Newer SK Tools. Good or bad.

[Toyotamike]

I bought a new SK 90 tooth flex head 3/8 Dr. ratchet that was made in the US. Piece of junk! The flex head was so loose that it was unusable and the unit would lock up when switching the lever. I bought it off of Amazon so I was able to return it. I bought an Koken instead and like it way better.

If it was me, I’d pass on SK. There’s a lot of good brands out there anymore. Williams is pretty affordable and good quality. I buy a lot of my stuff off of eBay. I’ve bought new snap on wrenches and William sockets there and got them at a good price..

 

[Fair enough]

I bought a Williams set for nostalgia also a couple years ago. Completely USA made. It is like older Snap On. The selector is very hard to switch on it. I never even used it, beautifully finished and made, comes in metal case. I actually want quick release, getting old. It’s a sealed head so with use the selector would probably smooth out. One reason not to use yet, is if I want to sell it due to old age, can get more $$. I hope that doesn’t come about. But it always will.
That’s one thing about PF tests, he tests them new. They do wear in, some ratchets.

 

[burbguy82]

So the consensus is that the SK tools I was referring to would likely not be worth the money, especially for a backup mobile tool set. Thanks to all who replied. They have many good reviews and the box seems pretty nice.

I am looking at a few others as some had suggested as well as some other I found from "SwanLake".

 

[Trav]

I had some old SK Wayne stuff and they were very good tools. I bought a SK made in USA long LP90 1/2 flex head a couple of years ago, I never used it and likely never will. It is just a little too good to throw in the bin (not by much mind you) and not good enough to sell to someone so it just sits there. Actually it is a POS, the cheapest Pittsburg pro is just so much better and cost $15.
How they have the balls to put the SK name on that piece of trash is beyond me, it may be useful in the car to knock some bad guy over the head though.

 

[dlundblad]

I have a tiny 1/4" SK ratchet from the 60's that belonged to my grandfather (Never met him sadly, he passed away when mom was 11.) so I have always been somewhat partial to the brand. When I started my first real job and actually started making money, I treated myself to a full 1/4" SK set with a ratchet the exact same size as grandpa's. It's a great set. I love it. I went on to their flare wrenches and it turns out one was defective and made wrong. When I called their customer support, I was told I should have bought directly from them as opposed to Tooltopia. They made it right, but I haven't purchased anything since. The whole conversation left me bitter I guess.

The Chicoms own them now and a lot of their non ratchet and wrench stuff seems cheap and/ or rebranded.

 

[Hootbro]

So the consensus is that the SK tools I was referring to would likely not be worth the money, especially for a backup mobile tool set.

If the tools you mention float your boat and COO is not a concern, buy them. I am sure they meet whatever ASME/ANSI standards for tools there is out there as most of the import tools already do regardless of where they are made.

Worth and value is very subjective from person to person and this is the last place I would solely rely on in any decision.

 

[D1dad]

My great uncle retired from SK back in the 80s. I’ve got just about any hand tool x2 that you can imagine. Mostly SK Wayne. These were given to my dad and then myself when he passed. Great tools!

 

[KenshinHimura]

I was also looking at some Willians brand stuff, but it is made in China now I guess.

Are there any other suggestions?

Wright tool is my go to.

 

[spasm3]

I was also looking at some Willians brand stuff, but it is made in China now I guess.

Are there any other suggestions?

Wright tool is my go to.

Wright tool makes great wrenches. I think williams has lines of china made. But lines of usa made sockets as well. I have some williams 1/ 4 inch sockets. They are great.

 

[PF52]

Wright tool is my go to.

+2

I keep adding Wright stuff in bits and pieces. It's all been great!