SK Hand Tools?

[davidless]

Sorry Senior guys, I did a search on this and nothing comes up, So I'm posting and will take the beating.

As I've stated before, I'm having fun building up my American made hand tools for my garage. I've bought Snappy, channel lock, and Klein, unfortunately Snappy is too pricy for me being just a hobbyist for the rest of my stuff, so I was wondering how some feel about SK? I'm basically looking for additional polished sockets, screw drivers and Allen sets to compliment my 3/8" Snappy socket set and combination wrenches.

I'm looking at William's, Proto and White also. I didn't think SK was made in the USA any more but I guess I was wrong. I can also get a good deal on them through our supplier Motion industries as well as Proto.

I know they aren't Snappy but what the hell they look nice.

Any opinions?

David

 

[Brownsfan]

You can't go wrong with SK. Especially if USA made is the goal. Because everything they make is made in the USA. Also you cant go wrong with the quality either.

 

[gearhead1]

I've had a bunch of SK for years, without issue. Now that Craftsman is China, SK is probably the next best thing. I also have some Wright tools and no issues with those either. I have some overseas stuff, but also strongly prefer US made.

If you're going used, then Snap-on, MAC, MATCO, Cornwell can all be found. In that case, what tool truck has a route close to where you live. I have a little bit of everything, but I'm close to a metropolitan area and I have more than one of everything.

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

Lots of info on SK here. If you can't find it with the forum search then search Google and add this search term without the quotes: "site:garagejournal.com"

They are generally considered to be good but not as good as Snap On. They are what people should be buying rather than Craftsman - cheap enough to be a starter set but good enough to last most people a lifetime. I would have ordered a set of their wrenches for SAE (because I already have like three metric sets but only one SAE and I lost a few of those) a few weeks ago but I decided I want stuff that has the equivalent of Flank Drive Plus. Wright and Proto do.

Another US-made brand to check out is Wright Tool which is around SK pricing, maybe slightly higher, but still a lot less than Snap On. I haven't done any detailed comparisons so don't take my word on this, but Wright generally seems to get better comments about quality than SK. I can't say I've tried all their stuff and I prefer Wright but between the 2 I'd try to buy Wright, personally. But I wouldn't feel bad owning SK stuff. Edit: Yeah you mentioned Wright, whoops.

Proto is good and some of it is US-made. Williams is good; they are a Snap-On brand. Some of their stuff is made in the USA and some is made in Taiwan. Try to stick to the USA stuff when you can but the Taiwan stuff is supposed to be very good for the money. I just bought a set of Williams Taiwan ratcheting wrenches, though I will likely buy even better ones in a couple years. I already ordered a few single Protos and they should be waiting at my doorstep when I get home tonight.

By the way, McMaster's "versa grip" ratcheting wrenches are Proto based on their description (annoyingly they don't advertise the brand name). Priced well.

 

[defektes]

Sorry Senior guys, I did a search on this and nothing comes up, So I'm posting and will take the beating.

As I've stated before, I'm having fun building up my American made hand tools for my garage. I've bought Snappy, channel lock, and Klein, unfortunately Snappy is too pricy for me being just a hobbyist for the rest of my stuff, so I was wondering how some feel about SK? I'm basically looking for additional polished sockets, screw drivers and Allen sets to compliment my 3/8" Snappy socket set and combination wrenches.

I'm looking at William's, Proto and White also. I didn't think SK was made in the USA any more but I guess I was wrong. I can also get a good deal on them through our supplier Motion industries as well as Proto.

I know they aren't Snappy but what the hell they look nice.

Any opinions?

David

They actually look better than snappy!

I use mostly SK in an industrial setting, they hold up very well, I love their combo wrenches, they have a heft and thickness to them. I actually like the combos better than Snap-On for this very reason. Screwdrivers I'd get Pratt Read, Williams, or Proto. Some here have also posted that Klein may have fixed the Phillips tips, so may be worth checking out too, but the new grips **** on them.

So SK is great minus the screwdrivers which are rebranded CMAN pros, not professional, but above store brand quality screwdrivers.

 

[BK13]

Love the sockets
Like the combo and flair nut wrenches
Don't like the ratchets
No experience with anything else

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I like sk stuff, but when you are buying used watch out, from my experience the sk stuff I find is either almost new or rusted all to hell, never much in-between.

 

[creativecars]

Lots of good information here.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263036

 

[Codyyy]

S-K is probably my favorite. I recently bought a few ratchets in different sizes to add to what I have. I decided to get one of the frankenstein-style ratchets in 1/2" and I like that one. The 1/4" ratchet is very good as well, it is a great replacement for my 1/4" Craftsman ratchets, which seem to grind out and strip easily. I like the long wrenches they make as well.

 

[jim1987]

Love the sockets
Like the combo and flair nut wrenches
Don't like the ratchets
No experience with anything else

Oh man, their old round head ratchets, make me gooey. I completly forgot I bought a long 1/2 drive SK round head from the pawn shop last fall until I got in my box for something. It was like I made the score all over again.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

S-K Tools are excellent tools. They are made right here in the good ol USA. I would say that they have the best customer service and warranty in the industry next to Craftsman.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a ToolAholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the ToolMan wont give me no credit

 

[rapid robert]

Love SK tools, specifically the superkrome wrenches and the sockets are great!

 

[MushCreek]

I bought a set of S-K combination wrenches in 1976 to use in a screw machine shop. All of the bolts on screw machines are hardened, so they get used hard. I still have them, although I've lost a few over the years. Oddly enough, I have an S-K Phillips screwdriver, and it is the best one I've ever had, even after almost 40 years of use/abuse. Do you think S-K is as good as they were when my set was made? I'd like to get the replacements for the ones I'm missing, or maybe even a new set.

 

[67King]

I've been switching over to SK from my old Craftsman (US), and initial impressions are that it is much better. Love the 1/4" ratchet, but the 3/8" does not really impress me. Few teeth, and a bit heavy ratcheting mechanism.

On the screwdrivers. I've read here several times that they are just Craftsman Professional series. I'm not sure where this comes from, but they are different. I'm actually happy wiht mine. They have a hex section by the handle for a wrench, whereas the Craftsman does not. The tips have been much more durable than the older Craftsman stuff of mine. There may be better options out there, but I ended up going with SK. There is a review on here somewhere where they were compared to othres, and they compared quite favorably.

 

[rapid robert]

I bought a set of S-K combination wrenches in 1976 to use in a screw machine shop. All of the bolts on screw machines are hardened, so they get used hard. I still have them, although I've lost a few over the years. Oddly enough, I have an S-K Phillips screwdriver, and it is the best one I've ever had, even after almost 40 years of use/abuse. Do you think S-K is as good as they were when my set was made? I'd like to get the replacements for the ones I'm missing, or maybe even a new set.

In my opinion quality of the wrenches today is as good as the set you bought in 76. I have old SK, SK Wayne and new SK and love them all, superkrome wrenches are my favorites. Cannot comment on the screwdrivers as I do not own any.

 

[Askme42]

I've been switching over to SK from my old Craftsman (US), and initial impressions are that it is much better. Love the 1/4" ratchet, but the 3/8" does not really impress me. Few teeth, and a bit heavy ratcheting mechanism.

On the screwdrivers. I've read here several times that they are just Craftsman Professional series. I'm not sure where this comes from, but they are different. I'm actually happy wiht mine. They have a hex section by the handle for a wrench, whereas the Craftsman does not. The tips have been much more durable than the older Craftsman stuff of mine. There may be better options out there, but I ended up going with SK. There is a review on here somewhere where they were compared to othres, and they compared quite favorably.

They are the craftsman pro screwdrivers. Good drivers I love my craftsman pros but that's what the SK are.

 

[ClineWrench]

Ironically, I still have love for my old craftsman standard screwdrivers. Love the feel of that old hard handle.

One day I will replace them with something with a bolster like the craftsman or sk pros, but I've never been unhappy with them so far.

 

[67King]

They are the craftsman pro screwdrivers. Good drivers I love my craftsman pros but that's what the SK are.

That is interesting. Only 4 of the 13 listed on the Craftsman web page looks like the ones you linked (with the hex spot for a wrench):

http://www.craftsman.com/hand-tools-screwdrivers&Craftsman%20Professional/b-1305448?filter=Brand&subCatView=true&viewItems=12

Here are a few examples:

 

[Askme42]

Yeah non of the torx or stubbies have the hex on craftsman pro but neither do the torx or stubby SK.

 

[Eric DC5]

I've been replacing my c-man sockets with SK. They are really nice.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Those Craftsman Pro or SK screwdrivers are very good. Someone said not pro. I don't agree with that. Much better than the old acetate Craftsmans. Can you get better? Well sure. But they are very nice for most. Armstrongs also are same design as those.

The modern wrenches in SK are very good, some pros like them best of all, others choose another brand. Some personal preference with wrenches. SK sockets have been great for many decades and still are. SK chrome is among the best - those old sockets rusty were likely stored outside in the rain for 20 years. Many old ones are pristine 50 years on. Snap ons will rust too.

The SK ratchets have been around in the same basic design for like 90 years now. I don't think any other ratchet design has lasted so long! Tough as nails. For those that don't care for the course ones, they do have more fine action versions too that should be tried. Not your 80 or more teeth versions though. My 1/4 fine SK ratchet is my favorite for many years.

SK can be had used for $1 a socket quite often still in good shape, $2 or less quite often for more pristine ones. New sets are a great deal too, get them at the 30% off Zoro flash sales once or twice a year or from Advance Auto sales.

Wrights are similarly all outstanding, but usually a bit more pricey than SK. Protos super too. Many good US choices, used or new. - Paul

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

The SK ratchets have been around in the same basic design for like 90 years now. I don't think any other ratchet design has lasted so long! Tough as nails. For those that don't care for the course ones, they do have more fine action versions too that should be tried. Not your 80 or more teeth versions though. My 1/4 fine SK ratchet is my favorite for many years.

I'm not saying it's necessarily a bad thing that a design is around for a long time, but for companies that do replace their products, it often has nothing to do with actual quality/reliability/durability. Sometimes it's to add new features or improve on the design such as shortening the swing arc. But there is something to be said about keeping the same design because that way there is a much higher chance that if you have an issue with an older product, you can still get a repair kit. Might not be true for some brands for old designs that have been succeeded.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Sure, and it might be nice if SK would develop a newer super high tooth count ratchet, but the ones they have really are top notch. Many pros love the SK ratchets over any others. Like many tools, personal preference for these things once you reach a certain high quality/design level. - Paul

 

[AmishFury]

love SK... my dad had mostly SK and i have some of his old tools that i use quite often

i haven't picked up much of their newer stuff just the 48piece 1/4" drive set which is quite nice and a 2in1 pocket screwdriver which is pretty decent...

the ratchets have people divided... some love them, some hate them... the common models are strong designs but yes you do need to use 2 hands to reverse them and the tooth count is not nearly as high as some of the newer designs out there from the competition (40, 60, 72 depending on model)... i recently got one of the Tuff-1 models and i really like it... 72 tooth, less bulky, and can be one handed

 

[LB-1911]

Sure, and it might be nice if SK would develop a newer super high tooth count ratchet, but the ones they have really are top notch. Many pros love the SK ratchets over any others. Like many tools, personal preference for these things once you reach a certain high quality/design level. - Paul

02-24-2015

Slightly off topic, but I saw on Facebook that SK is coming out with a new ratchet?!

Anyone have any info on that?

SK Hand Tool
February 24

The original ratchet: the SK Round Head changed the landscape of hand tools. Soon this ratchet will be joined by a new original design. Stay tuned!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/SK-Hand-Tool/205357769482407?fref=nf

The SK rep mentioned it briefly at the SEMA presentation.

High tooth count, pear head supposedly based on a similar design as their X Frame boxed end.

It's should be out by spring/summer.

I'm still waiting on the magical MAC 90 tooth ratchets from last year.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Finally, some one listens to my suggestions! - Paul

 

[Boiler]

I've been switching over to SK from my old Craftsman (US), and initial impressions are that it is much better. Love the 1/4" ratchet, but the 3/8" does not really impress me.

Exactly. I can't understand anyone disliking the 1/4" ratchets. They are awesome. Like you said the 3/8 and up are coarser and just ok. I've never had a problem with one but the action isn't as pleasing.

Love their wrenches, Chrome AND raised panel.

 

[ibedayank]

They are the craftsman pro screwdrivers. Good drivers I love my craftsman pros but that's what the SK are.

and SK has never made tools for crapsman before right??? mid 1990s pro stuff lot of it was made by SK

 

[Askme42]

and SK has never made tools for crapsman before right??? mid 1990s pro stuff lot of it was made by SK

I don't think SK makes them. Western forge does I'm pretty sure.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have a 3870.
A 3/8" drive 47 piece set.
A 3/8" wobble.
A 24" 3/8" drive extension.
A T8(?) through T60 torx bit set.
A 1/4" drive 46(?) piece set.
A 1/2" breaker bar.

Everything has been bulletproof except for 1 kit in the 1/4" ratchet (who knows what I did . . . ) a kit in the 3870 (abuse by me, plain and simple) and I have replaced the common torx bits in the sockets with Apex pieces.

Dad's SK stuff and Grandpa's SK stuff were reliable for them.

Craftsman's in-store warranty never excused their cracking sockets, piss-poor ergonomics of their wrenches and crappy standard ratchets. So for those comparing their hard lines, LOL.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I don't think SK makes them. Western forge does I'm pretty sure.

Yes, Western Forge made the Craftsman Pros, SK, and Armstrongs, which are all very similar design. SK themselves DID made Craftsman tools in the past. Some of the very earliest Craftsman Sockets were made by SK and look almost the very same but with Craftsman on them instead of SK. In fact, I would go so far as to say that Craftsman's early brand growth was very largely due to good supplier choices by Sears, including SK and others.

For those that don't like those 3/8 or 1/2 SK coarse ratchets, try the fine tooth ones! Much better! The new fine tooth planned should be more competitive with modern fine tooth designs of course. - Paul

 

[arz71]

SK makes excellent tools, definitely a good investment. There impact sockets have a coating that does not wear off as well (more rust resistant). Have their 1/4 3/8 sockets, as well as ratchets, Super Krome long pattern wrenches. (all metric of course).

Never any problems, made in USA all thew way.

 

[newspeed]

Great tools but warranty can be a hassle if you need it. I wish they were selling them in local auto parts and tool stores like they did in the old days.