hard decision

[bayoutoolguy]

obviously the SK set is a better deal, comes with more sockets, both sae and metric, and a good price. thinking about returning the proto set i just bought, and getting the SK set. my question is, is SK quality just as good as proto? are SK tools durable?



http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94549.aspx

http://www.stanleyproto.com/default...134&strSiteName=PROTO&strDefaultCatalog=PROTO

 

[7.62]

I don't own any Proto tools so I can't make a comparison, but my SK sockets are very good quality. You won't be disappointed in them.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

my question is, is SK quality just as good as proto?

That's a loaded question.

 

[darkk]

I have SK tools almost exclusively, I bought most of them in the early 60's-70's I am (was..now retired) a professional body man / fabricator since the early 60's. I still have most of the original tools I purchased. I've had no problems with SK ever...

 

[barcalo]

As a non pro who has both vintage SK and vintage Proto I see them as similar quality. The current stuff I have no clue.

 

[Matt018]

SK is professional quality.

 

[walwalka]

How are the ratchets with the SK kit? I've had a hard time finding any specs about them..

 

[Jawn]

Most SK rats aren't fine tooth, but they feel pretty darn solid to me.

 

[Outlawmws]

I think I would give the edge to Proto, but not at 2X the cost, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with SK...

 

[4x4gearhead]

I think I would give the edge to Proto, but not at 2X the cost, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with SK...

X2 on this, they are on the same level to me, the value of the SK set is greater than the quality difference.

 

[cbracer]

SK is excellent. Quality is just ever so slightly below Proto, though warranty and the company behind SK is easier to deal with. Why not throw Armstrong into the mix? I just ordered up the 3/8" and 1/4" versions of these.

http://www.toolfetch.com/Category/Automotive/Hand_Tools/Socket_Sets/ARM15-299.htm

You'll find everyone here has an opinion, and non of the tools you've mentioned are bad. Get what you like. And if you change your mind later on, then change your tools. For me I couldn't find any good pricing on Proto really. SK had some good prices and have a really nice growing selection of stuff. I really wanted SK, but don't like their ratchets, don't like the color green, don't care for their variations inside the socket, and really like the easy read Armstrong. Of course you could just get Craftsman which are almost the same socket for 1/2 the price. But SK is really good so don't fret about either one.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

alright. another reason im leaning towards the SK is because it has metric tools also, I use metric tools 10 times more than i use standard, only time i use standard is on lawnmowers (briggs, tecumseh) and detroit diesels. I always heard since SK is owned by a new company that their quality suffered. is this true?

 

[plinker]

I always heard since SK is owned by a new company that their quality suffered. is this true?

The new Ideal owned S-K tool's do not have any major quality issue's like the previous management's tools did in the last years of their ownership. There were some issue's with those.

I had sent in some tools to S-K to get replaced and the one's I recieved look very nice my only complaint is the stamping is a bit light, but otherwise no issue's. I also have bought some open stock socket's from Tooltopia.com and they are for all intent's the same as my other's in look's and style.

I have not really used the new production stuff I have much yet, but I see no reason why they would be any less quality then anything else on the market.

If I was starting out buying new tool's over again, I'd get the S-K socket set's in 3/8 & 1/4 drive's. They alway's had some nice complete set's.



With Craftsman being outsourced more & more, I think S-K has a good chance to grab some of that market for USA made tool's.

 

[kippieland]

alright. another reason im leaning towards the SK is because it has metric tools also, I use metric tools 10 times more than i use standard, only time i use standard is on lawnmowers (briggs, tecumseh) and detroit diesels. I always heard since SK is owned by a new company that their quality suffered. is this true?

Opposite of that. My dealer has said (and I agree) that since the buy-out they have increased their quality a lot by shrinking their product line. They have been selling SK for over 20 years and they are very excited by the newer products. SK is top-notch stuff. Their ratchets may not be fine-toothed but are very strong, heavy, and have a smoother feel. As one person stated (stuck bolts fear my SK!) SK's chrome is awesome as well. I would go with SK over Proto for price. They are both great though.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

alright, looks like ill go with the SK set

 

[pipsters]

I bought the SK set about 6 months ago. I really wanted to like it but about 8 of the sockets had very light markings and about as many also had very light to non-existent detents. Hopefully by now all the old stock has been cleared out and only new product is filling the boxes. The stuff that was good looked awesome, nicer looking than my Craftsman stuff. I ended up returning the SK set but if I were to buy tools today I would buy the SK sets.

Here's some of the new SK sockets vs. Craftsman

Sorry for the large pictures

 

[woody 73]

Funny but today I bought an old snap-on small tin type box for $30.00 dollars. Inside it had about 5 snap-on sockets,5 old sk sockets,5 old plomb (proto) sockets and a mix of everything else. Now the sk looked very nice for being that old and the Proto did not come with any chrome, but still they are in good working order like the sk sockets.

You are a winner with either set and mind you the above sockets all came from the 1940's to the late 1950's.

Hope that helps you out.

 

[compyello]

I bought the same sk set six years ago never had to warranty anything, I am not a big fan of the ratchet so I have snap on but that is just me. I am in the market for a sk 1/4 set because I like the 3/8 so much

 

[Rickster]

Proto over the SK. SK has the prettier chrome but Proto is the better tool IMHO. I buy a lot of ratchets at estate sales and it's not uncommon to see a frozen SK. I don't think I've ever seen a stuck Proto ratchet. I just picked up a couple of Snap-on's and a Proto the other day. One Snap-on was stuck and is soaking. The other two Snap-on's are soaking in trans fluid for lube right now. The Proto was smooth as butter, it's in the toolbox.