SK LP90 all sizes available!

[Jaysreal]

For those holding out for the 1/2" drive and 1/4" drive variants of this ratchet, they are now available in all three drive sizes(and shown as in stock on Sktools.com). They have released a new version of the press document and there are no signs of when if at all the flex head versions will come.

The product numbers are:

1/4" Drive LP90: 80180

3/8" Drive LP90: 80200

1/2" Drive LP90: 80220

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[davethorik]

Sure did take them long enough, too bad only standard length only option.

 

[ChrisLS8]

It's a step in the right direction. I may grab a 1/4 even though I don't need one. I just love the handles but they need to drop the flex within the next 3-5 years

 

[Sloper0204]

but they need to drop the flex within the next 3-5 years

I think I'll wait until Epstein has em listed.

 

[Skin]

It's a step in the right direction. I may grab a 1/4 even though I don't need one. I just love the handles but they need to drop the flex within the next 3-5 years

If they acted like a real tool company they should be released in 3 to 5 months. Years is pathetic but true. If I ever won a lottery for hundreds of millions I'm rescuing SK from Ideal.

What is it, three or four years since x frames and we still haven't seen anything as simple as a double box version.

 

[jsackin]

Placed my order today. As soon as we get them in, they'll go up on the website.

 

[LB-1911]

I think I'll wait until Epstein has em listed.

Placed my order today. As soon as we get them in, they'll go up on the website.

Thanks Jori

 

[JBH]

1/2" Drive LP90: 80220

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

I checked these out because I thought they might be a budget option. I came away with this question:

Why are American-made tools so expensive?

Zoro sells the 1/2” drive model above for $125.09 shipped. Let’s assume you get a coupon, so about $100-110 after sales tax.

KC Tool has the brand new German-made Hazet 90 tooth 1/2” drive ratchet for about $72 shipped, after reasonable efforts to find a coupon.
Grey market imports from amazon.de are cheaper still; 55 EUR minus VAT, plus shipping. Let’s say $60 to your door if that’s all you order and your credit card doesn’t charge forex fees. The current KC Tool price may be a sale, but the global market price has been in the mid 50 EUR range since release.

So, what reasonable grounds are there for a 2nd-tier regional player’s new tool to be so much more expensive than a 1st-tier global player’s direct equivalent? Here, not labor costs, nor taxes/regulations, nor brand reputation, nor configuration (nor even business model (franchised delivery truck vs standard distribution) are reasonable grounds. Quantities may be part of it, but that’s self-perpetuating: offer the same or less for more money, and fewer buyers will come. The pricing just seems off.

 

[gatlibs]

I checked these out because I thought they might be a budget option. I came away with this question:

Why are American-made tools so expensive?

Zoro sells the 1/2” drive model above for $125.09 shipped. Let’s assume you get a coupon, so about $100-110 after sales tax.

KC Tool has the brand new German-made Hazet 90 tooth 1/2” drive ratchet for about $72 shipped, after reasonable efforts to find a coupon.
Grey market imports from amazon.de are cheaper still; 55 EUR minus VAT, plus shipping. Let’s say $60 to your door if that’s all you order and your credit card doesn’t charge forex fees. The current KC Tool price may be a sale, but the global market price has been in the mid 50 EUR range since release.

So, what reasonable grounds are there for a 2nd-tier regional player’s new tool to be so much more expensive than a 1st-tier global player’s direct equivalent? Here, not labor costs, nor taxes/regulations, nor brand reputation, nor configuration (nor even business model (franchised delivery truck vs standard distribution) are reasonable grounds. Quantities may be part of it, but that’s self-perpetuating: offer the same or less for more money, and fewer buyers will come. The pricing just seems off.

Compare $92.69 (https://sktools.com/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=Lp90&search-type=products) to $57.95 (https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=Lp90). I'm sure that the others would be priced similarly. SK seems to intentionally inflate prices direct so that the resellers have a chance to move product. I believe that is fair. I'm not sure why Zoro is so high on it.

 

[M6erfan]

I checked these out because I thought they might be a budget option. I came away with this question:

Why are American-made tools so expensive?

Zoro sells the 1/2” drive model above for $125.09 shipped. Let’s assume you get a coupon, so about $100-110 after sales tax.

KC Tool has the brand new German-made Hazet 90 tooth 1/2” drive ratchet for about $72 shipped, after reasonable efforts to find a coupon.
Grey market imports from amazon.de are cheaper still; 55 EUR minus VAT, plus shipping. Let’s say $60 to your door if that’s all you order and your credit card doesn’t charge forex fees. The current KC Tool price may be a sale, but the global market price has been in the mid 50 EUR range since release.

So, what reasonable grounds are there for a 2nd-tier regional player’s new tool to be so much more expensive than a 1st-tier global player’s direct equivalent? Here, not labor costs, nor taxes/regulations, nor brand reputation, nor configuration (nor even business model (franchised delivery truck vs standard distribution) are reasonable grounds. Quantities may be part of it, but that’s self-perpetuating: offer the same or less for more money, and fewer buyers will come. The pricing just seems off.

Some perspective here...

If you consider SK "Tier 2" then I assume you consider S-o "Tier 1"? The equivalent S-o dual80 1/2" ratchet is $167. So in that context, SK seems justly priced.

Why are American made tools so much more expensive? No idea. The answer, I'm sure, is way above my pay grade. However, in the end, the market will decide what they're "worth".

I'll add that, it seems to me that U.S. tool makers put a lot more R&D into new products. I mean, a lot of top tier euro tool companies are still using decades old design and technology. Just food for thought...

 

[jsackin]

Yes, this is correct. We'll be able to offer a much better price on these.

Compare $92.69 (https://sktools.com/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=Lp90&search-type=products) to $57.95 (https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=Lp90). I'm sure that the others would be priced similarly. SK seems to intentionally inflate prices direct so that the resellers have a chance to move product. I believe that is fair. I'm not sure why Zoro is so high on it.

 

[Andres26tnt]

same here will wait till HJ gets them

 

[nes999]

I checked these out because I thought they might be a budget option. I came away with this question:

Why are American-made tools so expensive?

Zoro sells the 1/2” drive model above for $125.09 shipped. Let’s assume you get a coupon, so about $100-110 after sales tax.

KC Tool has the brand new German-made Hazet 90 tooth 1/2” drive ratchet for about $72 shipped, after reasonable efforts to find a coupon.
Grey market imports from amazon.de are cheaper still; 55 EUR minus VAT, plus shipping. Let’s say $60 to your door if that’s all you order and your credit card doesn’t charge forex fees. The current KC Tool price may be a sale, but the global market price has been in the mid 50 EUR range since release.

So, what reasonable grounds are there for a 2nd-tier regional player’s new tool to be so much more expensive than a 1st-tier global player’s direct equivalent? Here, not labor costs, nor taxes/regulations, nor brand reputation, nor configuration (nor even business model (franchised delivery truck vs standard distribution) are reasonable grounds. Quantities may be part of it, but that’s self-perpetuating: offer the same or less for more money, and fewer buyers will come. The pricing just seems off.

Trust me I am Hazet fanboy. However after owning their ratchets I think SK is a step above.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I wouldn't care to waste My time looking at an SK ratchet the day they became a "budget option". The SK ratchets are a quality USA product that can be purchased for a very reasonable price; so I am at a loss for what I would consider a justifiable complaint.

 

[Wamsutta]

Still no flex heads. Do you guys have any kids under the age of 10?

By time they turn 90, SK will have their flex heads out.

 

[anndel]

Pass

 

[nmantas]

EDIT: was supposed to be in the other SK thread about the new impact sockets but it works here too.

All I know is that my WWII vintage 1/2" drive black oxide round head is now the equivalent of a modern masterpiece thanks to the DT drop-ins that came out last year and it is so nice I took my other fixed head 1/2" ratchets out of my box. I realize that some want more out of SK and that SK probably made a mistake for making too many promises but I'd say SK is doing well and raising their bar with the products they are making.....besides Snap-on, Wright, or PROTO the only other USA company to compare them to are companies that, for the most part, pushed production overseas like Cornwell, Matco, or MAC or companies that are out of business entirely like Armstrong. I'll take an SK that is slowly improving their line while also being affordable if you pick the correct retailer over the companies that are now mostly offshore or gone. These sockets are not for me but I applaud them for making something new to offer as well as slowly filling out the LP90 lineup.

 

[JBH]

Some perspective here...

If you consider SK "Tier 2" then I assume you consider S-o "Tier 1"?

“Tier 1” is their generally perceived market position. Their ratchets specifically are generally perceived as expensive but world class.

The equivalent S-o dual80 1/2" ratchet is $167. So in that context, SK seems justly priced.

Snapper’s franchise delivery van sales model brings a price premium but adds genuine corresponding value for many of their regular customers. Here that does not apply. Both SK and HZ are sold through standard online and B&M distribution channels.

Regardless, that if anything reinforces my original point that American brand tools generally are outlandishly expensive in their home market for no apparent reason. You also hit on a reason for that: insularity/provincialism. Just look at the “US tool” comments in this thread. That market distortion removes incentives to compete. Why bother? Charge what you want and people will buy anyway!

I'll add that, it seems to me that U.S. tool makers put a lot more R&D into new products. I mean, a lot of top tier euro tool companies are still using decades old design and technology. Just food for thought...

Even assuming that newer design and technology is in service of improved performance and feel rather than cost reduction and marketing, that does not apply to this specific comparison between two new models released in 2018.

 

[Fedwrench]

Why are American-made tools so expensive?
.

Because they're vastly superior to other offerings

Sorry, I just couldn't resist, just kidding.

You need to shop around for a better deal.

However, i haven't found a German ratchet that i love. Facom, and the Italian made Proto's are really the only European ratchets i care for.

Hazet and Stahlwille are well built ratchets but, they're also tank like and heavy/bulky. I'm surprised there aren't sleeker, lighter, better balanced offerings from German tool makers. Japan has some very high end ratchets and Taiwan makes great ratchets under several brands.

So why can't Germany build a better ratchet?

 

[Negen]

I do not see why 50-60$ for a premium ratchet is considered expensive. Sk seems to have responsible pricing so long as you shop around. My work gets contracts through fastenal they will drive a tool out for replacement within a hour or two during the first half of the day. Prices are full msrp which is about triple what normal retail prices are. even proto 1/4 drive htc are 100$+

I will agree that locking flex heads need to be made and be more common. Flex heads in general on longer ratchets makes sense but I do not like if the flex slips out of the position I want it in.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Still no flex heads. Do you guys have any kids under the age of 10?

By time they turn 90, SK will have their flex heads out.

Speaking of Kids!!

Both SK and Good Old Santa Claus are bound to be lacking a few things on their wish lists.

The Easter Bunny brought Me Proto and Snap-on flex head ratchets; so I have no reason to pout or cry.

Even tho it seems like an inch by inch pace: I am glad to see SK back up and running again

 

[malibu101]

I like the R and L stamping at the selector.
Righty-tighty
Lefty-loosey

NOT to start any tool war here, but I wonder....
Does Snap On have some sort of trademark on having on and off at the selector?
Let's admit- it is a nice thing. I've never seen it on any other ratchets, but I haven't seen everything.

This is the first I've seen with direction stamping.

 

[plinker]

I do not see why 50-60$ for a premium ratchet is considered expensive. Sk seems to have responsible pricing so long as you shop around.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

I agree, and shopping around is a must. Zoro can be either the best price or most expensive, depending on what you're buying. Epstein's generally has the best prices on S-K, from what I've seen.

Curious to see what the 1/4 is going to run.

 

[ChrisLS8]

“Tier 1” is their generally perceived market position. Their ratchets specifically are generally perceived as expensive but world class.



Snapper’s franchise delivery van sales model brings a price premium but adds genuine corresponding value for many of their regular customers. Here that does not apply. Both SK and HZ are sold through standard online and B&M distribution channels.

Regardless, that if anything reinforces my original point that American brand tools generally are outlandishly expensive in their home market for no apparent reason. You also hit on a reason for that: insularity/provincialism. Just look at the “US tool” comments in this thread. That market distortion removes incentives to compete. Why bother? Charge what you want and people will buy anyway!



Even assuming that newer design and technology is in service of improved performance and feel rather than cost reduction and marketing, that does not apply to this specific comparison between two new models released in 2018.

It's expensive to produce here. Between operating permits, insurance, healthcare and operating costs that can be sky high something has to be passed on

It is extremely expensive to do chrome plating here due to EPA regulations for example

 

[Fedwrench]

Does Snap On have some sort of trademark on having on and off at the selector?

Don't think so, just did a quick check of what i have within arms reach and OEM and Capri low profile ratchets all have off on stamped into their ratchet heads.

 

[Spacey_G]

My Armstrong Maxx ratchets have "ON OFF", except the 1/4" which has no direction markings at all.

 

[ToolPolisher]

Jori,

Can you ask SK to do a special "Epstein's" run of green selectors? I know it adds time to the process but I, for one, am willing to wait. After all, we've all waited this long...

 

[rsk4today]

Jori,

Can you ask SK to do a special "Epstein's" run of green selectors? I know it adds time to the process but I, for one, am willing to wait. After all, we've all waited this long...

Or maybe just include a green sharpie with every LP ratchet purchase?

 

[Shane6377]

I'll be ordering mine from HJE when they arrive. If the timing is right I might be in the KC area and be able to pick them up in the store.

SK SAE 1/4" drive semi-deep sockets on the list too.[emoji6]


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[malibu101]

Thanks for educating me that a few manufacturers mark direction at the selector.

 

[Stooge]

i certainly don't "need" one, but i'll certainly have one! 90% of my ratchets are flex head, so I guess it wont hurt to add another standard one in the drawer, and they sure are pretty

 

[jsackin]

Update:

For a limited time we'll be able to offer the new sk LP90 ratchets for

1/4" drive $47.87
1/2" drive $87.56

SK said they were shipping them out to us either tomorrow or monday, so hopefully should be here by next week.

 

[nes999]

Update:

For a limited time we'll be able to offer the new sk LP90 ratchets for

1/4" drive $47.87
1/2" drive $87.56

SK said they were shipping them out to us either tomorrow or monday, so hopefully should be here by next week.

Is there a link? I couldn't find it on the website.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

 

[jsackin]

Is there a link? I couldn't find it on the website.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

I don't like putting stuff on the website till I can hold it in my hand at the store, so nothing up yet.

 

[M6erfan]

I don't like putting stuff on the website till I can hold it in my hand at the store, so nothing up yet.

^^^Smart man

Thanks Jori

 

[nes999]

I don't like putting stuff on the website till I can hold it in my hand at the store, so nothing up yet.

I apologize, I misunderstood the limited timeness as more of a preorder. I agree with not taking money until product is in hand. It has burned many a company.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

 

[jsackin]

JUST ARRIVED!

1/2" Drive LP90 - https://www.harryepstein.com/index....oth-10-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html

1/4" Drive LP90 - https://www.harryepstein.com/index....ooth-5-teardrop-low-profile-lp90-ratchet.html

 

[nes999]

Just purchased the 2 new LP90s!

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[Negen]

Looks like NEED more ratchets.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[fang123]

Thanks for educating me that a few manufacturers mark direction at the selector.

Gearwrench does also.