SK Tools at Lowes?

[KSJeff]

I've been checking the SK site periodically for X frame wrenches and just saw an add that they are coming to Lowes. Search didn't show any threads on this so I thought I'd post it up. Not sure when they are supposed to arrive, but I'll have to check Lowes next time I'm in.

 

[boom_bap]

I've seen reviews from folks like SMA that the xframe ratcheting wrenches break quite easily. Up to you, but i would look elsewhere.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I'd be more impressed if that guy wasn't using the adjustable bass-ackwards at00:19

 

[m6z]

Interesting. I do like the looks of those foam organizers.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

The sockets look like the green banded import ones that have been showing up on Amazon lately. I’ll be interested to see what if any USA made stuff makes it to Lowe’s. That said if they have open stock x frames I may grab a couple. I got one in 10mm to try and I’m liking it so far. Not a perfect tool but has its uses

 

[KSJeff]

I've seen reviews from folks like SMA that the xframe ratcheting wrenches break quite easily. Up to you, but i would look elsewhere.

Had not heard that, but I also don't know what SMA is. I'll have to do some google work. I was hoping to upgrade my gearwrench on the metric side.

 

[manwithtools]

SMA is South Main Auto, a YouTube channel by a legit mechanic that uses his tools everyday, super talented when it comes to diagnositcs and trouble shooting weird problems too. Eric O's is one internet opinion I would trust. Look him up on YouTube.

 

[Wamsutta]

I've seen reviews from folks like SMA that the xframe ratcheting wrenches break quite easily. Up to you, but i would look elsewhere.

I remember watching him say that. Do you know which episode that was?

 

[Nieros]

I've seen reviews from folks like SMA that the xframe ratcheting wrenches break quite easily. Up to you, but i would look elsewhere.

just chiming in, I picked up some NOS xframes a couple months ago and one of them was disassembled (13mm ratcheting ring in a 12mm wrench).

I submitted a warranty claim on it, it took them a week to respond - but didn't have any stock to replace it... and ended up giving me a gift card to their shop for equivalent value.

based on that experience, I don't get the impression they're prioritizing support chain right now. I don't know that I'll be buying any more SK in the near future.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Neat! Another Zombie brand at Lowes.

-Ryan

 

[lardy1]

Lowe's. Where tool brands go to die.

 

[Jtels85]

Lowe's. Where tool brands go to die.

Lowe's is a joke. Stanley's version of Craftsman is a joke. SK is a joke.

I see a common theme here...

 

[four.cycle]

Lowe's is a joke. Stanley's version of Craftsman is a joke. SK is a joke.

I had to run up to ACE the other day looking for some widget.
As we rounded a corner we came upon a tall Milwaukee "Pack Out" set up, and on the next end cap was the Craftsman "VersaStack" set up.

Just looking at the latches on the Craftsman units made me start laughing.

I had no idea there was such a significant price point difference until I just looked them both up to post this, but I don't see SBD conquering the universe with their new "Craftsman" line if they're going to do it peddling shite like this.

 

[Jtels85]

I had to run up to ACE the other day looking for some widget.
As we rounded a corner we came upon a tall Milwaukee "Pack Out" set up, and on the next end cap was the Craftsman "VersaStack" set up.

Just looking at the latches on the Craftsman units made me start laughing.

I had no idea there was such a significant price point difference until I just looked them both up to post this, but I don't see SBD conquering the universe with their new "Craftsman" line if they're going to do it peddling shite like this.

SBD doesn’t have to make Craftsman tools in the USA, just make it appealing. All of their packaging looks the same and their nauseating bright red gets on my nerves. I miss the darker, more subtle red that Sears used. I dunno, their tools just look childish with that color and the tool sets with skipped sizes and lots of screwdriver bits for filler are ********.

Craftsman was once a respected, quality DIY homeowner brand. The brand should be marketed to DIY weekend warriors and pro’s, but it’s not. It’s marketed towards parents that want to buy a cheap tool set for their daughter who’s moving away to college. Nobody will give a **** if she misplaces anything from it because it was **** to begin with.

I can get the same quality tools in a little kit from IKEA for 1/3 the price. That’s how I feel about Craftsman.

 

[boom_bap]

I remember watching him say that. Do you know which episode that was?

No, sorry I've watched so many now that they all blend in hah.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Some interesting stuff here:

 

[threewood]

Hard pass. There are better options.

 

[Andres26tnt]

What's available will probably the Chinese rebranded stuff. All of it is duratec rebranded(same owner) that you can get for much cheaper under that name.

Duratech

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V8QWRVR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

SK china

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSGQHYKG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[CoThG]

^ I'd be more impressed if that guy wasn't using the adjustable bass-ackwards at00:19

"Professional" tools used by amateurs.

 

[CoThG]

Some interesting stuff here:

If Koon is shilling for it, then it's a hard pass.

 

[Mgdoug3]

Koon was saying how SK had several USA made tools but I believe everything that is made in the US is outsourced by SK. The green molded socket sets were nice but the round head ratchets in the kits are made in China. It would be interesting if SK included the LP90 ratchets.

The X Frames wrenches are at Lowes. I bought SAE and MM and they seem satisfactory. $80 (China) vs $300 (USA) is a huge difference in price.

 

[Wamsutta]

Some interesting stuff here:

Made in USA huh? Yo S-K, how about a frickin street address of the manufacturing facility?

I can go to any of the reputable brands and get a street address.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Some interesting stuff here:


Made in USA huh? Yo S-K, how about a frickin street address of the manufacturing facility?

I can go to any of the reputable brands and get a street address.

I am skeptical as well. I need to see it in person.

 

[sparky 1971]

It's pure speculation on my part, but I am guessing that the USA made tools will be outsourced. The Olsa flex head ratchet heads are the same as the LP90, so did Olsa outsource to SK or did they both outsource to the same company? Did Ideal SK make their own or were they outsourced as well? If SK made for both, why did, or does, Olsa have plenty in stock but SK is still out of stock on most LP90's? I've also read speculation that the sockets are Wright. I don't like the fact that some (probably most) of the tools are going to be China made, but that's honestly the only way they are going to be profitable. I really don't care, I'm not in the market for anything they offer, I got everything on my wish list while they were still owned by Ideal, mainly all of the round heads and a few LP90's, some flare nut wrenches, and some screwdrivers well before the Greatstar purchase was announced.

 

[Mgdoug3]

It's pure speculation on my part, but I am guessing that the USA made tools will be outsourced. The Olsa flex head ratchet heads are the same as the LP90, so did Olsa outsource to SK or did they both outsource to the same company? Did Ideal SK make their own or were they outsourced as well? If SK made for both, why did, or does, Olsa have plenty in stock but SK is still out of stock on most LP90's? I've also read speculation that the sockets are Wright. I don't like the fact that some (probably most) of the tools are going to be China made, but that's honestly the only way they are going to be profitable. I really don't care, I'm not in the market for anything they offer, I got everything on my wish list while they were still owned by Ideal, mainly all of the round heads and a few LP90's, some flare nut wrenches, and some screwdrivers well before the Greatstar purchase was announced.

That is my belief as well. It makes a lot of sense because if I remember right, the factory in Illinois wasn't part of the sale. My theory is that some tooling went to Wright for sockets, AJ Manufacturing started making the LP90s and everything else went to China. I've heard fewer complaints about the Olsa ratchets so either SK made improvements or AJ Manufacturing is better at making ratchets than Ideal.

Since wrenches are already being made in China, it makes sense the tooling or dies were shipped not long after the sale. Seems odd that Great Star didn't send the tooling for the sockets to China as well but maybe they didn't want to make everything in China just yet. They slowly need to transition everything to China.

 

[dnschmidt]

This has nothing to do with the discussion above but who is the boss dog in your part of the country. Here in Phoenix Home Depot kills Lowes. Home Depot is always busy whereas Lowes seldom is but I've heard that that isn't the case everywhere. Please chime in.

 

[sparky 1971]

This has nothing to do with the discussion above but who is the boss dog in your part of the country. Here in Phoenix Home Depot kills Lowes. Home Depot is always busy whereas Lowes seldom is but I've heard that that isn't the case everywhere. Please chime in.

I don't know how HD stays open here. There are four of them, and though I try not to go, I drive by and the parking lot is always empty. The two Lowes look a little busier, but nowhere near overwhelming. Menards rules the roost here. Busy no matter the time of day. So busy on Saturday that I won't go, but I am in one of the five at least once a day Monday through Friday, sometimes two or three times.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

That is my belief as well. It makes a lot of sense because if I remember right, the factory in Illinois wasn't part of the sale. My theory is that some tooling went to Wright for sockets, AJ Manufacturing started making the LP90s and everything else went to China. I've heard fewer complaints about the Olsa ratchets so either SK made improvements or AJ Manufacturing is better at making ratchets than Ideal.

Since wrenches are already being made in China, it makes sense the tooling or dies were shipped not long after the sale. Seems odd that Great Star didn't send the tooling for the sockets to China as well but maybe they didn't want to make everything in China just yet. They slowly need to transition everything to China.

If I remember correctly, Great Star was most interested in the intellectual property and not so much the actual manufacturing machinery. If that was the case then it would follow that GS licensed out the rights to other manufacturers. The **** part is that no one seems to have gotten their hands on a confirmed all new SK socket set made in the USA to confirm. It was HJE that originally spoke on Wright running SK sockets via the rather ambiguous SK reps (if I recall correctly) and it’s been rumored since Olsa popped up with their new US ratchets that AJ was making them along with the Matco ratchets. To me, it makes sense that SK never manufactured the LP90 so GS kept AJ as the OEM. It boggles my mind that Wright would take on such a huge burden when they cannot seem to get their own *** in gear for the production they have just with their own stuff.

I’m with you that it seems like the whole thing is eventually going to be just Chinese COO.

 

[KnurledNut]

SK’s piss-poor effort in their SEMA display tells you alot.

 

[zendriver]

SK’s piss-poor effort in their SEMA display tells you alot.

I could not help but notice that as well. Might as well been Homier tools.

Maybe like SBD with Cman , they’re simply “going through the motions” to try to passify the USA/made obsessed crowd, who will turn up their noses at anything they produce anyway, as “not good enough” or “too little too late”.

Hell now there is accusations on if they are liars about where the junk is even made.

Maybe it’s past time to “stick a fork in it, it’s done”

 

[dnschmidt]

SK has been "DONE" for quite a few years. Yet there are people who keep praying for a resurrection and that only happened once at Easter. If MALCO's Vise-Grip debacle didn't scare off people from American manufacturing I don't know what else could. Eagle Grips were great but they weren't four times greater than Milwaukee's Taiwanese made Vice-Grips which are actually pretty damn good.

 

[four.cycle]

I can go to any of the reputable brands and get a street address.

No longer true.
Many manufacturers do not make their physical locations public information. They do not put their street address on their websites.
I run into it all the time working on the list. Most recent one was "LockNLube" - hardly a company of ill repute.

This is true almost exclusively with U.S. tool manufacturers. Tool manufacturers in other countries seem to have no problem at all publishing their physical address on their websites.

Americans are just paranoid, I guess.

 

[four.cycle]

and who, what, and where is this "AJ Manufacturing" ?

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

and who, what, and where is this "AJ Manufacturing" ?

I believe they are local to me in Elmhurst, IL. They manufacture extensions and ratchets for Matco.

 

[zendriver]

No longer true.
Many manufacturers do not make their physical locations public information. They do not put their street address on their websites.
I run into it all the time working on the list. Most recent one was "LockNLube" - hardly a company of ill repute.

This is true almost exclusively with U.S. tool manufacturers. Tool manufacturers in other countries seem to have no problem at all publishing their physical address on their websites.

Americans are just paranoid, I guess.

Or, maybe just wise, especially since unless they are offering factory tours, there is no point in having the address listed anyway.

Some disillusioned S-K junkie mad over the direction the company has taken, wants to pay them a "visit"?

Can be a real thing these days.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Oh, I fully understand the why part - same as doctors' offices and other businesses don't publish their locations. In this particular case, however, you have a company that doubtless has agreements with their customers that the information about who is making what for who is not made public, which is the source of S-K's reticence about not divulging the name of their supplier.

It is maddening, however, when trying to document their location and find other information about the company.

AJ / AJ Mfg. Co. Inc., 437 W. Wrightwood Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126 / est. 1987 or 1990 (?) / manufacturers of automotive tools /

(still digging)

 

[zendriver]

^ Oh, I fully understand the why part - same as doctors' offices and other businesses don't publish their locations. In this particular case, however, you have a company that doubtless has agreements with their customers that the information about who is making what for who is not made public, which is the source of S-K's reticence about not divulging the name of their supplier.

It is maddening, however, when trying to document their location and find other information about the company.

AJ / AJ Mfg. Co. Inc., 437 W. Wrightwood Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126 / est. 1987 or 1990 (?) / manufacturers of automotive tools /

(still digging)

Oookaay. What agreements?

My guess is because it's their business, not yours, which is to either buy or not buy their products.

If somebody likes Shell gasoline, does the company have a responsibility, to furnish every last detail of it's production path from ground to gas tank?

If S-K says their mediocre tools are US made, take them for their word - or not.

Unless there is some COO requirements, Not seeing where they have to "prove it"

 

[VolvoRyan]

This has nothing to do with the discussion above but who is the boss dog in your part of the country. Here in Phoenix Home Depot kills Lowes. Home Depot is always busy whereas Lowes seldom is but I've heard that that isn't the case everywhere. Please chime in.

We have five of each in the greater Louisville area. They seem to all do about the same. There are even two HD's within like 10 miles of each other.

I find Lowe's frustrating, as they seem to be very "brand-centric". If the brand that "owns the aisle" doesn't make it, Lowe's doesn't have it. I found this really frustrating in the gardening department (of all places).

These days, honestly, if I need a hand tool in a pinch, I'll just hit Harbor Freight.

-Ryan

 

[four.cycle]

Oookaay. What agreements?

Contractual agreements. Legally binding documents. It's "proprietary information" that they don't share.
Been that way in the tool world as long as I can remember.

You are correct: they don't have to "prove" anything.
Their failure to do so, however, undermines their credibility with their potential customer base.

It may or may not be a matter of import for some. For others, full disclosure is an absolute requisite.

If you don't want to tell me where your product is made, I am not going to buy it. Full stop.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

This has nothing to do with the discussion above but who is the boss dog in your part of the country. Here in Phoenix Home Depot kills Lowes. Home Depot is always busy whereas Lowes seldom is but I've heard that that isn't the case everywhere. Please chime in.

Here (LV NV) it's HD if you want to build something, Lowes if you want new patio furniture or some plants. HD has probably double the foot traffic.