Sk recommendations

[Fluelikesymptoms]

I was browsing SK's catalog in the spirit of 4th of July sales and figured it would be an appropriate time to start a thread on th best of offerings from SK.

I have no experience with SK and thought I would take advantage and get an extensive "sample pack" of all the little things that will nickle and dime me to death as an introduction to their tools. Initially I was looking at getting a couple magnetic pick up tools, lady slippers, punch/chisel set, extra extra long screwdrivers etc.

I then ran across their turbo sockets which seem to be well recieved. Are these turbo sockets better then the Irwin ones I have to replace? I'm sure their considered consumables but are they still "lifelong tough" or semi life long anyways. I'm growing interested in the turbo sockets and chisel/punches as I seem to be replacing those alot and still haven't found a set I prefer.

Any must haves from SK, or is there anything sk does better than other manufacturers that they are known for? I know alot of people like the thumbwheel ratchets but they dont seem to be a fit for me, I've managed this far and I just dont see myself using them, I'd personally rather spend on other things.

So tell me, turbo sockets? Chisel punches? Any recommendations for SK noobs?

 

[gatlibs]

For the 4th and Harry Epstein's I just looked into the turbo sockets myself. I declined this time because my twist sockets from Craftsman are still serving me. Since both are made in U.S.A. I wonder whether they were made by the same company. I'm eager to read your responses on that.
As for what SK does best in the tool business, easily that is ratcheting wrenches. I have many of their impact sockets and other tools. SK and Western Forge are sister companies. Some of Sak's tools are thus the same as other rebranded tools put out by WF and others. Some are in house, only. All are domestically produced.

 

[dpeticca]

I have SK raychets, sockets, screwdrivers and pry bars among others. The ratcheting wrenches are a delight to use however. Would highly recommend them!

 

[drtyler]

The standard round head ratchets are quite nice, as is the LP90 ratchet in 3/8 drive.

 

[bimmer630]

https://express.google.com/u/0/prod...jWuL00zBvR-iQnxDgwfP-N42PD-q6YkQaAuqgEALw_wcB


As far as I know, they are the only ones that make a plastic trim tool remover like this. I have one and use it all of the time

 

[R_einan]

I really love the lp90 in 3/8, and would like to buy additional sizes, but I don’t want the standard length in 1/4 and they haven’t put out a long handle 1/4 or flex 1/4 yet. I also really like their screwdrivers and torx screwdrivers, the handles feel great to me and the tips are good, holding up well for me anyway.

 

[TXpintail]

Was planning to pick up a torx screwdriver set and scraper set.

I don’t have a lot of SK, but I do recommend what I have including the x-frame ratcheting wrenches, green wrench racks and a full 1/4 to 3/4 drive adapter set. Great stuff.

 

[PiperCub49]

I really love the lp90 in 3/8, and would like to buy additional sizes, but I don’t want the standard length in 1/4 and they haven’t put out a long handle 1/4 or flex 1/4 yet. I also really like their screwdrivers and torx screwdrivers, the handles feel great to me and the tips are good, holding up well for me anyway.

Which handles? Tri-lobe soft grip or square hard grip?

 

[u118224]

From my experience I would recommend the chrome and impact sockets and the swivel impacts.

 

[blackwire]

Their breaker bars are not good. I witnessed a co-worker break two 3/8 breaker bars when trying to release tension off a belt tensioner. The anvils shattered. I think they were older pre-Ideal versions. He was not abusing them or using them with a pipe or anything like that.

 

[uncwstudent]

I've used their ratchets, sockets, wrenches, and breaker bars and I can say that they are well built and some of my favorite tools! I've used their screwdrivers (the Craftsman Professional variants) and really liked those as well but SK is pretty well known for their mainline ratchets, sockets, and wrenches. My dream would be to have the X-Frames one day but I'm a DIY'er so that will probably never happen.

 

[R_einan]

Which handles? Tri-lobe soft grip or square hard grip?

The square hard handles, I’m not a fan of soft grip handles.

 

[BigBoreFan]

I like the combination wrenches and the Craftsman Pro style screwdrivers.

 

[JRas]

I have their ratchet wrenches (x-frame), they're nice.

I would like more variants though, short/stubby, and bigger than 19mm.

Bought by Ideal Industries, and committed to a US made only company. Cough Tekton *****

 

[Mgdoug3]

I'm patiently waiting for the release of the flex head LP90's. I highly recommend the DT80 or DT100 mechanisms for the round heads. I wouldn't bother with the DT120 (1/4" drive) since 60 teeth is plenty. I also use a 45173 ratchet often. It's the 3/8 in 1/4 body. I'll break a bolt loose and then switch to it. The 45171 is the 6.5" version instead of 4.5 but it's not near as handy.

 

[gatlibs]

https://express.google.com/u/0/prod...jWuL00zBvR-iQnxDgwfP-N42PD-q6YkQaAuqgEALw_wcB


As far as I know, they are the only ones that make a plastic trim tool remover like this. I have one and use it all of the time

I can't recommend them, but am planning to purchase them on July 4th.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Glad to see responses, still hoping to hear more about turbo sockets. Are they rebrands of the original turbosockets? Are they a 4 or 5 use and then replace consumable?

I'm not expecting magic I understand any extractor is going to wear.

Still undecided on what I'll be getting

 

[Skin]

SK doesn't make the Turbosockets, they're made by someone else (HudsonBearing I think). I have the complete 1/4" drive set under the Blue-Point brand and honestly they're worth their weight in gold. One of the very few tools I've bought off the truck for the warranty and I've only replaced maybe 5 sockets over the years.

 

[LB-1911]

Glad to see responses, still hoping to hear more about turbo sockets. Are they rebrands of the original turbosockets? Are they a 4 or 5 use and then replace consumable?

I'm not expecting magic I understand any extractor is going to wear.

Still undecided on what I'll be getting

Maybe Buckgnarly will stop with more recent user input.

08-18-2015,

Sent back a 13mm turbo socket that had flutes worn out, got a new one today from SK. Second time I have had a great experience from SK and glad to know the turbo are warrantied!

 

[tonyciambrone]

Cough Tekton *****

Tekton sells a lot of rebranded Wilde tools. don't be like that man. Wilde is good USA made stuff

 

[vssjim]

Their breaker bars are not good. I witnessed a co-worker break two 3/8 breaker bars when trying to release tension off a belt tensioner. The anvils shattered. I think they were older pre-Ideal versions. He was not abusing them or using them with a pipe or anything like that.

That is odd I have three generations of 3/8 and 1/2. The old 1/2 with rubber grip and newer 36 with no trouble and the even the newer real long one that use on alot of drain plugs on trans and diff plugs which are fairly tight and they work great.

 

[ddc9999]

One thing I just noticed is even after the 30% off, all these SK tools are cheaper on Amazon than the SK website. And I’m comparing it to the SK tools sold under the official SK Hand Tool amazon account. For example:

SK Bit Set Amazon $309.48
SK 89039 Superset 33 Piece 1/4-Inch and 3/8-Inch Drive Screwdriver Bit Set Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYC8Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Same set after 30% off $462.30*0.70=$323.61
https://sktools.com/shop/89039-33-piece-1-4-and-3-8-drive-bit-socket-set.html

Noticed the same for the locking extensions. Biggest difference was the Body Clip and Rivet Removal Set.


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[Tallpilot]

One thing I just noticed is even after the 30% off, all these SK tools are cheaper on Amazon than the SK website. And I’m comparing it to the SK tools sold under the official SK Hand Tool amazon account. For example:

SK Bit Set Amazon $309.48
SK 89039 Superset 33 Piece 1/4-Inch and 3/8-Inch Drive Screwdriver Bit Set Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYC8Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Same set after 30% off $462.30*0.70=$323.61
https://sktools.com/shop/89039-33-piece-1-4-and-3-8-drive-bit-socket-set.html

Noticed the same for the locking extensions. Biggest difference was the Body Clip and Rivet Removal Set.


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That was my calculation last time they had a 30% off sale. Sales from inflated prices are irritating. That's one reason I went with Williams from Toolsdelivered.com. I don't need to wait for the right lunar phase and planet alignment; I can just get good USA made tools any day I want.

 

[kb1982]

Another great place for SK tools via internet is Circle C Supply.

Sent from my LML713DL using Tapatalk

 

[R_einan]

Epstein’s has the best prices on SK, that I’ve found anyway. Plus they are a small American owned business, I can feel good about supporting that.

 

[Dieselhammer]

Their 1/2" ratchets in regular, long, and flex head are absolutely perfect in feel and function, also think their 1/4 short/long/and flex are great. I have alot of their 3/8" ratchets and they are great but not quite best in class (still would recommend a 3870 roto if you can find one). Hmm, their socket sets in green blow molded cases are a bargain for what they contain, their impact sockets are also good. Punches are western forge made but still great, identical to the old USA craftsman ones that i loved. I've yet to try their turbo sockets but theyre next on my list.

 

[Fly YX]

Another great place for SK tools via internet is Circle C Supply.

Sent from my LML713DL using Tapatalk

Circle C is pretty much my go-to for SK.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

One thing I just noticed is even after the 30% off, all these SK tools are cheaper on Amazon than the SK website. And I’m comparing it to the SK tools sold under the official SK Hand Tool amazon account. For example:

SK Bit Set Amazon $309.48
SK 89039 Superset 33 Piece 1/4-Inch and 3/8-Inch Drive Screwdriver Bit Set Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYC8Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Same set after 30% off $462.30*0.70=$323.61
https://sktools.com/shop/89039-33-piece-1-4-and-3-8-drive-bit-socket-set.html

Noticed the same for the locking extensions. Biggest difference was the Body Clip and Rivet Removal Set.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

I didnt even check pricing until you mentioned and it looks like your correct a couple things wre a tad cheaper (by a few bucks) with 30% off but then add shipping and it's not.

The purpose of me creating this thread was because I've never used there tools besides a a couple sockets of my cousins once or twice. Not knowing how their warranty claims, customer service, and overall quality in tools it makes it a tad questionable on SK as a new customer to see their pricing gouging between direct or 3rd party purchases.

I'm not talking bad just bringing that up, I didnt however see an official sk tools account on Amazon.

That brings up another question, will SK honor lifetime warranty on their hand tools purchased from Amazon or not, and authenticity. That would still make purchasing sk direct worth it

 

[gnxtc2]

Circle C is pretty much my go-to for SK.

Better than ToolTopia?

Billy T.
[email protected]

 

[ddc9999]

I didnt even check pricing until you mentioned and it looks like your correct a couple things wre a tad cheaper (by a few bucks) with 30% off but then add shipping and it's not.

The purpose of me creating this thread was because I've never used there tools besides a a couple sockets of my cousins once or twice. Not knowing how their warranty claims, customer service, and overall quality in tools it makes it a tad questionable on SK as a new customer to see their pricing gouging between direct or 3rd party purchases.

I'm not talking bad just bringing that up, I didnt however see an official sk tools account on Amazon.

That brings up another question, will SK honor lifetime warranty on their hand tools purchased from Amazon or not, and authenticity. That would still make purchasing sk direct worth it

Yea I’m not knocking SK either. I heard good things and was in need of new bit sockets, locking extensions for a spark plug job, and possible splurge for their trim clip tool. Subscribed to this thread to see what else is out there. I just wanted people to know they could still get the same stuff cheaper through SK just via amazon instead of he SK site. Maybe if you have a SK annual membership the site works out cheaper, I don’t know. But as a non professional mechanic that’s not an option for me.

Other people posted other links to companies that sell SK cheap. I’ll be looking into those.

Lastly, I’d have to assume you still get the SK warranty even if you bought through amazon but you know what they say about assuming. If anyone knows for sure I’d love to know.


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[Fly YX]

The only thing I've ever warrantied on SK was for my dad it was old 3/8 ratchet from the 60 or 70s. They sent me a rebuild kit and when I ended up taking it apart I really didn't need the rebuild kit after all. SK never asked me where I bought it. I did join the SK club it's about 50 bucks a year you get free shipping a discount on tools they'll send your freebies every once in awhile like t-shirts and hats and stickers. And you get to pick a socket every month for free. If you're going to school they also have a school discount program.

 

[Simplytodd]

I love their long pattern wrenches and the sockets. I have the hard handle acetate screwdrivers and honestly save your money and buy Wiha. Hands down the best screwdrivers I have owned. I don’t own sk’s chisel and punch set but I do have Mayhew and love them. Cheaper than sk’s and well regarded. Same can be said for the Mayhew pry-bar set.

As for the warranty. I personally have not had to warranty anything but it has been brought up multiple times on here that the SK warranty is hassle free. Make a phone call, send it in, get a new tool.

SK’s pricing is a putt off. I never buy anything from their website unless it is on sale. Even at 30% their prices can be beat elsewhere online. The only thing that makes them competitive when they are on sale for me is that I am a member of the socket of the month club. With each dollar spent I accumulate a point that can be redeemed towards a future tool purchase. When taking that in to account they end up being competitive when on sale.

 

[ddc9999]

I love their long pattern wrenches and the sockets. I have the hard handle acetate screwdrivers and honestly save your money and buy Wiha. Hands down the best screwdrivers I have owned. I don’t own sk’s chisel and punch set but I do have Mayhew and love them. Cheaper than sk’s and well regarded. Same can be said for the Mayhew pry-bar set.



As for the warranty. I personally have not had to warranty anything but it has been brought up multiple times on here that the SK warranty is hassle free. Make a phone call, send it in, get a new tool.



SK’s pricing is a putt off. I never buy anything from their website unless it is on sale. Even at 30% their prices can be beat elsewhere online. The only thing that makes them competitive when they are on sale for me is that I am a member of the socket of the month club. With each dollar spent I accumulate a point that can be redeemed towards a future tool purchase. When taking that in to account they end up being competitive when on sale.

Ever try their bit sockets? I had my eye on the SAE and Metric Hex Set with Torx plus your regular Philips and slotted bits. It’s very pricey though. I use the Wera chisel screwdrivers and Wera Hex Keys that I love and I have Wiha Terminator impact bits for a comparison to what I’m used to. Before that I would just strip tough screws with a beat up dewalt bit set.


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[2ndGearRubber]

I have some extra long metric hex sockets. They're S2 steel, and have worked well for me.

 

[gatlibs]

The little bits socket sets are just like Craftsman's. The price of SK tools bought from SK is intentionally high. If you could buy it direct from SK for the same price as a third party, then SK wouldn't have a large network of third party distributor's. It'd be like buying Snap-On and eating ridiculously huge margins. It is along the same reason why Cornwell doesn't sell direct at all.

 

[Craftfab]

The X frame sets on SK website are oddly less after discount than through amazon right now. Was surprised to see. Just under $300 for both shipped

 

[Simplytodd]

Ever try their bit sockets? I had my eye on the SAE and Metric Hex Set with Torx plus your regular Philips and slotted bits. It’s very pricey though. I use the Wera chisel screwdrivers and Wera Hex Keys that I love and I have Wiha Terminator impact bits for a comparison to what I’m used to. Before that I would just strip tough screws with a beat up dewalt bit set.

I have the long the long fractional ball end in the big sockets and the short torx bit sockets. The only complaint was the long fractional about half of the bits were marked with the size on the shaft and half weren’t. Almost like the set was put together from two different manufacturing times or two different manufacturers. Not a big deal after all they are marked on the socket just being picky. They have held up well though and seem like good quality thus far. Better than the USA craftsman that I had that the damn bit would fall out of the sockets. Still looking for my 6mm in the mustang engine bay for two years.

 

[Fly YX]

Better than ToolTopia?

Billy T.
[email protected]

I only searched 1 part number SK 4147 with prices from HJE $391 Tooltopia$504 and Circle $367. I've used all three vendors but like I said before most my SK stuff comes from Circle C. Just placed a personal order from HJE. Going to place another one for work on Friday.

 

[victor252]

I recommend the 3/8 ratchet in the 1/4 body. It's got a smooth action and a 4.5 inch handle. Very handy.

https://www.circlecsupply.com/sk-3-...MI84eF5_Gb4wIVC4rICh1keQXsEAQYASABEgJ1x_D_BwE

 

[BigBoreFan]

I have bought SK form both Circle C and HJE, and Amazon. No issues with either vendor.

I did warranty two sockets from a 3/8 set purchased from Circle C. The detents were very shallow. No issues at all with warranty process.