SK - New ratchet with stains?

[Steve_P]

I have a lot of SK sockets, ratchets, extensions, breaker bars... most are 5-10 years old- and I really want to support them. I've had issues with several items that they have quickly rectified by emailing a shipping label for a return and exchange, but the plating has always been perfect on every item I've bought. I bought an LP-90 ratchet months back as a trial as I wanted to buy many of them and update all my ratchet sizes. Like many others here have found out, the ratchet was a PITA. Very hard to move the selector, the ratchet would lock up, etc. I also bought a Tekton 90T ratchet- worked fine. Took them both apart and they are 95% identical inside. Yet the SK was horrible to use and I sent it back for a refund. This has been an issue with the LPs since they were released and they haven't figured it out??? I have many SK round head ratchets and they're great- but sometimes you need the low profile. Between not being able to make a reliable 90T ratchet, and their price increases, they are digging their own grave IMO.

I gave up on the LP90s and went with Tekton- I wish they would offer the ratchet length assortment that SK does.

 

[measuredtwice]

Thats funny you mention that $&@! spring. Curiosity got the best of me last night and I opened the 3/8 up and the pawl spring and ball came flying out. I have yet to be able to put it back in. Working from home today and tried to give it another go over lunch and nearly lost that ball.

You must have psychic powers because I came on here to search for ideas on how to get that damn thing back in and luckily, you came to the rescue. I think I can make that tool by myself - or atleast attempt to. Id buy it but I need it now!

Many thanks on the advice.

Glad it helped.

One trick is to put the ratchet in a clear plastic bag large enough for your hands to work unhindered. If you slip the ball bearing stays in the bag.

I read most the thread, and it's like many I've seen before on the topic, and my thoughts are the same as I've had before.
Yes, cosmetic problems don't affect the usability of something, and in use, probably wouldn't be noticeable. But as someone buying a new product at a premium prices, it absolutely should be criticized. If it was a chinese tool it'd be used as more evidence of low quality manufacturing, but increase the price tenfold and say it's made in the US, too many seem to think it's the buyers fault for noticing and they should be grateful to been bestowed the ability to even buy one of their products.
Expectations should be raised, not lowered when buying a high end product from a first world country.

What usually happens in these topics is that rather than just objectively discussing the tool, generalizations and insults start to fly. Objecting to generalizations and insults doesn't mean that you object to the criticism of the ratchet.

The SK steals and deals are not premium prices. For example the 1/4 was $25. I've seen people call that cheap when the COO is Taiwan. When I first joined the forum, someone told me that you shouldn't criticize cheap tools. It sounds like an excuse to protect the cheap stuff the spammers are pushing. A fault is a fault whether it's a $10 product or a $100 product. The price may influence whether you accept the faults but it doesn't mean that you should pretend that the faults don't exist. But the flaws get ignored on Chinese and Taiwan products and they are pushed as the best thing ever by the shills and sellers that make their money from them.

Cosmetic issues can be subjective. I'd have to go through racks of pliers at my local stores to find one that didn't have a scratch or stain or some kind of blemish on it. It's just not important to me. I look at the fit of the jaws and/or cutters and don't really pay attention to the rest. I know ratchets have a special aesthetic value to some folks. For some, those ratchets will become so covered in scratches that bright chrome will begin to look matte. For others, those ratchets will be kept shiny as long as possible.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

The SK steals and deals are not premium prices. For example the 1/4 was $25. I've seen people call that cheap when the COO is Taiwan. When I first joined the forum, someone told me that you shouldn't criticize cheap tools. It sounds like an excuse to protect the cheap stuff the spammers are pushing. A fault is a fault whether it's a $10 product or a $100 product. The price may influence whether you accept the faults but it doesn't mean that you should pretend that the faults don't exist. But the flaws get ignored on Chinese and Taiwan products and they are pushed as the best thing ever by the shills and sellers that make their money from them.

I never paid much attention to the sales, 4 or 5 years ago years ago the prices were always high so I stopped opening the emails that were direct from their site, I guess these are different.
They should change steals and deals to blemished instead if the products show those blemishes or potentially show them. If I purchase anything on sale, I usually assume it's just a discount, not necessarily damage to the product. Many companies sell blemished products that barely have noticeable if any issues to just clear inventory without bringing down perception of their normal prices.
If I paid that much and was told potential cosmetic blemishes, I wouldn't see any issue.

 

[bsaint]

I get where people who say "it's a tool, use it and you won't notice it" are coming from, but at the same time, food becomes ****, and if someone served me a plate of ****, I certainly wouldn't eat it. People who accept the plate of **** are the reason that they continue to serve it.

Ehh food is something that nourishes you. I can use a **** tool from jcpenny and have good results

 

[jonesg]

I got some Snap On stuff like that I use them as tools so no big deal.

I doubt they work as well with stains in the chrome. Its science man. !

 

[Dzmax77]

Steals and deals prices are decent, especially with this latest offering. A bargain and my complaint was more about the exposure and potential rust on the 1/2” with discolored areas. Now with the 3/8” ratchet, I purchased that back in March for $55 I believe, not the price it is at today. That I’d like replaced because thats a bit more than an aesthetic issue.

Anyway, Im going to attempt making a ratchet tool out of a sawzall blade.

 

[measuredtwice]

I never paid much attention to the sales, 4 or 5 years ago years ago the prices were always high so I stopped opening the emails that were direct from their site, I guess these are different.
They should change steals and deals to blemished instead if the products show those blemishes or potentially show them. If I purchase anything on sale, I usually assume it's just a discount, not necessarily damage to the product. Many companies sell blemished products that barely have noticeable if any issues to just clear inventory without bringing down perception of their normal prices.
If I paid that much and was told potential cosmetic blemishes, I wouldn't see any issue.

I haven't followed SK closely but my impression (2 cents worth) is the last few years may have been a perfect storm with the pandemic and attempt to sell the company (rumor is it sold or will be sold soon but it could just be a rumor). Although the regular prices are high direct from the site, the introduction of a MAP raised prices from distributors also. The steals and deals have been an odd move, undercutting their distributors who are stuck with the MAP. The Steals and Deals have just been limited time sales though.

 

[measuredtwice]

Anyway, Im going to attempt making a ratchet tool out of a sawzall blade.

Good idea. The thinner the material the easier it will be. I used a scrap of spring steel.

 

[Fly YX]

I doubt they work as well with stains in the chrome. Its science man. !

Nether does my underwear.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I read most the thread, and it's like many I've seen before on the topic, and my thoughts are the same as I've had before.
Yes, cosmetic problems don't affect the usability of something, and in use, probably wouldn't be noticeable. But as someone buying a new product at a premium prices, it absolutely should be criticized. If it was a chinese tool it'd be used as more evidence of low quality manufacturing, but increase the price tenfold and say it's made in the US, too many seem to think it's the buyers fault for noticing and they should be grateful to been bestowed the ability to even buy one of their products.
Expectations should be raised, not lowered when buying a high end product from a first world country.

This. It astounds and disappoints me how many people will make excuses for piss poor quality from self-described premium brands.

I have a lot of SK sockets, ratchets, extensions, breaker bars... most are 5-10 years old- and I really want to support them. I've had issues with several items that they have quickly rectified by emailing a shipping label for a return and exchange, but the plating has always been perfect on every item I've bought. I bought an LP-90 ratchet months back as a trial as I wanted to buy many of them and update all my ratchet sizes. Like many others here have found out, the ratchet was a PITA. Very hard to move the selector, the ratchet would lock up, etc. I also bought a Tekton 90T ratchet- worked fine. Took them both apart and they are 95% identical inside. Yet the SK was horrible to use and I sent it back for a refund. This has been an issue with the LPs since they were released and they haven't figured it out??? I have many SK round head ratchets and they're great- but sometimes you need the low profile. Between not being able to make a reliable 90T ratchet, and their price increases, they are digging their own grave IMO.



I gave up on the LP90s and went with Tekton- I wish they would offer the ratchet length assortment that SK does.

I was really wanting to try the LP90 and as I have surely posted before, I too have been waiting for them to figure these issues out. At the price point, no way in hell will I mess around disassembling, lubing and clipping springs to get something to work the way it should have out of the box. I value my time too much to fix the manufacturers @#$% ups on my nickel.

 

[Dzmax77]

This. It astounds and disappoints me how many people will make excuses for piss poor quality from self-described premium brands.



I was really wanting to try the LP90 and as I have surely posted before, I too have been waiting for them to figure these issues out. At the price point, no way in hell will I mess around disassembling, lubing and clipping springs to get something to work the way it should have out of the box. I value my time too much to fix the manufacturers @#$% ups on my nickel.

The LP90 is actually fine in that regard. The LP90’s need a little extra lube but the mechanisms otherwise are solid.

I just made a stupid move by opening my Williams 3/8”; thats the issue Im facing now. That’s the one with the old craftsman/mac 36 tooth 1 pawl style mechanism .

My only complaint was the finish on the SK’s but I did get an email back from SK on my 3/8” so we’ll see what happens.
To be fair, my 3/8” flexhead sk lp90 is perfect and so is the 1/4” sk lp90. And I really like the designs on SK.

I’ve been buying a lot of SK stuff and out of everything, technically that 3/8” is an issue (mostly cosmetic) which I hope they’ll replace. I have a few of their slip joint pliers and a few one off open end wrenches and the finish is perfect. Great tools. High quality.

At this steals and deals price point, sk is a great buy regardless. I feel bad making this about the company as a whole. Im still going to buy more SK. Im eyeing those linesman pliers as we speak. And they did respond to my email this time so I have to be patient too. I don’t want those men and women to lose their jobs anytime soon.

 

[Dzmax77]

I haven't followed SK closely but my impression (2 cents worth) is the last few years may have been a perfect storm with the pandemic and attempt to sell the company (rumor is it sold or will be sold soon but it could just be a rumor). Although the regular prices are high direct from the site, the introduction of a MAP raised prices from distributors also. The steals and deals have been an odd move, undercutting their distributors who are stuck with the MAP. The Steals and Deals have just been limited time sales though.

I feel like I could market the heck out of SK. IMO the wrench and ratchet designs are the best. They have a better name that can resonate with consumers; SK simple yet strong. Cut costs by offering a line parallel to their premium lines, perhaps with lesser grade steel, less tooth count. Laser cut instead of forging like Tekton is doing. Forget the HomeLess Despots and bLowes; places like Farm & Fleet & Feet Farm here on WI sell Festool which isn’t cheap, why not SK hand tools? Target these local chain establishments.

It just seems like they have the ingredients, they just aren't executing.

 

[Dzmax77]

Done. Made the tool out of a brass piece i found in my garage.

 

[measuredtwice]

I feel like I could market the heck out of SK. IMO the wrench and ratchet designs are the best. They have a better name that can resonate with consumers; SK simple yet strong. Cut costs by offering a line parallel to their premium lines, perhaps with lesser grade steel, less tooth count. Laser cut instead of forging like Tekton is doing. Forget the HomeLess Despots and bLowes; places like Farm & Fleet & Feet Farm here on WI sell Festool which isn’t cheap, why not SK hand tools? Target these local chain establishments.

It just seems like they have the ingredients, they just aren't executing.

Buy the company and bring back the swivel ratchets.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Thats funny you mention that $&@! spring. Curiosity got the best of me last night and I opened the 3/8 up and the pawl spring and ball came flying out. I have yet to be able to put it back in. Working from home today and tried to give it another go over lunch and nearly lost that ball.

You must have psychic powers because I came on here to search for ideas on how to get that damn thing back in and luckily, you came to the rescue. I think I can make that tool by myself - or atleast attempt to. Id buy it but I need it now!

Many thanks on the advice.

Between ratchets and guns I’ve gotten really good at finding airborne springs and ball bearings now.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Done. Made the tool out of a brass piece i found in my garage.

What thickness of stock did you use? I need something like that for all my ratchets I keep restoring for some unknown reason.

 

[LB-1911]

What thickness of stock did you use? I need something like that for all my ratchets I keep restoring for some unknown reason.

Should give you a few ideas -

Sears Craftsman Ratchet Rebuilding Tip of the Day

When I do these (as I did yesterday), in order to prevent losing the ball when you are reinstalling the reversing mechanism and selector lever, I just put a small dab of grease on top of the spring and the ball stays put. Also, if you don't have the "tool" that comes in the older kit, you can...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Mechanical Noise]

What bother me about the stains in the plating is that the problem is easily remediable. The plating can be stripped off and the tool can be plated again in the next batch. It's not like it was broached with damaged tooling or ground down below a minimum thickness. Just **** it up and fix it. I'm sure there's immediate costs involved with reworking such cosmetic damage but there are long term costs if SK's customers keep wondering -- "If they let this slide, what else are they letting slide?".

 

[Dzmax77]

What thickness of stock did you use? I need something like that for all my ratchets I keep restoring for some unknown reason.

See images. However, I had to grind the thickness and the width a bit.

 

[Dzmax77]

Buy the company and bring back the swivel ratchets.

I wish I could. I’d make SK a better option than the Craptsman CCP made tools - goal of a price point within 20%.

Speaking of; I wonder how the new tools from the Craftsman plant in TX will compare. Kind of excited about that.

 

[lardy1]

My 1/4" drive LP90 came today with a chrome blemish. Very minor. It's whole lot smoother out of the box than my 3/8" drive was. I'm keeping it. The 1/2" drive should be here in a few days.

 

[Ralf11]

I feel like I could market the heck out of SK.

How about the ad slogan "American Stained" ??

 

[Bockscar]

My 1/4" drive LP90 came today with a chrome blemish. Very minor. It's whole lot smoother out of the box than my 3/8" drive was. I'm keeping it. The 1/2" drive should be here in a few days.

Just got my 1/4" today as well....not a thing wrong with it

 

[Kscardsfan]

See images. However, I had to grind the thickness and the width a bit.

That’s actually thicker that I was going to guess. Time to go pilfer a beat down Sawzall blade out of the case I guess.

 

[bsaint]

Did anyone mention yet it's from the steals and deals sale? If I buy a snapon toolbox from the scratch and dent truck and then complain the paint isn't good is that fair?

 

[gatewaysysop]

Did anyone mention yet it's from the steals and deals sale? If I buy a snapon toolbox from the scratch and dent truck and then complain the paint isn't good is that fair?

Is "Steals and Deals" marketed as discounted factory seconds or a "scratch and dent" sale? If not, then in your words, is that even a fair comparison to make? Pretty sure people have gotten garbage from SK no matter if it was on sale or not (myself included).

I wish it was only Steals and Deals where they sold the **** tools, because at least then one could reliably avoid blems and defectives. Unfortunately it's not that simple and the only way to avoid disappointment is apparently to shop the competition.

 

[Dzmax77]

Did anyone mention yet it's from the steals and deals sale? If I buy a snapon toolbox from the scratch and dent truck and then complain the paint isn't good is that fair?

Yes, I mentioned it. It was not mentioned that steals and deals offerings have issues, otherwise yes, no reason for anyone to complain.

 

[jrbpit1]

I decided to take some pics of my SK ratchets, wrenches, extensions and some of my sockets. Also I threw in a pic of a SK, Mac, Wright, and Snappy. I have been happy with the SK product. In fact I used the LP90 3/8 to work on my mower yesterday. It took the bolts off and replaced them with no issue and I was able to get my grass cut.

 

[ThePostman]

I own a number of SK sockets, I can't complain. New steals and deals, I picked up the fixed and flex 1/4" ratchets, I am impressed, and makes me more confident in buying the 12" fixed to compliment my long handle flex head proto, I have an ancient small 1/4" Roundhead fine tooth, no complaints there either. 3/8" flex long handle, heads a little floppy but the action is smooth, I know how to fix the flop. The fixed 3/8" standard is a little stiff, but, I still use it, especially for engine jobs where I just leave a socket on one of many ratchet setups. I need to find who sells repair kits cheap, just in case. I used the needle nose today on a neighbors brake light switch replacement, they seem sturdy. Picked up the linesman pliers, some crow's feet, and the 16in indexing pry bar, they all seem quality, time will tell. Still waiting on the 7 piece 3/8" chrome universal set. I fondled the 3/8" 3/8" the day steals and deals hit, it might be the tightest design in regards to having the most acute possible angle and still working, and why not for 100? I just wish the metric was not 300. And for your info, I tend to look at Mac/Proto first, their products tend to be thinner, lower profile etc. Compare 1/4" universal chromes to Snap-On and others, you will see a difference, straight up 1/2" impacts as well. But sometimes you need the extra depth, there is no perfect set of anything.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

you paid for it. if you don't like it, get it replaced or refund.

 

[bsaint]

Is "Steals and Deals" marketed as discounted factory seconds or a "scratch and dent" sale? If not, then in your words, is that even a fair comparison to make? Pretty sure people have gotten garbage from SK no matter if it was on sale or not (myself included).

I wish it was only Steals and Deals where they sold the **** tools, because at least then one could reliably avoid blems and defectives. Unfortunately it's not that simple and the only way to avoid disappointment is apparently to shop the competition.

They don't specify seconds or not. Are they supposed too? Or is steals and deals only over inventory?
I've only ever bought SK second hand. It's nice stuff. Pretty shiny. I never inspected it tho. Opened the package and went right to work.

 

[M635_Guy]

They don't specify seconds or not. Are they supposed too? Or is steals and deals only over inventory?
I've only ever bought SK second hand. It's nice stuff. Pretty shiny. I never inspected it tho. Opened the package and went right to work.

I believe it is required to disclose/describe second-quality/scratch&dent goods as-such. Even if it isn't legally required (as I think it is), it's ethically the right thing to do.

 

[RickyPetite]

Bet that fine steel wool will clean those spots right up.

 

[bbrins]

I was thinking the same thing. Either 0000 steel wool or maybe Nevr-Dull. Just don't use something like Brillo, the cleaner in those has an abrasive that might dull the chrome.

 

[bsaint]

I believe it is required to disclose/describe second-quality/scratch&dent goods as-such. Even if it isn't legally required (as I think it is), it's ethically the right thing to do.

I figured out this is a members only thing too. I thought it was an outlet pricing or something.

 

[M635_Guy]

I figured out this is a members only thing too. I thought it was an outlet pricing or something.

Is it?

I didn't think it was, but...

 

[uncwstudent]

I actually had these same stains on the 3/8" flex lp90 and I used 00 steel wool and some WD40 and they came right off. Didn't require much scrubbing. Not sure what the stains are but they came off very easily.

Try that first before you call SK Customer Service. They're still backed up and it will be a long time before you hear anything. Also, don't email. Call.

 

[vssjim]

The Steals and Deals seem to be over stock or items they want to sell off and discontinue, IE the half moon wrenches were in there and now are gone for good reasons. The biggest problems I see are the changes in policy all the times with different leaders in place for short times and then more changes. I couldn't be-leave they have had a falling out with Circle C Supply and are giving HJE pricing guide lines and others, I mean what the hell are they trying to do.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I read most the thread, and it's like many I've seen before on the topic, and my thoughts are the same as I've had before.
Yes, cosmetic problems don't affect the usability of something, and in use, probably wouldn't be noticeable. But as someone buying a new product at a premium prices, it absolutely should be criticized. If it was a chinese tool it'd be used as more evidence of low quality manufacturing, but increase the price tenfold and say it's made in the US, too many seem to think it's the buyers fault for noticing and they should be grateful to been bestowed the ability to even buy one of their products.
Expectations should be raised, not lowered when buying a high end product from a first world country.

I totally agree with this post. I feel it changes when it was purchased from the Steals and Deals,which are blems and why they heavily discounted. The OP received what they paid for a "Blem".

 

[M635_Guy]

I totally agree with this post. I feel it changes when it was purchased from the Steals and Deals,which are blems and why they heavily discounted. The OP received what they paid for a "Blem".

I don't see any mention that they are blems, and the 1/4" Flex I bought during the sale isn't one as far as I can tell.

Entirely possible I missed it, but where are they described as blems?