Craftsman sec. torx sockets made by SK

[MAD]

A new independent Sears store opened near work and I stopped in today to see what kind of selection they were stocking. I noticed that the tamper proof torx bit sockets looked different than the other sockets. The chrome was very bright, the finish was ultra smooth and the shape was different from the standard non security torx sockets. I am 99% positive that these are made by SK and not Danaher.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942614000P?keyword=torx+socket

http://www.skhandtool.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=19769

 

[Crasen]

The T30 in the Craftsman set is 1/4" drive and 3/8 in the sk set. Just an observation, doesn't mean it can't be made by them.

 

[MAD]

The T30 in the Craftsman set is 1/4" drive and 3/8 in the sk set. Just an observation, doesn't mean it can't be made by them.

You are right that the sets do not include the same mix of sockets but I do not think that matters much. The SK ones say they have a new through-hole bit holder design. I assume that the bit can be popped out through the square drive hole. I did not try that on the Craftsman ones. If the bits are held in the same way then that would be pretty iron clad proof. Anyone own these?

 

[billymade]

I just bought the Craftsman set for $19.99 at one of the 50% off sales; they look similar but with the price differential, I have a hard time believing they are the same as the $99 SK units. I haven't tried to a pair of pliers but the bits don't seem made to come out for replacement; they are not kept in by roll pins or anything like the tool truck sockets. The bits are a gray color and I am wondering if they are not heat treated the same as the normal bits that are black oxide; the normal ones aren't very strong to begin with. I have only used them to take off and clean a MAF (mass air flow sensor) on a subaru; I cannot vouch for their strength as the whole unit was plastic. They don't look too strong and I'm worried they may fail. Anyone used their set much? Do they hold up to use?

 

[Lightning]

Wiha makes tungsten carbide torx bits that are very hard and strong. I have a set of the phillips dura carbide tips #1,#2,#3 and they are very tough and very high wear resistance. The hardness is around 85 HRC

 

[krusty the clown]

I just bought the Craftsman set for $19.99 at one of the 50% off sales; they look similar but with the price differential, I have a hard time believing they are the same as the $99 SK units.

believe it. the same applies with the danaher made ratchets matco sells the same ratchets (the handle is just shaped different) for $75 sears for $25.

 

[eschoendorff]

believe it. the same applies with the danaher made ratchets matco sells the same ratchets (the handle is just shaped different) for $75 sears for $25.

yup... small world.

 

[MAD]

, I have a hard time believing they are the same as the $99 SK units.

Click on the Sears link and zoom all the way in on the the T40 socket. The Craftsman stamped ones must not have been ready yet when they did the art work. They even used the SK sockets for the picture.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942614000P?keyword=torx+socket

 

[Lyaec350]

Hm, I'll have to grab these next time they're $19.99

 

[billymade]

I guess the real question is whether these socket are any good and do they hold up to real world usage?

 

[Lightning]

Anyone have experience using the Snap On torx sockets. I have a set but I do not encounter very many torx fasteners. Form what I have read on the internet, most are vulnerable to break no matter the brand.

 

[unclemat]

What's the consens on SK torx bits quality vs. Craftsman? Btw it does not look like SK makes Craftsman bits.

I got the Craftsman 7 piece deal for $19.99, but then I got 13 piece SK set for $60 shipped.... I guess it's a good idea to have spares for torx sockets. Broke a number of cheapos in the past.

 

[ImportTuner]

Click on the Sears link and zoom all the way in on the the T40 socket. The Craftsman stamped ones must not have been ready yet when they did the art work. They even used the SK sockets for the picture.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00942614000P?keyword=torx+socket

I got that same set when it was on sale for $19.99 ... says on it that you can use it as a regular torx ...

 

[joenero]

Anyone have experience using the Snap On torx sockets. I have a set but I do not encounter very many torx fasteners. Form what I have read on the internet, most are vulnerable to break no matter the brand.

I have yet to break a torx bit/socket combination of either the matco/snap on variety. Yes, they can break but a big part of it is using one that is the correct size. I can see getting away with using cman torx sockets like I have a home for a long time unless they are seeing really high torques frequently.

 

[MAD]

Btw it does not look like SK makes Craftsman bits.

I am only saying that the Craftsman tamper proof TORX sockets are made by SK-(or at least some of the recently produced ones). I know the other square drive bit sockets tend to be Danaher products and the 1/4" hex drive bits tend to be sourced from Vermont American /Bosch.

 

[MAD]

Here is some more SK made Craftsman. The Thumbwheel ratchets are pretty obvious. I don't know about the wobble extensions that come in the set. I know SK has provided polished wrenches to Sears for a long time including the current line wrenches but these are the first modern sockets and ratchets I have seen.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00934905000P?vName=Tools&keyword=thumbwheel

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943398000P

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943397000P

 

[turmlos]

My first necropost!

I actually found a set of these at the local Sears Hometown store today. I even got them to match the "online only" price ($19.96). The chrome is much nicer than the Danaher set I have, and the bits don't have that cheap looking black-oxide finish.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I love the SK torq's.

 

[Zeroek]

I need a back up set to my blue point ones so I actually may order those.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I really like SK bits sockets, just avoid the older ones with a set screw instead of a roll pin, they do not age well. The newer ones with the roll pin are excellent quality and every bit (pun intended) as good as my Protos.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I really like SK bits sockets, just avoid the older ones with a set screw instead of a roll pin, they do not age well. The newer ones with the roll pin are excellent quality and every bit (pun intended) as good as my Protos.

Sk no longer uses the roll pin for most of the bit sockets. They are press fit (except for some larger sizes that use the roll pin).

I like my SK bit sockets too! Haven't broken/damaged one in the year I've been using them. Hopefully they will continue to be good!

 

[1950mercury]

6 year old thread? Good luck finding any of the craftsman stuff at sears

 

[turmlos]

6 year old thread? Good luck finding any of the craftsman stuff at sears

At a Sears mainline store? Probably not, but a Sears Hometown Store? It's a possibility. I've been filling out my travel/junk yard box with lots of NOS Craftsman that I've found there.

 

[davethorik]

Sk no longer uses the roll pin for most of the bit sockets. They are press fit (except for some larger sizes that use the roll pin).

I like my SK bit sockets too! Haven't broken/damaged one in the year I've been using them. Hopefully they will continue to be good!

I bought the 3/8 drive SK sae hex bit sockets 7 pc set off of amazon for $30 a while back. Only the 3/8 has a roll pin, the rest are pressed in. That being said, they are tough. I have only used the 3/8 primarily, 5/16, and the 1/4 a few times.