SK wrenches what are your thoughts

[pseshooter300]

I'm needing a set of metric wrenches found a set of sk 14 piece set how does everyone out there like them looks like I can get them for around $175

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I love mine, but highly suggest the long pattern.

 

[gdocktor3]

IMHO - They're nothing special. They have nice chrome (most of the time) but are just basic wrenches. They don't have a flank drive or anything like that. For that price, I'd go with something else.

I just did a quick eBay search and this is one of the first sets I found. Compared to the price of the SK's you posted, I think these are better. If I were looking, I'd go with something like this http://m.ebay.com/itm/Mac-Tools-14pc-Metric-Precision-Wrench-Set-/272185376763?nav=SEARCH

 

[Stooge]

my go to SAE combo,( and flare wrenches as well) are polished SK regular patterns. I like them, comfortable in my hands and have a good tolerance around nuts and bolts, fit my budget, wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. some people complain about the ends being a little chunky but I've never noticed an issue that any other similar class wrench wouldn't have.

$175 seems a little high, they are usually around 125-130 http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-86222.aspx

 

[pseshooter300]

I have looked at those mac wrenches

 

[gdocktor3]

I have looked at those mac wrenches

All of my sae wrenches are Mac knuckle savers. The standard size handles are a bit thin, but the long patterns I have are squared and feel really good. They grip excellent and are comparable to Matco and snap on flank drive. Here's a pic of the snap on, Mac and Matco open ends. The Mac is a knuckle saver, not precision torque. The PT looks more like the snap on.

 

[gdocktor3]

Also, Armstrong wrenches are the same as Matco modified wrenches, but for 1/3rd the price. I'd take the Armstrong's over the SK also.

 

[Parabellum]

Buy Wright Wrightgrips. Good as or superior to Snap On. See youtube video.

 

[guyinthe64]

Buy Wright Wrightgrips. Good as or superior to Snap On. See youtube video.

I agree. I just recently got a couple Wright wrenches off eBay, and they might be the nicest wrenches I've ever seen.

 

[Adam.C]

I'm needing a set of metric wrenches found a set of sk 14 piece set how does everyone out there like them looks like I can get them for around $175

That's what I paid for Snap On flank drive plus SOEXM710 in near new condition. Be careful about these 2nd or third tier tools. Their new prices get very close to top shelf eBay prices.

I don't particularly like SK tools. I find them expensive for what you get and I think the quality just isn't there. That said, I've always found their wrenches to be beautiful, almost works of art. They might be perfect in certain types of shops. In my machine shop I use black snap on, which I think are cool. No reason for me to have chosen them other than cool factor.

 

[jlipsky14]

While I do love sk and have lots of their tools, my vote would also go to the wrightgrips.

 

[Fedwrench]

Also, Armstrong wrenches are the same as Matco modified wrenches, but for 1/3rd the price. I'd take the Armstrong's over the SK also.

Not true. Armstrong combination wrenches do not have the optitorque nonslip modified open end found on MATCO combination wrenches. They are similar though since they probably came out of the same Texas factory. A direct match with the Armstrong long pattern combination wrenches are the US made Craftsman Professional series wrenches.

Back to the OP's question. SK wrenches are nice. They have great chrome, good balance in the sizes under 22mm, and nice thick beams. However, I don't like the way the boxed ends are shaped on their combination wrenches. They're too wide in the hips for me but, it's up to you want you like and what feels good in your hand. I would also recommend opting for the long pattern. More torque, better balance and feel in the smaller sizes.

Wrightgrips are nice but, I'd like them a little longer and what is so hard about wright getting the boxed end offset a uniform 15 degrees on each and every one of their wrenches

Williams Supercombos are nice but, get a little club like in larger sizes. Proto full polish are the new MAC Knucklesavers and are very nice, not cheap but, very nice.
If you don't mind imported, NAPA Carlyle are GREAT. If you want a nice set at a bargain price, check out Tekton sets in the wrench racks NOT the pouches. They will serve you well and leave you with money to buy other things. There's also Gearwrench nonratcheting combination wrenches. Nice fit, finish, and feel at a good price if you shop around. I think the Taiwan sets are better made than the PRC versions. Sooo many choices.

 

[bcradio]

I too would not get the SK. Especially for $175 (maybe for $75). I agree on getting the long wrenches as they are much nicer to use. Check ebay for slightly used Snap-On or MAC with the $175 budget you have.

 

[BK13]

IMHO - They're nothing special. They have nice chrome (most of the time) but are just basic wrenches. They don't have a flank drive or anything like that. For that price, I'd go with something else.

Flank Drive+? Does anybody even make non-Flank Drive box end or sockets anymore?

 

[jakemac]

If you do decide on the 14pc SK set, you can get it for $150 at HJE.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/wrenches-combo-metric-full-polish-28914.html

Personally, I'd check out the used market in your area first, to save money and see what brands might be available.

 

[T45]

SK wrenches are meh....mostly the design...is just not up to par with the truck brands or the europeans. You can buy NEW stahlwille for much cheaper right now on special, so there is also no significant savings with going SK....the design issues with SK tend to be (as mentioned earlier) the ends of the wrenches, so make sure to check them out carefully. But to each your own and if you get them for $75 they are good. But would pass, as there are much better in the $150 to $200 bracket. If going short pattern, also look at Stahlwille 13, Facom 440, and USAG or Wright. But I would look at long pattern (snap on standard sizes) probably first unless you know you like shorter wrenches specifically.

 

[gdocktor3]

Not true. Armstrong combination wrenches do not have the optitorque nonslip modified open end found on MATCO combination wrenches. They are similar though since they probably came out of the same Texas factory. A direct match with the Armstrong long pattern combination wrenches are the US made Craftsman Professional series wrenches

I purposely bought an Armstrong wrench to compare to the Matco I have. It is the modified combination wrench without the opti torque open end. They are exact in every way.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

For that kind of money, you can get Wrights with "flank" drive in the open-end.

 

[Bill Bowman]

For what it's worth, I've been purging a second set of tools recently, and plan to put these S-K super chrome metric combination wrenches up in the classifieds. 7mm - 18mm. Not sure why it stops at 18mm, but it's what it is. Not abused, no owner markings, etc.

 

[Missfire]

sk is not worth the money. equal to craftsman quality double the price. just buy SO

 

[CNGsaves]

That price of $175 is no bargain for 14 piece SK set.

OP . . . take advantage of offer from fellow GJer . . . contact Bill Bowman and make your best GJ deal for his metric set !!

 

[Davefr]

SK is great value. About the same quality as SO for about 1/3 the cost. But Wright is even better then SO for about 1/3 the cost.

 

[blackwire]

I've used SK wrenches before. They are perfectly usable wrenches. They are shorter than the truck brand wrenches, about the same length as Craftsman RP wrenches. As a result I sometimes have to double wrench to get tight fasteners out. The ones I used did not have anti-slip open ends.

 

[alinc100]

More for less (w)right here:
http://www.toolbarn.com/wright-952.html?gclid=CKrs8vqk3MsCFQuPaQod9lAFrQ&ad=40667862494

 

[plinker]

I purposely bought an Armstrong wrench to compare to the Matco I have. It is the modified combination wrench without the opti torque open end. They are exact in every way.

Umm, that was his point The Armstrong does NOT have the modified open end.
Neither do the K-D & Allen wrenchs I have that are a direct match in every other way to the Armstrong and Matco MCL's wrenches I have with the exception of the opti-torque open end being a Matco exclusive.


I have a set of S-K long pattern metrics and never had a problem. I would try to find a better deal though.

 

[Tinner]

I have S-K standard combos in a portable tool kit, 7-22mm, 3/8-7/8". Great, well made wrenches for all around use. I use them a lot and like them.

I have Wright Grips up to 1", 25mm in my garage tool box. Probably the toughest wrenches made. The open ends will mark fasteners. They are also big and heavy. However, when I need a super strong wrench, especially open end, I go for the Wrights.

My most used wrenches are Snap-on, Stahlwille and Proto. I have Armstrong combos and Proto box ends at work.

Any of the brands I've mentioned would meet or exceed the needs of the average guy and all can be found at a reasonable price if you shop around.

 

[cesski]

Does the Williams Supercombo or NAPA Carlyle have similar FD+ or WrightGrip technology in their wrenches?

 

[Fedwrench]

Does the Williams Supercombo or NAPA Carlyle have similar FD+ or WrightGrip technology in their wrenches?

Yes. Williams Supercombos feature non slip open ends and off corner boxed end engagement. Carlyle long pattern combination wrenches feature a modified v cut open end with teeth and off corner engagement boxed ends. The regular length Carlyle wrenches don't have the modified open ends but, do feature off corner engagement on their boxed ends.

 

[stihlntime]

Shop around and buy a set of long pattern Stahlwille's. Probably the strongest most durable wrench on the market. Tool polishers don't like the matte finish. Just a practical design to last a lifetime. I have ASKs well ,they are good never failed just not worth the 175.00. If you can try out several brands often its an individual preference on how they feel in the hand.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I have never had a problem with an SK wrench old or new. If you want them, buy them, you will not be let down. That said, there are tons of great options for wrenches, and slightly longer is nice.