SK Tools up for sale?

[bob15]

Why all the doom and gloom about SK on this site/forum/thread?

Do you guys realize SK is still in business and is NOT shutting down? There are thousands of companies like SK that would be sold to the right buyer for the right price all across this country (including one I used to work for)?

Why are you guys saying: they were my favorite or they were this or that? What has changed since Jan 1st? Nothing!!

SK is still in business and still producing American Made tools. Why stop buying from them now? Because someone might buy them out in 7 years and make them a better company?

 

[bob15]

I made an order back in late January and I'm still waiting for it. I was told it'd ship "today" several days ago. I was really really trying to be supportive but I'm getting a little frustrated

A lot of delays are still do to covid. They aren't the only ones with shipment delays......

 

[mrjaw14]

They didn’t say it was delayed, they told me it was shipping. If it’s delayed then tell me, don’t lie to me

 

[measuredtwice]

We all just need one of these stores in our towns [emoji16]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cool to see. Wish there were more stores like that!!

 

[Is this thing on]

For all the talking this forum of wanting USA produced hand tools, very few follow up and actually purchase them, aside from a couple of boutique manufacturers like SO.

Power tools are the same. Dewalt has invested heavily in US assembly, but Milwaukee, which is almost all imported, gets a pass from the “I want USA” cloud.

Yup, talk is cheap.

 

[bob15]

They didn’t say it was delayed, they told me it was shipping. If it’s delayed then tell me, don’t lie to me

Delay in shipping or with the shipper. Have bought plenty of items recently where it took several weeks to arrive. Had one package that took a month to be delivered.

 

[logical]

Most dont use an anti-corrosion coating, for starters. The ones that do or did that I have experience with (Armstrong/Craftsman) were occasionally just as sloppy. Doesnt really change the fact that you said SK has bad chrome when its not the case. They have their issues (small size socket broaching) but chrome plating isnt one.

I have full SAE/mm sets in 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2. The only issue I've has is a few sockets that had the chrome flake off around the rim. I sent 3 or 4 in...or just reported it ( I forget which) and they were replaced.

Sent from my SM-T830 using Tapatalk

 

[guitarbutt]

I like SK a lot. I hope they don't go anywhere, partly because I joined their socket of the month club. Some seems too expensive, but that's life. I won't buy snap on stuff because it's ludicrously expensive, so SK is my high end brand

 

[James mcreedy]

Never realized SK had such a small following. Always thought they were a small but very well-respected manufacturer held in the same regard as SO/etc. I guess this thread has opened my eyes to the fact that fewer people see them that way than I'd have thought, or so it would seem.

Personally, I won't buy anything made in PRC nor Taiwan, India, or the like if I can at all avoid it. For tools I can easily avoid it and do - and enjoy buying brands like SK, Proto, Wright, Wera, Bondhus, Bessey, Metabo, Bosch, etc. (though with a lot of these brands you now have to be cautious as COO is item-dependent). The only real exception are my M18 tools as I have invested too much in the line to just stop buying when I need something.

I hope SK sticks around. Have stuff from them ranging in age from 40-50+ years old to brand new. Love it all.

Sk is nowhere NEAR SO. Its a lot closer to gearwrench, tekton, matco.

 

[bob15]

Sk is nowhere NEAR SO. Its a lot closer to gearwrench, tekton, matco.

How so? Have examples of why it is not close to Snappy?

 

[Mavsman]

Sk is nowhere NEAR SO. Its a lot closer to gearwrench, tekton, matco.

For me, SK is USA quality on par with Williams or Proto and well above Taiwanese Gearwrench, Tekton, and (some) Matco. So closer to Snap on than others.

 

[Rinspeed]

According to Dunn and Bradstreet they have 15 employees and 4.35m in sales..........
So are they still a manufacturer or a rebrander under Ideal?

I just called SK to check on an order and I asked the lady how many people they had in manufacturing. She said she wasn't sure but thought it was around 70 and that didn't include any of the office people. She also said there is a YouTube video of their shop floor showing different processes and equipment.



ETA;

 

[89MustangGX]

Was poking around the site and saw a page talking about SK tool trucks. Has anyone ever seen one?

https://sktools.com/content/sktools/en_US/mobile-distributor.html

 

[M635_Guy]

Sk is nowhere NEAR SO. Its a lot closer to gearwrench, tekton, matco.

A statement like that pretty much requires some specifics to back up your opinion.

 

[mrjaw14]

How so? Have examples of why it is not close to Snappy?

For one, the QC on things like the fit and finish is not close to SO. Prices are up there close to SO though. Where SK is priced I expect close to perfection.

When I have a warranty issue with SO I call them and they mail me something and it's here fast. with SK you have to mail things in on your own dime and wait weeks to months to get things back.

I have a lot of SK stuff though, I really want them to stay in business. They just need to fix some things

 

[M635_Guy]

For one, the QC on things like the fit and finish is not close to SO. Prices are up there close to SO though. Where SK is priced I expect close to perfection.

I agree. So far that hasn't been my experience. My XFrame set had a variety of blemishes. Some or all of them might have been able to be removed with chrome polish, but I just couldn't bring myself to do that. I joined the SK Club or whatever, and my first "Socket of the Month" also came a bit blemished as well.

With SK you have to mail things in on your own dime and wait weeks to months to get things back.

That wasn't my experience with the XFrames. I mainly wanted them to confirm the warranty would cover any future degradation in the chrome. Instead, they sent me a prepaid label to return the set for replacement.

(I'm not going to bother with the socket)

To be clear - I'm entirely fine with SK. The cosmetic stuff I've seen (A) isn't data - I'm not trying to accuse them of having a problem because people jawing on the internet doesn't represent useful data (B) I have zero concerns that the tools won't work extremely well and last me a lifetime and (C) SK exceeded my expectations and is replacing a set when I was really only trying to ensure there wouldn't be a warranty issue at some point.

For professional-level MiUSA tools, I think they're an outstanding value (which is why I've been buying stuff from them)

 

[bob15]

For one, the QC on things like the fit and finish is not close to SO. Prices are up there close to SO though. Where SK is priced I expect close to perfection.

When I have a warranty issue with SO I call them and they mail me something and it's here fast. with SK you have to mail things in on your own dime and wait weeks to months to get things back.

Prices...really

Snap On 14 piece $925: https://shop.snapon.com/product/Standard-Handle%2C-inches/14-pc-12-Point-SAE-Flank-Drive-Standard-Combination-Wrench-Set-(3-8-1-1%2F4%22)/OEX714KB

SK 16 piece $402: https://www.harryepstein.com/wrenches-combo-stand-full-polish-29353.html

Never had an issue with warrantying for either company. Never had to mail anything to either company either.

You want QC, fit and finish issues. Here are couple pictures of Snappy issues, and it isn't the grinding or lack thereof, but rather they don't close and cut correctly. The only reason I bought a new pair was the welding I did on my old ones, I wanted a new pair. Unfortunately, they don't squeeze tight like the older ones or the regular length cutters I also have pictured.

 

[mrjaw14]

I called in about something and was told to mail it in. maybe there's different treatment for something you just bought vs a warranty claim?


Who pays SO retail? I buy almost all my stuff BOGO. Yes, even SO has QC issues. The difference is thus far I can get on the truck and swap it out or call SO and they send me a replacement rather than deal with it on my dime

SK IS a few dollars cheaper. but by the time you pay to ship things back, wait a while for it, it's close enough in price to just go buy the SO and be done with it. hassle factor costs something. what's your time worth? Plus SK is always in a state of flux. If I am going to pay real money for something I would at least like to think that they'll be around for a while longer.

I have a LOT of SK stuff. several socket sets, wrenches, numerous ratchets, and some other odds and ends. I like SK. I want them to be around for a long time to come. I feel like there's a few tweaks they can make and be really good.

 

[bob15]

I called in about something and was told to mail it in. maybe there's different treatment for something you just bought vs a warranty claim?


Who pays SO retail? I buy almost all my stuff BOGO. Yes, even SO has QC issues. The difference is thus far I can get on the truck and swap it out or call SO and they send me a replacement rather than deal with it on my dime

SK IS a few dollars cheaper. but by the time you pay to ship things back, wait a while for it, it's close enough in price to just go buy the SO and be done with it. hassle factor costs something. what's your time worth?

You cannot say Snap On and SK prices are close when you are dealing in BOGO. Your earlier post now makes no sense and has zero credibility.

And now you are comparing tool truck warranties against a company that does not have tool trucks. Apples and oranges, again, your earlier statements still make zero sense to this discussion.

And how often do you break hardline tools? Been turning wrenches for over 35 years and can count the number of broken tools on one hand.

 

[mrjaw14]

do you work for SK? I'm not hating on SK. Quite the opposite. I want them to be around for a long time. But there's a few things they need to tweak. And if they do, they'll be awesome. isn't that the point? If I were the new buyer I'd see this thread as people who are passionate for SK and want to see it succeed. I can't say this any clearer: I love SK tools!

No one said anything about breaking tools. As previously mentioned most of the issues are finish related. I have SK wrenches that flake chrome and have rust spots, but I'm not sending them back.

you pulled an extreme example for cost..list cost I might add. many more products are closer in price. A lot of people don't pay SO list either. And if SO offers BOGOs, they ARE a factor in price...they are giving you a way to get the cost down! SK has sales, but most of the time the sales price is their website only and it's regular retail cost from an online retailer so it's not much of a sale.

my point is this: I never said they cost exactly the same. I said close. and by the time you factor in that its likely on you to ship it back, by the time you buy packing material, box, maybe insurance, and actual shipping cost, plus making the time to do it, the little bit you save isn't that appealing. You pay more for SO understanding that replacements and shipping cost is built in. You have to factor that the other way for SK.

And if the QC and finish were of good enough report that you don't get concerned that you'll have to send it back then the slightly cheaper cost of SK becomes worth it...and now we've come full circle. SK makes GREAT tools, but needs to improve a little on QC and finish.

 

[bob15]

mrjaw14, Yea, I live in CT and work for SK

Unless you have a truck, you are paying full price for Snap On which makes my comparison to SK valid, unlike your BOGO comments to price comparison.

Close in price? SK is half the price, even if purchased through zoro with their free shipping. And again, how tools have you broken where you need to consider $400+ in SK costs to justify warranty return shipping costs? For one basic wrench set.

And yes, I have Snap On (and Williams) tools with chrome flaking, so to say the QC issues are SK issues is also incorrect.

 

[mrjaw14]

Bob you're absolutely right on the set you illustrated under the buying circumstances you mention. I'm also correct for other buying circumstances on other products. SK is not half of snap on on a lot of items. You're also correct that unless you walk on a truck you're paying full list for SO. valid point. SO caters to professionals that get on trucks. that market is also the chief market for high-quality tools.

SK is an exception. They do give the little guy a chance to buy from them. Which is why I support them so heavily. BUT...never the less, their value proposition decreases when you need to use the warranty. SK does this, smartly I might add, to prevent people from calling in about every little thing.

You and I both clearly like SK...I want to support them because they are accessible to everyone. I'm just pointing out a few minor things that can be changed that would make them awesome rather than going "well ****, this looks like a good deal but will I have to deal with something and have that hassle" and walking to another brand.

 

[measuredtwice]

SK has trucks. I've never seen one though.

https://ideal64-prod1-s3.adobecqms.net/content/sktools/en_US/mobile-distributor.html

 

[Mgdoug3]

I've never had a problem with SK's warranty. Usually I call them and they send out the replacement same day. It's taken a little longer this past year but that's due to Covid.

I had a DT80 kit that wasn't right. SK sent me another one with a return label. I also had a new socket that the drive end wasn't broached correctly. I sent an email with pictures and they sent another one and told me to not worry about sending the defective socket back. I never have spent money to ship something back to SK.

I'll keep supporting SK. The ratchets are almost as good as Snap-on but half the price. I love my dual 80s but SK ratchets are a better bargain for a USA tool. Over seas companies might make a good ratchet but I won't buy them (excluding maybe German tools).

 

[Mr.Smoke]

I got excited by the title of this thread in a totally non-topic related way. I thought either someone was selling off a bunch of SK stuff, or someone was inquiring about finding/buying SK tools and it would lead me to some good deals on stuff lol.

I finally picked up the SK wrench set I've wanted for over 10 years and am incredibly happy I finally have my favourite wrenches in my tool collection. When they went bankrupt and changed owners a few years back the SK brand became essentially non-existent in Canada and could not be sourced by any common, specialty or major tool seller/retailer. Prior to their company changes they could be ordered at most auto parts stores and through most of the tool trucks but that all changed. There are still people up here who think SK is no longer.

I'm glad to see they have remained in business and appear to be stable, at least for the time being. Their wrenches have been my top pick ever since I first used them, even over Snap-On and other premium brands. I like their sockets as well, but they are far too expensive for my tastes. Hopefully their current management/ownership will keep them in business for many years to come.

 

[Mavsman]

They address the sale of SK Tools in the new video:

 

[bimmer630]

They address the sale of SK Tools in the new video:

Welcome to the first post of this thread


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mavsman]

Welcome to the first post of this thread


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Welcome to missing the "new" part of my comment.
It seems like they will be posting new tool business-related videos regularly. The new video addresses the comments in this thread.

 

[bimmer630]

Welcome to missing the "new" part of my comment.
It seems like they will be posting new tool business-related videos regularly. The new video addresses the comments in this thread.

Doh! Apologies! I opened it and it looked like the same clip as the one that started this thread. Don’t mind me, I’m a fool


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[M635_Guy]

I didn't think there was much in that video anyway

 

[measuredtwice]

They address the sale of SK Tools in the new video:

I watched a bit of it and will have to finish when I have more time. It's almost 15 minutes long!!

Couple of comments about what I've seen so far...

1. Small companies are not the only tool companies manufacturing in the USA. It may be true for a majority of companies but there are exceptions like Stanley Proto and Snap-on. And hopefully Stanley's new Craftsman factory will further increase large scale American manufacturing.

2. HJE's large acquisition of USA made adjustable wrenches sounds good. Thanks for the info.

3. As expected, glad to hear that SK is not going away.

 

[SuitorsGarage]

I believe SK would do well if they where available at auto parts stores again. In my area the only decent tools available from parts stores is Napa Carlyle. If I had a made in USA choice when I needed something in a hurry I would choose it over price. Luckily I have great snap on dealer if I want something but he doesn't deliver every day multiple times a day.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

I believe SK would do well if they where available at auto parts stores again.

I agree with this so much!! When SK went bankrupt and ownership changed to Ideal years ago, EVERY vendor here in Canada stopped carrying them. Not sure if it was SK who made that decision, or the major distributor in Canada that supplies tools for most auto part stores. They are now essentially impossible to find here aside from online retailers in the US or Amazon which has a limited selection. I actually emailed SK about an hour ago to see if they have any plans to start up Canadian distribution again, but I doubt it since our market share is so small. Still have my fingers crossed I will get the response I hope for though.

Absolutely love the SK stuff I have and would certainly buy more if it was easier to buy locally and avoid shipping/duty charges bringing it into Canada via online purchases.

 

[jrbpit1]

All the new tools I buy I try to buy US. I’m willing to pay more for Made In USA over competing brands from Asia. I’m not a pro, and I prolly could get by with gearwrench, Tekton, Craftsman, Harbor Freight.

Over the last year I’ve just about replaced all of my older Craftsman with Wright, SK, and a few things from Mac and Snap-On. I have been happy with all of my SK and Wright stuff. I’ve used my SK flex head 3/8 drive ratchet pretty hard and it has held up well. I have the LP90 3/8 and 1/2 drive ratchets, very happy with them. Got the 1/2 drive from SK for $65.00 back before Christmas.

I bought a 16mm Snap-On wrench to compare against SK and Wright. Finish on all three are on par with one another. Do my SK work any better than Asian made stuff, probably not. I’m a sucker for that Made In USA stamp.

I did purchase a set of Tekton torx bits for my road box. Felt guilty for not buying US, made up for it with a US made set of screw drivers.

My brother is in the appliance parts business, the supply chain is totally screwed up. Major manufacturers they deal with have tons of stuff on back order.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[anndel]

Would be funny if Harbor Freight bought SK.

 

[M635_Guy]

Would be funny if Harbor Freight bought SK.

I don't think that would be bad for either of them

 

[egdede]

I worked at a regional-pushing to be national auto-parts store in the late 1980's: Trak-Auto. We sold S&K as our premium line. delivery day was Th at my store, and they were usually all stolen by close of business that day : ( The cameras would tell the story, crew of 3, 2 being helped separately away from tools while the 3rd emptied the racks in seconds. : (

 

[Wrench97]

Yea it would, HF would only want the name to imprint on cheap tools..................

 

[M635_Guy]

Yea it would, HF would only want the name to imprint on cheap tools..................

Right. All their tools are cheap and low-quality...

 

[toddmorr]

Has hf ever done significant acquisition? I don't think so. Seems their model is to intro their own made-up brand

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using The Garage Journal mobile app