Returned the Husky socket set, bought some X frames and ratchets instead

[montanafordman]

Returned the Husky socket set, bought some SK X frames and ratchets instead

I recently bought the Husky 200 piece socket set on sale at Home Depot, it was a deal I felt I couldn't pass up since I got it for $64 after tax which turns out to be nearly $0.32 per socket. I took it home knowing it was an impulse buy, and thought about it for a night and returned it the next day before even opened the box. Sure its a great deal for some beater sockets, but I have more sockets than I need and I have my old Craftsman USA sockets for my beater sockets anyway.

Instead I thought I would use those funds toward something I truly wanted. I completed some training and got a promotion and pay raise so to speak so I decided to splurge. I went to the local industrial supply and supported their business and american manufacturing instead and got some SK X-frame ratcheting wrenches. They are nice! I also got a long flex 1/2"SK ratchet to go along with the long 1/2" 40170 ratchet I inherited from my grandfather and a small 1/4 2" extension. After that purchase burned a hole in my pocket I went the other direction to another store that had been selling a lot of old closeout SK stock and found an NOS Tuff1 1/2" ratchet. In the end I spent a lot more money, but I supported two local businesses and manufacturing made here for something I wanted rather than felt compelled to buy because it was a good deal.

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[BigBoreFan]

I keep eyeballin those X-Frames, but I don't really need them. They sure are pretty.

 

[driz]

Re: Returned the Husky socket set, bought some SK X frames and ratchets instead

You really gotta watch those big box deal sets sales. Sometimes you end up with one part or another sub standard or odd ball. They always go big on the pretty boxes and advertising gimmicks . The country of origin[emoji2958] is typically using a tiny font **** way round back in a corner or otherwise as camouflaged as possible. Then there’s those phrases “Assembled In or made in USA with worldwide parts” ect[emoji2958][emoji2958][emoji2958][emoji2958][emoji2958]


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[bixxjs]

Re: Returned the Husky socket set, bought some SK X frames and ratchets instead

I recently bought a set of the Sae x frame wrenches from Eppys in Brooklyn. Those wrenches are fantastic.

 

[Retroman]

Those X frames look sweet!!! I never should have read this thread.

 

[Mr_B]

x frames look pretty but the ring end really poor design for usability .

 

[928'er]

Good on ya. Wise purchases.

I absolutely love the Triangle ¼" "Unigrip" ratchet set I bought when Sears was still carrying the line. Been kicking myself for not getting the 3/8 and ½ sets while they were available.

So, when MotivX brought the Unigrip line back to life, I jumped on the opportunity and bought both sets. They don''t have the nice metal case that the original Triangle tools came with, but the sets are still sweet.

 

[Fedwrench]

x frames look pretty but the ring end really poor design for usability .

What's wrong with the boxed end?


Back to the original topic, all that counts is that you're happy with your purchases.

 

[Mr_B]

What's wrong with the boxed end?


Back to the original topic, all that counts is that you're happy with your purchases.

incredibly thick ring edge, quite high drag and 6 point, while wall looks thin as chromed outer wall thin the insert around the broached centre is very large.
seems lot more effort/money went into visual appeal than tool usability features .

 

[dnschmidt]

My view on ratcheting wrenches. If they aren't reversible I don't buy them.

 

[Retroman]

My view on ratcheting wrenches. If they aren't reversible I don't buy them.

I looked at these and was surprised there NOT reversible. Ya for $200.00 plus I would want reversible as well.

 

[16again]

Re: Returned the Husky socket set, bought some SK X frames and ratchets instead

Love my X-Frame wrenches. [emoji1303]


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[Unruh]

I love my X-frames too! I had Gearwrench before and comparing the two is like night and day!

 

[Djosbun]

I use my SK X-Frames all the time, too. Actually seemed to have damaged my 10mm yesterday as it no longer turns smoothly. Feels like one of the pawls became damaged while putting a small amount of torque on a bolt.

This isn't a negative shot at them as I LOVE SK tools and these X-Frames are superb!

-- Dave

 

[jimmyin3D]

I use my SK X-Frames all the time, too. Actually seemed to have damaged my 10mm yesterday as it no longer turns smoothly. Feels like one of the pawls became damaged while putting a small amount of torque on a bolt.

This isn't a negative shot at them as I LOVE SK tools and these X-Frames are superb!

-- Dave

I think it’s great that SK makes the x frames, especially being that they are made in USA when most ratcheting wrenches are made in Taiwan.

There customer service has been wonderful as well, I love supporting American companies that are interested in innovating and trying to do things right. Warranty should be an easy process.

I hope they keep it up and start producing more tools like a LP90 flex head ratchets or bringing back swivel head ratchets in all drive sizes.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think it’s great that SK makes the x frames, especially being that they are made in USA when most ratcheting wrenches are made in Taiwan.

There customer service has been wonderful as well, I love supporting American companies that are interested in innovating and trying to do things right. Warranty should be an easy process.

I hope they keep it up and start producing more tools like a LP90 flex head ratchets or bringing back swivel head ratchets in all drive sizes.

I've never really had a problem using my X Frame wrenches, as far as access or durability go. They have a little heft to them and nice thick beams to avoid a knife edge.

On a side note, I think Taiwan is the king of fine toothed ratcheting wrench production.

SK released 90 tooth flex head ratchets recently but, i don't think they're anything to write home about. The two have have make me appreciate the overpriced Proto Precision 90 series ratchets.

 

[Retroman]

Has anyone used or have a set of the Tekton six point or Williams reversible just curious how they would compare to these X frames. The Williams are 12 point so that would probably leave them out of consideration.

 

[Rabid Badger]

incredibly thick ring edge, quite high drag and 6 point, while wall looks thin as chromed outer wall thin the insert around the broached centre is very large.
seems lot more effort/money went into visual appeal than tool usability features.

They look thick but when you compare them side-by-size with comparable wrenches they're on par with other brands. I think it's an optical illusion due to the six point broaching.

 

[tym]

I've been slowly buying more and more X-Frames. They are nice!

 

[M6erfan]

X Frame- Talk about "wide hips"...

 

[Mr_B]

I looked at these and was surprised there NOT reversible. Ya for $200.00 plus I would want reversible as well.

The 6 pawl design not really lends itself reversible

They look thick but when you compare them side-by-size with comparable wrenches they're on par with other brands. I think it's an optical illusion due to the six point broaching.

They are thick compared to any good manufacture ratchet wrench such as facom/rotar or high five for example.
the 6 pawl design is why the insert ring is so deep and hence the extra edge depth over conventional design of good manufacture effort .

 

[tomalophicon]

Why would they need to be reversible if there's no offset to them? Or am I missing the point?

 

[Fedwrench]

Why would they need to be reversible if there's no offset to them? Or am I missing the point?

when fine toothed ratcheting wrenches first came out, there were stories of people removing a fastener in a tight area, not being aware of their surroundings, and getting stuck not being to remove the wrench or change direction to rotate the fastener back in. That's one reason many people prefer reversible.

 

[tomalophicon]

when fine toothed ratcheting wrenches first came out, there were stories of people removing a fastener in a tight area, not being aware of their surroundings, and getting stuck not being to remove the wrench or change direction to rotate the fastener back in. That's one reason many people prefer reversible.

Fair call.

 

[fang123]

My view on ratcheting wrenches. If they aren't reversible I don't buy them.

Same. I did make the mistake of buying the Gearwrench ratcheting flex heads in metric and sae many years ago. They sit cold and lonely, in the dark in a forgotten drawer of a toolbox in the corner of the garage. Damn, now I feel really bad.

 

[Mr_B]

While I agree offset reversible the most usable both the no offset non reversible and the flex are useful solutions at times and all far more usable when a slim box end ...

 

[lardy1]

Same. I did make the mistake of buying the Gearwrench ratcheting flex heads in metric and sae many years ago. They sit cold and lonely, in the dark in a forgotten drawer of a toolbox in the corner of the garage. Damn, now I feel really bad.

I bought a set of Craftsman a few years ago and my lady came with a set of Gearwrench. We NEVER use them. They just take up space. I do see why pro's use them but for me, they are just a sales gimmick with no real use. I doubt I ever buy another set.

 

[az45]

when fine toothed ratcheting wrenches first came out, there were stories of people removing a fastener in a tight area, not being aware of their surroundings, and getting stuck not being to remove the wrench or change direction to rotate the fastener back in. That's one reason many people prefer reversible.

That happened to me in a frame rail mounting a fuel cell..I never would have thought of it until it happened.

I have a set of reversible Dewalts that were on sale at Sears a few years ago that are my go to.

I don't get the X Frame, is there a reason for the design?