i am new to the mechanics field im just learning. i know of the other big brands like snap on, mac, matco but i have never really heard of sk are they comparable to the other big brands. i have been looking around and finding them used and they seem to be alot cheaper.
sk tool question
- Thread starter yfz 450
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GoBlue
Well-known member
In my honest un-biased opinion, their wrenches, sockets, extensions, and screwdrivers are tool truck quality. Wright is another brand however their ratchets are also tool truck quality. It would be a very smart move to pick up used items from the above two brands as opposed to owing your soul to Matco, Snappy, or God forbid Mac.
fordcragar
Well-known member
I started buying SK tools 50 years ago, and still have most of them. Most of my sockets are SK. They are still made in the USA and are of good quality.
GoBlue
Well-known member
The moral of the story is that if can keep your ego out of tool buying there are bargains to be had.
Yeah I'm just getting started out I'm trying to be smart a out it but I want every tool I see but I noticed thet these tools were a little cheaper. I just wasn't sure of the quality. I am looking to get a nice used snap on box right now then the tool buying starts haha
AZ_Catskinner
Well-known member
SK easily rivals the truck brands for quality, and the better Chinese stuff for price. For basic hardline stuff they are an excellent choice.
JMorrison4371
Well-known member
In my personal opinion, all tools are the same. Well not all of them but most of them are. They all turn bolts. I personally am a HUGE Stanley Tools fan. I would put them against Snap On, Mac, Matco or anybody else. SK are great tools, but I don't know where to buy them from. I can't find a dealer local to me, would love to though.
crewchief888
Well-known member
finding a brick and mortar distributor seems to be the biggest problem now.
maybe they'll get back on track soon.
i have SK's dating back to the late 50's that belonged to my dad, that set of tools got me started wrenching on const eq.
maybe they'll get back on track soon.
i have SK's dating back to the late 50's that belonged to my dad, that set of tools got me started wrenching on const eq.
HuskerMedic
Active member
Growing up in the midwest, all the farmers I worked for used S-K tools. These were tight-fisted, economy minded people that used their tools hard. I don't ever recall seeing a tool broken.
I figure if they liked them, they must be good value for the money. When I started accumulating my own tools, however, they were almost impossible to find new, and on auction they would bring a premium. So I ended up with Craftsman.
I figure if they liked them, they must be good value for the money. When I started accumulating my own tools, however, they were almost impossible to find new, and on auction they would bring a premium. So I ended up with Craftsman.
One of the reasons I brought this up is because I read guys talking about them on here. I then checked them out on eBay and there are some killer deals. Another reason I asked is I was an sk truck at my local mechanis shop today when I drove by. I am pretty good friends with my mechanic so I will ask what kind of deals the guy is giving. But I don't anything can beat the ebAy prices.
Greatbear
Well-known member
Eppy's is a vendor at the big Carlisle shows, I recently picked up a new SK 3/8 combo set.
I've been buying SK for decades, and overall they are my favorite brand for sockets.
I've been buying SK for decades, and overall they are my favorite brand for sockets.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I've posted this before but, you really can't compare regular tool prices with tool truck pricing. With a tool truck brand you're paying for truck to you service, the ability to use your tools while you pay for them in weekly payments, and a much wider selection of automotive specialty tools and uncommon tools sizes. Take those things away and you'll knock about 40% off the tool prices but, that's just me.
SK is rising from the ashes of bankruptcy and finding new direction under their new owners. It will take awhile for them to be 100% again but, they're headed that way. I have a lot of the old SK but, nothing from the new team yet. SK has always been solidly built medium priced tools.
Ebay and online pricing can be sweet sometimes but, where are you going to go for warranty service and when you need something quick? Think service after the sale or purchase.
Starting out, it's better to have fewer tools that you use regularly that a mountain of debt hanging over your head. Good tool dealers are often like good mechanics, hard to find. Mechanics need good tools and support from a good tool dealer.
SK is rising from the ashes of bankruptcy and finding new direction under their new owners. It will take awhile for them to be 100% again but, they're headed that way. I have a lot of the old SK but, nothing from the new team yet. SK has always been solidly built medium priced tools.
Ebay and online pricing can be sweet sometimes but, where are you going to go for warranty service and when you need something quick? Think service after the sale or purchase.
Starting out, it's better to have fewer tools that you use regularly that a mountain of debt hanging over your head. Good tool dealers are often like good mechanics, hard to find. Mechanics need good tools and support from a good tool dealer.
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I like the way you're thinkin' - that's the way to do it! There are a lot of good deals out there on used and like-new Snap-On boxes... it really makes them worth the money.
As for the SK stuff, you cannot go wrong with their socket sets. They have very inclusive 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive sets that come with everything under the sun... a full range of sockets (shallow and deep, no skipped sizes), good ratchets, universals, extensions, and great cases for keeping everything in one place. You can even take the top off the case and stick the loaded bottom part in your drawer for easy access. The company I work for buys these sets for all their mobile service trucks. They get used hard and hold up really well. I personally like mine a lot. For the price, you can't beat it.
As for the SK stuff, you cannot go wrong with their socket sets. They have very inclusive 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive sets that come with everything under the sun... a full range of sockets (shallow and deep, no skipped sizes), good ratchets, universals, extensions, and great cases for keeping everything in one place. You can even take the top off the case and stick the loaded bottom part in your drawer for easy access. The company I work for buys these sets for all their mobile service trucks. They get used hard and hold up really well. I personally like mine a lot. For the price, you can't beat it.
plinker
Well-known member
I have a fair bit of S-K stuff, and I say the quality is comparable/equal to the truck brands, but I agree with Fedwrench on the tool truck service bit. They do need to get an distrubitor network established to be competitive.
I'd buy them anyway and just replace the tool if it does break. So far I've only stripped th pawl on my 1/4 drive ratchet that I use all the time, have not broken any sockets, but I did replace one that is worn pretty good though.
Craftsman
S-K
Truecraft (since they went out, Allen stuff is being used) is/was sold at the local farm store chain. Very good stuff too.
Some also have Snap-on in various amounts, but is generaly thought of as "expensive" around here. (shrugs)
I'd buy them anyway and just replace the tool if it does break. So far I've only stripped th pawl on my 1/4 drive ratchet that I use all the time, have not broken any sockets, but I did replace one that is worn pretty good though.
Up here there are three brands farmers bought when they wanted quality tools.
Craftsman
S-K
Truecraft (since they went out, Allen stuff is being used) is/was sold at the local farm store chain. Very good stuff too.
Some also have Snap-on in various amounts, but is generaly thought of as "expensive" around here. (shrugs)
HandyManny
Well-known member
A lot of farmers and ranchers likely bought, owned,and used SK due to the fact that SK used to be commonly avaliable at many rural farm&feed stores as well as various automotive supply store. SK has also always been known for being a high quality hand tool. I agree their hardline stuff is excellent stuff. Been using SK tools since the 1950's. Always had a high regard for them, same for Proto and New Britain. But NB is no longer around.