SK Bit sockets

[Loscaldazar]

I'm upgrading my tools to include some quality hex/torx bit socket sets. I have some ATD hex bits and no torx, and would like something a little nicer. I bought a metric SK socket bit set, but after looking into it here, it seems like many people think the SK bits are soft?

There also is the matter of when my bit sockets were made. They don't have a set screw, which means they were produced recently, correct? They appear to just be press fit in. Is it worth returning them and buying another brand?

Snap on is out of the question as I'm not looking to spend a thousand for some hex and torx bit sockets. I would prefer the price to be about the same as SK for the max (so roughly $6-$9 a socket) and for the sets to be pretty comprehensive.

Thanks!

 

[Stooge]

i have some individual sk bits and was actually just ordered a 7mm hex one this morning for a vw. ive never had any problems with the ones i have, havent deformed at all and surprisingly the bit finish is still in good shape on the more often used ones. if i didnt have a nice Proto set, (also highly recommended) i wouldnt hesitate at buying an sk set.
also, yes they have a set screw in the side to help replace the bits easier, although i havent had to replace any of them

 

[Loscaldazar]

i have some individual sk bits and was actually just ordered a 7mm hex one this morning for a vw. ive never had any problems with the ones i have, havent deformed at all and surprisingly the bit finish is still in good shape on the more often used ones. if i didnt have a nice Proto set, (also highly recommended) i wouldnt hesitate at buying an sk set.
also, yes they have a set screw in the side to help replace the bits easier, although i havent had to replace any of them

Ok mine do NOT have a set screw in them!

 

[rusty65]

To be honest I would buy sk in the least used sizes and used snap on which will be about the same price as new sk for heavily used sizes because of easy warranty and many say snap on is the strongest and wear resistant.


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[trout]

Might want to double check Snap On's prices, even brand new off the truck a set of torx and 2 sets of hex wouldn't cost over a grand. 9 piece HD torx set recently sold on ebay for $125.

I have no opinion about the hex, but the torx are worth it.

 

[Stooge]

Ok mine do NOT have a set screw in them!

ive had mine for a couple yrs, not sure what they had before or if they are doing something different now. website also shows a setscrew on their product page but it could be new/old ?

I have no opinion about the hex, but the torx are worth it.

ive tried a few other brands of torx and snap on is the best in my opinion for the torx bits. the cman ones i had were much too soft, the sk ones were passable as were my proto's, but at some point they all frustrated me so i didnt have a problem buying the torx set from SO and i dont regret shelling out the extra for them

 

[Loscaldazar]

Torx set is $240 for a 9 piece set from snap on.

$240 again for a SO set that covers the hexes I need (and another $240 for the SAE set then too).

Too much for me!

Used HD SO torx bits are looking at about $150 brand new on eBay. That makes it more tempting.

 

[Jawn]

I'm not a pro user, but I've had my SK bit sockets for a year or two... Some I've put considerable force on without deformation. I'm quite happy with them.

I'd just hang onto the SK stuff, regardless of new/old production.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'm not a pro user, but I've had my SK bit sockets for a year or two... Some I've put considerable force on without deformation. I'm quite happy with them.

I'd just hang onto the SK stuff, regardless of new/old production.

What bit sockets do you have? Hex, torx, etc?

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have the T8-T60 SK set I bought new around 2000 with the grooves in each holder socket.

The torx bits did eventually show wear. Earlier this year, I ordered Apex replacements for ones I had beat up over the years and am thrilled with them.

End result? I'm still a loooong way from spending $240. And I have T8, T10, T47, and T60 to boot.

I believe the T60 is a set screw and is 1/2" drive. T8 through T25? are 1/4 drive and lock ring and T30? through T55 are 3/8 drive; most if not all are lock-ring. Last night I was doing a marker light and yanked the T8 bit out of the holder so I could use the 1/4 drive holder with a larger bit that I had handy.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I have the T8-T60 SK set I bought new around 2000 with the grooves in each holder socket.

The torx bits did eventually show wear. Earlier this year, I ordered Apex replacements for ones I had beat up over the years and am thrilled with them.

End result? I'm still a loooong way from spending $240. And I have T8, T10, T47, and T60 to boot.

I believe the T60 is a set screw and is 1/2" drive. T8 through T25? are 1/4 drive and lock ring and T30? through T55 are 3/8 drive; most if not all are lock-ring. Last night I was doing a marker light and yanked the T8 bit out of the holder so I could use the 1/4 drive holder with a larger bit that I had handy.

And it seems that apex bits are outrageously strong (going by some of the uses that people have used them for here), so that might not be a bad idea... get SK, replace them IF needed with an apex bit or maybe even a Snappy gold bit...

 

[Jawn]

What bit sockets do you have? Hex, torx, etc?

I have metric and fractional hex, as well as some torx.

 

[ChevyEFI]

And it seems that apex bits are outrageously strong (going by some of the uses that people have used them for here), so that might not be a bad idea... get SK, replace them IF needed with an apex bit or maybe even a Snappy gold bit...

Exactly.

At this rate, I might spend $240 on buying and maintaining this set by 2033. If prices go up, and that includes shipping.

Buying the most expensive tools at the onset of your ownership is not fiscally sound.

 

[basspro]

The snappy bits are for sure the best, but you REALLY have to use them to justify them. I have a 50pc Craftsman set, not great, but not horrible, got it super cheap brand new and when a bit breaks, I get it replaced free. SK bits are great, as are proto, both about the same price.

 

[basspro]

I think I read somewhere that the pro grade bits and sockets from Fleet Farm are rebadged Gearwrench, which I can believe because the quality is excellent. That is a great value if you dont mind a Taiwan tool, lifetime warranty too!

 

[NOZZLEMAN]

I've got older SK torx & allen I bought back in the 90's sometime. The 1/4" drive have snap in bits (no set screw) while the 3/8" drive do. I've had great success with them & have used them hard for over 20 years... no problems

 

[ChevyEFI]

The snappy bits are for sure the best, but you REALLY have to use them

This needs put to the test not unlike the wrench test that's been done.

T10 and T40 perhaps?

 

[Loscaldazar]

I think I read somewhere that the pro grade bits and sockets from Fleet Farm are rebadged Gearwrench, which I can believe because the quality is excellent. That is a great value if you dont mind a Taiwan tool, lifetime warranty too!

I'm trying not to buy taiwan/Chinese tools right now (even though I love gearwrench). Otherwise I would have bought the GW master torx set (40 some pieces) for $40 on woot.

This needs put to the test not unlike the wrench test that's been done.

T10 and T40 perhaps?

I would love to see this!

 

[foreverfalcon40]

I have the 43 or 42 piece set by C-Man with a COO USA and has served me well. $100

What about Blue Point?

I got mine for $50 b/c it was a local deal.

 

[Super Sport]

I recently replaced my Cman bit sockets with new SK as well. The Craftsman were basically junk, and they were USA made ones. I've only used the SK once or twice so far, but haven't had any issues. I might just have to abuse one to see how well they hold up overall.

I was seriously considering the SO gold torx bits, but the cheapest I could find was over $100 and I just can't justify that for DIYer use!

 

[Loscaldazar]

I have the 43 or 42 piece set by C-Man with a COO USA and has served me well. $100

What about Blue Point?

I got mine for $50 b/c it was a local deal.

There were a fair amount of DIY people complaining on how soft they are. When DIY types complain about a tool being insufficient, it is. Also I don't want a Chinese replacement of even worse quality when I do break it (as all bit sockets do eventually, even snap on). In trying to move away from craftsman too.

I recently replaced my Cman bit sockets with new SK as well. The Craftsman were basically junk, and they were USA made ones. I've only used the SK once or twice so far, but haven't had any issues. I might just have to abuse one to see how well they hold up overall.

I was seriously considering the SO gold torx bits, but the cheapest I could find was over $100 and I just can't justify that for DIYer use!

Yeah I think I'm pretty set on SK now. I like supporting them, especially having switch production BACK from Asia to the US.

 

[TJx]

Yeah I think I'm pretty set on SK now. I like supporting them, especially having switch production BACK from Asia to the US.

?
The only overseas SK I've seen is screwdrivers made in France when Facom owned them.

 

[Loscaldazar]

?
The only overseas SK I've seen is screwdrivers made in France when Facom owned them.

The whole g-pro line was made in Taiwan.

 

[tjmonsen5]

what about the huge bluepoint kit? its 299 and has a pretty large selection.
BLPTHC87 - http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...682895&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

 

[mopar01]

I would really try to find used snap on. Belive me its worth it. I'm not a do it yourselfer but if I was id still want those bits in my box.