Should I buy SK?

[Mastercraft81]

So I have been looking at the SK sets for sometime now. They seem to have a good quality and at a good price. I turn wrenches for a living and I don't want to be in det from the snap on man. I also would like to upgrade my craftsmen sockets starting with a 1/4 drive set.

So how is there warranty?
How well do there tools hold up vs snap on?
"Side note I work on boats so not a lot of rusty fasteners"
Where is the best place to buy?

 

[Musicinabottle]

Love my SK Wayne tools. Never let me down. MUCH better value than Snap on in my opinion.

 

[Yankee]

A good place to get would be (HJE) Harry Epstein's.

I have a few SK pieces, good quality. Wright is normally priced about the same. (Can get from HJE also)

My preference is Wright, SK however has a larger tool line.

Can't go wrong with either..

 

[Robinson1]

Im a general contractor not a mechanic but I've always liked SK and consider then to be one of the higher end tool brands. I kept a 1/2 drive set on my truck for years and while I mainly used it for lag bolts and structural connectors it held up well and never let me down. It went missing one day not sure if it accidentally got left on a job or if someone actually stole it. But I think of someone was going to steal they would have cleaned the whole truck out not grabbed a 30 year old set of well used sockets!

Best prices I've seen are used on ebay especially if you can find a set missing a socket or two. Singles are pretty easy to find again on ebay. Easy to get a $200 set for half price if you watch your bids and stay patient.

 

[zcbauer89]

Their warranty is excellent, I've mailed a few things in and got replacements in short order. Good quality tools.

 

[Indexmill]

Hi,

Read a few posts on here; we have been buying SK tools for more than 50 years and still do. They are not the cheapest date in town.

 

[md21722]

I have never been enthusiastic about anything I've bought from SK except maybe their 3/4" F - 1/2" M adapter. I've owned their impacts, extensions, etc and was not impressed. It works but nothing to get excited about. The tool truck brands cost more, but are better in my opinion. Compare a 24" SK extension to a Snap On one, and its night and day, the Snap On one is made of better steel, thinner, and deflects less...

 

[Parrothead]

So I have been looking at the SK sets for sometime now. They seem to have a good quality and at a good price. I turn wrenches for a living and I don't want to be in det from the snap on man. I also would like to upgrade my craftsmen sockets starting with a 1/4 drive set.

So how is there warranty?
How well do there tools hold up vs snap on?
"Side note I work on boats so not a lot of rusty fasteners"
Where is the best place to buy?

Warranty - lifetime and by most accounts excellent.

vs. Snap On - I'm the wrong person to ask, I have 1 ratcheting screwdriver. My father has SK from before the bankruptcy and it's still ticking.

Purchasing - Harry Epstein is always a good choice, and of course Amazon.

*My question is, why are you upgrading the Craftsman sockets? I'm assuming they're USA? Having issues? I'd be a lot more inclined to upgrade other things like a ratchet or combination wrenches than sockets. Just my unsolicited $.02

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a lot of SK, Wright and a fair bit of SnapOn.

I have had some of my Wright since the 1970's, never had a failure and they have been worked hard

I have had my SK for some time, also never had a failure. That said, I inherited some from my father and grandfather, there were 2 broken sockets in the lot, they were replaced via US Mail in short order.

I've never had a failure with my Snappys, but the downside is they are far more expensive.

IMO, you can't go wrong with either SK or Wright. Either or both can be purchased from HJE. HJE also has excellent customer service.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I have never been enthusiastic about anything I've bought from SK except maybe their 3/4" F - 1/2" M adapter. I've owned their impacts, extensions, etc and was not impressed. It works but nothing to get excited about. The tool truck brands cost more, but are better in my opinion. Compare a 24" SK extension to a Snap On one, and its night and day, the Snap On one is made of better steel, thinner, and deflects less...

Conversely, I've had and used several snap on tools that I thought sucked balls, FOR THE MONEY now. Example...... I worked for an out fit that bought 3 new snap on cordless drill kits to replace their Rigid kits. The snap on kits are a ***** to swap out the batteries from the gun or the charger, the chucks don't stay tight on any of them and sometimes you have to unplug the cord to the charger and replug to get charging. The older snap on gear is excellent

 

[anndel]

Harry J. Epstein is the best place to get them.

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php

 

[VRStrickland]

First tools I ever owned were SK. 35 years later I still have most of them. I have to admit that I am a die hard SO guy, but even with that being true ALL of my road tools are SK. Just my opinion, but I think they are the second best tool on the market and prob the best value. I just wish the smaller 3/8 sockets were deeper.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[southalabama]

One word. YES

If your going to splurge do it on a SO ratchet. Use SK sockets

 

[T45]

So I have been looking at the SK sets for sometime now. They seem to have a good quality and at a good price. I turn wrenches for a living and I don't want to be in det from the snap on man. I also would like to upgrade my craftsmen sockets starting with a 1/4 drive set.

So how is there warranty?
How well do there tools hold up vs snap on?
"Side note I work on boats so not a lot of rusty fasteners"
Where is the best place to buy?

SK is a good upgrade from Craftsman. You'll bee happy. Warranty is a non issue, and comparison to snap-on is sorta irrelevant.

SK is like what craftsman would be if the kept at the same level of tool quality they had in 1950/60s and never went downhill and sold out.

SnapOn has always been more specialized in nature priced at near-unaffordable level.

 

[PJNJ]

I had SK and SK/Wayne from the 60's and 70's and they are still kicking. So last year I decided to pick up 1/4 and 3/8 sets to upgrade my early 2000's Cman sets.

I got the 91848 1/4 set from Amazon for $135.20 and the 94549 3/8 set from Tooltopia for $164.82. It seems that the sets are getting higher in price lately though they fluctuate during the year. I watched for a few months until they were at those prices and then bought.

Both sets are a definite step up from Cman in finish and ratchet quality. The ratchets under Ideal have become smoother with less back drag than my earlier pre-Ideal SK ratchets. The 1/4 ratchet is 60 teeth and the 3/8 has 40 teeth. I know higher tooth counts is all the rage these days but they're so smooth that it makes up for low tooth count. My only wish/complaint is that the 3/8 set came with the 10 inch ratchet instead of the 7 1/2 inch ratchet as I like longer handle ratchets better. The blow molded cases are sturdy and should last a long time. I cannot comment on the quality vs. Snap On as all of mine was picked up used or NOS at flea markets, garage sales and Ebay.

I am happy and satisfied enough that I bought 18" 1/2 flex ratchet and 1/4 flex ratchet since then.

 

[jabberwoki]

yes.

 

[jake00]

I use sk sets in an industrial environment, Snapped the head on a 3/8 ratchet and a screwdriver shaft, both were replaced quickly, I'm a believer.

 

[1950mercury]

No not for 1/4" snap in is the way to go. I just bought my dad a 1/4 SK set with shallow and deep sae and metrics....off center sockets, sockets not fully machined etc..

 

[four.cycle]

Best prices I've seen are used on ebay especially if you can find a set missing a socket or two. Singles are pretty easy to find again on ebay. Easy to get a $200 set for half price if you watch your bids and stay patient.

(* emphasis added *)

The 91844 sets (slightly used) are going for anywhere from about $85 up to about $130 on Ebay lately. Saturday afternoons seem to bring out the loonies on bidding wars.

Listed today:

S-K 4921 21-pc 1/4" drive 6-pt SAE socket set w/box
3/16" - 1/2"
new (looks like duct tape residue on top of box)
$22.58 + $3.00 shipping now. 1 bid now. ends Mon. 02/06
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-NEW...384730?hash=item25ce72431a:g:deMAAOSwjDZYj8Wl

This set was re-listed today, price reduced by $10 bucks. It was listed for a month with no takers:

S-K 17-pc 1/4" drive 6-pt SAE socket set w/magnetic holder (sockets only)
3/16" - 9/16" / shallow / deep-well (see ad text for content - NO 1/2" deep-well)
used!
$49.99 + $8.35 shipping OBO "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-1-4-sock...040277?hash=item1c7b9e0e95:g:UGMAAOSwB09YE6XE

Same seller also has a set of 1/4" drive metrics that were re-listed today. (Seller did NOT reduce the price on the metric set.) They were also listed for a month with no takers:

S-K 23-pc 1/4" drive 6-pt METRIC socket set w/magnetic holder (sockets only)
4mm - 15mm / shallow / deep-well (see ad text for content)
used!
$40.00 + $6.80 shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-metric-s...:g:6EQAAOSwXeJYE7AO&item=272539922988&vxp=mtr
SOLD $40.00 01/30

If you don't mind a little grunge, shoot the guy an offer on both and see if he bites... what's to lose?

==

I should probably add:
I have four (or five?) S-K 1/4" sets from various "eras" of production. All of them are top-notch in regard to fit and finish. I don't really expect tools to be jewelry, except when paying $9.62 each for a single 1/4" drive Snap-on deep-well (and that was 20 years ago.)

 

[gdocktor3]

I'd consider the 51 piece Gearwrench set for 1/4". Perfect chrome, full range of sizes, extensions, swivel, palm ratchet and 120xp ratchet all in a blow molded case for around $70. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD..._5f_4th-1wJVS-MHvrpS7QcR3yrhdTg3WcaAmt98P8HAQ

They also have a 3/8" set that comes with 1/4" free for $103. Do your research. These Gearwrench sets are really good. I have the 3/8" SK set and while it's a nice set, it's nothing special. I do however love my 1/4" SK 40970 ratchet. http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...Sv8zn6HZbEz7mR0BuTdS2kLwQ3XWbO4T7IaAuMK8P8HAQ

 

[Local]

Save your money and just pick up gearwrench posted above. Sockets are beautiful and if anything ever happens just warranty them. The knurling on the extensions are wonderful and the ratchet is a huge step up from cman raised panel. Edit just notice you turn wrenches for a lIving go with sk, proto, or wright.

 

[67King]

Absolutely. I got fed up with Craftsman, even the USA stuff I bought in the 90's, and replaced with SK sockets. I do have Wright wrenches, Mayhew punches and picks, Snap-On ratchets (that's another discussion, but they are far above any others, and affordable used), and Knipex pliers. ALl of my other tools (impacts, sockets, some wrenches, screwdrivers, pry bars, etc.) are all SK. The one thing I have had issues with is the Torx bits. The 1/4" hex quick release impact ones are solid, but the socket bit inserts for some reason have not been as hard. I think I went with Sunex to replace those.

To answer the guy about why replace teh sockets......I've had the CM sockets fail on me numerous times, and I've had the wrenches spread, even a flippin' 6mm used on a bleed screw.

ON edit - sources: As mentioned, Harry J Epstein preferred, but you can sometimes find notably better prices at Tooltopia or Amazon.

 

[Davefr]

So how is there warranty?

Better then SO because all it usually takes is a phone call. No proof of purchase or arguing with a dealer. You probably won't need the warranty though.

How well do there tools hold up vs snap on?

No difference based on my experience. Stick with SK, Proto or Wright and you get tool truck quality at a tiny fraction of the price.

Where is the best place to buy?

As always, shop around.

 

[John in OH]

I have several sets of 1/4" drive SK sockets that are very nice, but I think I prefer the Wright brand better. Both brands US made.

Specifc to your questions:

I've never had a Wright or SK tool fail (but I'm not a pro mechanic)
Don't own any SO tools due to poor cost/value ratio.
Buy from HJE.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I'd consider the 51 piece Gearwrench set for 1/4". Perfect chrome, full range of sizes, extensions, swivel, palm ratchet and 120xp ratchet all in a blow molded case for around $70.

Gearwrench is NOT an upgrade from old craftsman. Unless, of course, all you are worried about is how shiny they look sitting in the box.

 

[kball]

hopefully if you have to warranty a tool it's not one you use every day. I had to warranty an 18mm wrench because the chrome was flaking off and it took them 3 weeks to get it back to me. Not to mention the UPS charge to send it to them. Snap On may cost a lot more but it is convenient.

 

[jakemac]

hopefully if you have to warranty a tool it's not one you use every day. I had to warranty an 18mm wrench because the chrome was flaking off and it took them 3 weeks to get it back to me. Not to mention the UPS charge to send it to them. Snap On may cost a lot more but it is convenient.

SnapOn is only convenient if you have access to a truck. Most of us don't. Otherwise, you're playing the mail a wait game just like any other brand.

 

[gdocktor3]

Gearwrench is NOT an upgrade from old craftsman. Unless, of course, all you are worried about is how shiny they look sitting in the box.

Neither is SK then...

 

[sberry]

There isn't anything wrong with SK. One of my best friends used them for a career, didn't have the duplication and leaned on them everyday in hardline service work.

 

[dnschmidt]

This question comes down to "I'm a willing to pay more to buy American?" That's really about all it's about. SK is nothing special, their best tools were those they imported from Kabo in Taiwan especially their double offset ratcheting box wrench set which was fantastic.

If you want to wave the flag they're the way to go. If you want the best tool for the money not even close to TOPTUL, Genus, K-T Pro or any of the leading Taiwan brands. Even Gearwrench makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for half the price. Tekton makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for 1/3 the price. This discussion has almost nothing to do about tools and everything to do about Country of Origin.

 

[gdocktor3]

This question comes down to "I'm a willing to pay more to buy American?" That's really about all it's about. SK is nothing special, their best tools were those they imported from Kabo in Taiwan especially their double offset ratcheting box wrench set which was fantastic.

If you want to wave the flag they're the way to go. If you want the best tool for the money not even close to TOPTUL, Genus, K-T Pro or any of the leading Taiwan brands. Even Gearwrench makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for half the price. Tekton makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for 1/3 the price. This discussion has almost nothing to do about tools and everything to do about Country of Origin.

What this guy said.

 

[sberry]

I agree. I can even go so far as to say some simple MIT wrenches are as good as some hi dollar ones.

 

[sk farmer]

This question comes down to "I'm a willing to pay more to buy American?" That's really about all it's about. SK is nothing special, their best tools were those they imported from Kabo in Taiwan especially their double offset ratcheting box wrench set which was fantastic.

If you want to wave the flag they're the way to go. If you want the best tool for the money not even close to TOPTUL, Genus, K-T Pro or any of the leading Taiwan brands. Even Gearwrench makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for half the price. Tekton makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for 1/3 the price. This discussion has almost nothing to do about tools and everything to do about Country of Origin.

oh that is ********. other than someone asking if his old tools are us made craftsman the op never mentions coo. the only one discussing it is you. the op asks about sk and as usual you feel the need to inject toptul into the conversation. other than you, the company wants nothing to do with the north american market. give it a rest.

 

[Super Sport]

Better then SO because all it usually takes is a phone call. No proof of purchase or arguing with a dealer. You probably won't need the warranty though.

I've called Snap On to warranty tools that I did not purchase new, and never once had a bit of trouble. It was just as easy as any of the other brands that you have to call in for warranty. Snap On usually doesn't even make me send the broken stuff back into them. I did once run into an item that was backordered for a few weeks and they did not tell me this over the phone, but it wasn't a problem for me in that scenario.

 

[mrjaw14]

One word. YES

If your going to splurge do it on a SO ratchet. Use SK sockets

This. I have 1/4" and 3/8" SK socket sets. I like the ratchets, however I prefer teardrop/roundhead ratchets. I think Snap On ratchets are the best. I really liked Armstrong MAXX/Matco 88 ratchets, but Armstrong is going away, so going forward I'd choose Snap On for ratchets, and a company like SK for sockets.

 

[Parrothead]

This question comes down to "I'm a willing to pay more to buy American?" That's really about all it's about. SK is nothing special, their best tools were those they imported from Kabo in Taiwan especially their double offset ratcheting box wrench set which was fantastic.

If you want to wave the flag they're the way to go. If you want the best tool for the money not even close to TOPTUL, Genus, K-T Pro or any of the leading Taiwan brands. Even Gearwrench makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for half the price. Tekton makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for 1/3 the price. This discussion has almost nothing to do about tools and everything to do about Country of Origin.

What this guy said.

I agree. I can even go so far as to say some simple MIT wrenches are as good as some hi dollar ones.

True, with the exception of the MIT wrenches. Haha, then again they've been made to different levels over the years so who knows.

 

[Parrothead]

oh that is ********. other than someone asking if his old tools are us made craftsman the op never mentions coo. the only one discussing it is you. the op asks about sk and as usual you feel the need to inject toptul into the conversation. other than you, the company wants nothing to do with the north american market. give it a rest.

Not to get too off topic, but I've never even seen anything made by Toptul so I'd have a real hard time recommending them to somebody looking at SK. Tekton or Gearwrench, sure. Other brands...not so much.

 

[Roberts210]

I bought my first S-K tools in 1978--a set of magnetic tip screwdrivers. I still have them and have never had a problem. Bought a set of 1/4 to 3/4 Superchrome wrenches and they lasted 20 years before the mex plumbers on a job I was working on stole them. I replaced that set with an almost identical ebay set and that set got stolen out of my truck. So SOMEBODY likes S-K. Third wrench set is also S-K Superchrome, but the long wrenches. Still got that one. In socket sets I have 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 full sets in the old steel boxes. My 3/4 set is a mix--got a Proto 3/4 ratchet but a 40" S-K breaker bar..... so my advice is YES you should buy S-K.

 

[PJNJ]

This question comes down to "I'm a willing to pay more to buy American?" That's really about all it's about. SK is nothing special, their best tools were those they imported from Kabo in Taiwan especially their double offset ratcheting box wrench set which was fantastic.

If you want to wave the flag they're the way to go. If you want the best tool for the money not even close to TOPTUL, Genus, K-T Pro or any of the leading Taiwan brands. Even Gearwrench makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for half the price. Tekton makes stuff every bit as nice as SK for 1/3 the price. This discussion has almost nothing to do about tools and everything to do about Country of Origin.

If you're going to come into a thread that has nothing to do with Toptul and then claim that they are better, you'd be best off including a disclosure that you sell and market Toptul. In essence, you're waving your own "flag".

 

[M6erfan]

"Should I buy SK?"

Sure. Why not?

If you want very nice, well made sockets, made in the USA with USA steel and good customer service, knock yourself out.

However, IMO sockets are not where you you should spend your $. As others already pointed out you can get a lot of value from other manufacturers, especially imported, that also make great sockets and have excellent customer service. (Tekton, Carlyle, Gearwrench, etc.). Also, IMO, you wouldn't be upgrading much of anything over USA Craftsman