Deep Metric USA Sockets - S-K Still Good?

[buckslayer5676]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a deep metric socket set (3/8" or 1/2" drive at least up to 19mm and wouldn't mind getting some a bit larger too) and am trying to stay with USA made. S-K sockets seem to be pretty decently priced and am wondering if the current S-K sockets are still of good quality as say the vintage ones.

I don't mind buying a used set and have been watching auction sites for something to pop up at a decent price, but sometimes there are mixed sets so I might end up having to buy a new socket or two to complete the set. So just wondering if I found a vintage S-K metric set and had to fill in a couple of gaps with new ones, if those new ones would still be as good?

I actually bought a set of 3/4" drive sockets (mostly Wright), but I'm realizing there is no way I'm ever going to need or use that large of sockets (my set goes all the way up to 2-1/4") so I'm looking to get rid of that set and am noticing most of my "stuff" will take metric sizes.

Any help is appreciated...thanks!

 

[u118224]

SK is as good as any when it comes to sockets. Reasonably priced for USA made too.

 

[Ctkelly]

I'd go with Williams USA made over SK. Recent SK individual sockets I bought had chrome missing. The set of Williams I bought was overall nicer IMO, even over looking the chrome issue on the SK sockets I'd still go with Williams.

Toolsdelivered.com is where I bought my Williams.

 

[buckslayer5676]

I'd go with Williams USA made over SK. Recent SK individual sockets I bought had chrome missing. The set of Williams I bought was overall nicer IMO, even over looking the chrome issue on the SK sockets I'd still go with Williams.

Toolsdelivered.com is where I bought my Williams.

Interesting...I was thinking all of the new Williams stuff was Taiwan made, but looks like they still offer USA made. This set looks like a pretty good deal (http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ools-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Metric-Socket-Sets), but are out of stock at the moment.

I'll have to keep my eyes on the Williams USA made as well...thanks!

 

[JimH]

I just got that Williams set that you linked, along with the shallow version, and I am very pleased with them.

I have SK for 3/8 drive SAE and think these Williams are just as good if not a little better.

 

[gdocktor3]

USA made Williams tools have letters in the part numbers while the Taiwan stuff are just numbers. I have a lot of SK sockets, new and old, and will admit one of my new extensions also had some chrome missing, but SKs customer service is really, really good and actually exchanged the entire 47 piece set! Their tools are really solid, well made stuff. Just keep in mind, SK deep sockets are comparable to other brands semi deep sockets. They are not as long as standard deep sockets sold by other brands. My go to 3/8" set is SK and my 1/2" are a mix of Snap On, SK and Blackhawk. I like SKs 47/48 piece sets because they come in nice molded plastic cases. I keep my set in the case in my tool chest, then grab the entire set when I'm working under the hood or need to take it on the road. And fwiw I am in love with my 1/4" round head ratchet by SK. Loooove it more than my snap on t72, Gearwrench 120xp, etc.

 

[buckslayer5676]

I just got that Williams set that you linked, along with the shallow version, and I am very pleased with them.

I have SK for 3/8 drive SAE and think these Williams are just as good if not a little better.

Good to know! I put myself on the waiting list for that set in case I don't find any in the meantime.

 

[buckslayer5676]

USA made Williams tools have letters in the part numbers while the Taiwan stuff are just numbers. I have a lot of SK sockets, new and old, and will admit one of my new extensions also had some chrome missing, but SKs customer service is really, really good and actually exchanged the entire 47 piece set! Their tools are really solid, well made stuff. Just keep in mind, SK deep sockets are comparable to other brands semi deep sockets. They are not as long as standard deep sockets sold by other brands. My go to 3/8" set is SK and my 1/2" are a mix of Snap On, SK and Blackhawk. I like SKs 47/48 piece sets because they come in nice molded plastic cases. I keep my set in the case in my tool chest, then grab the entire set when I'm working under the hood or need to take it on the road. And fwiw I am in love with my 1/4" round head ratchet by SK. Loooove it more than my snap on t72, Gearwrench 120xp, etc.

Thanks for the tip on part numbers for the USA vs. Taiwan for Williams...that will definitely help with my search.

I already have some Craftsman 6 point deeps that go up to 14mm so I'm really looking for 15mm and larger. Also good to know about the SK deep sizes and not being as long as standard deep sockets...

I have a Mercury 25hp outboard in which the spark plug takes an 18mm deep. Think an S-K 18mm deep would be deep enough for the spark plug?

 

[LXCam]

It's not that they aren't long enough, it's the broaching isn't deep. So for your spark plug issue, they won't work. But to answer your original question SK still makes a great product. You won't go wrong buying them when priced right. I have a ton of SK, new and old and the only issue I've ever had was because the broach didn't go deep enough for some odd ball application.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I'm becoming more partial to Wright as time goes on. Might want to check them out...

 

[buckslayer5676]

It's not that they aren't long enough, it's the broaching isn't deep. So for your spark plug issue, they won't work. But to answer your original question SK still makes a great product. You won't go wrong buying them when priced right. I have a ton of SK, new and old and the only issue I've ever had was because the broach didn't go deep enough for some odd ball application.

Good to know thanks. That may eliminate my S-K option for deeps.

 

[buckslayer5676]

I'm becoming more partial to Wright as time goes on. Might want to check them out...

I agree...my 3/4" drive Wright sockets that I'll be selling do seem very nice. They do seem to be more expensive than other brands, but the quality is definitely there in my opinion as well.

 

[General Geoff]

I have a Mercury 25hp outboard in which the spark plug takes an 18mm deep. Think an S-K 18mm deep would be deep enough for the spark plug?

Get a purpose-built spark plug socket. SK sadly does not even make an 18mm spark plug socket. I would recommend Koken ZEAL for plug sockets, but I'm sure there are at least a few USA companies that make an 18mm. Snap-on sure does, but it's $40 for one socket!

 

[M6erfan]

SK is OK and they are a great American company with a long history of tool making.

That said, the modern SK needs to get their act together with quality control and innovation. If you order SK sockets you may have to return some due to off center broaching or finish issues. I know I know, this can happen with any tool company, but it seems to happen with SK more often...

 

[buckslayer5676]

Get a purpose-built spark plug socket. SK sadly does not even make an 18mm spark plug socket. I would recommend Koken ZEAL for plug sockets, but I'm sure there are at least a few USA companies that make an 18mm. Snap-on sure does, but it's $40 for one socket!

I thought about a designated spark plug socket, but I think a regular 18mm deep should suffice. I recently had to change plugs on my outboard and had to borrow my dad's Craftsman 18mm socket (USA made) and it seemed to work well. So I'm hoping the metric deep set I eventually pick up will have an 18mm deep that works with these plugs.

 

[buckslayer5676]

SK is OK and they are a great American company with a long history of tool making.

That said, the modern SK needs to get their act together with quality control and innovation. If you order SK sockets you may have to return some due to off center broaching or finish issues. I know I know, this can happen with any tool company, but it seems to happen with SK more often...

Sounds like this is happening quite a bit lately. Luckily it sounds like they have excellent customer service, but I agree, sounds like their quality control has gone down as of late.

 

[gdocktor3]

I just bought a few Kobalt USA spark plug sockets from Cripedistributing, including 18mm. They're cheap and good quality. Cripe has really good prices on new old stock USA stuff like Kobalt, Craftsman, KD, Allen, Armstrong and more. They have made me special orders and be sure to double check on shipping charges as they can usually do better than what is originally quoted, especially when buying from them on eBay. http://www.cripedistributing.com/kobalt-3-8-drive-18mm-spark-plug-socket-usa-23031.html

 

[General Geoff]

I just bought a few Kobalt USA spark plug sockets from Cripedistributing, including 18mm. They're cheap and good quality. Cripe has really good prices on new old stock USA stuff like Kobalt, Craftsman, KD, Allen, Armstrong and more. They have made me special orders and be sure to double check on shipping charges as they can usually do better than what is originally quoted, especially when buying from them on eBay. http://www.cripedistributing.com/kobalt-3-8-drive-18mm-spark-plug-socket-usa-23031.html

For $2.00, you can't go wrong!

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Good to know thanks. That may eliminate my S-K option for deeps.

Should plan to use spark-plug sockets anyway... I think CMan is the only deep-broach deep-socket around. The rest have shallow broaches, so you can starts nuts easier.

 

[buckslayer5676]

For $2.00, you can't go wrong!

You're right! Might have to just buy that one.

 

[buckslayer5676]

I just bought a few Kobalt USA spark plug sockets from Cripedistributing, including 18mm. They're cheap and good quality. Cripe has really good prices on new old stock USA stuff like Kobalt, Craftsman, KD, Allen, Armstrong and more. They have made me special orders and be sure to double check on shipping charges as they can usually do better than what is originally quoted, especially when buying from them on eBay. http://www.cripedistributing.com/kobalt-3-8-drive-18mm-spark-plug-socket-usa-23031.html

Thanks for the link and suggestion. Since I really don't need a full set of deep metric (since I already have up to 14mm), maybe I'm better off just buying some individuals through this site.

 

[buckslayer5676]

Should plan to use spark-plug sockets anyway... I think CMan is the only deep-broach deep-socket around. The rest have shallow broaches, so you can starts nuts easier.

Would anyone know if the NAPA brand deep sockets that were made by Danaher Tool Group (USA made) be the same as the Craftsman as far as deep broach that could be used for spark plugs? I've seen some NOS sets of these around for pretty good prices and if they would work with spark plugs, I might just give them a try. I'm thinking they should be the same as the Craftsman, correct?

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm sorry I forgot to mention that Kobalt is also shallow broach, but for spark plugs does it really matter? I think my older Mac spark plug sockets are deep broached.

 

[buckslayer5676]

I'm sorry I forgot to mention that Kobalt is also shallow broach, but for spark plugs does it really matter? I think my older Mac spark plug sockets are deep broached.

Good point...not sure that it matters or not. Anyone know if the top part of a plug would fit inside a shallow breach deep socket?

 

[n8n]

Good to know thanks. That may eliminate my S-K option for deeps.

The broach "issue" has a purpose.

More often than not I appreciate the shallow SK broach vs. old Craftsman which tends to be broached all the way down. The SKs will allow you to start a nut on a stud overhead by setting the nut in the socket; that situation occurs for me more often than a situation that requires a full broached socket.

If there's room in your toolbox it's handy to have both types of socket just to Be Prepared...

 

[Loscaldazar]

Just keep in mind, SK deep sockets are comparable to other brands semi deep sockets. They are not as long as standard deep sockets sold by other brands.

That only applies to their 3/8 drive sockets. In 1/4 drive and 1/2 drive, SK's deep sockets are just as tall as other brands.

In 3/8 drive, SK's deep sockets are actually semi deep and their 3/8 drive extra deep are the same as other brand's deep sockets.

Good to know thanks. That may eliminate my S-K option for deeps.

Most quality deep sockets have a shallow broach (Snap On, SK, Proto, etc). This makes it easier to start fasteners with the socket (and not have the nut keep falling down the well) while still giving the depth of the socket to clear the threaded shaft.

Good point...not sure that it matters or not. Anyone know if the top part of a plug would fit inside a shallow breach deep socket?

All spark plug sockets are shallow broach already

I've had great tools from SK. I've had more Snap On QC issues than SK. Both companies have solved my issues quickly though. Usually the SK issue is getting the wrong sized socket in a set instead of another size (and they quickly sent me the correct size).

Some people also confuse the paint on the inside of SK sockets with chrome missing on the inside (and I'm not saying all chrome issues have been this, but most of the complaints are relevant to this). Here's an explanation http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5413833&postcount=12

 

[stage20]

id go williams, wright or proto over SK. ive used SK since i was a kid, and see them as much as craftsman at sales and i will say they have the worst flaking of chrome of any usa made sockets.

 

[F350]

Some of you guys are frickin' weird.

Most spark plug sockets have shallow broaching. This is to ensure easy removal. I'd only use spark plug sockets on spark plugs. There is no purpose to not have it outside cost. But you're concerned about quality, not cost, right?

For those complaining about SK deep sockets not being deep: SK sells TWO different kinds of deep sockets. One is SEMI-DEEP, which is what y'all probably got. The second option is DEEP, which is just as deep as other makes' deep sockets.

I like SK quality. Be sure to get their newer design "SuperKrome" or something like that that grips the side of the fastener, not the corner which can cause rounding. They have this weird thing with painting the inside portion of sockets silver for some reason.

 

[buckslayer5676]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Since I've only ever used Craftsman deep sockets, I never gave much thought to the shallow/deep broach of the socket. Makes sense though on the shallow broach actually being more useful overall.

So I've swayed away from shallow broach and now I'm back to wanting them...all within this thread...ha, ha!

 

[buckslayer5676]

Some of you guys are frickin' weird.

Most spark plug sockets have shallow broaching. This is to ensure easy removal. I'd only use spark plug sockets on spark plugs. There is no purpose to not have it outside cost. But you're concerned about quality, not cost, right?

For those complaining about SK deep sockets not being deep: SK sells TWO different kinds of deep sockets. One is SEMI-DEEP, which is what y'all probably got. The second option is DEEP, which is just as deep as other makes' deep sockets.

I like SK quality. Be sure to get their newer design "SuperKrome" or something like that that grips the side of the fastener, not the corner which can cause rounding. They have this weird thing with painting the inside portion of sockets silver for some reason.

Oh come one...we're not that weird!

Good to know on the semi-deep vs. deep for S-K's. I've seen Snap-On sets that were advertised as semi-deep as well. Sounds like S-K has something similar but I'll make sure to zero in on the truly deeps since that is what I'm really needing.

 

[colin39]

Love my s-k sockets, even the painted ones



They look good here

 

[buckslayer5676]

Love my s-k sockets, even the painted ones



They look good here

Nice!

 

[PJNJ]

I guess I must have gotten lucky with SK's quality control. A couple of months ago I bought the 3/8 socket set, 94549. I was impressed enough that I then bought the 1/4 set, 91848. I had no problems with missing sockets, chrome, broaching, anti-corrosion paint or off-center broaching. The only thing was some of the anti-corrosion paint got on the socket chrome - it came right off with some 0000 steel wool. The ratchets and thumb ratchets work well with surprisingly light drag though I would like the 3/8 ratchet to have more than 40 teeth. Oddly enough the 3/8 thumbwheel ratchet has 60 teeth.

 

[colin39]

Nice!

Thank you, looks a lot better as ive re organised this week using ernst twist n click. Looks so much better. Ill post some pics tomoz

 

[Wamsutta]

Another vote for the USA made Williams with the letters in the part number. That could very well be the best bang for the buck for any sockets on the market.

 

[bcradio]

If you are doing spark plugs then get spark plug sockets.

 

[buckslayer5676]

If you are doing spark plugs then get spark plug sockets.

Agreed...if I was doing spark plugs on a regular basis, then definitely a designated plug socket would be the best. I just changed plugs on my outboard motor and I probably won't need to do it for quite a while...hopefully. But for the price of that Kobalt spark plug socket, wouldn't hurt to just pick one up and throw it in the boat in case one ever needed to mess with the plugs out on the water.

 

[Coach James]

For $2.00, you can't go wrong!

I checked the shipping on that and the cheapest option was $3.33. I see a lot of inexpensive tools on Cripe, but the shipping seems crazy high. I had a spark plug socket and a 14 piece Kobalt socket set(1/4" drive) in my cart until I saw the cheapest shipping option. $31.__ for a ~$10 order.

Coach

 

[T45]

If you're happy with CMAN, just get the napa professional. $16 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professiona...ric-Socket-Set-FREE-US-SHIPPING-/111952949068

USA made and re-badged armstrong, these come in military GMTK kits.

They will be fine for normal use. Upgrade to williams or proto down the line for better fit/finish. You can always keep the $16 invested as a backup set, or for a travel box etc.

+1 on buy a set of sparkplug sockets as needed in 16,18,20.6 etc

(As an aside, you need 75mm deep sockets for sparkplugs. This is why you cant use a mid-depth (40mm) or a 1/4 deep (50mm) even on stuff like 14mm hex plugs. Has to be a 3/8 full-deep socket. But you can buy inserts from snap-on to turn regular sockets into spark plug sockets if you really want to.)

 

[gdocktor3]

I checked the shipping on that and the cheapest option was $3.33. I see a lot of inexpensive tools on Cripe, but the shipping seems crazy high. I had a spark plug socket and a 14 piece Kobalt socket set(1/4" drive) in my cart until I saw the cheapest shipping option. $31.__ for a ~$10 order.

Coach

Email them. Those charges are automatically set by the computer. It even says on their page to double check the shipping charges first. I paid $7 for the two Kobalt spark plug sockets I purchased. For nos Kobalt USA, I think that's worth it. One socket from Lowes now is $4.97