All my metrics are Stahlwille, I don't use SAE very often but would like build a new set. I've already got a near complete set of SK combination wrenches so I'm leaning toward their socket sets. I've heard a few folks complaining about SK sockets, is there something I don't know? They look really nice.
SK sockets
- Thread starter Mojave888
- Start date
B.S.A. (ret.)
Well-known member
Nothing wrong with SK Tools, one of the best US Made brands in my opinion.
Schurkey
Well-known member
A search of this site will turn up folks posting about some cosmetic flaws, and SK using white paint on the socket interior instead of chrome. Other folks will say that the chrome is directly under the white paint.
I bought some SK impact sockets, and I'm very pleased with them. I don't have much for SK chrome sockets, though.
I bought some SK impact sockets, and I'm very pleased with them. I don't have much for SK chrome sockets, though.
General Geoff
Well-known member
somethingsomethingpaintinsidesocketssomethingsomething
I have a couple of SK socket sets, I exchanged my first 1/4" socket set in for another one because there was incomplete chroming and rust spots right out of the packaging. That was about 4 years ago, and might have been old stock made before Ideal took over. I've heard their QC is much better now.
I have a couple of SK socket sets, I exchanged my first 1/4" socket set in for another one because there was incomplete chroming and rust spots right out of the packaging. That was about 4 years ago, and might have been old stock made before Ideal took over. I've heard their QC is much better now.
Rileysan
Well-known member
S-K had production issues some years back. I don't know the exact dates, but quality control was lost when a new owner took over (late 90s through early 2000s?). Since then, a new group of inventors took over and have turned things around. So if you're looking at new S-K tools, I don't think you'll find much criticism. If you're looking at vintage S-K, there's lots of it out there and it's all excellent quality. I have no idea how to identify the tools that had issues.
Brian
Brian
Tennessee Cattleman
Well-known member
I have a 1/2" drive set of metric SK sockets that I bought this year. Fit and finish is very nice and they look right at home beside my Snap-on SAE 1/2" drive set.
I bought two SK complete socket sets in the green blow molded cases last year, the 1/4 and 3/8. They paint the inside of the sockets now with a silver anti-corrosion paint. Some of it got on the outside of a few of the sockets also - this appears to be the alleged "chrome defects" or "failure to chrome the inside" claims. A quick wipe with 0000 steel wool took care of it on the outside of the sockets. The paint on the inside wears off with use and reveals, suprise-suprise, the chrome underneath.
Overall I'm very impressed with the sets including the ratchets, though the 3/8 being a short handle ratchet is really not my style. But they have good action and very light backdrag. As a result I bought the 1/4 and 1/2 flex ratchets. The chrome is very good on all the pieces. The sockets have a heavier feel than my old Cman and fit the fasteners well. I expect to get a lot of use out of them.
Overall I'm very impressed with the sets including the ratchets, though the 3/8 being a short handle ratchet is really not my style. But they have good action and very light backdrag. As a result I bought the 1/4 and 1/2 flex ratchets. The chrome is very good on all the pieces. The sockets have a heavier feel than my old Cman and fit the fasteners well. I expect to get a lot of use out of them.
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
I have been happy with the odds and ends I have purchased from HJE on SK day.
Missed out this year, but I like the 1/4 flex ratchet,3/8 in a 1/4 body and the few loose bit sockets I have purchased.
I like the green hard handle screwdrivers also!
Missed out this year, but I like the 1/4 flex ratchet,3/8 in a 1/4 body and the few loose bit sockets I have purchased.
I like the green hard handle screwdrivers also!
Sam'sAutoParts
Well-known member
I have a lot of older SK stuff I picked up cheap while they were bankrupt, and it has all served me well. I do have several new sockets I picked up to fill holes and have been very pleased with all of it. I have a new 1/2 ratchet and the knurled handle is perfect, just sharp enough to be grippy but not to sharp enough to make it uncomfortable with bare hands. All that leads me to believe that the QC is really on top of their game.
Screwdrivers are less impressive but most of my problem is with the hard handle and less about the tip.
Screwdrivers are less impressive but most of my problem is with the hard handle and less about the tip.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I think it depends or whether you polish your tools or actually use them. there have been some issues with people not liking the paint on the inside of the sockets or some were painted but, others in the same set weren't 
There was also some chrome peel issues one or two SK days ago but, I think the current sockets rolling off the production line are pretty sweet
There was also some chrome peel issues one or two SK days ago but, I think the current sockets rolling off the production line are pretty sweet
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I really am happy with all my SK Tools, I have tools i bought starting in the 60's all way the through to last week and never had any problems no matter who owned them and some of the new stuff like the X Frame wrenches are the greatest.
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Indexmill
Well-known member
Hi,
Read a little bit more here on GJ and you will have your answer.
Read a little bit more here on GJ and you will have your answer.
crf450x
Well-known member
I use sk sockets professionally daily. Also use their chrome sockets on an impact daily. Haven't broken one yet.
montanafordman
Well-known member
I have a toolbox full of SK sockets in SAE and Metric for all drive sizes, Shallow and deep except metric 1/2" (craftsman). I love them. My 1/2" SAE set I inherited and is at least 40 years old. No complaints and no regrets.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
I have snap on socket set and sk. I prefer the sk. Not because they are physically better, because they are equal and much cheaper.
anndel
Well-known member
I have Snap On and SK sockets and prefer Snap On. They feel more durable and thicker. Plus some of my SK sockets have broaching that's a little off centered to one side.
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wmm2
Well-known member
On the deep sockets, the broaching doesn't go very far down. Some jobs that can get in your way. It's mostly personal preference, but something to be aware of.
Briancapecoral
Well-known member
I have an older set I bought used and have purchased some brand new ones to fill in missing sizes recently. All looked perfect when I got them, but I didn't check them closely for cosmetic flaws. I have never had an issue with them and they feel stronger on hi torque fasteners than the older kobalt sockets they replaced.
cherrybomb
Well-known member
Just a while back I posted on this site about my recent purchase of a set of SK 3/8 ,6 point regular length sockets.At the time I was extremely disappointed as there was a paint like substance in them.I contacted SK customer service,and they assured me it was for rust prevention,or just return them.After reading here,from fellow members,with much more experience than myself,I realized I was totally wrong on my observations. I contacted SK and apologized for actions.They said honest question and happens quite a bit.Enjoy them,and I believe I will.I also have to apologize to my fellow GJ members if I misled any body on SK quality.I used one,paint came right off.SK is quality,they have turned things around,check their product if your looking for USA tools and my original post on SK 3/8 sockets.I bad!
LB-1911
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Quick overview of past threads -
Recent thread re "paint"
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=366499
The broach depth topic comes up frequently as well -
09-14-2014
I know you guys hate reading instructions but, if you refer to an SK catalog you would see that there are actually five lengths of 3/8 drive SK chrome deep 6 point sockets. Sizes 6 to 13 mm are 1.75 inches long overall, sizes 14 and 15mm are 1.86 inches long, 16-20mm are 2.5 inches long, 21 and 22 mm are 2.75 inches long, while 23, 24, & 26 mm come in at 2.82 inches long overall.
Now about broach depth, the catalog shows sizes 6-10 broached 0.19 inch, 11 mm 0.22 inch, 12mm 0.24 inch, 13mm 0.27 inch, 14 & 15mm are 0.33 inch, 16 & 17 are 0.38, 18 mm 0.40 inch, 19 mm 0.44 inch, 10mm 1.87 inch, 21 & 22 mm 2.12 inches, 23, 24, & 26 mm are broached 2.18 inches.
Those 3/8 extra deep sockets in sizes 7-15mm are all 2.14 inches in length overall, you can look their broaching up as research practice.
09-14-2014
SK deep sockets shorter???
SK Catalog @
https://www.carid.com/images/sk/pdf/sk-master-catalog.pdf
I bought a set of SK chromes a couple of years ago and sent them back. I dont care about paint on the inside or if some gets on the outside but the issue I had and the reason I returned them was the broaching was off center on several of the sockets & ball detents on most of the sockets were non-existent or very shallow (some were perfect though). Also, the chrome (NOT paint) on some of the sockets was terrible. This was a definite QC issue, so they got returned. Maybe I got a bad set, IDK, and it kind of left me with a negative view of SK, but if I needed new chrome sockets today I'd probably give them another chance.
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Buying sockets to match your combination wrenches seems "meh"...there are usually few-to-no relationships between the two tools at all whatsoever...better to start from a clean slate and look at all brands with an open mind.
Having som brand consistency within a given set or class of tools makes sense, but matching things like pliers and screwdrivers or wrenches and sockets doen't really add much value.
There is a little to be said for using compatible ratchets and sockets, however. The ball-detent profiles don't always play nice (although many are fine).
Just something to think about, I guess...
Having som brand consistency within a given set or class of tools makes sense, but matching things like pliers and screwdrivers or wrenches and sockets doen't really add much value.
There is a little to be said for using compatible ratchets and sockets, however. The ball-detent profiles don't always play nice (although many are fine).
Just something to think about, I guess...
cliftonbros89
Well-known member
Zero complaints about SK from me. I have sockets, both chrome and impact, and ratchets from SK ranging from 1/4"-3/4". I've been totally satisfied with all of them. SK customer service has also been great.
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