SK Screwdrivers

[VH5150]

Who uses SK screwdrivers? Does SK make them or are they Western Forges or some other rebrand?

Just curious. I like supporting SK and I like them green handles too, so i'll probably go ahead and order a couple sets. But I was just curious to hear some some thoughts on them from some of you out there that are using them.

FYI it doesn't bother me if they're rebrands... so many things out there seem to be that Big brand name companies used.. Examples that I'm aware of... prybars, pliers, punches, and chisels that Wilde rebrands for so many companies, plus Western Forge screwdrivers. I know Wilde does this for most of the Tekton USA made tools.

Anyways... your thoughts on SK screwdrivers please …

 

[Fedwrench]

I prefer the old French made SK green handled screwdrivers over the current versions. The handles on the current versions are large & bulky to me. It was as if they slapped pry bar handles on screwdriver blades. The tapered handle is gone. Your results may vary.
I'm not sure if western forge still makes SK screwdrivers or not. SK was expanding their factory to bring all production in house in Illinois.

 

[cmandp]

I have the 6 piece cushion grip set. They are just rebranded WF screwdrivers like the Craftsman cusion grip ones.

They are good screwdrivers. I was a bit disappointed at the machining but they fit screws well and have held up very well.

 

[Y00PER]

Less of a "re-brand", in that the parent company of SK (Ideal Industries) also owns Western Forge and Pratt-Read.

 

[R_einan]

I am using SK green hard handles, and I am happy with them. The hand reminds me a little of the old style Mac hard handles which are a little larger than most. I have pretty large hands and the fit me well though. I ordered them in separate sets last Epstein’s day (86320, 86321, and 86325) and have 14 drivers plus the 7 pc torx set. Plan on ordering the heavy duty set (86322) this Epstein’s day and flesh out the larger sizes. I think the blades mar be Pratt&Reed sourced, but don’t quote me on that. The chrome is nice and uniform and the tips are vapor blasted. The handles are slicker plastic than some others out there, but I’m good with that, they turn easily in the hand. For the price and value I’m very happy with them.

 

[BigBoreFan]

I use the cushion grip, green handles. They are the same as the older Craftsman Pro line. They work for me.

 

[KSB]

I’ve got the full set of SK Sure grips. I got them a few years back during an Epstein’s sale.

I like them. As already mentioned the handles on some sizes seem a little large and some getting used to.

I like the hex bolster on the shafts and overall I have been happy. I would recommend.




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[jshailor1871]

I love my SK screwdrivers, they are always the first screwdriver I grab when I need one. If you buy them you will not be disappointed.


John

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[Dagny]

I like the hard handles in the smaller sizes and the very comfortable soft grips on the larger ones.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have a set of the green "pry bar handled" ones; that handle is one of the reasons I like them. My Williams screwdrivers are a better phillips design, but the SKs work decently. The mini-pry bars (flathead) are the same as any others I've used.

 

[pdxgearhead]

I prefer the old French made SK green handled screwdrivers over the current versions. The handles on the current versions are large & bulky to me. It was as if they slapped pry bar handles on screwdriver blades. The tapered handle is gone. Your results may vary.
I'm not sure if western forge still makes SK screwdrivers or not. SK was expanding their factory to bring all production in house in Illinois.

^
What he said. I love my mid 1990s SK hard handles. I warrantied one last year and got the "new" version, and I agree that the handle is way too big. It feels lighter and less dense as well. But what feels "good in the hand" is personal preference at the end of the day.

 

[R_einan]

^
What he said. I love my mid 1990s SK hard handles. I warrantied one last year and got the "new" version, and I agree that the handle is way too big. It feels lighter and less dense as well. But what feels "good in the hand" is personal preference at the end of the day.

Another reason I love my SK tools, 25 yrs later and not even made by the current company and they will still warranty a product with their brand. Can’t complain with those results. As a side note I warranties a couple snap on hard handle screwdrivers a while ago and they replaced them with the instinct handles, which I hate. They still did it, which I’m thankful for, but I don’t like the replacements...

 

[MANelson85]

Sk cushiongrips here, with an odd craftsman and armstrong mixed in.

 

[woody 73]

More information for you tonight:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=378792

 

[Fedwrench]

I wish SK would revive the older Craftsman Professional series series screwdrivers. The ones that had hard black handles with hex blade shafts. However, i think SK should make the handles Green.

 

[Indexmill]

Try the older French-made (Facom) SK green hard-handle SureGrip screwdrivers. As good as the SSD line of older Snap On hard-handles. The handles are very different than today's SureGrip handles.

Add France to your fleabay search or ask the seller in a Contact Seller message. They have "France" in very small raised letters on the handle; very small.

 

[belvedere]

I wish SK would revive the older Craftsman Professional series series screwdrivers. The ones that had hard black handles with hex blade shafts.

I bought a set of these 20 years ago for work, and they're still going strong. I repair medical equipment, so these get used daily, especially the #2 Phillips.

 

[bimmer630]

Try the older French-made (Facom) SK green hard-handle SureGrip screwdrivers. As good as the SSD line of older Snap On hard-handles. The handles are very different than today's SureGrip handles.

Add France to your fleabay search or ask the seller in a Contact Seller message. They have "France" in very small raised letters on the handle; very small.

I agree that the old French ones were a better fit in the hand, But buying NOS screwdrivers isnt really "supporting" SK, is it?

 

[thr3squared]

I have the 6-piece cushion grip set, and the green-handled stubby drivers. Haven't bent/damaged any so far (I've had craftsman drivers twist/strip). Very happy with my purchase