SK or not SK?

[Hoss356]

I picked up a wrench set not to long ago from guy who claimed he ran a tool business back in the 1980's and received this set directly from SK. The anomaly is there are no brand markings on it anywhere. He claimed "If it's not an SK set then SK ripped me off 20 years ago" but before anyone says I got taken to the cleaners I didn't pay much for it. I'm posting this here out of curiosity because they seems to be good wrenches and I'm happy with them so far.

So here are some pictures, could these be an unmarked SK set? Or another brand? They are US made with very crisp markings.





I also picked this set up from the same guy for $25.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

do those wrenches have a smooth matte finish or are they polished?

 

[kc-steve]

If you didn't pay much for them, then I wouldn't worry much, except when you need to exchange a broken one for a new one. S-K/Ideal might not honor the guarantee, if they think it's not S-K. Either way, it says "USA" on it.

The ratchet set deserves a "you ****" though. Wish I had one for that price.

I've been here for 5 months and never got a "you ****" yet.

Steve

 

[Danglerb]

Every SK tool I have seen has had SK and a part number on it.

I can't recall the last time I saw a "good" quality looking tool with no brand etc. markings. Could be this was some kind of display set, not meant for resale?

 

[Theloniousmonk]

I have never seen an SK wrench w/ that finish... always seen raised panel or polished, never seen a smooth matte... the bottom is obviously a wonderful SK set (as you know)... maybe some of the more experienced tool collectors can give you some insight. Bizarre and interesting.

They kinda look like unfinished Cman Professionals... unfinished meaning un polished.

 

[sk farmer]

boys, boys, boys! don't be so sure! now i can't say with 100% certainty that those are sk made but i am very sure that it is possible. sk made stuff marked kraueter, js, jcpenney, klein, craftsman and who knows what else. those actually look like a short lived line called custom wich was made by sk. the giveaway for me is the letters stamped under the open end on the wrench very much like the raised panel wrenchs. sk also did some contract work for the gov. and this may be some of it. i would put my bet at about 99% that those were made by sk

 

[woody 73]

I think you did great if the wrenches were made in the USA. I have not come across unmarked sk tools, but who is to say maybe sk sold them to a private company?

 

[mrholeshot]

Ive never seen them without the SK logo but I have seen them with that finish and shape. I would bet they are for real

 

[Hiball]

What does it say in the Box below the "No 504" ?

 

[4x4gearhead]

The good thing is they are wrenches, at least wrenches are much more likely to last years and years unlike a ratchet that you would need to warranty commonly i bet they are s-k I have seen their wrenches in many different forms

 

[lbgradwell]

What does it say in the Box below the "No 504" ?

524?

Pretty sure that's the Dresser logo...

 

[Hiball]

524?

Pretty sure that's the Dresser logo...

Yeah #524.....

I suppose they could be SK, The stamping "Forged in the USA" Font is throwing me off.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

yup... dresser industries

 

[Danglerb]

Bad thing is this thread is making me want to buy some more SK.

 

[Hoss356]

You guys are right it's dresser, that mean anything?

 

[sk farmer]

from the 70's maybe a little later. pics coming soon for evidence!

 

[sk farmer]

front to back are examples of kaeuter 56113 13mm, sk raised panel 8313 13mm, sk full polish 88313 and sk raised panel c16 1/2 wrenches. the final pic shows a close look at numbers and letters cast in the wrenches. yours appear to be a cross between the kraeuter and the sk raised panel. i beleive this proves your wrenches are almost definately sk mfg. the similarities are unmistakeable.

 

[JASTECH]

kc-steve, I have yet to get the highest achievment of "You ****" too. We just have to make the perfect deal.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[Hoss356]

I gladly accept the "You ****" award on behalf of my GF for not complaining when I drag her to yard sales and never giving me the "Why the hell are you buying more tools" demerit chit.

I'm also guessing I shouldn't post my Kennedy 360B tool chest with a bunch of craftsman tools in it I picked up for $75.

 

[Hoss356]

SK farmer,

I'll get some high res macros of the raised lettering and post them tonight or tomorrow morning for comparison.

 

[dave08723]

They look allot like TRW's that were made by Williams

 

[Autoguy]

front to back are examples of kaeuter 56113 13mm, sk raised panel 8313 13mm, sk full polish 88313 and sk raised panel c16 1/2 wrenches. the final pic shows a close look at numbers and letters cast in the wrenches. yours appear to be a cross between the kraeuter and the sk raised panel. i beleive this proves your wrenches are almost definately sk mfg. the similarities are unmistakeable.

I have a vintage SK raised panel combo wrenches in Metric and SAE

All marked with SK Forged Alloy in USA with part numbers

The mm came in Yellow vouches with Dresser Industries

The SAE I bought with Master socket sets in green boxes.


I have also some Klien marked SK ratchets and sockets in green trays

Go to alloy artifacts websitefor better info.

 

[CouchSpring]

I've got one 1/2 imch wrench in that style.never would have guessed that its
S/K.