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How to Search for SK Tools?

Bull

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This is a weird question.

I want to search the forum for threads about SK tools. But, the search feature insists that any and all variations of that brand name won't work, since each word in a search must be a minimum of three characters in length. S&K doesn't work, in case you were going to suggest that.

How to get around this? I'm sure I'm not the only one who's ever wanted to search for SK tools?
 
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Bull

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The forum software won't let you search under two letters; it's doing you a favor. :D

Yeah yeah, I know, a Miller High Life guy like me doesn't fit with some of you Snap-On and champagne kind of guys :bowdown: :lol_hitti
 

Danglerb

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What do you want to know about SK?

Its a professional tool brand, lifetime warranty, typically found in industrial hardware type places, roughly something like Proto quality, not something I would ever expect to have a problem with in normal use.

I have a set of I think 1/4" drive sockets I use.
 
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Bull

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What do you want to know about SK?

Its a professional tool brand, lifetime warranty, typically found in industrial hardware type places, roughly something like Proto quality, not something I would ever expect to have a problem with in normal use.

I have a set of I think 1/4" drive sockets I use.

Well, information just like that is what I'm looking for. I was hoping to sort through the thousands of old posts on this site and see what people have said about SK over the years.

I have mostly Craftsman tools, which is mostly because they are the easiest to find and when my dad started giving me tools as a kid, that's what he gave me. Which I understand, since it has been a recognized name for so long...too bad the quality is slipping.

Anyway, the local auto parts place is an SK dealer. I picked up a 3/8"x24" breaker bar the other day. I like the fact that they are made in the US (although the manager said part of their line isn't, can't recall which though) and I like the fact that they seem to be a step above Craftsman in quality. I think I'm going to become an SK guy. I don't have pockets for the Cadillac brands, but I'd like to separate myself from the crowd a bit.
 

Lz_69

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Just add a "*" after SK and it will work, but it will also pick up word containing sk.
 

64merc

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What do you want to know about SK?

Its a professional tool brand, lifetime warranty, typically found in industrial hardware type places, roughly something like Proto quality, not something I would ever expect to have a problem with in normal use.

This pretty much sums it up IMO. FYI, there has been a TON of SK bashing going on lately, but try not to get too discouraged. If they are in you budget range, easy to find, and easy to warranty, you should give them a try.
 

ImportTuner

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Well, information just like that is what I'm looking for. I was hoping to sort through the thousands of old posts on this site and see what people have said about SK over the years.

I have mostly Craftsman tools, which is mostly because they are the easiest to find and when my dad started giving me tools as a kid, that's what he gave me. Which I understand, since it has been a recognized name for so long...too bad the quality is slipping.

Anyway, the local auto parts place is an SK dealer. I picked up a 3/8"x24" breaker bar the other day. I like the fact that they are made in the US (although the manager said part of their line isn't, can't recall which though) and I like the fact that they seem to be a step above Craftsman in quality. I think I'm going to become an SK guy. I don't have pockets for the Cadillac brands, but I'd like to separate myself from the crowd a bit.

I have the SK catalog in front of me; they do not make a 3/8" x 24" breaker bar. They do have a 1/2" x 24" breaker bar .. :)
 
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Bull

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I have the SK catalog in front of me; they do not make a 3/8" x 24" breaker bar. They do have a 1/2" x 24" breaker bar .. :)

Quite right sir...the mornings are not when I am most lucid :(

It is a 1/2" bar :)
 

AutoTech

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Well, information just like that is what I'm looking for. I was hoping to sort through the thousands of old posts on this site and see what people have said about SK over the years.

I have mostly Craftsman tools, which is mostly because they are the easiest to find and when my dad started giving me tools as a kid, that's what he gave me. Which I understand, since it has been a recognized name for so long...too bad the quality is slipping.

Anyway, the local auto parts place is an SK dealer. I picked up a 3/8"x24" breaker bar the other day. I like the fact that they are made in the US (although the manager said part of their line isn't, can't recall which though) and I like the fact that they seem to be a step above Craftsman in quality. I think I'm going to become an SK guy. I don't have pockets for the Cadillac brands, but I'd like to separate myself from the crowd a bit.

Bull
I use S-k tools everyday in a professional setting and I can say that I have only broken one ratchet (and it was from abuse) since the S-K tool truck started stopping buy the shop about 5 years ago!
 
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Fedwrench

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SK are good tools. Every brand has a bad batch of of an item sooner or later too include the tool truck brands. You really need to price shop though. There is a huge price spread between retail and online vendors plus Ebay. Sk screwdrivers and G Pro ratcheting wrenches are imported. I believe the rest of their line is still US Made. As for searching old threads try using SK followed by a key word such as SK wrenches, SK sockets, SK Quality, etc. Tools are a personal choice so, use what you like. :thumbup:
 
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Bull

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Thanks for the info here, about SK tools and about hot to do a Google search of a specific site...I did not know that.

Fedwrench, what you are describing is what I tried here, and it won't work. The search software will not accept any form of SK or S&K.

The dealer said something about how tools that are marked with both the SK name and another name are offshore...any idea what he was talking about?
 

Fedwrench

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The dealer said something about how tools that are marked with both the SK name and another name are offshore...any idea what he was talking about?

Sorry about the incorrect poop on searching. I thought I had searched that way here before.

As I mentioned before, the SK G Pro family of fine tooth ratcheting wrenches are imported. Maybe that's what your dealer meant combining names with SK. Their Green rectangular handled screwdrivers and the expert screwdrivers are made in France. Their new trimolded screwdrivers are made in Slovenia. I think the new ratcheting screwdrivers are made in Taiwan. Pliers can be French (multi grip,long nose, flat hose clamp, cable hose clamp), Taiwanese (filp pliers), China (double X), or American made (most others) depending on the model. Good luck in your quest for SK tools and information.:beer:
 
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Bull

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Thank you for the good wishes, and the info on the provenance of different types of SK tools.

A dumb question: why doesn't a tool manufacturer like SK find it most economical for all their tools to come from the same place? Why this multinational list you have mentioned above?
 

Fedwrench

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A dumb question: why doesn't a tool manufacturer like SK find it most economical for all their tools to come from the same place? Why this multinational list you have mentioned above?

It's all about the money and where they can get the most for the least. For the French made items, I think it's a throwback to when Facom owned SK up until a few of years ago when SK became self owned. As for the other stuff it's probably a case of rebadging an existing product with the SK name to fill a customer need or void in their line when it may not be cost effective for SK to manufacture it on their own.
As for the Trimolded screwdrivers, I think it was an opportunity to offer something completely different. Matco, Cornwell, Napa and others sell rebadged Witte German made screwdrivers. I don't know of anyone else selling the the trimolded screwdrivers from Slovenia. Just my thoughts, your results may vary.:thumbup:
 

Danglerb

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Sears also sells SK and Armstrong as a "pro" kind of line.

The only "new" tools I tend to buy are Craftsman and Lisle, everything else I buy off ebay or swap meets, otherwise I wouldn't have the SK sockets I have. (or the Snapon).

Different brands have items I prefer, Snapon ratchets and screwdrivers, ok maybe everything Snapon, except a bunch of stuff including most sockets my preference is small compared to the price differences.
 

justinmc

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SK generally makes a great tool. Yeah its not S/O.. but I would put it on par with Matco at the least. Some of their designs on ratchets, etc are a bit "dated" but they have some very nice high quality tools. I have a local dealer who warranties anything from them without so much as a scratch of the head. Doesn't matter if it came from them or not. The warranty is awesome. I have to say its almost nice to be able to walk into a tool store and swap out a really nice "pro" line tool vs. waiting for the truck guy to come by next week and take care of it.

Personally I have a few SK pieces including a ratchet, some sockets and a set of the superchrome wrenches. The superchrome wrenches are awesome. Not really as "slim" as my S/O ones but the finish is good.. they work well... I dunno for the money its hard to beat.

Also as mentioned if you can shop around.. do... you'll find a pretty wide range on SK pricing. Some of it is close to tool truck prices.. the rest is almost as good as craftsman pricing.
 
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Bull

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I have the SK catalog in front of me; they do not make a 3/8" x 24" breaker bar. They do have a 1/2" x 24" breaker bar .. :)

You know, your post made me second-guess myself and assume you were right. But, I used the bar today. It is, indeed, 3/8" drive x 24" long. I can get the part number off of it if necessary.

BTW, where can I get a copy of that catalog?
 

ImportTuner

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You know, your post made me second-guess myself and assume you were right. But, I used the bar today. It is, indeed, 3/8" drive x 24" long. I can get the part number off of it if necessary.

BTW, where can I get a copy of that catalog?

I got my catalog from the local SK dealer; wow, I want a 3/8" x 24" breaker bar .. The longest I've every found was a 15" and with that length, it will shatter most Craftsman sockets ..
 

ImportTuner

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You know, your post made me second-guess myself and assume you were right. But, I used the bar today. It is, indeed, 3/8" drive x 24" long. I can get the part number off of it if necessary.

BTW, where can I get a copy of that catalog?

Hi again .. just checked the website and 10" is the longest flex head handle listed; could I get the part number .. thx

http://www.skhandtool.com/Default.aspx?fusemode=10&pid=45152
 
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Crasen

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I can't even Imagine a 24" 3/8 breaker bar, if I put the kind of torque on a 3/8 socket with that long of a 3/8 breaker bar I would have images of ****** knuckles in the back of my mind
 
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Bull

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Guys, I just had a chilling realization. My mind surely must be going. I have NO idea why I said "breaker bar" when the tool I am referring to is merely an extension! Wow. Seriously, I don't know where my brain has been...vacation? :(:shocking:
 
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