SK tools

[lbhsbz]

I don't see the attraction. I bought some SK wobble extensions about 10 years ago...the knurling is useless and the undercut and shape of the wobble tip is fairly lousy...I broke 2 in a few months. I just acquired a socket set...old, at least 40 years old. The finish looks like ****...fast cut on a lathe with a broken insert bad. Harbor freight stuff has more attention to detail than the SK stuff I own.

Why the attraction to SK?

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

SK is an affordable quality american tool. Some of their items aren't the greatest but they have quite a few gems. SK and Proto are some of my personal favorites if we aren't talking tool truck brands. Williams and Wight are also good options but I don't care for some of their tool line items. To each their own, buy what you like.

 

[gdocktor3]

Are you serious? How could you compare anything that's 40 years old? How about the fact that they're 40 years old and still working?

 

[maintguy]

Are you serious? How could you compare anything that's 40 years old? How about the fact that they're 40 years old and still working?

i agree

 

[winlinmac]

I agree as well, I bought a 1/4" socket set from a local sale several months back, sockets looked like junk (because the inside appeared corroded), but the outside chrome and included bit driver, extensions, and 1/4" ratchet were Brand New, never used in the last 30 years. Considered a vintage / collectible item now

i agree

 

[gungatim]

my take is this, their quality has been hit or miss over the years due to bankruptcy and different owners. today's S-K is a quality product. older stuff is great. some stuff in the later couple of decades not so much.

I think the popularity over the years is due to the fact that every hardware store in a small town carried S-K, and there are thousands of sets out there in the green metal cases from farmers to DIYers. see them all the time at farm auctions and such. If you didn't have a sears nearby, you generally got tools at the hardware. that's why there are so many of the older stuff out there.

they weren't the most advanced tools (still making round head knurled ratchets when everyone else got away from that style) but they were strong and durable and I've never seen a broken S-k socket, ratchet or wrench (but I'm sure it happens).

they got a good reputation that way, and like older US craftsman tools, they are starting to be collectable.

currently the new stuff being US made is a huge attraction for some.

my only complaint has been that it has been very difficult to warranty anything with them as the local hardware stores were always pretty stingy. though I've never broken anything, I have had to warranty worn sockets and screwdrivers with little success...

 

[gdocktor3]

You can literally mail anything in to SK and they will replace it no questions asked.

 

[Fedwrench]

I've never broken anything, I have had to warranty worn sockets and screwdrivers with little success...

Since when is wear a manufacturing defect? Broke is one thing but, wear means it's time to get new tools

As for SK popularity, it's lure could go back to when those hammertone green tool boxes were sold by real auto parts stores of my youth, or it could be the desire get a USA made tool, or perhaps the desire for a company that emphasizes USA production to succeed.

As others have said the tools' quality sometimes is hit or miss. From wavy wrenches to inconsistent socket finish has been documented in the pages of the journal. Current SK stuff is probably better than it has ever been.

 

[Tim37]

I hope the OP never buys anything from cornwell, most of Thiers looks like it was made with a hacksaw and a hand grinder but they WORK

 

[cliftonbros89]

I really like SK myself. I have several newer ratchets and sockets from SK. I really think they're quality pieces. My dad has several older SK tools as well. He has older sockets, wrenches, and ratchets. They've all been great. Never any problems. I've only warrantied one SK socket and it was from the older set of my dad's. I've had no issues with warranting anything thru SK. The socket was no problem, I've got a few ratchet kits from them before, including one for my dad's 3/8" roto ratchet that they don't even make anymore. Everyone of those pieces has been sent to me in just a few days. They even warrantied a ratchet that my dad broke the handle off of (most likely a cheaper pipe). They sent a replacement with in about a week and a half. They advertise that they won't warranty a tool that shows it's been abused. They still replaced it. I also have the SK 3/4" and 3/8" XXL breaker bars. I think they're great. No issues what so ever. This is coming from a guy who was starting to believe he'd only trust Snap On for breaker bars. When I received the 3/8" breaker bar it some chrome was chipped off the head and showed some surface rust. I mentioned it in a thread here and SKeric, who worked/works for SK said they'd send me a replacement. They did within a few days and paid for the shipping to send the flawed one in. They've also sent me a tool. Catalog no questions asked when I've wanted one. I've been completely satisfied with SK! Beats most other companies I've dealt with.


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[zcbauer89]

40 year old sockets of any brand aren't going to necessarily look good, especially after 40 years of work.

 

[gungatim]

Since when is wear a manufacturing defect? Broke is one thing but, wear means it's time to get new tools

Who said it was a manufacturing defect? I never did. high end tools carry lifetime warranty's for a reason, not jut limited to "manufacturing defects". half the reason people buy high end tools is so they can be warranted when they wear out...

 

[TheDuke62]

I think the popularity over the years is due to the fact that every hardware store in a small town carried S-K, and there are thousands of sets out there in the green metal cases from farmers to DIYers. see them all the time at farm auctions and such. If you didn't have a sears nearby, you generally got tools at the hardware. that's why there are so many of the older stuff out there.

Agree. I got my first 3/8 set at my Dad's hardware store in the late 70's. I still have that green metal box. I still pull it out every now and then, brings back memories.

 

[6PTsocket]

my take is this, their quality has been hit or miss over the years due to bankruptcy and different owners. today's S-K is a quality product. older stuff is great. some stuff in the later couple of decades not so much.

I think the popularity over the years is due to the fact that every hardware store in a small town carried S-K, and there are thousands of sets out there in the green metal cases from farmers to DIYers. see them all the time at farm auctions and such. If you didn't have a sears nearby, you generally got tools at the hardware. that's why there are so many of the older stuff out there.

they weren't the most advanced tools (still making round head knurled ratchets when everyone else got away from that style) but they were strong and durable and I've never seen a broken S-k socket, ratchet or wrench (but I'm sure it happens).

they got a good reputation that way, and like older US craftsman tools, they are starting to be collectable.

currently the new stuff being US made is a huge attraction for some.

my only complaint has been that it has been very difficult to warranty anything with them as the local hardware stores were always pretty stingy. though I've never broken anything, I have had to warranty worn sockets and screwdrivers with little success...

When you consider that the round head has two pawls rotating inside a toothed handle, vs the pear design that needs an extra bulge between the round part and the handle to accomodate a single pawl acting on a rotating gear, you will understand why the design is still popular. The lever ratchets have only recently gone to a double pawl by stacking one on top of the other, at the cost of extra height. The lever is quicker to reverse Ya pays yer money and makes yer choice. My old Williams ratchets have a really compact round head. I also have a lot of old SK and none of it is peeling or rusty. The finish is decent. It has not always been a requirement to look like SnapOn. Full polish wrenches were not always the norm. Williams was distributed as an industrial brand and never seen in an auto parts store. Pretty was not a requirement. Now it is SnapOn's Taiwan made, non- truck brand an prettier than the old stuff but probably no better. I have never busted a piece of Williamd either. SK went from just SK to SK Wayne to SK Dresser to SK Facom to just SK again to bankrupt to SK Ideal. The quality has been variable but today is as good as any with new designs being introduced.We could use a decent USA made brand in every hardware store at a moderate price but sadly there is none. SK today is anything but inexpensive.

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[6PTsocket]

Since when is wear a manufacturing defect? Broke is one thing but, wear means it's time to get new tools

As for SK popularity, it's lure could go back to when those hammertone green tool boxes were sold by real auto parts stores of my youth, or it could be the desire get a USA made tool, or perhaps the desire for a company that emphasizes USA production to succeed.

As others have said the tools' quality sometimes is hit or miss. From wavy wrenches to inconsistent socket finish has been documented in the pages of the journal. Current SK stuff is probably better than it has ever been.

I agree.

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[Hiball]

I don't see the attraction. I bought some SK wobble extensions about 10 years ago...the knurling is useless and the undercut and shape of the wobble tip is fairly lousy...I broke 2 in a few months. I just acquired a socket set...old, at least 40 years old. The finish looks like ****...fast cut on a lathe with a broken insert bad. Harbor freight stuff has more attention to detail than the SK stuff I own.

Why the attraction to SK?

If you don't want your tools to last 40 years, then don't buy SK, Problem solved... Next?

Wobble extensions are notoriously bad fitting, unless you need the angle to reach a fastener, then they are a life saver. If you use a wobble extension under high torque loads, Yep... They can and will break at there weakest link.

 

[Roberts210]

I've used S-K since I was a pup and got my first full-time mechanic job in 1978. I haven't been full time in many years, but still have my S-K tools and NONE HAVE BROKEN.

 

[fos373]

i have this 40 year old car, feels like **** compared to my new 2016 lexus......

sarcasm....

 

[anndel]

It's Made in USA pride and affordable compared to Snap On, Matco, Mac, etc. Yeah a just bought a socket/ratchet set on Epstein's Day and when compared to my 30 year old Snap Ons and Craftsman is not a meaty and feels thinner than the old sockets. That's most likely due to the advancement in steels.

 

[jumbojak]

Who said it was a manufacturing defect? I never did. high end tools carry lifetime warranty's for a reason, not jut limited to "manufacturing defects". half the reason people buy high end tools is so they can be warranted when they wear out...

SK's warranty doesn't cover wear. To my knowledge, they never said they did. I can understand a warranty replacement for something that breaks, especially when it breaks soon after being purchased - like within a few years - but when something just wears out... buy new unless your warranty covers wera as well. If you got your moneys worth and then some I would consider the same brand. They will all wear given enough use.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I buy most any s&k tool that I find at yard sales, estate sales. ect.
Great tools.

 

[firworks]

I think living in Illinois means SK is a bit special to us since it is local.

When I go to my local tool auctions there are just boat loads of hammered green boxes full of cool old sets. Always tons of SK tools in every old barn and shop and basement.

I thought this particular little green box set was cool because it still had the paper ad insert in it:
View media item 64763I know this set isn't that old but I still think it's cool. I have some older less complete sets than this one.

Vs a brand new box I just got a few months back:
View media item 62187
Recently I got a brand new 45170 in that box set above. I decided to line it up with some of my older 45170s from older sets.
View media item 62702
The're good tools and their prices aren't nutrageous. They build them local and they come in cool green boxes.

 

[jumbojak]

Do they still offer sets in metal boxes? All I see listed are blow molded case sets.

 

[davethorik]

Bought tools 10 years ago and not happy now? Lol

 

[firworks]

Do they still offer sets in metal boxes? All I see listed are blow molded case sets.

They just offered a new set in green metal boxes a few months back around HJE day. I think Harry Epstein's still has a few left. If anyone wants a metal box SK set they should call Epstein's or maybe send a PM to Jori about it. It makes me think that SK might be wanting to bring back the metal box sets though and maybe this was a trial run.

 

[bb_max]

They just released that they are offering a limited selection of sets in the green metal boxes.

 

[6PTsocket]

I think living in Illinois means SK is a bit special to us since it is local.

When I go to my local tool auctions there are just boat loads of hammered green boxes full of cool old sets. Always tons of SK tools in every old barn and shop and basement.

I thought this particular little green box set was cool because it still had the paper ad insert in it:
View media item 64763I know this set isn't that old but I still think it's cool. I have some older less complete sets than this one.

Vs a brand new box I just got a few months back:
View media item 62187
Recently I got a brand new 45170 in that box set above. I decided to line it up with some of my older 45170s from older sets.
View media item 62702
The're good tools and their prices aren't nutrageous. They build them local and they come in cool green boxes.

Compared to tool truck prices. I see prices that are way above comperable quality imports like Williams and Gearwrench. Even allowing for the inflation of many years, I don't remember the sticker shock of today when i bought my SK, many years ago. Still going strong.. It is a sad fact but imports have improved a lot if you stick with the right brands. I guess I don't go to the rigt places for used stuff and today I mostly use metric and the old stuff is mostlly inch. I would grab it too if l saw it.

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[Roobaix]

I love the metal boxes, especially the older hammered ones. I've got a few complete sets of them including the new one the HJE and SK were offering on Epstein's Day.

I keep the 1/4" metric and 3/8" metric sets in my car as my portable/emergency tools.

I've been on the look out for an old metal tool box too.

 

[chopper1]

What do I think of S-K tools? I kind of like them.
Pix from when I was reorganizing my tool box
Not showing the 10 or so boxed sets or the S-K Wayne

 

[Roberts210]

I just bought an S-K 3/4 drive, 36" long breaker bar from Harry Epstein.

 

[M6erfan]

Since when is wear a manufacturing defect? Broke is one thing but, wear means it's time to get new tools

+1,000

Current SK stuff is probably better than it has ever been.

That's scary. I've had very poor luck with newer (last couple years) SK sockets. I was under the impression the older stuff is better made/more sought after?

 

[raiderhillbilly]

Good. Hope everybody hates SK. That leaves more for me.

How about someone show me another ratchet that was built in 1934 that i can get a fresh new rebuild kit for from the manufacturer for free.

 

[jdlong]

My SAE sockets, combos, and line wrenches are SK. Bought them around 1990. The fit and finish is great. They've served me well and I've never had an issue with them except for the ratchets. I just don't care for the center selector because I have a tendancy to trip it when I grasp the ratchets by the head. Rarley use them at all. When the tooth fairy drops some more tool money, I plan to upgrade my metric stuff to SK.

 

[camd64]

I am a fan of SK because they are high quality, American made, and affordable. I have no problem recommending SK or Wright to other techs looking to get started in the trade. I do wish they had a larger distribution network including more trucks to compete with the big 3. They do seem to be picking up the pace with more innovative tools as well so I am glad to see that. I know plenty of older techs who have made a lifelong career using SK and swear by them. Hopefully this next generation helps them (as well as other American manufacturers) pick up the pace and keep producing high quality tools.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I like the little 1/4" drive sets in the hammered green boxes.
I guess I like the green handles on the screwdrivers, pliers.Love the Facom era ratchets and they do make thier bit sockets in the USA.
I picked up a set of the new ratchet wrenchs and they're great. I wish Ideal the best and I will continue to support them.

 

[wvrailroader]

Good. Hope everybody hates SK. That leaves more for me.

How about someone show me another ratchet that was built in 1934 that i can get a fresh new rebuild kit for from the manufacturer for free.

A lot of the old Plomb ratchets can still be repaired with new Proto kits that can be obtained for free.

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[NFH2740]

 

[Empty Pockets]

I boiught a couple of 3/8 sets from HJE. Quality is as good as anyone.

I inherited my father's and grandfather's tools, including many old SK tools. While they are old enough to have voted for Kennedy, they still work good, just cosmetically they show their age.

 

[1950mercury]

You can literally mail anything in to SK and they will replace it no questions asked.

You literally can't believe everything you read on the internet..... His statement is not true. They clearly state abuse is not covered... and there has been a few posts on here where people are bitching about it.

To the op they have redesigned the wobble extensions. The old ones did ****.

 

[mjoekingz28]

Good for them not covering abuse!