Sk tools a good buy

[Jerelld321]

Hello I need help I like sk tools they have a 3/8 socket set for $150 and a 1/4 socket for $126 online I was wondering is that kind of pricey for some one that is a diy kind of person I love tools and can guarantee they will be put to use alot .

 

[vintagefan]

If you want something a bit nicer than Craftsman, but not getting into the expensive professional tools range, and USA made is also important to you, then SK is pretty much your only bet at this point in time.

If USA made isn't as important, consider something like Genius brand.

 

[gtlaw]

http://www.tooltopia.com/

I think the sockets in the sets make them worth it alone I personally sell the ratchets and get something I like better epstien has 88 tooth armstrong maxx

http://store.harryepstein.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=Ratchets

 

[vintagefan]

http://www.tooltopia.com/

I think the sockets in the sets make them worth it alone I personally sell the ratchets and get something I like better epstien has 88 tooth armstrong maxx

http://store.harryepstein.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=1930&Category_Code=Ratchets

I actually prefer their ratchets... they have very low resistance, so on screws that aren't gummed up, you don't have to hold on to the socket or extension as often, to be able to ratchet properly.

If you use a nice light oil, they just glide when free-spinning.

That's the reason I don't care too much for Snap-on and similar.

 

[ChrisF250]

Yeah I bought that set a few weeks ago, can't beat 44 sockets for 120 if you sell the ratchet and the quality is light years beyond craftsman. Don't forget sk is here to stay in america

 

[back2class]

Do you want an honest answer? I have owned and used lot of SK tools as well as Craftsman. I feel the Craftsman sockets are better quality in all aspects except chrome dipping though I have not held any of the new Ideal made product. So I feel the SK set is not a good value. Now the ratchet is better than the Raised Pannel Craftsman but nothing special. As others have said, good import sockets will be just as good or better for less. But if you don't **** Craftsman or import then not many other choices. Maybe Wright?

 

[Deception]

95% of my screwdrivers, sockets, ratchets & wrenches are SK. I have used some craftsman tools at a friends house & they felt cheap compared to the SK stuff. Being made in the USA also gives you that warm & fuzzy feeling inside.

 

[vintagefan]

Do you want an honest answer? I have owned and used lot of SK tools as well as Craftsman. I feel the Craftsman sockets are better quality in all aspects except chrome dipping though I have not held any of the new Ideal made product. So I feel the SK set is not a good value. Now the ratchet is better than the Raised Pannel Craftsman but nothing special. As others have said, good import sockets will be just as good or better for less. But if you don't **** Craftsman or import then not many other choices. Maybe Wright?

I'm not sure what you're judging as "quality", but for me, quality means durability.

Over the years, I've seen more Craftsman sockets crack/break than I can count (literally), and I think I've seen maybe one SK socket break, and one SK bit socket, the bit snapped (which is considered a consumable anyways).

I guess our views are so polar opposite that we just won't be able to agree on this one... but saying that the SK master sets aren't a good value, almost borders on insanity from my point of view. Obviously it is reality from yours.

Please don't think I mean offense with my post, it's just the only way I can reconcile two so vastly differing points of view while still trying to stay out of an argument.

 

[ChrisF250]

Here's an honest answer

http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc...27-Pc-6-Pt-Std-Deep-Socket-Set-3343p51550.htm

Instead of getting a full set of SAE sockets shallow and deep you only get a breaker bar and it costs more

Fact is that sk socket deal is a steal and there isn't a us made brand besides craftsman that comes close. If you want good quality imports obviously there are cheaper options.

 

[Jerelld321]

I understand that Im just wondering is it pricey for a diyer

 

[flathead74]

Good tools are a lifetime investment. I am nearing retirement and still use the Sparta-New Britain and SK tools I used to work on VW bugs (the real ones) when I was a teenager. I don't remember what I paid for those tools, but it doesn't much matter..they have lasted me almost 50 years. If you like S-K, I'd say buy them and take care of them..over time it won't matter much if you could have saved a little by settling for something else.

 

[back2class]

I'm not sure what you're judging as "quality", but for me, quality means durability.

Over the years, I've seen more Craftsman sockets crack/break than I can count (literally), and I think I've seen maybe one SK socket break, and one SK bit socket, the bit snapped (which is considered a consumable anyways).

I guess our views are so polar opposite that we just won't be able to agree on this one... but saying that the SK master sets aren't a good value, almost borders on insanity from my point of view. Obviously it is reality from yours.

Please don't think I mean offense with my post, it's just the only way I can reconcile two so vastly differing points of view while still trying to stay out of an argument.

No offense taken, we can agree to disagree. I can't argue that SK sockets may be a tad stronger. But they tend to be much thicker so I see that as a downside overall. They also seem to be more roughly made. I have broken 1 Craftsman socket out of the 100 or so I own. I've likely had close to 1,500 Craftsman sockets come through my hands trading tools in the last few years and have seen 5-6 broken ones. Now on the other hand I have had 150-200 Snap-on sockets come through and have seen at least that many broken snappys. (bit sockets not included as they seem to break alot in every brand)

 

[1982fxr]

No offense taken, we can agree to disagree. I can't argue that SK sockets may be a tad stronger. But they tend to be much thicker so I see that as a downside overall. They also seem to be more roughly made. I have broken 1 Craftsman socket out of the 100 or so I own. I've likely had close to 1,500 Craftsman sockets come through my hands trading tools in the last few years and have seen 5-6 broken ones. Now on the other hand I have had 150-200 Snap-on sockets come through and have seen at least that many broken snappys. (bit sockets not included as they seem to break alot in every brand)

could that be because the craftsman are so easy to take in and get replaced that there are fewer around?

and the snappys you have to be (or at least are supposed to be)the original buyer and have access to a truck, right?

just askin', I've never actually broken any quality tools myself

 

[Davefr]

I've likely had close to 1,500 Craftsman sockets come through my hands trading tools in the last few years and have seen 5-6 broken ones. Now on the other hand I have had 150-200 Snap-on sockets come through and have seen at least that many broken snappys. (bit sockets not included as they seem to break alot in every brand)

Maybe that's because SO sockets tend to have more "mileage" on them then CM.

 

[back2class]

Maybe that's because SO sockets tend to have more "mileage" on them then CM.

Can't disagree with that or other theories. I find it had to believe Craftsman sockets are stronger than Snap-on, but I would not be shocked to find in real world tests there is not much difference. Then being used harder would make sense with the much higher ratio of broken snap-on sockets I see. And true, many of the DIY'ers who likely owned many of the Craftsman sockets before I got them did not have air tools or 24" breaker bars.

 

[lowbucktruck]

The S-K 3/8 SKT94547 set is $139.99 at ToolTopia:
http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94549.aspx
Same set is available at Harry Epsteins:
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/38drsets/94547.html

Not a bad deal. Value-wise, a good set for the money.
I have both Craftsman and S-K sockets, drives and tools... most of my S-K are older vintage, some new. Seems to me that the chrome on the S-K sockets holds up better over time than some of my Craftsman sockets. I prefer the S-K ratchets to the Craftsman, but that's just me. (I also do not own any Craftsman Pro series ratchets either) I tend to use the S-K ratchets more often with my Craftsman sockets.
Quality on Craftsman tools has been a bit inconsistent over time (several threads here on that topic), but Craftsman has always been a good value for the home DIY guy.
That being said... I've been very happy with the quality of new S-K tools that I've purchased lately. Just my two cents.

 

[buening]

With a bit of patience you can find gently used or new sets on Ebay for 1/3-2/3 of the new price.

 

[cbracer]

I've been trying to decide for the last 3 weeks between SK, Craftsman and Armstrong. Getting a 1/4" and 3/8" set with ratchets is about $200 for Craftsman, $260 for Armstrong and $320 for SK. The SK likely has the highest resale value, Craftsman is the most popular but is missing some sizes. Armstrong has all the sizes like SK but is least known / popular so you can often find the best deals on it.

 

[woody 73]

SK tools are always a good bet, you will never go wrong with buying them.

Been there done that!

 

[ChrisF250]

Armstrong and craftsman are the same sockets

 

[geologist]

armstrong and craftsman are the same sockets

^ this.

 

[cbracer]

Armstrong and craftsman are the same sockets

Yes, but Armstrong offers more sizes and doesn't skip any like 5.5 deep, 20, 22mm, etc. And they have great ratchets. Their torx and hex line is also easy read and twice the number of sizes.

 

[pipsters]

Yes, but Armstrong offers more sizes and doesn't skip any like 5.5 deep, 20, 22mm, etc. And they have great ratchets. Their torx and hex line is also easy read and twice the number of sizes.

You consider a company skipping sizes if they don't offer a 5.5mm deep socket?

WtF do you use a 5.5mm deep socket for anyway that a regular 5.5mm w/ extension wouldn't work?

In fact, what do you use a 5.5mm socket for to begin with? Maybe some obscure trim or electronic piece, I guess.

 

[Jerelld321]

Thanks for the responses. I think I have decided to buy the 1/4 3/8 and 1/2 set from SK but wrenches I will buy from Craftsman. The rest like impact sockets and ect I will buy from Harbor Freight and Walmart. I don't really need the best or expensive since Im a DIY but since sockets and ratchets are probably used the most in auto maintenance and mechanics I think I'll spend the extra cash for what I really want. THANKS AGAIN!!!