New SK Teardrop Ratchets
- Thread starter Jedwin414
- Start date
MAC switched their 1/2 and 3/8 Axis ratchets over for the same issue. The SK cover plate screws dont look particularly long so its probably a legitimate concern but they do look like a much larger thread than what either Mac or SO started out with. The SK drive gear is kept in place by a boss in the back of the head too so maybe its enough to prevent excessive pressure against the cover plate. You'd hope they tested it.
Come on, we all know that long lead time was the discussion over whether to have the green selector knob or not.
DSLTRK
Well-known member
I'm eying the 8" 1/4" fixed, but waiting for pics first before I buy one.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Are they using a spring loaded detent ball and a series of dimples for the flex head wrist joint? The pictures I've seen on the web aren't detailed enough.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I'll let you know when mine show up next week but, SK hasn't ever used anything other than friction on their flex head ratchets to hold the head.
jsackin
Well-known member
All the SK flex heads are friction. No ball or detents or anything. We got some more of the ratchets in and I updated the photos on the website.
https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/new-items.html
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Is the flex joint a pressed pin or screw?
Hard to tell from the pics.
Hard to tell from the pics.
Will you upload an image of both, side-by-side.
Here are some pictures. The ratchet only had a very thin layer of grease (probably super lube) and I added a little RLL and that helped smooth it out. The head is thinner and narrower than my Snap-on dual 80 but most likely won't make any difference. At the moment, the Dual 80 feels better but when I first used it I wasn't impressed until the ratchet was broke in. I wait until I use the LP90 more to make up my mind.
The joint is very stiff and held together with a torx screw. I was wanting a 11" flex head ratchet so I don't regret my purchase. It's lighter and thinner than my other SK's but for some reason, the round heads just feel better in my hands. I wish the LP90 was available with a knurled grip.
For the money and COO I think the LP90 is a great purchase and ratchet. I think with use I'll enjoy it even more.
Edit: I forgot to mention the selector switch. It is very stiff but there's no way it'll reverse on its own. I also took the guts out again, cleaned it and added Super lube. The head isn't sealed like the Snap-on. There's no o-rings which causes thin oil to leak out. With Super lube, that's not an issue.
The joint is very stiff and held together with a torx screw. I was wanting a 11" flex head ratchet so I don't regret my purchase. It's lighter and thinner than my other SK's but for some reason, the round heads just feel better in my hands. I wish the LP90 was available with a knurled grip.
For the money and COO I think the LP90 is a great purchase and ratchet. I think with use I'll enjoy it even more.
Edit: I forgot to mention the selector switch. It is very stiff but there's no way it'll reverse on its own. I also took the guts out again, cleaned it and added Super lube. The head isn't sealed like the Snap-on. There's no o-rings which causes thin oil to leak out. With Super lube, that's not an issue.
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1foxracing
Well-known member
Question for Jori
Is the inventory listed on you website up to date and accurate?
On the 13th I ordered the 80182, 80280 & 80290
All 3 show available stock but have not shipped yet.
Is the inventory listed on you website up to date and accurate?
On the 13th I ordered the 80182, 80280 & 80290
All 3 show available stock but have not shipped yet.
You may want to recheck the website as I am seeing a negative quantity for each of those models, which I assume reflects the number of open backorders per ratchet.
1foxracing
Well-known member
^ I guess I didn't notice the - in front of the number, just green in stock..
Now I just got a e-mail from Epstein's saying it shipped!
Now I just got a e-mail from Epstein's saying it shipped!
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Wrench97
Well-known member
Too much money for SK..................
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I agree. Too close to the price of a proven Dual 80 for me to bite.
I believe the prices shown earlier in the thread are MSRP prices and not the prices Harry Epstein typically sells items for. Since I found their site they are my only source for SK. They make Amazon's pricing laughable!
-- Dave
-- Dave
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
USPS dropped off some Christmas goodness from Epstein's today in the form of SK 90 tooth 3/8 and 1/4 drive flex head ratchets.
First impressions: the direction switch has got to be the ugliest switch on the market
SK should have stuck with the green switch.
The ratchets have nice chrome, good balance. the head is secured to the handle with a torx screw. Friction only, no notches or detents. The 1/4 comes in at 5 inches long overall. It would be nice if SK would come out with an 8 inch 1/4 drive flex head. As for the 3/8, it comes in at a hair under 11 inches long overall. I'm sure many of you have heard this before but, i would have liked the 3/8 to be a couple of inches longer.
The direction switch on the 3/8 binds badly. I'll take apart to see if oil or something else will fix it. I'll take them to work Thursday and see how the perform.
First impressions: the direction switch has got to be the ugliest switch on the market
SK should have stuck with the green switch.The ratchets have nice chrome, good balance. the head is secured to the handle with a torx screw. Friction only, no notches or detents. The 1/4 comes in at 5 inches long overall. It would be nice if SK would come out with an 8 inch 1/4 drive flex head. As for the 3/8, it comes in at a hair under 11 inches long overall. I'm sure many of you have heard this before but, i would have liked the 3/8 to be a couple of inches longer.
The direction switch on the 3/8 binds badly. I'll take apart to see if oil or something else will fix it. I'll take them to work Thursday and see how the perform.
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Unfortunately got a dud on the 1/2” flex.
The minor issue is the direction switch binds in one direction. Operates normally in the other. I too have the original 3/8 and that switch was stiff but normal. There’s something off with this one.
The major issue is the flex joint. It stays tight until about 30-40 degrees from center then loses all tension and flops. This occurs in both directions regardless of how much it is tightened down. It would appear the assembler also encountered this and their solution was to tighten the screw down even more, which resulted in a partially stripped out torx head screw and that’s how it was shipped.
I’ll definitely be contacting SK and Epsteins about it. That sort of issue shouldn’t leave the factory. Especially when there’s a visible indicator in the torx head.
Positives are chrome is flawless, head as expected is compact, ratcheting action is great, and the ratchet has a nice balance to it. Maybe a little top heavy and I’d prefer a thicker handle or a CG, but overall a candidate for regular use with a proper working copy.
Another positive was the selector was well situated. Not a hair’s width from the surface of the ratchet head and yet no contact with it.
I didn’t put a socket on it, but the detent ball felt nice and stiff. Should retain sockets well.
Also like the length. I have a 24 inch ratchet and breaker bar for leverage, but 15 to 16 inches feels to me like a perfect length for regular use in 1/2” flex. 17-18 inch like the Snap On, Mac Axis, and Matco offerings seem a little long for regular use and a little short without “assistance” for breaking loose.
The minor issue is the direction switch binds in one direction. Operates normally in the other. I too have the original 3/8 and that switch was stiff but normal. There’s something off with this one.
The major issue is the flex joint. It stays tight until about 30-40 degrees from center then loses all tension and flops. This occurs in both directions regardless of how much it is tightened down. It would appear the assembler also encountered this and their solution was to tighten the screw down even more, which resulted in a partially stripped out torx head screw and that’s how it was shipped.
I’ll definitely be contacting SK and Epsteins about it. That sort of issue shouldn’t leave the factory. Especially when there’s a visible indicator in the torx head.
Positives are chrome is flawless, head as expected is compact, ratcheting action is great, and the ratchet has a nice balance to it. Maybe a little top heavy and I’d prefer a thicker handle or a CG, but overall a candidate for regular use with a proper working copy.
Another positive was the selector was well situated. Not a hair’s width from the surface of the ratchet head and yet no contact with it.
I didn’t put a socket on it, but the detent ball felt nice and stiff. Should retain sockets well.
Also like the length. I have a 24 inch ratchet and breaker bar for leverage, but 15 to 16 inches feels to me like a perfect length for regular use in 1/2” flex. 17-18 inch like the Snap On, Mac Axis, and Matco offerings seem a little long for regular use and a little short without “assistance” for breaking loose.
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MWEric
Well-known member
Just got my shipping notification yesterday. Mine will be here Friday. Too bad I’m leaving for Ireland tomorrow for work��
merlinridesagain
Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2010
- Messages
- 8
Got my 1/2 drive SK80220 a couple of days ago as an upgrade to a 2008 craftsman. The handle is a lot more comfortable and when it comes to using it in a confined space the increased tooth count really helps.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
UPDATE: I managed to massage the direction switch on the 3/8 flex head by removing the gear cover & applying a couple of drops of oil to the switch area, then working the switch back & forth a couple hundred times while watching you tube videos. It moves ok in both directions now but, with higher resistance than other ratchets i own. At least I won't have to worry about it changing direction on its own
On a side note, the ratchet head isn't sealed so, whatever you lube it with will weep out of the direction switch or square drive. There's a ridge machined into the ratchet head in the base of the switch area that separates the two directions for a spring loaded detent ball cross over when you change direction. Perhaps it needs to wear a bit
It moves ok in both directions now but, with higher resistance than other ratchets i own. At least I won't have to worry about it changing direction on its own On a side note, the ratchet head isn't sealed so, whatever you lube it with will weep out of the direction switch or square drive. There's a ridge machined into the ratchet head in the base of the switch area that separates the two directions for a spring loaded detent ball cross over when you change direction. Perhaps it needs to wear a bit
1foxracing
Well-known member
Today I received my 3 from Epsteins. 3/8 & 1/4 Flex and 1/4" x 12"
Great pics foxracing! I have been waiting for these for a while and may eventually pick up a few. I havent checked the Epstein prices but the list prices are surprisingly high. I have a lot of SK, so I know it's not cheap, but ....
The length selection is odd. A 12" long 1/4 drive but not an 15-18" lg 3/8 flex? I've never needed the former but do own the latter and use it
The length selection is odd. A 12" long 1/4 drive but not an 15-18" lg 3/8 flex? I've never needed the former but do own the latter and use it
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1foxracing
Well-known member
I don't have a 18" 3/8" drive flex but own quite a few others that all seem to be in the 11-13" range. I don't know if SK is going to make a 17" or 18" 3/8" flex or not.
Indexmill
Well-known member
I WANT the GREEN selector!!
For what these ratchets cost us to buy, making the selector green would be an insignificant cost adder for SK.
For what these ratchets cost us to buy, making the selector green would be an insignificant cost adder for SK.
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DSLTRK
Well-known member
Still waiting, not liking the QC issues. Thanks to those that posted pictures.
I have used the 3/8 flex for the past few days. The back drag is low but not as low as broke in Dual80. The selector switch has loosened up but stiffer than the Dual9l80.
The good news is that it feels better in my hands than a chrome handle Snap-on. The Snap-on grip doesn't fit my hand and always feel like my fingers are in the wrong spot. The grip of the SK is the width of my hand. Another thing I like is that the SK is lighter and is more aesthetically appealing to me.
I can't say I like either ratchet better than the other but the SK continues to grow on me.
The good news is that it feels better in my hands than a chrome handle Snap-on. The Snap-on grip doesn't fit my hand and always feel like my fingers are in the wrong spot. The grip of the SK is the width of my hand. Another thing I like is that the SK is lighter and is more aesthetically appealing to me.
I can't say I like either ratchet better than the other but the SK continues to grow on me.
1foxracing
Well-known member
Initial observations are all 3 ratchets are shipped dry with no lubrication, I plan on lubing them with Klotz assembly lube.
The Flex joint is a Torx bolt and the cover plates are Hex bolts, kinda odd and I wish they would just use 1 or the other for both fasteners.
The selector switch is very stiff on all 3 ratchets out of the package and hopefully free's up a little with use.
The flex joint is not continuously smooth throughout the range of motion.
These are not sealed ratchets with gaskets between the cover plate or selector switch, I kinda wish they were sealed.
The chrome finish on all 3 is flawless and does look fantastic.
SK is known for great knurling on their round head ratchets and I wish they used it on these new LP models.
Out of the package my initial thoughts are the Proto 90 tooth ratchets are better at a similar cost to these new SK models.
The Flex joint is a Torx bolt and the cover plates are Hex bolts, kinda odd and I wish they would just use 1 or the other for both fasteners.
The selector switch is very stiff on all 3 ratchets out of the package and hopefully free's up a little with use.
The flex joint is not continuously smooth throughout the range of motion.
These are not sealed ratchets with gaskets between the cover plate or selector switch, I kinda wish they were sealed.
The chrome finish on all 3 is flawless and does look fantastic.
SK is known for great knurling on their round head ratchets and I wish they used it on these new LP models.
Out of the package my initial thoughts are the Proto 90 tooth ratchets are better at a similar cost to these new SK models.
Agreed.
Since most manufacturers are going to a free-floating "Canoe" pawl I'm not surprised to see S-K move in that direction. I'm sure their metallurgy is up to par but the finish issues are concerning.
JiminAZ
Well-known member
Have owned the standard LP90 3/8 drive for maybe 1.5 years, and am overall happy with it after adjusting the selector mechanism myself.
I was thrilled to see them release these new models all at once after a ridiculously long wait.
Disappointed that the flex models are uneven/inconsistent in their joint friction throughout the range. I sure wish SK would get their QC gremlins out of production.
These things are priced in Snap-On/tool truck territory. I can buy new SO ratchets on ebay regularly at about 70% of retail, sometimes less. I find myself rooting for SK but just can't get myself to roll the dice on inconsistent product for the same money.
Jori is doing his best for us on pricing. C'mon SK get it together!
I was thrilled to see them release these new models all at once after a ridiculously long wait.
Disappointed that the flex models are uneven/inconsistent in their joint friction throughout the range. I sure wish SK would get their QC gremlins out of production.
These things are priced in Snap-On/tool truck territory. I can buy new SO ratchets on ebay regularly at about 70% of retail, sometimes less. I find myself rooting for SK but just can't get myself to roll the dice on inconsistent product for the same money.
Jori is doing his best for us on pricing. C'mon SK get it together!
Wamsutta
Well-known member
That SK reminds me of a Cornwell JRF72A 3/8 flex.
http://corporate.cornwelltools.com/...7}8”-Drive-Fine-Tooth-Flex-Head-Ratchet.html#
http://corporate.cornwelltools.com/...7}8”-Drive-Fine-Tooth-Flex-Head-Ratchet.html#