SK 10mm vs Craftsman 10mm

[pipsters]

Well if the Craftsman's sockets are what Danaher calls "chrome plating" then they need to get their eyes checked or switch platers because they are getting screwed if they think it is chrome plating. Allen brand sockets are also made by Danaher yet they have actual chrome plating on them, unlike whatever **** they are putting on the craftsmans that they think passes as "chrome" (according to your account by Danaher). Compare the Craftsman polished ratchets which are actually chrome plated to their standard sockets which are obviously not and you will see the difference. I think the Danaher representatives that have been on here are misinformed or passing along bad information. Its been awhile since I've saw it, but some descriptions of sockets on the Sears website call it "nickel chrome", which involves the same processes as chrome plating but skips the last chrome step. I do believe their "easy to read" sockets are chrome plated though, but the rest appear to be only nickel plated. The chrome plating provides a coating that increases sheen and prevents tarnishing. Owners of the nickel sockets will notice after a few years that the plating will tarnish and get much darker. This has been my experience anyways.

One of many discussions here

Nickel plating has been used for decades on tools, Sears is not alone in using it for theirs. I have 5 year old nickel-plated Craftsman sockets that look just like the day I bought them. Certainly not ****. Nickel can be done just as well however the issue is Danaher, under cost pressures I would guess, simply tries to do too much with too little in some cases. The vast majority of Craftsman sockets look great, however there is that 10% or so that you just have to shake your head at.

All their sockets are nickel plated, even the easy to read ones. I don't even know if they make the non-laser-etched ones any more.

 

[buening]

Maybe **** wasn't the right word, but mine have gotten darker with age. The plating withstands abuse fine, that I have no beef with.

 

[kippieland]

I found the lazer marking on the SK easier to read because of the increased chrome. The shine allows me to read easier, where as the Craftsman is just touch darker...seems to be little harder. Personal preference.

I just finished polishing a titanium headpipe from blue to completely mirrored and reflective. I can't help but wonder if Danaher claims they are chromed that maybe they do not polish them all the way. In the SK, you can easily see your reflection,, where as you can't in the Craftsman. Just a thought.

Pipster: I also wondered if you got old stock...they only start manufacturing the new stock last Jan..I would definetly return them...I would if they were Craftsman, so SK shouldn't be any different.

 

[HandyManny]

I hate lazer etching. I prefer heavy stamped or heavy engraved. I don't need the visual contrast as I usually know what size I have on my ratchet before I move into lower light conditions under the hood or under the vehicle.

 

[pipsters]

I found the lazer marking on the SK easier to read because of the increased chrome. The shine allows me to read easier, where as the Craftsman is just touch darker...seems to be little harder. Personal preference.

I just finished polishing a titanium headpipe from blue to completely mirrored and reflective. I can't help but wonder if Danaher claims they are chromed that maybe they do not polish them all the way. In the SK, you can easily see your reflection,, where as you can't in the Craftsman. Just a thought.

Pipster: I also wondered if you got old stock...they only start manufacturing the new stock last Jan..I would definetly return them...I would if they were Craftsman, so SK shouldn't be any different.

SK's aren't laser etched, just stamped.

I just happened to have my 12 points out prepping them for sale so I took a picture.

Craftsman vs. SK...

 

[kippieland]

Good to know...I guess I prefer stamped then.

 

[pipsters]

Good to know...I guess I prefer stamped then.

I actually like the deep stamped/rolled as well, but also like the etching. Basically I want both. Craftsman sockets are "light" roll stamped and not as deep as my SK's (on the ones that were done correctly).

In my limited experience, the etching on my impacts actually holds up better than the stamping does after they start to get worn. I was surprised.

 

[steelespeed]

Thanks for the comparison , pipsters. Your comments about the ball-detent problems echo my problems from a thread I started a day or so ago. Not only that, but the inside of a few of my SK sockets are so roughly finished that they actually had slivers of steel hanging off the inside. Now, I know that normally you don't jam your fingers into a socket, but that is a bit unacceptable to me.

I am a bit frustrated with SK's lack of serious quality control after taking over a problem company. These types of problems don't bode well. Since Snap-on is stupidly overpriced, I'll look to Wright or Taiwan for new sockets.

 

[pipsters]

Thanks for the comparison , pipsters. Your comments about the ball-detent problems echo my problems from a thread I started a day or so ago. Not only that, but the inside of a few of my SK sockets are so roughly finished that they actually had slivers of steel hanging off the inside. Now, I know that normally you don't jam your fingers into a socket, but that is a bit unacceptable to me.

I am a bit frustrated with SK's lack of serious quality control after taking over a problem company. These types of problems don't bode well. Since Snap-on is stupidly overpriced, I'll look to Wright or Taiwan for new sockets.

Yep. Just remember responding to that thread. The pictures are of product purchased on December 7th so they've had almost a year to fix whatever issues they have had.

I scrutinized those sockets more than a normal person would have. What is hilarious is the rust that came on my sockets, they have denied under their warranty as being old, used, worn out tools in the past. You can't deliver a product that you yourself would not warranty in the future.

I wrote a nice email to them, telling them about their lack of quality control and included the pictures I attached above. Hopefully they can fix it, you would hate to see their product go overseas, but like Danaher/Craftsman the quality will probably go up if they do that. Sad, but true. WTF happened to America?

 

[pipsters]

That doesn't mean they aren't old stock. When Ideal purchased SK they got a lot of stuff with it, it appears. Who knows if the sets are all new, all old or a mix?

Also, I doubt they're "painted" inside. I have multiple brands of sockets that have a dull plating inside.

Painted vs. chromed. Paint on outside of socket broaching. Just look at the pics. That is not chrome, it's rough blotchy paint, just like my Cmans.

Pretty obvious. Like I said, not a big deal. Really, I could care less, a lot of my Craftsmans are painted inside as well. But folks on here push SK and point out how crappy Craftsman is because it's painted.

Stop making excuses for them. The quality is completely inconsistent just like Craftsman. Danaher can produce some really good looking (albeit nickel plated) sockets. They can also produce ****. But you know that, and pay roughly $1/socket in sets for that to deal with getting it replaced. I honestly expected more. Maybe my expectations are just too high for an American tool company, but this has completely put me off. It's not the paint that bothers me (that is just how they chose to make their sockets at some point), the biggest thing is the inconsistent roll stamping of the socket sizes making some of them really hard to read. If that was good, I would be keeping the set and would still give it a thumbs up.

Who cares if they are old or new. Either way their NEW quality control process SHOULD HAVE prevented inferior sockets from getting into that plastic box, and they've had what, a year to implement that process?

 

[Skin]

Thanks for the images.

I prefer SK's real chrome over this "dumbed down" process Danaher is now using.

Cosmetically speaking Snap-On looks pretty much the same.

 

[pipsters]

NOTE - I use the SK logo as my avatar because my initials are "SK," not because I'm an SK fanboy. But, I do like the few SK tools I have. Having said that...

Your pictures don't prove it's paint on the inside of the sockets. It's not "pretty obvious" to me. It just appears to be a different kind of plating. As I said before, I have multiple brands of sockets with a dull interior finish that clearly aren't painted.

As far as the "obvious" paint around the open end of the socket - how do you know it isn't just a problem with the chrome around the opening?

Because I'm not stupid and it's f-ing paint?

I own a few sockets that have matte chrome on them as well. Looks good. The matte chrome is still chrome. This is rough glob-y paint. While pictures might not be completely obvious to those with their heads in the sand, I can assure you that it is paint. Craftsman had the same issues with paint around the rims with theirs as well and I 100% DO NOT CARE but it's just one more thing added up.

The real question will be how does SK handle replacing these sockets. Some other threads I've seen on here have claimed SK was good about replacing bad sockets. They've sent me two rebuild kits without any trouble, so hopefully you'll get good service.

Yeah I agree. Will definitely follow up with this if they do get back to me. I had filled out the contact form and someone at Ideal named Lauren followed up back a few weeks ago asking about new/old stock and the quality. I emailed her back directly today. I do remember it took a few days so I'm going to give it some time.

Here's the deal though, I expect this with Craftsman because their sockets are cheap. I don't expect a new company wanting to put their best foot forward to be doing this, do you? As a customer I shouldn't have to worry about inspecting these things when paying good money for a socket set.

 

[IndyGarage]

Craftsman is targeted to the home or DIY user. My guess is that SK is targeting the value priced professional user. Both serve their target customers well.

I'm a pretty heavy shade tree mechanic and use both extensively and I've broken a few Craftsman and never broken any SK's - it could be luck or it could be a slight difference in strength.

I do know that the Craftsman steel feels a tick softer than other "professional" level tools. I would guess this would show up in long term wear if you are a professional user, and I don't think the warranty applies if you are a pro.

 

[kippieland]

That doesn't mean they aren't old stock. When Ideal purchased SK they got a lot of stuff with it, it appears. Who knows if the sets are all new, all old or a mix?

Also, the "new" SK only started shipping tools in April, so it hasn't been almost a year.

Also, I doubt these sockets are "painted" inside. I have multiple brands of sockets that have a dull plating inside.

After talking with the Rep. at the industrail place I bought my SK, I to would be interested in finding out if its old stock or new. He said that they were making better quality products now as compared to pre-filing. I also agree that they should replace them if they were that off. Lets move on.

I personally like the SK that I bought and if Sears moves sockets to China then I will know where to move to for a fair price. Which is the reason I started this thread.

 

[pipsters]

Craftsman is targeted to the home or DIY user. My guess is that SK is targeting the value priced professional user. Both serve their target customers well.

I'm a pretty heavy shade tree mechanic and use both extensively and I've broken a few Craftsman and never broken any SK's - it could be luck or it could be a slight difference in strength.

I do know that the Craftsman steel feels a tick softer than other "professional" level tools. I would guess this would show up in long term wear if you are a professional user, and I don't think the warranty applies if you are a pro.

The Craftsman warranty is for anyone. No mention what so ever about a homeowner or a professional mechanic.

I've not broken a socket (yet) but did try. Put 150 ft-lbs on my 3/8" 19mm and 3/4" Cman sockets and they did just fine. If I had the $$ I'd go out and buy a 3/4" torque wrench to see where they snap.

 

[pipsters]

After talking with the Rep. at the industrail place I bought my SK, I to would be interested in finding out if its old stock or new. He said that they were making better quality products now as compared to pre-filing. I also agree that they should replace them if they were that off. Lets move on.

I personally like the SK that I bought and if Sears moves sockets to China then I will know where to move to for a fair price. Which is the reason I started this thread.

Yeah not many other options for us who want to buy US made but not spend $8/socket. That is partly why I bought that 299 pc Craftsman set. Every socket I could ever use I hope. After sorting through them and getting the ones with "issues" replaced I am happy to have done it. After they go China, SK will be the only one left in town that "normal" folks would consider purchasing. That 3/8" set I bought is a good deal, all those sockets, the ratchet, thumb ratchet, extensions, and universal joint for $121 shipped. Taking away that stuff you're left with under $2/socket which is a good price for 3/8" deep and shallow IMO. Very fair. But, like Cman, I would gladly pay a little more for them to be perfect when they arrive.

 

[blarf]

Yeah not many other options for us who want to buy US made but not spend $8/socket.

SK does not cost $8/socket.

The Craftsman warranty is for anyone. No mention what so ever about a homeowner or a professional mechanic.

Also, Sears is known to deny warranty on Craftsman tools if it appears they've been used professionally. Search the board.

Here's the deal though, I expect this with Craftsman because their sockets are cheap. I don't expect a new company wanting to put their best foot forward to be doing this, do you? As a customer I shouldn't have to worry about inspecting these things when paying good money for a socket set.

BTW, speaking of searches, you should look up the thread about poorly broached Snap On (flare nut, IIRC) wrenches. All companies have problems, it's how they resolve the problems that matters.

 

[pipsters]

SK does not cost $8/socket.

But the alternatives do...re-read.

That 3/8" set I bought is a good deal, all those sockets, the ratchet, thumb ratchet, extensions, and universal joint for $121 shipped. Taking away that stuff you're left with under $2/socket which is a good price for 3/8" deep and shallow IMO.

See?

Also, Sears is known to deny warranty on Craftsman tools if it appears they've been used professionally. Search the board.

"The board" is full of a lot of embellishment and "I heard". There is absolutely zero creditability to sustain that claim. An employee may deny something but corporate policy is the full guarantee of the hand tool no matter what. Not saying it doesn't happen, as anything is possible, but the event would be an isolated case and would be resolved with escalation. The poster I responded to inferred that corporate policy was to deny any tool used professionally, which is simply untrue.

BTW, speaking of searches, you should look up the thread about poorly broached Snap On (flare nut, IIRC) wrenches. All companies have problems, it's how they resolve the problems that matters.

Agreed, which is why I emailed them. We'll see if they get back to me.

 

[kippieland]

Very interesting about denying warrenties for professionals. My Brother-in-law owns his own shop and uses only Craftsman because Sears is right next to him and the have a good return policy. That maybe changing for him very soon.

It isn't surpising that more tool companies aren't having more problems...it just the state of things!

I have started to look for SK online and found tooltopia.com is quite a bit cheaper then my local out fit. I paid 4.50 for the socket and they have for 3.59...the more you shop the closer you can get to Cmans price.

 

[pipsters]

Very interesting about denying warrenties for professionals. My Brother-in-law owns his own shop and uses only Craftsman because Sears is right next to him and the have a good return policy. That maybe changing for him very soon.

It isn't surpising that more tool companies aren't having more problems...it just the state of things!

I have started to look for SK online and found tooltopia.com is quite a bit cheaper then my local out fit. I paid 4.50 for the socket and they have for 3.59...the more you shop the closer you can get to Cmans price.

Kippie it isn't true. Well, that is to say it isn't a corporate policy of Sears (yet). I highly doubt it will be, as time and time again the folks in charge have reiterated that their warranty policy is a competitive advantage, and Sears even markets some of their kits toward the professional.

The problem with online is you can't see the product up close and personal, and you have what happened to me be a common occurrence.

 

[kippieland]

Kippie it isn't true. Well, that is to say it isn't a corporate policy of Sears (yet). I highly doubt it will be, as time and time again the folks in charge have reiterated that their warranty policy is a competitive advantage, and Sears even markets some of their kits toward the professional.

The problem with online is you can't see the product up close and personal, and you have what happened to me be a common occurrence.

Yeah, I saw your posting after I wrote mine. Would be pretty lame if they did...but whos to say they could tell pro from home use....i wouldn't tell them if I were pro.

Online is hard, like you said. I am glad that I found this outfit. I want to try some Proto and Armstrong tools. This range of tool brands is new to me since I never had heard of any of them prior to joining GJ. Aways thought it was Craftsman then SO....but I was missng out!

 

[otis66]

I can see that Craftsman is still using that Burnt Chrome finish. The SK socket is much better.

 

[buffalobill]

if that's paint, wont it chip or rub off with a little common use? it seems like once you spin 10 nuts or bolts with that socket, the paint would rub right off if you had to put some torque on them, correct?? if its actually paint, and it rubs off, would these not immediately start rusting?

 

[kippieland]

I can see that Craftsman is still using that Burnt Chrome finish. The SK socket is much better.

Interestingly enough, I decided to polish one my new Craftsman sockets with a Dremel tool. They actually polish quite well and you can get a good mirror on them....a lot of black **** comes off of them as well. I think to save some bucks they skip a full polish. Now they are nowhere near the SK and I did notice more imperfection in the chrome finish when it was mirrored. I DON'T plan to do this to all 170 of them...they are going to get nasty dirty anyways....but I was more curious then anything. I can post pics. if anyones curious. I haven't tried it on the SK....they look good enough for me!

 

[kippieland]

if that's paint, wont it chip or rub off with a little common use? it seems like once you spin 10 nuts or bolts with that socket, the paint would rub right off if you had to put some torque on them, correct?? if its actually paint, and it rubs off, would these not immediately start rusting?

I think that is his point...very poor quality....hopefully it was "old" stock and SK will make it right with him. If not, then they ****!

 

[blarf]

Kippie it isn't true. Well, that is to say it isn't a corporate policy of Sears (yet). I highly doubt it will be, as time and time again the folks in charge have reiterated that their warranty policy is a competitive advantage, and Sears even markets some of their kits toward the professional.

The problem with online is you can't see the product up close and personal, and you have what happened to me be a common occurrence.

Corporate policy means nothing if it's not being followed.

http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/08/a-quick-comment-on-the-craftsman-lifetime-warranty/

JeffW says:
April 8, 2008 at 5:22 am

I’m a government contractor for vehicle maintenance and a few years back we purchased several Craftsman tools sets. Since we never saw a representative after the sale, we were forced to drive to the local Sears for replace broken hand tools – that were clearny not abused. Were talking mostly cracked sockets and stripped ratchets. The local Sears was very reluctant to exchange them saying that their warranty doesn’t cover industrial or commercial applications. This went on for over five years and we paid nearly $100K for these sets and expected better quality and some type of service.

Last month, under company direction, we replaced all 20 Craftsman tool sets with PROTO.

BTW, alternatives to SK and Craftsman don't cost $8/socket either. Wright is around $5/ea, Proto too. Frank's got Koken socket sets for about $3.50/socket.

 

[retDAC]

I've read some of the comments on Sears in other threads and I think the policy in practice varies from one store to another. Also from one clerk to another.

My local Sears: If it's clearly a Cman or Gearwrench hand tool and there is direct replacement off the shelf, no questions. If it's from a set, they will break one out of a set or some clerks may allow a higher priced item if similar. Sometimes you may have to trade in the whole set. Have actually done this.

If the tool is so badly rusted or whatever you can't make out the name, so far they don't question it. Some clerks don't even seem to look. This makes me spend a lot more $ at my local store, in most cases even when I could get it cheaper elsewhere.

It doesn't seem to matter if one is cleancut or shabbily dressed. If somebody were to come in with "Joe's Garage" or similar on his shirt I don't know.

Also as in the Toolmonger article, it does in fact pay sometimes to be nice.

Don't know what they do when somebody comes in with something the store doesn't carry.

 

[e30bradley]

I like the SK stuff far more than the Craftsman stuff I have.. But it better be better for the price difference.

 

[GrizzlyAdams]

Cool thread. Thanks i havent used a Cman socket in years and have been looking into grabbing some more sockets and had thought about Cman stuff until i saw the difference in length. That is a serious difference to me. I usually use alot of mac or snap on stuff but dont have access to trucks anymore and the sk is right on par with the depths of those two. I dont break very many sockets so the warranty isnt as much as an issue for me as the longevity of a product.Nothing against craftsman but the sk's just look a little more solid to me. This was exactly the info i was looking for. Thanks

 

[blarf]

Don't know what they do when somebody comes in with something the store doesn't carry.

The tool guy at the one store couldn't even figure out how to get warranty replacements (sockets!) shipped to me and just left a voicemail message telling me there was nothing he could do. And, honestly, I didn't feel like driving around to find a Sears that wasn't staffed by people who hate their jobs. Last couple of trips I've had to wait patiently for the clerks to stop complaining about how much their jobs **** before being able to begin the transaction.

 

[buffalobill]

I think that is his point...very poor quality....hopefully it was "old" stock and SK will make it right with him. If not, then they ****!

nope, what i am trying to say is, go use it, and if it is paint, it WILL rub off. go twist off 20 nuts and bolts, and come back and show me paint rubbing off. I have never seen any craftsman OR sk sockets come painted on the inside, and have a hard time buying it. the pics are not that clear to me, and i remember what "globbed on" silver paint looks like.
better pics of the paint overspray , and some after use pics as well, or I don't buy it.

 

[MattPersman]

I think the sears no warranty to professionals is a wive's tale. I had the snap on guy try to tell me that before and I called him out instantly because we had a sears literally across the street from our shop and I would go over there on occasion to get something I needed or warranty an item and there was absolutely no issue I was greeted with open arms and was encouraged to purchase from them and would be taken care of at all costs.

i think the only way they may give a complaint is if you break 20 items and save them all up to get done at once, no place wants to do that kind of warranty replacement at once. 1 or 2 at a time no big deal. I have only heard that someone heard of someone, someone else knew said they will not warranty. never first or even second hand. and if you are denied at first attempt, get the manager it will be handled.

 

[bowmard]

Recently I've been filling out my Craftsman hand tools collection by buying vintage items off Ebay, specifically V and VV mfg. code items. The quality and feel of the '60s and '70s vintage wrenches and sockets is so much better than the tools being sold at Sears today. I too have noticed a difference in the "chrome" on today's sockets and wrenches but more disturbing is the the lack of surface finishing before plating. Sharp corners and tool marks left from the manufacturing process are receiving minimal polishing or none at all. I don't like that. Sears had great tools in the past, now it seems they sell serviceable tools.

 

[kippieland]

nope, what i am trying to say is, go use it, and if it is paint, it WILL rub off. go twist off 20 nuts and bolts, and come back and show me paint rubbing off. I have never seen any craftsman OR sk sockets come painted on the inside, and have a hard time buying it. the pics are not that clear to me, and i remember what "globbed on" silver paint looks like.
better pics of the paint overspray , and some after use pics as well, or I don't buy it.

Gocha ya. My point was to move the thread away from their argument away from the paint and back to the point of the thread, which the differencies between the two brands and SK being an option when Sears moves socket to China. Since Sears is SO popular, most people are unaware of SK or the other industrial tools. If they wanted to continue the argument, probabley time for them to start a new thread so we don't get in trouble for changing the topic.

I am finding quite a few places in my area that sell these industrial brands. Today my plan is to check out some Proto stuff.

 

[buffalobill]

so this isn't an sk bashing thread? i thought it was turning into one. I'm just saying i have never even seen cheap, no name, chinese sockets that were painted on the inside. what company out there would ever do that? none of the sockets would last as soon as they were used, because they would rust from the paint scraping off, and lack of metal protection.

 

[blarf]

so this isn't an sk bashing thread? i thought it was turning into one. I'm just saying i have never even seen cheap, no name, chinese sockets that were painted on the inside. what company out there would ever do that? none of the sockets would last as soon as they were used, because they would rust from the paint scraping off, and lack of metal protection.

I think Danaher does paint on top of zinc plating perhaps. If the paint wears off it won't rust, but will expose the ugly yellow zinc layer underneath.

KD (Danaher USA):

Looks about the same shade of yellow as the valve cover on my ~25 year old Volvo did.

If my latest Craftsman sockets are indeed chrome plated inside, Danaher did a piss poor job of it. If water spots, rust, chipping, gouges in the casting, and globs of solder(???) count as defects then 100% of the sockets I got were defective (only a third were actually chipped or rusted enough for me to complain to Danaher/Sears). I'm sure they'll work, doubtful they'll last, and pretty sure that the QC department employed Helen Keller and Ray Charles.

 

[kippieland]

so this isn't an sk bashing thread? i thought it was turning into one..

Exactly my point!

 

[buffalobill]

the socket in the pic, are you saying that that was once painted? or are you just providing the pic to show the yellow tinted nickel. because that is some absolutely perfectly worn off paint, if it was painted.

i am not arguing about the craftsman sockets, i beleive that and thats why i don't buy their ****. I don't buy SK putting out sockets that have been painted, however. Maybe NOS pre bankptcy stuff that isn't their normal, even finish, but not paint. I mean , what do you think they did, last guy out of the factory, line up all the sockets and hose them down with a can of krylon? or, we are going out of business soon, so we set up this "socket interior spray booth", just to save money, even though we are done anyway?

 

[blarf]

the socket in the pic, are you saying that that was once painted? or are you just providing the pic to show the yellow tinted nickel. because that is some absolutely perfectly worn off paint, if it was painted.

The latter. I'm pretty sure I've not ever used that particular socket (17mm or 18mm 3/8" drive). Whatever process Danaher uses on the inside of their sockets, it ain't chrome. It certainly leaks like gold colored paint (look at the stains on the socket rail below).

In any case the SK sockets I have look much nicer despite actually being used (and haven't left any nasty stains).

 

[pipsters]

the socket in the pic, are you saying that that was once painted? or are you just providing the pic to show the yellow tinted nickel. because that is some absolutely perfectly worn off paint, if it was painted.

i am not arguing about the craftsman sockets, i beleive that and thats why i don't buy their ****. I don't buy SK putting out sockets that have been painted, however. Maybe NOS pre bankptcy stuff that isn't their normal, even finish, but not paint. I mean , what do you think they did, last guy out of the factory, line up all the sockets and hose them down with a can of krylon? or, we are going out of business soon, so we set up this "socket interior spray booth", just to save money, even though we are done anyway?

I don't know what SK is current doing in regards to their sockets but it's a moot point because they are putting old stock in. But regardless, it's not the fact that they were painted inside (I have found several pictures of old SK sockets that also were painted) I just find it hilarious that folks like blarf will rail on Danaher for painting the interior of their sockets but give SK a pass. Just humorous is all.

Let's call a spade a spade here. Does painting the inside of the socket effect its use in any way? Absolutely not. Does it make it inferior to ones that are not painted? Absolutely not. Is the price for the SK set an excellent price for US made sockets? Yes. Are they capable of producing a quality product? Yes (just like Craftsman). Do they do it consistently? No (just like Craftsman).