New SK LP90 Ratchets

[Memcdowe]

So, I received a fixed head ratchet in each drive size from SK from their LP90 lineup. All 3 with issues. Hate for my first post to be such a negative one! I’ll post happy ones too ha. Here is the email I sent SK:

Hey. I got the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2” drive ratchets off of the Steals and Deals sale.

I’ve always loved SK products. Still have an old round head knurled handle that was my grandads. So excited to check these out!

I gotta say, they are pretty disappointing. The 1/4” is the best of the three, but only after I opened it up, cleaned the teeth and lubed it. That helped it out. The selector switch is still difficult to turn sometimes and slides right across the chrome finish. As I said, this is the best of the three, but it will have that occasional skip feeling while ratcheting, or suddenly feel like it’s binding then release.

The 3/8” is….I’d say the most functional of the three. And maybe I should say it’s the best one as opposed to the 1/4….but it is just not a nice feeling action. The 3/8 has VERY excessive back drag. And LOUD. Weirdly loud. It sounds normal ratcheting 90-95% of the time. Then it does the same “miss” and “bind” feeling in the action. The selector switch on it is very hard to turn.

The 1/2” is almost like it’s made by a different maker with a different mechanism. In fact, that may be what has struck me the hardest. How they don’t feel like different drive sizes of the movement. They feel completely different, especially this 1/2. First, it is a brute. Very heavy and thick. The movement on it is very strange. Light back drag, selector switch moves easy most of the time. (Still scratching right across the chrome which just feels cheap) The ratcheting action on it is “mushy” for lack of a better word. Instead of a click click click you get a couple clicks then it feels like it’s almost not making good contact with the teeth half the time while ratcheting.

Anyway, hate for this to come off so negative. I was just very surprised at…well, just all of it ya know? Not a single one of the three ratchets would I pay even the sale price for again. This is saddening because SK is a great company and I have high expectations from companies that have withstood the rest of time like SK. But I own ratchets by….well it’s an embarrassing number of ratchets I’ll just say that. Ha. So I know what quality ratchets are supposed to feel like. From Snapon to Koken Zeal, to Carlyle, Tekton, Mac, Matco, etc etc etc I’ve been collecting ratchets for a while now, and, again I was literally shocked when I got these and tested them out.

** Sent the above message to SK about the ratchets I received today. Literally finding it hard to believe that these are SK!**

 

[Dzmax77]

I wrote a post with some issues myself. I bought a 3/8” LP90 back in march and that switch is hard. There’s noticeable over grinding in the back leaving the back plate with a lip on one end.

The 1/2” has some blemishes which may be due to issues in the chroming process. Otherwise, its fine.

My 1/4” and 3/8” flex head are fine too although the joint on the flex is a bit stiff but I can fix that easily. No issues with those.

Their wrenches and pliers are nice. Haven’t had an issue with those. Actually they’re really good. Way better than PROTO IMO.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I open every single new ratchet I buy and degrease then lubricate them properly before I start determining how good or bad I think it is. The factory either drowns them in overly thick, cosmoline type preservative grease or ships them dry I think. After that I will see how they feel to me in use. Seems like the LP90 ratchets I’ve got all benefited from adjusting the spring a touch.

 

[anndel]

I hated my SK ratchets. Ones I bought from Epstein's Day green box set and the green lever ratchet was sold immediately after I received them. I even sold the green box but kept the sockets.

 

[gatewaysysop]

So, I received a fixed head ratchet in each drive size from SK from their LP90 lineup. All 3 with issues. Hate for my first post to be such a negative one! I’ll post happy ones too ha. Here is the email I sent SK:

Sorry to hear you are 0-3 for new ratchets. As you might have gathered from other replies, you're not alone. Like you, I like my older SK stuff to pieces, but stories like yours, about their newer offerings, are not in any way unique. The LP90 ratchets have had documented issues for a long time and it appears they're not ever going to fix them, which is really unfortunate.

Please do share what response, if any, you get from SK.

 

[Retroman]

Got the 3/8" LP 90 last year during the Epstein sale and like you very disappointed especially after hearing all the hype about SK tools from the homers on GJ. I did order the 1/4" flex off of the latest S&D sale still waiting on delivery so time will tell.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I gave away my 3/8 to a coworker, binding issues and difficulties with the reversing lever. Shame, because the head size was impressively small. When it worked properly it was a great ratchet.

 

[lardy1]

Other than needing to break in, my 3/8" is a nice ratchet. I'm holding my breath reading these forums because I ordered two more from the Steals and Deals.

 

[dsaabm]

They seem to have QC issues with these, I think the pawl spring in particular. I had similar issues with my 3/8" LP90 as to what you describe. I got a rebuild kit from SK which was better but not great. Dumb to have to do to a new ratchet but you could cut some coils off the spring or I took a pawl spring from a gearwrench or matco rebuild kit and threw it the the lp90 and it was much better, lower backdrag and lower selector switch effort.

 

[Memcdowe]

Yeah the fact that more folks have the issue and it hasn’t been addressed is telling, unfortunately. Hopefully they’ll continue to produce nice wrenches and sockets though I’m definitely a bit turned off by it all.

I could pull the spring and adjust etc etc. Didn’t need to do that on a single other ratchet in my collection, though, except does couple oldies. Certainly never on a new American made ratchet.

Even without the issues that it came with, I doubt I’d reach for any of these over the other offerings I have (most of which are cheaper) so will either try and return or just let them sit in a bottom drawer somewhere.

I’ll let y’all know sk’s response.

 

[visionguru]

Snap On is the only good "made in USA" ratchets.

 

[Fly YX]

Snap On is the only good "made in USA" ratchets.

They to are going down hill. I got a new replacement ratchet and it has a plastic selector. If it did not say Snap on I would think it was a Harbor freight tool.

 

[Rinspeed]

Other than needing to break in, my 3/8" is a nice ratchet. I'm holding my breath reading these forums because I ordered two more from the Steals and Deals.

I still haven't taken the last two I bought out of the package yet.

 

[Memcdowe]

Yeah the 3/8 is the only one I’m hopeful about. Maybe it will just wear in a bit.

I think with these, the spring has to just be perfect. Too little abs it skips or feels mushy, tads bit too much and ya can’t move the switch and it back drag is horrible.

Surely SK knows about this. Wouldn’t be hard to have that step in final assembly / quality control. Last thing done: lubricate and check/adjust pawl spring.

Hopefully they’ll at least send me a rebuild kit for each. That way I could make small changes to the spring know that I have another if I screw it up etc.

 

[Ign]

I was looking for a 3/8" flex and just ordered the SK because of the sale price. Now, I'm a little worried.

I do have the ~18" 1/2-drive flex and like it fine.

I probably should have gone Capri.....

 

[Rinspeed]

They to are going down hill.

Compared to what? Like it or not you are living in a global economy. The vast majority of people are not buying durable goods based on quality, they are buying it on price. The people that are willing to pay $200 for a ratchet are less than 2%.

 

[dutchgray]

Compared to what? Like it or not you are living in a global economy. The vast majority of people are not buying durable goods based on quality, they are buying it on price. The people that are willing to pay $200 for a ratchet are less than 2%.

That 2% is Snap-On's whole customer base, they don't exist to sell tools to the masses, they exist to sell tools to professionals and the truck service and truck credit is the business model.
They will fail very quickly if they let their quality slip.

 

[M635_Guy]

They to are going down hill. I got a new replacement ratchet and it has a plastic selector. If it did not say Snap on I would think it was a Harbor freight tool.

Wait - wut??? It's a separate thread, but I'd like to see pix and details on that...

 

[Memcdowe]

I need to try out Capri ratchets. The ratchets I grab for 90% of the time in my collection are my Tekton 90t’s. They feel fantastic in hand in all drive sizes, don’t have excessive back drag, have beautiful chrome, and a crazy easy warranty.

As others have said, “Made in USA”, while very preferable for me, only really gets ya so far. Lot of American companies having tools outsourced by companies in Taiwan. Folks seem to think that means that such and such company are the same ratchets etc etc rebranded. Sometimes that true. But usually even if made by same company in Taiwan, it’s almost always (like with Tekton, Blackhawk, Capri, Sunex etc etc) the companies designs being produced. Not a one size fits all stamp your name here.

Anyway, these SK are just too bad for me to keep I think. And I don’t want to give them to someone. Or sell them. Don’t want to pass on to someone else etc. Hopefully they aren’t going to be a headache to work with.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Definitely let us know the response you get. I haven’t ever used SK ratchets but was thinking of getting some after I get some money in from my new job. I might not do it now though.

 

[Rinspeed]

That 2% is Snap-On's whole customer base

Not so sure about that.

 

[Fly YX]

I love Ruffling feathers of snap on diehards. I have bought a few things recently from snap on that have not been as well made as some of the stuff just a few years ago . Yes they make great tools but not all of them are just like every other manufacturer. And yes even they have qc problems every once in a while. And yes if you need pictures I can take them when I go to work on mon. I like them and I will buy more tools from them just like SK.

 

[Rinspeed]

I love Ruffling feathers of snap on diehards.

You didn't answer my question.

 

[Fly YX]

You didn't answer my question.

This is a thread about SK right?

 

[kudakev615]

correct but YOU made the claim, now show proof

 

[Rinspeed]

This is a thread about SK right?

It was until you made such dumb statements.

 

[Fly YX]

It was until you made such dumb statements.

Just saying SK is not the only us tool manufacturer having problems with qc.

 

[kudakev615]

They to are going down hill. I got a new replacement ratchet and it has a plastic selector. If it did not say Snap on I would think it was a Harbor freight tool.

you did not just say "SK is not the only us tool manufacturer having problems with qc." you said you received a replacement SO ratchet with a plastic selector". stop dodging this statement. do you have evidence/proof to back this claim up?

 

[Fly YX]

Yes I will start a new thread with pictures on Monday just like I stated previouslywhen I go back to work. You know because that is where I use them. If you really want to see the ratchet you can google it.

 

[JRPAviator]

Couple things.

1. I do agree that the SK ratchets having pot metal looking selectors, some chrome issues and tuning needed is a little disappointing. However, I think they are one of the best looking and operating if you are willing to put in the effort to tune them a bit. I cleaned, lubed and tuned everyone of my 5 LP90s and I have been rewarded with some awesome ratchets.

2. On the Snap On discussion. Snap On, to some degree, could give less than half a “F” about low density consumers. Go into any DoD or Agency hangar/Mx depot in the world and it is nothing but massive quantities of Snap On. I’m talking hundreds of thousands of dollars per location. Those contracts alone will carry them indefinitely without any consumer sales. Their prices reflect this. Gov pays twice the price for the same object.

 

[Retroman]

Not sure why I would be expected to "Tune" a brand new American made ratchet that has chroming issues? I thought the factory did that and was included in the price of the tool. That's like buying a new car and needing a tuneup and a paint job the day you bring it home.

I have noticed lots of SK homers on this forum just don't know why there such a big deal other than there tools are American made. To be fair I only have one SK ratchet waiting on my second.

 

[lardy1]

I 100% agree that nobody should have to self "tune" a brand new premium priced ratchet. It's ********, no doubt about it. But just because someone points out that tuning those LP90's makes them a far more likeable ratchet doesn't mean they are excusing SK for putting those oversprung, stiff switching, backdragging things in boxes and shipping them. I'm an SK buyer and user and I'm certainly not excusing it. I am, however, much happier with my ratchets now and informing others of how to improve them is NOT excusing SK. Not at all. It's simply passing on to others something that may make them like their purchase more.

And, as others have pointed out, it does make them an entirely different (and much better) ratchet. I'd rather tune it and use it with a smile than throw my money in the bottom drawer of some toolbox never to be seen or used again.

JMO

 

[Ign]

They've found a new market.....remember those build-it-yourself radio kits Radio Shack sold when you were a kid?

They should sell you-assemble ratchet kits. Besides it would actually do today's youths some good to build up a tool

 

[Memcdowe]

No response. Since sending them that message, I’ve file warranty claims with three other companies. Filed on same day actually. I’ve heard back from all three. In fact, got a replacement gear wrench ratcheting stubby in the mail today…..that I sent pics of in on same day I sent SK tools the message I typed in the original post above.

And yeah….I could tune these. I could mess with them. Some stuff can’t be fixed though. The 1/2” anvils is SO lose inside the body that lateral pressure applied while ratcheting (so, most of the time it’s in use lol) causes it to act odd and bind. Also behaves differently if the anvil is towards the back or towards the front. That’s how much movement their is.

Bottom line, is these show up in the mail and ****.

I order Tekton. Beautiful ready to go ratchet shows up. Less than 24 hour responses to warranty inquiries. Replacement part typically mails next business day.

I buy a Carlyle. Beautiful ready to go ratchet right out of the box.

I buy a Snap On. Beautiful ready to go ratchet.

I order any of the similarly priced Japanese ratchets and you get a fine tuned piece of work, ready to go right out of the box.

Order an SK….their newest and best….all three have issues. All three work like **** even after disassembly, cleaning well, relubing with nano oil or super lube depending on tolerances etc. Send a message. No response and not holding my breath for one.

Also, and this is our of character for me as I LOVE a nice chrome job. And these (where the Chrome is applied well - like on the handles) are stunning imo. BUT they are SO slick! I probably dropped the 1/2” six times or so (just on work bench) after getting just the tiniest amount of oil on it.

I’ll let y’all know what they say. Folks trying to tell me how I should basically rebuild and THEN I’llovs it….y’all must be retired. I’d end up taking and modifying each one multiple times until I got it right. Unless you somehow get it JUST right on the first shot at tuning that spring.

I likely will tune them. Then give them away. I don’t want them. And SK knowing this all this time and not doing anything…..yeah that makes me not want their other tools either to be honest.

 

[Memcdowe]

Oh, also, have an order placed 9 days ago as well. No status change. Inquired about it yesterday morning as I travel and need to know when packages are going to arrive at my home etc.

Not really expecting an answer on that either. Y’all, too many companies producing amazing tools and great prices with friendly customer service and great quality control etc to put up with **** like that. I’ll be returning that order prior to even opening it. Already ordered AND received comparable product from another company.

 

[gatewaysysop]

No response. Since sending them that message, I’ve file warranty claims with three other companies. Filed on same day actually. I’ve heard back from all three. In fact, got a replacement gear wrench ratcheting stubby in the mail today…..that I sent pics of in on same day I sent SK tools the message I typed in the original post above.

And yeah….I could tune these. I could mess with them. Some stuff can’t be fixed though. The 1/2” anvils is SO lose inside the body that lateral pressure applied while ratcheting (so, most of the time it’s in use lol) causes it to act odd and bind. Also behaves differently if the anvil is towards the back or towards the front. That’s how much movement their is.

Bottom line, is these show up in the mail and ****.

I order Tekton. Beautiful ready to go ratchet shows up. Less than 24 hour responses to warranty inquiries. Replacement part typically mails next business day.

I buy a Carlyle. Beautiful ready to go ratchet right out of the box.

I buy a Snap On. Beautiful ready to go ratchet.

I order any of the similarly priced Japanese ratchets and you get a fine tuned piece of work, ready to go right out of the box.

Order an SK….their newest and best….all three have issues. All three work like **** even after disassembly, cleaning well, relubing with nano oil or super lube depending on tolerances etc. Send a message. No response and not holding my breath for one.

Also, and this is our of character for me as I LOVE a nice chrome job. And these (where the Chrome is applied well - like on the handles) are stunning imo. BUT they are SO slick! I probably dropped the 1/2” six times or so (just on work bench) after getting just the tiniest amount of oil on it.

I’ll let y’all know what they say. Folks trying to tell me how I should basically rebuild and THEN I’llovs it….y’all must be retired. I’d end up taking and modifying each one multiple times until I got it right. Unless you somehow get it JUST right on the first shot at tuning that spring.

I likely will tune them. Then give them away. I don’t want them. And SK knowing this all this time and not doing anything…..yeah that makes me not want their other tools either to be honest.

Astonished but not surprised, as the saying goes. If you really feel like wasting time, give them a call and listen to their lies about how they've never heard of chroming problems ever before and you're the first person to complain about it.

It's really sad to hear so many people having the same kinds of problems, and then to see this update and confirm that SK really doesn't seem to give a **** about it, or their customers.

I'm with you on the ratchet rebuild. This ain't Build-a-Bear™ where I overpay for the privilege of rolling my own and hope it turns out nice at the end. This is a purchase from a self-proclaimed professional tool company at a premium price. I value my time too much to spend it fixing the factory's @#$% up.

Oh, also, have an order placed 9 days ago as well. No status change. Inquired about it yesterday morning as I travel and need to know when packages are going to arrive at my home etc.

Not really expecting an answer on that either. Y’all, too many companies producing amazing tools and great prices with friendly customer service and great quality control etc to put up with **** like that. I’ll be returning that order prior to even opening it. Already ordered AND received comparable product from another company.

Spot on.

 

[Memcdowe]

So, still no word from SK. Again, filed 4 warranty claims / emails re warranty and items on same day. SK, Gearwrench, Channellock and Irwin Vise Grip.

No response or even acknowledgement of receipt from SK. The second order is still just saying awaiting fullfillment. Inquiries into the order are met with silence.
Gearwrench: replacement ratcheting wrench already arrived.
Vise Grip (Irwin): replacement pliers shipped today.
Channnel-lock: they have acknowledged receipt and reviewing.

That really about sums it up. Lol. At this point even if I get a response they’ve shown where they stand or at least where they are as a business. Either can’t handle volume of product OR customers, or just don’t care.

 

[Terra Nova]

Been happy with all three sizes I got through steals and deals. The 3/8" had the stiffest action but overall no issues. The 1/4" is fantastic. The sockets and round head ratchet kits I bought a year or two ago are great, no QC issues.

As it's now well known that the company is for sale I suspect the employee give a damn is pretty well busted.

 

[demarpaint]

Try calling. I'm not a fan of emailing, I prefer to talk with someone whenever possible. I had a problem with a flex head 1/2" drive ratchet I ordered from them a while back. One phone call telling them what I was unhappy with and they promptly replaced the wrench, no drama. All they asked was I return the wrench in question on their dime. I had the replacement wrench in perfect condition in less than a week.

 

[Memcdowe]

Try calling. I'm not a fan of emailing, I prefer to talk with someone whenever possible. I had a problem with a flex head 1/2" drive ratchet I ordered from them a while back. One phone call telling them what I was unhappy with and they promptly replaced the wrench, no drama. All they asked was I return the wrench in question on their dime. I had the replacement wrench in perfect condition in less than a week.

You are probably right. Still just very sad. They were the best known so socketry makers in USA for SO long.

My 1/4 feels great until it binds. Doesn’t do it long but NONE of my other ratchets so that. Even VERY old ones.