proto or sk for weekend use?

[AntiqueVises]

I'm trying to decide on a complete set of sockets for 3/8" and 1/2" drive. Right now I've narrowed it down to Proto or SK, but can't make my mind up. Basically I'm looking for USA made, decent warranty, and I want them to last me forever.

I have a few cheap sets, random Kobalt stuff from Lowes so I'm basically starting from scratch. I already have 3 Snap-On ratchets, just cant justify buying sockets and wrenches from them.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated! (and I've already searched the topic before you tell me where the search bar is )

 

[bcradio]

Either will do you fine. My preference would go to Proto simply because of the QC issues that have occasionally popped up with SK.

 

[DRhodes]

Most of my sockets are SK. In my opinion you just cant beat the prices of SK socket sets. Mine has held up very well. They also hold the resale value better then Proto in case you ever decide to sell them. SK is definitely going in the right direction as a company. Give them a try, you wont be disappointed!

 

[BK13]

Is this a real question?

Unless your weekend hobbies include building transmission line towers or maintaining a John Deere or Caterpillar assembly line or a foundry, either is way better than what you need. My choice would be Proto, but either will work.


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[u118224]

I agree, you will be very happy with either one. They're comparable so go with the best price.

 

[jt777]

Both are really top notch. You will never have issues with either brand not being high quality enough for you. I think you can get better deals on sk though.

 

[Brownsfan]

Either will be great. Also maybe look at the Williams USA line up or Armstrong. Napa runs specials on the Armstrong sets frequently. Like $150 for a 50PC 3/8 Dr set. And like $200 for the 48PC 1/2 set. And they come with the 88t ratchets.

 

[48548]

Proto given the choices.

 

[M6erfan]

Flip a coin, either will serve you well and sadly outlast you.

 

[AntiqueVises]

thanks everyone for the input.

yes this is a real question, i havent owned either brand but have read good/bad about both.

i have used cheap junk tools for too long and am just now financially able to upgrade to some nice things.

my cheap set served me well for a while, but i stripped out a cheap 3/8 drive ratchet a couple times and realized i could use an upgrade


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[bmwpowere36m3]

I've got a bunch of newer SK sets... overall happy with the quality, finish and C/S. However I did warranty close to 20 pcs out of 120. Mostly missing detent stampings on the drive end, poorly broached/punched, off-center hex broaching, and a couple with bad chrome.

Don't care for the SK ratchets, prefer my Dual-80s.

 

[AntiqueVises]

I've got a bunch of newer SK sets... overall happy with the quality, finish and C/S. However I did warranty close to 20 pcs out of 120. Mostly missing detent stampings on the drive end, poorly broached/punched, off-center hex broaching, and a couple with bad chrome.



Don't care for the SK ratchets, prefer my Dual-80s.

the sk sockets look pretty nice. did you have any trouble with the warranty process? how did you do it?

i have a grainers about 20 miles from me, but ill be ordering off of Zorotools

 

[M6erfan]

the sk sockets look pretty nice. did you have any trouble with the warranty process? how did you do it?

i have a grainers about 20 miles from me, but ill be ordering off of Zorotools

SK customer service is pretty good. You'll most likely need to mail any warranty return to SK for replacement. I wouldn't count on Grainger assisting with warranty especially if you buy them through another vendor...

 

[GeorgeFromPa]

Willams.. there cheaper and better.

 

[bob15]

SK. No question.

I still don't trust Proto/Stanley after their falsely saying things are USA made when they were basically only polished here. Yes, I still hold grudges

 

[bob15]

Willams.. there cheaper and better.

How are they better? Definitely not any stronger. And the USA Williams stuff isn't any cheaper than SK.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

the sk sockets look pretty nice. did you have any trouble with the warranty process? how did you do it?

i have a grainers about 20 miles from me, but ill be ordering off of Zorotools

No trouble per se... got a UPS label from them to ship the stuff back and I got my stuff about 2-3 weeks later.

However, here's where I'll be perfectly honest. I explained the issues and asked for the replacement items to be checked. They weren't since some of them came back with the same issues. One was totally wrong (mislabeled). So again, I re-warranty them. And again, some stuff came back "iffy".

 

[48548]

No trouble per se... got a UPS label from them to ship the stuff back and I got my stuff about 2-3 weeks later.

However, here's where I'll be perfectly honest. I explained the issues and asked for the replacement items to be checked. They weren't since some of them came back with the same issues. One was totally wrong (mislabeled). So again, I re-warranty them. And again, some stuff came back "iffy".

I don't think proto has that many issues.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Either is good, but I like SK. Had really good sets from them.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I've never been disappointed with any SK purchase. I can't speak for Proto as the only Proto tool I own is a adjustable wrench. I got some old SK and some new, both very nice quality and no issues.


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[bmwpowere36m3]

For whatever reason the 3/8" socket set, most extensions, hex bit sockets were all fine.... but the 1/4" socket set

 

[PJNJ]

I recently picked up a 3/8 set from SK - 94549. No issues other than some of the anti-corrosion paint got on the sockets and it came right off with 0000 steel wool. Nice chrome, no issues with detents and no problems with broaching. The 3/8 ratchet is 40 teeth, however it is smooth and has light backdrag (and I have other ratchets such as the Armstrong Maxx 88 locking flex to use). The thumbwheel is 60 teeth and the same. Because I was happy with the set, I bought the 1/4 set - 91848. Same quality as the 3/8 except the ratchet is 60 teeth. The price for the 3/8 set was $164.82 and the 1/4 was $135.20. The prices fluctuate over the year and I waited until they were what seemed their lowest before I bought. There is no way that I could have purchased Williams shallow and deep, metric and SAE along with 2 extensions, thumbwheel ratchet, universal joint and ratchets for a lower price or even the same price. And they each come in a case that make it easy for me to take them from the garage to wherever I'm working - which was part of the reason I got them in the first place.

I have no problem recommending them. I only have one new Proto socket and a new 1/4 extension - also very nice chrome and no problems. You would be fine with Proto also. But I think you would have to spend a fair amount more to get the same sets.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Which parent company supports more U.S. manufacturing?

Outside that, I have had long-term use of my SK sets and would recommend them.

 

[four.cycle]

my two cents:
Proto vs S-K:
Proto is going to set you back a bit more, but fit/finish on the sockets is probably going to be better overall. That is not to say there's anything lacking on the S-K sockets, but some people are pickier than others.

The pear-head Proto ratchets use an old design, but they're reliable. They do make RHFT ratchets, but that's not usually what they pack in their sets.
The S-K 45170 (3/8") and 42470 (1/2") RHFT ratchets can be had in almost-new condition on Ebay for anywhere from $15-$25 bucks (including shipping) if you are diligent in searching for them. (The pear-head Protos in 3/8" and 1/2" drive (5249 and 5449, respectively) can be had for about $18-$30 (including shipping.)
So you may find down the road that you might want to add a ratchet or two to give you different options.

 

[hifi_hokie]

I've bought both recently. I returned the SK, kept the Proto.

 

[bensminibikes]

I have a Williams 1/2 set. 1/2 to 1 1/4 the 1 1/8 is proto. I'm satisfied with the set, and it serves me well. The williams stuff is expensive, I got my set at a flea market along with a box, and random sk, and Williams sockets. Paid $10

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[BK13]

I don't really like SK ratchets... And unfortunately the Proto rats I REALLY like are Italian (or maybe Spanish) made... Given that you want US made I'd be looking at Armstrong MAXX or SO Dual 80 ratchets....


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[bob15]

Which parent company supports more U.S. manufacturing?

For those who don't know, Stanley cannot ship jobs overseas fast enough. And it goes well beyond tools and into hardware. Just look at National Hardware after they were bought out by Stanley. It is all china-made stuff now.

 

[907arcticcat]

For my shop box, I mostly have Snap On chrome and Proto impacts. Warranties are good with both Sk and Proto, but can be time consuming.

Not sure why you are set on these 2, but Kobalt will do everything you need and there is something to be said for easy replacements. Put the big money in top tier wrenches and go mid grade for chrome sockets would be my suggestion. They go on sale pretty often too! My truck box is filled with chrome Husky, Kobalt, Snap On, Wright, Proto and I can't tell any difference in longevity between the various brands...at least the sockets

 

[brownbagg]

hell yes, why choose, use both.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Willams.. there cheaper and better.

^This ,Williams USA for sockets.
Given your other 2 choices, either one,they are both good stuff.

 

[sk farmer]

i take little stock in those that will not look at the sk sets because of the ratchets. no, they may not be everyone's favorite ratchet but it is hard not to argue that they are rock solid. one of the most dependable, durable and longest made tools out there. get the sk and add different styles of ratchets from your favorite brand. any true tool guy needs more that one style in each size anyway.

 

[Vin]

It's a great choice to have. You really can't go wrong with either

 

[Kev442]

As another weekend warrior, I've been in the same spot for years now. Upgraded my ratchets and sat back to wait for my lower tier sockets to wear out or disappoint me. Turns out I use impact sockets for the heavy grunt work and my assorted chrome sockets will outlast me.

I like Proto, but have to agree the parent company is scary. SK is still ramping up three years in. It was kinda amazing to see how long SK day items took to trickle in. I'm actually glad I haven't had to pick a brand to upgrade to. If people in this area didn't act like 40 year old tools are worth current retail price, I would go that direction.

 

[AntiqueVises]

thanks guys! tons of feedback here.
i have 3 dual 80's and love them, havent tried any other ratchet besides cheap ones.

i dont necessarily need to buy anything because i have access to my dads shop behind the house.

just really prefer to get myself started with good things

im leaning more toward the sk sets!


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[zosk]

Either one is high quality and you won't be disappointed in either choice.

I like the SK ratchet better than the Proto, but I like the Proto sockets better.

So I have both, but I also have a wife that doesn't care how much I spend on tools.

 

[AntiqueVises]

Either one is high quality and you won't be disappointed in either choice.

I like the SK ratchet better than the Proto, but I like the Proto sockets better.

So I have both, but I also have a wife that doesn't care how much I spend on tools.

what makes you like the proto sockets better?

 

[1950mercury]

Proto on the sockets all though sk aren't bad

 

[PFSard]

I have sets of both Proto and SK that I bought used. 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" on Proto. 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" on SK. Both Proto and SK are good stuff. Obviously, you can afford to wait for the right deal. I don't know your location (availability in your area), but looking around for hardly used sets may be a good option.

 

[xela456]

I'm a proto fan for sure but if you look at the sets available from SK, its a no brainer. The cases for them are super convenient!