1/4 Drive Socket Set
- Thread starter cmorr
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chevy302dz
Well-known member
For a little more money I'd get this SK set, it's one of the most complete made. You may be able to find it significantly cheaper if you look around a bit, it used to cost close to the same as the smaller set. http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-6241-sk-hand-tool-91860.aspx
ajchien
Well-known member
Are we talking about the same 1/4" ratchet? My SK 40970 round head is 60tooth.
shoturtle
Well-known member
Are you sure, the 40970 is a 36t ratchet, not 60t. Because I thought that was strange. I had to google it to double check.
ajchien
Well-known member
Ok, my OCD is kicking in again...
I am 100% confident that my SK Wayne 40970 ratchet is 60t.
I had a conversation with someone here regarding their SK diamond 40970 ratchet, who also said it was 60t.
HOWEVER, I do recall other people "saying" that it is 36t, but never confirmed they had tried to count it.
I'm wondering if there are any generational differences between the SK 40970s.
Would any other 40970 owners take a few minutes to find check theirs out? This question has been bugging me for a while.
Below is a copy/paste of a PM I had a long time ago...
-------------------------------------------------
Alright, its the SK logo inside a diamond.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ajchien
Thanks! Yes, please check the logo or me.
I also have a 60 tooth 40970, a SK Wayne variant. However, others have said that their 40970s have 36 teeth. So I was wonderin if there were any generation differences.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chilly460
Quote:
Originally Posted by ajchien
Hi, could you do me a favor an count the number of teeth in your SK ratchet? I'm curious as to how many it has. Also, if you can tell me if it is labeled SK, SK Wayne, SK tools, diamond logo SK, tha would be great.
Thanks,
Alex
A bit tough to count these little round head, but I counted 60 teeth on this one. Have to check the logo
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Please post some pics of your vintage Blackhawk tools
here:http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127364&highlight=vintage+blackhawk
shoturtle
Well-known member
I googled it at 3 different tool site both the 40970 and 40970-2 are 36t. That was the other reason I did not care for the sk ratchet. It was short, and in tight spaces it had to much swing angle to grab the next teeth. It is super simple to find out for yourself. Just count the click it takes to do a complete circle.
If you want a good round ratchet. The GW/KD or what have you is actually a much better round head. Also the Blackhawks by proto are very good.
ajchien
Well-known member
I have counted the clicks. Many times. 60 clicks for 1 full revolution, despite what google and other tool sites say. It's why I'm hoping other 40970 owners would have as much OCD as me, and chime in.
Apologies to the OP for semi-hijacking this thread.
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shoturtle
Well-known member
That is strange, unless SK change something and not told anyone. I would expect them to post at least fine tooth or the actually teeth count on their website. But all it said is smooth action like all the other ratchets out there.
SCscoutguy
Well-known member
I don't understand all of the hate for the SK 1/4" ratchet as it is a bullet proof design and I have never had a single problem out of any of them I own. I actually own a Snap On t72 and a Armstrong 88 tooth 1/4" ratchet and prefer to use the SK. My little SK ratchet is has 60 teeth. You may not like its tooth count but there is no doubt that it is a extremely well built tool.
ajchien
Well-known member
I do agree with the ratchet having an extra short handle. Perhaps that's why I like it. I use the 40970 like a palm ratchet. The head of the ratchet is in my palm, with the handle between my thumb and index finger. I couldn't hold a pear shaped QR ratchet one like that, because I would accidentally hit the reverse lever, and I would constantly hit the QR button.
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shoturtle
Well-known member
is your sk a facom 72t rebranded 3866. They had them for a while. Or is it the palm drive 3867 with 72t
shoturtle
Well-known member
I was curious so I email grainger and sk. It would be a nice upgrade if they did go to 60t. I am just surprise they do not advertise it on their website. At least say fine tooth some where.
Whenever someone mentions that craftsman 48 pc. 1/4" set, I'm morally obligated to post a link explaining what a POS it is:
Budget Sockets
-Bp
Budget Sockets
-Bp
cgv69
Well-known member
I'm in the same boat and I plan on buying this SK set... http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-91860.aspx because it's the most complete set I can find. For some reason most kits do not come with a 4.5mm socket even though it does have it's uses.
I'm not worried about the ratchet as I already have SO 1/4" ratchets to use but I'm leery about ordering from Tooltopia (who seems to have the best price) because I don't want old, pre-ideal stock. At this point it seems like a **** shoot regardless of who you order from and unfortunately I'm generally not the lucky type
I'm not worried about the ratchet as I already have SO 1/4" ratchets to use but I'm leery about ordering from Tooltopia (who seems to have the best price) because I don't want old, pre-ideal stock. At this point it seems like a **** shoot regardless of who you order from and unfortunately I'm generally not the lucky type
Strouty
Well-known member
I have had the SK set in question for about 18 years, it has been a great tool. I love the case, I can always see what is missing and I always manage to find it. I also have this set from Snap On, it is a blue point one, but it is pretty nice too. I can't comment on any differences in the newer SK stuff, but I did buy the newer 3/8" spline drive set and I hate it. The splines don't seem to work correctly and the ratchet has a large rotary switch that constantly reverses she you get your hand or fingers too close to the head. I forgot to tell you, that the blue point set has been on sale in the past for $89 too.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682199&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682199&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
str8axle55
Well-known member
You could always buy the SK set and replace the ratchet with a S/O TK860, it fits in the case fine.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...674760&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...674760&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
shoturtle
Well-known member
sk replied back, there are some old stock 36t out there before ideal brought them and they have post ideal 60t.
chappys4life
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- Apr 30, 2008
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I am a home mechanic so no professional use but I do wrench a lot on old stuff so 50-60 year old bolts and in my experiences the craftsman sockets fit me perfectly, I cant even tell you the last time I had one fail. The ratchets **** and I do have snap on ones or gw. I debated about getting some snap on sockets to slowly replace what I had and the 1/4 set I ordered I felt there was not a big enough difference for the money and kept my cm sockets. SK seem nice but seem like periods of quality then **** so I have always been iffy on them.
If your dead set against cman sockets I would go williams with Bahco ratchets which are 80 teeth and very close to snap on quality.
If your dead set against cman sockets I would go williams with Bahco ratchets which are 80 teeth and very close to snap on quality.
Tarheelgarage
Well-known member
Gearwrench would be the best choice
Don't waste your money on the SK ratchet. I have one and something is wrong with the internals and it is only 4 months old. I've thrown it in the back of the drawn and sworn off buying anymore of their lame tools.
Don't waste your money on the SK ratchet. I have one and something is wrong with the internals and it is only 4 months old. I've thrown it in the back of the drawn and sworn off buying anymore of their lame tools.
concealer404
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- Mar 13, 2012
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Going back to OP's post... i'm not sure which of those sets i'd buy if given only those two choices. Probably the KD.
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Thanks everyone for the help.
Although this set is slightly used (but complete) and almost twice what I wanted to spend I decided to purchase this from a friend on another forum for $250 shipped. At that price I couldn't say no . Will be my first Snap-On tool purchase
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=630943&group_ID=674757
Although this set is slightly used (but complete) and almost twice what I wanted to spend I decided to purchase this from a friend on another forum for $250 shipped. At that price I couldn't say no . Will be my first Snap-On tool purchase
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=630943&group_ID=674757
chappys4life
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Good luck, hope you never brake one as not covered under warranty.
shoturtle
Well-known member
That is a much nicer set. And allot better ratchet.
SCscoutguy
Well-known member
Dude you really hate SK don't you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the SK ratchet. They have been turning nuts and bolts since the 30's and are still going strong.
crewchief888
Well-known member
i have several SK ratchets in 3/8" & 1/2" drive, couple of each from the late 50's that have never broken or even been rebuilt.
i have no luck at all with 1/4"dr SK ratchets and breaker bars, always snapping the drive end off them.
shoturtle
Well-known member
No I like the ones that are rebranded facom. given the choice sk or the so. SO is the no brainer. Now if you said sk or armstrong 1/4 round, I would pick the SK.
shoturtle
Well-known member
Not bashing, there are just better ones out there for the same money. But like I said, given sk or so. The so without a second thought. The sk or the armstrong 1/4 round, the SK without a second thought.
jvitez
Well-known member
Congrats on the Snap-On purchase!
I have the exact SK set you were considering, and love it. Very complete, excellent quality of fit & finish and chrome plating. The ratchet is fine, coarse yes, but really OK for what 1/4 sockets are generally used for. In any case I have a Snap-On 1/4" ratchet, but I'm keeping this set together as a grab-and-go type of set. I love having everything in one place.
I have the exact SK set you were considering, and love it. Very complete, excellent quality of fit & finish and chrome plating. The ratchet is fine, coarse yes, but really OK for what 1/4 sockets are generally used for. In any case I have a Snap-On 1/4" ratchet, but I'm keeping this set together as a grab-and-go type of set. I love having everything in one place.
shoturtle
Well-known member
The armstrong 88 is a really nice ratchet. And the cman sockets works well. But I did say get any better ratchet the op feels like. I did not say get the 1/4 round head did I from armstorng. I also said the sk is the better socket.
But between the 2 originally kits, next to sk being US made. The GW is the better value, better ratchet, and the sockets are pretty good as well. And you get a free set of ratchet wrench, which 95% of them out there are made in taiwan anyways.
AustinRob
Member
+2 1/2
RedFordTruck
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I would get a craftsman set and use the rest of the money for other tools.
Ive never had any problems with 1/4'' drive craftsman sockets. You could get a better ratchet to go with a C'man socket set and you'd be good to go.
Ive never had any problems with 1/4'' drive craftsman sockets. You could get a better ratchet to go with a C'man socket set and you'd be good to go.
e30bradley
Well-known member
SK over the KD set.
shoturtle
Well-known member
OP went with SO set.
biscuit141
Well-known member
Not to get off topic, but it seems the OP has purchased the Snap On set, so here is my dilemma. After reading this thread and the post about how the Craftsman 1/4 complete set is crappy and all the other posts lately about the quality of Craftsman sockets, I went out to take a look at my sets. I bought both the 1/4 and 3/8 from Sears when they were 50% off a couple weeks ago. I have to say thay the socket quality was all that impressive. I use my tools as tools, not trophies so they don't have to be perfect, but I do want they to be decent quality. I am on the fence on whether I should return these sets and get something else. i do not want to spend the $$ on the SK or the Snap On, so I am thinking about going back to the Napa sets I was posting about before I bought the Craftsman. (see link below) Here is a picture of my 3/16" 1/4 drive Craftsman socket from the set, I am not entirely sure the hex shape was actually formed. It is very small, but it just looks like a circle. On a better note, all the sockets I checked had good detents and the ratchet fit nicely. However, I think the chroming on the inside of some of the sockets got skipped as some look much brighter than others.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145877
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145877
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shoturtle
Well-known member
The socket work, and I use my tools as well. Never had any issues with the craftsman 1/4. Work got me a new set of Armstrong, and for the money I would have been just as happy with a new set of cman. The chrome only stays pretty for about 2 weeks with any of my work tool. But the cman grabs and sits on the ratchets without any issues. The bottom line is th cman socket are good quality tools.
shoturtle
Well-known member
With the money you saved on that set get a much nicer ratchet. A nice fine tooth one.