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SK’s New 90-tooth Low Profile Ratchet

Posted by 141drew Posted onAug 15, 2017 at 6:35 AM and filed under Reviews & Features
Updated onUpdated on May 28, 2021 at 11:37 AM


So I haven’t had a lot of shop time lately as I’ve been hammered getting ready for the H.A.M.B. Drags, but I did get a package from SK Tools the other day and inside was their new 90-tooth Low Profile Ratchet. Essentially, this is a 3/8″ drive ratchet that was designed to reach tight spaces (it’s only a 1/2″ thick at the head) and turn fasteners with the slightest of swings (4-degrees to be exact).

I haven’t really used the thing yet, but I’ve fondled it quite a bit and… well, it’s damned nice and tactile. It feels like a tool should and the 90-tooth mechanism is full on gorgeous. I’d say that if I paid for it too… You can get yours for a little over $90 here. Once I get a chance to use the ratchet, I’ll do a video review but as it stands I’d say it’s well worth the asking price.


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R

R_einan

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I've used mine a couple times, and I agree with you, it's a very nice feeling ratchet. The 90 tooth mechanism seems well designed and I would honestly say it has less backdrag than a dual 80. I happen to like the smooth handle even though it gets slick if you have oily hands.
 
J

Jarhead0408

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I used mine yesterday. It ratchets smoothly...unless it's under speed. Then it locks up. I'll be opening it up, oiling it, and stretching the spring per advice from the Garnett Tools channel on Youtube.
 
F

firworks

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I agree about the knurling. It looks cool but till now my favorite ratchet has been the Cornwell SR50 which is super smoooooth. The handle on the SK feels very nice and smooooth too.
 
I

IndyGarage

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It looks real nice. I like SK tools. I may have to try one, although I can relate to liking knurling on the handle.

I must work on greasier stuff than most. I somewhat prefer ratchets with something more to grip. Last night I was putting an injection pump back on a tractor; using one of my Wright square handle mini 3/8 ratchets, which I really like because they can get into tight spaces, and I was really frustrated because it was hard to hold onto with my greasy hands. Same thing with my SO ratchet.

I prefer the plastic grip on my Wera Zyklop - even though it looks atrocious until I clean it up, and still looks ugly when you do. I'm not into how things look much, more into how they work.
 
G

greg86z28

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I really want one but I'm using a SO F80 already.

That SK ratchet looks really sharp, can't wait to see a 1/4" and 1/2" drive version, which I will buy right away.
 
J

Jarhead0408

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SantaAna12 said:
Under speed?
Click to expand...


Trying to ratchet down something at a fast pace. I'm not a pro...so I don't mind a leisurely pace normally.

In my case, I had the ratchet upside down and was palming the head like a palm ratchet to speed it up since I was reaching at an odd angle. The ratchet didn't reverse directions like the Craftsman RP's...it's lever went to the middle and then locked up.
 
J

Jawn

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Love mine. Bought it on Epstein's day, have used it a few times and it's definitely my new favorite. Have not experienced the "lockup" described when quickly ratcheting.
 
B

Banjorear

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Not an elegant solution, but some Easton bat tape ($4.00 @ ****'s) should solve the slippery handle issue.

Granted, the tape is cloth-like and will absorb oil/grease/etc., but it can be removed and replaced easily. One roll will give you at least 15-20 wrappings on that small of a span.

This tape is great stuff.
 
A

American Locomotive

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Jarhead0408 said:
I used mine yesterday. It ratchets smoothly...unless it's under speed. Then it locks up. I'll be opening it up, oiling it, and stretching the spring per advice from the Garnett Tools channel on Youtube.
Click to expand...
Mine would occasionally lockup when using it fast as well. However after about an hour of use, it freed up beautifully.
 
G

GTO

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I would definitely add it to my inventory of 20 ratchets,when I get some extra $$.Love the smooth handle and green selector,and Made in USA as well....
 
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isb cornbinder

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My Father bought his first SK tools in December, 1945. I own them now. I spent thousands of dollars on SK tools while I was still in the trade. I have hundreds of spare SK sockets and a few spare wrenches. I gave my Father's SK toolbox to a friend who did not have a good toolbox. Come to think of it, all of my screwdrivers and snap-ring pliers are SK.
So, when is it my turn to get a loyalty gift from SK for more than 70 years of SK in my family?
Who would be better to write a review than the mechanic who has used and made a very good living with SK?
Next time, I am going to buy MAC TOOLS. Even though I have been retired for 13 years, the MAC truck guy stops by for a visit now and then. He give me the latest fridge-magnet calendar and I even got a free MAC cap.
OK, SK. if you read this, what do you say?
 
Last edited:
C

ChrisLS8

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isb cornbinder said:
My Father bought his first SK tools in December, 1945. I own them now. I spent thousands of dollars on SK tools while I was still in the trade. I have hundreds of spare SK sockets and a few spare wrenches. I gave my Father's SK toolbox to a friend who did not have a good toolbox. Come to think of it, all of my screwdrivers and snap-ring pliers are SK.
So, when is it my turn to get a loyalty gift from SK for more than 70 years of SK in my family?
Who would be better to write a review than the mechanic who has used and made a very good living with SK?
Next time, I am going to buy MAC TOOLS. Even though I have been retired for 13 years, the MAC truck guy stops by for a visit now and then. He give me the latest fridge-magnet calendar and I even got a free MAC cap.
OK, SK. if you read this, what do you say?
Click to expand...

Not sure if you are being serious
 
G

Gila Monster

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Looks really nice, but having both styles, I really prefer a quick release button and that's now become a deal breaker. It always seems my gloved hands get too greasy and changing sockets, I basically have to keep a flat head screwdriver near me to pop them on and off quickly.
 
F

Fedwrench

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I think the prototype handle with the two bands of knurling is nicer than the final generic smooth handle but, maybe SK will release a knurled handle version some day. :dunno:
I find it funny that Ryan got a free SK 90 tooth ratchet since there's got to be at least 3-5 threads about the new ratchet along with it being a hot seller during the recent Epstein's day. SK should have sent him a flex head version to spark additional interest. :beer:
I haven't experienced any of the performance issues other people have mentioned. I'd like to see a 1/4 drive version and flex head versions released in time for Black Friday.:D
 
J

jo4gj

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So how dose this compare to napas Carlyle p90 series's ratchet? I know made in USA for a few dollars more but I'm in the middle of lousy-Anna, basically the **** end from bigger cities in all directions. So all I got locally is Home Depot lowes sears napa auto zone
 
I

isb cornbinder

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ChrisLS8 said:
Not sure if you are being serious
Click to expand...

Very serious. I will probably not buy MAC now that I have retired.
I would rather have the opinion of a red Seal Mechanic who worked with tools. Someone who resides in a mancave and only surfaces to collect the mail is not my first choice for an opinion. If a person has not worked with or is not about to do work with a tool may not be able to offer a true working opinion other than smooth finish, nice clicker
 
A

anndel

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isb cornbinder said:
My Father bought his first SK tools in December, 1945. I own them now. I spent thousands of dollars on SK tools while I was still in the trade. I have hundreds of spare SK sockets and a few spare wrenches. I gave my Father's SK toolbox to a friend who did not have a good toolbox. Come to think of it, all of my screwdrivers and snap-ring pliers are SK.
So, when is it my turn to get a loyalty gift from SK for more than 70 years of SK in my family?
Who would be better to write a review than the mechanic who has used and made a very good living with SK?
Next time, I am going to buy MAC TOOLS. Even though I have been retired for 13 years, the MAC truck guy stops by for a visit now and then. He give me the latest fridge-magnet calendar and I even got a free MAC cap.
OK, SK. if you read this, what do you say?
Click to expand...

You'll probably get nothing from SK. I get lots of free promo stuff from my Snap On driver even if on that day he comes to my workplace and I buy nothing, I walk out with a mug, hat, jacket or beach towel.
 
I

ihateminimumwage

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isb cornbinder said:
My Father bought his first SK tools in December, 1945. I own them now. I spent thousands of dollars on SK tools while I was still in the trade. I have hundreds of spare SK sockets and a few spare wrenches. I gave my Father's SK toolbox to a friend who did not have a good toolbox. Come to think of it, all of my screwdrivers and snap-ring pliers are SK.
So, when is it my turn to get a loyalty gift from SK for more than 70 years of SK in my family?
Who would be better to write a review than the mechanic who has used and made a very good living with SK?
Next time, I am going to buy MAC TOOLS. Even though I have been retired for 13 years, the MAC truck guy stops by for a visit now and then. He give me the latest fridge-magnet calendar and I even got a free MAC cap.
OK, SK. if you read this, what do you say?
Click to expand...
SK owes you nothing. On top of that, not even the same company from 13 years ago.
isb cornbinder said:
Very serious. I will probably not buy MAC now that I have retired.
I would rather have the opinion of a red Seal Mechanic who worked with tools. Someone who resides in a mancave and only surfaces to collect the mail is not my first choice for an opinion. If a person has not worked with or is not about to do work with a tool may not be able to offer a true working opinion other than smooth finish, nice clicker
Click to expand...
We get it, you're retired.:bounce:
 
F

Flinter987

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I'm not so sure about the green selector switch, but otherwise I love the look! That'd be an awesome ratchet to own! I'm tempted to bribe someone at school to buy one so I can use it for a bit!!!
 
C

ChrisLS8

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I almost got one today but realized I use a flex or Roto 99% of the time. Are they going to be dropping a flex head?
 
J

Jarhead0408

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isb cornbinder said:
My Father bought his first SK tools in December, 1945. I own them now. I spent thousands of dollars on SK tools while I was still in the trade. I have hundreds of spare SK sockets and a few spare wrenches. I gave my Father's SK toolbox to a friend who did not have a good toolbox. Come to think of it, all of my screwdrivers and snap-ring pliers are SK.
So, when is it my turn to get a loyalty gift from SK for more than 70 years of SK in my family?
Who would be better to write a review than the mechanic who has used and made a very good living with SK?
Next time, I am going to buy MAC TOOLS. Even though I have been retired for 13 years, the MAC truck guy stops by for a visit now and then. He give me the latest fridge-magnet calendar and I even got a free MAC cap.
OK, SK. if you read this, what do you say?
Click to expand...
No offense...but they don't owe you anything other than an outstanding warranty program. Many families have bought American made tools for an equal number of years...but I don't think they expect something for free. The free calendar and cap are to get you to pay the huge markups from the truck brands.

American Locomotive said:
Mine would occasionally lockup when using it fast as well. However after about an hour of use, it freed up beautifully.
Click to expand...

Gotcha. Thanks for the info. I used mine for the first time the other day. I hope mine loosens up as well.

Gila Monster said:
Looks really nice, but having both styles, I really prefer a quick release button and that's now become a deal breaker. It always seems my gloved hands get too greasy and changing sockets, I basically have to keep a flat head screwdriver near me to pop them on and off quickly.
Click to expand...

Ah! I'm stuck in the same camp with my Snap On ratchets...but this SK is different. You won't need a screwdriver with this one. The sockets come off quite a bit easier.
 
S

sk farmer

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isb cornbinder said:
My Father bought his first SK tools in December, 1945. I own them now. I spent thousands of dollars on SK tools while I was still in the trade. I have hundreds of spare SK sockets and a few spare wrenches. I gave my Father's SK toolbox to a friend who did not have a good toolbox. Come to think of it, all of my screwdrivers and snap-ring pliers are SK.
So, when is it my turn to get a loyalty gift from SK for more than 70 years of SK in my family?
Who would be better to write a review than the mechanic who has used and made a very good living with SK?
Next time, I am going to buy MAC TOOLS. Even though I have been retired for 13 years, the MAC truck guy stops by for a visit now and then. He give me the latest fridge-magnet calendar and I even got a free MAC cap.
OK, SK. if you read this, what do you say?
Click to expand...

i think you come off sounding like a ****. i don't know you and have nothing against you but it seems like you think that sk is just supposed to know that you have been a loyal customer who has spent thousands. big deal..... so have i and about a few hundred or thousand other people.

pick your brand. how does any brand know how much you or anyone else has spent over the last 10, 20, 40 or however many years. i highly doubt even the truck brands report much of that info unless you happen to buy a box that is registered or have an account of some sort.
 
F

Fedwrench

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jo4gj said:
So how dose this compare to napas Carlyle p90 series's ratchet?
Click to expand...

I have a few of the Carlyle 90 tooth ratchets and I really like them. I think the two biggest differences would be you can only get Carlyle 90 tooth ratchets with a comfort grip handle & they're made in Taiwan. Internally they are basically the same aside from Carlyle using a snap ring to secure the gear cover whereas the SK uses screws to retain the gear cover.
 
C

Cummins_Tech

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ChrisLS8 said:
I almost got one today but realized I use a flex or Roto 99% of the time. Are they going to be dropping a flex head?
Click to expand...



Supposedly, they are coming out with complete sets in 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 in fixed and flex head. Looks to me like they are trying to "compete" with SO as far as the ratchet game goes. One can assume that if those sell well, then comfort grips might be the next thing they add to the line up. One can hope anyways. That's purely speculation on my part, don't quote me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
D

davethorik

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ChrisLS8 said:
I almost got one today but realized I use a flex or Roto 99% of the time. Are they going to be dropping a flex head?
Click to expand...

There are rumors about new twin pawl rebuild kits that fit in older round head ratchets. You could swap one of those into an older roto, or find a 72t Tuff1 roto.

I sent a message to SK on facebook about re-introducing the roto, perhaps in 1/4 drive as well, and got no response. So isbcornbinder, good luck getting a bunch of free stuff.
 
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