SK compared to the big 3's 2nd tier tools?

[shanky887614]

ill be honest i use bahco.

1/4 set is £20 and i got a 1/2 set for £50 (bit set upto 1"1/2 32mm ish (not quite i cant convert between metric and imperial off the top of my head)

anyway the sets are really good, if i was buying again i could keep the 1/4 and get a 3/8 set (use it to build unistrut frameworks and panels)

 

[rice rocket]

Even if someone is manually picking and packing 47 sockets and accessories in a case, that person isn't inspecting the inside of a socket for some loose flashing. That person is hastily assembling the set.

Your item blemishes are something that would get missed by someone not specifically looking for them while handling thousands of pieces per day.

Sorry, but this isn't how QC works.


QC engineers sample the product line several times to determine the percent yield of your manufacturing line. If your yield is low, then you stop production, and fix your tooling/manufacturing process. It isn't just some dude at the end of the line picking out the defects as you assume.

Assuming there is a QC engineer on the books, this means management has set the limits set really high, or the QC engineers are asleep at the wheel. Either way, there are always a certain number of defects that get out into the field, it's up to management to decide how much.

For reference, six sigma manufacturers, while a lofty goal (yet there are plenty of companies that are six sigma "certified"), have a 0.00034% defect rate, or 3.4 per MILLION. Given the two dozen or so defects in the SK Day thread and the handful in this one alone, they are nowhere near manufacturing at that level (or maybe they manufacture 10 million pieces a year...and all the defects show up on GarageJournal ).

 

[kythri]

Sorry, but this isn't how QC works.


QC engineers sample the product line several times to determine the percent yield of your manufacturing line. If your yield is low, then you stop production, and fix your tooling/manufacturing process. It isn't just some dude at the end of the line picking out the defects as you assume.

Assuming there is a QC engineer on the books, this means management has set the limits set really high, or the QC engineers are asleep at the wheel. Either way, there are always a certain number of defects that get out into the field, it's up to management to decide how much.

For reference, six sigma manufacturers, while a lofty goal (yet there are plenty of companies that are six sigma "certified"), have a 0.00034% defect rate, or 3.4 per MILLION. Given the two dozen or so defects in the SK Day thread and the handful in this one alone, they are nowhere near manufacturing at that level (or maybe they manufacture 10 million pieces a year...and all the defects show up on GarageJournal ).

I wasn't describing how QC works. I was saying that the person packing the product isn't inspecting the item before packing it.

(And on another subject, not directed at you, but to whoever may care, since someone was ****-hurty in another thread, not a single one of these thread tags are mine - and a person can only add 2 tags to a thread, so do the math...)

 

[organ]

Sorry, but this isn't how QC works.


QC engineers sample the product line several times to determine the percent yield of your manufacturing line. If your yield is low, then you stop production, and fix your tooling/manufacturing process. It isn't just some dude at the end of the line picking out the defects as you assume.

Assuming there is a QC engineer on the books, this means management has set the limits set really high, or the QC engineers are asleep at the wheel. Either way, there are always a certain number of defects that get out into the field, it's up to management to decide how much.

For reference, six sigma manufacturers, while a lofty goal (yet there are plenty of companies that are six sigma "certified"), have a 0.00034% defect rate, or 3.4 per MILLION. Given the two dozen or so defects in the SK Day thread and the handful in this one alone, they are nowhere near manufacturing at that level (or maybe they manufacture 10 million pieces a year...and all the defects show up on GarageJournal ).

You joke but we're definitely subject to selection bias here... a tool forum.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Yeah there are some very good tools out there from Taiwan, but I don't know a single guy who has spent any quality time wrenching that doesn't prefer the "Made in USA" stamp on their tools. I will take a vintage tool which is likely to metallurgically inferior to the best that Taiwan makes just because of my preference for the U.S. Made tools.

Since this thread had no real chance from the start...


I wrench professionally, and as my hobby, and I don't give a damn where a tool comes from. Quality, Quality, Quality. A tool needs to do its job, make my job easier, save me time, and make me money.

Taiwan is key in the value/money metric. I like variety, no one company does it best. Some truly great companies source from taiwan, and I'll support them just like I'll support any other comapny that makes great tools.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I just bought 3 sets of 1/2" Blackhawk by Mac from their website for cheap as they were on close out special. I'm talking $30+/- a set of 1/2" in deep or shallow, metric or sae. They're actually very nice. Just food for thought. Can't go wrong for that price.

Which site is this? Need to fill in some home sets, and that wouldn't be a bad option...

 

[PFSard]

Which site is this? Need to fill in some home sets, and that wouldn't be a bad option...

I'm guessing he means MAC's site.

http://www.mactools.com/en-us

Menu >> Buy Now >> Closeout Specials

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I'm guessing he means MAC's site.

http://www.mactools.com/en-us

Menu >> Buy Now >> Closeout Specials

Thanks, I should've been able to figure that out myself, but am too burned out from work.

Just bought a set each of 3/8" Blackhawk chrome and impact sockets, and MAC long reach cutters... There was $71 I wasn't planning on spending...

Now back on topic...

 

[Sprintman]

Since this thread had no real chance from the start...


I wrench professionally, and as my hobby, and I don't give a damn where a tool comes from. Quality, Quality, Quality. A tool needs to do its job, make my job easier, save me time, and make me money.

Taiwan is key in the value/money metric. I like variety, no one company does it best. Some truly great companies source from taiwan, and I'll support them just like I'll support any other comapny that makes great tools.

One of the few people here who have worked it out.

 

[Goohead]

Never had a problem with any of my sk tools

 

[buba]

I am having a difficult time choosing a 3/8" and 1/4" socket set. I have good Snap On and older SK & Armstrong ratchets so that is not my concern. My concern is how well the sockets are made and their bite. I know my older SK sockets are neck and neck with Snap On and Matco, but how is their new stuff? I know they say SK is a step down from big 3, but is it better, same, or worse than the 2nd tier tools? ie Blue Point, Mac Expert, Silver Eagle, etc. My issue is that the sets I am looking at are all with in the same price range between SK and the 2nd tiers, but SK is made in USA. +1 for SK. So I'm curious if anyone has used newer SK and any of the 2nd tier tools and how do they compare? Which is better? Which is the worst? Thanks.



FYI - Mac Tools has 10 piece 3/8" and 1/2" socket sets, plus much more, on sale right now on their website as close out specials. They are USA made Mac, not Expert, unless noted. I emailed and asked before I bought.

I have both the SK & Gearwrench 1/4 inch socket sets in reg, semi, and deep lengths. Like them both and they perform the same.

The SK's are the 91824 semi-deep set and 91860 reg & deep set. Gearwrench are bogo's on rails. GW in the tool chest get used the most. SK's in the greenies go on the road as the cases are more mobile and easy to manage then rails.

GW on rails was less expensive but did not include ratchets like the SK boxed sets did.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gdocktor3]

Just wanted to update this. I returned my first set to SK, they would not accept just the extension. Two weeks later I receive my new set in the mail yesterday. It was wrapped in plastic, brand new. Open it up, and one word came out of my mouth "unbelievable". I'm not mad. I'm not upset. I'm disgusted. The extension was ok, but half of the sockets were a whitish, **** covered chrome plated disaster. This is their famous "superkrome"? So now I've personally owned two new sets that had problems with the chrome, plus read numerous accounts of other customers having problems with the chrome on their sets. So now what do I do? Before you certain few chime in with the "they're tools, they're supposed to get beat up" jibberish again, let me ask you. When you buy work boots from the store, do you buy the ones with scraped up discolored leather? When you buy a new work truck, would you accept a delivery from he dealer with scratches and faded paint all over it? No, the answer is no. Not for full price anyways. This is the same thing, but on a different scale. They're my tools. I want to be the one who destroys them. FWIW I bought a few sets of 1/2" deep Blackhawk USA on clearance from Mac's website a couple months ago for like $22 each. They're flawless. Now I spend nearly $200 on a set from a company who advertises having an amazing super chrome and many people here are rooting for, but they keep screwing up. I don't know what I'm going to do, but for those researching SK now like I did, better think twice. You want USA made tools for cheaper price, go with Armstrong or Blackhawk USA. Before I bought this set I posted this thread and asked how SK tools now compared to their old stuff, and it's a far cry from the old days. OK rant over. SK Eric you need to speak to the higher ups over there at SK. This is bad.

 

[John in OH]

Just wanted to update this. I returned my first set to SK, they would not accept just the extension. Two weeks later I receive my new set in the mail yesterday. It was wrapped in plastic, brand new. Open it up, and one word came out of my mouth "unbelievable". I'm not mad. I'm not upset. I'm disgusted. The extension was ok, but half of the sockets were a whitish, **** covered chrome plated disaster. This is their famous "superkrome"? So now I've personally owned two new sets that had problems with the chrome, plus read numerous accounts of other customers having problems with the chrome on their sets. So now what do I do? Before you certain few chime in with the "they're tools, they're supposed to get beat up" jibberish again, let me ask you. When you buy work boots from the store, do you buy the ones with scraped up discolored leather? When you buy a new work truck, would you accept a delivery from he dealer with scratches and faded paint all over it? No, the answer is no. Not for full price anyways. This is the same thing, but on a different scale. They're my tools. I want to be the one who destroys them. FWIW I bought a few sets of 1/2" deep Blackhawk USA on clearance from Mac's website a couple months ago for like $22 each. They're flawless. Now I spend nearly $200 on a set from a company who advertises having an amazing super chrome and many people here are rooting for, but they keep screwing up. I don't know what I'm going to do, but for those researching SK now like I did, better think twice. You want USA made tools for cheaper price, go with Armstrong or Blackhawk USA. Before I bought this set I posted this thread and asked how SK tools now compared to their old stuff, and it's a far cry from the old days. OK rant over. SK Eric you need to speak to the higher ups over there at SK. This is bad.

Bummer!! This is sure disappointing news. Sounds as if SK needs to do some serious soul searching 'cuz with this kind of product and performance they will sink!

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Just wanted to update this. I returned my first set to SK, they would not accept just the extension. Two weeks later I receive my new set in the mail yesterday. It was wrapped in plastic, brand new. Open it up, and one word came out of my mouth "unbelievable". I'm not mad. I'm not upset. I'm disgusted. The extension was ok, but half of the sockets were a whitish, **** covered chrome plated disaster. This is their famous "superkrome"? So now I've personally owned two new sets that had problems with the chrome, plus read numerous accounts of other customers having problems with the chrome on their sets. So now what do I do? Before you certain few chime in with the "they're tools, they're supposed to get beat up" jibberish again, let me ask you. When you buy work boots from the store, do you buy the ones with scraped up discolored leather? When you buy a new work truck, would you accept a delivery from he dealer with scratches and faded paint all over it? No, the answer is no. Not for full price anyways. This is the same thing, but on a different scale. They're my tools. I want to be the one who destroys them. FWIW I bought a few sets of 1/2" deep Blackhawk USA on clearance from Mac's website a couple months ago for like $22 each. They're flawless. Now I spend nearly $200 on a set from a company who advertises having an amazing super chrome and many people here are rooting for, but they keep screwing up. I don't know what I'm going to do, but for those researching SK now like I did, better think twice. You want USA made tools for cheaper price, go with Armstrong or Blackhawk USA. Before I bought this set I posted this thread and asked how SK tools now compared to their old stuff, and it's a far cry from the old days. OK rant over. SK Eric you need to speak to the higher ups over there at SK. This is bad.

That's really too damn bad. Post up some pics if you can. I've bought a decent amount of SK recently, and have only had one socket arrive with a small white scar through the chrome (which I had no problem overlooking). If my whole set showed up like that, I'd be pissed. I also bought some of the Blackhawk sockets on clearance, and they were shockingly well made.

Get a hold of SK, make sure they make it right. It's going to get expensive if they can't keep the QC up.

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

Just wanted to update this. I returned my first set to SK, they would not accept just the extension. Two weeks later I receive my new set in the mail yesterday. It was wrapped in plastic, brand new. Open it up, and one word came out of my mouth "unbelievable". I'm not mad. I'm not upset. I'm disgusted. The extension was ok, but half of the sockets were a whitish, **** covered chrome plated disaster. This is their famous "superkrome"? So now I've personally owned two new sets that had problems with the chrome, plus read numerous accounts of other customers having problems with the chrome on their sets. So now what do I do? Before you certain few chime in with the "they're tools, they're supposed to get beat up" jibberish again, let me ask you. When you buy work boots from the store, do you buy the ones with scraped up discolored leather? When you buy a new work truck, would you accept a delivery from he dealer with scratches and faded paint all over it? No, the answer is no. Not for full price anyways. This is the same thing, but on a different scale. They're my tools. I want to be the one who destroys them. FWIW I bought a few sets of 1/2" deep Blackhawk USA on clearance from Mac's website a couple months ago for like $22 each. They're flawless. Now I spend nearly $200 on a set from a company who advertises having an amazing super chrome and many people here are rooting for, but they keep screwing up. I don't know what I'm going to do, but for those researching SK now like I did, better think twice. You want USA made tools for cheaper price, go with Armstrong or Blackhawk USA. Before I bought this set I posted this thread and asked how SK tools now compared to their old stuff, and it's a far cry from the old days. OK rant over. SK Eric you need to speak to the higher ups over there at SK. This is bad.

There is a thread on here (this week as a matter of fact) that explained that what you are describing as "faded paint" is actually a protective coating that wears off, and the chrome is flawless underneath. As a minimum, SK should get this kind of information out to the masses.

 

[HanShotFirst]

There is a thread on here (this week as a matter of fact) that explained that what you are describing as "faded paint" is actually a protective coating that wears off, and the chrome is flawless underneath. As a minimum, SK should get this kind of information out to the masses.

WEIRD, why would they do that?

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

WEIRD, why would they do that?

Bro, I don't know, but I'll admit it's weird, but I will also admit that my SK SuperKrome wrenches are the cat's *** in the chrome department!

 

[HanShotFirst]

Bro, I don't know, but I'll admit it's weird, but I will also admit that my SK SuperKrome wrenches are the cat's *** in the chrome department!

Yeah, mine are too; flawless. And my old 1/2" SAE socket set has flawless chrome, but it's a very old set.

At first I thought they were just doing matte chrome inside the sockets, which makes some sense because it can add just a touch more grip. But then it became clear it was paint, and it looks like ***. If it's paint they need to make it obviously paint, as in another color, and they ought to talk up the "feature" and explain it all to the consumer. As it is, it looks like a half *** attempt to cover up mistakes. Just DUMB.

 

[gdocktor3]

Bro, I don't know, but I'll admit it's weird, but I will also admit that my SK SuperKrome wrenches are the cat's *** in the chrome department!

I hope so because I ordered some and they should be at my house when I return home from work. As for the paint issue, it is fine on the inside, I know what you are speaking of, but the stuff I am talking about is all over the outside and it would not come off with an oily rag, or a little spit shine. The prior set only had that white stuff on the inside. The exterior sockets were perfect for the most part. These are pathetic.

I have older SK stuff 20+ years old that look better. I will try to take some pics this afternoon. Shoot, my 1/4" Gearwrench set is nicer then these and they were much cheaper. I can honestly say I don't think I will buy SK sockets again. We'll see what the wrenches look like today.

 

[dutchgray]

SK are not the only ones to paint the insides of the sockets with silver paint, many companies do now, my Armstrong 1/2" drive sockets, some have it in there. I agree it looks bad but I have also bought plenty old stock sockets over the years that are perfect on the outside but a bit rusty on the inside and that's why they do it.

 

[cbracer]

check out my post here for my pics of my SK socket set order:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=299610&page=3

I had a similar experience, I just return them all. If you want to stick with Blackhawk there's nothing wrong with those tools. If you want good appearances, I'd recommend Proto or Koken.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have no problem with the paint on the inside. It is a good idea. But it shouldn't be splattered all over the chrome on the outsides. As for the wrenches, the chrome was perfect on them. So the markings on the sockets are obviously from the protective paint they use on the inside. With that said, this "Super Krome" advertisement I see plastered all over the SK catalog is really nothing to write home about. In my opinion its same quality as any Taiwan or Chinese wrench. The chrome on Snap On and Matco tools seem harder, for lack of better word. They also don't have any type of flank drive or anything. Pretty basic wrenches again comparable to cheap Taiwan and Chinese stuff. I'm disappointed with the whole thing to say the least. I will say their screwdrivers are very good. I like their handles. They feel good in my hand. I will also say their 1/2" ratchets are pretty awesome. They feel great and look great. Good balance and smooth operation.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Does anyone know if the bit holders on "new" SK hex bit sockets are engraved? I.e., the size of the hex engraved on the chrome holder. Interested in either the: 19708 or 19734 metric sets.

 

[nutsnbolts]

Ya what is the deal with Grainger?? I work in engineering dept at a hospital and we order all our stuff through there. Its stupid expensive. Although we usually pay a bit less than the actual price listed, it is only a few bucks most of the time and it is till way more than anywhere else. On some rare occasions, they sell items cheaper than other stores, but never tools.

I will 3rd that. We use Grainger for convenience, they deliver most things next day and they have darn near everything you could think of. We are trying to get a tool allowance in our collective bargaining agreement, and the natural approach is for us to then get the tools through Grainger. I took a gander through their inventory and everything looked to be very spendy. TBH I would never use my own money to buy tools from them. But if it is on Children's Hospital...

 

[1982fxr]

Does anyone know if the bit holders on "new" SK hex bit sockets are engraved? I.e., the size of the hex engraved on the chrome holder. Interested in either the: 19708 or 19734 metric sets.

best to start a new thread for questions that aren't specific to the original post, as the people who know the answer might not necessarily look at this thread because of the title...

 

[d.mcfarland]

Does anyone know if the bit holders on "new" SK hex bit sockets are engraved? I.e., the size of the hex engraved on the chrome holder. Interested in either the: 19708 or 19734 metric sets.

The size of the socket all look the same in the set. I don't know to be honest, but from the picture it looks more like it's placed on the hex steel, not the chromed portion.

 

[pauls_workshop]

The sets in the green blow molded cases are pretty good stuff for the price. My main sets in 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 are SK from maybe 5 years ago. They had some issues with plating that came off back then but the few I had issue with were quickly replaced under warranty. This will no doubt come up again here and the issues were definitely real... but again, SK happily replaced my bad ones. I upgraded to the better SK ratchets because the ones in the sets were solid but nothing special plus I have multiple other ratchets from Gearwrench, Craftsman, Snap On and Wright I use as well. I have no idea how they compare to the 2nd tier truck brands but I'm happy with mine. If they are as good and similar price then the whole USA thing would be the tie breaker for me.

x2. I have lots of older SK and now some newer SK. I started with the green box 3/8 SPLINE socket/rachet set of a few years back to get into a full spline socket set. Wow! Great! Then later, I got a 3/8" Green normal full set. Great! Recently got a 1/4" green box full set! Wow! Great! You can buy whatever SK you want, but if you can use a full set, the green box 44 or 48ish pieces of SAE and Metric, short and deep + rachet and some extensions just can't be beat. Get them new or get them used if you can find them. I got mine all used in great shape. You just can't go wrong getting the green box SK kits. SK sockets are among the best out there, equal to anybody for sockets. Rachets some prefer one brand over others, but few are as tough as nails as the SK for a good 60 or so years of life to them. Pass your SK tools down TWO generations, why stop with one? Grandkids will be able to use them. - Paul

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Does anyone know if the bit holders on "new" SK hex bit sockets are engraved? I.e., the size of the hex engraved on the chrome holder. Interested in either the: 19708 or 19734 metric sets.

I recently warrantied a 5/32" bit socket, and the chrome is engraved with the size on the replacement. It was new stock because my dealer had to order it for me, they were out of that particular size on their open stock. Picture kinda *****

 

[gdocktor3]

SK sockets are among the best out there, equal to anybody for sockets. Rachets some prefer one brand over others, but few are as tough as nails as the SK for a good 60 or so years of life to them. Pass your SK tools down TWO generations, why stop with one? Grandkids will be able to use them. - Paul

SK tools have stood the test of time and will continue to do so. The ratchets, although are all the same design, are rock solid. The 1/4" ratchets are amazing and by far the best ratchet they make IMO. I have 1/4" through 3/4" drive SK ratchets. I have ratchets, sockets and extensions from the 50's, 60's and 70's that my father and his father originally bought. I recently bought the 3/8" drive 47 piece set and they are just as good as the old stuff. IMO, buy yourself a set of SK sockets and pony up for an 80 tooth Snap On ratchet and you'll be good forever.

The only thing I don't like is their newer combination wrenches. The Superkrome finish is decent, but the overall design and feel of them isn't that great. Their older wrenches are excellent. I am also a big fan of SK's screwdrivers. The handle is big, smooth and fits in my hands really well.

The one thing I will say is if you are not a mechanic, but want good tools, check Ebay first. Buying direct from SK is a bit pricey and in my opinion, they are same quality as Craftsman USA stuff. So look around on Ebay for cheaper SK, new or used, or try to find NOS Craftsman USA. Flea markets everywhere are loaded with SK and CMAN USA.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Craftsman USA sockets were alright, although the newer USA offerings are as "good", but they aren't bad. However there is a lot of stuff SK offers that is better. Chrome for sure is one of them so if steel was equal, the finish should be better SK as far as quality, durability, rust resistance, etc.

 

[SantaAna12]

SK are not the only ones to paint the insides of the sockets with silver paint, many companies do now, my Armstrong 1/2" drive sockets, some have it in there. I agree it looks bad but I have also bought plenty old stock sockets over the years that are perfect on the outside but a bit rusty on the inside and that's why they do it.

Yes.

You are one of the very few that gets this. Now if you are promised new stock and some have paint?

I would like SK to raise the expectation. This is not a knock on an USA company, it is supportive criticism. I bought my first SK set in 1976.
Step it up SK.

 

[shoggoth80]

I've got a lot of SK sockets and wrenches at work. To date I have broken ONE SK tool, a 12mm 12pt universal socket. That was my bad, I was using it in a way that would definitely fall into the "abuse" category. Broke at the joint.

Other than that, the sockets are great. They don't have that premium name on the side, but they are well made. well broached, and the chrome is good. I've got some SK ratchets too, and when clearance isn't an issue, they're fine. The older style, more coarse toothed ratchets are effing tough. My 1/2" drives at work are SKs, a long handled flex headed Tuff 1 (and it is, I use it any time I need serious leverage), and a standard round head. I know the OP is asking about sockets, but any insight helps? Good quality stuff.

The only things that I would say I am not over impressed with are: Superchrome wrenches. This isn't saying much though. If they had some kind of anti-slip, or flank-drive/wright grip feature on them, they would be fantastic. Otherwise, they are just good standard wrenches, and I cannot fault them otherwise. Their line wrenches are very serviceable though.

All in all, I say SK is good to go, and worth the money put in. How do they compare to truck brand 2nd tier? I would say that they are all good, and all will almost certainly serve well. I would personally rank SK above the 2nd tier truck brands. I'd put them above Matco, but perhaps a step below Snappy in terms of hard line stuff. Is there a tier 1.5? I wouldn't consider myself under equipped if all my sockets were SK made (if SK manufactured the whole range of types I used). Quality is there, and so is the warranty. Snap 'em up.

 

[gdocktor3]

Just curious, has anyone ever seen an SK truck? They do exist according to their website.

I think one thing that might help SK become more popular is if they released a new ratchet. Their current design, although rudimentary, is solid and reliable. So reliable many other companies fashion their ratchets the same way. Every knockoff Chinese round head ratchet you see resembles an SK. To the average Joe, he sees no difference, except price. This may sound petty, but have you ever been looking through your buddies or mechanics tools and spotted a let's say - bright red, soft handle, flex head, dual 80 quick release ratchet shining like a diamond, and sounding even better. Maybe not. But I bet someone has. And it probably blew them away. I doubt an SK round head has ever blown anyone away. Less a 3/4" ratchet maybe in sheer size.

Afterall, their x frame ratchet wrenches made a big splash when they were first released. A new ratchet design might help.

If you look at the pictures back 4 posts you'll see I am an SK supporter. I'm just thinking out loud. One thing about SK ratchets, they aren't fun to use in the cold. Soft handle would be a nice change SK ERIC.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Just curious, has anyone ever seen an SK truck? They do exist according to their website.

I just saw one a few weeks ago, so they do exist. But that was the first time I saw one, I see Snap On, Mac, and Matco almost weekly.

 

[rhandwor]

In my 1/4 drive sets deep and shallow I have Mac,Snap On,SK,Cornwell,Matco all of them remove what I want take off, I purchased 90% of them used. Impacts I also purchase used only a few sizes I purchased new.
About 90% of all my tools I purchased used.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Just curious, has anyone ever seen an SK truck? They do exist according to their website.

I think one thing that might help SK become more popular is if they released a new ratchet. Their current design, although rudimentary, is solid and reliable. So reliable many other companies fashion their ratchets the same way. Every knockoff Chinese round head ratchet you see resembles an SK. To the average Joe, he sees no difference, except price. This may sound petty, but have you ever been looking through your buddies or mechanics tools and spotted a let's say - bright red, soft handle, flex head, dual 80 quick release ratchet shining like a diamond, and sounding even better. Maybe not. But I bet someone has. And it probably blew them away. I doubt an SK round head has ever blown anyone away. Less a 3/4" ratchet maybe in sheer size.

Afterall, their x frame ratchet wrenches made a big splash when they were first released. A new ratchet design might help.

If you look at the pictures back 4 posts you'll see I am an SK supporter. I'm just thinking out loud. One thing about SK ratchets, they aren't fun to use in the cold. Soft handle would be a nice change SK ERIC.

Agree, not a fan of SK's ratchets.... nothing better than a soft handle dual-80

 

[bimmer630]

Broaching, Broaching, Broaching.... Thats the main difference.

Depending on what you normally work on, having a fully broached socket wont matter.. Some fasteners have a built in "Washer" or "flange" that prevents the fastener from being pushed up inside the socket.

If you are trying to use a socket that doesnt have shallow broaching, and down in a tight spot, trying to thread something in by using a ratchet or a power tool, and the fastener just wont bite the threads because its a short bolt and the bolt head is getting pushed into the socket.. it can be really frustrating.

This is the only time where I had to grab a snapon socket because nothing else would get the job done.

My SK, MAC, Proto, and several other brands, usually dont have the shallow broach like a snap on tool does.

other than that, chrome plating and stuff is important but still doesnt help you get work done


I own a ton of sk tools and the green box sets are a great value... for a quality tool. They just arent quite on par with SO, but that doesnt matter for most things we do

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Broaching, Broaching, Broaching.... Thats the main difference.

Depending on what you normally work on, having a fully broached socket wont matter.. Some fasteners have a built in "Washer" or "flange" that prevents the fastener from being pushed up inside the socket.

If you are trying to use a socket that doesnt have shallow broaching, and down in a tight spot, trying to thread something in by using a ratchet or a power tool, and the fastener just wont bite the threads because its a short bolt and the bolt head is getting pushed into the socket.. it can be really frustrating.

This is the only time where I had to grab a snapon socket because nothing else would get the job done.

My SK, MAC, Proto, and several other brands, usually dont have the shallow broach like a snap on tool does.

other than that, chrome plating and stuff is important but still doesnt help you get work done


I own a ton of sk tools and the green box sets are a great value... for a quality tool. They just arent quite on par with SO, but that doesnt matter for most things we do

I've had the same problems with SO sockets, especially when using deep ones and the nut is not flanged... Either I start the nut by hand or stick something inside the socket to keep the nut from falling in. Always worked for me.

 

[bimmer630]

It can happen... But with the other brands, the fastener goes all the way into the socket.. the snapon isnt right near the opening but very close to it.. I guess if youre dealing with some super short bolts it would still be an issue.
Ive done that trick too, most of the time I just stick a nut in the socket

 

[martin666]

Don't think there's any comparison at all with SK to the truck 2nd tier brands. Far as I know almost all of Blue Point, Expert and Silver Eagle tools are made off shore and are not even close to SK in quality.