Upgrading to SK

[1320it]

So, I am thinking of ordering the following SK tools from Epsteins:

23 PC 12 POINT METRIC COMBINATION WRENCH SET
23 PC 12 POINT FRACTIONAL COMBINATION WRENCH SET

47 PC 1/2" DR. 12 PT STANDARD/DEEP FRACTIONAL/METRIC SOCKET SET
15 PC 3/8" DRIVE METRIC SWIVEL IMPACT SOCKET SET
21 PIECE 3/8" DRIVE 6 POINT STANDARD AND DEEP SOCKET SET
28 PIECE 1/2" DRIVE 6 POINT STANDARD AND DEEP FRACTIONAL IMPACT SOCKET SET
10 PC 1/4" DRIVE 6 POINT DEEP FRACTIONAL SOCKET SET
10 PC 1/4" DRIVE 6 POINT STANDARD FRACTIONAL SOCKET SET
8 PC 3/8" DRIVE 6 POINT SWIVEL FRACTIONAL IMPACT SOCKET SET
33 PC 1/4" & 3/8" DRIVE SK TOOL BIT SOCKET SET
3/8" AND 1/2" DRIVE FRACTIONAL HEX BIT SOCKET SET

9 PC SCREWDRIVER SUREGRIP SET
SET SCREWDRIVER SUREGRIP EXTRA LONG 2PIECE
SET SCREWDRIVER TORX SUREGRIP 7 PIECE

Basically I am upgrading from my Sears Canada Craftsman set I got a decade ago(made in China) as a birthday gift that served me well. I want to upgrade to made in usa sockets/wrenches and it seems SK offers the best value.

Are there any other brands that anyone can recommend that are in a similar price point? I only want new and it must be American made( although I am open to German as well). I have a few Armstrong products but that brand died. I have Snap-On but I don't want to spend that much to upgrade everything.

 

[Y00PER]

might take a look at Wright

 

[jgromada]

I have had a lot of people on here rave about Tekton. I know a bunch of their stuff is US made, not sure about sockets. you can either buy direct or via their web site, www.tekton.com

There is a really good range of sizes https://www.tekton.com/hand-drive-sockets/6-point-sockets

 

[BarryWells]

might take a look at Wright

Twice.

 

[R_einan]

Proto is also a very good brand and can be had at very reasonable prices if you shop around.

 

[Yarpo]

Wright or William's USA.

 

[Outwest]

Be sure to check out toolsdelivered.com and look through their Williams stock. SK and Wright are also good in my opinion. Proto stuff is nice also. All good choices.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think Williams USA would be around the same price and better tools.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com

 

[Mecha]

HJE has Wright tools as well. Also very nice.

 

[dar24601]

might take a look at Wright

X3 They are great wrenches only issue (for some) is that Wright wrenches are shorter than other brands.

SK & WRIGHT are going be the top 2 on the list. That said no single company makes “the best” everything so these are MY PERSONAL opinions from the perspective of diy homeowner.

Wrenches — WRIGHT
sockets/ratchets — SK
screwdrivers — WIHA (household tasks) this is German brand
— WILLIAMS USA / PROTO (automotive/greasy oily jobs)

That said it all comes down to how tool feels in your hand. I own the sk screwdrivers good used to be my go to for household tasks but I tried the wiha soft finish and now that’s what I reach for.

 

[gatlibs]

I have Wright wrenches which are great, but shorter than I'd like and only 12 point. I have SK wrenches in 12 short, 6 short, 12 long, 6 long, and ratcheting. They are all great for wrenching.

I'd like to try Snap-On's Williams made in U.S.A. and Proto's some time. I have SK's impact sockets. Eventually, I'll buy the green sets like you because I find them easier to use than my current sockets on rails.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Proto would be my choice, but SK is great too.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I am a fan of SK's no-skips SAE/MM sets and have them in 1/4 and 3/8.

To me, the 1/2" set wouldn't do much for me. It covers very few sizes (past the) 3/8" set. In 1/2", I have bought a set of Stanley SAE sockets (over 1" stuff) to do differential pinions, later, a set of metric deep impacts from HF back when they were in the steel box, and a set of 7/16 - 1" chrome SAE shallows from HF so I could do 12pt bolts, and modify one for a job. With that $50 spent over time, I haven't wanted for the SK 1/2" set, no matter how well it would match my other stuff. The utility of the 1/4" set for me is huge, which keeps the appeal of 1/2" set hard to appreciate. Your needs and preferences for organization may vary.

 

[impactims]

Might take a look at snap on. Their hand tools are pretty good.

 

[BigBoreFan]

I love my SK wrenches and the cushion grip screwdrivers. I have a few SK sockets and ratchets. I was gonna go all in on SK sockets at one point, but I ended up with Taiwan stuff, Toptul and OEM. No complaints on these brands and saved me a ton of money.

But a box full of SK would sure be pretty.

 

[Pontiac787]

You won’t be disappointed with the list you put together. For my primary set I went SK wrenches (regular, stubby, line), Williams USA sockets in 1/4” and 3/8”, Older Husky and Craftsman USA in 1/2”, Sunex Impact sockets (because the value of the master sets are hard to beat), and my ratchets are a mix of Snap-On, Armstrong Max, and SK. My set is a culmination of years of acculmulatimg and refining.

 

[Davefr]

SK & WRIGHT are going be the top 2 on the list. That said no single company makes “the best” everything so these are MY PERSONAL opinions from the perspective of diy homeowner.

Wrenches — WRIGHT
sockets/ratchets — SK
screwdrivers — WIHA (household tasks) this is German brand
— WILLIAMS USA / PROTO (automotive/greasy oily jobs)

^^^What he said. No need to stick with just one brand. You might want to include just one SO ratchet to the mix.

In general, the industrial brands (SK, Proto, Williams - US, Wright) are equivalent to SO but at a fraction of the price. I don't think you'll go wrong with any of them.

 

[Fly YX]

If you go SK check out Circle C Supply. That is where I get my SK stuff from.

 

[BK13]

I'll jump on the Wright and Proto bandwagon... though I do have a fair amount of SK as well.


For whatever reason, I'm not a huge fan of SK ratchets. I've not tried out the newish 90 tooth pear head...

 

[Tonyuk]

Or you could look into Toptul, Facom, Wera etc..

I think those sets are overpriced for sockets, but its up to you. Mine are mostly off-brands and i haven't noticed any difference.

 

[mikehaugen]

Has anyone noticed a pretty big increase in prices for sk over the last year or so? Or is it just me?

Sent from my SM-G930V using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[1320it]

^^^What he said. No need to stick with just one brand. You might want to include just one SO ratchet to the mix.

In general, the industrial brands (SK, Proto, Williams - US, Wright) are equivalent to SO but at a fraction of the price. I don't think you'll go wrong with any of them.

I actually have a lot of Snap-on and Armstrong rathchets that I like, so I am covered there. I also have a complete 3/8 set of metric Snap-On sockets and 1/2 impact deep that I got new. I figure for the tools I use the most, its better to pay a bit more for ease of warranty.

I have no problem mixing either. I am probably going NWS and Knipex for pliers. I have a few Knipex pliers and I like them far more than the Snap-Ons( plus the Snap-Ons rusted really quickly in my tool box)

 

[Tallpilot]

Has anyone noticed a pretty big increase in prices for sk over the last year or so? Or is it just me?

Sent from my SM-G930V using The Garage Journal mobile app

When I upgraded my Chinese sockets to USA (about a year ago) that was what I discovered. Williams USA from Toolsdelivered were significantly cheaper than SK from HJE. YMMV

Proto from Zoro with the ubiquitous 25% off coupons are also noticeably cheaper than SK. I bought those in 1/2” because Williams doesn’t do 6 point USA.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I actually have a lot of Snap-on and Armstrong rathchets that I like, so I am covered there. I also have a complete 3/8 set of metric Snap-On sockets and 1/2 impact deep that I got new. I figure for the tools I use the most, its better to pay a bit more for ease of warranty.

I have no problem mixing either. I am probably going NWS and Knipex for pliers. I have a few Knipex pliers and I like them far more than the Snap-Ons( plus the Snap-Ons rusted really quickly in my tool box)

If you already have the sockets, there is no need to buy extra ones. The only items off your list worth spending the extra money are the swivel impacts and they are essentially a wear item. I would just buy the Snap on ones for ease of warranty. In Canada, Snap on, Mac, and Proto have the best distribution networks.

 

[M6erfan]

My $.02...

Your sockets are probably fine. Yeah, made in China, but they most likely turn bolts just as well as anything else. I understand the want to upgrade and if you really want USA made I'd go with Williams from ToolsDelivered. SK, Proto, Willams, etc. are all the same design and all good performing sockets. The differences between them are negligible to non-existant, pick your poison.

If you're open to German, then get Hazet. Just about the perfect socket design with shouldering and useful knurling. They are outstanding.

If you can open up your geographic circle, then take a look at Ko-ken (Japan). One of the leading manufacturers of sockets in the world and less expensive than all the previously mentioned brands.

 

[AE2]

I'd call Epstein's and talk to one of the guys there. The times I have been in the store, everyone is very helpful. I might skip the SK screwdrivers, they are made by Pratt Read and PR brand is cheaper and Epstein's has those too.

 

[The Fall]

I'd get the SK socket sets. I have the 3/8" one in the blow-molded case that I use at the shop. Those sockets work how they should. I've put long breaker bars on them -- I'm one of the few people who likes 3/8" breaker bars -- and I haven't had any problems of two years of regular use.

Proto is great. Wright is great. I have Wright impacts. Proto pear heads and 1/4" socket set. I use SAE almost exclusively. The industrial brands are plentiful in SAE, not to say they're not in metric. But that's what we use. Any of these brands are great, but SK has a couple offerings that seem more mechanic tools related (long-pattern wrenches).

SK would be my choice on the LONG-PATTERN wrenches. I'm not big on flank-drive plus -- the open end grooves. Not against it so much as it's not a selling point. I have had the open ends spread on a 1/2" combo. SK replaced it, no questions asked.

I would splurge on an F80.

I've never ventured into the other brands mentioned. I'm sure they're fine, but SK, Wright, Proto and Snap-On -- those Matco 88-tooth ratchets too -- that's all I've ever needed. RIP, Craftsman USA.

 

[seber]

I have some SK wrenches that are very good but I hate their ratchets. Both the grips and the operator are a problem for me. Williams would be my first choice. Almost anywhere you buy them will list COO. Certainly Wright is a good choice also. The only brand name sockets that ever failed me without being abused were Craftsman. I would bet you won't have a problem with any of the brands mentioned for those. One thing I found when wrenching for a living was that six point sockets work better than 12 point for worn screw heads. When you put a socket on a ratchet, there is no advantage in 12 point.

 

[Mgdoug3]

One of the things I like about SK ratchets is the knurled grip. I actually like the more aggressive knurled handles on the older ratchets. Most of all my 3/8's sockets I use every day is SK and I have no complaints.

Snap-on ratchets have really grown on me since I treated myself to new dual 80. I have bought two more since then.

 

[The Fall]

One of the things I like about SK ratchets is the knurled grip. I actually like the more aggressive knurled handles on the older ratchets. Most of all my 3/8's sockets I use every day is SK and I have no complaints.

Snap-on ratchets have really grown on me since I treated myself to new dual 80. I have bought two more since then.

I feel the same way about the SKs. I prefer the SK in 1/4" drive and will use a 45170 or F80 interchangeably. Whichever one is closest -- often the SK because it's in the case with the sockets. I like the long-handled SK in 1/2" drive a lot. It's nice at 40 teeth and built strong.

 

[Mgdoug3]

You should try the DT100 in the long handle 1/2" drive. I have the upgrade in both 42470 and 40170. It's handy in the short handle but really shines in the long handle where a tight arc swing is helpful. Plus the DT100 has 4 teeth of engagement instead of 3 like the orginal.

 

[impactims]

One thing I found when wrenching for a living was that six point sockets work better than 12 point for worn screw heads. When you put a socket on a ratchet, there is no advantage in 12 point.

I take it you have never seen a 12 point nut or bolt.

 

[John in OH]

As others have already mentioned, I'd also check out Wright. Wright is an excellent "made in USA" tool line targeted toward the industrial market, but they are REALLY nice!!

Some of Wright's best features:
-- BIG size stamping on the sockets
-- comfortable beams on the WrightGrip wrenches
-- sweet chrome

And they are sold by HJE alongside S-K.

 

[vssjim]

So, I am thinking of ordering the following SK tools from Epsteins:

23 PC 12 POINT METRIC COMBINATION WRENCH SET
23 PC 12 POINT FRACTIONAL COMBINATION WRENCH SET

47 PC 1/2" DR. 12 PT STANDARD/DEEP FRACTIONAL/METRIC SOCKET SET
15 PC 3/8" DRIVE METRIC SWIVEL IMPACT SOCKET SET
21 PIECE 3/8" DRIVE 6 POINT STANDARD AND DEEP SOCKET SET
28 PIECE 1/2" DRIVE 6 POINT STANDARD AND DEEP FRACTIONAL IMPACT SOCKET SET
10 PC 1/4" DRIVE 6 POINT DEEP FRACTIONAL SOCKET SET
10 PC 1/4" DRIVE 6 POINT STANDARD FRACTIONAL SOCKET SET
8 PC 3/8" DRIVE 6 POINT SWIVEL FRACTIONAL IMPACT SOCKET SET
33 PC 1/4" & 3/8" DRIVE SK TOOL BIT SOCKET SET
3/8" AND 1/2" DRIVE FRACTIONAL HEX BIT SOCKET SET

9 PC SCREWDRIVER SUREGRIP SET
SET SCREWDRIVER SUREGRIP EXTRA LONG 2PIECE
SET SCREWDRIVER TORX SUREGRIP 7 PIECE

Basically I am upgrading from my Sears Canada Craftsman set I got a decade ago(made in China) as a birthday gift that served me well. I want to upgrade to made in usa sockets/wrenches and it seems SK offers the best value.

Are there any other brands that anyone can recommend that are in a similar price point? I only want new and it must be American made( although I am open to German as well). I have a few Armstrong products but that brand died. I have Snap-On but I don't want to spend that much to upgrade everything.

Can't go wrong with anything listed above they will all work well for along time

 

[mikehaugen]

My only problem with wright is that their 1/4" 6 point sockets only go to 1/2", where most others go to 9/16"... including wrights own 12 point?? I don't get it, but I'm in the market to replace my 1/4" sockets and wright would have been at the top of the list if it weren't for that. I prefer to use 1/4" for anything I can and 9/16" is certainly a common size I would miss.

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[pstemari]

I think Williams USA would be around the same price and better tools.

https://www.toolsdelivered.com

Not in my experience. Compared to SK or Proto, the Williams wrenches were oversized with a very sloppy fit. I returned them to Amazon and got Protos instead. (Dedicated wrenches for a metal lathe.)

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[VH5150]

I'll jump on the Wright combo wrench bandwagon here.... They're great wrenches. For sockets I have tons of SK plus a set of their 6pt wrenches.

I really like both brands. And just like someone else said previously, they don't skips sizes. That's ridiculously annoying for me and a big reason I went with them. Plus, I refuse to pay SO prices. Ok, off the bandwagon... I've not really added anything new to the conversation here.