SK Sockets

[Norton1981]

I just want to make a comment about SK sockets. I've read several posts on here about the satin finish inside some SK sockets and not others. When looking at my sets, sizes about 3/8" and up have the satin like "paint" It seems it is paint over the chrome for a small layer of added protection. Use the socket the first time and the paint wears away and the socket looks like it was used for it's intended purpose.....turning nuts and bolts. Smaller sizes don't seem to have this finish, likely b/c of spraying onto the outside of the socket? All the larger sizes have this paint and it comes off with first use and there is good chrome underneath. I don't know why people are complaining about this when it comes to SK. There are taking an extra step in the process and whether it's beneficial or not is up to the end user i guess, but it's certainly not a QA problem, or an old stock new stock thing. I think some get their ******* in a bunch over SK because of the changeover and past QA problems. SK is the best bang for your buck, and are not made for the people who open up a case of sockets and analyze every little detail. It definately seems SK sockets are not for the "polishers" but rather for the "users". And by "polishers" i don't mean people who take good care of their tools, I'm talking about people who buy them for pretty or some sort of passage to manhood....who knows.

 

[Sanny81]

I've had an SK socket set for 6 months and never even noticed the inside of the sockets until I saw people complaining on here. Yes they do have that matte coating but it does go away with regular use.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I just got a few new SK sockets, some directly from SK for warranty, others from a local auto parts store that has open stock SK. All of them look great to me

 

[Norton1981]

yes, they are great. I just don't understand why people are complaining about the inside of the socket for having a anti corrosive paint. I understand the paint won't last, but there is good chrome underneath. At least SK is taking an extra step. They are complaining about something that doesn't need complaining about. I understand they spend good money on a more high end socket set, and may be disappointed that not every single socket is uniform on the inside. Either use the high quality tool for it's intended purpose, or buy craftsman, stanley or kobalt and call it a day

 

[espyking83]

Im not sure where you bought yours, but Ive been using the **** out of my SK sockets professionally for 4 years now, have no idea what you're talking about. Are you using chrome sockets with an impact? I know that some bad sockets slip through QA with All companies, but, I can assure you that your experience is not typical

 

[Norton1981]

I am not complaining at all about the sockets. If you read my OP, i was reading multiple threads on here about people complaining about the inside of the sockets having a satin like paint on them. I don't understand what they are complaining about. The SK sockets and wrenches are, in my opinion, the best tools out there.

 

[Norton1981]

but sk has gone with a satin like paint on the insides of the sockets, to protect the chrome inside for awhile, and i see people complaining about it and not sure if they want to buy an SK set b/c of this....it just sounds absurd.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Thank god. A poster with some sense. I've been trying to explain this very concept to several people on this forum. Most seem to get it (it comes off with a use or two), but some are just so dense (probably being purposely obtuse because of brand bias) and don't understand that the paint on the inside of the sockets is a non issue. Especially if you actually use them.

 

[rice rocket]

Can you tell me if I can fix the off-center broaching on my SK sockets in the same manner?

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Can you tell me if I can fix the off-center broaching on my SK sockets in the same manner?

Nope, just call SK, I'm sure they will take of you

 

[Askme42]

Nope, just call SK, I'm sure they will take of you

Or just use them until something actually goes wrong. Then sk will take care of it.

 

[Norton1981]

Thank god. A poster with some sense. I've been trying to explain this very concept to several people on this forum. Most seem to get it (it comes off with a use or two), but some are just so dense (probably being purposely obtuse because of brand bias) and don't understand that the paint on the inside of the sockets is a non issue. Especially if you actually use them.

Key words "especially if you actually use them".

 

[Adam.C]

Or just use them until something actually goes wrong. Then sk will take care of it.

+1 Good advice. Its not like its an impact socket that could let go and hurt you or someone else. I wouldn't bother SK with such a frivolous return.

Oh wait a minute. IT IS AN IMPACT SOCKET!

nevermind

 

[cbracer]

The paint is put on because the chrome didn't cover the inside fully. If they had better quality the chrome would cover the inside and the paint wouldn't be needed. If the paint wears off then why put it on in the first place? To cover up insufficient coating of chrome. On really large sockets like 32mm most companies paint them. Craftsman / Armstrong have a similar problem on their deep 12pt sockets which end up rusting inside. The broaching and center drilling is all over the place, same with the detents. Same with the paint, some are and some aren't. Hence their quality control isn't up to par. If painting was really a great thing they would have it on all the sockets! I'm sure they will work just fine and strength isn't compromised but the quality of workmanship isn't as good as many others in the price range.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Can you tell me if I can fix the off-center broaching on my SK sockets in the same manner?

That isn't **** compared to my Pre-Ideal hex bit socket.

I'll warranty it someday, but still haven't even had to use it yet. Just lived in the case while all the larger bits get used.

On another note, my SK 1/4" drive set arrived today (3/8" also just shipped today and is on the way). I looked them over and everything is flawless. I couldn't be happier. Same with my SK 1/4" Semi Deep set, not a single flaw.

 

[dutchgray]

I like all the SK sockets I have and haven't found any faults either, have 3/8 SAE shallow, deep and flex and also some pre ideal era 1/4" shallow metric.

 

[3baygarage]

↑ Wow IHMW, made on a Monday or a Friday perhaps?

 

[Marc Benjamin]

While it really is a moot point, one thing that the OP probably needs to understand is that SK prides itself of having the best chrome finish in the industry. That's not the "tool polishers' words, that's SK's marketing line.

(there's a youtube video out there where their vice president of marketing says this)

So with that said, when your sales pitch is that you have the best chrome finish in the industry, you're probably catering to a group that puts a premium on aesthetics. Kinda like folks who like shiny chrome everything on their harleys and custom chrome rims. The same people tend to notice things such as inconsistency.

Hence this why people wonder why some of the sockets have that interior spray and some don't in the same set. Heck make up your minds, just spray all of them (or not) if it really doesn't make a difference.

Again, to me it's a moot point but maybe this explains some of the criticism.

 

[finn]

The paint is put on because the chrome didn't cover the inside fully. If they had better quality the chrome would cover the inside and the paint wouldn't be needed. If the paint wears off then why put it on in the first place? To cover up insufficient coating of chrome. On really large sockets like 32mm most companies paint them. Craftsman / Armstrong have a similar problem on their deep 12pt sockets which end up rusting inside. The broaching and center drilling is all over the place, same with the detents. Same with the paint, some are and some aren't. Hence their quality control isn't up to par. If painting was really a great thing they would have it on all the sockets! I'm sure they will work just fine and strength isn't compromised but the quality of workmanship isn't as good as many others in the price range.

Have you ever used a socket?

 

[Sanny81]

The paint is put on because the chrome didn't cover the inside fully. If they had better quality the chrome would cover the inside and the paint wouldn't be needed. If the paint wears off then why put it on in the first place? To cover up insufficient coating of chrome. On really large sockets like 32mm most companies paint them. Craftsman / Armstrong have a similar problem on their deep 12pt sockets which end up rusting inside. The broaching and center drilling is all over the place, same with the detents. Same with the paint, some are and some aren't. Hence their quality control isn't up to par. If painting was really a great thing they would have it on all the sockets! I'm sure they will work just fine and strength isn't compromised but the quality of workmanship isn't as good as many others in the price range.

I'm at work right now looking at my SK sockets from my 3/8 drive set. The sockets I use the most are all chrome in the inside just as much as the outside.

 

[Askme42]

The paint is put on because the chrome didn't cover the inside fully. If they had better quality the chrome would cover the inside and the paint wouldn't be needed. If the paint wears off then why put it on in the first place? To cover up insufficient coating of chrome. On really large sockets like 32mm most companies paint them. Craftsman / Armstrong have a similar problem on their deep 12pt sockets which end up rusting inside. The broaching and center drilling is all over the place, same with the detents. Same with the paint, some are and some aren't. Hence their quality control isn't up to par. If painting was really a great thing they would have it on all the sockets! I'm sure they will work just fine and strength isn't compromised but the quality of workmanship isn't as good as many others in the price range.

Uh no

 

[cbracer]

Have you ever used a socket?

I'll assume we are all here on GJ not to insult people. To answer your question yes I have used a socket.

Maybe you have missed some of the other threads on here about SK. I'll repost my experience, which will surely be different from your experience. SK sockets are USA made, strong and have a good company behind them. I prefer other brands for sockets, but there's plenty of SK tools I do own and like.