SK compared to the big 3's 2nd tier tools?

[gdocktor3]

That makes sense^ I was just thinking. If Blue Point is Snap On's 2nd tier, what would Williams be considered equivalent to? Yes they are considered industrial, but when I think industrial I think black or raw finish, big clunky just get the job done tools. Most of Williams are chrome polish with nice sealed head ratchets. There aren't as many teeth in the ratchets I've seen. So, on the imaginary list of brand rankings, with SO first, Matco, SK, Cornwell, BP, etc, where would you put Williams?
Again, I have older vintage Williams sockets, ratchets, impact sockets, and they are top notch along with my older SK and SO. I know Williams stuff isn't cheap, is that because it is a product of SO or are they that good?

 

[Davefr]

That makes sense^ I was just thinking. If Blue Point is Snap On's 2nd tier, what would Williams be considered equivalent to? Yes they are considered industrial, but when I think industrial I think black or raw finish, big clunky just get the job done tools. Most of Williams are chrome polish with nice sealed head ratchets. There aren't as many teeth in the ratchets I've seen. So, on the imaginary list of brand rankings, with SO first, Matco, SK, Cornwell, BP, etc, where would you put Williams?
Again, I have older vintage Williams sockets, ratchets, impact sockets, and they are top notch along with my older SK and SO. I know Williams stuff isn't cheap, is that because it is a product of SO or are they that good?

You're right. Williams is an industrial brand. There's certainly overlap with tools targeted for automotive, but I'd compare Williams with Wright and Proto vs. the traditional tool truck brands.

As with any brand, you need to compare the actual tools to draw any meaningful conclusions. No manufacturer makes the best of everything.

 

[cgv69]

I own and have used sockets from from a number of different manufactures including Snap On, MAC, Wright, Williams, SK, Craftsman, GearWrench and Kobolt. The last 3 brand were only bought when found them for dirt cheap on clearance and kept them for car/travel kits, loaners etc.. I have to say for the money, the Taiwanese made tools aren't that bad (way better then most Chinese made tools I've seen and even better then Craftsman IMO) but I still prefer made in the USA tools better.

Anyway, a couple of years ago I decided I wanted to expand and complete my main socket set. At that time I had mostly Snap On and MAC but I didn't want to spend that kind of money to finish out what I needed so I started looking around and buying some of the other more industrial brands often recommended here, specifically Wright, Williams, SK.

The Wrights weren't bad in any way but I wasn't overly impressed with them either. I really did like the Williams sockets as they are almost identical to Snap On sockets but in the end I standardized on the SK's because the quality is there and the selection (available sizes) is second to none. They are fairly easy to find and get deals on too.

Basically IMO, I concluded that for chrome sockets, SK offers the best all around combo of quality vs prices as well as availability and selection and now over half have all my sockets are SK's.

 

[cgv69]

As with any brand, you need to compare the actual tools to draw any meaningful conclusions. No manufacturer makes the best of everything.

Absolutely right!!! Nobody (not even Snap On) makes the best of everything and just because a company makes one product really well doesn't mean all of their products are great.

I think SK makes great sockets but I hate their ratchets and feel other companies have better offerings for wrenches. I think Armstrong makes a really good wrench (if you not worried about any type of "teeth" in the open end like "Flank Drive") but their sockets are the worst American made option out there IMO.

My tool box is filled with mix of tools from all the major brands out there because I don't get hung up on brand loyalty. When I need a new "XYZ" I look around and figure out who has the best "XYZ" for the money and go with that.

 

[justtools]

Any bets on how long the new owners of sk will keep it going. The big name truck brand tools are here to stay. The quality imports, Sunex, gearwrench with the low prices are here to stay. Most people either want the good cheap brands or the real high end tools. What is SK doing differently now to appeal to tool buyers?

 

[Fedwrench]

Any bets on how long the new owners of sk will keep it going. The big name truck brand tools are here to stay. The quality imports, Sunex, gearwrench with the low prices are here to stay. Most people either want the good cheap brands or the real high end tools. What is SK doing differently now to appeal to tool buyers?

I'm torn. I want them to succeed and I think a lot of their success will depend on gaining market share with their mobile distributors and reestablishing a viable online sales distribution network. However, I see a few things going against them right now. First, many people still have a bad taste in their mouths from the old SK bankruptcy and being stuck with broken tools and no service. Secondly, there's the huge delay with bringing their highly touted X frame wrenches to market. They're marketed as the best thing since sliced bread at last year's SEMA show in November, scheduled to launch April this year, and it's July and still no wrenches.
Lastly, SK still needs to step up quality control. Refer to the pages after SK daze talking of chrome peel, socket finish, mismatched pieces, missing one size while getting a second of the same size, etc.
I want them to succeed and I buy new product to support them when I can but, they also have an obligation to be the best they can be too.
I feel SK is using social media more, ramping up their mobile distribution network, and doing everything they can to get their name out there to attract new buyers.

 

[Davefr]

Any bets on how long the new owners of sk will keep it going. The big name truck brand tools are here to stay. The quality imports, Sunex, gearwrench with the low prices are here to stay. Most people either want the good cheap brands or the real high end tools. What is SK doing differently now to appeal to tool buyers?

I think they'll do just fine. SK has positioned themselves as tool truck quality, made in the USA but at affordable prices.

For example a SO 13 pc Metric wrench set is $478 (10-22mm). SK's 15 pc set (8-22mm) is $156.

Similar quality at 1/3 the price is pretty attractive.

SK would have had more of a struggle if it hadn't been for Sears moving the CM lineup to China. SK is kind if filling that void of quality US tools that are affordable. Who else is there?? (Wright, Proto and Williams are more focused on the industrial segment).

The average "Joe Six Pack" will always gravitate to what's cheapest regardless of quality/COO but SK will appeal more to the quality conscious/tool enthusiast crowd.

However SK's problem as I see it is lack of any B&M presence.

 

[jetdawg]

An affordable, well made US product. I don't think they'll have any trouble..

 

[jake00]

We've got a couple of the green cased sets , used in an industrial maintainance setting, Never had an issue with a socket. Did however snap the head on the socket wrench, but was abusing the **** out of it.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I think they'll do just fine. SK has positioned themselves as tool truck quality, made in the USA but at affordable prices.

For example a SO 13 pc Metric wrench set is $478 (10-22mm). SK's 15 pc set (8-22mm) is $156.

Similar quality at 1/3 the price is pretty attractive.

SK would have had more of a struggle if it hadn't been for Sears moving the CM lineup to China. SK is kind if filling that void of quality US tools that are affordable. Who else is there?? (Wright, Proto and Williams are more focused on the industrial segment).

The average "Joe Six Pack" will always gravitate to what's cheapest regardless of quality/COO but SK will appeal more to the quality conscious/tool enthusiast crowd.

However SK's problem as I see it is lack of any B&M presence.

Dave

back in the 70's; the local hardware store sold SK tools.... Milt, the store owner, had previously owned a service station that got bulldozed when the new highway came through.. He had a solid knowledge of good tools from years of experience in the station... The price, location, quality product and good service resulted in lots of SK tools being sold in our area..

 

[justtools]

I hope sk makes it. I signed up for a catalog awhile ago and they sent a free hat. I do believe they need more internet and B/M stores. It is nice if something breaks you have a place to go to replace or warranty it.

 

[justtools]

I wish sk would do a bogo like gearwrench does, Buy a master 3/8 set and get the 1/4 set as a bonus. I am in for 2 sets.

 

[Fedwrench]

I wish sk would do a bogo like gearwrench does, Buy a master 3/8 set and get the 1/4 set as a bonus. I am in for 2 sets.

I don't think SK is trying to flood the market as much. SK has done some recent BOGOs. I picked up the 1/4 drive metric semi deep socket set and SK threw in the SAE semi deep set free. I also remember seeing a free long handled ratchet with the purchase of a blow molded master set but, it's been awhile.

 

[justtools]

Wishful thing on my part

 

[Firebrick43]

In the last month I have purchased a 3/8 and a 1/4 inch set of Sk sockets, deep/shallow/metric/standard, something like 100 sockets total. One was mismade (14mm 1/4) but the promptly replaced.

I would place the QUALITY equal to wright or usa Williams. Definitely above new MAC, tiawan Williams, bluepoint(same as tiawan Williams) and most definitely better than newer Armstrong sockets. Also at work the crib has proto and I have seen a dramatic drop in finish of late of their chrome job.

Only my snapon sockets are better than sk and they are not worth the extra cost in my opinion

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

I have a few sets of SK sockets along with a couple ratchets and they hold up great to professional use. The only thing I havent been impressed with is a set of long pattern wrenches I bought. They seem to spread easily on over tightened fasteners. So do my non flank drive Snap On wrenches but the Snap On's seem to take a bit more before they spread.

 

[gdocktor3]

I would place the QUALITY equal to wright or usa Williams. Definitely above new MAC, tiawan Williams, bluepoint(same as tiawan Williams) and most definitely better than newer Armstrong sockets.

So you are placing SK, Wright and Williams above Mac? I have brand new knuckle saver wrenches and I think they are pretty awesome. I like them better than my new Snap On wrenches. The SO's are too thin and hurt my hand sometimes. I just ordered a few 1/2" socket sets from Mac online. They were on sale. Am I in for an upset???

 

[Davefr]

The SO's are too thin and hurt my hand sometimes.

I agree. SO wrenches are not my favorite. There's no finer wrench then Wright and they feel so much better then SO.

 

[gdocktor3]

How do you warranty Wright tools?

 

[Hiball]

I literally hate the Phrase "Tool Truck Quality" as if there is something magical about driving tools around in a Climate controlled Vehicle that makes them a better quality tool.

In the Words of Si Robertson...


NAH!!!


Now... Before feelings start getting hurt, People start mashing on there keyboard trying to justify there purchase, I Understand and AGREE 100% that there tools go above and beyond what your typical tool brand brings to the Table, There R&D is Generally light years ahead of what your typical Cul-de-sac Garage Rat will ever need, They listen to the "Target Audience" and they bring innovation to there front door, and there Customers gladly pay for the convenience. I Honestly dont see SK or GW Investing heavily into the Mobile Market, I do believe they have the Tools to compete in the Market, but its Extremely Costly and damn near impossible to compete the Amazons/Tooltopia/AA in todays world. I dont think there would be enough Meat left on the bone to Pay everyone, Hell.... its hard enough to keep Drivers going with SO/Mac/Cornwell/Matco where the Product Distribution/Price Point is somewhat controlled. Has anyone ever looked at the Retail Prices of GW or SK? Is anyone going to pay anywhere near those prices when you can buy them 50-70% cheaper online? Didnt think so...

 

[defektes]

An affordable, well made US product. I don't think they'll have any trouble..

Pretty much sums it up.

I use SK professionally, and I do abuse my tools.

I own Snap-On, SK, Proto, and a couple larger wrights.

They have all served well.

SK will hold up with the best brands, save the money.

 

[gdocktor3]

OK its done. I literally just bought the SK 47 piece 3/8" set for $146.97. That's a deal. The 49 piece set was minimum of $40 more and included a thumbwheel ratchet and universal joint, both of which I already have. Now I need to pull the trigger on 1/4" set... After reading one reply on here about Gearwrench, its hard to say no to a 47 piece set for $47.. No ratchets or extensions, sockets only. Considering the amount of use my current 1/4" sockets get, I think I'm going to grab em.. Anyone know of a better deal or a valid reason not to buy them? The set in question is kd 80314.

 

[Davefr]

It gives me no pleasure to say it, but I think SK is doomed. Snap On is too big and too strong to compete against. They made $3B last year largely selling expensive tools they made (and software..- both high profit). Historically, in a bad economy, we fix the cars we have and Snap On has done even better.

Matco has established truck routes and a mixture of US and Taiwan tools. I doubt SK will break into the pro truck tool market. Cheap asian imports and internet deals will eat them alive.

My suggestion for SK is to concentrate on speciality tools like Koken has. But they sure aren't doing that. I think the x wrench is goofy. Its a solution to a problem i don't have. And as near as I can tell, it creates a mess of new problems (lack of clearance around the open end.)

I wish them luck.

I agree that SK would be doomed if they intend to enter the mobile tool sales
business. (it's a crowded field with SO being a formidable competitor due to their breadth of product offering/services).

However SK seems to be focused on the portion of the tool market where the user doesn't buy from a dealer due to cost and/or they're not serviced by a dealer yet still want professional grade US tools. I really don't see who else plays in this arena.

It seems like a pretty wide open field for SK. (I don't count the industrial brands since they don't seem to be focused on end user sales.)

I guess the question is if this portion of the market is big enough for SK.

 

[Brownsfan]

You are buying essentially Craftsman. Sometimes cheaper sockets in small sizes are particularly problematic. They can fit poorly, fit extensions poorly etc.

I use my 1/4" drive a lot. I would get better quality.

Um no .. SK sockets are nothing like Craftsman of any vintage. Maybe from the early days but certainly nothing current. Where do you get this from? SK is high quality and worth the price. OP the SK stuff you bought is high quality comparable to any pro brand. Don't listen to the mis-information above. Edit ....Unless you were talking about the gearwrench stuff . Then I guess since they are both APEX made then yes they are close.

 

[gdocktor3]

You are buying essentially Craftsman. Sometimes cheaper sockets in small sizes are particularly problematic. They can fit poorly, fit extensions poorly etc.

I use my 1/4" drive a lot. I would get better quality.

Mac Expert has a 1/4 set for $100, Blue Point has one for $130, Silver Eagle I don't even care to check.. Do you honestly believe these sets are better than the Gearwrench? I cannot justify buying an expensive 1/4 SO, Cornwell, etc set, but does anyone have any recommendations on 1/4 set in $100 range?

This is set in question by Mac. I think it is a rather nice looking set, but I've never used Expert tools.
http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Exper.../1-4-Drive-66-PC-Combination-Socket-Set-6-PT-

 

[gdocktor3]

Um no .. SK sockets are nothing like Craftsman of any vintage. Maybe from the early days but certainly nothing current. Where do you get this from? SK is high quality and worth the price. OP the SK stuff you bought is high quality comparable to any pro brand. Don't listen to the mis-information above. Edit ....Unless you were talking about the gearwrench stuff . Then I guess since they are both APEX made then yes they are close.

I was hoping he was talking about Gearwrench

 

[defektes]

Um no .. SK sockets are nothing like Craftsman of any vintage. Maybe from the early days but certainly nothing current. Where do you get this from? SK is high quality and worth the price. OP the SK stuff you bought is high quality comparable to any pro brand. Don't listen to the mis-information above. Edit ....Unless you were talking about the gearwrench stuff . Then I guess since they are both APEX made then yes they are close.

Hes referring to the Gearwrench I believe.

SK > Gearwrench

 

[stage20]

if you dont buy snap on or mac, or matco there is no reason to save money on their second tier tools. the expert line up and silver eagle is overpriced-overseas. buy sk or go with gearwrench or even china craftsman. no way id pay inflated prices because big brother wants the money. some of the blue point is way nicer than the rest of the 2nd tier stuff, but i still wouldnt buy it new.

 

[gdocktor3]

Just tell me this. How does Mac Expert compare to Gearwrench? As I do more research, I'm finding better prices. $80 shipped for the 66 piece I mentioned before.

 

[sonvolt]

I would go SK with the 1/4 drive set it will match your 3/8 set. Plus the SK 1/4 drive ratchet is most excellent

 

[gdocktor3]

The problem I'm finding is that the 1/4 SK set is only $10 cheaper than the 3/8 and it just doesn't make sense to me. What makes even less sense is the fact that a 44 piece SK set is considerably more expensive than the 48 piece set. How is that possible? I'm going to email SK and see what they say. Maybe different ratchets or something..

 

[MJD1]

I bought the SK 48 piece 1/4" drive set off amazon for 135.20$ shipped. Can't see how you can go wrong at that price. I have plenty of snap on and Mac and use SK for my mobile work. I don't feel so bad losing a 8$ socket vs a 30$+ socket.

 

[PJNJ]

gdocktor3 - Last year I bought the Gearwrench midlength 3/8 and 1/4 metric socket sets and have used them a fair amount. No problems with fitment or rounding or damaging of nuts or bolts. Chrome was/is good. They plain just flat out work. So you should be fine with the Gearwrench 1/4 set.

There seems to be a lot of dislike, if not outright hate, for Gearwrench and foreign tools in general. I have Gearwrench (Taiwan and China), SK, Craftsman (USA), Wright, Armstrong, Husky (USA and Taiwan), HF (Taiwan), Snap On, Proto, Cornwell (old USA), etc. They all work and for the most part work well. Not all of us can afford what we want all the time and sometimes have to settle for what we can get. But many brands work though they don't have the cachet of a Snap On.

Me, if I was buying right now, would lean toward the SK set but if money is a concern, you'll be fine with the Gearwrench.

Good luck and good wrenchin' either way.

 

[Brownsfan]

I was hoping he was talking about Gearwrench

I think he was after reading it again. I do own the Gearwrench 51pc 1/4 Dr set . I use it for my on site install tool set. They have been great for the money I paid. I got it at Advance Auto for $39.99 on sale a few years back.

 

[organ]

It gives me no pleasure to say it, but I think SK is doomed. Snap On is too big and too strong to compete against. They made $3B last year largely selling expensive tools they made (and software..- both high profit). Historically, in a bad economy, we fix the cars we have and Snap On has done even better.

Matco has established truck routes and a mixture of US and Taiwan tools. I doubt SK will break into the pro truck tool market. Cheap asian imports and internet deals will eat them alive.

My suggestion for SK is to concentrate on speciality tools like Koken has. But they sure aren't doing that. I think the x wrench is goofy. Its a solution to a problem i don't have. And as near as I can tell, it creates a mess of new problems (lack of clearance around the open end.)

I wish them luck.

Did SK kick your puppy? You seem to have a real problem with them...

 

[gdocktor3]

So you are placing SK, Wright and Williams above Mac? I have brand new knuckle saver wrenches and I think they are pretty awesome. I like them better than my new Snap On wrenches. The SO's are too thin and hurt my hand sometimes. I just ordered a few 1/2" socket sets from Mac online. They were on sale. Am I in for an upset???

Firebrick43 you never answered me on that. Anyone else feel that way?

 

[Fedwrench]

Firebrick43 you never answered me on that. Anyone else feel that way?

No. Not all MAC is created equal. There is US Made MAC and then there is foreign made MAC. Different tools get rated differently . You really can't make a pecking order for quality that fits across the board.

Listen, go buy the 1/4 inch set you want and report back after you use it awhile. You know what you like and what you want to spend. Don't let us complicate your choice. Now go get something!!

 

[plinker]

I have had few problems with S-K sockets (and tools in general). My opinion is they are step above Gearwrench overall.

I have my fair share of Gearwrench tools,FWIW. About 1/2 say Napa though. My only real complaint with Gearwrench is the 1/4 drive shallow sockets are about 1/8" too tall (compared to S-K, C-man, S-O, ete..). They are more like a semi-deep.

 

[1950mercury]

Id buy hf 1/4 drive . I bought some for a road side emergency repair and i am very impressed. You cant touch anything like them for the $$$. And i have sk and snap on 1/4 semi deeps,matco,craftman,snap on and usa husky reg 1/4 drive..id pass on there 3/8 drive cause they are 12 point...

That or id get the semi deep set sk makes from hje. I love my 1/4 semi deeps

 

[PJNJ]

Adam C. - Since Ideal is breaking ground on a new factory next to the old one to produce additional products for Ideal, I would guess that they are "surviving" just fine -

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=297075

It's extremely premature to claim that they are going under and I really don't understand the repeated doom and gloom against them. You are always claiming this empirical data and that empirical data in other threads but don't cite any data for your claim here. Maybe you think if you repeat it enough it will come true ala "The Wizard of Oz" - "there's no place like home". LOL. Apparently someone is buying their products. And their new owner, Ideal, must have some idea of what they are doing.