New SK LP90 Ratchets

[demarpaint]

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.

It *****, but try calling. My incident was a few months ago, they treated me right. Hopefully things haven't changed since then. I just got a 1/4" drive flex head from them from a recent Steals and Deals, or whatever they call it. The wrench was perfect. I just lubed it, but I do that with just about all new ratchets I buy.

 

[M635_Guy]

They were very responsive via Instagram direct-message for me (which is weird...)

 

[Steve_P]

I had an LP90 that was terrible and I returned it. The issue is not lubrication; it's a design or manufacturing issue you cant see by eye. The SK internals look identical to a Tekton 90T with one exception- tekton uses two internal springs and SK uses one. Maybe they know something SK doesnt, but my Tekton worked great, dry, out of the box. I fooled with the SK for a few hours and gave up.

 

[bsaint]

Lol at the Snappy plastic selector switch. It's not - I just got one a couple months ago.

 

[M635_Guy]

Lol at the Snappy plastic selector switch. It's not - I just got one a couple months ago.

So you're saying it is metal?

I have the 1/4" version, which has a plasticky paint that has worn through a bit on the edges to show the metal.

 

[bsaint]

So you're saying it is metal?

I have the 1/4" version, which has a plasticky paint that has worn through a bit on the edges to show the metal.

Exactly. The Cornwall are the same way. I thought it was plastic but it's got like a pvd coating.

 

[WordMan]

Just got these today. They look great and the action seems silky smooth.

 

[Memcdowe]

The fact that everyone is having different experiences with the ratchets is very telling.

All three of mine are garbage. I’m not rebuilding and tweaking a brand new premium (lol) ratchet. I am approaching 100 ratchets. Bit obsessed haha. My Tektons see FAR more use than any other rather. Followed by Carlyle comfort grip when it’s really cold. And a snapon f80 when I need a semi short 3/8.

These SK are ****. The ones I have anyway. I need to post a better video.

So, 4 warranty claims over last two weeks. The SK about 4 days before the others. Filed with SK, Gearwrench, Channellock, and Irwin.

Haven’t heard a word from SK. Channellock acknowledged receipt and that it was being reviewed. Heard nothing since (week or so). Already have my Gearwrench replacement. Irwin replacement coming in today. Oh, and an old out of production Matco 3/8 finally but the dust so the tool truck is seeing what my options are and has been very responsive.

SK still hasn’t shipped my order from couple weeks ago either.

Y’all can defend them all you like. Very sad to see an American company really screwing up, and it’s things that should be EASILY remedied. Just a little CS goes a long way. And don’t start telling me to call. Learned long ago if it isn’t in writing it didn’t happen. And I’m not interested in a rebuild kit. I don’t want them anymore and don’t even feel right giving these away they are so bad.

 

[KENAXE]

I just bought a set of these LP90's too. I figured it was worth a try with the steals and deals price. Mine also have some of the previously mentioned issues. The 1/2" seems fine. It has light back drag, ratchets smoothly / evenly and the selector switch operates easily. The 3/8" has heavier back drag and the selector switch is a little harder to operate. I suspect that slightly shortening the spring would fix both of those issues. The 1/4" is the most problematic of the three. The back drag is pretty light and the selector switch operates well, but it randomly binds while ratcheting, in both directions, just by turning it with my fingers (no socket on it). I'm not quite sure what to do about that. The spring tension on the pawl seems to be about where it should be, based on the back drag. I opened it up and didn't see any obvious imperfections. It had lube from the factory, so that's not the problem either.
I haven't decided if I should try to fix it, maybe get a rebuild kit for it, or just return them and forget about it. Once I start messing with them and modifying things, I'm stuck with them, whether they're fixed or not. I will say though, that they all have almost zero back lash, which is one of my pet peeves with a fine tooth ratchet. Excessive back lash completely defeats the purpose of having fine tooth in the first place. If anyone has any suggestions, especially for the binding on the 1/4", I appreciate the info. Right now, I'm not very happy with my purchase, even at half price.

 

[Memcdowe]

Still no word from SK.

My other order still hasn’t shipped. Close to 3 weeks now on it.

People still try to defend them. Saying I’m being impatient lol.

Cmon….if you think that’s an appropriate level of customer support you must have hidden under a rock somewhere the last couple decades.

Really is embarrassing. I’m a patriot and a veteran. I want USA made tool companies to thrive. It sure isn’t going to happen when the disparity in the customer support between companies like Tekton and Gearwrench provide consistency in terms of quality, consistency AND customer service is so severe.

I won’t be keeping mine. Might adjust them and donate to local trade school. Wouldn’t even donate them as they are out of the box.

 

[Memcdowe]

I just bought a set of these LP90's too. I figured it was worth a try with the steals and deals price. Mine also have some of the previously mentioned issues. The 1/2" seems fine. It has light back drag, ratchets smoothly / evenly and the selector switch operates easily. The 3/8" has heavier back drag and the selector switch is a little harder to operate. I suspect that slightly shortening the spring would fix both of those issues. The 1/4" is the most problematic of the three. The back drag is pretty light and the selector switch operates well, but it randomly binds while ratcheting, in both directions, just by turning it with my fingers (no socket on it). I'm not quite sure what to do about that. The spring tension on the pawl seems to be about where it should be, based on the back drag. I opened it up and didn't see any obvious imperfections. It had lube from the factory, so that's not the problem either.
I haven't decided if I should try to fix it, maybe get a rebuild kit for it, or just return them and forget about it. Once I start messing with them and modifying things, I'm stuck with them, whether they're fixed or not. I will say though, that they all have almost zero back lash, which is one of my pet peeves with a fine tooth ratchet. Excessive back lash completely defeats the purpose of having fine tooth in the first place. If anyone has any suggestions, especially for the binding on the 1/4", I appreciate the info. Right now, I'm not very happy with my purchase, even at half price.

I’m so turned off by them at this point that I just don’t even want mine. And I’d be SHOCKED if SK didn’t make warranty process a pita.

 

[Hotrod33809]

I ordered 3 lp90s. The finish on all of them look great... Two of them, the 1/2inch and 1/4 flex head function perfectly from what I can tell. The 3/8 however., Not so much when i got my hands on it the selector couldn't be turned at all. Totally locked. After playing it with a bit I was able to flip while turning it by hand. It loosened up some but was still EXTREMELY stiff and it hasn't loosened up anymore. Took it apart, oiled it up and still the same issue. Like others have said I'm sure trimming the spring would fix it and I may attempt that later. I contacted SK through Instagram and was told a new one would be sent out to me in Monday. So we will see. Overall not a great first impression of SK for me

 

[Memcdowe]

I just sent another message via IG. Hopefully I’ll get a response there. A tool brand known for no nonsense industrial tools….responds faster to a picture sharing app than to customer support issues? Kinda confusing lol.

 

[Retroman]

I really don't understand the praise this company gets on this forum. I read threads on SK and it sounds like the second coming. I received the 1/4" flex ratchet the other day and it seems nice no chrome issues but it isn't any better than any of the tekton ratchets I have.
I frankly just don't get the hype.

 

[rhastings80]

I placed an order on June 21st and they charged my credit card right away. They still haven’t shipped yet. I just sent them an email. Will be interesting if they respond.

 

[Memcdowe]

I placed an order on June 21st and they charged my credit card right away. They still haven’t shipped yet. I just sent them an email. Will be interesting if they respond.

I really don't understand the praise this company gets on this forum. I read threads on SK and it sounds like the second coming. I received the 1/4" flex ratchet the other day and it seems nice no chrome issues but it isn't any better than any of the tekton ratchets I have.
I frankly just don't get the hype.

Yeah pretty confusing. They do have a beautiful chrome job. And the sockets and wrenches I’ve had for a good while are very high quality tools.

These ratchets are garbage. Yeah I greatly prefer my Tektons as well. And my Capri. And my 90t Gearwrench (I don’t like the back drag on the 120xp but they are very nice as well. And my snap on. And my old Mac (old 1/2” classic!). And, well, all of them. Because they arrived and work. These arrived, and don’t.

I’m just not a fanboy type. Example, I love my a Tekton ratchets and sockets. As well as most of their pliers. But I don’t like their screwdrivers at all. Their chisels are made in America but are about same price as a Mayhew set but not as nice. Nice, but not as nice. And Tekton dead blows are pretty crappy.

I can say that about every brand I own. Some great tools some crappy ones.

Why people can’t just admit that the ratchets are a flop is beyond me. And don’t even think about trying to hold that 1/2” with some slick oil on it or your hand lol. SLICK!

 

[gatewaysysop]

Yeah pretty confusing. They do have a beautiful chrome job. And the sockets and wrenches I’ve had for a good while are very high quality tools.

These ratchets are garbage. Yeah I greatly prefer my Tektons as well. And my Capri. And my 90t Gearwrench (I don’t like the back drag on the 120xp but they are very nice as well. And my snap on. And my old Mac (old 1/2” classic!). And, well, all of them. Because they arrived and work. These arrived, and don’t.

I’m just not a fanboy type. Example, I love my a Tekton ratchets and sockets. As well as most of their pliers. But I don’t like their screwdrivers at all. Their chisels are made in America but are about same price as a Mayhew set but not as nice. Nice, but not as nice. And Tekton dead blows are pretty crappy.

I can say that about every brand I own. Some great tools some crappy ones.

Why people can’t just admit that the ratchets are a flop is beyond me. And don’t even think about trying to hold that 1/2” with some slick oil on it or your hand lol. SLICK!

Unfortunately there's a lot of rabid fanboys and brand zealots out there, and it's not particular to SK or anyone else. People will make excuses for every brand under the sun, at any price point. You can find threads where folks will tell you that you "didn't pay enough to expect perfection," but then you find threads about brands like Snap On or Wright and the same kind of people will tell you, "It's a tool, who cares how it looks?" because they can't use the cheaper price point excuse anymore.

Admitting the product flopped would mean admitting they probably bought into the hype and poorly spent their money, and that they then helped promote sub-par products to others. Once people are drunk on brand Kool-Aid™, most of them will keep drinking it, even after it starts tasting like ****.

 

[busboy25]

Same story here. Just got my order which I placed four weeks ago. Emailed them two week ago and got not reply. Call them and they said all but one part had shipped. I ordered a 3/8 and 1/4 fixed head ratchet and a few other things.

Opened the ratchets and I’m disappointed. Both have some amount of chrome issues, maybe minor, but the selector switches are awful. The 1/4 is hard but will switch. I thought maybe this is how it should be as I have only ever had craftsman pear heads and harbor freight ratchet where they will switch direction if you look at them wrong. But the 3/8 would move unless I pull up on the drive end.

It’s a shame cause I would looking for something that felt like the smooth handled craftsman pear heads with a higher tooth count. If the chrome was perfect I would try and adjust them but I don’t know at this point.

 

[ThePostman]

The only one I purchased off steals and deals that was a little stiff was the fixed standard 3/8", the fixed and flex 1/4" are great and the 3/8" flex head is a bit floppy at times, the action is smooth.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have 4 SK LP90s and use them the most. The 3/8 flex I had to trim the spring a little and that fixed all my problems. The 1/4 flex would switch directions on its own but a rebuild kit fixed that. The two 1/2 LP90s have been trouble free. The 24" is a beast and is probably the one LP90 I strongly recommend.

I am a SK fan or at least was before they were recently sold. I like the LP90s but I did have to tweak a couple of them. A new premium ratchet shouldn't need to be tweaked. Moving forward I want to try the Proto 90s or just stick to Snap-on for USA ratchets.

 

[CS454]

Amazed they haven't met the scrap bucket after reading all this. Tool has one job, if it's bad at it's one job, well...

 

[Memcdowe]

Folks results with these things are all across the board. That in itself is telling.
Still no word. Still no shipping on my second order. I’ve even reached out on Instagram and all that now, too, since folks keep saying they actually respond quickly there?!?

 

[Skin]

I really don't understand the praise this company gets on this forum. I read threads on SK and it sounds like the second coming. I received the 1/4" flex ratchet the other day and it seems nice no chrome issues but it isn't any better than any of the tekton ratchets I have.
I frankly just don't get the hype.

There are excellent ratchets coming out of Taiwan and China. Thats not an SK problem thats just your prerogative that you dont think the extra cost, or paying more for US made, is worth it. You can change SK for any brand including something boutique like Nepros, which is also nothing special in the mechanism department. To each their own. Ratchets arent complex precision instruments with wide variations of functionality. Most feel similar.

 

[measuredtwice]

Folks results with these things are all across the board. That in itself is telling.
Still no word. Still no shipping on my second order. I’ve even reached out on Instagram and all that now, too, since folks keep saying they actually respond quickly there?!?

I doubt they are open on Sunday. And the company was sold so I would not be surprised if things aren't running smoothly.

When they were trying to sell, I thought they were in trouble. When they started liquidating their top of the line at 75% off, I thought they must really be in trouble, especially since they had implemented a MAP to keep the distributor prices high.

Most of the issues have been posted many times before this deal. It's just that the low prices put the ratchets in a lot more hands. At worst, you will be covered by your credit card. 21 of your 21 posts are about this deal so you're going to have a lot more free time when this is over.

 

[Memcdowe]

I doubt they are open on Sunday. And the company was sold so I would not be surprised if things aren't running smoothly.

When they were trying to sell, I thought they were in trouble. When they started liquidating their top of the line at 75% off, I thought they must really be in trouble, especially since they had implemented a MAP to keep the distributor prices high.

Most of the issues have been posted many times before this deal. It's just that the low prices put the ratchets in a lot more hands. At worst, you will be covered by your credit card. 21 of your 21 posts are about this deal so you're going to have a lot more free time when this is over.

Congratulations on your classy wit. Truly remarkable!

I

 

[Memcdowe]

There are excellent ratchets coming out of Taiwan and China. Thats not an SK problem thats just your prerogative that you dont think the extra cost, or paying more for US made, is worth it. You can change SK for any brand including something boutique like Nepros, which is also nothing special in the mechanism department. To each their own. Ratchets arent complex precision instruments with wide variations of functionality. Most feel similar.

I’ll pay more for American made if it’s at least AS good.

 

[Hotrod33809]

Folks results with these things are all across the board. That in itself is telling.
Still no word. Still no shipping on my second order. I’ve even reached out on Instagram and all that now, too, since folks keep saying they actually respond quickly there?!?

When I reached out on IG over the weekend a while back I got an automated reply. Seems their support is only a Mon-Fri operation. Fingers crossed you hear something tomorrow.

 

[Memcdowe]

When I reached out on IG over the weekend a while back I got an automated reply. Seems their support is only a Mon-Fri operation. Fingers crossed you hear something tomorrow.

Yeah I don’t expect a response from them on there until tomorrow.

But we’ll see! I am, however, picking up some great Carlyle ratchets up at my local NAPA that I ordered on sale. Now I KNOW those will be nice!

 

[Memcdowe]

Received response from Instagram. Asked questions etc etc. Said he’d get all three replacements sent out.

Then came back and said it has to go through customer service, and he isn’t customer service, so he’d send my message to customer service again.

Thought it was actually going to be fairly simple. But nope lol.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Received response from Instagram. Asked questions etc etc. Said he’d get all three replacements sent out.

Then came back and said it has to go through customer service, and he isn’t customer service, so he’d send my message to customer service again.

Thought it was actually going to be fairly simple. But nope lol.

Astonished but not surprised to read this. With customer service like this, I don't know why anyone would buy direct from SK anymore. I'm sure there service wasn't always this bad, but it's clearly in the tank at the moment.

The prices may not be as good, but if folks are needing SK anything, i would look at Amazon or before buying direct. At least with them, one phone call and I had replacements shipped out immediately and a label created to return the defectives. Higher prices but cheap insurance against the apparently not uncommon QC fails and @#$% ups at the factory.

 

[Skin]

Astonished but not surprised to read this. With customer service like this, I don't know why anyone would buy direct from SK anymore. I'm sure there service wasn't always this bad, but it's clearly in the tank at the moment.

They're at the start of a transition to new ownership and thats coming out of the covid year. I wouldnt be surprised if they had a skeleton crew in the place and those people are probably wondering if they'll still have a job in a few months. SK use to have excellent customer service before 2020.

 

[measuredtwice]

They're at the start of a transition to new ownership and thats coming out of the covid year. I wouldnt be surprised if they had a skeleton crew in the place and those people are probably wondering if they'll still have a job in a few months. SK use to have excellent customer service before 2020.

The circumstances were certainly unprecedented. On top of the pandemic, they sold the company and had a huge sale. One of the posts on Slickdeals got 58.444 views! They probably got swamped from the historically low prices and all that exposure.

Yeah I don’t expect a response from them on there until tomorrow.

But we’ll see! I am, however, picking up some great Carlyle ratchets up at my local NAPA that I ordered on sale. Now I KNOW those will be nice!

I got several of the Carlyle locking flex ratchets during the sale a while back. One had a manufacturing defect on the selector switch. One was absolutely filthy but cleaned up fine. The others were okay. All companies make mistakes.

All of the ratchets were bone dry. I opened them up and lubed them but in the discussion of the SK ratchets some voiced opposition to servicing new ratchets. The Carlyle pear heads are held together by a crude wire retaining ring.

The internals are a bit rough. But it was the locking mechanism that made the ratchets interesting. And the prices ($20 and less) were the reason that I bought them. I would not have bought retail. When I was dealing with the CS for ordering and exchanges, he mentioned that corporate likes to play games with the prices. The super sale was less than the online price and the online price was less than the in store price!

 

[Mgdoug3]

To each their own on this, but for me the whole pandemic excuse started wearing thin quite a while ago.

It's not just SK though. I think it's a legitimate excuse. There's plenty of companies who can't get enough help to run the warehouse efficiently and get parts shipped. I use to walk into a John Deere store and if they didn't have the part I could get it stock order and have it in 2 days. Now stock order could be 2 to 10 days and overnight shipping 1 to 3 days.

This isn't just one JD store but multiple stores. I talked to one parts guy and he told me JD hired 48 new warehouse employees one week. The following Monday when they were suppose to start, 4 showed up.

 

[Ton ton]

It's not just SK. Other businesses can't seem to keep the very basic necessities in stock. Speaking from personal experience.

 

[67King]

If any of you folks who got these on the deals and steals thing want to offload one, I may be interested, depending on the price. Especially if one is a 3/8" stubby

 

[gatewaysysop]

It's not just SK. Other businesses can't seem to keep the very basic necessities in stock. Speaking from personal experience.

No argument on stocking inventory, I was more speaking about the lacking customer service. If they still can't figure out how to respond to an email or phone call, then I think the pandemic excuse is just grasping at straws at this point.

 

[Steve_P]

My experience with SK customer service was all before 2020, and they were fantastic.

 

[Ign]

My 3/8" flex finally arrived today. Impressions:
-love the thin head
-backdrag is too great
-reversing switch is somewhat difficult to operate

IOW, as expected. I may eventually try the trim-the-spring trick

At the sale price, I'll live. Full retail? I'd be pissed

 

[Mgdoug3]

I trimmed the spring just one or two twirls. It made a huge difference. Back drag is dramatically reduced and the switch doesn't stick anymore. The back drag is less than a normal dual 80 but the selector switch is still stiffer.

If you want an economical 3/8 USA ratchet the LP90 is it. If you want a great USA ratchet out of the box, Snap-on is the better choice.

 

[Memcdowe]

They're at the start of a transition to new ownership and thats coming out of the covid year. I wouldnt be surprised if they had a skeleton crew in the place and those people are probably wondering if they'll still have a job in a few months. SK use to have excellent customer service before 2020.

That’s what I’ve always heard. Don’t think I ever had to warrant anything of theirs myself. Partly why the whole mess is so unfortunate.