SK Tools

[CGarage]

Absolutely.
In 1934 they patented the first round head fine tooth ratchet. This was a huge advancement.
It remained one of the most popular ratchets for decades, and still preferred by some today.

At that time, Snap-on ratchets were very coarse.
Mechanics Tool and Forge, which evolved into MAC in the 40’s, wasnt even founded until 1938.
Matco wasnt publicly selling goods to mechanics until 1979.

SK set a benchmark that established a turning point in tool manufacturing.

Good info. Thank you for teaching me.

 

[Etchase]

There are a lot of SK type ratchets being made today. The New Britain almost floating pawl didn’t come out until the late 40’s. The fully floating pawl, like the FACOM was latter. Did the truck brands do anything special?

 

[ohhimark]

Lowe's will be carrying SK soon. Not sure how much of a selection will be available, or if any of it will be USA-made, or just the overpriced Duratech tools.

SK Tools are Coming to Lowe’s Stores

toolguyd.com

Lowes lists 7 pc standard or metric X frame wrench sets for $79.98 online. Not in stock (near me at least) and no mention of where they are made.

 

[M6erfan]

Lowes lists 7 pc standard or metric X frame wrench sets for $79.98 online. Not in stock (near me at least) and no mention of where they are made.

5 metric sets in stock near me. My guess is they're made in China

 

[Cruzan80]

Absolutely.
In 1934 they patented the first round head fine tooth ratchet. This was a huge advancement.
It remained one of the most popular ratchets for decades, and still preferred by some today.

At that time, Snap-on ratchets were very coarse.
Mechanics Tool and Forge, which evolved into MAC in the 40’s, wasnt even founded until 1938.
Matco wasnt publicly selling goods to mechanics until 1979.

SK set a benchmark that established a turning point in tool manufacturing.

SK also patented the Roto-ratchet, with their round fine-tooth head, in the 50-60s (IIRC?). Wasn't available from everyone else until the patent expired.

 

[N8sToolz]

My only complaint with any sk product was getting a warranty. I tend not to use them so much for fear of not getting a replacement, or having to wait. Hit or miss, I once waited a year for a wobble extension. Their impact sockets hold up just as good as anything else.

My favorite by far is they smooth chrome wrenches though. I bought up a bunch of sets, shorts and longs. Only broke one in 20 years that I've owned them.

 

[ecotec]

I used a SK round head ratchet for years, doing electrical work.

I replaced it with a high tooth count Wright contour years ago.

I would have been fine, continuing to use the SK… but the Wright is a much better ratchet. There is no reason to go back to low tooth count ratchets.

 

[CGarage]

I used a SK round head ratchet for years, doing electrical work.

I replaced it with a high tooth count Wright contour years ago.

I would have been fine, continuing to use the SK… but the Wright is a much better ratchet. There is no reason to go back to low tooth count ratchets.

Low tooth count ratchets usually accept much higher torque without risk of damaging the ratcheting mechanism. I still buy lower tooth count ratchets for high torque fasteners.

 

[roofdweller49]

Low tooth count ratchets usually accept much higher torque without risk of damaging the ratcheting mechanism. I still buy lower tooth count ratchets for high torque fasteners.

Has this actually been proven true?