SK Tools

[dlou57nomad8787]

Is it just me or is it becoming that difficult to buy quality USA made tools.? Finally got a chance and bought a SK 1/2 Inch drive Socket and Ratchet set Model # 4146 on ebay. Nobody had them in stock. And several distributors told me they have been waitng over a year. Its a damm shame everthing is made in China.!!!

 

[drtyler]

I don't disagree. Snap-on, Williams, Wright, Proto, and MAC seem to be what's left as far as USA sockets & ratchets. As long as cost wasn't prohibitive, it would be better to buy new from one of these brands to support current USA manufacturing, rather than old stock on Ebay. Not to mention, SK is owned by a Chinese firm and there is no present SK manufacturing in the USA -- they contract some sockets to Wright, and some ratchets are made by a third party in the USA -- but there is zero evidence of actual manufacturing by SK in the US.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I don't disagree. Snap-on, Williams, Wright, Proto, and MAC seem to be what's left as far as USA sockets & ratchets. As long as cost wasn't prohibitive, it would be better to buy new from one of these brands to support current USA manufacturing, rather than old stock on Ebay. Not to mention, SK is owned by a Chinese firm and there is no present SK manufacturing in the USA -- they contract some sockets to Wright, and some ratchets are made by a third party in the USA -- but there is zero evidence of actual manufacturing by SK in the US.

Rumors were swirling about the LP90s being manufactured by AJ Manufacturing. I wonder if that was ever proven true.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Rumors were swirling about the LP90s being manufactured by AJ Manufacturing. I wonder if that was ever proven true.

A third party is definitely doing them..... and allowing Olsa to sell them under their name. The Olsa Made in USA ratchets are 100% absolutely LP90 rebrands. I got the Olsa 3/8" stubby and love it. Not cheap, though. SK never sold this as I recall.

USA tools, especially ratchets seem to just be expensive. A number of "import" companies are trying to get USA-made tools in their catalogs. For example, Tekton has a number of USA made things.

Anyone know who is making Matco's ratchets now? Armstong was rumored to be making them, but Armstrong isn't a thing anymore. Matco's ratchets are USA made.

-Ryan

 

[neophyte]

A third party is definitely doing them..... and allowing Olsa to sell them under their name. The Olsa Made in USA ratchets are 100% absolutely LP90 rebrands. I got the Olsa 3/8" stubby and love it. Not cheap, though. SK never sold this as I recall.

USA tools, especially ratchets seem to just be expensive. A number of "import" companies are trying to get USA-made tools in their catalogs. For example, Tekton has a number of USA made things.

Anyone know who is making Matco's ratchets now? Armstong was rumored to be making them, but Armstrong isn't a thing anymore. Matco's ratchets are USA made.

-Ryan

Armstrong used yo be owned by the same group that owned Matco, hence the reason why a **** load of Matco tools were Armstrong rebrands.
When Danaher corp spun off the tool manufacturing divisions they owned, most of the tool manufacturing brands got combined and spun off under the Apex Tool Group.
Matco and Fluke and maybe a couple others hiwever, hot spun off into Fortive, and then Matco hot spun off into Vontier.
Basically, there was a bunch of shifts in the ownership within the last 10 or 15 years to the point where it’s hard to keep track of.

 

[scooby074]

uh-hum https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...ccessoories-made-in-usa.524076/#post-10389444

 

[AA/FC]

Is it just me or is it becoming that difficult to buy quality USA made tools.? Finally got a chance and bought a SK 1/2 Inch drive Socket and Ratchet set Model # 4146 on ebay. Nobody had them in stock. And several distributors told me they have been waitng over a year. Its a damm shame everthing is made in China.!!!

Did you get new old stock, or was it a used set? Do the tools say made in the USA on them?

A Chinese company bought SK in July of 2021

 

[dlou57nomad8787]

Did you get new old stock, or was it a used set? Do the tools say made in the USA on them?

A Chinese company bought SK in July of 2021

 

[dlou57nomad8787]

I bought the set from a seller on ebay. The storage case had a few very light scratches in it. The shallow 9/16 Socket was missing. I found a Socket on ebay for 10 bucks. It is stamped USA. Also I contacted SK and they sent me 2 new latches for free. Every tool in the set is stamped USA. So I think It was made sometime before 2022. I want to get a 3/8 and a 1/4 inch set. Found a 3/8 set and the seller said they have the receipt and it was bought in 2015. So it should be truly made in the USA. I found a 1/4 inch drive set and I contacted the seller and he opened up a set and said every tool was stamped USA on it. But he said the 1/4 inch ratchet in the set is not stamped USA. He said it was stamped SK and has the model number stamped on it. Kind of strange. I think SK might still have a lot of new old stock. And mabey don't have many USA 1/4 inch ratchets left that are made and stamped USA. So the ratchet in thes set is probably that made with global components ****.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Is it just me or is it becoming that difficult to buy quality USA made tools.? Finally got a chance and bought a SK 1/2 Inch drive Socket and Ratchet set Model # 4146 on ebay. Nobody had them in stock. And several distributors told me they have been waitng over a year. Its a damm shame everthing is made in China.!!!

USA made is always a challenge. Usually it exists, often the problem is stock. IMO this makes bargain hunting more challenging, as there is less availability and thus less downward pressure on price.

I am trying to teach myself to be less concerned about price shopping when looking at USA made stuff. I'm "fortunate" that I use my tools for my work, thus can easier justify tool truck stuff. I will say that I shake my head when I see non-US made, usually Taiwanese, on the tool trucks for similar prices as USA made snap on. Not that I have any issue with imported tools, I have a ton. USA or 1st world made is just a plus in my book.

 

[dlou57nomad8787]

USA made is always a challenge. Usually it exists, often the problem is stock. IMO this makes bargain hunting more challenging, as there is less availability and thus less downward pressure on price.

I am trying to teach myself to be less concerned about price shopping when looking at USA made stuff. I'm "fortunate" that I use my tools for my work, thus can easier justify tool truck stuff. I will say that I shake my head when I see non-US made, usually Taiwanese, on the tool trucks for similar prices as USA made snap on. Not that I have any issue with imported tools, I have a ton. USA or 1st world made is just a plus in my book.

I miss USA made Sears Craftsman Tools. They had such a huge selection. They even had Stubby Nutdriver Sets, plus a huge selection of USA made specialized tools. I never thought they would go out of business.! Not too crazy about the tools they make now in China. Its a shame.!

 

[Steve_P]

Is it just me or is it becoming that difficult to buy quality USA made tools.? Finally got a chance and bought a SK 1/2 Inch drive Socket and Ratchet set Model # 4146 on ebay. Nobody had them in stock. And several distributors told me they have been waitng over a year. Its a damm shame everthing is made in China.!!!

It is very difficult to buy SK USA made tools now unless you go on ebay and deal with that. But other non tool-truck USA options for sockets, ratchets, wrenches... include Williams, Wright, Proto. If you buy Willliams, beware that many of their tools are also imported. But they are clear about COO on their website, and the imported tools have only numbers in the stock #, and USA have a mix of numbers and letters.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Is it just me or is it becoming that difficult to buy quality USA made tools.? Finally got a chance and bought a SK 1/2 Inch drive Socket and Ratchet set Model # 4146 on ebay. Nobody had them in stock. And several distributors told me they have been waitng over a year. Its a damm shame everthing is made in China.!!!

With all the quality control issues SK had under Ideal, I wouldn't buy any of the newer SK tools even if they were made in USA. The sad reality is that most of the tool and die experience is in Asia these days.

 

[Rinspeed]

With all the quality control issues SK had under Ideal, I wouldn't buy any of the newer SK tools even if they were made in USA. The sad reality is that most of the tool and die experience is in Asia these days.

I bought two SK flex head ratchets before the let's sell out to China deal. Sadly they were an udder embarrassment compared to the last couple of made in Taiwan Carlye ratchets I've bought at a fraction of the price. If you're going to charge close to SO prices you sure as hell better come close in quality.

 

[jonshonda]

I don't disagree. Snap-on, Williams, Wright, Proto, and MAC seem to be what's left as far as USA sockets & ratchets. As long as cost wasn't prohibitive, it would be better to buy new from one of these brands to support current USA manufacturing, rather than old stock on Ebay.

What I find very disappointing is none of them have found a way to sell their products at retail locations. It seems like every single retail location (big box stores, 90% of autoparts stores) orders their Chinese trash from the same distributer. There really is no middle ground between the cheap junk and Snap On that can be purchased in person, and I assume it's because the majority of people are cheap fucks.

 

[neophyte]

What I find very disappointing is none of them have found a way to sell their products at retail locations. It seems like every single retail location (big box stores, 90% of autoparts stores) orders their Chinese trash from the same distributer. There really is no middle ground between the cheap junk and Snap On that can be purchased in person, and I assume it's because the majority of people are cheap fucks.

If you have a local Grainger location, they usually can get stuff next day if they don’t keep it on the shelf at the store. (Not including weekends).
Grainger probably carries most if not all Proto items.

 

[VolvoRyan]

, and I assume it's because the majority of people are cheap fucks.

Sadly, I think you're spot on.

What do most people use tools on anymore? What did most people ever use tools for?

-Ryan

 

[lund]

I miss USA made Sears Craftsman Tools. They had such a huge selection. They even had Stubby Nutdriver Sets, plus a huge selection of USA made specialized tools. I never thought they would go out of business.! Not too crazy about the tools they make now in China. Its a shame.!

The USA Craftsman Pro line mechanical tools were very good for the money. I think much of the line was essentially the same at USA Matco at the peak for a small fraction of the $. The regular USA Craftsman series was ok but much more hit and miss wrt quality. Tiawan Apex tools may be similar to better than much of the conventional USA Craftsman.

So I think there are a lot of depends. I also try to buy USA but it is so hard now that for new additions (have much of what I need) I go German, French, and Japanese. Japanese can be very high quality for reasonable prices since there is a high attention to detail there and not much cheating on specs in their culture. European lines are suffering the same outsource degradations that afflicted the USA ... it just is happening with a delay.

 

[neophyte]

The USA Craftsman Pro line mechanical tools were very good for the money. I think much of the line was essentially the same at USA Matco at the peak for a small fraction of the $. The regular USA Craftsman series was ok but much more hit and miss wrt quality. Tiawan Apex tools may be similar to better than much of the conventional USA Craftsman.

So I think there are a lot of depends. I also try to buy USA but it is so hard now that for new additions (have much of what I need) I go German, French, and Japanese. Japanese can be very high quality for reasonable prices since there is a high attention to detail there and not much cheating on specs in their culture. European lines are suffering the same outsource degradations that afflicted the USA ... it just is happening with a delay.

The Craftsman Pro tools were sometimes “the same” as Matco and Armstrong, but with certain differences, such as plating thickness.
The Craftsman wrenches also usually lacked certain features like the notched jaws to preven wrench slipping, that were found in the Matco and Armstrong wrenches.

 

[jonshonda]

Sadly, I think you're spot on.

What do most people use tools on anymore? What did most people ever use tools for?

-Ryan

Well imho there is a lot of money/wealth in our economy (whether real or inflated isn't the topic) and people can just either afford to pay someone to fix, or junk it and buy new again. I have far too many hobbies and not nearly enough money to pay someone to fix, and prefer to not buy cheap junk whenever possible.

Which is why I have a pretty diverse collection of tools. I also take pride in fixing stuff that most people would have sent to the landfill after it broke the first time.

 

[CGarage]

If you all think SK is worth fawning over, you need to get out and try some other products.

It was never a best-in-class product.

I do like the new “X” frame wrenches.

The rest of the lineup? Are you kidding? Give me Snappy, Proto, Matco or GW Taiwan over it any day of the week.

Sheesh. The SK stuff is hardly revolutionary or modern.

 

[inline five]

If you all think SK is worth fawning over, you need to get out and try some other products.

It was never a best-in-class product.

I do like the new “X” frame wrenches.

The rest of the lineup? Are you kidding? Give me Snappy, Proto, Matco or GW Taiwan over it any day of the week.

Sheesh. The SK stuff is hardly revolutionary or modern.

I purchased some USA SK socket sets and wasn't impressed. Well, I was, with the chroming but the stamping was really inconsistent.

SK had some sort of special chrome they used that was more durable and "blingy" than the standard stuff being used in the US.

I have some Craftsman flare nut wrenches that are SK made.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

I have far too many hobbies and not nearly enough money to pay someone to fix,

I used to gauge my success at DIY repairs by estimating how many new knobbies and chain/sprocket sets the savings would pay for.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

If you all think SK is worth fawning over, you need to get out and try some other products.

It was never a best-in-class product.

I only remember SK as a brand sold in one of the two auto parts stores in our town. The other sold Thorsen. I had a smattering of both. I don't recall anything remarkable about either.

 

[AEAdam]

If you all think SK is worth fawning over, you need to get out and try some other products.

It was never a best-in-class product.

I do like the new “X” frame wrenches.

The rest of the lineup? Are you kidding? Give me Snappy, Proto, Matco or GW Taiwan over it any day of the week.

Sheesh. The SK stuff is hardly revolutionary or modern.

Never understood Ideal SK. They were in competition with Williams. Not sure why so many GJers flocked to SK instead of Williams, which, in my opinion, made better tools.

I don’t think Williams gets the love they deserve here. So many complaints about quality, people want US made. I know they aren’t perfect tools, but Williams should be the default for those seeking good prices on good quality US made tools.

More: GJ has a fascination with Euro screwdrivers and pliers that I don’t really understand. Not sure why. Klein are really quite good and quite cheap. Made in Texas I believe.

 

[CGarage]

I purchased some USA SK socket sets and wasn't impressed. Well, I was, with the chroming but the stamping was really inconsistent.

SK had some sort of special chrome they used that was more durable and "blingy" than the standard stuff being used in the US.

I have some Craftsman flare nut wrenches that are SK made.

So you like SK because the chrome is more “blingy”.

Got it.

 

[CGarage]

Never understood Ideal SK. They were in competition with Williams. Not sure why so many GJers flocked to SK instead of Williams, which, in my opinion, made better tools.

I don’t think Williams gets the love they deserve here. So many complaints about quality, people want US made. I know they aren’t perfect tools, but Williams should be the default for those seeking good prices on good quality US made tools.

More: GJ has a fascination with Euro screwdrivers and pliers that I don’t really understand. Not sure why. Klein are really quite good and quite cheap. Made in Texas I believe.

The Euro screwdrivers are hit or miss.
I hated my Hazet screwdrivers from Slovenia and the tips were SOFT.

I prefer my Vessels for most tasks. But I own Facom, Hazet, Gedore, Wiha, Wera, Witte, USAG, etc…..

Klein is the go-to brand for electricians.
For the money Klein wants, I would rather buy Vessel Japan.

 

[inline five]

So you like SK because the chrome is more “blingy”.

Got it.

The chrome SK used is/was more durable. It went away here in the US with OSHA and EPA mandating (for good reason) requirements for reclamation (relevant to Erin Brockovich story) except for the higher end manufacturers (SO Williams etc, although they may have changed their chrome as well since).

If you look at the newer USA Craftsman you'll notice a difference in chrome, which was needed to continue cost effective US manufacturing.

 

[CGarage]

Much good it did Craftsman USA…..
Didn’t the factory close?

 

[CGarage]

Is it just me or is it becoming that difficult to buy quality USA made tools.? Finally got a chance and bought a SK 1/2 Inch drive Socket and Ratchet set Model # 4146 on ebay. Nobody had them in stock. And several distributors told me they have been waitng over a year. Its a damm shame everthing is made in China.!!!

I agree, but I will always try and support Taiwan.
Quality of Taiwan tools is very good.
I do not support China-Global politics as much as I do Taiwan-Global politics.

 

[inline five]

Much good it did Craftsman USA…..
Didn’t the factory close?

Not for several decades after the switch.

 

[jonshonda]

I used to gauge my success at DIY repairs by estimating how many new knobbies and chain/sprocket sets the savings would pay for.

My wife is getting a little bored of me telling her how much I saved our family by doing repairs myself! haha But yeah I can't imagine the costs of having to pay someone to do all the things I like/want to do around the house and on vehicles.

 

[KnurledNut]

It was never a best-in-class product.

Theodore Rueb just rolled over in his grave.

 

[Bubba Fett]

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

 

[CGarage]

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

I hope the X frame wrenches are made available at Lowe’s.

 

[CGarage]

Theodore Rueb just rolled over in his grave.

How am I wrong in my statement? Has a SK round head ever been superior to that of a Snappy, Mac, or Matco? Or another US manufacturer?

 

[KnurledNut]

How am I wrong in my statement? Has a SK round head ever been superior to that of a Snappy, Mac, or Matco? Or another US manufacturer?

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.

 

[M6erfan]

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.

And yet they done messed it up.

I hate to see SK, once a great US tool manufacturer go to Asia, but it is what it is.

 

[four.cycle]

In 1934 they patented the first round head fine tooth ratchet.

^ quoted for truth

YEARS before any of the other players figured it out. Indestro didn't come up; with their RHFT until 1952.

That said, someone did raise a valid point about "innovation", but it should be considered that while all the other tool makers were being absorbed by corporations who ultimately destroyed them (Bonnney, Herbrand, etc.) or simply closing their doors (Indestro), S-K did come out with the "X-frame". Love it or hate it, it was new and different.

 

[CGarage]

^ quoted for truth

YEARS before any of the other players figured it out. Indestro didn't come up; with their RHFT until 1952.

That said, someone did raise a valid point about "innovation", but it should be considered that while all the other tool makers were being absorbed by corporations who ultimately destroyed them (Bonnney, Herbrand, etc.) or simply closing their doors (Indestro), S-K did come out with the "X-frame". Love it or hate it, it was new and different.

The X Frame wrenches I really like.
It is stupid to have a product out that is so hard to track down and buy, as a consumer.
No reason these cannot be made in Taiwan and offered at a good price:quality ratio.