SK and Carlyle 1/4 Drive Socket Set Pics

John in OH · Jul 25, 2015

A few weeks ago I needed a couple of 1/4” drive metric sockets. Since I needed them right away with no time to order, I popped over to the local NAPA and bought a set of Carlyle 1/4”, 6-point sockets. I’ve bought a few miscellaneous Carlyle items before and have found them all to be quite nice, but sadly, they are Taiwan COO.

Then along comes HJE Day, so I decide to get a similar set of the SK 1/4”, 6-point, US-made metric sockets.

Attached are several comparative photos of the two sets (Carlyle set has the knurling band around the center).

A few observations: Carlyle sockets are slightly longer (may or may not be desirable); size stamping on SKs is slightly larger, Carlyle socket rack is definitely nicer, there are 14 sockets in the Carlyle set (4-15mm) vs. the SK set with 13 sockets (4-15mm, skipping the 4.5mm), Carlyle set is cheaper cost … $37 (with 10% discount) vs. SK at $49. Broaching, stamping, and finish on both sets is very nice.

Two very nice sets of sockets that anyone should enjoy using.

Fedwrench · Jul 26, 2015

if all of your SK sockets are the same color inside, they must have noticed the complaints on the journal. :lol:

which is a good thing. :beer:

I haven't come across a situation yet where my Carlyle sockets were too long but, I work on late model domestics mostly. :dunno:

Nice sockets. :thumbup:

genevabuck · Jul 26, 2015

I was skeptical at first, but I am more and more impressed with Carlyle Tools everyday. VERY nice stuff, especially the ratcheting wrenches.

BK13 · Jul 26, 2015

I have that Carlyle set. I like them a bunch...

1950mercury · Jul 26, 2015

Thanks for the post...the only sk sockets i have are 1/4 metric semi deep chromes. I like them except for when my hands are greasy they are hard to pull off a non quick release ratchet

It looks like the Carlyle have a step machined in them buy the knurling that looks like it would help a lot with greasy hands.

The snap on 1/4 semi deep sae set i have has a step that helps

Wamsutta · Jul 26, 2015

Do those SK sockets have flank drive? I can easily see the flank drive on the Carlyle sockets, but I can't really tell with the SK sockets.

dutchgray · Jul 26, 2015

Wamsutta said:
Do those SK sockets have flank drive? I can easily see the flank drive on the Carlyle sockets, but I can't really tell with the SK sockets.

My 1/4" SK sockets are flank drive, but they are pre Ideal ones, not current production, but there should be no difference.

2ndGearRubber · Jul 26, 2015

Wamsutta said:
Do those SK sockets have flank drive? I can easily see the flank drive on the Carlyle sockets, but I can't really tell with the SK sockets.

Agreed, the carlyle have nice rounded corners, the SKs.... I can't tell.

PJNJ · Jul 26, 2015

Photo 6 - shows flank drive on the SK.
:beer:

brook41 · Jul 26, 2015

I have the Carlyle in 3/8 dr , the knurling is a nice feature.

Loscaldazar · Jul 26, 2015

Wamsutta said:
Do those SK sockets have flank drive? I can easily see the flank drive on the Carlyle sockets, but I can't really tell with the SK sockets.

Why wouldn't they? Every socket made in the last 20 years (if not more) has that technology.

They do, by the why. SK calls it SureGrip.

Zeroek · Jul 26, 2015

Carlyle and Gearwrench sockets have to be 2 of my favorite imports.

Hiball · Jul 26, 2015

Fedwrench said:
if all of your SK sockets are the same color inside, they must have noticed the complaints on the journal.

Either that, or Jori invested In a few cans of Gray Spray paint to keep the kids at bay.. :willy_nil

2ndGearRubber · Jul 26, 2015

PJNJ said:
Photo 6 - shows flank drive on the SK.

Doesn't look nearly as aggressive as the carlyle. I have zero problems with my SK stuff, but the napa stuff looks a lot more serious about preventing rounding.

Hiball · Jul 26, 2015

2ndGearRubber said:
Doesn't look nearly as aggressive as the carlyle. I have zero problems with my SK stuff, but the napa stuff looks a lot more serious about preventing rounding.

We are talking about 6pt sockets, Correct? How aggressive can you get?

JR 42 · Jul 26, 2015

Nice socket sets! I love my old '80's S-K Tools - marked SAE 1/4" sockets, haven't had a need to pick up any current production stuff... yet (got metric Gearwrench midlengths, and they're fine, but hope to get SAE S-K mids at some point...).

JR

PJNJ · Jul 26, 2015

2ndGearRubber said:
Doesn't look nearly as aggressive as the carlyle. I have zero problems with my SK stuff, but the napa stuff looks a lot more serious about preventing rounding.

I have a feeling that there can be a large variation in the amount of "rounding" of the corner to prevent damaging the fastener without any real difference in performance. I would think the fit and tolerances of the socket flats against the flats of the fastener would be more important.
:beer:

Lefty 29 · Jul 26, 2015

I ordered the 48pc SK 1/4" set from HJE. SK 91848. SAE and metric set,deep and shallow sockets. The chrome looks nice,but the paint on the inside was over rust. Also there was no 15mm shallow socket. It had a 9/16 in the 15mm slot,so I have two 9/16 shallow sockets. I will probably return them. I'll call HJE Monday. SK's QC needs some more work. I will try to post some pictures, but I am not too good with all this computer stuff.

2ndGearRubber · Jul 27, 2015

Hiball said:
We are talking about 6pt sockets, Correct? How aggressive can you get?

Yes, the ones pictured. Both the carlyle and my snap ons have deeper corners than the SKs. Not to say the SKs are prone to rounding, they work well for me.

PJNJ said:
I have a feeling that there can be a large variation in the amount of "rounding" of the corner to prevent damaging the fastener without any real difference in performance. I would think the fit and tolerances of the socket flats against the flats of the fastener would be more important.

Oh, absolutely. I'm sure the SKs are top notch, just noting a difference.

hangfirew8 · Jul 27, 2015

John in OH said:
A few observations: Carlyle sockets are slightly longer (may or may not be desirable);

SK makes semi-deep 1/4" sockets, so I would consider shorter to be more desirable, for access issues, and the ability to collect more tools we obviously need. :lol_hitti

John in OH · Jul 27, 2015

1950mercury said:
Thanks for the post...the only sk sockets i have are 1/4 metric semi deep chromes. I like them except for when my hands are greasy they are hard to pull off a non quick release ratchet

It looks like the Carlyle have a step machined in them buy the knurling that looks like it would help a lot with greasy hands.

The snap on 1/4 semi deep sae set i have has a step that helps

The greasy hand issue is one I hadn't thought of!! Yes, there is a slight increase in diameter of the socket-end starting just below the knurled band on sockets of 8mm and up. On the 7mm and smaller sockets the drive end is bigger in diameter than the "nut" end.

Wamsutta said:
Do those SK sockets have flank drive? I can easily see the flank drive on the Carlyle sockets, but I can't really tell with the SK sockets.

Yes, the sockets are a flank drive design, but as others have already pointed out, the broached relief is not as great as on the Carlyle sockets. I tried to get a better pic of the reliefs at the corners of the 15mm socket:

sonvolt · Jul 27, 2015

I prefer the broach to not be as deep maybe that's just me :dunno:

SK and Carlyle 1/4 Drive Socket Set Pics

Well-known member

ALLIANCE 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

Active member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member