Upgrading sockets... SK vs. MAC?

[Jtels85]

I’ve been a lifelong Craftsman guy. The majority of my tools are Craftsman USA, but I’m ready for an upgrade. My buddy has a comprehensive 3/8” drive SK socket set in a green blow mold case. It was a gift from his step brother. I’ve used it quite a few times while helping him work on cars and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I am however partial to MAC and have a set of their Precision Torque metric wrenches which are my new favorites. I have been looking at the 1/4” and 3/8” 44 piece master sets in the red blow mold case which are considerably more expensive than the SK.

I’ve also read about some quality issues with the SK, but that may be a thing of the past? So what’s everyone’s take on quality regarding both? Any good or bad experiences? Money isn’t an object at this time. I’m also NOT interested in Snap On, Williams, Blue Point, Wright, Proto, Carlyle, Harbor Freight... you get the idea. I’m not open to other suggestions, even though there will be that one guy... This is between SK and MAC.

Thanks

 

[Kent_B]

I own both SK and Mac. I haven't yet found a fastener that can tell the difference. For me, SK is more readily accessible than Mac.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I own both SK and Mac. I haven't yet found a fastener that can tell the difference. For me, SK is more readily accessible than Mac.

I agree, I have both, SK does everything Mac does, with a significant price savings. HJE has SK at a fair price

 

[bwringer]

Yep, SK is much more easily available and priced within shouting distance of something resembling sanity.

The choice is pretty clear, but it's also up to your personal preferences. Maybe you really, really like red stuff and don't like the color green.

 

[buckwheat_la]

I own both SK and Mac. I haven't yet found a fastener that can tell the difference. For me, SK is more readily accessible than Mac.

Did you find a fastener that told you the difference between SK vs Gearwrench or Tekton?

 

[buckwheat_la]

I think I would go Mac, you say it yourself,SK has had quality issues, where as Mac is tried and tested

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Does MAC make semi-deeps? MAC is owned by the same company as Proto, I somewhat doubt there's two factories, maybe I'm wrong. SK makes standard, semi, and full depth. Although in the smaller sizes (16mm down?) you need to buy a set that specifies all full depth, or you get half and half. I don't mind as I like semi-deeps and don't find it inconvenient.


I really liked my SK blow molded case, when I still had everything in it. Grab and go. I imagine SK will be significantly cheaper in terms of new pricing. I'll never buy MAC again due to mediocre/scarce drivers and their PITA warranty. IMO unless you're getting truck service, there's little reason to pay truck pricing. Most of the SK socket complaints are on really tiny stuff (below 7mm) and for less than beautiful broaching. I've never had a problem with them, I like SK in general; they'd be my choice.

 

[gtlaw]

If you only need metric you can't beat this set.
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-3-8-socket-sets-28854.html

 

[sberry]

I am that guy,,, keep the Cman and skip the worry about it all.

 

[Skin]

I have both. MAC has undercuts on the anvil drive side for some sockets which is nice when you cant get a grip. My only minor complaint with the MAC is the metric size markings are actually part of the part number. For that reason i'd actually recommend Proto which uses normal size markings and the numbers in general are larger. SK are similar in size to the MACs, just normal good quality tools like you'd expect. The only QC concerns might be on the real small sizes (4mm) which is where the broaching can be a bit sloppy.

 

[Farmall450]

I think either is a safe choice -- or just stick with your good ole USA cman.

 

[Skin]

10mm and 14mm next to each other. My MACs have quite a few miles on them so don't go nuts comparing every line.

 

[BigBoreFan]

I bought an SK 3/8 set a little over a year ago, metric 6mm thru 24mm. I had to send in the 10mm and the 13mm. The detent was either missing or very shallow. It was a painless exchange, but still I did have to send them in. They also seem to spray the inside of the socket with paint or some type of coating. There was some over-spray onto the sides of some of the sockets. If you're picky about aesthetics, you may have an issue.

My other SK tools are combination wrenches, recent models, cushion grip screwdrivers, recent models, and a 70s era 3/8 SAE kit I bought on Clist. These tools all have zero issues.

I like SK myself. I buy from HJE or Circle C Country Supply

 

[Skin]

There was some over-spray onto the sides of some of the sockets. If you're picky about aesthetics, you may have an issue.

Its paint and only the nutty tool polishers will care. I had to prove to someone on here that it comes off with a varnish remover and there is good chrome under it. It also comes off with use but...tool polishers.....

Its just an extra measure of protection since chrome plating doesn't always make it to the bottom of the insides.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you go MAC, make sure you get them with the ''R'' at the end of the part number. This will assure you that you are getting real MAC sockets made in Dallas Texas. They will also have the MACDRIVE feature.

 

[Jtels85]

10mm and 14mm next to each other. My MACs have quite a few miles on them so don't go nuts comparing every line.

Thanks for sharing these pics! I will say, the MAC’s look nice but the SK are growing on me. I really can’t make a decision just yet.

 

[TXpintail]

I bought a lot of craftsman sockets in the 90s when I was starting out. Pieced together almost every socket they offered through 1/2 inch drive over a 5 year period. I’d like to upgrade as well, but get trigger shy every time I get close. It would cost me thousands to swap out what I have with new SK, let alone Mac. My CM still work fine, so I end up convincing myself I’d be blowing cash just for bragging rights. I’m just a weekend warrior though.

Are yours worn out or giving you issues? I’d go SK if you must replace based on very acceptable quality, reasonable cost and availability.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Jtels85]

If you go MAC, make sure you get them with the ''R'' at the end of the part number. This will assure you that you are getting real MAC sockets made in Dallas Texas. They will also have the MACDRIVE feature.

Are there fake’s out there? I know their new PT line of sockets are made in Taiwan.

 

[Wamsutta]

Are there fake’s out there? I know their new PT line of sockets are made in Taiwan.

Those PT sockets on not real MAC sockets; but that's just my opinion. I'm old school.

 

[noid]

Both SK and MAC make their sockets to ISO 691 tolerances; specifically tolerance class 1.

In that regard its like asking if you like Coke or Pepsi?

Objectively Koken Zeal is the best because they work to tighter tolerances:

 

[ChrisLS8]

Neither will be an upgrade over USA Craftsman. They will both be a waste of money in this case

 

[The Fall]

SK sockets are really nice. I use them at the garage.

That said, USA CMan are great sockets. But if you feel the need to get a new USA-made set with a warranty, SK is the way to go. I've pushed them hard over the past year and they've held up great. I've got tool truck ratchets and some SK round heads. But for sockets. man, anything USA-made is gonna cut it. I guess what I'm saying is, I don't see MAC being the way to go when SK can do the same for you at a fraction of the cost.

 

[Wamsutta]

In that regard its like asking if you like Coke or Pepsi?

There's a lot more to sockets than just tolerances. I'm pretty sure I would have no problem finding lots of differences as to why I like MAC sockets better.

 

[noid]

There's a lot more to sockets than just tolerances. I'm pretty sure I would have no problem finding lots of differences as to why I like MAC sockets better.

I'd love to hear them. Well, atleast the objective stuff.

I hope it doesn't involve warranty, or ease of purchase.

 

[Skin]

Neither will be an upgrade over USA Craftsman. They will both be a waste of money in this case

Mine are junk. Almost all of them developed rust spots on the chrome. Tons of Taiwan options that are better than that garbage let alone USA.

I'd love to hear them. Well, atleast the objective stuff.

I hope it doesn't involve warranty, or ease of purchase.

That's Merkava. Hes "different".

 

[Dieselhammer]

SK for two reasons. One, the sk set goes up to 7/8" on the standard side which can be very useful for sensors like coolant temp, and two, the sk ratchet has way less backdrag where as the 30 tooth mac ratchet you will have to hold the socket usually to be able to get it to ratchet instead of turning the nut or bolt back the other way which can be really annoying in a tight area where you may not be able to reach it. You're getting more for your money with SK.

 

[The Fall]

If CMan was still made in the USA by Danaher -- pretty close to the same standards as Armstrong sockets -- it'd be hard sell for ANY socket other than those. Cheap, good quality (for the price) and there were Sears stores EVERYWHERE. For other things -- ratchets, impacts, wrenches, flarenut wrenches (well, not the SK Pros but the RP) -- the trucks really shined and justified the price. But I cannot rationalize the price difference on sockets and I've beat CMan USA sockets on impacts from time to time when I couldn't find the impact equivalent (i.e., it had grown feet). Yes, Snap-On sockets were visibly better and the weight was there -- I mean, they seem more robust. I think I've broken one USA CMan socket in a lot of years, more than a couple spent in a shop, and I'd push them hard on breaker bars. A number of people will disagree with me on here, but on sockets -- that was one area where Craftsman USA really shined. Pry bars, CMan pro screwdrivers too. From personal experience, that will always be my take on it. They just never cracked on me and always turned fasteners like they should. And they were absurdly cheap for what you got.

Anyhow, back to the original intent: SK all the way.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Mine are junk. Almost all of them developed rust spots on the chrome. Tons of Taiwan options that are better than that garbage let alone USA.



That's Merkava. Hes "different".

Tens of millions of US CM sockets over the course of decades have built and fixed more things you can imagine. They are far from junk regardless of your isolated and biased opinion

 

[Skin]

Tens of millions of US CM sockets over the course of decades have built and fixed more things you can imagine. They are far from junk regardless of your isolated and biased opinion

By that metric it can be almost any socket from anywhere. Not exactly rocket surgery. As far as a quality socket goes the 2005-2010 era sockets are pretty junky. Its just a fact. I swapped my home game rust spotted Cman sockets out for a mix of SO, SK, MAC and a few others and they're 100% an upgrade despite your claims to the contrary.

 

[Legion Prime]

Did you find a fastener that told you the difference between SK vs Gearwrench or Tekton?

None of the brands you mentioned, but yeah there can be differences. Evap fitting IIRC on an aluminum Audi intake. It had a line fitted on it and I wasn't paying to replace it with a new one by cutting it to get a socket or closed end on it. The open end Craftsman wrench (late 90s purchase so all USA manufactured) from the set that lived on my cart went on the fastener. I watched the jaws of the wrench spread as I applied pressure. I went and grabbed a Mac wrench from the set in my box. The only thing I saw after that was the fastener turning counterclockwise. Is there always a difference? No, will you notice if there is a difference? Maybe. Is it worth it when there is a difference? Sometimes.
I have always really liked my SK sockets, I would not hesitate to purchase them if given the choice between them and Mac and cost was a consideration, even if it weren't I wouldn't be disappointed if I ended up with the SK. I've got old ones that were bought by my dad or grandfather and I've got a set I bought myself in the 90s. Unless something has drastically changed in the interim (it has also been nearly that long since I bought Mac sockets) I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of them again. I only ever broke 1 SK ratchet, nearly knocked myself out cold when it let loose and it was replaced no questions asked.
You want a difference other than tolerances? 1 word, metallurgy. Just sayin . . .

 

[retDAC]

None of the brands you mentioned, but yeah there can be differences. Evap fitting IIRC on an aluminum Audi intake. It had a line fitted on it and I wasn't paying to replace it with a new one by cutting it to get a socket or closed end on it. The open end Craftsman wrench (late 90s purchase so all USA manufactured) from the set that lived on my cart went on the fastener. I watched the jaws of the wrench spread as I applied pressure. I went and grabbed a Mac wrench from the set in my box. The only thing I saw after that was the fastener turning counterclockwise. . . .

Was there any significant difference in the thickness and/or head width of those two wrench open ends?

 

[dr_clyde]

I have both Mac and SK in my socket drawer. If the two listed, I like Mac a bit better, but the SK are very nice. I prefer a full deep socket, and SK has more of a semi-deep socket for a lot of their deeps.

As far as quality, I've had no trouble with chrome or finish, I did break a 3/8" 17mm SK with a big breaker bar trying to loosen a A arm bolt once. I probably should have been using 1/2" drive. My fault.

My mac dealer is kind of shy, only see him every few months. But he's had no trouble warrantying or ordering whatever I need.

I would say if you have access to a Mac truck, get the Mac. If you don't, get the SK.

FWIW, my USA craftsman sockets aren't very good quality either. Peeling chrome (never been on an impact), rusting through the chrome, generally not as nice. That stupid double broach on the square drive is a horrible idea. Homeowner grade at best. I threw a lot of them away.

 

[Fedwrench]

There's a lot more to sockets than just tolerances. I'm pretty sure I would have no problem finding lots of differences as to why I like MAC sockets better.

Everyone can easily justify their preferences.

Back to the subject at hand, i would go with SK just for their wide range of sizes, availability, and lower cost. SK sockets are not as nicely finished as Mac's but, they will get the job done day in and day out. They are very durable.

 

[sberry]

Lots of nonsense here, it's not hurting anyone but not much of it means squat. First,, USA Cman has been junk prior to 1980. I have busted sockets from every set and not including the junk ratchets they are not great, most broke right out of the box. Snapped like a cracker. Once they had been stress tested never much a problem.
Most broke on first use, replacements were fine. I used them due to cost, got a thousand sockets and they kept getting cheaper which has is an asset all its own. I have some SK, I like them fine, have used more in a buds shop, never broke one, don't recall him breaking any, auto parts stores used to be dealers, it was easy.
I have used some Mac, no problem with them but I am not chasing down a truck with 100$ bills taped to my forehead.
I am not sure about the Cman after 2000 or so but haven't heard any breaks in the China stuff. If I had to start over,,,,,,,, I would do it different today. This debate was one I had in 80,, truck or Sears. I figured I would replace or upgrade as needed. Same thing today except the margins have changed again in favor of the user as quality has gone up and price down.
Today,, would likely start HF, Cman super sale set, even Walmart and buy a few pieces as needed from there and skip all the mental ************ goes on as well as the cost, would buy economical and go from there if and when it became an issue. Would skip all the worry about warranty,, which is nonsense anyway, all the broach, all the detent, keep a few bucks in the pocket to get something on the outside chance it didn't work out and put the socket on nut and turn, see what happens.

 

[seber]

My incredibly expensive dead blow ball pien Mac hammer blew up on me. Mac says no warranty. I'll never look at another Mac tool.

 

[buckwheat_la]

None of the brands you mentioned, but yeah there can be differences. Evap fitting IIRC on an aluminum Audi intake. It had a line fitted on it and I wasn't paying to replace it with a new one by cutting it to get a socket or closed end on it. The open end Craftsman wrench (late 90s purchase so all USA manufactured) from the set that lived on my cart went on the fastener. I watched the jaws of the wrench spread as I applied pressure. I went and grabbed a Mac wrench from the set in my box. The only thing I saw after that was the fastener turning counterclockwise. Is there always a difference? No, will you notice if there is a difference? Maybe. Is it worth it when there is a difference? Sometimes.
I have always really liked my SK sockets, I would not hesitate to purchase them if given the choice between them and Mac and cost was a consideration, even if it weren't I wouldn't be disappointed if I ended up with the SK. I've got old ones that were bought by my dad or grandfather and I've got a set I bought myself in the 90s. Unless something has drastically changed in the interim (it has also been nearly that long since I bought Mac sockets) I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of them again. I only ever broke 1 SK ratchet, nearly knocked myself out cold when it let loose and it was replaced no questions asked.
You want a difference other than tolerances? 1 word, metallurgy. Just sayin . . .

Fair enough on the wrenches I guess. We are talking sockets here, and to my point, if you YouTube it, you can find many videos where Gearwrench has withstood as good (or better) than SK

 

[noid]

My incredibly expensive dead blow ball pien Mac hammer blew up on me. Mac says no warranty. I'll never look at another Mac tool.

Tell me it was the metal part that exploded.

 

[sberry]

There's a lot more to sockets than just tolerances. I'm pretty sure I would have no problem finding lots of differences as to why I like MAC sockets better.

I gotta wonder,,, whats the point of it? Would 1 earn more, make it substantially easier, has any of it benefited you? Did any of the jobs applied for give a ****?

 

[dr_clyde]

There is such a thing as liking things just because you find them appealing.

An Omega or Doxa will tell time just as well as a Timex of Casio, but some folks prefer a nice watch and are willing to spend the extra money for the little bit of gain.

Perhaps the quality differences are minute or very small, and cost double or triple. There is a point of diminishing returns.

I bought Snap-on and Mac sockets because I wanted them. That's it. My SK and Blue-point sockets worked fine, but I just wanted the premium sockets. It was worth the extra money to me. Maybe the plating is just a little better. Or the broaching is just a hair better, or the hex engagement is a little tighter. I had absolutely no justification other than I thought they looked nice, and were the highest quality. I wanted them, I could afford them, I bought them. End of story. I don't need to justify a purchase beyond that.

My beef with cheap sockets has always been chrome or finish issues. Chrome peeling is a very dangerous and annoying problem. I have cut my hands on peeled chrome on Craftsman and various other cheap sockets. I threw them away. It was worth buying truck brand sockets so that if I had an issue, they would handle it right away.

Not everything is about how cheap you can get something and still get away with it.

Luxury goods have always cost a premium. Some people will never see it, understand it, or want it.

 

[CR888]

What ever design has the most or better pro design features. Stepped shoulders and necking down on the smaller sizes is really important when using them. Clear stamped sizing. SK sockets are very plain with cost cutting measure all over them, MAC seem better & more suited for the pro user. But usually its the chrome finish that is the deciding factor...