The "NEW" S-K Tools...

[Smitherines]

How do the new generation of SK tools stack up against the older versions, before the company reopened for business, and against SO, Matco, Mac, Craftsman, etc? The prices on ToolTopia are very attractive. I'd like to stack up on some sockets. How is their new warranty process?

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

From the stuff I've bought, the quality is still there. Some pre-bankruptcy stuff is still shipping out, but the new stock stuff is excellent.

As for warranty, it's the same as it always was. Good dealers swap it out with no questions asked, but Ideal has tightened up the rules on obviously abused or "give me a new pretty tool to replace my 50 cent swap meet junk" type returns.

 

[Smitherines]

From the stuff I've bought, the quality is still there. Some pre-bankruptcy stuff is still shipping out, but the new stock stuff is excellent.

As for warranty, it's the same as it always was. Good dealers swap it out with no questions asked, but Ideal has tightened up the rules on obviously abused or "give me a new pretty tool to replace my 50 cent swap meet junk" type returns.

So they're definitely worth the money then, right? I'm looking at their impact swivels with the pins, and the price is definitely attractive, as long as they're willing to warranty the sockets if they break, I'm game!

 

[Fedwrench]

I think the quality is still there although one must compare apples to apples. You should compare SK to Craftsman, Napa, Gearwrench and not so much to the truck brands.
I looked over most of their current offerings at their AAPEX booth last week. Two things stood out. First, gone are the french made green handled suregrip screwdrivers. They've been replaced with US made by western forge versions. The new screwdrivers are US made but, the handles are better suited to a pry bar or scraper than a screwdriver. They're large and fat. They don't have any taper for easy spinning.
Secondly, their pliers are also western forge made. Think Craftsman black handled pliers only with thin green grips. SK offers a wider selection of styles but, they're the same as the basic craftsman pliers.
The chrome on the display tools was bright and smooth.
Warranty service has been discussed before. It's better to have a local dealer to handle warranty claims. Buying online may be cheaper, enable you to dodge sales tax but, you lose customer service to some extent.

 

[sk farmer]

+1 on the screwdrivers. they appear to be well made and of good quality but the handles are large and blocky. definately not the ergos of the old french mae ones. they would have been bettere served by the green and black handle ones like in the leaked out picture someone had. those looked very similar to the cman pros.

 

[Smitherines]

Interesting that you guys put SK on par with Craftsman. What puts SK in that territory as opposed to SO and the like?

 

[Davefr]

Interesting that you guys put SK on par with Craftsman. What puts SK in that territory as opposed to SO and the like?

Everyone has an opinion but I'd put SK closer to truck tool quality than Craftsman consumer quality. (ex: I've never seen plastic selectors on SK ratchets nor "made in China" stamps.)

 

[Farmer Joe]

I like SK, all my impact sockets are SK and they're great. They are older though, maybe 8 or so years old, not too sure. I'm about to get a second deep and regular sized impact set to have as backups at work, just in case they're ever needed. I was also wondering about the quality of their newer stuff, but it seems that you guys are giving pretty good reviews.

I also wouldn't consider SK to be comparable to Craftsman. I think they're stuff is made better and I would also have to compare them with trucks brands, without the insane costs

 

[diesel research]

Interesting that you guys put SK on par with Craftsman. What puts SK in that territory as opposed to SO and the like?

Maybe price/distribution method?

 

[Smitherines]

Maybe price/distribution method?

Sure, I understand that, but as far as quality, technology, and durability?

 

[Davefr]

Sure, I understand that, but as far as quality, technology, and durability?

When it comes to their mainstream tools like ratchets, wrenches and sockets I'd say they are a 9 in durability, an 8 in quality and a 5 in technology. I've never broken an SK hand tool.

Do you mean innovation vs. technology? SK has used some of the same designs for decades. That's not really a bad thing.

When it comes to innovation, Snap On leaves SK in the dust. (Flank drive, dual 80, comfort grip, etc).

Craftman's innovation is 99% gimmicks. Ratcheting open end wrenches and other useless ****.

 

[plinker]

As for quality I think that depends on the type of tool your looking at.

Since the new pliers are the same (WF) as the current Craftsman, they are very comparable to the Craftsman line. No comment on the screwdrivers but I'm sure they are in the same league, from what I've gathered.

Drive tools and wrenches on the otherhand, I would rate truck brand quality. At least for the "old" S-K.

As for the "new" S-K tools drive tools, I dont have any yet. I looked at Tooltopia for a 3/8 internal pipe plug socket for my Brother, it was 22.00. Snap-on was only 14.something dollars. Guess which one I ordered?

FWIW, I ordered the same S-K pipe plug socket a couple years ago from Tooltopia and it was about 7-10$.

 

[ChrisF250]

If anything I think its fair to compare Craftsman Pros to Sk not just the regular RP junk

 

[plinker]

Do you mean innovation vs. technology? SK has used some of the same designs for decades. That's not really a bad thing.

+1

In a way thats where S-K tools are great, no frills and get the job done. Similar to Craftsman but with no gimmick tools.

The Pro series ratchets are a great example. When new they were ahead of there time. Some may consider them avereage as far as tooth count goes, but they are still a great design. And really from what I know it's only been in the last 6-7 years that 60 tooth ratchets started being common.

 

[diesel research]

Sure, I understand that, but as far as quality, technology, and durability?

Mike Tyson and Manny Paquaio are/were both great boxers. They were in a different weight class though.

I think what they are trying to say is don't compare against the tool trucks, compare against others in a closer "weight class".

You could compare SK vs tool trucks with "quality, innovation and durability" but honestly, you would find out they are not likely to win in any of those categories. They could tie, but tying is like kissing your sister. Very few, if any are going to claim SK would beat a tool truck in any of your mentioned categories.

I own plenty of them. I am not going to sit here, lie, and claim they have superior quality/innovation/durability. They don't. Plain and simple. They tie in some areas, lose in others. Pretty durable, far from innovative (for the most part)

No one ever claimed "I sold all my tool truck tools and bought SK because they were built better". It is always an argument about economy/price/"value". If comparing price, then it's probably better to compare against others in a closer price range....

^None of that should be construed as bashing of any particular brand.

 

[SMKS]

Everyone has an opinion but I'd put SK closer to truck tool quality than Craftsman consumer quality. (ex: I've never seen plastic selectors on SK ratchets nor "made in China" stamps.)

+1

Same here. SK may not be up to par (or cost) with the truck brands, but the ratchets, sockets etc. are a step up from Craftsman, in my opinion.

 

[slipjointed]

+1

Same here. SK may not be up to par (or cost) with the truck brands, but the ratchets, sockets etc. are a step up from Craftsman, in my opinion.

IMO SK's forging quality is pretty much identical, it's their stamping and finishing that is holding them back.

If they brought their final finishing quality up, they would be the equal of Snap-on IMO. They use a very similar modern cold forging process.

 

[LincolnCont.]

So they're definitely worth the money then, right? I'm looking at their impact swivels with the pins, and the price is definitely attractive, as long as they're willing to warranty the sockets if they break, I'm game!

They're still using pins instead of the hex joint?? Get with the program peeps jeez!

 

[diesel research]

They're still using pins instead of the hex joint?? Get with the program peeps jeez!

What is a "hex joint" and who uses it?

 

[SMKS]

What is a "hex joint" and who uses it?

I think he's talking about the difference between pinned and pinless designs.

A little more info in this thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45456

 

[diesel research]

I think he's talking about the difference between pinned and pinless designs.

A little more info in this thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45456

Oh. By the way he had said "get with the program", I thought it was something widespread and common. Not something exclusive to one manufacturer sold under only 3 brand names.

 

[pipsters]

During the AAP SK socket set extravaganza I was really interested in selling off my Craftsman and getting SK.

I went out to my garage and put 3/8" drive 19mm and 3/4" shallow and deep sockets on my 1/2" torque wrench, rolled it up to 150 ft-lbs, and tightened my lug nuts.

Not one cracked, or broke, or slipped, or did anything bad. I figured if I could put 150 ft-lbs on my 3/8" drive sockets, my 1/4's and 1/2's (chrome and impact) will be fine as well. As I can't ever see needing to use 3/8" drive sockets putting over 150 ft-lbs on them. That is the domain of 1/2" drive.

As far as finish goes, it's well known that Craftsman stops at the nickel plating and SK finishes with chromium on top. After exhausting research what I've found is the chromium on top is almost entirely for aesthetic purposes. In fact, "back in the day", high quality tools were also just nickel plated.

A show stopper for some? I guess maybe. For me I don't care, as long as it holds up. What is more important is the quality control while they are being finished, and SK has yet to prove they are ahead of Craftsman in that regard as well, as evidenced by numerous pictures of bad and flaking plating coming from their factory.

Besides costing 200% to 400% more, the final nail in the coffin for me was the laser etching. I love it. Makes it incredibly easy to read in the darker lower light conditions I'm generally in under my cars.

I don't get this "quality" difference. It's not like people are snapping sockets left and right. In fact I've lost (2) more than I've broken (0). The only time I did warranty a Craftsman socket was when I used it with an impact (a 3/8" 15mm on a 1/2" impact). It's before I really knew anything about tools. There was no damage but I wasn't sure if I had stressed it. So I walked in and swapped it out. Bought the Craftsman 52 pc impact set the next day.

Low light

Light

 

[Hiball]

A show stopper for some? I guess maybe. For me I don't care, as long as it holds up. What is more important is the quality control while they are being finished, and SK has yet to prove they are ahead of Craftsman in that regard as well, as evidenced by numerous pictures of bad and flaking plating coming from their factory.

Again.. SK just went thru a Transition from the Former SK to Ideal via Bankruptcy, I agree that whomever was QC those Sets should have never let any of that **** leave the House. But.. Ideal stood behind there product and remedied the sitsuation with New Replacements. We all know you like your Craftsman and Yes... they make some fine tools along with some Gimmicky ****. I still own tons of Craftsman tools from the 90's and they have held up nicley including the RP wrenches. It hasnt been that long ago that Craftsman was putting out some sockets that you couldnt keep the finish on, Coming from someone who own's/Owned both brands in regards to Wrenches, Sockets, Ratchets Imo SK wins Hands Down and makes a Higher quality tool with a Overall better feel. Anyone who was familiar with what was going on at SK during there last days knows that there was some Junk coming out of there.. Period. There is NO doubt in my mind that Ideal was packing some of the Sets with Past produced tools. Did Ideal hurt themselves by not QC'ing the stuff before it hit the shelves? Abosolutely.. Does this mean that everything that they produce is Junk from now on? Absolutely Not.. As far as the Op's question is concerned its all about personal preference, You could argue back and forth all day here at GJ in regards to who makes a better tool and in the end its all Personal Opinion.

 

[pipsters]

It's not that I like my Craftsman, personal preference is one thing but saying SK is far superior to Craftsman in terms of durability? Really? Any proof of that? Has anyone used both in the exact same function? Used a torque wrench to crack a Craftsman while the SK holds up?

My Craftsman impacts are spec'd tighter than my SK's. I like the SK's they are fine impacts and do their job but to say Craftsman is not a quality tool? It's a fine product, with duds here and there that are easily remedied by calling Apex, they send you out a new one and within a few days it's on your door. Or you could just go to Sears. People reported taking weeks to get their product back from SK.

I support any company doing business here and wanting to revive their product. That is admirable. And I support those who support them! (if that makes sense). But y'alls insistence that Craftsman is in some way a sub-par product is what I am against, and why I speak up.

 

[diesel research]

Love the squared edges of the wrenches, a good feel in your hands when baring down on a fastener. Personally do not like their standard ratchets, I am going to leave it at that. I don't need every tool to be matching brand, so I pick and choose as I please.

I like the spline stuff and palm control ratchets as well.

Don't own any of their drivers or pliers. I personally haven't been a big fan of WF screw drivers, so I am not going to make an exception just because I like an sk wrench. Have not used the SK WF screw drivers, but if it is like what WF produces for the clear handled cman stuff, they are not for me. I don't use screw drivers much anyways, so my opinion on that doesn't really matter.

I like those mid depth sockets, too bad they don't sell a full range of them.

Their extensions and adapters have served well, but truth be told, I don't often (ever?) complain about hand extensions.

 

[Hiball]

It's not that I like my Craftsman, personal preference is one thing but saying SK is far superior to Craftsman in terms of durability? Really? Any proof of that? Has anyone used both in the exact same function? Used a torque wrench to crack a Craftsman while the SK holds up?

My Craftsman impacts are spec'd tighter than my SK's. I like the SK's they are fine impacts and do their job but to say Craftsman is not a quality tool? It's a fine product, with duds here and there that are easily remedied by calling Apex, they send you out a new one and within a few days it's on your door. Or you could just go to Sears. People reported taking weeks to get their product back from SK.

I never said SK was Far Superior to Craftsman Or that they werent a Quality tool, I do believe they have a better finish and that will translate in the Longevity department. Again.. I know you get upset when people dont praise Craftsman, You keep bringing up these Issues with SK but you only give half the story. Ideal hasnt been producing Tools for very long, There was a big gap between the Former SK regime and the New Ideal Production. Im just speculating but id be willing to bet they have been swamped with Warranty claims etc.. I have NO issues with the the Socket/Wrench tolerances with any of the SK i own, Old or New. Im not gonna take a SK tool or a Craftsman tool and try and destroy one for the sake of Argument, Frankly it wouldnt show anything. To conduct a proper test you would have to try multiple tests on the same size.. Not worth my time. Sk has been using the same ratchet design for Years.. They are time tested and it cant be disputed. I have some SK Wayne period tools and they look almost as good as some of the New stuff. I think Craftman is a great choice for someone wanting to fill some needs right now, Especially there 300 piece sets, They offer alot of Bang for the buck. Pipster do you own any SK tools?

 

[Hiball]

Love the squared edges of the wrenches, a good feel in your hands when baring down on a fastener. Personally do not like their standard ratchets, I am going to leave it at that. I don't need every tool to be matching brand, so I pick and choose as I please.

Thats exactly It, Everyone is gonna have different preferences when it comes to Tools. I think SK makes a Damn fine Standard ratchet.. Does this mean im right and your Wrong? Hell No... Does it mean there better than Pipsters Raised panel Ratchets? IMO? Yes.. In Pipsters? Probably Not.

 

[dabirdguy]

I will say that SK is far superior to Craftsman.
The tools have a better plating and a better feel in your hands.
The Craftsman stuff has a more raw look.
I've broken a LOT of Craftsman stuff, but not one SK socket.
I put SK on par with MAC and Cornwell.

 

[NastyNate]

I recently had an very smooth transaction with the warranty claims department at SK. I simply needed a rebuild kit for my 1/2 ratchet and was done in under 5 minutes. I plan to buy more SK stuff when ever I can afford it.

 

[pipsters]

Pipster do you own any SK tools?

I own 2 impact sets, a 1/2" deep and a 1/2" 12 point shallow which I don't even think the "new" SK produces anymore. Like I stated above, I consider my Danaher made Craftsman impacts to be superior to the SK in all but the finish. The SK finish is nice however, even on their impacts. They were bought under the "old" SK.

FWIW, came across a post online where a Danaher engineer was quoted saying the product they make/made in their factories (Allen, KD, Armstrong, Matco, Craftsman) is all the exact same with different names on them. Same steel and everything.

Post up some high quality detailed shots of the new SK sockets. We are all (mostly) tool snobs here, let's see 'em. So far I've just seen overview shots.

The pics posted of their ratchets looked great. Looked like the chrome was perfect.

 

[Hiball]

I own 2 impact sets, a 1/2" deep and a 1/2" 12 point shallow which I don't even think the "new" SK produces anymore. Like I stated above, I consider my Danaher made Craftsman impacts to be superior to the SK in all but the finish. The SK finish is nice however, even on their impacts. They were bought under the "old" SK.

FWIW, came across a post online where a Danaher engineer was quoted saying the product they make/made in their factories (Allen, KD, Armstrong, Matco, Craftsman) is all the exact same with different names on them. Same steel and everything.

Do you think that a Impacts finish is really relevant? You either have Moly or Vanadium and they both have there places in the Automotive field based on Clearance issues. I dont believe its been too long ago that SK was making Craftsman Impacts. I cant comment on the difference's between between the Danaher line tools.. Some stuff looks similar and in other areas its completely different. Who knows?

 

[Hiball]

Post up some high quality detailed shots of the new SK sockets. We are all (mostly) tool snobs here, let's see 'em. So far I've just seen overview shots.

The pics posted of their ratchets looked great. Looked like the chrome was perfect.

I only have my 1/4" and 3/8" at Home, My 1/2" set is at work where i primarily use my Wright stuff but i didnt have a 6pt set in Wright.

Ill even let you pick the sizes you want pictures of.

 

[pipsters]

Do you think that a Impacts finish is really relevant? You either have Moly or Vanadium and they both have there places in the Automotive field based on Clearance issues. I dont believe its been too long ago that SK was making Craftsman Impacts. I cant comment on the difference's between between the Danaher line tools.. Some stuff looks similar and in other areas its completely different. Who knows?

No but I was trying to find something positive to say about the SK over the cheaper Craftsman.

I bought the SK because they were the only US made impacts that I could find in 30, 34, and 36mm which were the sizes I need. Snap-On probably offers them but I would've died looking at their price!

Did SK ever make Craftsman impacts? They made their pro wrenches for a bit. The older impact sets I've seen were still stamped GK indicating Danaher.

 

[pipsters]

I only have my 1/4" and 3/8" at Home, My 1/2" set is at work where i primarily use my Wright stuff but i didnt have a 6pt set in Wright.

Ill even let you pick the sizes you want pictures of.

I don't care just post some up! This is a thread about the new SK and not one picture of their product is in it yet!

 

[plinker]

I have a 10" wobble extension OEM'd by S-K branded as Craftsman (got it in '08), S-K also labeled thier thumbwheel ratchets for Craftsman a couple of years ago.

 

[Hiball]

No but I was trying to find something positive to say about the SK over the cheaper Craftsman.

I bought the SK because they were the only US made impacts that I could find in 30, 34, and 36mm which were the sizes I need. Snap-On probably offers them but I would've died looking at their price!

Did SK ever make Craftsman impacts? They made their pro wrenches for a bit. The older impact sets I've seen were still stamped GK indicating Danaher.

Im fairly certain they did, Maybe it was something i just read etc.. I sent a PM to a Craftsman Tool Range junkie and maybe he can help fill in the gaps.

 

[Hiball]

I don't care just post some up! This is a thread about the new SK and not one picture of their product is in it yet!

I took pictures of the Individual sockets in the Other thread.. But ill grab some random sockets.

 

[Hiball]

Photographer i am NOT... I just dont have the right lighting upstairs.

NEW SK stuff Only..

New Versus Old..

You can see the difference in the Knurling between the Old Ratchets and New ones, The Older ratchets had a finer and more secure feel.

 

[pipsters]

I think they look incredible. Flawless. It could have Snap-On on the side, you'd never know the difference.

It's too bad their initial roll out was so bad, they really can put out an incredible product.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I think the quality is still there although one must compare apples to apples. You should compare SK to Craftsman, Napa, Gearwrench and not so much to the truck brands.
I looked over most of their current offerings at their AAPEX booth last week. Two things stood out. First, gone are the french made green handled suregrip screwdrivers. They've been replaced with US made by western forge versions. The new screwdrivers are US made but, the handles are better suited to a pry bar or scraper than a screwdriver. They're large and fat. They don't have any taper for easy spinning.
Secondly, their pliers are also western forge made. Think Craftsman black handled pliers only with thin green grips. SK offers a wider selection of styles but, they're the same as the basic craftsman pliers.
The chrome on the display tools was bright and smooth.
Warranty service has been discussed before. It's better to have a local dealer to handle warranty claims. Buying online may be cheaper, enable you to dodge sales tax but, you lose customer service to some extent.

I have to disagree, they are well above Craftsman in terms of quality. There more in line with Proto and Armstrong.

TheGrooveking