SK Socket Quality

[Wamsutta]

They be the real thing. You can tell by the internal rail.

 

[PJNJ]

They be the real thing. You can tell by the internal rail.

 

[Skin]

The larger sockets, especially the deep wells, have that shoulder created by the broaching process that physically blocks the bolt threads from passing through them when the nut is is on a stud or treaded further down on a bolt. It's common in aviation to see self locking nuts combined with longer than usual bolt threads as a safety feature. They will work fine, but I will have to machine the shoulder down first. I'm not super concerned about the finish, but the 1 inch deep well in the picture has very thin wall thicknesses that aren't an issue with any of the other larger sockets.

I do plan to call customer service, but I work nights and it will be in the middle of my sleep schedule, hence why I sent the email. However, I don't think it should be necessary to constantly pester them to get it done. I'm also less than thrilled to have to warranty so many sockets for legitimate functionality issues when I have never needed to warranty a brand new hand tool in two decades of profession wrenching.

That shoulder is intentional. Its actually rare to find a socket manufacturer that doesn't install it anymore.

Please post a picture where a stud is too big to fit through the hole left. That's fantasy land. Studs fit. The only legitimate complaint is stacked nuts.

 

[V22mech]

That shoulder is intentional. Its actually rare to find a socket manufacturer that doesn't install it anymore.

Please post a picture where a stud is too big to fit through the hole left. That's fantasy land. Studs fit. The only legitimate complaint is stacked nuts.

I'm sorry if I came off as combative, I actually agree with you on the first point. All of the sockets between 7/8 and 5/16 have perfectly formed shoulders and plenty of room for the bolt/stud, and I absolutely prefer this to the fully broached Snap-on sockets I use at my primary job. However, the 15/16 and 1 inch sockets have a shoulder that is formed by pressing excess material from the splines into the center of the socket, which is then bent out of the way to create a pass through for the bolt/stud. For some reason they chose not to machine the excess material out of the way.

I'll try and snag some old hardware for a demonstration, but in the meantime here picture is of two sockets from the same set:

On the right is the 7/8 deep and it is one of the most functional, well machined and perfectly finished sockets I have ever seen, this thing is seriously a masterpiece. You can see that the shoulder only just barely extends past the splines, leaving .879" of clearance for a bolt.

On the left is the 1" deep, which has the shoulders formed by pressing the excess material from the splines into the bore. There is only .744" inches of clearance for the bolt on this one, which is apparently just small enough to catch the threads of the bolts I was using. You can see where I cracked the shoulder trying to get it to fit. You can also see some rust that was hiding under that gray paint they coat these things in. This particular socket appears to have missed some finishing steps. The 15/16 looks much nicer, but has the same clearance issues.

 

[Wamsutta]

On the right is the 7/8 deep and it is one of the most functional, well machined and perfectly finished sockets I have ever seen, this thing is seriously a masterpiece.

Which brand is that one?

 

[V22mech]

Which brand is that one?

It is also SK and it was from the exact same set.

 

[Yarpo]

It is also SK and it was from the exact same set.

Wow, those two sockets are night and day difference, holy ****. You're right the one on the right is a masterpiece, and the left one an abomination

Have you heard back from SK yet?

 

[xin]

I recently purchased a few new sets of SK SAE 12-point sockets in various lengths and drives for an aviation maintenance tool box. All of the sockets 5/16 and below were extremely rough on the inside, so much so that they didn't fit properly on 12-point nuts. Is this a normal thing for new Sk sockets, or did I draw the short straw and end up with four separate sets of pre-Ideal stock? I sent an e-mail to SK asking about warranty, but only received a response that they would forward it to the quality department and nothing since.

The attached pictures are of the 3/8 Drive 1/4 socket. I wiped the gray corrosion preventative coating off from this socket, so I'm assuming the bits sticking up are either metal from the manufacturing process or flaking chrome.

So they will replace them correct? I am kinda surprise they are selling much in the SAE sizes today - like most everything is metric thankfully

 

[V22mech]

Wow, those two sockets are night and day difference, holy ****. You're right the one on the right is a masterpiece, and the left one an abomination

Have you heard back from SK yet?

Not yet, but it's the weekend. Does anyone have similar sized sockets to compare? Are they manufactured any differently?

 

[Spacey_G]

I don't have any 12 point SK sockets, but I looked at my 6 points and the only sizes with that extra bit of formed material are 1-1/16 and 1-1/8 shallows in 1/2 drive. It's not the prettiest socket, but there's enough clearance for 3/4" threaded rod to fit, which should be all that counts.

 

[bob15]

I'm sorry if I came off as combative, I actually agree with you on the first point. All of the sockets between 7/8 and 5/16 have perfectly formed shoulders and plenty of room for the bolt/stud, and I absolutely prefer this to the fully broached Snap-on sockets I use at my primary job. However, the 15/16 and 1 inch sockets have a shoulder that is formed by pressing excess material from the splines into the center of the socket, which is then bent out of the way to create a pass through for the bolt/stud. For some reason they chose not to machine the excess material out of the way.

I'll try and snag some old hardware for a demonstration, but in the meantime here picture is of two sockets from the same set:

On the right is the 7/8 deep and it is one of the most functional, well machined and perfectly finished sockets I have ever seen, this thing is seriously a masterpiece. You can see that the shoulder only just barely extends past the splines, leaving .879" of clearance for a bolt.

On the left is the 1" deep, which has the shoulders formed by pressing the excess material from the splines into the bore. There is only .744" inches of clearance for the bolt on this one, which is apparently just small enough to catch the threads of the bolts I was using. You can see where I cracked the shoulder trying to get it to fit. You can also see some rust that was hiding under that gray paint they coat these things in. This particular socket appears to have missed some finishing steps. The 15/16 looks much nicer, but has the same clearance issues.

I have sockets that look like both of what you pictured and never had an issue with them. I am lost on your issue with the broach on both of these sockets. Different designed broach or process, but nothing wrong with either one. All companies have different designs and depths to their broaching, there isn't a right or wrong depth or design.

Just curious.......do you ever plan on using these sockets? Ever plan on getting them greasy, scratched, dinged, dropped or even slightly abused? Or are you a tool polisher?

 

[DerekV]

I purchased some metric 1/4" and 3/8" standard/deep sets a few months back and SEVERAL of them were just plain embarrassing, and I'm far from a tool polisher. From the finish to the broaching being off center/incomplete, to the drive end not having any ball retention divots, to the "sure drive" (aka off corner grooves, or whatever SK calls it) grooves just not there...I was pretty damn disappointed. I cherry picked the real bad ones and gave SK a call for replacements. They were pleasant, and they ensured me that they'd make sure I got good QC'd replacements. A few weeks later I got them in the mail and whattaya know, half of these ones were just as bad. I was pissed, but mostly disappointed. I got these to replace my spotty USA CMan sets, welp, scrapped that idea. Contacted the retailer I bought them from and returned them for a refund. What a waste of time.

My Tekton trunk set is leagues better, I still find that hard to believe. OP, you're not the first person to receive junk sockets from SK. I honestly wouldn't waste my time with warrantying them. Return them and go for something like Proto, etc.

 

[thugline]

I took a closer look at some of my SK sockets and it seems as if SK struggles with the broaching on the smaller sizes. My 1/4, 6mm, 3/16, and 5mm all show chatter on the inside walls. I expected better from SK. My Gearwrench and Tekton sets are flawless in comparison.

 

[JR 42]

I have sockets that look like both of what you pictured and never had an issue with them. I am lost on your issue with the broach on both of these sockets. Different designed broach or process, but nothing wrong with either one. All companies have different designs and depths to their broaching, there isn't a right or wrong depth or design.

Just curious.......do you ever plan on using these sockets? Ever plan on getting them greasy, scratched, dinged, dropped or even slightly abused? Or are you a tool polisher?

Deepwell sockets that aren't bored out beyond the major diameters of their corresponding bolt sizes are frustrating to use at best, even for non- tool polishers - you can't reach the damn nut.

JR

 

[bonneyman]

I've seen/bought/used sockets with the broached area not perfectly chromed and shiny. It would be nice if they were given the price you'd pay for SK new, but if the broach itself is crisp then I wouldn't care about a satin or grainy look. Just me.

While I can't speak to the new SK's, the NOS Bonney's I've gotten experience these same inconsistencies. Some are nicely chromed on the inside, others not. Most are broached only in the working end, and not fully broached or relieved as other deep sockets I have. (I think it was due to a desire to keep the cost down). But if your usage has that non-relieved area catching the bolt I can agree that would be a pain.

 

[JBradley500]

Aren’t SKs painted inside for rust during potential warehouse storage or something? I feel like this was a discussion a few years ago.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Wow, those two sockets are night and day difference, holy ****. You're right the one on the right is a masterpiece, and the left one an abomination

One on the right is cold forged, one on the left is likely hot pressed and machined (hence the machining marks below the broach petals). SK machines the larger sizes since cold forging large sizes requires massive amounts of force.

Regardless of the broaching method, the hole in the middle should be big enough to fit a standard threaded rod of the corresponding size to that socket through it. If it's not, OP should make that clear to SK since they will need to widen it. Or maybe OP is using a non standard/larger than expected rod.

"sure drive" (aka off corner grooves, or whatever SK calls it) grooves just not there...

That part is just not possible. Sockets are broached in one go, the off corner engagement simply can't be missing unless the broach shatters during broaching, in which case the socket is ruined.

Other issues you mentioned are all possibilities though.

Aren’t SKs painted inside for rust during potential warehouse storage or something? I feel like this was a discussion a few years ago.

Yup. I'll repost this again (https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5413833&postcount=12).

 

[V22mech]

I have sockets that look like both of what you pictured and never had an issue with them. I am lost on your issue with the broach on both of these sockets. Different designed broach or process, but nothing wrong with either one. All companies have different designs and depths to their broaching, there isn't a right or wrong depth or design.

Just curious.......do you ever plan on using these sockets? Ever plan on getting them greasy, scratched, dinged, dropped or even slightly abused? Or are you a tool polisher?

I retire from the military in a few years and I am building up my tool collection for my next job. I'm starting to build my box up now so I don't get hit with 5-10k in tool debt all at once. I don't need the tools to look perfect, I just need them to be functional and not strip out bolts and nuts that can cost up to several hundred dollars a piece. I went with SK because they are readily available and make a full range of SAE 12-point, which is a becoming a rarity these days. They will only see light use for the next few years as I work side jobs to get some more varied experience, but they will be used daily after that.

 

[V22mech]

One on the right is cold forged, one on the left is likely hot pressed and machined (hence the machining marks below the broach petals). SK machines the larger sizes since cold forging large sizes requires massive amounts of force.

Regardless of the broaching method, the hole in the middle should be big enough to fit a standard threaded rod of the corresponding size to that socket through it. If it's not, OP should make that clear to SK since they will need to widen it. Or maybe OP is using a non standard/larger than expected rod.



That part is just not possible. Sockets are broached in one go, the off corner engagement simply can't be missing unless the broach shatters during broaching, in which case the socket is ruined.

Other issues you mentioned are all possibilities though.



Yup. I'll repost this again (https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5413833&postcount=12).

You might be right about larger than normal threads. I mostly see flange nuts in 12-point or spline that have really thin walls so they can be crushed a little to make them self locking. I'm willing to bet that 6 point stuff will work fine. Once I get some the duds replaced I will probably have the machine shop trim the extra material away, which seems easy enough that I don't know why they don't do it during manufacturing.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I purchased some metric 1/4" and 3/8" standard/deep sets a few months back and SEVERAL of them were just plain embarrassing, and I'm far from a tool polisher. From the finish to the broaching being off center/incomplete, to the drive end not having any ball retention divots, to the "sure drive" (aka off corner grooves, or whatever SK calls it) grooves just not there...I was pretty damn disappointed. I cherry picked the real bad ones and gave SK a call for replacements. They were pleasant, and they ensured me that they'd make sure I got good QC'd replacements. A few weeks later I got them in the mail and whattaya know, half of these ones were just as bad. I was pissed, but mostly disappointed. I got these to replace my spotty USA CMan sets, welp, scrapped that idea. Contacted the retailer I bought them from and returned them for a refund. What a waste of time.

My Tekton trunk set is leagues better, I still find that hard to believe. OP, you're not the first person to receive junk sockets from SK. I honestly wouldn't waste my time with warrantying them. Return them and go for something like Proto, etc.

Basically had the same experience... even the warranty replacements had the same flaws. Took in some cases 3x tries to get a "satisfactory" sockets.

In the end I kept the sockets and have been using them happily. However that initial experience left mixed feelings. On the one hand I got a low-cost US made socket set, but on another the quality-control was a bit disappointing... like the customer was the final QA.

They did tell me that various sockets are run off in batches and they grab from bins to full-fill orders. It possible that entire batches are afflicted in some manner.

 

[V22mech]

Here are the nuts I'm dealing with. This particular one is 3/4, but you can get an idea of why I'm having issues with the broaching.

 

[bob15]

Here are the nuts I'm dealing with. This particular one is 3/4, but you can get an idea of why I'm having issues with the broaching.

Use a deep socket with a deep broach. Might want to look at Wright tool 12 point deep sockets.

 

[Fly YX]

Don't know if it was coincidence or not but I was doing my SKand Snap-on order last night and all the inch and above sockets that I had saved in my SK cart are no longer in stock.

 

[DerekV]

That part is just not possible. Sockets are broached in one go, the off corner engagement simply can't be missing unless the broach shatters during broaching, in which case the socket is ruined.

What makes you so sure? Did you personally go through my order? Think I'm making it up? Haha at least half of the sockets I received didn't have them. Period. End of story.

The sockets were such junk that the only thing that makes sense of what I received is bad/worn out tooling.

Didn't grab the best pics of that issue in particular, but you can kind of see it in this one...among other things

 

[davo727]

V22Mech, Id say just get Snap On for the really small 12 points. Im a mech at UAL and a lot of tools can be lesser brands but you just found some that need to be from snappy

 

[Wamsutta]

Here are the nuts I'm dealing with. This particular one is 3/4, but you can get an idea of why I'm having issues with the broaching.

Try a Proto sometime if you have a chance; they make sockets with very clean interiors like the one you have pictured on the right side. I also have some 1/4 drive Kobalt sockets that are flawless inside.

 

[thugline]

What makes you so sure? Did you personally go through my order? Think I'm making it up? Haha at least half of the sockets I received didn't have them. Period. End of story.

The sockets were such junk that the only thing that makes sense of what I received is bad/worn out tooling.

Didn't grab the best pics of that issue in particular, but you can kind of see it in this one...among other things

My sockets look just like that also. Off center broaching, chatter marks from the broach, no sign of the off corner engagement relief. Agreed it is a tooling issue. How did these get past inspection? Isn’t someone from SK on this board? There are at least half a dozen from my 1/4 set like this.

 

[BigBoreFan]

I'm a newbie here, but isn't Stahlwille the go to brand for airplane mechanics? If so order from Amazon.de, price is not too bad that way.

I have bought some SK stuff recently, 3/8 socket set, 6 point, 8 thru 24. Mine was all very acceptable. Some over-spray of the "silver paint" on a few sockets, but no show stoppers.

Also bought a full set of wrenches, 8 thru 22, all perfect to my eyes, as well as an almost full set of long pattern 6 points, also perfect to my eyes.

 

[thugline]

I sent a PM to ‘SK Eric’ who handled the issues with the DT ratchet drop ins. Maybe he can help here as well.

 

[DerekV]

Basically had the same experience... even the warranty replacements had the same flaws. Took in some cases 3x tries to get a "satisfactory" sockets.



In the end I kept the sockets and have been using them happily. However that initial experience left mixed feelings. On the one hand I got a low-cost US made socket set, but on another the quality-control was a bit disappointing... like the customer was the final QA.



They did tell me that various sockets are run off in batches and they grab from bins to full-fill orders. It possible that entire batches are afflicted in some manner.

My sockets look just like that also. Off center broaching, chatter marks from the broach, no sign of the off corner engagement relief. Agreed it is a tooling issue. How did these get past inspection? Isn’t someone from SK on this board? There are at least half a dozen from my 1/4 set like this.

It's a shame really.

 

[CR888]

What makes you so sure? Did you personally go through my order? Think I'm making it up? Haha at least half of the sockets I received didn't have them. Period. End of story.

The sockets were such junk that the only thing that makes sense of what I received is bad/worn out tooling.

Didn't grab the best pics of that issue in particular, but you can kind of see it in this one...among other things

That's pretty bad for a premium first world produced tool. I just bought a 1/4" 46 piece socket set for my 6y/o nephew to play with. It was the cheapest set with the most tools I could find on eBay. It had both short & deep knurled socket sets, 72t ratchet and a bunch of extensions, bit sockets etc from China. It was $16 delivered and the broaching and chrome was surprisingly decent. I would have happily used the tools. I too would be annoyed buying SK sockets & receiving junk like that, hope they send you out something decent for warranty.

 

[DerekV]

That's pretty bad for a premium first world produced tool. I just bought a 1/4" 46 piece socket set for my 6y/o nephew to play with. It was the cheapest set with the most tools I could find on eBay. It had both short & deep knurled socket sets, 72t ratchet and a bunch of extensions, bit sockets etc from China. It was $16 delivered and the broaching and chrome was surprisingly decent. I would have happily used the tools. I too would be annoyed buying SK sockets & receiving junk like that, hope they send you out something decent for warranty.

Yeah, it was embarrassing and disappointing (and a waste of time). They did send out some replacements (I called about the really bad ones) and at least half of the replacements were just as bad. I had it after that and just returned my order.

This was at the end of last year, so very much Ideal-era tools here. Some of my other SK tools are great. I can say with confidence that SK sockets (if bought ~now) just are not worth the time or money. Junk with a capital J.

 

[neophyte]

Here are the nuts I'm dealing with. This particular one is 3/4, but you can get an idea of why I'm having issues with the broaching.

You might want to look into spline pass thru sockets. I’m not sure that anyone makes a twelve point pass thru socket in larger sizes, but spline pass thru sockets were made and sold under the Kobalt brand, possibly under the Bostitch and Stanley brands, and maybe others. Gearwrench also makes pass thru sockets but they use a different drive design, and I’m not sure whether they or one of the other Apex brands made spline pass thru dockets in the 1/2” drive size. You would need the 1/2” equivalent sockets and an extension.

 

[CR888]

Yeah, it was embarrassing and disappointing (and a waste of time). They did send out some replacements (I called about the really bad ones) and at least half of the replacements were just as bad. I had it after that and just returned my order.

This was at the end of last year, so very much Ideal-era tools here. Some of my other SK tools are great. I can say with confidence that SK sockets (if bought ~now) just are not worth the time or money. Junk with a capital J.

It would be truly hard to be at the top of your game production wise for SK making sockets on US soil with the high costs and competition that is making a high quality product at a fraction of the cost. If SK is going to stay on home soil and target the market that wants high end quality that's what they must deliver. Its sad to say the least, those tools look like they've come from a company swirling the drain that's got quality last on the priority list. All our home made tool co's sadly went offshore mainly to Taiwan. It was either stay & slowly die or completely change the way business was done. Sidchrome a very old tool co that made top shelf world class hand tools now rebadges Facom tools that are Taiwan made. There nice tools but not what they used to be. Problem is these days China & Taiwan are making damn decent tools & are near impossible to compete with.

 

[RKA]

V22, IME, this is consistent with my SK experience. I’ve got other sets from various manufacturers and COO’s, the SK sets were the only one’s I’ve have finish and machining issues with. In my case at least they were functional, but that’s not enough to warrant spending a premium for them. I never tested their customer service though, maybe that’s worth the money? (Tongue-in-cheek)

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I agree with sentiment above... import tool quality is getting better and better at a fraction of the price. To remain competitive in the US, seems you need to be niche or high-end. Same can be said for mom 'n pop stores... can no longer sell random consumables as that market has gone cyber/online.

As far as SK I think in part its keeping costs down while manufacturing in the US and their target market (industrial) who is not so picky. You know... as long as the socket "fits" and doesn't break.

 

[mfewtrail]

Since they came from Epstein's: Could they be some that didn't quite meet SK standards that were sold off at a discount? I've never seen any look like that. All the SK stuff I've ever seen is very nicely finished. I have taiwanese sockets from $10 kits that look better than that.

 

[thugline]

I just sent half a dozen sockets back to SK. Let’s hope the replacements are better quality.

 

[M6erfan]

Another SK poor QC/manufacturing socket thread. Sad.

 

[1320]

Here are some photos of 3 SK 1/4" drive sockets - two 5mm and a 5.5mm. The two 5mm sockets seem to have the same not centered hole and the 5.5mm socket has a "tear" of sorts down the broached area. It doesn't look nice, but I don't think these imperfections have affected the use of these sockets.