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New SK Teardrop Ratchets

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Jedwin414

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May 18, 2017
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I'm sure many folks have seen the pictures (since last fall) of the new SK teardrop ratchets but I wasn't sure if this info sheet had been published yet or not and wanted to share it. Yes, I'm talking about those shiny ones with the green direction lever.

I contacted SK about these ratchets asking when they would be available and what sizes, etc would be made. Customer Service sent a PDF over and said that they should be available within the next month.

Looks like they will have 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 for now, both in a straight and flex head (non locking) version. Tooth count is 90. If you google SK and the part numbers, some sites already have the items listed (showing as out of stock) but it gives you an idea on the price.

The PDF is too big to upload to the forum but I have shared it via Google drive. You can also reach out to their Customer Service department and ask for the "Teardrop Ratchet Sell Sheet"

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxJDEeet9p62SjhLNkZMNFdldC1MZk1ZZ29neDNhYTk2QmVj/view?usp=sharing
 
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B.S.A. (ret.)

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Wish they had included some specs as to what the improved dimensions are as opposed to the "classic". Roughly looks to be about 1/4" or so, but that's just a WAG.
 
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J

Jedwin414

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May 18, 2017
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Yes, I too was skeptical when I read the "within the month" part of the message.

It's not a must have so I may wait a little while and see if they ever hit the market. I started looking into them to add a nice 1/4" flex to my box at some point and was looking for something less expensive than Snap-On/Mac/Matco while still getting a nice ratchet. The pricing looks to be closer to the Armstrong MAXX series.
 
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pstemari

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Jan 7, 2012
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903
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Seattle
Not real happy that they went with slippery handles. SK has the knurling on their round-heads dialled in perfectly: not too sharp, not too light, just right in the Goldilocks spot.

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dutchgray

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Dorset. England.
Nice to see more on these, still skeptical on any SK release dates but they wouldn't do that info sheet unless they actually plan to launch sometime soon. At least with flex heads doing a long and stubby version is pretty easy.
 
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gdocktor3

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Don't you guys think if SK could release them yesterday they would have? I'm sure they don't like pushing back release dates either....
 
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d.mcfarland

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Jun 18, 2012
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Western PA
I like them. Don't know if I love them though.

They are the thin head I would guess close to the thickness of the Armstrong dimensions.

Wonder what pricing will be. They hopefully will price them cheaper than their competitors.
 
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MaineGuide

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May 26, 2014
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Maine
Hopefully there will be a knurled option at some point, but these look good. Looking forward to trying them out.
 
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Wamsutta

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Amarillo, Texas
I'm impressed. A tool manufacturer finally figured out that deep grooves cut into a ratchet handle are not necessary. I use to fantasize about being a billionaire and hiring Snap-on to turn off their CNC lathes long enough to make me a number of ratchets with smooth plain handles without grooves.
 
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48548

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Phoenix
Wamsutta said:
I'm impressed. A tool manufacturer finally figured out that deep grooves cut into a ratchet handle are not necessary. I use to fantasize about being a billionaire and hiring Snap-on to turn off their CNC lathes long enough to make me a number of ratchets with smooth plain handles without grooves.
Click to expand...

Those handles remind me of the old 40's snapon....
 
T

Technics

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May 18, 2017
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MaineGuide said:
Hopefully there will be a knurled option at some point, but these look good. Looking forward to trying them out.
Click to expand...

Yes! Exactly what I'm hoping for. I love my SK 3770 and the knurling is one of the best parts of it. Guess we'll have to wait and see!
 
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DTB

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Maybe they will come out with some different lengths later on. I'd like to see a full line up to compete with the truck brands like a 24" flex head.
 
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Infinia

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I think there was a thread about a SK upcoming ratchet series linked to facebook or something and the overwhelming GJ consensus was for them to have knurling on the handles. They didn't listen:sad:

They played it safe a went with the ubiquitous snap-on look.
 
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R_einan

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Eastern WA
I like the looks of them, if the price is right, I'll give non-flex 3/8 a try before I consider the 1/2 in both styles. If the materialize I will give them a try, provided the price isn't unreasonable.
 
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mudflap

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cincinnati,ohio
I wish they were QR.....i would be 1st in line to buy one... I might buy one anyway just because i love S-K stuff, and keep it in the jewelry box.. But the older i get, the less i like fighting with greasy sockets....
 
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Skin

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Boston
Infinia said:
I think there was a thread about a SK upcoming ratchet series linked to facebook or something and the overwhelming GJ consensus was for them to have knurling on the handles. They didn't listen:sad:

They played it safe a went with the ubiquitous snap-on look.
Click to expand...

Actually they said they'd offer both. This is only an introduction. Im sure they'll offer a comfort grip/hard handle version as well as a knurled version.

nelstomlinson said:
That green lever worries me: is it plastic?
Click to expand...

Anodized metal.

mudflap said:
I wish they were QR.....i would be 1st in line to buy one... I might buy one anyway just because i love S-K stuff, and keep it in the jewelry box.. But the older i get, the less i like fighting with greasy sockets....
Click to expand...

Its not just being old, its really convenient. Unfortunately QR ratchets are low priority for US manufacturers. Ironically only Craftsman has been diligent about it. Matco, MAC, Cornwell have never bothered to offer one that wasn't imported and Snap-On only does/did after the fact but at least they recognize the market for them.

Its not SK pricing but you could just buy a Nepros. Similar head shape, 90 tooth, a well designed QR, and a more natural handle shape.
 
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02Xterra

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Lynchburg, Va
Those look pretty good.. I'd buy a few to try out! Perhaps SK will have them to market in time for Epstein's Day

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bonneyman

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As with other posts, I like the thinness but miss the knurling. (Reminds me of the now discontinued Craftsman Premium ratchets). With greasy hands those things look like they'd be hard to keep a hold on. And the selector knob looks awfully thin and small. Wondering how well it can be switched one handed.

90 teeth? Hmmm, that could be something.

And I'm sure the cost will be very high.

But at least we're seeing what S-K has been up to the past couple of years.
 
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Fedwrench

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02Xterra said:
Those look pretty good.. I'd buy a few to try out! Perhaps SK will have them to market in time for Epstein's Day

Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Having the new SK 90 tooth available for epstein's day would be outstanding!!!

I have to say though, I wish they would have went with the classic SK knurled handle but, that's just me.

Lots of choices for 90 tooth ratchets these days. :beer:
 
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gdocktor3

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I think, as in my own personal opinion, a lot of newer techs/mechanics view the knurled handles as old fashioned. SK probably made this decision to match the more popular design that nearly every other "pro" brand uses. I follow their Facebook page and see 50/50 in regards to liking/disliking the knurled handles. I too am 50/50 on the design. It is a nice feature, but certain dirty, greasy jobs will fill the Knurling and actually make it harder to grip. A smooth handle can be wiped off in one motion and continue with the job. More than once I've had to clean knurled handles with brakekleen, wire brushes, etc.
 
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buba

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Jan 27, 2015
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Bucksnort USA
For smooth handled ratchets I love the Cornwell design best but these look interesting. The contoured shape of the handle is just enough different from the rest of the crowd that I would pick up a 3/8 flex head to try out. I have a 3/8 flex head on my Epstein Days shopping list this year, would be nice if they make it to market in time, otherwise Wright Tool will get my money this year.
 
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byoungblood

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Apr 6, 2011
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Berryville, VA
gdocktor3 said:
I think, as in my own personal opinion, a lot of newer techs/mechanics view the knurled handles as old fashioned. SK probably made this decision to match the more popular design that nearly every other "pro" brand uses. I follow their Facebook page and see 50/50 in regards to liking/disliking the knurled handles. I too am 50/50 on the design. It is a nice feature, but certain dirty, greasy jobs will fill the Knurling and actually make it harder to grip. A smooth handle can be wiped off in one motion and continue with the job. More than once I've had to clean knurled handles with brakekleen, wire brushes, etc.
Click to expand...

Have to agree. Some of the used ratchets I've bought have just had their knurling loaded up with gunk. I have ratchets with both style handles and I can't say I prefer one over the other, but again, most of the stuff I work on isn't super greasy. A set of mechanic's gloves is usually sufficient to maintain a good grip on most of my tools in those cases.
 
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Citation

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Any pictures of the actual ratchet mechanism? It looks like it might be an Apex/Gearwrench based design.
 
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2ndGearRubber

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Pittsburgh
It looks nice, but I really don't need another ratchet.

Maybe I'll get a 1/2 drive standard length for tightening taper-bearings.
 
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