA, they were great tools for the money until the 2000's (1990's for Cman). Then, as the company began to have problems the quality of SK tools began to suffer to the point that near the end it was iffy if they were worth the money.

My grandfather still has a deep metric 3/8dr set from the early 70's that I covet.
Too bad the metal set cases aren't still available.

I have high hopes for the new Ideal/SK tools. The video that Jori did, and their commitment to keep as much of their manufacturing in the US as possible gives me reason to believe that they are serious about keeping a high standard of quality at a reasonable price.

Ditto. I have a fair amount of old SK and they are good quality tools for the money. I don't make my living with tools, but I used to supplement my income with them working on cars to pay off my student loans, etc. I have 3 or 6 of everything. If I was doing it for a living, I'd go with SK because they're a lot cheaper than Snap-on/Mac and I can wait a few days to have it replaced if I have more than one. Maybe buy specialty tools from the truck.

 

[monomach]

I really want to buy SK because they're made here in Illinois and are committed to it and everything...but it seems like every time I start to research a potential purchase, I find a version by Wright that's cheaper, and Wright's just better, too.

SK needs to drop the prices by 20-30% and get into a retailer. They could steal a good chunk of Craftsman/Kobalt/Husky's business by being a little more expensive than them and a lot better quality. They should really wave the flag, too. Red, white, and blue packaging, the whole shebang. Instead, they keep pretending they're a truckless truck brand. I've never even seen a new SK tool in a store despite them being made close by. It's ridiculous.

 

[Hiball]

I also thought it was interesting that they wanted to be the “The Professionals” tool company. I always thought SK made good quality tools, but did not put them in the same category as the tool truck brands.

IMO the Whole "Tool Truck Category" is so Overrated in regards to the Quality of a Tool, And I hope people don't take me the Wrong way. The Tools sold and Marketed towards mechanics need to be Quality pieces to absorb the Daily Use that they See. If they where complete junk and had a High rate of Failure they wouldn't be in business very long and like Gossip at the Sunday Morning Church Pew it would spread like wildfire. I highlighted the World Marketed earlier because frankly that's what it is, They Produce Specific Specialty tools to allow Mechanics to accomplish there job as quick as possible and they Sell that to there Customers and in turn allow them to Make a living, With all that Said there is only so many ways to produce a 10mm socket or 3/8" Drive Ratchet. I have a multitude of Brands in my Boxes, You name it.. Its there, When Im working on my Truck I don't limit myself to only using "Truck Tools". My tools reproduce simply by buying Quality tools and that isn't dictated by Brand or How it arrives at my feet. I own a slug of SK, My Grandfather owned a bunch bought over the years at the local CARQUEST and Auctions etc. I wish SK the Best in trying to get there piece of the Pie in the Tool Truck business. I wouldn't Hesitate to Utilize SK for any specific tool needs regardless of Era.

They should really wave the flag, too. Red, white, and blue packaging, the whole shebang. Instead, they keep pretending they're a truckless truck brand. I've never even seen a new SK tool in a store despite them being made close by. It's ridiculous.

I think they are doing a pretty good job of pushing the USA content of there tools, The thing about SK is that 2 regimes ago really put the hurting on a lot of smaller Retailers and left them holding the bag on Warranty claims that had already been processed. I would rather them be particular on where they market there tools, I don't see your average joe who buys his tools at Lowes looking for a $150 socket set, Its a slippery slope.

 

[n8n]

I have used SK sockets and ratchets, all sizes, old and new, and found them very good. No experience with other SK.

I have seen a large SK combination wrench with the box end broken but it ws not mine and I have no idea whether someone abused it or not.

My guess is they did; I've had a set of Superkrome metric combos (bought apparently well used in a pawn shop by a friend; I traded him for a set of Craftsman because I liked the full polish finish of the SK better and he never worked on anything new enough to have metric hardware) for years before I found GJ and I abused them mercilessly. They're still my primary metric combo wrench set.

 

[creativecars]

IMO the Whole "Tool Truck Category" is so Overrated in regards to the Quality of a Tool, And I hope people don't take me the Wrong way. The Tools sold and Marketed towards mechanics need to be Quality pieces to absorb the Daily Use that they See. If they where complete junk and had a High rate of Failure they wouldn't be in business very long and like Gossip at the Sunday Morning Church Pew it would spread like wildfire. I highlighted the World Marketed earlier because frankly that's what it is, They Produce Specific Specialty tools to allow Mechanics to accomplish there job as quick as possible and they Sell that to there Customers and in turn allow them to Make a living, With all that Said there is only so many ways to produce a 10mm socket or 3/8" Drive Ratchet. I have a multitude of Brands in my Boxes, You name it.. Its there, When Im working on my Truck I don't limit myself to only using "Truck Tools". My tools reproduce simply by buying Quality tools and that isn't dictated by Brand or How it arrives at my feet. I own a slug of SK, My Grandfather owned a bunch bought over the years at the local CARQUEST and Auctions etc. I wish SK the Best in trying to get there piece of the Pie in the Tool Truck business. I wouldn't Hesitate to Utilize SK for any specific tool needs regardless of Era.



I think they are doing a pretty good job of pushing the USA content of there tools, The thing about SK is that 2 regimes ago really put the hurting on a lot of smaller Retailers and left them holding the bag on Warranty claims that had already been processed. I would rather them be particular on where they market there tools, I don't see your average joe who buys his tools at Lowes looking for a $150 socket set, Its a slippery slope.

I agree about the regular socket set, but Lowes and SK both have 150.00 socket sets. You will definitely get more pieces in the Kobalt set, but Kobalt is limited on their selection. SK clearly has more hand tool options and specialty tools.

 

[Hiball]

I agree about the regular socket set, but Lowes and SK both have 150.00 socket sets. You will definitely get more pieces in the Kobalt set, but Kobalt is limited on their selection. SK clearly has more hand tool options and specialty tools.

Yeah No comparison on a piece to piece comparison.. That's what I was getting at.

 

[woody 73]

Back 2000 years ago when I was a teenager I could not afford snap on, mac or cornwell, but I could buy sk of old. It was the kat's meow of super good quality, built like a brick **** house as they say it could take a licking and keep on ticking.

Craftsman tools were ok but in the 80's they started the Taiwan route, got caught and stopped that game for a time, but good old sk stayed on course. Now mind you they changed hands a few times but they still made nice tools.

When the strike came they suffered on quality but in the end things worked out. As for the new sk well only time will tell, but I am glad they are still made in the USA.

 

[sk farmer]

always been a fan and always will be. i like the old stuff and the new. i miss the sharper knurling like on the older ratchets though and i think they could do better on the ergos of the hard handle screwdrivers but i can't ***** about the quality.

 

[lowbucktruck]

I have several different brands of ratchets in my boxes... but I always prefer the heft and feel of the S-K 45170 over the other ratchets I own. I haven't had the pleasure of any new S-K tools; mine are all old vintage S-K, mainly second-hand or NOS (new old stock).

I placed my order with Epsteins for some of the new crop of S-K and I am looking forward to trying them out and seeing how the new Ideal S-K Tools measure up.

 

[shaggymutt1]

I think SK USA made are great! I absolutely love the palm control ratchet! Whicj is now sold by Facom! But again I have always bought them used. It is well better than craftsman!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I like my SK flare nut wrenches. Better than my snap-on, in my opinion. I also have a 3/8 drive flex head ratchet, which has become my favorite. The flex tension is adjustable with a torx bolt, so when it gets loose, I can tighten it. The head is a little big, but the knurling has a good edge to it with greasy hands, I find myself dropping it less than my gear-wrench ratchets.



I "buy till I'm burned". I'm feeling very burned on a wright ratchet I bought (and am waiting to get fixed), so with SK day, I'm hoping to be impressed with the sockets, and find another brand I like. As always, warranty and availability are key. Hopefully SK can find a way to do those right; the tools seem to be there quality wise.

 

[MaintenanceGuy]

SK use to be el' cheapo, but they went pretty high end in the 80's. I've found there later stuff to be every bit as good as other hi-end tools.

 

[Fedwrench]

I've used SK since the mid 1970's. It may not be the most sought after kid on the block but, it definitely gets the job done.
I'm not a big fan of their combination wrenches though. I find the superchrome boxed end to be wide in the hips and a little on the thick side. The standard length wrenches are a little on the heavy side too.
The new SK need to rethink their screwdrivers. As the craftsman professional screwdriver go away, the connection with SK's version may fade away too. However, I don't care if that one piece slab of green Butyrate stuck on a screwdriver blade is tough. If it's not comfortable, or feels like a block in your hand, it's not going to cut it as a great screwdriver. PROTO has done some amazing things with their new Duratek screwdrivers. Those are winning screwdriver handles. Perhaps SK could get Western forge to make the old craftsman professional screwdriver (all black or neon orange handle) with dark green handles. I think those would sell.
I love the fully polished short double box end metric wrenches SK makes but, why they can't make the same wrench in full size? or make their full size SAE double box wrenches in superchrome?
SK has a great selection of chrome and impact sockets. I don't think you can get better starter sets than their 1/4, and 3/8 drive blow molded sets. the 1/2 set would be perfect if they added a breaker bar.

I do worry about all of the attention SK has received lately. I hope not to see threads complaining of quality issues or I got two 12mm sockets instead of a 13mm in the weeks ahead as the dust settles from SK Day. No more wavy wrenches or anything off centered.

SK day in a way will test to see if the new SK measures up to the garage journal standards of excellence. After all, we not only want something for nothing, it better be fricken perfect too.
God help em if anything is wrong, we're a tough bunch that isn't easily pleased. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well and they'll be nothing but, kind words for all of purchases.

 

[justme-]

Lots of good info and opinions in here. I agree while SK was never my favorite brand, I admit it was because of stories I heard growing up from my father when he was a mechanic (owned 3 gas/service stations in the 60/70's) He had all brands and broke all brands (consequently I have all brands in my tools too). Back then many brands were available through parts houses and jobber suppliers. I remember him telling me of an issue where the SK guy (some parts store) refused to warranty a breaker bar that failed claiming abuse and the ensuing argument.
To be honest, growing up I shunned most brands outside of Craftsman in my box and generally bought them because of ease of availability/replacement and what I felt was the best value for cost. Truck brands, I was told and still am by many, think their you know what don't stink. Many drivers I'm sure should not be in that business and give the rest a bad name.

I don't know where you guys get a same day replacement for broken stuff from a truck brand - at best your guy is coming on schedule - 1x a week. You're still without for up to 7 days. At worst you never know when he'll show up (like my snap-on guy). I have no Mac, Matco, Proto or SK outlets near by - only SK here is Grainger and 90% is order so being without for a week plus is normal unless it's craftsman, husky, or kobalt (or a Napa brand/gearwrench) who has it next day or same day.

I'm grateful Ideal is keeping SK us made, and today's order to HJE is helping do my part to make it a good choice. I'd like to see better availability of SK tools (and continuing the quality, not diluting the brand by making lower grade price point tools). If I'm going to spend $$ with a truck I'd just as well spend that $$ or less for a quality product from SK (especially a local source).

Aside note - 2 of my ratchets from back in the dad's stations days were bound up. a quick email to SK inquiring where to purchase rebuild kits for these heirloom tools (not expecting warranty coverage, and not wanting to send them for repair to ensure they stay with me) resulted in 2 kits arriving at my door in under a week, warrantied.

 

[creativecars]

Fed, I agree. One reason I started this thread is for some feedback on the vintage SK and the new items we will be receiving shortly.
If SK is wanting to be in the Pro arena they now have the opportunity to show off to a big group of tool polishers, pro techs and home shops at one time.

 

[creativecars]

Lots of good info and opinions in here. I agree while SK was never my favorite brand, I admit it was because of stories I heard growing up from my father when he was a mechanic (owned 3 gas/service stations in the 60/70's) He had all brands and broke all brands (consequently I have all brands in my tools too). Back then many brands were available through parts houses and jobber suppliers. I remember him telling me of an issue where the SK guy (some parts store) refused to warranty a breaker bar that failed claiming abuse and the ensuing argument.
To be honest, growing up I shunned most brands outside of Craftsman in my box and generally bought them because of ease of availability/replacement and what I felt was the best value for cost. Truck brands, I was told and still am by many, think their you know what don't stink. Many drivers I'm sure should not be in that business and give the rest a bad name.

I don't know where you guys get a same day replacement for broken stuff from a truck brand - at best your guy is coming on schedule - 1x a week. You're still without for up to 7 days. At worst you never know when he'll show up (like my snap-on guy). I have no Mac, Matco, Proto or SK outlets near by - only SK here is Grainger and 90% is order so being without for a week plus is normal unless it's craftsman, husky, or kobalt (or a Napa brand/gearwrench) who has it next day or same day.

I'm grateful Ideal is keeping SK us made, and today's order to HJE is helping do my part to make it a good choice. I'd like to see better availability of SK tools (and continuing the quality, not diluting the brand by making lower grade price point tools). If I'm going to spend $$ with a truck I'd just as well spend that $$ or less for a quality product from SK (especially a local source).

Aside note - 2 of my ratchets from back in the dad's stations days were bound up. a quick email to SK inquiring where to purchase rebuild kits for these heirloom tools (not expecting warranty coverage, and not wanting to send them for repair to ensure they stay with me) resulted in 2 kits arriving at my door in under a week, warrantied.

Sounds like new SK is stepping up... Good job SK

 

[bimmer630]

SK was always a popular tool where I live. I used to see them in parts stores, but also most of the tool trucks besides snap on, actually sell SK alongside their main brands. My Mac truck will sell an sk or gear wrench tool before offering up an overpriced set of Mac sockets.
Warranty is never an issue and I actually prefer the sk ratchets when compared to some other offerings.

My Mac / sk dealer told me that sk was the supplier for cman impact sockets and when sears decided to go to China for cheaper sockets, it killed sk's production and basically forced them put of business... Until ideal bought them

 

[MaintenanceGuy]

when sears decided to go to China for cheaper sockets, it killed sk's production and basically forced them put of business... Until ideal bought them

Shame on SK for putting all there eggs in one basket. Bad business on there part.

 

[rsanter]

The older SK seems to be some great stuff.
The newer SK I have no experience with

Bob

 

[aar0s]

I bought a older SK from a member on here a couple years ago, it was my got to 3/8th until I lost it. It was a little tight until i dropped it in a bucket of used mobil one that I was draining out of our car.

 

[bmwhacker]

Greetings all....new "kid" on the block here. I purchased a full set of SK tools when I entered a trade school in the mid 70's. Still using the same tools save for a few that "walked off" over the years. I managed to break a couple of 1/2" drive items due to my own missuse. The only failure of sorts was my 1/2" ratchet stripping some gears....twice. It's broken now as I haven't found anyone selling SK tools in the last couple years. In my early years I supplimented a number of needs with Snap-On tools but the SK's are definately good tools. Mine are over 40 years old and still going strong.

 

[cludwin]

My tools are mostly US made (Snap on, SK, Williams USA, Craftsman, and etc.)

I have a bunch of SK and it's all been great quality at a reasonable price.

I have 7 SK ratchets, and full set of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 sockets + some extensions and they are all great. SK customer service was really easy to deal with when I had to warranty a socket (bad chrome).

When it comes to ratchets I grab my SK's 90% of the time before I grab my S/O Dual 80s. I don't know why it is but I always reach for the SK 3770. That ratchet is my goto 3/8. I think it's a combination of it feeling solid + not having spent a ton of money on it that makes my use and abuse that thing.

I have a mix of their new ratchets as well as their old and they are both great quality. I feel like they have made a few upgrades to the newer ones (adjustable screws on the flex heads as apposed to pins) but for the most part they are the same.

My sockets are all newer so I really can't compare, but they do the trick.

 

[Hiball]

Shame on SK for putting all there eggs in one basket. Bad business on there part.

Rest assured SK under Fuger had bigger issues than craftsman changing up the handful of Pro tools they where selling prior to switching to Danaher.

 

[sk farmer]

Shame on SK for putting all there eggs in one basket. Bad business on there part.

that was long before they went overseas. they never made any sockets for cman. they made wobble extensions, thumbwheel ratchets, full polish wrenches and i suspect they were the source of some french made pliers

 

[metalhead212121]

This is straight from SK's website as of 9/24/2014

SK Hand Tool LLC products, except as otherwise specified, are warranted under normal use and service against defects in materials and workmanship for the expected life of the tool. This warranty does not cover wear from normal use, or any problems caused by misuse, abuse, modification or improper maintenance of the tool.

Has anybody had any problems with what I put in red? I got a 3/8th bit that I broke and a 3/8th to 1/2 adapter I broke years ago. Never got around to warrantying it. Wondering what my odds are of getting a replacement free of charge.

I know that depending on what kind of personality your Snap on dealer has somewhat weighs in on how your "lifetime" warranty will go.

 

[Hiball]

This is straight from SK's website as of 9/24/2014

SK Hand Tool LLC products, except as otherwise specified, are warranted under normal use and service against defects in materials and workmanship for the expected life of the tool. This warranty does not cover wear from normal use, or any problems caused by misuse, abuse, modification or improper maintenance of the tool.

Has anybody had any problems with what I put in red? I got a 3/8th bit that I broke and a 3/8th to 1/2 adapter I broke years ago. Never got around to warrantying it. Wondering what my odds are of getting a replacement free of charge.

I know that depending on what kind of personality your Snap on dealer has somewhat weighs in on how your "lifetime" warranty will go.

Pretty spot on in regards to other tool company's policies, most companies are fairly lenient as there is a fine line between defects and acceptable wear. I don't have a issue with there policy, kudos to them for trying keep people honest along with prices affordable for domestic tools and the jobs that come with them. I figure If you want a license to steal, there are other tool options out there with more lenient warranty enforcement, some pricier than others. As far as your adapter? Give them a call, is it stamped "No guarantee or Warranty"? Some are..

 

[Notorious BRT]

I have a few old random SK sockets and wrenches that were Dad's or Pa's but have never used them much. They appear to be of good quality, however. I just ordered the SK 20 piece stubby wrench set from Epstein's so I'm about to find out how the new ones are! Can't wait!