SK sockets

[Mike Honcho]

Did the search, and couldnt find specific threads due to the 3 letter minimum in the search feature. So what i wanted to know, is whats everyones opinion on SK sockets? Torx, hex, impact whatever you use, are they as good as big truck brands? I know, I know.....most are going to say not as good as Snap on, and thats fine. just looking for opinions. Thanks in advance.



Chris

 

[Big Bad Jon]

I have a set of the deep metric 1/2 in drive impacts. They are above average*. They are not the "best ever" but will take a beating.

*disclaimer mine are several years old. I am not sure if anything has changed lately.

 

[Merkava_4]

Here's a recent thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34425

I think you'd have a much better experience with PROTO sockets.

 

[HandyManny]

Lot's of automotive techs use them. I have a few S-K tools that I think are great quality. Not sure what quality is like these days, but may regard S-K very highly. One guy here had a really bad luck with a new purchase, but that's the first bad thing I've heard of with SK.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I bought a full set of metric/SAE deep well and short 6 points in the last year. No problems other than the deep wells are not as deep as some of my other sockets. No problems whatsoever with the impacts (3/8 and 1/2) Although I have to admit, the cheap 1/2 impacts from Northern Tools have done fine also.

I have used SK tools since the early 70's and have never had a problem with them that the other brands don't have also. One thing to keep in mind, I don't care about a "perfect" mirror finish and if something works, I use it. My wrenches go sliding across the floor when I need them to, get dropped, dinged, and generally used (I try not to abuse them). I didn't buy them to admire or invest in, they were bought to be used.

 

[Merkava_4]

I have used SK tools since the early 70's and have never had a problem with them that the other brands don't have also.

There's been quite a number of threads within the last year with guys having problems with their SK tools. The company seems to have taken a nose dive in quality in the last few years. My guess is that they've either changed hands, or they're trying to keep their prices down to compete with the Chinese by sacrificing quality.

 

[speed bump]

Here's a recent thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34425

I think you'd have a much better experience with PROTO sockets.

While I love Proto wrenches and other tools I would stay away from the non impact sockets because the sizes are a pain to read off the side of them.

Personally I don't mind S-K sockets and tools in general but I have always bought them in person so I I generally don't end up with tools that I don't like.

 

[Nik_95Cobra]

I had ZERO problems with my SK sockets. I wound up trading them all in on Snap-On sockets though.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Merkava,

I have bought a BUNCH of SK gear in the past 12 months without a problem.

 

[tankboy_taylor]

I use their 1/4 inch set at work I think they work great and quite a value for the sae/metric set but any drive larger I use snap on or sunex so cant comment on them

 

[RRmech]

I have 3/8" drive S-K sockets & socket extensions, that I purchased in the mid-80's.
Always performed fine for me.
Can't comment on any newer S-K though?

Steve

 

[HandyManny]

.I have used SK tools since the early 70's and have never had a problem with them that the other brands don't have also. One thing to keep in mind, I don't care about a "perfect" mirror finish and if something works, I use it. My wrenches go sliding across the floor when I need them to, get dropped, dinged, and generally used (I try not to abuse them). I didn't buy them to admire or invest in, they were bought to be used.

Glad to see there are more actual tool users here. Was getting a bit worried there for a bit with all the posts recently about polishing, buffing, and proper climate controlled storage of tools, rust and patinas that scared some tool collectors. You get the idea.

 

[HandyManny]

There's been quite a number of threads within the last year with guys having problems with their SK tools. The company seems to have taken a nose dive in quality in the last few years. My guess is that they've either changed hands, or they're trying to keep their prices down to compete with the Chinese by sacrificing quality.

Maybe Snap-On and Mac are loosing too much money to S-K users and this trashing is a way to slow down sales for S-K Conspiracy!!!

But, it could be that S-K quality really has gone to hell fast and they are doing what many other big name companies do today....still ride and market on their old reputation for quality, while providing shoddy product.

All my S-K stuff is 25 years old, so maybe that's why I never has trouble with any of them.

 

[steelespeed]

I posted recently about an SK ratchet that was brand new and broken still hanging on the shelf at Sears.

I also had the chance to see their wrenches/socket sets/impacts up close at a tool shop outside Cleveland. Not bad, but the prices (while being far less than a truck brand) were a bit high and kinda hard to swallow when compared to what is easily available at any Sears across the country. Especially since I didn't think there was a great difference in quality between the two brands. I will say that the interiors of the SK sockets seemed to be finished slightly better than Craftsman.

I was thinking about spending a tad more cash on something other than Craftsman, but not breaking the bank with stuff from the trucks (just can't justify the costs since I am not a pro) and SK seemed the way to go. But after seeing them in person along with Wright and Proto, I don't think much of this stuff warrants the high price tags for non-pro service.

 

[sk farmer]

i would search your area for a differant sk vendor. some just slap msrp on them and let them sit. many vendors will deal, especially if you are buying some volume. my local vendor is currently offering 15% off. he is also good about ordering if i need something.

 

[HandyManny]

I posted recently about an SK ratchet that was brand new and broken still hanging on the shelf at Sears.

I also had the chance to see their wrenches/socket sets/impacts up close at a tool shop outside Cleveland. Not bad, but the prices (while being far less than a truck brand) were a bit high and kinda hard to swallow when compared to what is easily available at any Sears across the country. Especially since I didn't think there was a great difference in quality between the two brands. I will say that the interiors of the SK sockets seemed to be finished slightly better than Craftsman.

I was thinking about spending a tad more cash on something other than Craftsman, but not breaking the bank with stuff from the trucks (just can't justify the costs since I am not a pro) and SK seemed the way to go. But after seeing them in person along with Wright and Proto, I don't think much of this stuff warrants the high price tags for non-pro service.

In my opinion Proto is the best bang for the buck. Been using Proto for years with out fail or disappointment. Even their currently manufactured stuff is still high quality. Not saying they are the end-all be-all, but they are for sure just as good as Snap-On, MAC, and surely better than Matco.

Then again if you are a non-pro, why not just stay with Craftsman? The price is right, the quality is still pretty good in the basic hand tools, and they are easily obtainable and easily warranted. In fact on the job I used many Craftsman sockets without fail, both impact and standard.

 

[skeletonizer]

My 3/8 metrics are SK and my inch stuff is Snap on. They are about the same age, in fact the Snap on is a couple years newer. The chrome one the SK's still looks shiny new, not so on the Snap ons, they are dulled up quite a bit.

They have all been kept in a road box since the mid 90's and the Snappy stuff gets used more.

I'd call it a wash if I hadn't paid 3x as much for the Snap on.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive SK chromes socket sets. They have served me well. I have had a few issues over the years with the inside finish not being as smooth as I thought it should be on a few sockets, the detent ball cutout too small to be of any use, and varying depths of usable lengths in some of their deep sockets. SK produces a great mid price tool that really is a less expensive option than a tool truck. Don't get me wrong, ther is a wide price gap between some online vendors, stores, and independant tool trucks. The good thing about is SK is you can augment socket sizes you need that may not be offered by Craftsman without breaking the bank. They may not be that easy to warranty but, if they don't break in the first place warranty service may not be a big issue.
I personally think that every tool company out there is facing challenges and taking whatever steps it can to reduce costs in today's troubled economy. Is this affecting quality? I'm sure it is. In addition to supplying tools for Sears (with or without the Craftsman name), SK also supplies alot of tools to the US government and competes fiercely with Danaher for these government contracts. No one tool brand offers everything I like to use. I grew up on SK tools as a kid. I'll continue to stick with them until one of us folds.

 

[sk farmer]

I have 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive SK chromes socket sets. They have served me well. I have had a few issues over the years with the inside finish not being as smooth as I thought it should be on a few sockets, the detent ball cutout too small to be of any use, and varying depths of usable lengths in some of their deep sockets. SK produces a great mid price tool that really is a less expensive option than a tool truck. Don't get me wrong, ther is a wide price gap between some online vendors, stores, and independant tool trucks. The good thing about is SK is you can augment socket sizes you need that may not be offered by Craftsman without breaking the bank. They may not be that easy to warranty but, if they don't break in the first place warranty service may not be a big issue.
I personally think that every tool company out there is facing challenges and taking whatever steps it can to reduce costs in today's troubled economy. Is this affecting quality? I'm sure it is. In addition to supplying tools for Sears (with or without the Craftsman name), SK also supplies alot of tools to the US government and competes fiercely with Danaher for these government contracts. No one tool brand offers everything I like to use. I grew up on SK tools as a kid. I'll continue to stick with them until one of us folds.

with you 100% fedwrench well said. sk dealers of respect are out there, find one buy some stuff from them and you will get support. the very few issues i have had have always been resolved. i am glad they are again a us owned and operated company. they do have some imports in their line, but fewer than most brands.

 

[Mike Honcho]

thanks everyone for the input. has anyone dealt with the sk hex sockets? mainly the 5/16 or 3/8, where they neck down at the socket end? just wondering how brittle they are since they are shanked down.



chris

 

[Merkava_4]

Then again if you are a non-pro, why not just stay with Craftsman?

Because I don't like Craftsman tools.