Sk ratchets

[AutoTeck84]

Ok I'm in the midst of going all Sk for my basic hand tools for work. I think Sk makes awesome tools. Love the superkrome sockets, wrenches, extensions, and so on. I want to get the 49 piece sets that come in the green box in 3/8 and 1/4. Only thing holding me back are the ratchets in the set. Yeah I get it, there like the old craftsman as in they are tough and durable but for me they just bring the value of those sets way down. Why not have a different design by now? You tell by the price of the ratchets online that a lot of people just isn't into them. There not very functional for tight automotive work and are hard as hell to switch direction one handed. I do have the 11 inch swivel head and love it for what it is but I find myself using a gear wrench flex head almost always. I just think it's time for them to join the 21st century! The style hasn't changed since ratchets were first introduced and I think to a lot of people this design comes off as lazy and are unwilling to change with the times. It's bad when you want to support your favorite brand but they make it hard for you in some areas and you end up using import stuff instead. I know they could come up with a new badass design just look at their new ratchet wrenches. It's just a question of will they.

 

[Sanny81]

SK actually is in the process of developing their own pearhead shaped ratchet as well as an insert for the old round heads to have a finer tooth count. Unfortunately there is no time table for these and with the X frame delays it might be a long wait.

 

[Askme42]

Also I love me some SK but I wouldn't lock myself into 1 brand.

 

[davethorik]

I personally love the SK 1/4 rats, I have a few of the 3/8 but I don't really care for them, with the exception of the Roto. Speaking of which, they need to bring back to current production. They also need to introduce a 1/4 version, and keep the knurled steel handle.

 

[jonjon1]

I LOVE my SK roto head ratchet, actually just had to talk myself out of buying a NOS one on ebay for $100, lol...


Heres the thing, every company has good and bad, I have about 20 sk ratchets, bought them all at tooltopia at once when I gave my son all my older sk ratchets, I just bought 1 of each and called it a day, BUT I have a LOT of snap-on ratchets to, I prefer so ratchets, actually one of the only so tools I really like...

For instance, I HATE S-O wrenches, they dig into my flesh like a knife, sure if you dont want to push or pull on them hard they are great, but I dare you to try palm pounding a 14mm long pattern snap on wrench, your eyes will tear, lol.. SK wrenches are nice and thick, I like everything about them, I have about everyone they make, stubby, long, std, offset, flare nut, etc... I DONT OWN A SINGLE SO WRENCH...

BUT so ratchets are really nice, not for the price sometimes, but how they work is sweet... SO also makes really nice impact sockets, I think SK's are a bit too thick walled, great for wear and strength but not for fitting everywhere you want to use them. While SO is about as thin as some chrome sockets...

SK, chrome sockets are nice, I love their turbo sockets, they are AWESOME, saved me a few times, even worked on studs....

Just take the good with the bad for each brand and your box will be well diversified, I like matco impact swivels so thats whats in my box, sk and so ratchets, sk and SO chrome sockets, SO impact sockets, SO hammers, IR air tools, Hutchinson body air tools, miller welders, etc etc etc , no brand loyalty with me, lol... I have 2 snappy boxes, a cornwell, matco, and used to have a mac tech box...

 

[Fedwrench]

If it's not broke, don't fix it

SK isn't the only one that hasn't changed their ratchets in over 50 years. look at Cornwell and MAC 30 tooth models.

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for SK. The prototype ratchets they had on display at SEMA were not inspiring in the least bit. They make a bulletproof round head ratchet and used to make the best 3/8 roto ratchet but, they seem to really have problems with introducing new updated products. They want to be the mechanics number one choice for hand tools but, they seem to stumble despite talking a good game.

Why don't you just get the Gearwrench 1/4 and 3/8 black blow molded sets?

 

[bfm336]

Whatever you do still buy the 48-49 piece socket sets as they are by far the best value on their sockets.


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[Tenex]

I recommend buying the 60 piece, 1/4" set instead of the 48 piece. Then you'll have every possible 1/4" socket and they serve double duty as nutdrivers if you have a spinner handle.

 

[justme-]

Agreed, they have the best round head ratchet design, and if they are smart they will never compromise that. I'd love a finer tooth insert, but only if its as strong as the current... Have several that were my ol man's and he used professionally over 40 years ago. You'll never hear that about a China/Taiwan made one or really even most other from that era.
I'd love to have a lever switch with SK durability but we'll see. For now I, like most, use tools from different companies. Got a snapon and Allen round head in 1/4 at work. SK , Allen. And snappy 3/8, and williams 1/2 long handle and sk 1/2 in my work box.
If SK ever comes out with a new design I'll be interested provided it meets my needs. Xframe wrenches for example look great but not being reversible don't meet my needs.

 

[rattlesnake436]

Where can I get an SK ratchet warrentied out cuase it broke after 45 years of use

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[Askme42]

Where can I get an SK ratchet warrentied out cuase it broke after 45 years of use

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Call sk

 

[rattlesnake436]

Thankyou

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[Stooge]

They've been making them for so long so people must be still buying them, i must have close to 10 just in 3/8 drive, always have atleast one out when im working on something and their 17" 1/2 dr is an absolute brute. As much as i like them, i wouldnt want to have only one style of ratchet in my drawer to use

 

[Mechanical Noise]

SK ratchets are my favorites! I doubt there's a more reliable ratchet and I love their feel. But different people like different ratchets.

Buy the ratchets you like. No need to match the brand of the sockets to the brand of the ratchet. Sell or trade the SK ratchets. The sockets don't care.

 

[ganymede]

They've been making them for so long so people must be still buying them, i must have close to 10 just in 3/8 drive, always have atleast one out when im working on something and their 17" 1/2 dr is an absolute brute. As much as i like them, i wouldnt want to have only one style of ratchet in my drawer to use

This.^^^
I've seen Sk's at the flea market with hammer bash marks on the handle and they still worked. Helps me use mine with confidence.
I still use other makes too though.
Williams is another long lived brand. I've got Superatchets with knurling worn smooth from some one putting a pipe on them or hammering. They still work so why change.

 

[AutoTeck84]

I don't think it would hurt to come up with a more versatile sleeker ratchet. The round head design definitely has its place. It's a great ratchet just in the larger drives it's not the best for working on newer cars. My main issue is that the box sets while not SO expensive are an investment and they put there most base version of the ratchet. I have seen these ratchets go for ten dollars. That's less than Pittsburg pro, Craftsman, Gear wrench ratchets are going for. And it's not really about sticking to a specific brand I just thought it would be cool to have my top 3 drawers filled with sk's beautiful chrome and green handled/boxes. More of a looking professional type thing. I have all kinds of tools and like what I can get the most work done with. Sk does a great job ergonomically with everything except ratchets seem to lack advancement. I do love the roto head though

 

[Outlawmws]

Ok I'm in the midst of going all Sk for my basic hand tools for work. I think Sk makes awesome tools. Love the superkrome sockets, wrenches, extensions, and so on. I want to get the 49 piece sets that come in the green box in 3/8 and 1/4. Only thing holding me back are the ratchets in the set. Yeah I get it, there like the old craftsman as in they are tough and durable but for me they just bring the value of those sets way down. Why not have a different design by now? You tell by the price of the ratchets online that a lot of people just isn't into them. There not very functional for tight automotive work and are hard as hell to switch direction one handed. I do have the 11 inch swivel head and love it for what it is but I find myself using a gear wrench flex head almost always. I just think it's time for them to join the 21st century! The style hasn't changed since ratchets were first introduced and I think to a lot of people this design comes off as lazy and are unwilling to change with the times. It's bad when you want to support your favorite brand but they make it hard for you in some areas and you end up using import stuff instead. I know they could come up with a new badass design just look at their new ratchet wrenches. It's just a question of will they.

What exactly is your issues with the design? The round heads are generally smaller, if not as low a profile, than the equivalent pear heads and if you get the 3/8 drive in the 1/4" body, even more so.

is it tooth count? 62 T in that 3/8 in the 1/4 body isn't bad, and a jump to 80 is minuscule in terms of click per angle (< 1-1/2 deg difference...)

What is the current std in SK round heads? All I have are old ones...

 

[JBradley500]

I am 100% addicted to dual 80 ratchets but I still really like my two SKs. They're smooth and tough. Fun to use. Kind of like a thick woman.

 

[AutoTeck84]

In my experience round heads are a tiny bit fatter but main thing is the direction switch. I mean opinions aside all other companies have both kinds. Does anyone have a link with the details of new pear head Sk ratchet mentioned earlier in the thread?

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Love my SK ratchets I really hope they keep making them, would like to see a dual pawl kit made available for them, but if not I will just continue as they are.

Most likely reason that the prices online are low is there have been tons of them made so the supply far exceeds the demand.

 

[AmishFury]

i personally feel it's a shame they completely abandoned the Tuff-1 series...

72 tooth
direction could be switched one handed very easily

3/8" was significantly slimmer with far less back drag
1/2" was a tad slimmer with less back drag

1/4" didn't quite hold up well against the regular model... fatter, stiffer, only thing it had going was the switch

 

[dutchgray]

That's probably because the Tuff 1 is based on the Facom round heads. I have had some of mine apart for cleaning and the ratchet guts are the same, the assembly is different though.

 

[67King]

I want to get the 49 piece sets that come in the green box in 3/8 and 1/4. Only thing holding me back are the ratchets in the set. Yeah I get it, there like the old craftsman as in they are tough and durable but for me they just bring the value of those sets way down.

It reads to me like you are comparing the set with lower end sets that sell in similar fashions (i.e. comprehensive sets), but are complaining that the ratchets are not comparable to higher end ratchets which may sell for as much as the whole set by themselves. WOuld you pay double the price of the set if they put in an 88 tooth ratchet? Ultimately the market sets teh price, and SK is apparently comfortable with what they have.

I have hundreds of SK sockets. And i have some of their ratchets. I bought a 3/8" Armstrong ratchet to compliment the sockets, before ultimately buying a used SO, then ulimately buying a set of 3 used SO's. If I had to do it over, again, I'd do pretty much what I did (except skip the Amrstrong). As another statede above, different manufacturers all have their strengths and weaknesses. And the round head SK has a role.

 

[Outlawmws]

Re: One handed switching:

I've never has a big problem doing one handed switching on a round head. Hold it with your three "off fingers" and switch with your thumb and index.

I've had far more issues with unexpected/unplanned reversing on pear heads...

 

[Davefr]

^^I agree. I hate ratchets with a switch because I always end up reversing my intended direction and/or put it in neutral when in a tight spot.

SK's work great for me. However there's a ton of ratchets to choose from so just pick what works for you and forget about sticking with just one brand.

Some of my favorite ratchets are old designs like CM RHFT, Thorsen 77's and SK. New is not always better. (ex: CM)

 

[OutsideMachinist]

I like them. As others mentioned clearance is the main issue. Most pear head ones are too big as well. Especially the cheap chinese ones. They all have their place. Sometimes you need to have a low profile/thin head ratchet.

 

[bonneyman]

Love the 45170 (3/8" roundhead). The 1/4" is too small for my hands, the 1/2' is too heavy out by the end, so, I reach for other bands when needing those. 45 teeth are fine enough for me. Never had a warranty issue, tool always works when I grab it. No problems with auto-reversing either. It's the best!

 

[thesilverone]

they need to bring back to roto head

 

[AutoTeck84]

It reads to me like you are comparing the set with lower end sets that sell in similar fashions (i.e. comprehensive sets), but are complaining that the ratchets are not comparable to higher end ratchets which may sell for as much as the whole set by themselves. WOuld you pay double the price of the set if they put in an 88 tooth ratchet? Ultimately the market sets teh price, and SK is apparently comfortable with what they have.

I have hundreds of SK sockets. And i have some of their ratchets. I bought a 3/8" Armstrong ratchet to compliment the sockets, before ultimately buying a used SO, then ulimately buying a set of 3 used SO's. If I had to do it over, again, I'd do pretty much what I did (except skip the Amrstrong). As another statede above, different manufacturers all have their strengths and weaknesses. And the round head SK has a role.

Sorry I worded that wrong I didn't mean monetary value but my personal value I guess.

 

[Outlawmws]

What exactly is your issues with the design?

is it tooth count? 62 T in that 3/8 in the 1/4 body isn't bad, and a jump to 80 is minuscule in terms of click per angle ( 1-1/2 deg difference...)

What is the current std in SK round heads? All I have are old ones...

I found my answer:

1/4" drive & 3/8 in a 1/4 drive handle = 60 T (I count 2 more in my 3/8...)

3/8 - 40 (except the "Slimline", which is the 1/4 head/handle and the 60 T guts from above, and they have that in 2 lengths: 4-1/2 and 6-1/2)

I don't see the point in the std head stubby, against the shorter slimline. 40 T slightly longer (4-3/4) and MUCH fatter... I also think I like the longer slimline against he shorter std head 3/8; 60 vs 40 T and less than 1" shorter...

1/2" = 48 tooth, in std head 50 in flex...

While not 80 T, more than adequate and far from the old designs of 30T or even 20 and 24.

Teeth vs angle: (For many common tooth counts from many Mfgs over the years)

20 -- 18
24 -- 15
30 -- 12
36 -- 10
45 -- 8.0
48 -- -7.5
50 -- 7.2
60 -- 6
80 -- 4.5
42/84 -- 4.29 Craftsman 1/4 Dr RHFT dual pawl
88 -- 4.09
45/90 --4. Craftsman RHFT dual pawl

 

[ChevyEFI]

The SK ratchet has been around longer than you for the reasons mentioned; it's durable, doesn't reverse, and just plain works.

Re: flex vs. roto,

I don't like flex handles. The fulcrum point is somewhere in the middle of the ratcheting head and the end of the handle and it feels goofy.

A roto is a continuous link to the ratchet head. You simply have to be used to holding it where it needs to be. It affords you awesome angle options.

It boils down to what you're used to using. I'm used to a roto; others are used to a flex. I'm used to the bar direction selector; others are used to a lever. I don't want a lever, nor the added length of a pear, nor the goofy linkage feel of a flex handle.

 

[countryroad82]

At my day job I've been using the same 2 sets you mentioned every day for 11 years now. Only had to replace the ratchet in my 3/8 set because my ***** brother got into my service truck and used it along with a cheater bar to break lug nuts loose. What pi$$ed me off even more was the fact MY F$&KING IMPACT AND SOCKETS WERE RIGHT NEXT TO THEM!!!!! So yeah that ratchet died a horrible death, but other than that I have never had any problems with the ratchets being bulky. Now at my shop I love my Duel 80s, but that another story.

 

[sicnarf247]

Have both and
Sk works perfect.. snap f80 works perfect and the fine tooth just.. you gotta feel it bruh!

 

[AutoTeck84]

Idk I have the 10.9 in sk flex head and the gearwrench flex 120xp and the gearwrench seems to get more work done in tight spaces and fits better. The sk is really good but I'm super impressed with the 120. I had the f80 too and it was also great but I sold it and got 3 of the 120xps. Not real sad about it either.

 

[OctoMan]

I love the SK ratchets! The knurled handle means they won't slip like most of the newer pear shaped handled ones. It offers a great grip from any angle and they're tough. The switch is fine I've never had a problem with it. I'm just not a fan of some of the newer designs. I do like the fine teeth though. A fine tooth head in an older frame would be perfect! I do love the SK stuff. I just bought a set of 1/4 dr extensions because my Craftsman ones are poorly made. They don't fit the ratchets and the retainer balls so don't stay or make it impossible to use. $50 later problem solved. Only thing is now I want all SK stuff !

 

[Westly]

Agreed, they have the best round head ratchet design,

Not sure I'd call it the best design if the new are the same as the old. When I took my old one apart there's spring loaded small plastic plunger that has got to be the weak link. Plus I was warned to take it apart inside a plastic bag because springs will shoot everywhere.

My favorite round head (3/8) is a Husky 22202, because its decent quality overall and it has a thumb wheel.

I prefer pear heads though because I don't have to test the direction it's set to every time I pick it up, just look at the lever.

 

[AutoTeck84]

I dont care really that much about the ratchets in the sets I just meant them as an example. The round head SK are good ratchets. I have used ones of my grampa's that where probably 40 years old and still work great. Thats the good thing about them. If I hated them I would say. Like when in Tech School about 6 years ago I bout a Cman set and hated their ratchets after only really using old round heads. Well with exception to the 1/2 in, its the ratchet that you can put a 2 ft long breaker bar on it and not worry. But the 3/8 and 1/4 was **** in my mind. Thats not to say that some people might think they are great but thats how opinions go I guess. Im probably younger than most on here and when I see a round head ratchet I see old school, less value, and so on. When you look on ebay and see what going for 150.00 its not round heads. They definately have their place I would just like to see something new and cool. Maybe have an X-frame ratchet with comfort grip to match the new ratchet wrenches. Just throwing that out there

 

[SCscoutguy]

i personally feel it's a shame they completely abandoned the Tuff-1 series...

72 tooth
direction could be switched one handed very easily

3/8" was significantly slimmer with far less back drag
1/2" was a tad slimmer with less back drag

1/4" didn't quite hold up well against the regular model... fatter, stiffer, only thing it had going was the switch

Every Tuff 1 ratchet I had ended up falling apart. It is a poor design having the screw in the middle of the selector. Even if I used loctite on them they would eventually work their way out and it was a huge pain the in the ***.