jhershbine
Member
It's been months since you could order anything from SK Tools, but as of this morning Their site seems to be up and selling again. Still spotty on some inventory, like their wrenches. Just wanted to give a heads up.
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SK Tools Site back to selling tools.
- Thread starter jhershbine
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jhershbine
Member
Yeah Great Star, profits going back to China, but made here and giving American's a paycheck at least.
Patriot Laramie22
New member
Does anyone know if the wrenches are going to still be made in USA since it doesn’t strictly say made in USA in the description? It says it on the sockets but not the wrenches.
Bockscar
Well-known member
Not sure how to read it.....I would guess the sockets are U.S. steel and the wrenches are a mixture of U.S. and global steelDoes anyone know if the wrenches are going to still be made in USA since it doesn’t strictly say made in USA in the description? It says it on the sockets but not the wrenches.
jabberwoki
Well-known member
"Yeah Great Star, profits going back to China"
Dead to me.
Dead to me.
Busted_Knuckles
Well-known member
Who was the last owner, I lost track ? I remember that Ideal bought it out of bankruptcy.. did they sell it to Great Star ?
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
"Yeah Great Star, profits going back to China"
Dead to me.
Screw the guys on the line, packing dept, management, office staff..... we want the 3 millionaire owners to be US citizens. They're paying US taxes on the business profits like any other business right? Forget about those little guys making the tools and running the operation. Plenty of 401k accounts, paychecks and health insurance $$$ can be right here in the USA with the success of SK for their employees.
I'm excited to see them spool up and see how they do. When I get to a real computer I'll check out the site. Thanks for the update.
Profits don’t usually cross borders - most companies reinvest them. Particularly foreign owners since there can be tax implications on both ends when taking money out. And growing equity in the US isn’t necessarily bad, depending greatly on the details.
An argument could be made that it’s renting foreign money to build here. That’s somewhat of a description for how China grew. I’m not a SK fanboy, so I’m just watching from the sidelines, but we’ll see…
An argument could be made that it’s renting foreign money to build here. That’s somewhat of a description for how China grew. I’m not a SK fanboy, so I’m just watching from the sidelines, but we’ll see…
sparky 1971
Well-known member
There's not much to offer on the site yet, but that doesn't matter. I emailed them a few months ago and according to the reply, the plan was to get the vendors stocked before SK was going to sell anything on their own website. The vendor orders must be fulfilled for everything that's for sale, and just because SK's site says sold out doesn't mean it's not available elsewhere. I saw one of the videos from HJE a couple weeks ago and they sad that they had received a shipment from SK, it wasn't everything they had ordered, but it was a start.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
There's not much to offer on the site yet, but that doesn't matter. I emailed them a few months ago and according to the reply, the plan was to get the vendors stocked before SK was going to sell anything on their own website. The vendor orders must be fulfilled for everything that's for sale, and just because SK's site says sold out doesn't mean it's not available elsewhere. I saw one of the videos from HJE a couple weeks ago and they sad that they had received a shipment from SK, it wasn't everything they had ordered, but it was a start.
That adds up. I had an extension back-ordered from a third party for about a month. It finally shipped and arrived a month ago.
-Ryan
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
Screw the guys on the line, packing dept, management, office staff..... we want the 3 millionaire owners to be US citizens. They're paying US taxes on the business profits like any other business right? Forget about those little guys making the tools and running the operation. Plenty of 401k accounts, paychecks and health insurance $$$ can be right here in the USA with the success of SK for their employees.
I'm excited to see them spool up and see how they do. When I get to a real computer I'll check out the site. Thanks for the update.
The same people complaining about bUt cHyNa are the same people who bitched constantly about every minor little thing on tools from SK when they were owned by Ideal.
I’ve come to the conclusion that these people will never be satisfied no matter what.
RickyPetite
Well-known member
Any way to confirm that the tools are in fact made in Williamsport? If they are, I'll consider buying them. If it's vague, some made here and some made overseas, I won't.
"We will continue to manufacture many products in our new Williamsport facility while leveraging the experience and resources of Shop-Vac and our parent company, GreatStar Industrial. This blended approach will allow us to focus our manufacturing, procurement and innovation while improving our service and maintaining our reputation as the premium tools for American professionals."
A big portion of my day job is to take bad news and make it seem like not so bad news upon initial review. I recognize it when I see it. American Manufacturing is conspicuously absent from the "About Us" page, save for a tiny logo. Note, under most of the product descriptions, references to USA, America, etc were all removed.
I emailed them to ask, so let's see.
A big portion of my day job is to take bad news and make it seem like not so bad news upon initial review. I recognize it when I see it. American Manufacturing is conspicuously absent from the "About Us" page, save for a tiny logo. Note, under most of the product descriptions, references to USA, America, etc were all removed.
I emailed them to ask, so let's see.
Kscardsfan
Well-known member
I worked at harbor freight and Sears back when the name Craftsman meant something. The same people bitching about made in America and loss of American manufacturing jobs are the same ones wanting a domestic made floor jack for $200 or 350 piece tool set for $125 and balked at what american made costs.The same people complaining about bUt cHyNa are the same people who bitched constantly about every minor little thing on tools from SK when they were owned by Ideal.
I’ve come to the conclusion that these people will never be satisfied no matter what.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Im not a devout COO guy, but a couple facts...American Manufacturing is conspicuously absent from the "About Us" page, save for a tiny logo. Note, under most of the product descriptions, references to USA, America, etc were all removed.
They added in tiny print: “Made in the USA of US and Global Components.”
And as you noted, its been removed elsewhere, but proudly added to their name: “SK Tools USA, LLC” owned by “GreatStar Industrial USA”.
I too wish them well. Cant ever have too many tool options.
I would like to see a MAP pricing reduction when imported materials are used.
Kscardsfan
Well-known member
So your a spin doctor, AKA Bullsh** artist by day?"We will continue to manufacture many products in our new Williamsport facility while leveraging the experience and resources of Shop-Vac and our parent company, GreatStar Industrial. This blended approach will allow us to focus our manufacturing, procurement and innovation while improving our service and maintaining our reputation as the premium tools for American professionals."
A big portion of my day job is to take bad news and make it seem like not so bad news upon initial review. I recognize it when I see it. American Manufacturing is conspicuously absent from the "About Us" page, save for a tiny logo. Note, under most of the product descriptions, references to USA, America, etc were all removed.
I emailed them to ask, so let's see.
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
Funny little anecdote:
I noticed the newest Master Mechanic screwdrivers are now made in China by Great Star. The cushion grip drivers look absolutely terrible, but the acetate drivers look a lot like WF-made Craftsman drivers. Handles are the same (other than color), and the slotted driver tips look identical, with the horizontal lines. I mean with no marking on it, I would have simply sworn they were WF-made Craftsman drivers.
It's possible that they used shanks and handles that were left over from Ideal/WF production, and shipped them to China to be assembled. That could be a temporary solution until the new factory is set up, but it could also mean the tooling is now in China. I guess time will tell.
I noticed the newest Master Mechanic screwdrivers are now made in China by Great Star. The cushion grip drivers look absolutely terrible, but the acetate drivers look a lot like WF-made Craftsman drivers. Handles are the same (other than color), and the slotted driver tips look identical, with the horizontal lines. I mean with no marking on it, I would have simply sworn they were WF-made Craftsman drivers.
It's possible that they used shanks and handles that were left over from Ideal/WF production, and shipped them to China to be assembled. That could be a temporary solution until the new factory is set up, but it could also mean the tooling is now in China. I guess time will tell.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
I was hoping for a better relaunch. Most of their hardline stuff is still “sold out” so that’s disappointing. An announcement would’ve been nice too. Maybe this is just a soft launch to get something out the door for quarter end and the holidays?
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Yeah.... this is san interesting development, but we're still in wait-n-see mode. Any old stock needs to get out of the inventory before we see what SK is actually going to be. I ordered (and finally received) a socket extension from a 3rd party vendor about a month ago. Says USA all over it. No way to tell if it's new or old stock.
The business model for sure has to change for SK to be viable in the future. I bought nearly every metric tool they sold prior to the "sale"... and only then I realized that they probably weren't selling tons of tools, and was questioning how the company was viable. SK "fans" were only buying things on Steals and Deals or with promo codes... which says something about both SK's prices and what their customers were willing to pay. Needless to say, I wasn't that surprised the brand was sold.
-Ryan
The business model for sure has to change for SK to be viable in the future. I bought nearly every metric tool they sold prior to the "sale"... and only then I realized that they probably weren't selling tons of tools, and was questioning how the company was viable. SK "fans" were only buying things on Steals and Deals or with promo codes... which says something about both SK's prices and what their customers were willing to pay. Needless to say, I wasn't that surprised the brand was sold.
-Ryan
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
Ideal wasn't (and still isn't) very good at marketing. Ideal didn't really know what to do with SK. Maybe they should have made an arrangement to be the premium exclusive/house brand for Menards, Lowe's, or some other company. Western Forge and Pratt-Read did mostly private label manufacturing, so I could see not advertising them, but Ideal really seemed to struggle with finding SK's niche.Yeah.... this is san interesting development, but we're still in wait-n-see mode. Any old stock needs to get out of the inventory before we see what SK is actually going to be. I ordered (and finally received) a socket extension from a 3rd party vendor about a month ago. Says USA all over it. No way to tell if it's new or old stock.
The business model for sure has to change for SK to be viable in the future. I bought nearly every metric tool they sold prior to the "sale"... and only then I realized that they probably weren't selling tons of tools, and was questioning how the company was viable. SK "fans" were only buying things on Steals and Deals or with promo codes... which says something about both SK's prices and what their customers were willing to pay. Needless to say, I wasn't that surprised the brand was sold.
-Ryan
Ideal wasn't (and still isn't) very good at marketing. Ideal didn't really know what to do with SK. Maybe they should have made an arrangement to be the premium exclusive/house brand for Menards, Lowe's, or some other company. Western Forge and Pratt-Read did mostly private label manufacturing, so I could see not advertising them, but Ideal really seemed to struggle with finding SK's niche.
I've thought this myself and I wonder if they tried? Anymore, it seems that most of the box stores are in a race to the bottom for the cheapest stuff possible. SK pricing certainly didn't fit in with that strategy.
Let's face it, the average Joe/Jane homeowner doesn't give a flip about sockets, wrenches, etc. That all look the same, right?
Kscardsfan
Well-known member
Sadly, you're right.I've thought this myself and I wonder if they tried? Anymore, it seems that most of the box stores are in a race to the bottom for the cheapest stuff possible. SK pricing certainly didn't fit in with that strategy.
Let's face it, the average Joe/Jane homeowner doesn't give a flip about sockets, wrenches, etc. That all look the same, right?
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
There's an SK booth at SEMA this week. I spoke with one of the gentlemen working the booth and he said that the Great Star SK line up will be 1/3 made in the USA, 1/3 assembled in the USA from global materials, and 1/3 made outside the USA. The only item i saw that wasn't typical SK fare, was a couple of nice looking green tool carts with foam lined sets that resemble Homak carts. Loved the SK green. I think it will more time for SK to figure out what its lineup will contain.
From my email with SK customer service:
"...I would like to know if the following sets will be made in USA when they are back in stock on your website:" with their reply on the right.
80290 - 3/8 LP90 Flex Head
SK Reply: USA
1854 - 3/8 Deep Metric Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
4047 - 1/2 Deep Metric Impact Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
34350 - 1/2 Metric Impact Swivel Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
86265 - Combination Wrench Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
Not sure how a set of wrenches or sockets can be assembled in USA with globally sourced components unless they consider "Assembly" taking the sockets or wrenches and putting them in the holders? Hopefully these were just canned responses from them. Who knows.
"...I would like to know if the following sets will be made in USA when they are back in stock on your website:" with their reply on the right.
80290 - 3/8 LP90 Flex Head
SK Reply: USA
1854 - 3/8 Deep Metric Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
4047 - 1/2 Deep Metric Impact Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
34350 - 1/2 Metric Impact Swivel Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
86265 - Combination Wrench Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
Not sure how a set of wrenches or sockets can be assembled in USA with globally sourced components unless they consider "Assembly" taking the sockets or wrenches and putting them in the holders? Hopefully these were just canned responses from them. Who knows.
Terra Nova
Well-known member
From my email with SK customer service:
"...I would like to know if the following sets will be made in USA when they are back in stock on your website:" with their reply on the right.
80290 - 3/8 LP90 Flex Head
SK Reply: USA
1854 - 3/8 Deep Metric Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
4047 - 1/2 Deep Metric Impact Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
34350 - 1/2 Metric Impact Swivel Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
86265 - Combination Wrench Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
Not sure how a set of wrenches or sockets can be assembled in USA with globally sourced components unless they consider "Assembly" taking the sockets or wrenches and putting them in the holders? Hopefully these were just canned responses from them. Who knows.
That is a bit of a head scratcher. Could be a lot of things though; steel sourced from overseas, perhaps they are forged overseas and plated here, or the plastic tool rack is imported while the wrenches are made in the US. Hard to say, but likely a canned response like you said. Good to see the LP90 will be made here, I know they have their detractors but I've been happy with the ones I have.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
Could be your thought. I believe a previous post by a user stated the same for various Wera items — that the wrenches and ratchets were Asian imports that were finished and packaged in the Czech Republic. Could be that SK is sourcing European or Asian steel. I figured the ratchets would be USA with global materials since there is precedent of using Taiwanese innards with a US body. It’s cool that SK is talking with you though.From my email with SK customer service:
"...I would like to know if the following sets will be made in USA when they are back in stock on your website:" with their reply on the right.
80290 - 3/8 LP90 Flex Head
SK Reply: USA
1854 - 3/8 Deep Metric Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
4047 - 1/2 Deep Metric Impact Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
34350 - 1/2 Metric Impact Swivel Socket Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
86265 - Combination Wrench Set
SK Reply: Assembled in US with globally sourced components
Not sure how a set of wrenches or sockets can be assembled in USA with globally sourced components unless they consider "Assembly" taking the sockets or wrenches and putting them in the holders? Hopefully these were just canned responses from them. Who knows.
They are providing jobs, whereas Ideal didn't give a **** about leaving Americans jobless.Yeah Great Star, profits going back to China, but made here and giving American's a paycheck at least.
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Talked to the SK peeps at their booth again today. Bad news for some of you. The classic SK combination wrenches will be made in China, Peoples Republic of. Ratchets and sockets will be made in the PA plant but, will use imported steel. All processes forging, heat treating, chroming, & finishing will be done in USA. Screwdrivers are a. Mixture. The black & green comfort grips will be USA made. The green rectangular handled version will be global components assembled in USA. I didn't get an answer on pliers. X frames will continue to be USA made. I did mention that some flex head X frames would be nice along with some zero offset versions. I also said they needed to place an anti slip open end on their long pattern wrenches.
Talked to the SK peeps at their booth again today. Bad news for some of you. The classic SK combination wrenches will be made in China, Peoples Republic of. Ratchets and sockets will be made in the PA plant but, will use imported steel. All processes forging, heat treating, chroming, & finishing will be done in USA. Screwdrivers are a. Mixture. The black & green comfort grips will be USA made. The green rectangular handled version will be global components assembled in USA. I didn't get an answer on pliers. X frames will continue to be USA made. I did mention that some flex head X frames would be nice along with some zero offset versions. I also said they needed to place an anti slip open end on their long pattern wrenches.
Sad to hear about the wrenches... Good luck with selling Chinese wrenches anywhere near their current MSRP.
Weren't the square screwdrivers made in France anyway?
I don't understand this plan. Not that I've ever thought SK wrenches were worth much, too short. Also way too many choices for wrenches already made in china, gearwrench long pattern comes to mind as one I've used and have held up well.Talked to the SK peeps at their booth again today. Bad news for some of you. The classic SK combination wrenches will be made in China, Peoples Republic of. Ratchets and sockets will be made in the PA plant but, will use imported steel. All processes forging, heat treating, chroming, & finishing will be done in USA. Screwdrivers are a. Mixture. The black & green comfort grips will be USA made. The green rectangular handled version will be global components assembled in USA. I didn't get an answer on pliers. X frames will continue to be USA made. I did mention that some flex head X frames would be nice along with some zero offset versions. I also said they needed to place an anti slip open end on their long pattern wrenches.
reader2580
Well-known member
The only reason I ever bought SK was because they were made in the USA. There are many choices for imported tools.
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Those were before when pwned by Facom but the "French Connection" went away after thatSad to hear about the wrenches... Good luck with selling Chinese wrenches anywhere near their current MSRP.
Weren't the square screwdrivers made in France anyway?
Indexmill
Well-known member
Hate to be brutally honest, but it sounds like it will be a complete failure on so many levels.
Glad I have all of my SK from 1970-2010. It's enough.
Glad I have all of my SK from 1970-2010. It's enough.
Lt CHEG
Well-known member
I’m kind of ok with this. I’d prefer if everything was US made, but if anything is going to get outsourced to PRC, then it might as well be their wrenches because I never liked them anyway. I like the SK ratchets and sockets that I have so as long as they’re produced in the USA (forged, plated, finished, etc.) then I’m ok with using imported steel. It’s better than the alternative of going fully overseas for manufacturing.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I don't know anyone that is a fan of SK combination wrenches. They're too short, and the long patterns aren't anything I'd consider long. I do have some old double box end SK's that I like, but don't think those are made any longer anyway. My SK go to's are the ratchets, sockets, and comfort grip screwdrivers, which both appear to still be made in the U.S.A. It appears that if I ever decide to buy more, I'll be ok.