Poor Quality on New SK Wrench Set

[Ign]

Every single manufacturer experiences manufacturing defects....even Snap-on.

The ironic thing is that out of the thousands of people who are satisified with their SK tools, the very few who decide to make GJ posts about "poor quality" seem to sway public opinion about the overall quality of an entire company.

SK Eric has obviously brought this complaint (which could have been solved by calling customer support) to the management.....and has offered to fix the situation. I dont understand what else is expected?

I think that people should realize that it is not robots in China building these tools.....it is Americans.....the same Americans that people complain about losing their jobs when a company packs up & moves overseas. You cant have it both ways.....you will not have "zero defects" coming out of any process that is not entirely automated. That is why companies have warranties & also why retailers have return policies --- if you arent happy, get it replaced and/or return it....but ruining a company's reputation & questioning the entire management/workforce over a defective wrench is nuts.

Nah man, I think you're totally missing the point from the view of the consumer. Should we just agree to pay more for an inferior product just 'cause? Because we can hand over our $$ to an American family for a tool that is useless? Why? If you really, truly want to do that just donate that same $$ to a local non-profit. Seriously.

We, as Americans, can and should do better. Holding SK's feet to the fire is our obligation as Americans. For some reason we, as a nation, have a history of problems w QC. This is why companies like Toyota and Mitutoyo kicked the asses of companies like GMC and Starrett when they first appeared on the scene.

But saying, "Nah, it's ok -- they're Americans, give 'em a break"? No. I say they're Americans, I'd love to support them, but they gotta do better. Until then I'd just as soon buy Tekton.

On a different note, has everyone forgotten the Proto wrench that broke on day 1?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268460

This thread is similar, just insert SK in place of Proto.

 

[Olafur]

SK wrench set 10-19mm $??
Shipping USPS priority mail $50
Local VAT (sales tax) 24% on BOTH item price and shipping cost
Discover the SK wrenches are junk and need to be returned. Priceless!
Return shipping to the US of A $50
Customs in the US?
Shipping the new set back to me $50
Explaining to the bean counter at customs these wrenches are exempt VAT because they are already paid for...

Wonder why I don't have a single SK tool.

Ps
If you care about local jobs, SK or local industry, listen to Ign above.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Nah man, I think you're totally missing the point from the view of the consumer. Should we just agree to pay more for an inferior product just 'cause? Because we can hand over our $$ to an American family for a tool that is useless? Why? If you really, truly want to do that just donate that same $$ to a local non-profit. Seriously.

We, as Americans, can and should do better. Holding SK's feet to the fire is our obligation as Americans. For some reason we, as a nation, have a history of problems w QC. This is why companies like Toyota and Mitutoyo kicked the asses of companies like GMC and Starrett when they first appeared on the scene.

But saying, "Nah, it's ok -- they're Americans, give 'em a break"? No. I say they're Americans, I'd love to support them, but they gotta do better. Until then I'd just as soon buy Tekton.

On a different note, has everyone forgotten the Proto wrench that broke on day 1?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268460

This thread is similar, just insert SK in place of Proto.

+1. The day we stop improving is the day that those companies cease to exist. Say what you want, but the foreign companies make our manufacturing better, if for nothing else but waking us up and letting us know our lunch is being eaten. I love my General Motors products, but the fact is that GM was myopic for many years and probably one of the better things to happen was a thing like the NUMMI joint venture with Toyota. It was a real wake up call for GM.

SK has always been responsive and in my opinion does a nice job with their customer service, so I don't see this being a problem to resolve.

I'd expect better and I agree with many here.

 

[Hootbro]

Thing that is being missed by some is that there is three different size wrenches here with the same defect. That is three times setting up a production line making the same three mistakes. Multiply that by the amount of hands from beginning to end packaging where someone should have stopped and taken ownership, you get the sense that they employee quite an amount of people who just do not care at SK and are only showing up for a paycheck.

 

[Conductor562]

Nah man, I think you're totally missing the point from the view of the consumer. Should we just agree to pay more for an inferior product just 'cause? Because we can hand over our $$ to an American family for a tool that is useless? Why? If you really, truly want to do that just donate that same $$ to a local non-profit. Seriously.

We, as Americans, can and should do better. Holding SK's feet to the fire is our obligation as Americans. For some reason we, as a nation, have a history of problems w QC. This is why companies like Toyota and Mitutoyo kicked the asses of companies like GMC and Starrett when they first appeared on the scene.

But saying, "Nah, it's ok -- they're Americans, give 'em a break"? No. I say they're Americans, I'd love to support them, but they gotta do better. Until then I'd just as soon buy Tekton.

On a different note, has everyone forgotten the Proto wrench that broke on day 1?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268460

This thread is similar, just insert SK in place of Proto.

I fail to see how a thread about 1 wrench with a pre-existing defect that caused a jaw to snap compares to this SK situation.

 

[wvrailroader]

Every single manufacturer experiences manufacturing defects....even Snap-on.

The ironic thing is that out of the thousands of people who are satisified with their SK tools, the very few who decide to make GJ posts about "poor quality" seem to sway public opinion about the overall quality of an entire company.

SK Eric has obviously brought this complaint (which could have been solved by calling customer support) to the management.....and has offered to fix the situation. I dont understand what else is expected?

I think that people should realize that it is not robots in China building these tools.....it is Americans.....the same Americans that people complain about losing their jobs when a company packs up & moves overseas. You cant have it both ways.....you will not have "zero defects" coming out of any process that is not entirely automated. That is why companies have warranties & also why retailers have return policies --- if you arent happy, get it replaced and/or return it....but ruining a company's reputation & questioning the entire management/workforce over a defective wrench is nuts.

I do plan on calling customer service to resolve this. However, it was never my intent to smear SK. I simply wondered whether others had this problem before. I do plan on buying more SK in the future. I realize mistakes happen - my degree is in mechanical engineering and I know what goes on in manufacturing processes. I guess next time I will just keep my mouth shut on here and call the manufacturer directly. I most certainly did not intend this to be an anti-SK thread. I also do not expect anything other than for this to be made right.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

 

[Ponchoguy]

I do plan on calling customer service to resolve this. However, it was never my intent to smear SK. I simply wondered whether others had this problem before. I do plan on buying more SK in the future. I realize mistakes happen - my degree is in mechanical engineering and I know what goes on in manufacturing processes. I guess next time I will just keep my mouth shut on here and call the manufacturer directly. I most certainly did not intend this to be an anti-SK thread. I also do not expect anything other than for this to be made right.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

I didn't take your thread as an anti-SK thread at all. You asked for opinions and I thought it was well stated.

 

[Git]

As a hobbyist - most of my sockets and wrenches are SK and I have been very happy with them. I understand that sh*t happens, although is is disheartening to see those wrenches in the first post. It makes you wonder - no one saw that before it went out the door?

BUT - that is why I buy just about everything from Amazon - best customer service in the business. I would just ask for a replacement set, they would pay for return postage and even send UPS to my house to pick up the package. Or, if I was fairly happy with the item, I would use live chat to negotiate a discount

Any problems with anything within the first 30 days - it's going back, I am not going to **** around with calling the manufacturer, etc

 

[Hiball]

Some of you guys need the get out more, life is too short to argue tool economics and personal reasoning for not spending your $$$ on specific brands. What more do you want SK to do? They addressed that there are problems, it seems that are trying to figure out why the problem happened and have reassured the consumers with issues that they will be handled.

@Op, the above is not intended for you, please follow up with how SK handles the situation.

 

[Askme42]

Nah man, I think you're totally missing the point from the view of the consumer. Should we just agree to pay more for an inferior product just 'cause? Because we can hand over our $$ to an American family for a tool that is useless? Why? If you really, truly want to do that just donate that same $$ to a local non-profit. Seriously.

We, as Americans, can and should do better. Holding SK's feet to the fire is our obligation as Americans. For some reason we, as a nation, have a history of problems w QC. This is why companies like Toyota and Mitutoyo kicked the asses of companies like GMC and Starrett when they first appeared on the scene.

But saying, "Nah, it's ok -- they're Americans, give 'em a break"? No. I say they're Americans, I'd love to support them, but they gotta do better. Until then I'd just as soon buy Tekton.

On a different note, has everyone forgotten the Proto wrench that broke on day 1?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=268460

This thread is similar, just insert SK in place of Proto.

Lol this tool is worthless?


In this case maybe but I would say a good 90% of the SK complaints on here are purely cosmetic

 

[shockwave]

i find this is very common even with a good brand especially on the smaller wrenches

 

[cliftonbros89]

I'm not complaining about my breaker bar. I'll still use it. I'll also take a U.S. made breaker bar with the finish chipped over a China made one any day.

 

[carcajou]

i find this is very common even with a good brand especially on the smaller wrenches

Maybe so, but that"s no excuse for it. SK is asking way more than some import prices for poorer quality fit and finish. They need to get their QC addressed before i'll buy anything from them. I don't mind paying the price for quality either. With the tooling and technology we have today this is just not acceptable. Sure they offer to make it right but most of these tools should have never made it out of the factory. This is a personnel problem at all levels.

 

[Hiball]

I'm not complaining about my breaker bar. I'll still use it. I'll also take a U.S. made breaker bar with the finish chipped over a China made one any day.

Absolutely nothing wrong with adressing issues with Manufacturers, don't care if it's a $3 tool or a $300 tool. Sometimes, especially with New Production lines/Companies there are issues, if we don't take the time to let them know about problems, it can continue for years. With that said... If your unhappy with your purchase, regardless of the Price Point/Coo, give the a chance to make it right and possibly get the ball rolling on addressing a bigger issue down the road.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Absolutely nothing wrong with adressing issues with Manufacturers, don't care if it's a $3 tool or a $300 tool. Sometimes, especially with New Production lines/Companies there are issues, if we don't take the time to let them know about problems, it can continue for years. With that said... If your unhappy with your purchase, regardless of the Price Point/Coo, give the a chance to make it right and possibly get the ball rolling on addressing a bigger issue down the road.

I do have intentions of at least letting them know about it. Everyone makes mistakes. But I agree they should be made aware of it.

 

[anndel]

Some of you guys need the get out more, life is too short to argue tool economics and personal reasoning for not spending your $$$ on specific brands. What more do you want SK to do? They addressed that there are problems, it seems that are trying to figure out why the problem happened and have reassured the consumers with issues that they will be handled.

@Op, the above is not intended for you, please follow up with how SK handles the situation.

OT: congrats on Precious Baby Girl Riley. Our is precious little boy who's 9 now and will be ten in a few months. Time flies quickly so enjoy every moment!

 

[SantaAna12]

I'm not complaining about my breaker bar. I'll still use it. I'll also take a U.S. made breaker bar with the finish chipped over a China made one any day.

FWIW....I think it is about SK making your purchase right. It is not about you complaining.

There are a few here that seem intent on commenting on others opinions....repeatedly....instead of posting their own opinion and being done with it.

Your call Cliftonbros. Yours.

 

[maico]

I'm not sure why China gets mentioned in these threads, I would of thought SK compares themselves to the European and top end Taiwanese manufacturers. Watch this video of a modern facility in Italy to see how checks all along the production process produce a quality wrench without defects.

 

[SK Eric]

wvrailroader, cliftonbros89, rice rocket: I sent each of you PMs. I can't see them in my Sent Folder, so please let me know if you haven't gotten anything.

 

[firworks]

wvrailroader, cliftonbros89, rice rocket: I sent each of you PMs. I can't see them in my Sent Folder, so please let me know if you haven't gotten anything.

You can edit your personal settings in the User CP to save a copy of outgoing messages:

 

[Sprintman]

They must be very cheap. As always you get what you pay for!

 

[bushmechanic]

They must be very cheap. As always you get what you pay for!

No, SK tools aren't cheap.

They've tended over time to provide some of the deepest chrome out there, incredibly durable products, and unbeatable ergonomics.

They also have a very customer focused operation.

During this transitional period, they might have a few hiccups here and there, but it sounds like they're actively addressing them.

Buying SK isn't about saving money. It's about a quality product that's different than other offerings. They're right up there with the more popular names around here.

Like I said, though, it's a transitional period for SK, and they've been good about actively supporting communities and recognizing errors. SK has been around for a very long time, and throughout their history they've been "different".

Not inferior; just different.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have more SK sockets and ratchets than any other brand.

I'd like to see them succeed, and not have quality issues.

As for this particular issue with these particular wrenches, I'd jump ship to a set of Facom 440s from Ultimate Garage a lot sooner than I'd start a thread about it.

 

[PJNJ]

They must be very cheap. As always you get what you pay for!

When Sprintman speaks a thread has usually officially jumped the shark. As always a class act.

 

[Sprintman]

No, SK tools aren't cheap.

They've tended over time to provide some of the deepest chrome out there, incredibly durable products, and unbeatable ergonomics.

They also have a very customer focused operation.

During this transitional period, they might have a few hiccups here and there, but it sounds like they're actively addressing them.

Buying SK isn't about saving money. It's about a quality product that's different than other offerings. They're right up there with the more popular names around here.

Like I said, though, it's a transitional period for SK, and they've been good about actively supporting communities and recognizing errors. SK has been around for a very long time, and throughout their history they've been "different".

Not inferior; just different.

Does anybody need or want that kind of 'different'

 

[Wamsutta]

Maybe SK doesn't charge enough money for their tools to afford a good quality control program. The prices on their tools are pretty cheap for being American made tools. You'll pay a lot more for Proto, but their defects rate is pretty low.

 

[Ponchoguy]

I think SK positions themselves just right....they don't pretend to be who they are not. Professionals use them, DIY people use them and they stand behind their product. Their customer service is excellent.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I have a couple of emails to the higher-ups at S·K about the broaching and the chrome issue. I expect to have a meeting with them later today to address these specific issues.

First: it goes without saying that this is not the quality that we expect from ourselves and we will make it right. To to OP, and breaker bar purchaser, and the other posters in this thread, please call us at (800) 822-5575. We will of course take care of you and replace your parts.

Second: This is not HJE's fault. The parts in question are, from what we can tell, not old stock from pre-IDEAL days. We own this, and as I said above, we'lll make it right.

Third: I want to follow up on all of the issues addressed in this thread to be sure that you get the quality that you and we expect from S·K. Please feel free to PM me or for faster response, send me an email at [email protected] and I will be sure to chase any loose ends down.

I don't know yet what happened here, but it should be clearer after I meet with folks later on. Again, this is not, and should not be a part of the S·K story. We'll take care of you, and we'll address the underlying issues.

Eric: Super and professional response here from SK. I was just using a number of my SK tools today (just love the sockets). As an engineer for many years, I can say this is the best approach to find root cause, improve, while also making it right for the customers. I'm a huge SK fan from the Pre-SK Wayne tools on. We all want SK to do well. No one is perfect, but it is about what happens when there are issues that separates the best companies from the rest. Kudos. - Paul

 

[bushmechanic]

Does anybody need or want that kind of 'different'

Sure.

The ratchets are traditional, but bulletproof and incredibly comfortable. That goes for a lot of their products. They aren't slim-line or covered in large polymer "ergonomic" nonsense.

They tend to be larger, which can make access more difficult sometimes, but the reliability, in general, lends them toward mission critical tasks in difficult conditions. It's a slightly older way to do things, but it works.

I've said before (differently each time, but the message is the same) that you'll find Snap-On in some of the finest garages and shops in the world; and you'll find SK rattling in the back of some of the roughest vehicles bouncing around Ethiopia.

Cheater bars, inner tube wraps, connecting two wrenches, beating on extensions, being covered in dust, mud, or water; this is where SK shines. That's been my experience, anyway. I'm not entirely sure they'd love to hear it put that way.

If Snap-On is a crystal champagne flute, SK is a fine silver tankard. It's just as nice, but in a different way.

I'm not saying one is better than another. I'm just saying they are different.

I think one of the problems is exposure. SK isn't as often discussed, and certainly not as well known as the other brands. That being the case, any issue reported garners more attention.

 

[anndel]

This was probably a mistake, everyone makes them and they'll make it right.

 

[Sprintman]

Sure.

The ratchets are traditional, but bulletproof and incredibly comfortable. That goes for a lot of their products. They aren't slim-line or covered in large polymer "ergonomic" nonsense.

They tend to be larger, which can make access more difficult sometimes, but the reliability, in general, lends them toward mission critical tasks in difficult conditions. It's a slightly older way to do things, but it works.

I've said before (differently each time, but the message is the same) that you'll find Snap-On in some of the finest garages and shops in the world; and you'll find SK rattling in the back of some of the roughest vehicles bouncing around Ethiopia.

Cheater bars, inner tube wraps, connecting two wrenches, beating on extensions, being covered in dust, mud, or water; this is where SK shines. That's been my experience, anyway. I'm not entirely sure they'd love to hear it put that way.

If Snap-On is a crystal champagne flute, SK is a fine silver tankard. It's just as nice, but in a different way.

I'm not saying one is better than another. I'm just saying they are different.

I think one of the problems is exposure. SK isn't as often discussed, and certainly not as well known as the other brands. That being the case, any issue reported garners more attention.

Excellent synopsis

 

[popparoach]

wvrailroader, cliftonbros89, rice rocket: I sent each of you PMs. I can't see them in my Sent Folder, so please let me know if you haven't gotten anything.

My sent pm folder is broken too.

 

[Flivver250]

I have a couple of emails to the higher-ups at S·K about the broaching and the chrome issue. I expect to have a meeting with them later today to address these specific issues.

First: it goes without saying that this is not the quality that we expect from ourselves and we will make it right. To to OP, and breaker bar purchaser, and the other posters in this thread, please call us at (800) 822-5575. We will of course take care of you and replace your parts.

Second: This is not HJE's fault. The parts in question are, from what we can tell, not old stock from pre-IDEAL days. We own this, and as I said above, we'lll make it right.

Third: I want to follow up on all of the issues addressed in this thread to be sure that you get the quality that you and we expect from S·K. Please feel free to PM me or for faster response, send me an email at [email protected] and I will be sure to chase any loose ends down.

I don't know yet what happened here, but it should be clearer after I meet with folks later on. Again, this is not, and should not be a part of the S·K story. We'll take care of you, and we'll address the underlying issues.

Thank you Eric. I will continue to buy SK when they have a tool that fits my needs and frequently SK does. I do not recall ever having a SK product failure that occurred when using the tool as designed. Manufacturing machines can be adjusted, people can be retrained and corrected. With the advent of convenient internet sales we forget that we have lost one of the many benefits of a local retailer. Local retailers personally handle all the products and frequently sift out defects before the consumer has seen them and the retailer conveys the issues directly to the manufacturer adding a final QA/QC step before the consumer gets the product. Imagine what it would be like to buy a new car before it had been dealer prepped. I love internet sales, but I haven't forgotten that those providers are box handlers and button pushers that rarely place a hand on a product. Not to sell them short, they are generally cheaper due to lower overhead and also provide great service. Keep up the great work.

 

[M6erfan]

Nice response from SK Eric

However, these issues have been persistent for some time. I did a little research after I started a thread recently about my new 1/4" socket set I got a couple of weeks ago. Several of the sockets had off center broaching and scratches, dents, wavy chrome, "paint" overspray, etc. I really wanted to like the set but there were FAR too many issues for me to be happy paying a premium price for tools that made it out the door in that condition. Can't help but wonder what unseen QC issues (heat treat, etc.) were missed.

I would have much rather have made a thread about how awesome my SK socket set was, but that unfortunately was not the case.

I'm routing for SK to succeed but I have to call it as I see it

 

[Jarhead0408]

The ironic thing is that out of the thousands of people who are satisified with their SK tools, the very few who decide to make GJ posts about "poor quality" seem to sway public opinion about the overall quality of an entire company.



I think that people should realize that it is not robots in China building these tools.....it is Americans.....the same Americans that people complain about losing their jobs when a company packs up & moves overseas. You cant have it both ways.....you will not have "zero defects" coming out of any process that is not entirely automated. That is why companies have warranties & also why retailers have return policies --- if you arent happy, get it replaced and/or return it....but ruining a company's reputation & questioning the entire management/workforce over a defective wrench is nuts.

I agree that those of us with qc issues are probably disproportionately influencing potential buyers, but I would argue that's because SK's business model is different than Snap On's. With Snap On if you have an issue/defect, the truck is right there to take care of it most times. There is almost never a need to vent about it publicly. Since SK's warranty involves mailing in the defective product, there is no immediate replacement. In other words, it takes longer to get your tool swapped out. That's just part of the game. Better to raise these concerns here publicly and watch SK come around to fix the issue, than see it all kept quite and SK lose market share gradually over the years. I for one don't want to see SK fail again. I want them to succeed, but for the right reasons.

I do plan on calling customer service to resolve this. However, it was never my intent to smear SK. I simply wondered whether others had this problem before. I do plan on buying more SK in the future. I realize mistakes happen - my degree is in mechanical engineering and I know what goes on in manufacturing processes. I guess next time I will just keep my mouth shut on here and call the manufacturer directly. I most certainly did not intend this to be an anti-SK thread. I also do not expect anything other than for this to be made right.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

Personally I don't think you were trying to smear SK. I'm kind of glad you started your thread. Seems like it let a bunch of us that have experienced qc issues post them in one spot.

I have a couple of emails to the higher-ups at S·K about the broaching and the chrome issue. I expect to have a meeting with them later today to address these specific issues.

First: it goes without saying that this is not the quality that we expect from ourselves and we will make it right. To to OP, and breaker bar purchaser, and the other posters in this thread, please call us at (800) 822-5575. We will of course take care of you and replace your parts.

Second: This is not HJE's fault. The parts in question are, from what we can tell, not old stock from pre-IDEAL days. We own this, and as I said above, we'lll make it right.

Third: I want to follow up on all of the issues addressed in this thread to be sure that you get the quality that you and we expect from S·K. Please feel free to PM me or for faster response, send me an email at [email protected] and I will be sure to chase any loose ends down.

I don't know yet what happened here, but it should be clearer after I meet with folks later on. Again, this is not, and should not be a part of the S·K story. We'll take care of you, and we'll address the underlying issues.

Good on you Eric.

I'm glad that SK is taking ownership of these issues (hopefully). Also glad you're ensuring HJE isn't to blame here.

I really do support SK. I would love to be able to pass my SK tools down to my sons one day. I still have plans to buy the XXL breaker bars and several wrench sets. Whether I do or not is going to depend on whether I think I can actually get a complete, undamaged, unused, chrome issue free from SK. I don't want to go forward "knowing" that part of my order is going to immediately have to be sent back for replacement.

I'll order more SK in the future. Probably from HJE since they are one of my favorites. But I don't know if I'll be participating in any more SK Days. Getting hyped up only to have it messed up 3 for 3 kinda leaves a sour taste.
I'll order during the year and deal with warranty issues as they arise.

 

[Tinner]

I discovered this forum when it came up in the search results for some S-K tools. I was aware of the bankruptcy and purchase by Ideal. I was not aware of all the quality issues during that period. So, when I went to purchase S-K, I've always made sure that I got tools made under Ideal ownership.

In a little over 2 years I've purchased the following S-K. Some for myself, some were gifts.

1/2 drive metric sockets, 10-32mm
zero offset flare nut wrenches, SAE and metric
regular combination wrenches, 1/4-1" and 8-22mm (2 metric sets)
stubby combination wrench sets SAE and metric
short metric box wrench set
single wrenches and sockets, about a dozen pieces total

I carefully inspected every piece upon arrival. That's over a hundred pieces. Most were purchased from HJE and Amazon. There were 4 other sellers.

I had the following issues. In the SAE combo set, there were 2 of one small size and none of another. Amazon warehouse deal. Called S-K and had the missing wrench in 4 days. In the short box wrench set there is a small flaw in the chrome on the side of one end of one wrench. About a sixteenth inch diameter, chrome is intact. It doesn't concern me.

That's it. The chrome on all these tools is rich, lustrous and deep. As good or better than my Snap-on and Proto tools. Same with all other fit and finish details, including the inside of sockets and box ends.

I bought my first tools in 1969. I own lots of premium brands, Snap-on, Proto, Stahlwille, Wright and others. S-K rates right up there with the other quality professional tools.

 

[SK Eric]

You can edit your personal settings in the User CP to save a copy of outgoing messages:

Done. Thanks!

As far as the warranty process vs. companies with bigger truck networks, we're working on that on several fronts. First, we are rebuilding our truck network. A couple of years ago, we had basically zero trucks. The whole network (rightly) bailed on S·K when they ceased operations in 2010. The network is far from complete but we're adding trucks all of the time. That's going well. We, of course, have the direct warranty thorough our headquarters in Sycamore, IL, and are looking at a much easier system that's quicker and cost free for the technician. It's not a done deal yet, but we're looking at it.

From an inside standpoint, S·K has come a long way in the last 12 months. We've either established from scratch or made huge improvements to internal processes (boring stuff like all new ERP systems) to working on manufacturing challenges. Manufacturing tools requires a ton of 'tribal' knowledge from those doing the work. 90 years of that tribal knowledge vaporized in 2010. We still have ways to go, but have good people working very hard and making progress.

 

[Hiball]

Done. Thanks!

As far as the warranty process vs. companies with bigger truck networks, we're working on that on several fronts. First, we are rebuilding our truck network. A couple of years ago, we had basically zero trucks. The whole network (rightly) bailed on S·K when they ceased operations in 2010. The network is far from complete but we're adding trucks all of the time. That's going well. We, of course, have the direct warranty thorough our headquarters in Sycamore, IL, and are looking at a much easier system that's quicker and cost free for the technician. It's not a done deal yet, but we're looking at it.

From an inside standpoint, S·K has come a long way in the last 12 months. We've either established from scratch or made huge improvements to internal processes (boring stuff like all new ERP systems) to working on manufacturing challenges. Manufacturing tools requires a ton of 'tribal' knowledge from those doing the work. 90 years of that tribal knowledge vaporized in 2010. We still have ways to go, but have good people working very hard and making progress.

Eric, Any Insight you can give on possibly establishing a SK front through any Retailers or Auto Parts stores etc?

 

[Ponchoguy]

Eric, Any Insight you can give on possibly establishing a SK front through any Retailers or Auto Parts stores etc?

That's true. I used to see the brand around in auto parts stores all the time, but I have not of late. I know they've made tools for other companies throughout the years and it would be great to see them come back in full force.

The recent interaction I've had with their customer service is superb. Quick answers, quick resolution very courteous...exactly how it should be.

 

[BigT69]

Eric, Any Insight you can give on possibly establishing a SK front through any Retailers or Auto Parts stores etc?

That's what I'm hoping for. It would be nice to have them at the parts stores like they were in my area years ago. My experience with their warranty and customer support has been excellent. I have had a few problems but they were taken care of. Socket set came with one socket missing and two of another size. Was able to get replacment socket quickly and that has been my only issue in new purchases. I have had good luck with SK warranty on older broken tools from before the bankruptcy and that says a lot about the company in my opinion.