SK or Armstrong?

[cliftonbros89]

So I'm trying to gather some more tools for my box in my service truck. There's also some things I wanting to swap out. Some cheaper things, and swap out some of my craftsman stuff.

I'm looking at getting some more ratchets and some socket sets. Especially hex bit sockets. I have some SK sockets and a few ratchets and like them. I also have some Armstrong sockets and ratchets. I like them too. A lot of times they're similar in price too.

So which would be best? I've read several thing on here and on the Internet. I'm not saying I'd have to just stick to one brand either. But they're both a good U.S. made brand. I just don't want all Snap On in the truck box. It's filling my tool box in the shop.

Any opinions?

 

[HanShotFirst]

Armstrong is smoother, SK is stronger where ratchets are concerned. I think Armstrong is a bit cheaper.

 

[Negen]

Armstrong apparently is at a new factory and is having production issues with their ratchets at the moment. I ordered a ratchet the other day from HJE and the next day they called me to let me know that the ratchets are back ordered due to production issues.

Proto and blackhawk are something to consider as well. At work we just got some sockets in both and they are very nice. I never used any of the newer sk stuff but I always liked that brand. Armstrong is also very nice. I would just fill in the gaps in your set with which ever brand offered the best value.

 

[martin666]

Since you own both and are happy with both, and prices are close ( although my experience is Armstrong can be found a little cheaper on line than SK ) I would say it comes down to how easy it is to warranty each in your area, although ive rarely had to warranty either brand. I guess I'm lucky in that my local Fastenal warranties Armstrong painlessly ( but does have to order the piece) and i have a local brick and mortar store that warranties SK , walk in walk out with new one, never had a problem. But I've heard it's not as easy in other locations, so i guess my decision would come down to ease of warranty the rare time youd need to use it

 

[woody 73]

I never get smart out of posts when they say going to swap out xyz brand for another xyz brand blah, blah, blah tell me which is better, blah, blah, blah...

How do we know which is best for you ? If you are using the cheapest tool in the world or the most expensive tool in the world you better be asking yourself which tool gets the job done time after time and you enjoy using it.

I use tools from every part of the world and what I like may be different from what others like.

Start by asking your friends if you can see what they are using and ask lots of questions, because when you start asking us you are going to get 10,000 different answers.

 

[bcradio]

Many items in the Armstrong lineup are the same thing as Cman US just with a different name stamped on. If you are not happy with your Cman stuff (assuming it was made in the US), then I'm not sure you will be happy with the same thing except having the word 'Armstrong' printed on it. Ratchets are one exception to this though.

SK, Wright, or Proto may be better choices.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Here's my problem. I have no where locally that really supplies either. I have a Napa store that can get Armstrong stuff. However, they do not actually keep anything in store. They can order it but it takes forever.
There also isn't an place local that carries SK.

My only local options are Sears, which I refuse to deal with and a few local automotive and hardware/farm supply stores. Majority of what they carry is cheap stuff. Sure some of it has a lifetime warranty. I just don't feel like having to get something warrantied once a month. There is a Lowes about 40 minutes away from me. However, every Kobalt tool I've ever used has been junk. Then the closet thing besides that is a Nothern Tool. But it's about an hour and a half a way. Not to mention anything I've used from there turned out to be junk as well.

That's why my only other local option is the Snap On truck. I really like all the Snap On stuff. I just don't want to try to spend the money on that for both of my boxes. He can get some other brands of stuff like Gearwrench.

I too own things made from all over, we all do, it's impossible not to. I just have a personal preference if I can get it made in the U.S. and it's a lasting, good product, than I'd prefer to get it.

As far as trying other people tools. It's not much of an option. Everyone I know just has Craftsman stuff. Sure the old stuff from the 70's is good. I have newer U.S. made stuff that isn't bad. But as I said before I'm done with dealing with Sears. Everyone else I know has cheap stuff from O'Reilly's or Napa and they tell me it's junk. I've used a lot of it myself and I can say that it is junk.

I realize I'll get a ton of different answers. I'll get people to tell me to go to HF. I'll get people to say this thread is pointless. I'm just looking for some good quality opinions on what has been good from either brand and has worked well or not worked well for individuals.

 

[PJNJ]

As said before you're going to get a lot of different answers/recommendations here as everyone has their own opinion.

Since you are putting them in a work box I would recommend both SK ratchets and Armstrong. Working out of the truck you won't be able to borrow someone elses ratchet so you need a variety for all the situations you may encounter. The SK ratchets are strong and just about bulletproof. But the head is bigger and they are usually shorter than other ratchets. In some situations a short handled ratchet is ideal while in other situations you want a long handle for leverage. And so I would also buy Armstrongs' locking flex handle ratchets. I have the 3/8 Armstrong and it is really that good. Long handle, smooth action from the 88 teeth and low backdrag.

As for sockets, I would pick SK over Armstrong. But that's based on finish. Again working out of a truck tool box that probably doesn't matter. They both fit the nut or bolt and turn it without any drama. Here price is probably the best decider.

Warranty? SK is supposed to be pretty good. And I have no idea about Armstrong. I haven't had to warranty either brand. Just an old DIY'er.

 

[hangfirew8]

Armstrong sockets have a deep broach, handy for slipping over a nut and stud with limited clearance above. Their quality is the same as the best that Craftsman/Craftsman Pro ever made. They should not be compared to run-of-the-mill US Craftsman or certainly not the latest imported Craftsman sockets.

SK sockets have a shallow broach, handy for holding and starting a nut, probably stouter, but requiring more clearance over top. Quality has always been good for me. There have been a few complaints lately, but if you have a problem, there is an on-line SK rep here on GJ to help you out.

 

[1950mercury]

Armstrong for ratchets and sk for sockets unless you love round head ratchets. Armstrong sockets have that stupid double detent like craftsman.

There was a thread posted about sk hex sockets not to long ago and they have issues. I'd get snap on hex and torx the gold ones if money is no object. Or vim makes a nice set that some truck brands re-brand

Either one will be just fine its just personal preferences

 

[Loscaldazar]

Well, it depends on what you want.

SK sockets, extensions, joints, impact sockets, breaker bars, etc are hands down better than armstrong. Cold forged sockets, much better chrome (I had mixed sets of USA craftsman and Armstrong sockets and they would rust, even if they were barely used), and almost certainly stronger. Their 24" 1/2 drive breaker bar is incredibly stout. SK just came out with a 30" breaker bar too (may not be available for purchase quite yet).

Ratchets. Depends. The Armstong 88T maxx ratchets are great. Small, low profile, high tooth count and strong. The SK ratchets are a very old design, tough as nails, will last decades (as has been proven) and will continue to have parts available for a long time. SK is also working on a dual pawl package for their round head ratchets so that the effective tooth count will be double what they currently are (1/4 ratchets would be 120 instead of 60, 3/8 drives would be 80 instead of 40, 1/2 drive would be 96 instead of 48 for the fixed, and if they also design a dual pawl package for their 3/4 drive ratchet, that would be a 144 instead of 72!). SK also has pearhead ratchets that will probably be out in a few months that will have an arc swing of under 2 degrees (this is a best guess based on their ratcheting wrenches). If you don't like the current SK roundheads, then get the armstrong 88T ratchets.

Wrenches are a personal preferences on style and design. I think Wright or Proto wrenches here might be a better option, but, despite what some say, SK wrenches aren't overly huge. They look thick, but when actually compared to other wrenches, they are smaller in some dimensions and similar in many others. Armstrong wrenches are pretty much no frills or thrills, but they work great too.

Hammers, pliers, and Screwdrivers I believe are actually identical. WF makes the screwdrivers and pliers, while the hammers are probably made by the same US hammer manufacturer.

 

[rockinacummins]

I personally prefer SK. The Armstrong stuff feels nice but SK fits my hand better. Also, as far as warranty is concerned, SK says send it in, they send you a new one no questions asked. Armstrong... Well I've had issues with them.

And, green is my favorite color. So I gotta go with SK.

 

[1950mercury]

I personally prefer SK. The Armstrong stuff feels nice but SK fits my hand better. Also, as far as warranty is concerned, SK says send it in, they send you a new one no questions asked. Armstrong... Well I've had issues with them.

And, green is my favorite color. So I gotta go with SK.

That is not true sk will not warranty anything that was abused!!!! If you try to warranty a chrome socket that looks like it was used on an impact. They have pics on there web sight of what they call abuse. I just mailed stuff in and she made it clear that they won't warranty abused tools. It's not like craftsman were its no questions asked. Keep that in mind if you use chrome on impacts etc.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Glad to be getting some sound opinions in comparison.

To clear things up I'm mainly interested in ratchets, and hex sockets. But I do prefer ratchets with a higher tooth count. I wouldn't be opposed to another set of wrenches. Since its been brought up, I'm open to opinions on breaker bars too. I think I'll be ok on standard sockets, screwdrivers & pliers right now.

Also, how about ratchet wrenches? Has any one used Armstrong's double box? One end ratcheting the other end not

 

[cliftonbros89]

That is not true sk will not warranty anything that was abused!!!! If you try to warranty a chrome socket that looks like it was used on an impact. They have pics on there web sight of what they call abuse. I just mailed stuff in and she made it clear that they won't warranty abused tools. It's not like craftsman were its no questions asked. Keep that in mind if you use chrome on impacts etc.

I've seen this as well. They actually just sent me a full catalog in the mail last week. The catalog has the same pictures in the back.

 

[AmishFury]

and i have a local brick and mortar store that warranties SK , walk in walk out with new one, never had a problem. But I've heard it's not as easy in other locations,

let me guess... you have one of the grainger stores that properly honors the SK warranty instead of doing the "did you buy it here?" dance

1/2 drive would be 72 instead of 36

1/2" is 48* per SK's own catalog (confirmed with my own "count the clicks" test)

*the catalog shows the flex head 1/2" as 50 but i only own the fixed head

if they do actually get these dual pawl inserts going i'd be very interested in what if any affect it had on the backdrag... if it doesn't negatively impact it i'll be upgrading all my 1/4"

 

[AmishFury]

I've seen this as well. They actually just sent me a full catalog in the mail last week. The catalog has the same pictures in the back.

how did you get a print catalog? i need some new toilet reading material and HF never sent me my september mailer

 

[Loscaldazar]

let me guess... you have one of the grainger stores that properly honors the SK warranty instead of doing the "did you buy it here?" dance



1/2" is 48* per SK's own catalog (confirmed with my own "count the clicks" test)

*the catalog shows the flex head 1/2" as 50 but i only own the fixed head

if they do actually get these dual pawl inserts going i'd be very interested in what if any affect it had on the backdrag... if it doesn't negatively impact it i'll be upgrading all my 1/4"

Ahh you are correct. I'll edit my post to reflect that.

 

[cliftonbros89]

how did you get a print catalog? i need some new toilet reading material and HF never sent me my september mailer

I emailed customer service. Got it in just a few days. I've tried the same with Armstrong. They just keep sending me a link to the pdf file version.

 

[woody 73]

Well at least you are not a troll...

Ok lets put aside the best debate and one more thing no matter what you choose between sk or Armstrong remember this if they break you got to mail them in just like the rest of us!

This is a tool forum so that means %99.999 of us love tools and with that in mind %99.999 percent of us buy them, a lot of them just to play with and try them out...That goes for you also!

Look at the following pictures I buy them and try them all out then I find what works and what I don't like about them which is something that you can also do.

By the way you never listed your home town if you had given me the closest cl in your area I could have hunted for used tools for you to look at.

After each paycheck go pick up one tool and build up a collection and have fun doing it, then you will form an idea of which is the best for your needs just like the rest of us do.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well at least you are not a troll...



Ok lets put aside the best debate and one more thing no matter what you choose between sk or Armstrong remember this if they break you got to mail them in just like the rest of us!



This is a tool forum so that means %99.999 of us love tools and with that in mind %99.999 percent of us buy them, a lot of them just to play with and try them out...That goes for you also!



Look at the following pictures I buy them and try them all out then I find what works and what I don't like about them which is something that you can also do.



By the way you never listed your home town if you had given me the closest cl in your area I could have hunted for used tools for you to look at.



After each paycheck go pick up one tool and build up a collection and have fun doing it, then you will form an idea of which is the best for your needs just like the rest of us do.

I understand I have to mail them in. I've had to mail plenty of other things in before.

Believe me it's not that I don't look around I do. I also search craigslist on a regular basis. But I don't want to waste my time with junk which is usually all these is. Sure there's Snap On stuff but why buy it used for the almost the same price as new. Especially when my dealer could give me a deal sometime. That being said, yes I have several Snap On things. However for this truck box, at this time, I don't want to spend the money, nor keep such expensive stuff in my truck box at all times.

I'm not looking for the "best" I just want to know people's experiences with things. Yeah I know there's probably a ton of threads packed full of the same type of content. But as I mentioned earlier in only interested a few specific things.

I like to try things out. But I personally am not going to buy things just to try them out. I'm not going to spend the money testing out things from HF or Northern Tool just to come across one or two items that are subpar, and the rest end of being junk.

I'm just asking if anyone has used particular things and what they liked or disliked.

 

[MaineGuide]

My local Fastenal also handles Armstrong warranty for me, but I buy most of it from them. It's in their best interest to help me out.

There is a Grainger near by that would probably do SK if I had any that needed to be warrantied, but I've never asked them as I don't buy it through them.

 

[1950mercury]

Glad to be getting some sound opinions in comparison.

To clear things up I'm mainly interested in ratchets, and hex sockets. But I do prefer ratchets with a higher tooth count. I wouldn't be opposed to another set of wrenches. Since its been brought up, I'm open to opinions on breaker bars too. I think I'll be ok on standard sockets, screwdrivers & pliers right now.

Also, how about ratchet wrenches? Has any one used Armstrong's double box? One end ratcheting the other end not

Those wrenches are awesome. I have a set of Armstrongs in my cart and a set of matci rebranded Armstrong in my tool box.

I think Armstrong makes better wrenches than sk.
They both make nice locking extensions

 

[Negen]

let me guess... you have one of the grainger stores that properly honors the SK warranty instead of doing the "did you buy it here?" dance

I guess I am lucky besides grainger I have a local store called AMB Tools & Equipment that is an official dealer of sk tools. Then we have grainger and fastenal for armstrong/proto/blackhawk stuff.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Those wrenches are awesome. I have a set of Armstrongs in my cart and a set of matci rebranded Armstrong in my tool box.



I think Armstrong makes better wrenches than sk.

They both make nice locking extensions

The double box ratchet wrenches? I'm looked at them. I would need up to 1" in standard. They seem pretty expensive though

 

[woody 73]

SK is built like a WWII Sherman tank tough as nails and they have been using the same design for many years; I hate the handles but other guys love them.

Armstrong is very much like Sears seeing how they used to make them for craftsman, good tools at a good price.

Just my two cents is that what you are looking for???

There are indeed a mega ton of these posts on the GJ google is your friend!

 

[cliftonbros89]

Just my two cents is that what you are looking for???

Yeah, just looking for opinions based on your experiences. Whether good or bad.

 

[SK Eric]

That is not true sk will not warranty anything that was abused!!!! If you try to warranty a chrome socket that looks like it was used on an impact. They have pics on there web sight of what they call abuse. I just mailed stuff in and she made it clear that they won't warranty abused tools. It's not like craftsman were its no questions asked. Keep that in mind if you use chrome on impacts etc.

Our warranty policy is largely the same as any of the top quality hand tool manufacturers. Because SK was defunct and lost it's sales and warranty channels before Ideal acquired them, there has been confusion about the warranty. As we re-establish our channels and get completely up to speed, this narrative will go away.

 

[dkop1]

I personally only own one ratchet of each, and no sockets from either :/ I own 1/2" armstrong ratchet and a set of metric box wrenches (love them both!) and an old 3/8 SK I got at a flea market. All my sockets are currently Kobalt and Pittsburgh, but I'm gradually replacing them with flea market found MAC and Snap On. I'm obviously not a professional... haha. Most of my handiwork is lawn equipment and some very basic car stuff. However, as far as the ratchets go, I love my 3/8 SK! I don't use 1/2" much but when I do, the armstrong is alright. Coarse tooth, but definitely serviceable and it feels stronger than my 1/2" breaker bar, haha. At my work ( an industrial automation facility) we have a ton of blackhawk, newer craftsman, armstrong and proto. Never been displeased with the armstrong or proto stuff. then again, I don't often have to use it heavily at work, either. Hopefully that's a little help to you!

 

[HanShotFirst]

I understand I have to mail them in. I've had to mail plenty of other things in before.

Believe me it's not that I don't look around I do. I also search craigslist on a regular basis. But I don't want to waste my time with junk which is usually all these is. Sure there's Snap On stuff but why buy it used for the almost the same price as new. Especially when my dealer could give me a deal sometime. That being said, yes I have several Snap On things. However for this truck box, at this time, I don't want to spend the money, nor keep such expensive stuff in my truck box at all times.

I'm not looking for the "best" I just want to know people's experiences with things. Yeah I know there's probably a ton of threads packed full of the same type of content. But as I mentioned earlier in only interested a few specific things.

I like to try things out. But I personally am not going to buy things just to try them out. I'm not going to spend the money testing out things from HF or Northern Tool just to come across one or two items that are subpar, and the rest end of being junk.

I'm just asking if anyone has used particular things and what they liked or disliked.

I'd say go with SK then. They are just super strong and will take a lot of abuse. I happen to like round head ratchets, IME they hold up better than teardrop ratchets. And when you get inside an SK ratchet vs. other round head ratchets, you can see where your money has gone.

The down side to the SK is they are a bit pricey, and they tend to be coarse tooth. Personally the coarse teeth never bothered me, but there are times when a fine tooth is called for.

Now me personally, I always have a spare ratchet in EVERY tool box. With an SK you can get away with not having a spare because you'd have to be a super-over-achiever (in the dip **** department) to kill one.

The HF Pittsburgh composite ratchets are a nice backup to any ratchet. They're light weight so you're not loading down your portable tool chest, pretty strong and they have fine teeth just in case you ever need a fine tooth ratchet.

Now all that said, if I were to go deep into the wallet on a ratchet, I'd seriously give consideration to a Snap On Dual 80; they're just plain the finest ratchets made hand's down.

 

[SK Eric]

I'd say go with SK then. They are just super strong and will take a lot of abuse. I happen to like round head ratchets, IME they hold up better than teardrop ratchets. And when you get inside an SK ratchet vs. other round head ratchets, you can see where your money has gone.

The down side to the SK is they are a bit pricey, and they tend to be coarse tooth. Personally the coarse teeth never bothered me, but there are times when a fine tooth is called for.

We're working on a twin-pawl cartridge for the round-heads which would double the smoothness and increase strength. Assuming testing goes as planned, it'll be available as a direct replacement for the current cartridges, or if you're ratchet is in for a warranty fix/replacement, we could substitute the dual pawl for a very nominal price. It's still in testing so it's not available yet, but stay tuned...

 

[Negen]

One ratchet that gets over looked these days and is superman strong is the proto premium ratchets. They are a 45 tooth ratchet but with the right lube they can be smooth as butter on a *******. They can be had for about 50-60$ for the 3/8th the quick release is a bit more.

 

[Loscaldazar]

We're working on a twin-pawl cartridge for the round-heads which would double the smoothness and increase strength. Assuming testing goes as planned, it'll be available as a direct replacement for the current cartridges, or if you're ratchet is in for a warranty fix/replacement, we could substitute the dual pawl for a very nominal price. It's still in testing so it's not available yet, but stay tuned...

Is that for the three main drive sizes (1/4, 3/8 and 1/2), for all 4 (the previously mentioned three, plus the 3/4) or a different combination of those?

A 144 tooth 3/4 drive ratchet would be awesome

(honestly though, 72 is already way more than enough for a 3/4 drive ratchet)

 

[BottomLineReviews]

I would try Carlyle

 

[BottomLineReviews]

Also look into Wright.

 

[threewood]

Best is very subjective. They are both great brands. I have and love 2 Armstrong MAXX ratchets, 1/4 and 3/8. Never a problem and prefer them over my SK Round head ratchet which doesn't have as fine a ratchet mechanism. I also have a nice set of shallow and deep 6 point SK sockets that came in a set with extensions and thumb wheel ratchet. Never an issue and they do the job. No experience with their sockets. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[defektes]

Armstrong is cheaper, but IMO SK is much stronger. IIRC Armstrong sockets are similar to the old USA Cman line.

That said, Armstrong ratchets are more modern, if you are hard on your tools, go SK, if not go Armstrong they are both good products. I just prefer SK.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well I think we've covered ratchets pretty good. But how about hex/Allen bit sockets and ratchet wrenches?

 

[defektes]

I have allotted money for the new X frames, I'm waiting to see if a bigger SAE set will come out (im in industrial) so I cannot comment on SKs new ratchet wrenches.

I'd assume the Armstrong ones are like the old USA Cman ones, which were decent. I have a set.

Bit sockets are buy really good or buy many times. Even the really good ones break. I have had good luck with Proto, SK, and Snap on gold bit sockets.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Bit sockets are buy really good or buy many times. Even the really good ones break. I have had good luck with Proto, SK, and Snap on gold bit sockets.

I have Snap On for my shop box. But I was curious about the SK & Armstrong sets. Anything good or bad