SK Fans?

[bushmechanic]

I like to joke that while Snap-On may be found in all the best garages, S-K is found on all the best offshore drilling platforms.

Honestly, you'll see more S-K in overland tool kits than any other brand. When vehicles absolutely cannot fail, owners tend to be very picky about maintenance and repair equipment, and default to the machete rather than the scalpel.

That's kind of how I view S-K; not particularly elegant, but tough as nails.

 

[espyking83]

No one makes a better 1/4" ratchet. I also like their sockets the best as well. My tool box is all SK and Proto, with some SO here and there.

 

[wvrailroader]

I believe my SK 3866 RHFT 1/4" ratchet is by far the best 1/4" ratchet I have ever used. It is super smooth and just the right length for what I use it for. I have about 6 other 1/4" ratchets, but they all just sit in the drawer.

 

[Pumpman1968]

I started buying vintage S-K tools about 3 years ago after a friend passed away and his wife gave me his old S-K 1/2" drive SAE socket set in the long green box. Shortly after that, my Dad gave me an S-K 1/4' ratchet that he bought new before he had me...........makes it over 45 years old. You can tell they have all been well used..........all the edges are worn......some chrome worn through.........but still ready to be used.

 

[Famous Tool Guy]

I like to joke that while Snap-On may be found in all the best garages, S-K is found on all the best offshore drilling platforms.

Honestly, you'll see more S-K in overland tool kits than any other brand. When vehicles absolutely cannot fail, owners tend to be very picky about maintenance and repair equipment, and default to the machete rather than the scalpel.

That's kind of how I view S-K; not particularly elegant, but tough as nails.

I find it very interesting that you say that about SK tools. If you really do the research, you will find that SK is the same exact quality (if not better) than your Snap-On, Mac and all of those other "franchise" brands. The difference is that SK manufacturers their product in the USA, where those other brands import about 20-30% of their line. And THEN.....They charge twice the amount as SK charges. I think the only reason that a lot of guys even buy those outrageously priced brands is because they can make a small weekly payment. To me if I cannot pay for it, I don't want it unless its a box or other high dollar item. Why would I want to have my normal bills at home, and then have a bill with a freaken tool truck?

 

[sdguy55]

I find it very interesting that you say that about SK tools. If you really do the research, you will find that SK is the same exact quality (if not better) than your Snap-On, Mac and all of those other "franchise" brands. The difference is that SK manufacturers their product in the USA, where those other brands import about 20-30% of their line. And THEN.....They charge twice the amount as SK charges. I think the only reason that a lot of guys even buy those outrageously priced brands is because they can make a small weekly payment. To me if I cannot pay for it, I don't want it unless its a box or other high dollar item. Why would I want to have my normal bills at home, and then have a bill with a freaken tool truck?

I would very much so disagree with you about sk quality being the same as snap on. At least the new stuff. And this is coming from a guy that likes sk.

Reason I say that is that I just ordered a brand new set of sk 1/2 Dr. Chrome metric shallows and some of them have chrome inside some don't. Not that big of a deal to me. BUT that just goes to shoe the QC dept is a little lacking

 

[woody 73]

The very first tool set I got from my Father as a gift was a Kraeuter 3/8 set. For those of you thinking this post is about SK tools, well that set was made by SK.

I have been hooked on their products since the 1960's

 

[Steinmetz]

I own tons of S-K tools. I just wish they'd go back to the deeper knurling on ratchets.

 

[Steinmetz]

The very first tool set I got from my Father as a gift was a Kraeuter 3/8 set. For those of you thinking this post is about SK tools, well that set was made by SK.

I have been hooked on their products since the 1960's

S-K for years made tools for many other labels, including Craftsman.

 

[Davefr]

I would very much so disagree with you about sk quality being the same as snap on. At least the new stuff. And this is coming from a guy that likes sk.

SO's inside finish isn't much better then SK. Both are far below Wright. (however I don't think the bolt really cares)

Snap On:

SK

Wright

 

[bobcatdan]

I am ******** SK. For as much as I like snappy and buy a lot of it, I have a very solid selection of SK. I come from a long line of SK user. I feel kinda bad that I can't support the new SK more since I own pretty much all the SK tools I need.

 

[n8n]

The very first tool set I got from my Father as a gift was a Kraeuter 3/8 set. For those of you thinking this post is about SK tools, well that set was made by SK.

I have been hooked on their products since the 1960's

Wow, I didn't know that. Maybe that explains why I like SK then... as long as I can remember my dad had a Kraeuter socket set and that was the first set I ever used. I'll bet he still has and uses it. Was still in the original case last time I remember seeing it. I actually have my grandfather's (mom's dad) older SK set too, I posted pics the other day. Trying to find the apparently missing breaker bar for that one.

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk

 

[lowbucktruck]

Of all the ratchets in my main box... my go-to ratchets are always the S-K 45170 and 42470. And they are not new ratchets, old diamond logo.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

When we had our Sunoco station the snap guy at the time had the biggest sk collection. We bought so much sk stuff over the years. Most of what I have is left over from then. I have added a few things, but not much. My dad still has a decent amount too.

The ratchets are the best I have used. I prefer them over my snap on stuff, but the selection switch can be a pita when your hands are slippery. Wrenches and sockets are top notch. Pliers and screw drivers are one of the best as well.

Every time I see someone rave about them I wonder why it has taken so long for people to see the value. They are excellent with their warranty as well.

 

[sdguy55]

Just to provide an image of what i was talking about earlier with my metric sockets.



Again i reiterate that i dont really care i was just more surprised that it would pass inspection.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Just to provide an image of what i was talking about earlier with my metric sockets.



Again i reiterate that i dont really care i was just more surprised that it would pass inspection.

I have never had that issue with sk. I do however, have that problem with some craftsman stuff I accidentally bought thinking it was something else. Not only did I get some 12 pointers mixed in my 6 point set, but some have chrome and some don't. I have realized this is part of craftsmans new process of destroying a brand, but I am surprised with sk.

 

[Chuck122]

I would very much so disagree with you about sk quality being the same as snap on. At least the new stuff. And this is coming from a guy that likes sk.

Reason I say that is that I just ordered a brand new set of sk 1/2 Dr. Chrome metric shallows and some of them have chrome inside some don't. Not that big of a deal to me. BUT that just goes to shoe the QC dept is a little lacking

I agree. I have gotten a set of 3/8th sockets with 2 9mm and no 11, a mis-stamped socket and one that had peeling chrome and a 1/2 that had no 19mm and a 20mm
one of my ratchet has the mech. off center in the head
of my several 1/4 rats, no two feel exactly the same (they are kind of inconsistent)

If I compare with snap on sockets, they are overall larger for a given size and the finish is hit and miss. If money was no object I would probably buy Snap on instead
Don't call me a hater, I own a bunch of SK because I really like the product, but to say that it is up to the same standards as snap on is a stretch. But functionally they perform just as well.

 

[D-bak]

I really like SK stuff. Still trying to determine the qulity of the new stuff they are putting out, but other than my original Craftsman 400 piece set I first got when I started wrenching, I own (by far) more SK than anything else. Gearwrench is slowly creeping up into contention though. Every time I buy something of theirs I am more impressed with the quality.

 

[Deception]

Did anyone get a confirmation email from SK about the hats? I didnt

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I did not. Might explain why I haven't gotten anything for 3 weeks. Usually everything gets a response....at the least a thanks for visiting message.

 

[bonneyman]

I own tons of S-K tools. I just wish they'd go back to the deeper knurling on ratchets.

And put the knurling back on the sockets, too!

 

[sonvolt]

I love my SK tools. Almost all my sockets and extensions are SK as well as 1/4 and flex head 3/8 ratchet. With some Proto thrown in there.

 

[Steinmetz]

And put the knurling back on the sockets, too!

The satin-chrome knurled portion on the 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 drive sockets was a very nice touch. I never knew why this was not done on the 3/8 drive sockets.

 

[bonneyman]

The satin-chrome knurled portion on the 3/4, 1/2 and 1/4 drive sockets was a very nice touch. I never knew why this was not done on the 3/8 drive sockets.

Hmm. Didn't know that. Then again, all the knurled SK sockets I have had were 1/4". Hmm.

 

[Famous Tool Guy]

I will NEVER buy Snap-On regardless of what they claim the quality to be. You are paying double for everything buying from them!

 

[Famous Tool Guy]

Just to provide an image of what i was talking about earlier with my metric sockets.



Again i reiterate that i dont really care i was just more surprised that it would pass inspection.

I see exactly what you're saying...

 

[Famous Tool Guy]

Just to provide an image of what i was talking about earlier with my metric sockets.



Again i reiterate that i dont really care i was just more surprised that it would pass inspection.

BUT, what does that have to do with the QUALITY of the tool. For example, how long it lasts, how durable it is, the strength, etc.

 

[sdguy55]

BUT, what does that have to do with the QUALITY of the tool. For example, how long it lasts, how durable it is, the strength, etc.

O it probably doesn't matter one bit. And I believe I said that it didn't really matter to me, if I didn't I should have. Was just a little surprising is all. QC just needs to be tighter.

 

[jwsia]

SK is a great brand. I don't think a better 1/4 ratchet can be purchased. I really like there long handle wrenches too.

 

[NFH2740]

Most of my sockets are SK. Wrenches were all SK but I prefer the thicker beam of a Wright combo wrench.

If SK would make a fine tooth pear head ratchet, I would sell all of my Dual 80s.

 

[countryroad82]

SK is my one of my faves. Before I started with lots of Snap On, I had built a decent collection of sockets in 1/4 and 3/8 and was saving up to buy wrenches, but then I tried a Flank Drive Plus wrench and it was all over. At work I keep all SK wrenches, sockets, and am about to get screwdrivers. My tools are bought by the company. I still keep my personal SK tools handy and they have never let me down.

 

[Westly]

If SK would make a fine tooth pear head ratchet, I would sell all of my Dual 80s.

I never use my SK and I use my old Craftsman instead because with the SK I can't just look at a lever and see which direction it's set to. I can't stand testing the ratchet every time I pick it up to see which direction it's on...

 

[Ruger_556]

I will NEVER buy Snap-On regardless of what they claim the quality to be. You are paying double for everything buying from them!

Gee... No one has ever said that before. What a useful and informative post

I like SK ratchets but the box end on the wrenches really bothers me. Just doesn't look right.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I never use my SK and I use my old Craftsman instead because with the SK I can't just look at a lever and see which direction it's set to. I can't stand testing the ratchet every time I pick it up to see which direction it's on...

I completely agree that this is the only shortcoming with SK. Slippery hands also makes it difficult to turn the selector. It doesn't stop me from using them nor does it impede the function and quality. I have actually emailed them a few times to discuss changing the selector. Obviously they didn't listen lol.

 

[chris_1001]

I'm a big fan of SK. I really wish I could get my hands on a full set of their old green and white handle screwdrivers.

I am still using a set of those I bought new in the 80's. Still going strong. And NO, you cant have them!!!

 

[slob]

I was able to find an NOS set a while back so I'll allow you to keep yours.

 

[Chuck122]

I never use my SK and I use my old Craftsman instead because with the SK I can't just look at a lever and see which direction it's set to. I can't stand testing the ratchet every time I pick it up to see which direction it's on...

Any long time round head user will tell you, testing the direction becomes second nature. I even do it with my dual80s. While I see the appeal of being able to just see the direction it is in, in practice I just give it the old spinaroo no matter the type

 

[Chadwilliam1]

SK is old school, it wouldnt be SK if they started doing things like every other tool company.

 

[Westly]

Any long time round head user will tell you, testing the direction becomes second nature. I even do it with my dual80s. While I see the appeal of being able to just see the direction it is in, in practice I just give it the old spinaroo no matter the type

When I made the change from the SK and other rounders, I decided I'm not gunna do that anymore...I don't have to now... They didn't mark the Craftsman but it's easy to remember because position 1 is on and position 2 is off, like an on/off switch. No such thing as an off/on switch Except for at least that recent composite ratchet everyone seems to like.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Just got this from them today. A very nice vinyl banner that is 5x3