Am I being a girly man???

[Hiball]

If it is pre-Ideal stock and it has chrome problems, then why is Ideal selling it rather than pulling it?

The post about batch numbers is a good one. I would like to think that todays S-K would want that.

Let's clarify a few things first..

1. The majority of Chrome problems have consisted of flash rusting in the bore, inconsistency of interior finish, with some having a satin finish with others in the same set being fully chromed and some non ledgible roll stamping. I haven't seen a lot of chrome chipping threads here at GJ, tiny specks of rust in the socket bore.. Many....

2. In regards to "Why Ideal is selling old stock", I find it highly unlikely that they know all the retailers who purchased SK prior to them acquiring the company. A pretty good tell tale sign that you might be buying old stock is if it's closed out at about 25% of Retail, and yes there have been tons of Sk deals over the last 3-4 years. I know because a lot of it is in my toolbox.

The good thing about the whole situation is that SK has and is handling these issues for customers, even know they are under absolutely NO legal obligation to warrant anything under the previous regime.

 

[monomach]

How much longer are people going to use the "old stock from pre-bankruptcy" excuse for poor quality control? Ideal acquired SK over 4 years ago; that would be some extremely slow moving stock.

I like what SK is doing with the a 100% made in USA product line, but they are still experiencing some growing pains. I agree the quality now is better than the pre-Ideal days, but there have been numerous threads from unhappy customers, especially when it comes to finish.

Just last month, I got a set of Gearwrench adapters at Menard's. They're over ten years old; the package even said "Gearwrench by KD Tools." It happens.

 

[cheechi]

So you got some chrome chipping. Only one thing to do, you know what to do, do it. That would be the man up thing.

Asking about it just for clarification, or to get a second opinion, also good. Not jumping the gun. Again that's the manly thing to do.

Complaining or talking about what you aren't sure about, that's getting into girly man territory. This whole thread should be question, answer, OK thanks i'll go take care of it. We have a lot of extra that isn't needed.

Let's clarify a few things first..

1. The majority of Chrome problems have consisted of flash rusting in the bore, inconsistency of interior finish, with some having a satin finish with others in the same set being fully chromed and some non ledgible roll stamping. I haven't seen a lot of chrome chipping threads here at GJ, tiny specks of rust in the socket bore.. Many....

Chrome 'problems' can often do not matter much. I have a few impact accessories that have started having the oxide coating come off on the corners of the drive end. Those are just as dangerous and I have them in the pile to replace. I have some GW universal sockets with some ugly, but perfectly fine chrome/flash mix on the inside of the socket, at the very bottom of the bore/broach where it won't affect anything. Those sockets get used whenever needed without consideration of what the chrome down there in a non-functional portion are doing.

 

[Hiball]

Chrome 'problems' can often do not matter much. I have a few impact accessories that have started having the oxide coating come off on the corners of the drive end. Those are just as dangerous and I have them in the pile to replace. I have some GW universal sockets with some ugly, but perfectly fine chrome/flash mix on the inside of the socket, at the very bottom of the bore/broach where it won't affect anything. Those sockets get used whenever needed without consideration of what the chrome down there in a non-functional portion are doing.

Just so we are Clear.. Im Not calling those Interior indifferences "Problems", but we do have are fair population of OCD Members 4 Life here at GJ and there have been "Numerous" threads pertaining to my earlier mentioned complaints. Do I think that Interior finish or Flash rusting of that finish prevents the Socket from doing its Job? Absolutely Not, But many here do.. So who am I to dispose of there Opinions. IMO the first time a socket hits a Greasy bolt head its a moot point, I like my sockets to show some use as it makes it easier for me to pick the right one out of the Green SK Box while im laying under a vehicle.

In Regards to the OP's Chrome chipping.. I do consider that a problem and wouldn't hesitate to contact SK, Chrome is Sharp and No fun picking out from under your skin.

 

[cheechi]

I was agreeing with you Hiball. Most of these 'problems' are easy to work around, or only aesthetic, and not really problems at all.

The real problems are easy to spot and easy to deal with.

 

[Hiball]

I was agreeing with you Hiball. Most of these 'problems' are easy to work around, or only aesthetic, and not really problems at all.

The real problems are easy to spot and easy to deal with.

Agree..

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Defective,, return

 

[OGJordan]

Years ago I started buying them because they were made in the USA, also a few of my family member worked for the them at their Ohio factory. Before their bankruptcy I was able to warranty stuff at a local tool store that stocked their items. As far as pricing i wouldn't say they are cheap but still less then snap on. With this order I assumed the same quality and was happy to see they were still made in the USA. Ill update what their customer services tells me

SOOOOOO it was made in the US by people who demand 10x the pay that people over seas make and they took back anything no matter how often it is the customers fault it failed and the company went bankrupt? So we expect other companies to give people 10x the pay while charging triple or quadruple the amount for their marginally better tools? Riiiiggggttttt. **** it up people, the old business model doesn't work anymore

 

[Farmall450]

Return 'em.

I too would guess pre-Ideal but you never know.

 

[Farmall450]

How much longer are people going to use the "old stock from pre-bankruptcy" excuse for poor quality control? Ideal acquired SK over 4 years ago; that would be some extremely slow moving stock.

I like what SK is doing with the a 100% made in USA product line, but they are still experiencing some growing pains. I agree the quality now is better than the pre-Ideal days, but there have been numerous threads from unhappy customers, especially when it comes to finish.

My menard's Gearwrench stubbies still said KD Tools...I think from '06?
4 years is hardly anything. Give it another 10 or so.

 

[Need more space]

Its been about two weeks since I contacted SK with my issue, I simply used their contact us thru their website. Still no reply back, since my first post two more sockets (one shallow one deep) are also flaking the chrome, and I've only used the common sizes. Ill update again if I get any response.

 

[Hiball]

Its been about two weeks since I contacted SK with my issue, I simply used their contact us thru their website. Still no reply back, since my first post two more sockets (one shallow one deep) are also flaking the chrome, and I've only used the common sizes. Ill update again if I get any response.

Not making excuses because someone should be monitoring that contact method, but based off past posts the best method has been to simply call customer service and talk to a live person.

Good luck..

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

SuperKrome my ****. Quality control going down hill or maybe bad batch. Send them back ASAP.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

 

[Need more space]

Not making excuses because someone should be monitoring that contact method, but based off past posts the best method has been to simply call customer service and talk to a live person.

Good luck..

I agree phone call is best, however I believe someone read my email and I included three methods they could contact me, I'll try one more time thru their contact us on their website and then I'm done. I have about a grand left of my tool expense money that I have to use by the end of the year, it's up to them if they get any of it.

On a positive note I have some tools allowance that I need to spend, looking to to replace a few items that are just wore out. Any good recommendation on combination wrenchs or 1/4 socket and Rachet sets mine are showing some age

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I hate to bring this up again, but how much longer are people going to use the "old stock from pre-bankruptcy" excuse for poor quality control?

There are numerous examples of current production in this thread......I just went back a few pages.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257824&page=95

I'm not hating on SK, but they are having issues. I'm still considering their 3/8" impact set (#4090) as I've never heard any complaints about those.

 

[Need more space]

I hate to bring this up again, but how much longer are people going to use the "old stock from pre-bankruptcy" excuse for poor quality control?

There are numerous examples of current production in this thread......I just went back a few pages.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257824&page=95

I'm not hating on SK, but they are having issues. I'm still considering their 3/8" impact set (#4090) as I've never heard any complaints about those.

When it comes to their impacts I've had great luck, I have complete set of the 1/2 for work and home along with their 1/2 swivels and 3/8s I've only broke one!

 

[PT Doc]

That is a fail by any standards. No good.

 

[amac70]

I agree phone call is best, however I believe someone read my email and I included three methods they could contact me, I'll try one more time thru their contact us on their website and then I'm done.

If you know phone call is best then make the damn phone call. Its up to them to fix the problem, its up to you to make them aware. Talk to a real person, Its not that hard, problem will probably be solved in less then five minutes. At this point your the one making excuses not them. Or take them back to where you bought them, fairly easy.

Here's the number 800-U-CALL-SK or 800-822-5575 if you can't figure it out.

or another option

If you are unable to have your SK tool serviced or repaired locally, please send the defective tool to:
SK Hand Tool LLC
Attn: Warranty
1600 S. Prairie Drive
Sycamore IL 60178
Be sure to include your name, shipping address (no P.O. boxes, please) and email address inside the package and please allow 2-3 weeks for processing.

 

[SKAutomotive]

Probably not a girly man, but you may have some minor OCD?

 

[SKAutomotive]

Let's clarify a few things first..

1. The majority of Chrome problems have consisted of flash rusting in the bore, inconsistency of interior finish, with some having a satin finish with others in the same set being fully chromed and some non ledgible roll stamping. I haven't seen a lot of chrome chipping threads here at GJ, tiny specks of rust in the socket bore.. Many....

2. In regards to "Why Ideal is selling old stock", I find it highly unlikely that they know all the retailers who purchased SK prior to them acquiring the company. A pretty good tell tale sign that you might be buying old stock is if it's closed out at about 25% of Retail, and yes there have been tons of Sk deals over the last 3-4 years. I know because a lot of it is in my toolbox.

The good thing about the whole situation is that SK has and is handling these issues for customers, even know they are under absolutely NO legal obligation to warrant anything under the previous regime.

I may be wrong, but I was told it had to do with not being able to use lead anymore.

 

[Jrican]

I don't feel like "girly man" is getting enough votes, so here's one for girly man. No offense, obviously i don't know you, i just always go for the underdog.

 

[rancherbill]

Its been about two weeks since I contacted SK with my issue, I simply used their contact us thru their website. Still no reply back, since my first post two more sockets (one shallow one deep) are also flaking the chrome, and I've only used the common sizes. Ill update again if I get any response.

Well, I'd check junk or promo email and see if the reply ended up there. It could be there site has been flagged for something.

Can you post whether it's there? The conclusion I am reaching is that they are not responding in hopes you will go away.

 

[T45]

Chrome 'problems' can often do not matter much. I have a few impact accessories that have started having the oxide coating come off on the corners of the drive end. Those are just as dangerous and I have them in the pile to replace.

Keep that stuff out of open moters and open wounds, tho.

OP call them if they don't respond via e-mail. This kind of thing is clearly a manufacturing defect, not abuse or any thing similar. Hopefully they will do right by you on it. It ***** losing confidence in a new tool like that.

 

[Need more space]

If you know phone call is best then make the damn phone call. Its up to them to fix the problem, its up to you to make them aware. Talk to a real person, Its not that hard, problem will probably be solved in less then five minutes. At this point your the one making excuses not them. Or take them back to where you bought them, fairly easy.

Here's the number 800-U-CALL-SK or 800-822-5575 if you can't figure it out.

or another option

If you are unable to have your SK tool serviced or repaired locally, please send the defective tool to:
SK Hand Tool LLC
Attn: Warranty
1600 S. Prairie Drive
Sycamore IL 60178
Be sure to include your name, shipping address (no P.O. boxes, please) and email address inside the package and please allow 2-3 weeks for processing.

They offer contact thru email as a option, if a company chooses to ignore contact Thur their own "contact us link" thats their choice. Its then MY choice to say forget them in done screwing with it..... No excuses here!

 

[GuyllFyre]

That chrome flaking looks pretty bad.
Poor plating process and/or QC issues with the underlying metal.
Usually when I see chrome flaking like that, it means the metal is softer than the plating, is flexing, and the plating is coming off.
It's a tool bound to fail.

Don't use e-mail, it's too unreliable, things get put in the spam and junk folders all the time that shouldn't. My e-mails sometimes get hit with the spam filter because of my domain name.

Pick up the phone and make a call.

 

[abk241]

You need to send them back....girly man or not.

 

[amac70]

They offer contact thru email as a option, if a company chooses to ignore contact Thur their own "contact us link" thats their choice. Its then MY choice to say forget them in done screwing with it..... No excuses here!

you are acting like a 12 yo. If they don't do it my way forget them. I gave you two viable options for you to get your **** handled but no your sticking to your guns cause you are afraid to talk to a real person or take any real action. You'd rather hide behind an anonymous computer screen and ***** about not getting service. This is fine for the first weekend while they are closed but after a few weeks if you can't take the initiative to make a call or be proactive then you really don't want to get it taken care of you just want to ***** and complain. Frankly most people don't want you as a customer after that.

not girly man, girly boy.

 

[Need more space]

you are acting like a 12 yo. If they don't do it my way forget them. I gave you two viable options for you to get your **** handled but no your sticking to your guns cause you are afraid to talk to a real person or take any real action. You'd rather hide behind an anonymous computer screen and ***** about not getting service. This is fine for the first weekend while they are closed but after a few weeks if you can't take the initiative to make a call or be proactive then you really don't want to get it taken care of you just want to ***** and complain. Frankly most people don't want you as a customer after that.

not girly man, girly boy.

Lol, I'm hiding behind a computer.... Your last two post your being rude and making jabs at me. You also so say "I gave you two viable options for you to get your **** handled" we'll ill accept this if you work for SK, but remember SK also gives multiple options to handle my issue. I choose thru their site. You also say I'm acting like a 12 year old because I choose not to call about the issue. The reason that I'm not calling is because I believe they received my message, I'm ASSUMING they are choosing to ignore and see if I go away. This is their right, and its my right to see what kind of real customer service they have. Also I don't know you so I only hope you would be just a rude to ones face as you are thru the Internet

 

[bczygan]