Sk ratchets for pro use
- Thread starter joedodge
- Start date
bobcatdan
Well-known member
They are more then up to the task. SK makes damn good ratchets. Really comes down to whether you like pearhead or round heads.
They're nice but not Dual 80 nice... Now if they made a roto head I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
The basdards invented the roto head ratchet and still haven't reintroduced since ideal reopened SK.
cartman4gc
Member
I've used SK ratchets since the 60's professionally with no failures, none worn out, no problems.
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
They are more than up to it. Just tough to move the selector with slimy hands. Can't just flick it with a finger.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I think people make too big of a deal about head size. That thread about SO vs Matco head size was total BS. My go to 1/4" ratchet is a long handle SK I have in my mid length set. Never a problem. The SK ratchet is virtually unchanged in 75 or so years.
bushmechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2014
- Messages
- 4,820
I'm not a professional mechanic, but I trust SK to keep vehicles going when it matters.
They are tough, and they work.
I won't deny that other manufacturers offer a few better solutions to specific tight-access applications, but you aren't going to know what you need until you need it, so far as that's concerned.
The tool kit of a professional is well-tailored to his requirements and preferences.
A kit for someone like me is minimal, and populated entirely by products that are highly unlikely to break or bind in rough conditions, regardless of convenience.
So, take my advice for the .0000001 cent that it's worth.
They are tough, and they work.
I won't deny that other manufacturers offer a few better solutions to specific tight-access applications, but you aren't going to know what you need until you need it, so far as that's concerned.
The tool kit of a professional is well-tailored to his requirements and preferences.
A kit for someone like me is minimal, and populated entirely by products that are highly unlikely to break or bind in rough conditions, regardless of convenience.
So, take my advice for the .0000001 cent that it's worth.
sonvolt
Well-known member
I've used SK ratchets for 20 years in the machine tool industry, no issues. But than again I'm not wrenching on cars, but SK is up to the task.
RCStocker
Well-known member
My first tools when I was serving a tool and die apprenticeship with GM were SK.
I still have them and use them. I have never worn one out or broken it. I like the VF series Craftsman for a ratchet. They are not fine tooth but dang are they smooth.
For general work I don't mess with fine toot ratchets. If I am in tight quarters I grab one. I find the larger tooth ratchets better for construction work. How thin means nothing 99% of the time. Shape of the head means nothing. I like a quick release. They socket stays on and if you hands are full of grease or oil you hand will not slip off trying to get the socket off.
Just my 3 cents worth. I own over 100 ratchets. I have all of them and I will still grab my SK or Craftsman first.
I still have them and use them. I have never worn one out or broken it. I like the VF series Craftsman for a ratchet. They are not fine tooth but dang are they smooth.
For general work I don't mess with fine toot ratchets. If I am in tight quarters I grab one. I find the larger tooth ratchets better for construction work. How thin means nothing 99% of the time. Shape of the head means nothing. I like a quick release. They socket stays on and if you hands are full of grease or oil you hand will not slip off trying to get the socket off.
Just my 3 cents worth. I own over 100 ratchets. I have all of them and I will still grab my SK or Craftsman first.
HighPlainsWrencher
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2013
- Messages
- 218
Been using 2 for a few months with no complaints. I have a 40170 and a 45183.
sdguy55
Well-known member
I have a sk 1/2 Dr. Flex head. There are a couple of things I don't like about it but I love the knurling and like the way it ratchets.
Don't like the floppy head and I don't like the selector style.
To be fair I have NEVER met a ratchet that I liked the style where you have to rotate it on the back of the head for the selector. I have always liked the lever style. Just personal preference
Don't like the floppy head and I don't like the selector style.
To be fair I have NEVER met a ratchet that I liked the style where you have to rotate it on the back of the head for the selector. I have always liked the lever style. Just personal preference
Just Info for anyone interested, All the Newly Ideal Produced Sk Flex ratchets utilize a Adjustable screw to set the desired tension on the Head versus the older friction pin style. Since there are literally probably 100's of thousands of NOS Ratchets still floating around, Make sure you buy from a retailer that has a fairly quick turnover (Tooltopia etc) or buy from someone who knows the difference (Epstein) or has a generous return policy.
sberry
Banned
I don't have a lot of use for flex but have a couple SK, a 1/4 and a 3/8 that come to mind. Each been factory reman once, that was early on before we were smart enough to buy power drive, havnt wore them out since.
NYTurfTech
Active member
I use both Snap On and SK ratchets and sockets exclusively. All my SK tools have performed and held up just as well as the Snap On tools. I have one 3/8'' SK ratchet that's been in my box at work for 10 years now, still functions like the day bought it!
GreaseMonkey45170
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2013
- Messages
- 132
With Snap on on hand, i cant really see investing in anymore ratchets unless you just wanna swap it up. But to answer your question, yes i do think they'll be more than fine. My first socket set was an sk, good stuff, works just fine. I really thought i liked the ratchet until i bought a Wright premium dual pawl ratchet. Now that thing is sweet, it'll make you wanna throw rocks at that sk.
I would personally check out Wright, but theirs nothing wrong with sk. Everyone says they have a great customer service, i cant say. I really wish they would reintroduce the roto ratchet and start doing the deep knurling like they used to. This is just my 2 cents, hope it helps
I would personally check out Wright, but theirs nothing wrong with sk. Everyone says they have a great customer service, i cant say. I really wish they would reintroduce the roto ratchet and start doing the deep knurling like they used to. This is just my 2 cents, hope it helps
countryroad82
Well-known member
I use SK at my work every day. My tools are bought by my job, they slightly freaked when I bought SK tools. I also have wrenches in SAE and metric, that was another freak out lol. My argument to them is 'at least I'm not buying Snap On!' That said my SK has done me great, they are like all tools, take care of them and they will take care of you.
fordcragar
Well-known member
I started buying SK when I was a kid, I would work for my dad (at his gas station) and once a week he would pay me and take me down to the parts store so I could buy some tools.
I'm retired now, worked for a number of years in the autobody trade, almost all of my sockets are SK and over the years I've replaced any rackets that weren't SK with SK ratchets; which to me work better.
I'm retired now, worked for a number of years in the autobody trade, almost all of my sockets are SK and over the years I've replaced any rackets that weren't SK with SK ratchets; which to me work better.
Complete junk, but they work for me since I'm not a professional. 
Seriously I really like them. They have a very solid feel to the point you could dang near use one as a weapon. Only two things I'm not a huge fan of. The knurling is a bit sharp at times. I put a piece of tubing over it if I am worried about scratching a surface. And like someone else mentioned I'd much prefer a thumb flickable reversing lever.
Seriously I really like them. They have a very solid feel to the point you could dang near use one as a weapon. Only two things I'm not a huge fan of. The knurling is a bit sharp at times. I put a piece of tubing over it if I am worried about scratching a surface. And like someone else mentioned I'd much prefer a thumb flickable reversing lever.