Vintage S-K Tools

[S-K Tool Fanatic!]

Ever heard of ritco?

 

[Kaervak]

Does anyone know the year range of these SK sockets?

 

[Lesserstore]

Ever heard of ritco?

Ritco was an economy line of Ridgid, they imported flat wrenches, pipe wrenches and pliers from Spain, but idk about screwdrivers.

 

[S-K Tool Fanatic!]

Can't remember the exact years but i'm thinking late 70's-early 80's, iirc that's the same logo as on my Frankenstein ratchet.

 

[d42jeep]

Does anyone know the year range of these SK sockets?

Can't remember the exact years but i'm thinking late 70's-early 80's, iirc that's the same logo as on my Frankenstein ratchet.

I’m certainly no expert on these price line S-K tools, but I have always assumed that the Frankenstein ratchets, which I think are cool, were made during the Facom ownership period from 1985 to 2005, according to AA. Based on my early Facom Frankenstein ratchet. they may have originated the design early on.

 

[d42jeep]

I added my new S-K crossbar to this prewar 1/4” drive set that I now consider to be complete. I still need to find several more crossbars.
-Don
Complete and incomplete prewar sets
My second project yesterday was to sacrifice a 3/8” allen wrench to repair my recent socket acquisition.

 

[Kaervak]

I’m certainly no expert on these price line S-K tools, but I have always assumed that the Frankenstein ratchets, which I think are cool, were made during the Facom ownership period from 1985 to 2005, according to AA. Based on my early Facom Frankenstein ratchet. they may have originated the design early on.

Can't remember the exact years but i'm thinking late 70's-early 80's, iirc that's the same logo as on my Frankenstein ratchet.

Kinda figured they were Frankenstein era as I have a 1/2 drive Frankenstein ratchet that came with the pictured sockets. Just a few tools from my uncle that he's no longer using. Got them all cleaned up and looking pretty More SK to add to my current collection of stuff.

 

[S-K Tool Fanatic!]

Nice stuff,I have a 1/2 drive franky, more for looking at. Not very practical for use, I always hit the switcher on things.
-Tommy

 

[Kaervak]

Yeah I'm not overly fond of the Frankenstein Very coarse and clunky. It is an interesting piece though. The low tooth count reminds me of old circle U Craftsman ratchets. The drive mechanisms look incredibly similar. For anyone that takes their's apart, be careful when removing the direction selector. You'll launch the ball bearing into orbit if you're not paying attention.

 

[bonneyman]

The aforementioned internals of an S-K Frankenstein ratchet.

 

[Gwizjames]

I know the 6 point vs 12 point discussion has already bee had, but every time I see these two sockets together I’m amazed at how much more metal is in the newer one.
James

 

[d42jeep]

I know the 6 point vs 12 point discussion has already bee had, but every time I see these two sockets together I’m amazed at how much more metal is in the newer one.
James

Your comparison is a 6 point vs an 8 point. Even the early 8 point sockets were beefier than the 6 point sockets.
-Don
Actually, the early and late sockets are quite similar, sizewise.

 

[Gwizjames]

I added my new S-K crossbar to this prewar 1/4” drive set that I now consider to be complete. I still need to find several more crossbars.
-Don
Complete and incomplete prewar sets

Don,

I’m appealing for you to start a thread identifying crossbars by manufacturer.
Most do not have the manufacturer’s name on them, correct?
Thanks
James

 

[Gwizjames]

Your comparison is a 6 point vs an 8 point. Even the early 8 point sockets were beefier than the 6 point sockets.
-Don

Wow. Good eye. I did not even notice the 8 point.
Thanks
James.

 

[d42jeep]

I’m appealing for you to start a thread identifying crossbars by manufacturer.
Most do not have the manufacturer’s name on them, correct?
Thanks
James

I believe that task is beyond me but check here for more info.

Vintage breaker bars with hole in the end

I have been collecting vintage tools for a long time. I have several different vintage 1/2 drive breaker bars with the cross hole in the end for a slide bar. My two vintage SK breaker bars even have a detent ball. Like many pieces of antique sets, the little cross bars are nowhere to be found...

www.garagejournal.com

Most crossbars are unmarked with the exception of New Britain and maybe a few others.
Back in 2017, Tin Medic started compiling diameter sizes on G503.com
Here are the results. As far as I know this info is all there is.
-Don

 

[HHTOOLMAN]

Here is most of my S-K tool collection. The large box was purchased new in 1953 by a friend of mine who passed away late last year. I found a similar looking box in my 1936 Baker & Hamilton hardware catalog, with a P/N of 4000. Mine has a P/N of 4010R, and I have yet find an old 1950's S-K catalog so I can check the Inventory of it. Does Anyone have any old 50's-60's S-K Catalogs?

Wayne

Looking for a full set of SK combination wrenches

 

[bonneyman]

I was gifted a pair of S-K socket boxes (1/2" drive and a 3/8" drive) this week, straight metal but a bit worn and rusty. Going to sand 'em and repaint to use as storage. Not really vintage but I thought I'd post anyway.
Got them for the cost of shipping.

 

[d42jeep]

I have a couple of those more modern boxes that are perfect for holding my spare hacksaw blades.
Back in December, bmwrd0 sent me a 9/32” 12 point 1/4” S-K socket marked only Chrome Vanadium Steel. I picked up another on eBay and of course it turned out to be another 9/32”. These are even earlier than the prewar S-K Chrome sockets. Although I have some in 1/2” drive, they seem to be quite rare. Are there any others out there?
-Don

 

[Outlawmws]

I have a couple of those more modern boxes that are perfect for holding my spare hacksaw blades.

I'll have to check my "stash" adn see if any suitable are empty, adn if not watch for something - I like this idea! Consider it stolen!

 

[LiketoFix]

Here is most of my S-K tool collection. The large box was purchased new in 1953 by a friend of mine who passed away late last year. I found a similar looking box in my 1936 Baker & Hamilton hardware catalog, with a P/N of 4000. Mine has a P/N of 4010R, and I have yet find an old 1950's S-K catalog so I can check the Inventory of it. Does Anyone have any old 50's-60's S-K Catalogs?

Wayne

I've had good luck with some SK Tools and I do prefer some of their stuff particularly the socket sets! Can't say I ever had a bad SK Tool in my hand! They have a good feel and fit for my liking. I even had a socket replaced for free under lifetime warranty yrs ago.

LtF

 

[Kdaniel8601]

I have this 1/4" set that are all marked Chrome Vanadium Steel.

 

[d42jeep]

Nice!
-Don

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice set!

 

[LWB]

Some of my SK Wayne. The 5" extension is a Snappy and the 10" Breaker bar is a Proto. They need a good cleaning. I'm missing some pieces and hope to get these in time.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I have this 1/4" set that are all marked Chrome Vanadium Steel.

Nice, second set I've seen!

 

[Kdaniel8601]

I have an interesting set with the old Logo. The box is aged and cracked like the Black boxes but this one is dark brown. The breaker Bar is unmarked like the Brazil sets but has better chrome like the SK sets. The sockets are very much like the S-K Chrome era sockets but these are marked "Chrome-Vanadium STEEL" The shape of the sockets has that "bullet" profile like the earlier 1/2 drive sockets. The square ends of the sockets have no ball detents, so they are old.View media item 97418View media item 97417View media item 97416View media item 97415

Raiderhillbilly made this post in 2019 about a "Chrome-Vanadium STEEL" set

 

[d42jeep]

Wow! Up to three sets posted on the GJ. Now I’m jealous.
-Don

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Have not seen raiderhillbilly here in a while

 

[d42jeep]

I'll have to check my "stash" adn see if any suitable are empty, adn if not watch for something - I like this idea! Consider it stolen!

Here they are. Just the right size.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

I’ve joined the S-K nutdriver club. I’ve still got a ways to go, though.

Here is the next set in progress. I got a deal on the empty box on eBay.
This 3/8” drive box is on the way. I started gathering up the tools to go in it from my spares.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

I was excited when the UPS driver left a large heavy box from Catfish Dan on my front porch yesterday. He sent me his wartime S-K box, one that I have been looking for for quite a while. My collecting started with WW2 tools and I’ve been gathering S-K tools appropriate to what would have come in this box for a few years. I’m still missing some of the more rare items but the fun is in the search, as most of you know. Thanks again, Dan!
-Don

Ever since I received this wartime box, I’ve been looking for a wartime Ford V8 rod nut socket # 4V118. When one popped up as a buy it now this morning, I didn’t hesitate.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

This 3/8” drive box is on the way. I started gathering up the tools to go in it from my spares.
-Don

The 3/8” drive set box arrived today. I was able to remove the sharpie markings. Now I’m waiting for the rest of the 6 point deep sockets to arrive.
-Don
A couple of other items arrived as well.
1/4” drive

A rusty 1/2” drive Chrome Vanadium Steel socket

 

[Kdaniel8601]

Just ran across these two early 1960's S-K Tools ads. S-K 21pc. 1/4" Drive Socket Set Ad. - S-K/Lectrolite 1962 Spring Specials Ad.

 

[d42jeep]

Nice finds. I’ve got set #4921.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

^ I gave one of those to my "secret santa" recipient @Kaervak -- later version though. Nice set with the deep-wells.

 

[Kdaniel8601]

I have the combination 1/4" and 3/8" set, I found another box with more paint to use.

 

[d42jeep]

That’s a nice box. I wouldn’t mind finding a S-K Lectrolite marked box. The one currently on eBay is a little above my budget.
-Don

 

[bonneyman]

I had a few good days of weather followed by several cold, rainy days. Makes for tough conditions to paint. But finally managed to get the smaller 3/8" socket box redone. I also managed to grab - totally by accident - two rolls of dark green drawer liner that will go perfect in S-K boxes. Now I'm onto the 1/2" drive socket box.

But here are a few resto pics to enjoy.

 

[d42jeep]

Looks good!
I‘m just waiting for a 6 point 9/16” deep socket to complete this 3/8” drive set. The 5/8” and 11/16” arrived today.
-Don

 

[Kaervak]

^ I gave one of those to my "secret santa" recipient @Kaervak -- later version though. Nice set with the deep-wells.

A very nice set indeed. You can never go wrong with SK, such amazing quality tools.