SK Tools screwdrivers: Facom era vs 2016

[jl4c]

I read on GJ that the current handles of S-K Tools' US-made SureGrip (hard handle) screwdrivers are much larger than those of the FACOM era when they were made in France. Someone even likened the new handles to those found on pry bars. But I couldn't find where anyone had posted any photos in a side by side comparison. Today I found a 3/16" slotted SK screwdriver from the FACOM era and there's no doubt the older style fits the hand much better than the new style. The new style, while not horrible, is quite large and I concur that it is more typical of what one would find on a prybar than a screwdriver. The photo below shows this screwdriver compared to a 2016 production SK 4" P2 SureGrip screwdriver.

 

[T45]

That must be some negative industry trend, sort of a real shame. However, the 3/16 or p1 on many modern drives is still usually smaller (relatively speaking) . The 1/4 and p2 handles, on the other hand, are really out of hand with gigantism accross several brands, tho.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I like those handles, fit great in my hand. I prefer them to my williams hard-handles, but the phillips on the williams grabs better. So all the flat heads on my cart are still the SK.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I love big handles.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

I have both. I actually like the new ones better. Don't get me wrong the Facom's are very nice but too small. I always found I had to exert too much force downwards to get good engagement and twisting power. I think the new ones are an improvement. Also i am not one who likes to keep worn out screwdrivers too long. When they dull I replace them. They are also a little less expensive to purchase. But to each his own.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I refer the Facoms,but I still like the green hard handle SK's.

 

[metaldad]

I love big handles.

i love bewbies

 

[sk farmer]

old news. i did this comparison years ago. it was probably at the gazette though.

i agree, the old handles are smaller but more ergonomic. not a fan of the new handles.

 

[PJNJ]

old news. i did this comparison years ago. it was probably at the gazette though.

i agree, the old handles are smaller but more ergonomic. not a fan of the new handles.

What's "old news" for many is new for others.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'd rather see a 3/16" vs 3/16" side by side. Either way, I'm a manly man with manly man hands, and the new hard handles fit my manly man hands better. I feel bad for those without manly man hands...

 

[neophyte]

The older suregrip screwdrivers were made in France by one of the Facom factories, since Facom owned SK at the time. SAM Outillage manufactures screwdrivers with a similar handle shape, so it may be, or at least have been a standard shape used on French made screwdrivers.

The current SK suregrip screwdrivers are likely manufactured by Pratt-Read which is owned by Ideal who now owns SK. Pratt-read manufactures a large number of their screwdriver handles out of turned cellulose acetate bar stock, whereas the older Facom style handles were injection molded. There may be limits to the turned shape Pratt-Read can produce with their turning equipment to get a shape similar to the older French made SK screwdrivers. The newer suregrip screwdrivers could probably be tappered a bit more at the end, since that was done on later Bondhus cellulose handled screwdrivers before Bondhus switched to rubberized handles. The newer turned material may be harder and stronger than the older material. I don't recall the older material being that resistant to some chemicals.

 

[Fedwrench]

What SK should do is have western forge dust off the old craftsman professional hard handle screwdriver design (you know, the all black version or black blade with neon orange handle) but, have them make them with neon green handles bearing the SK logo.

 

[SMKS]

Compare the same driver type side-by-side. The photo is an apples-to-oranges comparison.

Most of these old-vs-new SK screwdriver comparisons don't actually compare the same driver size. That seems to be the case here.

If you're using a new #2 Phillips, then compare that to the handle on an old #2 Phillips.

I've owned both the old and new SK screwdrivers. I think the new ones are fine. They are on the larger size, but they're not as large as something like a VACO bull driver.

 

[sk farmer]

What's "old news" for many is new for others.

true, but they are hardly new. the newer style is several years old.

 

[mikebaker1129]

What SK should do is have western forge dust off the old craftsman professional hard handle screwdriver design (you know, the all black version or black blade with neon orange handle) but, have them make them with neon green handles bearing the SK logo.

This is a great idea!
Is SK Eric listening ?

 

[sk farmer]

Compare the same driver type side-by-side. The photo is an apples-to-oranges comparison.

Most of these old-vs-new SK screwdriver comparisons don't actually compare the same driver size. That seems to be the case here.

If you're using a new #2 Phillips, then compare that to the handle on an old #2 Phillips.

I've owned both the old and new SK screwdrivers. I think the new ones are fine. They are on the larger size, but they're not as large as something like a VACO bull driver.

i have had them side by side. i only have one newer one in my stash but i compared the new and old. generally speaking, the new drivers have longer handles, longer shanks and larger diameter handle. the two i have carried the same part number and were completely different including the width of the blade.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

Here you go number two Phillips side-by-side. Same models. Top Facom bottom Pratt and read

 

[T45]

The 64K question is did they switch the hex bolster from metric to standard

 

[jl4c]

Here you go number two Phillips side-by-side. Same models. Top Facom bottom Pratt and read

Thanks Hef. I'd have provided that comparison if I could have. I just didn't have identical part numbers from both eras. Your photo is definitive.

 

[zcbauer89]

What SK should do is have western forge dust off the old craftsman professional hard handle screwdriver design (you know, the all black version or black blade with neon orange handle) but, have them make them with neon green handles bearing the SK logo.

I would buy those in a heartbeat.

 

[countryroad82]

I bought a new set of SKs and hate them. Used a no 2 Phillips once and my small hands couldn't get a good feel for the screw. So now, they're sitting in the rack of my service truck unused. Should have got the Snap On copies, they look pretty nice.