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Blue Point vs. S-K 1/4 set

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ChevyEFI

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Phoenix, AZ
I use the deeps.
I use the 15mm quite a bit.
Socket set to socket set, I'll take the SK all day every day.
For a "do-most-jobs" with the shallows and the driver bits, the BP.
 
OP
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JUNK-MAN

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Fedwrench said:
Given the two choices listed, I would choose the SK set but, shop around for a better deal.

However, since you listed Blue Point you might not be adverse to Asian made tools. here's another option that won't break the bank.

http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-80300.aspx

Shop around though as there were some buy one get one specials going on.
Click to expand...

I was leaning toward the S-K set myself and only listed the BP because it was a lifetime warranty and truck brand, I have a budget of $150 give or take and would like to keep it name brand and preferably USA. Thanks
 
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General Geoff

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I have the SK 1/4" 60-piece super set, as well as a Grey Pneumatic Duo set. I use the GP set more often, because of the additional extension (all of them are wobble-fix) and the excellent included driver handle (which has a wobble-fix drive end, AND a square drive socket on the handle end so it can also be used as an extension). Neither the 48 piece nor the 60 piece SK set have such a driver handle built in.


edit; the GP set is taiwan, not USA. But the fit & finish is superb. Haven't busted one yet and I've used them steadily for a couple of years now.
 
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Askme42

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Goreville IL
JUNK-MAN said:
I was leaning toward the S-K set myself and only listed the BP because it was a lifetime warranty and truck brand, I have a budget of $150 give or take and would like to keep it name brand and preferably USA. Thanks
Click to expand...

Check out the sk day thread at the top of the page.
 
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SantaAna12

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Mar 1, 2012
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I own both, the Blue Point in metric and the SK in SAE. They are both great tools. My gripe--and it is a weak one--is that the BP will fall off the ratchet (various ratchets) and having done my share of production work, this is a deal breaker for me.
The SO guy will warranty it, so it probably doesn't matter to others as much.

FWIW: I like SK, but would buy Koken 1/4 Zeal sockets with the strong dollar.
 
Z

zkling

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May also want to look at Armstrong. Someone posted a pic of a reall nice, complete looking 1/4" armstrong set the other day.
 
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dj spanners

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uk
SantaAna12 said:
I own both, the Blue Point in metric and the SK in SAE. They are both great tools. My gripe--and it is a weak one--is that the BP will fall off the ratchet (various ratchets) and having done my share of production work, this is a deal breaker for me.
The SO guy will warranty it, so it probably doesn't matter to others as much.

FWIW: I like SK, but would buy Koken 1/4 Zeal sockets with the strong dollar.
Click to expand...

why does the blue point sockets fall of your ratchets, is there no detents ground in the sockets
 
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martin666

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Given the 2 brands you list I'd go with the SK. The Blue Point set is a williams set that can probably be found cheaper, but neither can compare to the USA made SK, I'm a big fan of most USA Blue Point ( and Williams ) tools and have been for decades but I'm not crazy about the import stuff, especially when USA alternatives available
 
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dutchgray

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Dorset. England.
I would go with the SK set myself, the majority of my 1/4" sockets are SK and I have a few ratchets as well. Its good stuff for a reasonable price.
 
T

Tenex

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May 11, 2015
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I bought the SK set #91848, but now I wish I had bought the #91860 set that has every 1/4" socket that SK makes. I'm in the midst of filling the gaps of my set and it's getting expensive. I've looked into SK day and the prices aren't that great even with the 10% discount. I paid $130.88 for #91848 on eBay through ToolTopia. Happy shopping
 
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BMack37

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I really like the BP ratchet, it's my favorite ratchet of all time. It looks like it's the higher tooth count without the quick release but I actually prefer the lower tooth count with the quick release. I just bought the Williams version of the quick release. I grew fond of these in 2002 when I got my first ratchet set in high school, it was a USA made Kobalt by Williams. It could be nostalgia that lends itself to my fondness of these ratchets. I still have that Kobalt set and besides some scratches and some wear on the case, it looks practically brand new.
 
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GeorgeFromPa

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Sk.. made with american made steel
Blue point.. made with recycled tuna cans and old mazdas
 
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raiderhillbilly

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NC
Tenex said:
I bought the SK set #91848, but now I wish I had bought the #91860 set that has every 1/4" socket that SK makes. I'm in the midst of filling the gaps of my set and it's getting expensive. I've looked into SK day and the prices aren't that great even with the 10% discount. I paid $130.88 for #91848 on eBay through ToolTopia. Happy shopping
Click to expand...

Here is your 91860 box:

http://www.autotoolworld.com/S-K-Hand-Tool-ABOX-91860-Empty-Case_p_198538.html

What else do you need? PM me.
 
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Bighead38

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Rockland County NY
I have this blue point set. I know it's a different set but I would think the sockets are the same.
https://store.snapon.com/General-Se...ation-1-4-and-3-8-drive-155-pcs--P645026.aspx

I got it as a gift and use it all the time. The sockets have been great for me. My only complaint is that some developed surface rust if the kit sits in a humid environment for a while. It rubs right off but it's still annoying. There's nothing wrong with the ratchets but I don't use them often because I like others I have better. I really like the 1/4" driver/spinner. Not sure what the proper name is. Main thing I like is having all the sockets right next to whatever I'm working on.
 
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Fedwrench

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Brownsfan said:
Check Napa's real deals flier. They have a 50PC Armstrong set for like 119. Comes with the 88 tooth ratchet and all.http://realdeals.napaecatalog.com/app.php?RelId=6.2.3.8
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That's not a bad set but, aside from the ratchet, knurled extensions, and a better selection of socket sizes than Sears offered in 1/4 drive, at the end of the day you're left basically with US made craftsman quality sockets stamped Armstrong. The sockets even have that funky double detent on the female square drive end that was common on US made craftsman sockets. :dunno:
Cripe used to sell those sets (with the older 60 tooth ratchet) for $55. :lol:
 
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Brownsfan

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That's fine with me. I have basically the same set in the Craftsman socket module (USA) made with the 60t low profile ratchet and love them. The detents have never been an issue. In fact these sockets have been fantastic. No rust issues no breaks nothing. I think the USA made Craftsman sockets were just fine. Armstrong is good enough for the Military so I'm sure it would work fine for a tech or a DIY guy.
 
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Fedwrench

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Brownsfan said:
Armstrong is good enough for the Military so I'm sure it would work fine for a tech or a DIY guy.
Click to expand...

Speaking from experience, "being good enough for the military" is more about price aka the lowest bidder, than overall quality. :lol:

I have lots of Armstrong stuff and some that's stamped Matco too. :beer:
 
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Fedwrench

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Brownsfan said:
That's probably true. I wonder what Snap Ons bid was. Lol
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I'm not sure. However, most government agencies can get Snap on tools at about 55% of list price which can still be more money than a PROTO, SK or other fill in the blank brand of the same tool. There's also the theft factor. Most smoes know that a pelican case full of Snap on is expensive but, a pelican case of Armstrong and lesser known brands, not so much. :dunno:
 
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M6erfan

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Between the two you mentioned I'd go for SK, abut also take a hard look at the US made Williams sets...I'm not a fan of gearwrench as some others suggested.
 
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Brownsfan

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M6erfan said:
Between the two you mentioned I'd go for SK, abut also take a hard look at the US made Williams sets...I'm not a fan of gearwrench as some others suggested.
Click to expand...

I have a 51pc Gearwrench set for the service van on sale at Advance Auto for $40 a while back. It's a nice set for that purpose because of the case
 
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Brownsfan

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What exactly is the issue with the detents in the USA Craftsman and Armstrong sockets? I never noticed anything about them that made the design an issue for me.
 
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crewchief888

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i have had the SK set at home for many years.

i dont like SK 1/4" dr ratchets, seems like every time i touch one the drive breaks off :dunno:

i have several other brands of 1/4" dr that i have no issues with....



:beer:
 
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morgaj1

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I love my 1/4 sk ratchet and it is my most used ratchet. As a matter of fact, I need to find one of the 3/8 in 1/4 body.
 
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AV tinker er

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My favorite 1/4 SK ratchet is the Facom version. A little bulky but strong.
Either set, SK or blue point, will last for years. My opinion get the SK.
 
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4x4gearhead

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I have both and they both work fine but the sk set is definitely of higher quality when it comes to fit and finish. I think bang for the buck goes to sk...all day
 
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stage20

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pcola FL
they are apples and oranges.
sk has deeps, an overall good selection of sockets.
the blue point is missing deeps, but has bit sockets.

personally i would buy the blue point and buy deeps if you are set on a truck brand
or buy sk and then source out bits if you are looking for usa quality.
 
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AmishFury

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AV tinker er said:
My favorite 1/4 SK ratchet is the Facom version. A little bulky but strong.
Click to expand...

i'm the opposite on this... the Tuff-1 model is too bulky and the backdrag is worse... i prefer the regular one which happens to be my favorite 1/4" ratchet
 
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