SK, Snap On and Williams Socket Review

[morgaj1]

I have been saving to replace my Gearwrench chrome sockets with quality, USA made sockets. Not ever having USA made sockets, I intentionally ordered a sets of different brands so that I could see what I like. Here is my review:

1. Snap On 1/4 and 3/8 metric 6pt shallow sets - I found both sets on ebay for a really good price. I am very impressed with the machining on the sockets. The edges are nicely finished and the chrome is even and thick. The imprinting on the socket is nice and clear. There is a good heft/density to the sockets and they have a quality feel.

2. Williams USA 3/8 SAE 6pt shallow set - These are identical to the Snap On set as far as I can tell. They are really nice and were a great price from toolsdelivered.com.

3. SK 1/4 SAE 6pt shallow set - I was very disappointed in the quality of these. So much so, that I just boxed them up to return. The biggest issue is that the broaching on 3 of the sockets was off center. There were some rough edges on other sockets that clearly should have been machined off. If I was keeping the set, I would file these rough spots. There were the usual SK finish issues, but honestly, those don't bother me. I have some old SK Wayne ratchets that are great. It is really sad that the quality has fallen this far. I definitely won't be buying anymore new SK tools.

4. Gearwrench - there is nothing in the world wrong with the Gearwrench socket sets that I've replaced. I just wanted to get nice US-made sets of my most commonly used sockets. I will still be keeping my semi-deep and deep GW sets.

IMHO, the Williams USA sockets are far and away the best value. For not much more money than GW, you get quality, well-made US tools.

 

[bobcatdan]

In regards to the SK, do you know if it was new SK made under Ideal's ownership or NOS from the old SK. In their dying days, SK really slipped a lot and quality was all over the board. Personally I haven't bought any new Ideal owned SK as my needs have not dictated so, buy from what I read, the new stuff is great.

 

[bob15]

Have SK socket pictures?

 

[DBendr]

OOOOOoboy. Here we go

 

[morgaj1]

In regards to the SK, do you know if it was new SK made under Ideal's ownership or NOS from the old SK. In their dying days, SK really slipped a lot and quality was all over the board. Personally I haven't bought any new Ideal owned SK as my needs have not dictated so, buy from what I read, the new stuff is great.

I bought the SK set from Amazon. Given how quickly they turn inventory, I would imagine that these are Ideal SK. How do I tell?

 

[morgaj1]

Have SK socket pictures?

I didn't think about taking a picture before I boxed them up.

 

[SMKS]

This thread needs pictures.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Was the Amazon seller an actual SK dealer? There was a lot suspect SK that put out in the few years before Ideal stepped in and turned them around. It may have been bought via an auction of NOS sets that some warehouse surplus broker moved. There were a few guys selling 2nds for a few years and they never advised they were not 100%. They should never of left the SK factory, but you wouldn't expect the same management that screwed the company up to really give a damn about reputation / quality, it was almost like they knew they would not have honor the warranty. Ideal has been a role model of American manufacturing, in my opinion they are due all the respect in the world for resurrecting an American tool icon. Matter of fact I'm going to go buy some more SK.

TheGrooveking

 

[ChevyEFI]

I bought the SK set from Amazon. Given how quickly they turn inventory, I would imagine that these are Ideal SK. How do I tell?

Too late to post pics.

Two things: SK has part numbers they use for long times. And anyone can sign up to sell on Amazon.

As long as the PN matches, they could sell it as "new." So no, it's not a given.

Although you can't now post pictures, you could look and provide enough information to answer this:

Was the Amazon seller an actual SK dealer?

 

[PJNJ]

This thread needs pictures.

 

[53chevy5]

looking for some 3/8 deep metric sockets and you got me all excited about these. I went to amazon and saw there was some neg reviews and i thought what would they complain about. Turns out the ones they received were made in Taiwan and not the USA. ???

 

[sk farmer]

so many threads like this could be so great with supporting documentation but end with i didn't think or i forgot.

 

[yowzer]

Blackhawk is also worth looking into for reasonably priced good quality US made sockets.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

 

[morgaj1]

Was the Amazon seller an actual SK dealer?
TheGrooveking

These came from Amazon, not a 3rd party seller.

 

[morgaj1]

so many threads like this could be so great with supporting documentation but end with i didn't think or i forgot.

Your comment struck me odd. The intent of my review is to provide my opinion of 4 different manufacturers, not build a case against one or the other. Nor is my intent to bash SK.

 

[GettinJunkDone]

I came to this thread hoping to see an honest review and comparison of the three brands mentioned in the title. I've been looking to do the same lately, as the OP, replacing my sockets with a single matching brand and SK is/was my first choice. American made and the SK wrenches that I have are EXCELLENT.

This thread is kind of disappointing in the aspect that there isn't really much backing up what was claimed about SK and it turned into another thread stating that Snap-on/Williams make the best tools. I'm not saying that is wrong, I'm just saying that I kind of don't see the point of this thread. Maybe I'm just confused.

I guess for me to take something away from this thread, pictures would've been necessary showing exactly what the OP is saying. Otherwise I would've read all the other Snap-On Rocks threads. We all know they do.

Now I'm left exactly where I was before.

 

[morgaj1]

I came to this thread hoping to see an honest review and comparison of the three brands mentioned in the title. I've been looking to do the same lately, as the OP, replacing my sockets with a single matching brand and SK is/was my first choice. American made and the SK wrenches that I have are EXCELLENT.

This thread is kind of disappointing in the aspect that there isn't really much backing up what was claimed about SK and it turned into another thread stating that Snap-on/Williams make the best tools. I'm not saying that is wrong, I'm just saying that I kind of don't see the point of this thread. Maybe I'm just confused.

I guess for me to take something away from this thread, pictures would've been necessary showing exactly what the OP is saying. Otherwise I would've read all the other Snap-On Rocks threads. We all know they do.

Now I'm left exactly where I was before.

I don't understand what is disappointing about my review. I called it exactly like I see it. I am not a fan boy of any brand of tool. My toolbox is full of all different brand. If any brand predominates, it would be GW or Craftsman. It sounds like you wouldn't be happy unless SK was my favorite. Aside from proving that the broaching was off center and the finish wasn't even, what exactly would pictures add to this discussion? I wrote this review to give my OPINION and that's exactly what it is.

 

[Fedwrench]

Another review

Why the fuss over pictures? Because a picture is worth a 1000 words

Seriously though, Each brand mentioned has pluses or minuses that can be best conveyed through photos. For instance, let's take size markings. You claim that Williams and Snap on sockets are identical but, you omit the fact that Williams' size markings are probably half the size of snap on's.

Pictures would show the finishing differences between the brands you mentioned and possibly clarify why you returned the SK. Besides the things you didn't like about the SK might not be an issue with some people.

Another difference is in warranty service. Now I'm not a warranty shopper as I feel a lifetime warranty gives you a lifetime of failed tools but, some people care deeply about easy warranty service.

In the end, I feel there are just too many "reviews" lately but, that's just me. I'm not disappointed by your review but, feel it is incomplete without pictures to justify your observations

 

[GettinJunkDone]

I don't understand what is disappointing about my review. I called it exactly like I see it. I am not a fan boy of any brand of tool. My toolbox is full of all different brand. If any brand predominates, it would be GW or Craftsman. It sounds like you wouldn't be happy unless SK was my favorite. Aside from proving that the broaching was off center and the finish wasn't even, what exactly would pictures add to this discussion? I wrote this review to give my OPINION and that's exactly what it is.

I'm not trying to be confrontational in anyway.

Im not a fanboy of any brand either. I predominatly own craftsman & gearwrench with some sk, snap-on, proto, williams, and others mixed in, with sockets from all of them, so I know what you mean. Also, I am in no way saying that you are lying. I have no reason to not believe you.

I guess what I was trying to say that i'm surprise by the review. SK is supposed to be one of the better brands.

 

[Stooge]

There were the usual SK finish issues, but honestly, those don't bother me. I have some old SK Wayne ratchets that are great. It is really sad that the quality has fallen this far. I definitely won't be buying anymore new SK tools.

Huh? what are the usual SK finish issues? i have quite a bit of new and old SK sockets and i have never noticed any finish issues, ( im absolutely not going to acknowledge the some painted, some not painted inside non-issue). With the exception of sometimes seeing a hardness tester dimple, a mark you can find on any brand of sockets, they have all been immaculate out of the box. As with anything, if you look for a problem with something, you can usually find it. Cosmetic,micro-flaws are a back burner issue, the emphasis should be on how they perform, clearance to fastener, to ratchet shank, etc. i will give you the off center broaching as a defect, but i've honestly never looked that closely at any socket i've ever used to notice how common this is amongst manufacturers.
this seems like less of a review and more of a post for the sake of posting and to sound nice or something.

IMHO, the Williams USA sockets are far and away the best value. For not much more money than GW, you get quality, well-made US tools.

Agreed, US Williams are a great deal.

 

[GettinJunkDone]

Another review

Why the fuss over pictures? Because a picture is worth a 1000 words

Seriously though, Each brand mentioned has pluses or minuses that can be best conveyed through photos. For instance, let's take size markings. You claim that Williams and Snap on sockets are identical but, you omit the fact that Williams' size markings are probably half the size of snap on's.

Pictures would show the finishing differences between the brands you mentioned and possibly clarify why you returned the SK. Besides the things you didn't like about the SK might not be an issue with some people.

Another difference is in warranty service. Now I'm not a warranty shopper as I feel a lifetime warranty gives you a lifetime of failed tools but, some people care deeply about easy warranty service.

In the end, I feel there are just too many "reviews" lately but, that's just me. I'm not disappointed by your review but, feel it is incomplete without pictures to justify your observations

Well said, I agree with everything here. I am not in any way attacking or diminishing the review, it just would've been more complete with pictures showing the defects. I appreciate the input of the OP, but wish there was more.

 

[morgaj1]

Another review

Why the fuss over pictures? Because a picture is worth a 1000 words

Seriously though, Each brand mentioned has pluses or minuses that can be best conveyed through photos. For instance, let's take size markings. You claim that Williams and Snap on sockets are identical but, you omit the fact that Williams' size markings are probably half the size of snap on's.

Pictures would show the finishing differences between the brands you mentioned and possibly clarify why you returned the SK. Besides the things you didn't like about the SK might not be an issue with some people.

Another difference is in warranty service. Now I'm not a warranty shopper as I feel a lifetime warranty gives you a lifetime of failed tools but, some people care deeply about easy warranty service.

In the end, I feel there are just too many "reviews" lately but, that's just me. I'm not disappointed by your review but, feel it is incomplete without pictures to justify your observations

I hear ya' Fedwrench. I'm new to this forum and sometimes it baffles me. It seems that people here label a post as fanboy without actually reading what was posted. In my estimation, a review is exactly that. While I see your point about pictures adding to the experience, some of us just don't have time or energy to go to that level of detail. Yeah, I could cut open the box and take pictures of the SK issues, but I'm not going to do that.

 

[Deej]

The only issue I've personally seen with sk sockets is that the shallow sockets are taller than snap on shallow sockets.

 

[TXBDan]

Thanks for the review. Not all/many of us get to put hands on all the brands often mentioned here so its very helpful i think.

 

[kissmeimgerman]

do you have the link to what you bought on amazon?

 

[morgaj1]

do you have the link to what you bought on amazon?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCGI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jhnlngn]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCGI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That links to a sale by Louisville Tool Liquidators. Did you buy from Louisville Tool Liquidators (through Amazon) or from Amazon? Just curious because I've been thinking of picking up a set.

 

[morgaj1]

That links to a sale by Louisville Tool Liquidators. Did you buy from Louisville Tool Liquidators (through Amazon) or from Amazon? Just curious because I've been thinking of picking up a set.

I ordered from Amazon, not one of the 3rd party sellers.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I ordered from Amazon, not one of the 3rd party sellers.

I would still question that Your Amazon Jungle Safari didn't yield a discounted closeout set from a falling down, old condemned warehouse..

On SK items; I would verify that they are current Ideal stock before ordering.

It is sad that consumers are left with the task of sorting the good from the bad on Sk items, but that is the way it is.

Thank You for a Thread that brings this to the attention of other potential buyers, as it will hopefully save someone else some grief.

 

[sk farmer]

I hear ya' Fedwrench. I'm new to this forum and sometimes it baffles me. It seems that people here label a post as fanboy without actually reading what was posted. In my estimation, a review is exactly that. While I see your point about pictures adding to the experience, some of us just don't have time or energy to go to that level of detail. Yeah, I could cut open the box and take pictures of the SK issues, but I'm not going to do that.

i am not going to label you a fanboy. i have no reason to think you are. i would just like to point out that in your own words you don't have time or energy to go into detail with even one picture but yet you have time to write, comment and reply to this thread. you then comment how you could but you won't. it's just hard to take threads like this serious with no backing info and contradicting statements.

 

[DBendr]

I would still question that Your Amazon Jungle Safari didn't yield a discounted closeout set from a falling down, old condemned warehouse..

On SK items; I would verify that they are current Ideal stock before ordering.

It is sad that consumers are left with the task of sorting the good from the bad on Sk items, but that is the way it is.

Thank You for a Thread that brings this to the attention of other potential buyers, as it will hopefully save someone else some grief.

Maybe New SK would have done better labeling their products with an ii or something in the number system of stampings ? It's no like ot hasnt been done before. SKii or something along those lines so connedsumers would know the era.

SiiK

 

[BDT/NWMN]

i am not going to label you a fanboy. i have no reason to think you are. i would just like to point out that in your own words you don't have time or energy to go into detail with even one picture but yet you have time to write, comment and reply to this thread. you then comment how you could but you won't. it's just hard to take threads like this serious with no backing info and contradicting statements.

Yes, pictures are useful in these threads. I agree that including plenty of them is a good contribution to clarify the topic.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Maybe New SK would have done better labeling their products with an ii or something in the number system of stampings ? It's no like ot hasnt been done before. SKii or something along those lines so connedsumers would know the era.

SiiK

I totally agree

 

[SantaAna12]

Old stock my ***.

That dog don't hunt.

That dog is a dog.

Denial is a *****.....get over it.

 

[ChevyEFI]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCGI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

So you paid $ 34.** ?

 

[WNYflyer]

FWIW,

Related company ? Perhaps Louisville is their Amazon name ?

https://www.southerntoolsupply.com/

 

[Yv.]

I agree with you OP williams USA sockets are really nice for the money.

 

[SK Eric]

Maybe New SK would have done better labeling their products with an ii or something in the number system of stampings ? It's no like ot hasnt been done before. SKii or something along those lines so connedsumers would know the era.

SiiK

This actually is a brilliant idea. It may be getting late in the game, with pre-IDEAL stock filtering its way out of the market, but we should have done this from the start. If there's enough still out there that it may be worth looking at the part number changes. I'll be at the plant on Thursday and look into it.

edit: oh, and we do warranty pre IDEAL stuff.

 

[winlinmac]

But, what about Toptul sockets? Just sayin'

I must say the deal on the SK 4910 (Amazon) is really enticing. Its on sale here as well,
http://www.auto-repair-manuals.com/...ket-Set.html?gclid=CPnHv9rc_MoCFYdbhgodc8oA_Q

 

[ihateminimumwage]

This actually is a brilliant idea. It may be getting late in the game, with pre-IDEAL stock filtering its way out of the market, but we should have done this from the start. If there's enough still out there that it may be worth looking at the part number changes. I'll be at the plant on Thursday and look into it.

edit: oh, and we do warranty pre IDEAL stuff.

It would probably work wonders to even add something simple like a dash or dot stamped into tools following the number to differentiate current production from older production. Prevents having to change existing part numbers, and reduce the downtime modifying what's going on in production that a drastic change could cause.