Menards masterforce or Sk tools

[Chiefingtrees]

Hi everyone! so i am slowly trying to convert all my tools with all usa made, while not breaking the bank. i recently learned that masterforce sells all usa made sockets! so i went to my local menards and they still have usa sockets, but some spots have gearwrench junk sockets. after doing some research on here. it seems like masterforce "apex" may be doing away with usa made sockets? Basically i just want your guys opinion if i should swoop up all the usa masterforce sockets while i can, even though if a socket were to fail it could be replaced with a junk gearwrench. or should i spend the extra $ and go with sk sockets.

 

[zcbauer89]

I'd go with SK. I have some Masteforce items, and they're not bad, but what Menards has in stock, is all they're going to have.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Masterforce is over, go SK, they have a bright future.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

SK, between the two.....

I also have some Gearwrench and have been pleased with them for the money, not sure I would call them junk.

 

[Chiefingtrees]

Yea ill probably go SK. From all the research ive done, seems like SK is the go to semi-affordable american tool company right now. i like snap on, i have there 3/16 and 3/32 air sanders and i love them. I was lucky and got them super cheap, but those are my only snap on tools because everything is so expensive!

 

[Chiefingtrees]

SK, between the two.....

I also have some Gearwrench and have been pleased with them for the money, not sure I would call them junk.

your right, definitely far from from the worst socket. the chrome was even initially better on all the china sockets, compared to the u.s.a masterforce sockets. i just prefer supporting usa as much as i can and the masterforce sockets are just $2.99! each for the 1/4 6 deep point sockets. for all the 1/4 deep they have is only like $30ish. killer deal compared to $90 for the Sk 1/4 deep set. but ill save my money and go SK!!!

 

[John in OH]

Take a look at Wright Tools. For main line items like sockets and combo wrenches Wright is tough to beat. Price is "about" the same as SK and all US made. Quality is equal to SO.

 

[unslow1]

SK, between the two.....

I also have some Gearwrench and have been pleased with them for the money, not sure I would call them junk.

I have some of all three. I would actually put most of the Gearwrench above the Masterforce. USA made does not guarantee better.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Hi everyone! so i am slowly trying to convert all my tools with all usa made, while not breaking the bank.

When it fails to do the job, or breaks, replace it.

Don't be a homer about USA if the above hasn't happened.

If there's an awesome sale like 40% on Zoro, buy SK if it stuff you will truly use.

Read the early pages of a Haynes auto repair manual regarding buying cheap and replacing what's needed.

The best thing about my SK 1/4" 44(?)pc. set I take junkyarding and all around the garage? The organization of the box.

If it saves wear on your body, or noticeable time, it's worth it. So spend money. When it benefits you.

Analyze what you want in wrenches (12pt., a box end that protrudes, a slimmer open end, a just right length etc.) and buy what you need without considering brand.

Menards works like many large retailers. When your (socket, whatever) fails, they will replace with what they stock, and will not care what you bought 3yrs. ago. Warranty is marketing. It doesn't make your driving to a store a good value to replace a tool.

 

[DadsTools]

If Menards house brand is Column A and SK is Column B, go Column B--SK for sure. Wright are great tools also, but that would be Column C.

 

[lincwelder225]

I would get a mix of each. If you can find the 1/4 masterforce sockets, get those. I would have bought a 3/8 set as an extra to use at work(main set in my box is mostly S-K, with some snap on and craftsman in there too) but they only had 12 point. The 1/4 set should last you a long time, I'm still using the Napa Professional USA (made by Danaher, who made masterforce) and have yet to break one in 18+ years. The 3/8ths I would go S-K.. Jyst my opinion. Best of luck to you!

 

[lincwelder225]

Btw... Welcome to the forum!

 

[finn]

I’v got some of each GW & MF, but prefer the GW.

Of the three, I’d go with SK though, if the new stuff is as good as the mid sixties SK in my box.

 

[JohnDeere1]

The menards masterforce sockets are identical to the old USA craftsman,kobalt,and Allen branded sockets same in every way and nothing to write home about, you could easily buy used in the brands above and get the same thing.
I on the other hand would go SK they make beautiful stuff and very high quality easily tool truck quality I look at them as equal they do cost alot more than the masterforce but you get what you pay for. The SK will easily last your lifetime and a couple other people's where as the masterforce who know but I'm sure you heard of all the complaints on the craftsman but I haven't had those issues personally. I'd be more concerned about warranty because who knows how long menards will sell USA made sockets and I doubt SK will ever go anywhere. I own mostly all snap on but also have Wright,williamsmatco,mac,cornwell, I have a decent mixture Wright is also a fine choice or Williams USA sockets are also a mirror image almost of my snap on sockets just different writing and knurling everything else is the same and the Wright are very heavy duty.
Goodluck on your decision

 

[Loscaldazar]

Has anyone seen any new master force USA sockets? Armstrong is no more, and while Apex didn't explicitly say they were shutting down the factory (they said it would be used on a highly reduced staff to produce certain things, my guess is that means the pinless swivels and a few other things they sell in large quantities), but I don't know if that means they are still doing 3rd party contracting. Or, for that matter, I don't know when the Menards/Apex contract expires.

My guess is master force will soon be no more (at least no USA hardline).

Regardless, the Masterforce USA tools are kind of junky. Worst chrome of any modern tool brand, stupid double detents, and horrible ratchets. Wrenches are too short and uncomfortable.

Screwdrivers are pretty good though. Not the best, but still great performers.

 

[65k10]

Has anyone seen any new master force USA sockets? Armstrong is no more, and while Apex didn't explicitly say they were shutting down the factory (they said it would be used on a highly reduced staff to produce certain things, my guess is that means the pinless swivels and a few other things they sell in large quantities), but I don't know if that means they are still doing 3rd party contracting. Or, for that matter, I don't know when the Menards/Apex contract expires.

My guess is master force will soon be no more (at least no USA hardline).

Regardless, the Masterforce USA tools are kind of junky. Worst chrome of any modern tool brand, stupid double detents, and horrible ratchets. Wrenches are too short and uncomfortable.

Screwdrivers are pretty good though. Not the best, but still great performers.

I noticed a few months back that some of the Menards stores in my region suddenly had Masterforce socket sets and wrench sets after not seeing them for some time. However, I think they might have been clearing out old stock or something since a lot of those sets are listed as being discontinued on the website.

But I have to agree that the sockets were nothing to get excited about (why were most of the chromes 12 point?). The wrenches were good enough for keeping in the tractor for occasional use, but I want something better for daily use. I do like Masterforce screwdrivers, awls, and hook and pick sets. Those are all decent values and thankfully should not be affected by the death of Armstrong.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Take a look at Wright Tools. For main line items like sockets and combo wrenches Wright is tough to beat. Price is "about" the same as SK and all US made. Quality is equal to SO.

Given the choice of Masterforce or SK, I'd go with SK, however, I'd look at Wright, as well. I have several Wright tool sets I bought in the mid 70s, and never a failure. I'd go with either Wright or SK