Question SK Or Craftsman?

slipjointed · Aug 23, 2011

pipsters said:
2x-4x on a per socket basis is not "out there", that is what the cost premium is depending on the set.

No, I haven't tried to warranty an SK socket. It's possible they will be great. But like you said warranty really doesn't mean much, the best warranty is never having to use it. But looking at your sockets and others on here, with their issues, I just think it's hypocritical, that's all.

SK is only related to the "old" versions of SK in name only, they have been bought/sold/bankrupt several times over throughout the years.

I wish nothing but the best for the "new" SK, if they can produce a higher quality product then I will sell off my Craftsman stuff and buy SK. That isn't my issue. It's that the product they are producing doesn't seem to be any different...

That's why I got rid of the SK stuff I recently purchased and went with Wright. Trust me, I wish it would have been the quality I was expecting it to be based on the older SK stuff I have, because at the prices those 1/4 and 3/8 combo sets sell for, they're pretty much unbeatable... if only the quality was up to par.

I'm not saying they're garbage by any means, and frankly for the price I still think they're a great deal. The problem is, they aren't the quality I think of when I hear "SK". Neither were some of the supposedly new stock wrenches I saw lately either.

I didn't do myself any major favors going Wright either, because now I'm stuck with a full 3/8 set and a partionally complete 1/4 set, and my tool budget is busted for the time being.

I still am maintaining faith that once ideal gets things dialed in, we will be pleasantly surprised. Hopefully I will be right.

Hiball said:
...I honestly think craftsman is headed in the wrong direction and it's probaly due to them trying to compete with the imports. Hopefully the new Sk stuff will be better, that's what I'm banking on. Only time will tell..

That's the way I feel also.

I don't think the new SK is bad by any means, but I really would like to know whether the sockets I had were new or old.

I saw some bankruptcy/strike era stuff, and it was abysmal. I know for a fact that SK is capable of so much more, and it seems like that is the direction ideal intends to take them in.

The ratchets you posted look beautiful. It's all I can do to keep from selling my Wright flex head for one of those SK's... I don't know why but I just have a thing for that ratchet.

pipsters · Aug 23, 2011

I too hope the SK stuff will be better. I would sell my Craftsman in a heartbeat. I do not mind paying a premium for a better tool, however the premium that Wright and Snap-On were asking was just out of the question ($7-$15/socket compared to $1/socket with Cman's largest set). To be honest, I had high hopes with these sets, they've just started out and hopefully SK will get their **** together and realize the power of the internet and forums like this will make or break them.

I wonder what their long term plan is, as to be honest I don't see many people buying SK. I wonder if they plan to enter the pro tool market with costs @ half or less of Snap-Ons. The regular retail market is pretty much cornered by Harbor Freight and Sears IMO.

slipjointed · Aug 23, 2011

pipsters said:
I too hope the SK stuff will be better. I would sell my Craftsman in a heartbeat. I do not mind paying a premium for a better tool, however the premium that Wright and Snap-On were asking was just out of the question ($7-$15/socket compared to $1/socket with Cman's largest set). To be honest, I had high hopes with these sets, they've just started out and hopefully SK will get their **** together and realize the power of the internet and forums like this will make or break them.

I wonder what their long term plan is, as to be honest I don't see many people buying SK. I wonder if they plan to enter the pro tool market with costs @ half or less of Snap-Ons. The regular retail market is pretty much cornered by Harbor Freight and Sears IMO.

If they can manage to pull off quality anywhere close to the ballpark of Wright/SK, at these prices, I think that they will do VERY well.

How they correct quality issues in the coming months will either make them a powerhouse, or a total failure.

scott4 · Aug 23, 2011

pipsters said:
Maybe you need to re-evaluate what you want to accomplish by buying these socket sets?

I am going to do exactly that. I just performed some more car work today with my Cman stuff. Everything went fine. I still think my modified premise fits of USA made + Value + Functional.

I have yet to find any definitive proof on fastener fit. There were a few GJ linked sites with fasteners coated in marker, showing the point of contact.

So, I'm going to have these SK here, and I'm going to use them. (that thumb ratchet looks great.) I'm going to have some of those used wrights here, and I'm going to use them. Then I'm going to find out what I like. They're going to drop out of my hand. Theyre going to get stuck on things. I'm going to scratch stuff up. I want to see what stuff I like working with most.

I'm thinking thats my reevaluation. I'm going to try out these 3/8 stuff I have before I go further.

pipsters said:
With the EPA these days, it's no surprise that China can chrome sockets in high quality chrome better than the US.

Looking up "Hexavalent Chromium" brought me to an interesting factoid. That Erin Brockovitch movie, where everyone was getting cancer, was about Hexavalent Chromium. I didn't know that. I wonder how many Asians are going to have cancer down the road.

pipsters said:
Also, keep in mind you can use impacts with regular hand ratchets, Craftsman has excellent 6 point impacts that are US made and extremely tight fitting. A bit thicker than chrome but you most likely won't have any issues, and they are just bare steel with a coating on them so no chrome to flake what so ever. The 52 pc set can be bought on sale for around $160.

I already bought the metric and sae set of Cman impacts on sale.

Surprisingly, I've been stuck in a few places where they just don't fit. I have used them when I need to.

What this has left me is a deep dislike of the laser etched stuff. Man that rubbed off quick of those impacts. Maybe it rubs off of Chrome slower, but just give me that good old stamp without the laser stuff.

pipsters · Aug 23, 2011

scott4 said:
What this has left me is a deep dislike of the laser etched stuff. Man that rubbed off quick of those impacts. Maybe it rubs off of Chrome slower, but just give me that good old stamp without the laser stuff.

Something to consider, here is a shot of a 3/8" Craftsman 17mm socket, well used, from my older non-laser etched set. I'm not sure how well the SK chrome sockets are stamped, but the SK impacts I have are stamped very deeply and stand out well (although they are also laser etched).

The Cman impacts and chrome sockets tend to have a lighter stamp on them, which over time may make them hard to read if/when the etching wears off (although you could always swap them out at the store) and you scratch up the chrome (or "nickel" these days) from use. Personally, I don't mind too much but I can definitely see where a harder stamp would be better.

I personally haven't used my new chrome laser etched sockets much so I do not know how they hold up, but I can definitely see the impacts getting worn away as they spin and rub much more.

Hiball · Aug 23, 2011

Another Addition, More to come later today.

SK 45183 3/8" Drive 10 3/4" Long Flex Ratchet.

For Pipsters

The SK stamp is quite a bit deeper than most of my Older Craftsman sockets, But i have no issues reading either of the 2. I cant comment on the Laser etching, But i know there have been numerous threads concerning it fading. If i recall they had a run where they didnt stamp the sockets and only used the laser etching, I believe all the new stuff is stamped and etched.

pipsters · Aug 23, 2011

Yep that is a nice deep imprint and looks exactly like my SK impacts. Those sockets look great but so do Craftsman when brand new. Looks like nickel plating as well, which is the same as Cman. In reality I don't think the type of material they use is the issue, it's the process and care taken during it.

Time will tell if they hold up, I'd love to see some sort of Consumer Reports or Popular Mechanics issue on the subject. Maybe place sockets on an air ratchet and go to town for an hour or so to see how the chrome holds up.

It seems we've abandoned the "old chrome" for "new shiny chrome". Not sure why that is, maybe it's better? Or more economical? I liked the dull stuff of yesteryear, wish you could still buy it from Sears (at a realistic price increase).

NWphotog · Aug 23, 2011

pipsters said:
Yep that is a nice deep imprint and looks exactly like my SK impacts. Those sockets look great but so do Craftsman when brand new. Looks like nickel plating as well, which is the same as Cman. In reality I don't think the type of material they use is the issue, it's the process and care taken during it.

Time will tell if they hold up, I'd love to see some sort of Consumer Reports or Popular Mechanics issue on the subject. Maybe place sockets on an air ratchet and go to town for an hour or so to see how the chrome holds up.

Maybe we can ship Mrholeshot some product to test!

I agree the items look good and I love the flex ratchet!

NWphotog · Aug 23, 2011

scott4 said:
I

What this has left me is a deep dislike of the laser etched stuff. Man that rubbed off quick of those impacts. Maybe it rubs off of Chrome slower, but just give me that good old stamp without the laser stuff.

Easily solved with socket stickers off of eBay.

pipsters · Aug 23, 2011

NWphotog said:
Maybe we can ship Mrholeshot some product to test! I agree the items look good and I love the flex ratchet!

I actually have some extra unneeded Cman chrome sockets 3/8" sockets I will be putting on my 1/2" impact here soon enough. Just want to see if they will crack.

Hiball · Aug 23, 2011

pipsters said:
Yep that is a nice deep imprint and looks exactly like my SK impacts. Those sockets look great but so do Craftsman when brand new. Looks like nickel plating as well, which is the same as Cman. In reality I don't think the type of material they use is the issue, it's the process and care taken during it.

My Older Craftsman look Ok, and Honestly as long as the finish is strong i really dont care if its Shiny. Ive noticed that the Sockets have darkened up over the years.

UPS man just dropped off a few more packages.. Woot..

SK 45174 3/8" stubby, NO way this is New Stock. The plastic bag with the SK emblem was filthy and had some age, Although the Ratchet looks good.

SK 45179 3/8" Long Handle, Again Looks Good No off Centering etc.

SK 42472 17 1/2" long 1/2" drive Flex.. No problems.

earlthegoat2 · Aug 23, 2011

You converting to SK Hiball? Say it aint so. :beer:

Hiball · Aug 23, 2011

earlthegoat2 said:
You converting to SK Hiball? Say it aint so.

At these Prices... Yes i will happily spend some money with them. My box's are full of all types of different brands.. Watch out next week though i may be buying a different brand.. LOL

north · Aug 23, 2011

Quite the collection you got going there Hiball. :thumbup:

I have that stubby. Very nice ratchet.

scott4 · Aug 23, 2011

slipjointed said:
I didn't do myself any major favors going Wright either, because now I'm stuck with a full 3/8 set and a partionally complete 1/4 set, and my tool budget is busted for the time being.
....

I don't think the new SK is bad by any means, but I really would like to know whether the sockets I had were new or old.

I saw some bankruptcy/strike era stuff, and it was abysmal. I know for a fact that SK is capable of so much more, and it seems like that is the direction ideal intends to take them in.

The ratchets you posted look beautiful. It's all I can do to keep from selling my Wright flex head for one of those SK's... I don't know why but I just have a thing for that ratchet.

Sums it up for me. Especially about Wright busting the tool budget. I have some coming, even if its an unfair new/old comparison.

pipsters said:
The Cman impacts and chrome sockets tend to have a lighter stamp on them, which over time may make them hard to read if/when the etching wears off

Even the light stamping works for me. Well, when it would get dark, it might get tough, but that laser etching rubbed off fast. Some was impact, some was hand wrench use. I think theyre almost rubbed clean now. I don't like that.

NWphotog said:
Easily solved with socket stickers off of eBay.

Don't want stickers. personal preference. Good old stamping is what works for me.

hiball, that stuff looks nice.
I'm gambling that the SK stuff is going to be good like the old SK. Even with my bad experience. I'm giving them a straight and fair shot.

pipsters · Aug 23, 2011

scott4 said:
Even the light stamping works for me. Well, when it would get dark, it might get tough, but that laser etching rubbed off fast. Some was impact, some was hand wrench use. I think theyre almost rubbed clean now. I don't like that.

Take some pics! Are they rubbing through the black coating as well?

scott4 · Aug 24, 2011

pipsters said:
Take some pics! Are they rubbing through the black coating as well?

Ok. might be after work.

sk farmer · Aug 24, 2011

earlthegoat2 said:
You converting to SK Hiball? Say it aint so.

yup, say it is so. nothing wrong with having diversity in your tool arsenel. these kind of sights are all about find ing a good tool at a good price. if it fills a niche because of something just slightly differan, so much the better. the tool snobs who won't by brand x (fill in your favorite brand to hate) annoy the **** out of me. too many people who have real world experiance like hiball have been shouted out by haters. thanks hiball for pointing out the good stuff you have found wether it be sk, wright or any other brand. :thumbup:

pacsguy · Aug 24, 2011

Just be careful about jumping on the 50 dollar off advanceautoparts deal. I added some of the ratchets and it's actually cheaper buying from tooltopia.com when you add sales tax to the advanceautoparts.com order.

Hiball · Aug 24, 2011

pacsguy said:
Just be careful about jumping on the 50 dollar off advanceautoparts deal. I added some of the ratchets and it's actually cheaper buying from tooltopia.com when you add sales tax to the advanceautoparts.com order.

I've compared shopping carts everytime.. So far with the exception of 1 order AA has been cheaper. I've kept my order total at $150 then utilized the "visa" code to bring the price down 33%. I'm not sure what tax they are using but it's only been $4 buck +/- each time. Another thing that is weird is that they ship everything in Individual packages but all from the same location..??????? And it's only 2 business days from order to front porch. I should have the bent handle flex and stubby flex coming today (<- tooltopia and again 2 separate shipping packages)

scott4 · Aug 24, 2011

pipsters said:
Take some pics! Are they rubbing through the black coating as well?

Ok. I took this crappy cell phone pic, on my way out to work at around 06:30 or so.
I don't really use these sockets on an impact, as I don't have an air compressor yet. (looking for a used one) I took a fresh socket with no use, rubbed it pretty hard with my thumb, and started to see wear on the top of the 3. No, that wont happen with general use right away, but I like to think of a span in years.

Yeah, I'm keeping these sockets till I have a proper reason to exchange them, but I'm not the biggest fan of the laser etching. Give me that good old stamping.

Steve_P · Aug 24, 2011

pipsters said:
Yep that is a nice deep imprint and looks exactly like my SK impacts. Those sockets look great but so do Craftsman when brand new. Looks like nickel plating as well, which is the same as Cman. In reality I don't think the type of material they use is the issue, it's the process and care taken during it.

Time will tell if they hold up, I'd love to see some sort of Consumer Reports or Popular Mechanics issue on the subject. Maybe place sockets on an air ratchet and go to town for an hour or so to see how the chrome holds up.

It seems we've abandoned the "old chrome" for "new shiny chrome". Not sure why that is, maybe it's better? Or more economical? I liked the dull stuff of yesteryear, wish you could still buy it from Sears (at a realistic price increase).

About a month ago I purchased a small set of the new design SK bit sockets as a "trial purchase" to see how they looked. The sockets I received are chrome over nickle; they are definitely not just nickle like you get on cman sockets for the last ~decade.

The items I received were flawless: nice chrome, machining, stamping, etc. I just placed another SK order yesterday...

Hiball · Aug 24, 2011

Another Addition to the Family.. SK 3770 3/8" Bent Handled Flex..

Chrome Looks Good, The Uniformity of the Head is Equal.. Overall im happy with this one also.

Hiball · Aug 25, 2011

Another Quality Tool showed up today..

SK 45178 Flex, Again NO QC issues.

north · Aug 25, 2011

That's a nice flex. :drool:

Can I be in your will Hiball?

Btw. Is that # correct?

Hiball · Aug 25, 2011

north said:
That's a nice flex. Can I be in your will Hiball?

Btw. Is that # correct?

Is now.. Oops.

pipsters · Aug 25, 2011

Steve_P said:
About a month ago I purchased a small set of the new design SK bit sockets as a "trial purchase" to see how they looked. The sockets I received are chrome over nickle; they are definitely not just nickle like you get on cman sockets for the last ~decade.

The items I received were flawless: nice chrome, machining, stamping, etc. I just placed another SK order yesterday...

Your are right, I emailed SK customer support and was told they chrome over the nickel. Now if they could just get their quality control right, I'd be placing an order

scott4 · Aug 25, 2011

pipsters said:
Your are right, I emailed SK customer support and was told they chrome over the nickel. Now if they could just get their quality control right, I'd be placing an order

My return is en route back to SK. Ill update the thread one I get them back here.

scott4 · Sep 26, 2011

Just came in the mail today...

Looking good. No Chrome Flaking all over the box. 3/4ths is weak on the interior chrome.
Ok, time to look around.

No 7mm

More plating issues on the interior. Guess this is ok.

Rust

Rust.

Overall, this is a better set than my last one. Ill shoot them an email on the rusty sockets and the missing 7mm. The anti corrosion plating on the interior of these sockets is something they need to deal with.

scott4 · Sep 26, 2011

Heres some of the better sockets in the set with a G2 vintage Cman and an older Wright socket - predating the corner reliefs.

pipsters · Sep 27, 2011

I'll be honest I'm definitely still happy with my $1 Cman sockets. If I were to "upgrade", I would probably buy Williams sockets. Very similar to snapon @ 50% of the price if not less. Although USA made I'm not sure if they are actually stamped that or not, which is a big deal to me. But even for $4/socket for SK, hard to justify after seeing the quality issues.

Hiball · Sep 27, 2011

1 month of Use, Mainly getting my Snowmobile ready for winter and Hydraulic Tear downs. No Chrome issues, I did have some Beams on my Long pattern wrenchs that showed to much down pressure on the smaller sizes when they stamped them and they bulged a bit. <--- Didnt really bother me too much but SK is on the case. I dont regret my purchases One bit.. :thumbup:

scott4 · Sep 27, 2011

pipsters said:
I'll be honest I'm definitely still happy with my $1 Cman sockets. If I were to "upgrade", I would probably buy Williams sockets. Very similar to snapon @ 50% of the price if not less. Although USA made I'm not sure if they are actually stamped that or not, which is a big deal to me. But even for $4/socket for SK, hard to justify after seeing the quality issues.

Hiball said:
1 month of Use, Mainly getting my Snowmobile ready for winter and Hydraulic Tear downs. No Chrome issues, I did have some Beams on my Long pattern wrenchs that showed to much down pressure on the smaller sizes when they stamped them and they bulged a bit. <--- Didnt really bother me too much but SK is on the case. I dont regret my purchases One bit..

Well, the nice lady at SK is eager to make this good. I'm not really savvy to analyze the plating inside the socket. Doesn't look chromed doesnt mean no corrosion protection. No idea. I vaguely remember some post on here about dull/not chromed doesnt mean no plating. Again, no idea.

This is what I have, but I just might entertain that monster Cman socket deal if/when it comes around again. I'm going to sit on this for a while and get to more of these jobs on my to-do list.

Question SK Or Craftsman?

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member