S-K Superkrome....

[mudflap]

We are having a Bday party tomorrow for one of our new Tech's...The guys are all chipping in to buy him a few inexpensive things he needs.. A little bit ago his Girlfriend stopped by the house and gave me a brand new set of S-K 3/8 Metric deeps...She wants them to be a surprise from her tomorrow...First of all...cool gf...huh..? I know she bought them from Grainger...so i know she paid too much for them.... But these things really are jewelry.. The chrome looks deep and almost wet...The roll marks are deep and crisp...beautiful... I'm sure mine were like that when they were new...but whats left of them have been long ago retired to the home box...I have been hard on S-K a few times over warranty issues...that i think might have more to do with my local distributors than anything....So it's only fair i give them props for such quality work......

 

[redwrench60]

I have some current S•K bought over the last couple years and the stuff I got has been flawless. Deep, rich chrome your wife can check her make up in. Crisp knurling and deep roll stamping. I've always felt they have been a good value. I really like the deep/shallow, metric/standard sets with a ratchet and extensions in the green clamshell boxes. Handy as hell.

 

[PJNJ]

Thanks for the post.

I decided last year to get some Ideal SK. I had used SK in the past and had fond memories of them. I got the 1/4 and 3/8 sets with ratchets, etc. in the green blowmolded cases. Because of all the claims about broaching, detents, and chrome, I looked carefully at them. Except for some anti-corrosion paint on the outside of the sockets, they were fine (and it comes off easily). There was one very small nick under the chrome on the 3/8 10mm shallow socket. So small that I can't get my phone camera to focus on it. Doesn't bother me but I want to be straightforward about it. The chrome, like you saw, is great and the stampings are deep and clear. The ratchets are smoother, with lighter backdrag, than my old ones. Because of that, I then bought the 1/2 and 1/4 flex ratchets. The 1/2 is big and heavy and again has smooth action and light backdrag. Same for the 1/4.

I almost wish I didn't like them so much because now I want to get the X-frame wrenches.

 

[mudflap]

Thanks for the post.

I decided last year to get some Ideal SK. I had used SK in the past and had fond memories of them. I got the 1/4 and 3/8 sets with ratchets, etc. in the green blowmolded cases. Because of all the claims about broaching, detents, and chrome, I looked carefully at them. Except for some anti-corrosion paint on the outside of the sockets, they were fine (and it comes off easily). There was one very small nick under the chrome on the 3/8 10mm shallow socket. So small that I can't get my phone camera to focus on it. Doesn't bother me but I want to be straightforward about it. The chrome, like you saw, is great and the stampings are deep and clear. The ratchets are smoother, with lighter backdrag, than my old ones. Because of that, I then bought the 1/2 and 1/4 flex ratchets. The 1/2 is big and heavy and again has smooth action and light backdrag. Same for the 1/4.

I almost wish I didn't like them so much because now I want to get the X-frame wrenches.

Lol...i know what u mean....I want some new SK stuff too now...but i need more hardline tools like a hole in the head...have enough stuff to equip 4 of 5 Mechanics... I started out with SK stuff, then ten yrs on a SO truck, then the Matco truck for 10yrs...and lately been replacing worn or broken stuff with Carlyle ..just because it's so convenient with the NAPA guy at the shop every day.... But...lol.. u know how this is gonna end...

 

[mudflap]

Those X-Frames are nice....i vote u should get them....lol

 

[Roberts210]

I've loved S-K tools since I bought my first S-Ks--3 green magnetic screwdrivers--in 1978 when I worked as a tech in an auto glass shop.
Got this 3/4 breaker bar right before Christmas. Krome is indeed Super.

 

[-->]

How about some pics ?

 

[-->]

How about some pics ?

Edit: Oh wait, I see them now

 

[mudflap]

I've loved S-K tools since I bought my first S-Ks--3 green magnetic screwdrivers--in 1978 when I worked as a tech in an auto glass shop.
Got this 3/4 breaker bar right before Christmas. Krome is indeed Super.

Very nice..............My first "mechanics set"....was issued to me in tech school... I wen a long way with them..

 

[PJNJ]

Those X-Frames are nice....i vote u should get them....lol

Like you I have too many sets already. And I'm just a heavy DIY'er. But I'll probably get them anyway because ... well, just because. Worst part is my wife supports my tool addiction. Since I do all the house and car repairs, she tells me to get whatever I think I need. And I seem to "need" more and more.

Add in my love for old tools, her love of flea markets along with her eagle eyes and I usually come home with something every time we go in the summer.

I've started to look at this way - I quit smoking, drinking (well almost quit drinking), partying and chasing women about 15 years ago. I have to have a vice and tools isn't too bad of one - no hangovers, "accidents" (auto, happy or otherwise), or angry women.

 

[PJNJ]

I've loved S-K tools since I bought my first S-Ks--3 green magnetic screwdrivers--in 1978 when I worked as a tech in an auto glass shop.
Got this 3/4 breaker bar right before Christmas. Krome is indeed Super.

I wish I hadn't seen those photos.

 

[mudflap]

Like you I have too many sets already. And I'm just a heavy DIY'er. But I'll probably get them anyway because ... well, just because. Worst part is my wife supports my tool addiction. Since I do all the house and car repairs, she tells me to get whatever I think I need. And I seem to "need" more and more.

Add in my love for old tools, her love of flea markets along with her eagle eyes and I usually come home with something every time we go in the summer.

I've started to look at this way - I quit smoking, drinking (well almost quit drinking), partying and chasing women about 15 years ago. I have to have a vice and tools isn't too bad of one - no hangovers, "accidents" (auto, happy or otherwise), or angry women.

Lol...Your a lucky, and wise man...

 

[zcbauer89]

I just bought the SK X frame wrenches last week. Instantly they have become my favorite wrenches to use, and the chrome was BEAUTIFUL.

 

[mudflap]

I just bought the SK X frame wrenches last week. Instantly they have become my favorite wrenches to use, and the chrome was BEAUTIFUL.

Your not helping the situation.....Lol.. just kidding

 

[zcbauer89]

Your not helping the situation.....Lol.. just kidding

Me??

 

[Spdfreak91]

I've been waiting for my home set to hatch for a few weeks now

 

[mudflap]

Nice..nice....thanks for the pic...

 

[pescados666]

The SK X-frames will hopefully be what forces my china gearwrench set into retirement.
I have one set of 3/8" shallow SK that I just got used an it has one flaw that I noticed. The 11mm socket is stamped uncentered. You can still read it, but it's way off from where it should be stamped. I'll try to grab a pic once I take my camera into my garage.
It doesn't affect performance of the socket and I can still tell what size it is, so I'm not too upset. It came from a military toolkit so I can see how aesthetics wouldn't be worried about as much.

 

[PJNJ]

I just bought the SK X frame wrenches last week. Instantly they have become my favorite wrenches to use, and the chrome was BEAUTIFUL.

I've been waiting for my home set to hatch for a few weeks now

Great, now you guys are giving reviews and showing photos.

Now the itch is getting worse - oh well, one more set of wrenches won't break me. I gotta stop coming on GJ for awhile.

Spdfreak - break 'em out and get some photos to us.

 

[67King]

Amazing that SK, of all brands, seems to be the most polarizing. I love my SK stuff........glad to see I'm not alone!

 

[Spdfreak91]

I'm waiting for this new england weather to END every project I have is waiting for the nor easters to end, oh wait here comes 12-24 tomorrow !

 

[PJNJ]

Yeah I'm in Jersey and the current prediction is also for 12-24 inches. ****.

 

[mudflap]

Amazing that SK, of all brands, seems to be the most polarizing. I love my SK stuff........glad to see I'm not alone!

Thats true....they kind of jump out at u when you open a drawer...even mixed in with SO, and other top stuff.... The Bday sockets were a big hit here today..we have 2 other new Techs that are building up their tools...and i am trying hard to keep them from going into debt in the process ..So we have no problem loaning them a tool..etc Now they all want SK..thats good..just need to find a viable alternative to Grainger...they will get robbed there... Any suggestions.. There is an Ebay store with good prices.. "Zoro"

 

[mudflap]

Yeah I'm in Jersey and the current prediction is also for 12-24 inches. ****.

Iv'e kinda been watching that system roll in on the radar..we are only getting 1 - 2 inches...so i guess we can't complain...

 

[jakemac]

Mudflap - Try checking the prices at Harry Epstien's to see how they compare.
https://www.harryepstein.com

 

[mudflap]

Mudflap - Try checking the prices at Harry Epstien's to see how they compare.
https://www.harryepstein.com

Will chk that out when i get time....thanks.....

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

Yeah stay away from Grainger. I live in Kansas City. So I can walk into Harry Epstein's and check their prices and touch the line up. There is also a company called Clark's tool as well in KC they carry a full line of SK. And both companies are just as good as the Internet on price and you can talk to somebody and pick it up right there.

 

[Spdfreak91]

or "Zoro" who often hand out 15-30% discount codes , there's a whole section here for it in the journal hot deals section.

 

[67King]

Harry Epstein, Tooltopia, National Tool Warehouse are all affordable options

 

[1950mercury]

Circle c supply is hard to beat pricing and free shipping over 50 bucks

 

[PJNJ]

Thats true....they kind of jump out at u when you open a drawer...even mixed in with SO, and other top stuff.... The Bday sockets were a big hit here today..we have 2 other new Techs that are building up their tools...and i am trying hard to keep them from going into debt in the process ..So we have no problem loaning them a tool..etc Now they all want SK..thats good..just need to find a viable alternative to Grainger...they will get robbed there... Any suggestions.. There is an Ebay store with good prices.. "Zoro"

The sets usually are the best bang for the buck - shallow and deep sockets, SAE and metric, along with extensions, thumbwheel ratchets, ratchets (the 1/4 is great but the 3/8 needs to be updated) for a pretty good price.

The sets have a tendency to fluctuate in price during the year. I got the 1/4 set for $135.20 last year (91848) and the 3/8 set for $164.82. I got the 1/4 set from Tooltopia through Amazon. I put the set in my cart and kept on eye on it until it dropped. I believe I got the 3/8 directly from Tooltopia but I can't find the order information. The prices change frequently so a Google price search works best.

Zoro is also good - I have used them for other tool purchases in the past with no problems. JBtoolsales.com has also been good for me.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Thats true....they kind of jump out at u when you open a drawer...even mixed in with SO, and other top stuff.... The Bday sockets were a big hit here today..we have 2 other new Techs that are building up their tools...and i am trying hard to keep them from going into debt in the process ..So we have no problem loaning them a tool..etc Now they all want SK..thats good..just need to find a viable alternative to Grainger...they will get robbed there... Any suggestions.. There is an Ebay store with good prices.. "Zoro"

I love dealing with HJE, but on the bigger stuff, sometimes Amazon is a less costly alternative. Always good to compare.

I recently price checked the #80019 Metric X-frame Set. $100 less on Amazon

 

[Derek420]

I''ve have a bunch of sk and I love the finish on them even the older falcon era stuff I love the ruff 1 ratchets specially the Roto version it's my favorite ratchet more so than all my snap on, cornwell, mac or Matcos I it is by far the smoothest and most quite as well as least amount of back drag. I also have the other sk Roto ratchet the 3870 it's not even close even being mint like the other it's not as nice. The sockets are great I think right now on eBay I seen shallow 3/8 sets for 30 in metric check it out.

 

[kb1982]

Best prices i found when i bought my x frame wrenches were tooldiscounter.
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=SKT80049
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=SKT80019
I recently picked up some SK socket hex bits in metric and sae, along with flex joint swivel sockets in both as well.

CameraZOOM-20170314231253504 by kelly benningfield, on Flickr

 

[Scotty_B]

+1 on Circle C for new SK stuff!

I bought a ratchet that was $10 cheaper than on Amazon. I added a deep socket I needed to get the order over $50. The shipping was free and very fast.

http://www.circlecsupply.com