The reason why i bought my Tekton ratchet set is because it's made in Taiwan. I would never pay 200$ for a set that is made in China no matter how famous the brand is.
lol how much did you pay for your phone ?? or your computer? video game system? tv? just because it's made in china doesn't mean it's junk ... they make it according to the company's specs that they are givin .. if it's junk it's not chinas fault it's the company's (brand)
@@Star_Sn1per it all depends on what specs and tolerances givin by the person who wants the tools made .. there's levels of manafacturing and finishing depending on how much your willing to pay to have them made ..
@@heisenburg1144 Even if they would pay the same amount to manufacture tools in Japan or China, Japan would have better quality control. QC is the biggest problem with China manufacturing.
We have a bunch of sets of SK sockets and wrenches from the 80's. The last set I added was 3/8 set in 2012. They're excellent and the rebuild kits are affordable. I like them far more than the last US-made Craftsman ratchet I used.
Same. My dad has ton's of tin boxes full of them. He even got me a basic set of metric and sae somehow with tin boxes before they were sold again. I use them from time to time but I use my harbor freight stuff more just because I am not worried about messing them up. I am interested in the new sk toolbox's. My dad has a snapon and would be a nice xmas gift to get him a SK one if they are decent quality. Maybe he would hand down the snapon to me but I am more then likely dreaming.
Great Star moved all production overseas, for ShopVac , every company Great Star has purchased in the USA has been moved overseas. Great Star is controlled by the Chinese military, they are not our.friends.
Some of the first tools I bought nearly 50 years ago were SK. The local department store sold sets, the local auto parts store sold sets and individual pieces. I brought a cracked socket into the auto parts store, took a stool at the counter and put the cracked socket down in front of me to wait my turn. The counter man picked it up on his way by, set down a new one on his way back. Asked if I needed anything else while on his way to serve the guy ahead of me. I said no, he said you’re all set, see you next time. Ah, the good old days. The SK tools still get regular use. The only real casualty is the 1/4 inch ratchet. Rebuilt several times. But the head is too worn now.
I grew up with SK Tools. My uncle was a huge fan, he started buying them when he was in the service. Apparently he got a healthy discount showing his military ID. I inherited these tools. Some say SK Wayne, some say SK Dresser. The raised panel wrenches are often stamped SK Lectrolite. Many green cases. All quality, and I love these tools. One aspect I really like is the difference in form factor. For example, the wrenches are a touch shorter than a Craftsman equivalent made in the Easco Danaher days. The deep SK sockets are not as deep as other brands. At times this can be helpful. My favorite 1/4 inch ratchet is my SK round head. These details have been lost on the newer tools. I hate seeing the shift to Chinese manufacturing for SK. I am glad the brand is still alive. I frequent the Sherman family's tool store, I should go in the next few days and see if they have watched this video.
I've acquired a few of the SK ratchets over the past few years. Most were found in 'vintage' toolbox purchases. I too, love the knurling on these. I can relate to what you said about 'back in the day', as I'm 73, and remember these tools sold in various hardware stores. All were premium priced over what else was available. Yeah, I really wish more of these 'legacy' tools where still USA made. But when you pay workers (slave, child, etc.) a fraction of what is paid in the USA... Ya get this. And the American consumer plays a big role in that, as we've been squeezed in so many directions, ya gotta shop price over quality. Sad.
The American workers are the ones literally squeezing each other and then complaining about it. Look at the salaries you all want to get paid. UPS with their massive new contracts, autoworkers trying to get new big contracts, construction workers and handymen trying to charge like they are doctors etc etc. You can't ask for big salaries and then think costs will magically stay the same, that's not how things work.
The problem they're going to have is they're charging made in America prices for made in China tools. When other brands and retailers like Harbor Freight offer really good made in Taiwan tools which seems to be the new made in America. For 2/3 or even half the price and they work just as well. I love every single Doyle tool I've gotten from Harbor Freight my box is either husky Pittsburgh Doyle I even have some hart tools. Yes I know Harbor Freight doesn't make tools they rebrand so does matco and some of the other tool trucks. They're going to fall the way of Craftsman I guarantee it made in America prices from made in China to quality. today's Craftsman is complete utter junk. From quality assurance tool manufacturer consistency even chrome plating is inconsistent Craftsman tools today are junk and SK is not going to be far behind them. For the prices they charge I hope I'm wrong
Quality of Asian tool manufacturers has gone up, the 70s and 80s had some real crap coming out of the Far East. Quality brands who have had tools made in Asia have demanded quality. I would suggest that people remember issues of freedom and human rights. Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines are good choices. China's human rights record should definitely make them out casts if you can. Even some USA made stuff can be crap if they are non-Union, cheap-assed, power-grabbing and revenue oriented over quality oriented. I don't care much where stuff is made anymore, I care about whether or not where they are made upholds basic human rights and is honest with the international community. Thanks for this video!!!
Ive been a big fan of Tekton as of late, I was pleasantly surprised that some of their tools (ike the crows feet) are made in the US! Also at resonable prices with a lifetime warranty
I still have my first SK 3/8 ratchet and sockets. I bought the set back around 1973. They have some scratches on them and much of the chrome around the head is gone. But they're working great. I also have a set SAE wrenches that I bought about the same time. The chrome on the wrenches on doing well for being so old.
I started buying SK tools back in the 70s because they were to be found in EVERY small town parts store, (at least in my area), and I could walk in to one and replace any tool. I 1980 I worked in a small parts store and continued buying them. UN-till it suddenly became a, We can't swap that out but we can put it in a box and send it with the Rep when HE comes next. He will then send it to HQ and they will determine IF they will replace the 'Lifetime Warranted' tool or not. As you can guess, SK tools TANKED and then all we heard from them was how nobody was buying SK tools and they just don't understand it. I STILL have most of my SK tools from the 70s and they are still great tools but like Craftsman, I've bought my last.
First set of sockets I bought SK 1/2 12 point chrome started to come off right chrome was like razor blades,never had a SK dealer so I kept them and worked with them 50 years later I still have them never broke one
I can't claim that I had a complete set of SKs, but I still have a few wrenches and sockets and all of them made in USA. I would never pay more for a name unless I see the 'Made In USA' proudly marked on the tool. Old SK tools are legendary, as are the old 70's Craftsmen.
I’ve always loved SK. When I started in Diesel 20 years ago. Everything I bought was SK. I even bought the big SK Hercules Pro Toolbox. Hell! Even the Kubota dealer i currently work at is an SK dealer and they gave it up because of warranty nightmares and lack of availability. But I switched to Snap-On a LONG time ago because of the volatility with SK availability. And in Minnesota there were no SK trucks. And I’m sorry… If it’s not Made in USA. It’s not SK and I’m not interested.
There was an SK tool truck in Bemidji when Ideal brought out that concept. I contacted the dealer to try to get him to come to Moorhead, and he wouldn't do it. SK used to make a good plastic fastener removal too; and I wanted one. It is gone and I never found one.
im 46 from PA and have had similar experiences. back in the day snap on and mac werent things here either. it was craftsman, and the auto parts stores had the "professional" nice shiny sk and k-d tools hanging on the wall behind the counter where you couldnt touch them. the thing is though, when you needed that special wrench or socket tht wasnt in a craftsman set, and you spent all that money oon that "professional" sk or k-d tool, they never seemed to live up to the hype. even back then.
I’m 47 left my home state of Iowa at 45 for Missouri and I run across a lot of good quality vintage tools that I grew up with here in Missouri like Williams New Britain Indestro Billings Sk craftsman K-D my tool box is full of the greats I love vintage USA tools nothing in my opinion compares to them
@@502deth im only 29 and ive got three sets of bonney wrenches that were my grandpas. I use them all the time on hydraulic fittings or hard to reach places that those thin things slide into easily.
I’m just happy that I still have my USA SK tools I’m definitely not letting them go after this once again thanks bear for the update I wish the best of luck for SK because in the value range of hand tools is an absolute juggernaut of a market l example look at craftsman even when they made a comeback not even half of customers came back because of the other options I think USA and Value would definitely be successful (channel lock pliers)
A tool junkie here...full time mechanic with 5 different sets of tools...S-K is one of my favorites since ‘69-‘70...have a complete set of the older S-K that I use all the time...the thing with S-K having some USA made and China made I guess doesn’t really bother me too much, Snap-On does it, so does Mac....a lot of people can’t afford the high end USA made professional quality tools anymore, so they have to buy something less expensive.....at least the cheaper line still looks good
Great video. I'm also an old SK fanboy but haven't seen their tools for sale in years. I do my best not to buy any thing made in china or made by a Chinese company, regardless of the price, unless I absolutely have to. With the exception of Milwaukee power tools because I'm stuck in the battery format. But I won't touch Milwaukee hand tools, Craftsman or a thousand other made in China brands, however it is getting harder to know who owns who these days and sometimes there just aren't any other choices. However, I will buy from any country other then China. You can't trust Amazon's country of origin listing anymore either many times its just not accurate or a flat out lie or maybe a counterfeit. I miss the good ole days when you just went to a store and bought whatever they had to get the job done. Nowadays I spend hours researching, reading and sorting out the real reviews, making sure the Item is legitimate, comparing pricing, only to give up when my head starts to hurt and closings all the links, only to do it all again a few days later. Haha.
Well, I have been hearing that SK went to China. Now it is official 😞. I have a good amount of SK in my tool boxes. I also have Snap-On, Mac, and Matco. About 80% of my tools were purchased 35+ years ago (when their wasnt a bunch of good alternatives to the tool truck stuff). About 5 years ago I purchased a set of SK combination wrenches. When I opened them up, the 1" box end had 2 flats on the box end with no chrome on them. I promptly returned that wrench out of the set, for exchange. I was sad to see this quality, and have not purchased a single SK since. Now that they are moving to China, be sure that I will not be purchasing another SK tool. Lately, I have purchased a bunch of Tekton (Tiawan & USA) stuff. It is great quality at lower than SK prices, with an awesome warrentee, and 10% back on each purchase 🙂. My final comment is that I am not happy that moving foward, my warrentee replacements will be made in China, not the USA, which is what I was supporting when I paid top dollar for these fine tools 😞!!
I bought a pair of SK 3/8 drive ratchets in the 90s. 1 stubby and the other regular reach. I used the regular reach so much I wore it out. Loved it. Now ? Overpriced Chinese tools is a negatory for this Patriot. Keep up the good content. Say Hi to The Bear for me.
SK was selling retail way back in the late 70's that I know of. My father bought a SK socket set in that green metal case with a ratchet and extension or two at the Navy Exchange when I was a young teenager. I was just getting into work on cars. Granted, the Navy Exchange is not public retail, but it's retail for members and dependents of the military. He probably bought the socket set at Camp Pendleton. I had no idea how good SK was back then until a friend pointed it out. I actually preferred Craftsman. There were Sears everywhere making it easy to fill in a gap with a socket or wrench. I remember not really liking the Craftsmen socket wrenches back then and most of the eighties. Much preferred that SK wrench until I ran into a field service engineer that was using Snap On.
I have collected drawers full of vintage SK sockets and wrenches. I will continue to hoard as much as I can find when then price is right. Not buying any legacy brand now made in China.
As a Canadian my national brand was GREY tools, Most my tools I have bought are Mastercraft (Canadian Tire's made anywhere store brand) which despite a lifetime warranty have clearly been of declining quality over the last 10+ years. I have bought N. American brand tools/Knives when feasible and I used to only buy American made Irwin Visegrips, Buck knives, and EstWing tools, till tools I ordered (Estwing PB-18 18-Inch Pry Bar, several small BUCK folding knives and sadly all current produced Visegrips) arrived marked made in china. On a happy note I now saw the Estwing tool i bought that was made in China listed as Made In USA (Estwing PB-18 18-Inch Pry Bar) and when I re-ordered it indeed thay are now american made. I have a very large tool base that can complete nearly any automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, welding, and construction tasks. As I no longer find myself haveing to buy as many tools to complete tasks and mostly just upgrade or replace tools that are wearing out or get misplaced (8 children) I decided to purchase GREY TOOLS however when I started looking at thier selection I changed my mind as it seamed most of what they were selling are made overseas as well, I contacted them to enquire into this and I was told it was in order to remain price competitive in the Canadian market. The only reason to buy these brands is to support domestic manufacturing as the lifetime warranty tools I buy from CanadianTire complete the same task but at 1/3 the price or less. Needless to say I did not end up buying GREY TOOLS as they are the same asian made tools at 3X the price and I no longer buy Visegrip at all and I am careful which BUCK knives I buy but EstWing is still on my preferred tool list.
i had a tenant years ago that was a retired mechanic ..he fixed choppers in the army for years...anyway he bought a condo in florida and he gave me a bunch of tools as he knew i liked working on my cars etc....lots of SK stuff that was probably from the 90s never had a problem with them...good quality..
If I need a replacement for my hobby grade tools, I'll go with Taiwan over China any and everyday. I thankfully still have plenty of older USA tools. I watch for them new and I will pay a premium for them if I think they are better. I'll also repair USA tools if that's an option. But I will actively avoid tools made in China.
I have few of the SK super chrome sets been good to me so far bought them back in 2019 for the metric and 2020 for the standard set. For home use At work doing industrial maintenance I use there black oxide adjustable wrench’s which have held up great. Also have a small set of hose clamp pliers that I use to pinch shut 4mm-8mm air lines. But I believe in having the right tool for the job regardless of brand. So I have a bunch of different brands in my work tool box and at home. Knipex pliers and side cuts. Klein/vessel screwdrivers. Milwaukee wrench sets. Klein strippers and crimpers. Channel lock socket sets that are in metal cases. Not used very often but having the metal case is nice. Although I’ve removed and added different sockets that I do and don’t need on repairs. Glad to see they are surviving all be it on life support.
I grew up with Craftsman and SK tools…made in the USA. I try my best to purchase everything I can made anywhere but China. Its a hard pill to swallow SK tools made in China. It is what it is in today’s world.
Thanks Jeff! I'm with you. I'll have to wait and see. I won't buy anything unless I get to see it in person, either in store or perhaps a friend will buy some SK products. I'll let you know if I get a chance to see them. 😊😊
SK is maintaining SOME manufacturing in the USA, but the only items truly USA made at the moment available through traditional suppliers are the chrome sockets and the LP series tear drop ratchets. The stuff they are selling at Lowes is definitely all Chinese made.
I love my sk pliers the original usa made stuff not sure if I can get behind any of this foreign made stuff at the price point might as well buy harbor freight stuff
Yay! I started in with SK before they sold to China and things been in limbo. I can start buying them up again! Being an Illinois boy I'm an SK fan boy. I have some old ones from my Dad and I picked up some nice stuff on steals and deals to get my own collection started. I love my SK that I've bought.
I like s&k tools..i got my hands on them when i started my career as a elevator mechanic and the store we delt with pushed S&K products and we loved them because they held great and came in cases to keep them organized..the supplier also warranty them with no questions asked..
I treat SK like Craftsman now ... warranty only. With Craftsman, it was more about the great lie of the return of American manufacturing (I even bought some of the Taiwan stuff to support the brand during the supposed transition to USA made). If I need China/Taiwan made tools, I can just walk into Lowes or Home Depot, to buy Kobalt or Husky. Also, as an FYI, the new SK no longer makes 3/4" drive tools and does not have remaining inventory from the old SK to process warranties. The best they can do is offer you some "retail" value of your broken item and you can try to find something else on their website as a substitute, in lieu of a warranty exchange (and you still have to ship back the bad tool, at your expense). And if you've checked their website recently, you'll find it appears that over half of the SKUs listed are out of stock.
Thank you for the SK tools update. I have SK sockets from the 1970s in 3/8" and 1/2" drive sets and a 1/4" fractional and metric, shallow and deep sets. My father introduced me to SK in the 1970s when he gave me the 3/8" and 1/2" sets. I continue toi use them to this day. I also have some SK combination wrenches purchased as needed. They are usually my go-to wrenches. I am disappointed in the new SK socket sets ratchet quality included in the new sets. There is no knurling and the round head doesn't appear to be rebuildable. They look cheap with the narrow, hard-to-grip Snap=On copy that so many China sets use. While I am not a fan of ratcheting wrenches, I am glad to see the X-frame wrench available once again. I am interested in their Country of Origin as I highly doubt that Greatstar would betray their homeland for their marketplace. It looked like a lot of money for cheapened quality. I think the jury is still out on this stuff. While I don't need many tools anymore, I would buy SK if it is any good.
I just got the hart 40v 15inch trimmer 600 cfm blower combo on clearace for 60 bucks (org 298) at my local walmart . I also got a 20v blower for 20 bucks for the battery .
Just after the take over by GS, SK was running specials probably to clear out existing stock. Haven't seen the new tools, but in my area SK dealers aren't that close, so maybe their train of thought is to sell thru Amazon as the main web retailer and maximumize exposure and improve margins.
I was just opening my Workpro slip joint pliers I got off Amazon when I watched this video. I could have gotten the SK ones but figured for $10 less I can get about the same quality. They are a little different but the grips look about the same...other than the color. After all it is all GreatStar isn't it?
S-K Wayne and Craftsman is all that there is in my toolbox. I only buy vintage when I'm needing a specific tool though. Tool auctions, swap meets, eBay, etc. They don't have to be mint, as long as the chrome is pretty nice, not rusty (impact tools) anf they don't show any signs of being "beat on". I even have a few where previous owners engraved their intials or ownership marks on them. Not a problem for me as long as they are vintage, 30+ years or more. If I ever buy any of the newer S-K or Craftsman, it'll be after a lot of research, reading reviews and determining the actual country of manufacture. Made In America is non-negotiable when it comes to my hand tools.
By the way, I don't want a super-fine toothed ratchet. Some people may actually need that, but I don't. One tool I bought recently was a 1/4" round head ratchet. First, I bought a Williams, which I thought was a respected US tool maker. It was attractively priced and made in USA. I received it and discovered that the knurling had sharp edges which made it uncomfortable to hold. I don't want the thing. Every time I used it, I would hate it. So I went to one of my sources of pre Great Star S-K tools and found the long-handled version of the 1/4" ratchet. It's a thing of beauty, a pleasure to hold in the hand. I don't know or care how many teeth it has. Another lesson in being wary of bargains. Edit: It has 60 steps per revolution.
I bought mine from Macleods back in the 60’s complete in their green metal boxes. They were appreciated as higher quality tools especially the ignition set.
I still have most of my 1/2, 3/8 And 1/4 Sockets that I purchased while I was in high school 60 years age. My green box of the 1/2 inch set is still in my shop.
My Mom worked for Garett Airesearch at the time they were owned by Dresser so I was able to get SK from the company store. I have worked in Automotive and Boiler repair for over 40 years and have used my favorite ratchet the Roto Head 3/8 Drive and the super fine tooth 1/4" ratchet everyday. One of the large 1/4" SAE & Metric sets is in my kitchen junk drawer right now. It saddens me they've gone to China, you think I would be used to it by now.
I’ve been building a good SK Wayne set for about 15 years yard sales and pawn shops and a few flea markets it’s been slow. But the new price is kind of high and they warranty old junk the sales on Amazon are fire.
I am still using a SK 1/2" ratchet set that I bought in 1971 in of all places, Zayre's! Except for a 9/16 socket I cracked using a big cheater bar, all still in good condition in it's original steel box.
I will look for SK USA but i don't need many tools after 75 years of accumulating them. We are now getting schooled on the disadvantages of becoming dependent on China.
When I was an apprentice all I bought was sk. I tried to warranty a 3/4 breaker bar they told me to send it back to them on my dime and because they didn’t offer that breaker bar anymore they would give me a credit for whatever I wanted online. I bought a snap on. Kinda need a 3/4 breaker bar in my business
I’m glad I watched Gus video because I was gonna order all SK sockets because they were recommended by several old school guys but after seeing they are now made in china I don’t think I can do it especially knowing todays current events
Just in case you don't know, Matco was not a legacy tool company. Matco once stood for Mac Allied Tool Company, and Mac had sourced battery chargers, dwell meters, volt amp ohm meters and so forth from Mac Allied Tool Company. Along about mid `80s some of the Mac tool men showed up suddenly selling Matco branded hard tools and telling us it is the same company, just changed the name. They sold all the neat stuff they once made for Mac along with their new line or hard tools. Most of the Mac men remained with Mac and those guys would explain what happened and why Matco was now sold by usually former Mac Tool men. Great video on SKF, good to know they are finally back!
Yes, Mac had the Matco (Mac Allied Tool Co.) to source non-Mac made tools, etc. Mac split with Matco in 1979, with part of management staying with Mac and part heading up Matco, a separate entity. Mac was sold to Stanley in 1980, where they are still part of Stanley Black and Decker.
6 months ago, when this video was first uploaded, I posted about an SK screwdriver that had the shank snapped in the middle. It was the long, thin variety, and I wondered if the "new" SK Tools owners would honor their lifetime warranty. When I inquired on their website, I was asked to send a photo of the damaged tool, to which I complied. A short time later I was directed to send the damaged to back to them. Again, I complied. At that point I had no further communications from them 🤷🏻♂. THEN... one day, 6 months later, I get a small package in the mail with my brand new thin blade screwdriver! They changed the color of the handle to an all green olive drab color, but otherwise, it's fine. So, in this instance, SK was a winner with their lifetime warranty. 👍🏻
We were an SK tool truck for a while. SK has some big issues. They wanted tool truck but at the time didn’t have enough tools that were worth a shit. It was a sad departure
I've always liked S-K until the latest change. When I was young, it was the brand to buy. My 3/8" ratchet is one of my oldest tools. I bought it used in about 1960. I didn't have money for sets when I was young, though, so just bought a piece here and there. Then when I got into my career I didn't need tools much, so still just bought an occasional S-K tool. Fast forward to present day -- when I heard about the Great Star acquisition, I searched out and bought a lot of S-K from various places. If I never use some of it, at least I have the satisfaction of having the genuine article, made in (or near) Chicago. I am not as optimistic as you seem to be. We know now that some wrenches are being made in China, which is unacceptable to me. I don't even like the move to Pennsylvania. I think closing the Chicago factory was the death knell for the company. A company is its people. How many key people were lost in this transition? Here's an example of the deterioration of the company. One of the tools I was trying to buy from old stock was an unusual plier. Nobody had it. When the new company finally got going, I looked in their online catalog and found it was missing. I sent an inquiry about it and was told it had been replaced by such-and-such part number. That was baloney. The part number given me was just that of another plier which was still available. The one I wanted was not replaced, it was dropped. The person who answered my inquiry either didn't know the catalog or was just trying to bs me. Either way, it's unacceptable. But there was a happy ending. I found out S-K didn't make the pliers anyway, and I found out who made them. I was able to find the one I wanted with the maker's name on it from Harry Epstein. Another beef: I don't like Amazon. I use it only when I have to have something which I can't get any other way.
The real question is are they really professional quality now? Lots of entry level look really nice but are not pro quality, which is fine when they are prices and marketed that way.
Yes way back in 1966 when SK was SK-WAYNE I got ½” and ¼” SAE socket sets and a combination SAE wrench set. The main reason I bought SK was my father had a SK ½” set he got around 1946 or 1947. To date not one peace has failed, Not that I will ever need it, I just wonder if the current SK will honor warranty of past SK tools?
SK tools actually was a supplier to craftsman in the 1940s for their 3/4 heavy duty line and then again in I think the 90s with their professional line
I have an SK 3/8 ratchet set from the mid 90s I received from my Godfather before he passed. Besides the sentimental value, I treasure it even more now that they moved out of the US and are now part of the Chinese Communist Party.
The SK Industrial (US made) tools are so hard to find, I'm just going to buy Wright Tools. Yeah they're pricey for a DIY home shop but I'm tired of people complaining nothing is made here but refuse to support American tool makers.
I have all kinds of US made S-K tools that date back 50 plus years. My two 1/2" drive ratchets have never let me down while the 3/8 drive innards had to be replaced once after I tried to hard to break a rusted nut loose. Broke one socket and never had a combo wrench, SAE or metric fail. I also have a bunch of Snap-on (all US made) but only one of their ratchets that failed within weeks of purchase with nary a warranty in sight. I do like my 1/4 and 3/8 Snap-on sockets better then the S-K. Even have some US made Craftsman tools that are working well. For me, doubt that I'll try any of this new S-K batch - just not convinced they are as good until I hear several years of good life - and at my age, I'll probably be out of wrenching by then.
Do you remember Kmart's benchtop pro series? I remember them being solid tools and nice ratchets. Not sure if you've already done a video, but as an idea, Bench top would be interesting to hear about! .. love ks by the way. 😊
About a month and a half ago I bought a set of 1/2" Chrome SAE sockets on a rail from them 7/16-1 1/16" - was delighted to see a price of $54. I couldn't click 'buy now' fast enough. Only after they arrived did I see that they were Made in China. But Looking at them Objectivly, I have to say that I am impressed with the quality of them, and the rail too. The price has gone up, now to $69, so I may have gotten a sale deal that may come around again? I think I'll put a set of the Metrics, maybe a 12 point set in my cart and watch them. This are not my primaries, but at the price I got them - a good deal IMHO
I'm definitely a fan of S-K but, I'm also in the wait and see group now. I have S-K tools that are older than me as well as tools that I've bought myself. I went through the "chipping chome" era but that problem was fixed years ago. I haven't bought any S-K stuff since the buyout but, anything I bought for 10 years or so before that didn't have any finish issues. I use all of my tools hard, no matter which manufacturer but, I also clean and put them away when the job is done. You're spot on about knurling (or lack thereof!) on modern hand tools though! When I pull my grandpas older than me S-K Wayne round head ratchets out of the box for a job, I KNOW that I'm holding a REAL tool!
I reserve dollars for Chinese products to as few as possible as far as tools go. They are disposable and are treated as such when I do buy them. Everything else is USA, Germany, Switzerland, Japan or Taiwan and has been a good strategy for thirty years and going. Suffice to say, that has worked out well, especially for tools like locking pliers and adjustable wrenches that will wear out exponentially faster for every penny saved on a cheaper product.
I found some SK Wayne wrenches over the weekend. Paid $2.00 a piece. Anyone have a date range on those? Found a USA made wizard 3/8 ratchet without the part number also for $8.
Yesterday I received the 12pt Regular length metric wrench set, 7mm-22mm. Looks nice. Only 3 wrenches have USA stamped in the back. Rest have part numbers on both ends. Odd. Look all alike. Unsure what is going on. I have many SK sets, and their stubby ones from years ago. All have PN# and USA on the back side. Not these new ones.
I've owned 3 sets of SK rachet sets, 1/4, 3/8" & 1/2" for over 30 years, and they are awesome. Additionally, I have a set of their equally awesome screwdrivers, but the shank on the long thin screwdriver actually snapped in the middle. Do you think they would still honor the life time warranty today?
When u spoke to sk the something sets made un China they were calling consumer grade and then the pro sets were made in USA. They even had a tab on the web site called consumer/enthusiasts tools and then professional tools and it had the old style sockets still for sale. Then I called them about 2 months ago and th3 lady said they only had the China sockets at that time but would have USA made stuff later that they were setting setting up the factory.
I never bought SK because it was the highest tooth count, flashiest chrome or had cool foam. I bought them because they were a quality made USA tool that worked and worked hard. The metal cases took a beating and kept the sets together, even when they switched to the plastic clamshells, my older SK went into the plastic for a rest and the new stuff went to work in the metal case. I'm lucky enough to have plenty of SK to use, and feel no inclination to buy new, china made stuff at that price point. I'll go with Tekton and Capri if I need to fill a gap.
I'll buy any American made S•K tools that interest me, but would rather buy tools from the dollar store before I ever buy a single Chinese made S•K tool regardless of quality. It sucks to see but I am more of a WRIGHT tool fan anyways, I like S•K but just not as much as WRIGHT tool.
ive been trying to get those 6pint ratcheting wrenches for awhile now. I cant get them! Now I heard they are made in china now and dont carry the USA stamp anymore. Thanks for the content and God bless and remember! All things for the glory of God!
Sk fan boy here: no I will not pay $200 (pro money) for a made in China set. It's not that I don't think the Chinese can make a quality set if you pay for it, it's that I don't trust that they are quality. They are marked that high because of the name. It's sort of like Craftsman charging good money for absolute junk because of their reputation from 40 years ago.
The reason why i bought my Tekton ratchet set is because it's made in Taiwan.
I would never pay 200$ for a set that is made in China no matter how famous the brand is.
Good point
lol how much did you pay for your phone ?? or your computer? video game system? tv? just because it's made in china doesn't mean it's junk ... they make it according to the company's specs that they are givin .. if it's junk it's not chinas fault it's the company's (brand)
@@heisenburg1144 Taiwan produces better tools it's a known fact. Electronics is a completely different strory.
@@Star_Sn1per it all depends on what specs and tolerances givin by the person who wants the tools made .. there's levels of manafacturing and finishing depending on how much your willing to pay to have them made ..
@@heisenburg1144 Even if they would pay the same amount to manufacture tools in Japan or China, Japan would have better quality control. QC is the biggest problem with China manufacturing.
I bought my first SK socket sets when a hardware store closed in 70s and was discounting everything, I still have them today. My dad swore by them.
Still have a Craftsman basic mechan😢set and steel box from mid seventies
We have a bunch of sets of SK sockets and wrenches from the 80's. The last set I added was 3/8 set in 2012. They're excellent and the rebuild kits are affordable. I like them far more than the last US-made Craftsman ratchet I used.
Same. My dad has ton's of tin boxes full of them. He even got me a basic set of metric and sae somehow with tin boxes before they were sold again. I use them from time to time but I use my harbor freight stuff more just because I am not worried about messing them up. I am interested in the new sk toolbox's. My dad has a snapon and would be a nice xmas gift to get him a SK one if they are decent quality. Maybe he would hand down the snapon to me but I am more then likely dreaming.
Great Star moved all production overseas, for ShopVac , every company Great Star has purchased in the USA has been moved overseas. Great Star is controlled by the Chinese military, they are not our.friends.
Some of the first tools I bought nearly 50 years ago were SK. The local department store sold sets, the local auto parts store sold sets and individual pieces. I brought a cracked socket into the auto parts store, took a stool at the counter and put the cracked socket down in front of me to wait my turn. The counter man picked it up on his way by, set down a new one on his way back. Asked if I needed anything else while on his way to serve the guy ahead of me. I said no, he said you’re all set, see you next time.
Ah, the good old days.
The SK tools still get regular use. The only real casualty is the 1/4 inch ratchet. Rebuilt several times. But the head is too worn now.
They are pushing it. The reviewer that bought the made in USA listing and received a non-USA made item was illegal for SK to do.
I grew up with SK Tools. My uncle was a huge fan, he started buying them when he was in the service. Apparently he got a healthy discount showing his military ID. I inherited these tools. Some say SK Wayne, some say SK Dresser. The raised panel wrenches are often stamped SK Lectrolite. Many green cases. All quality, and I love these tools.
One aspect I really like is the difference in form factor. For example, the wrenches are a touch shorter than a Craftsman equivalent made in the Easco Danaher days. The deep SK sockets are not as deep as other brands. At times this can be helpful. My favorite 1/4 inch ratchet is my SK round head. These details have been lost on the newer tools.
I hate seeing the shift to Chinese manufacturing for SK. I am glad the brand is still alive. I frequent the Sherman family's tool store, I should go in the next few days and see if they have watched this video.
I've acquired a few of the SK ratchets over the past few years. Most were found in 'vintage' toolbox purchases. I too, love the knurling on these. I can relate to what you said about 'back in the day', as I'm 73, and remember these tools sold in various hardware stores. All were premium priced over what else was available. Yeah, I really wish more of these 'legacy' tools where still USA made. But when you pay workers (slave, child, etc.) a fraction of what is paid in the USA... Ya get this. And the American consumer plays a big role in that, as we've been squeezed in so many directions, ya gotta shop price over quality. Sad.
The American workers are the ones literally squeezing each other and then complaining about it. Look at the salaries you all want to get paid. UPS with their massive new contracts, autoworkers trying to get new big contracts, construction workers and handymen trying to charge like they are doctors etc etc. You can't ask for big salaries and then think costs will magically stay the same, that's not how things work.
I have had a SK 1/2"rachet set for 50 years it's my go to wrench and still going strong.
They WERE GREAT back in the day. Never would I pay those prices for a made in China set. Never.
The problem they're going to have is they're charging made in America prices for made in China tools. When other brands and retailers like Harbor Freight offer really good made in Taiwan tools which seems to be the new made in America. For 2/3 or even half the price and they work just as well. I love every single Doyle tool I've gotten from Harbor Freight my box is either husky Pittsburgh Doyle I even have some hart tools. Yes I know Harbor Freight doesn't make tools they rebrand so does matco and some of the other tool trucks. They're going to fall the way of Craftsman I guarantee it made in America prices from made in China to quality. today's Craftsman is complete utter junk. From quality assurance tool manufacturer consistency even chrome plating is inconsistent Craftsman tools today are junk and SK is not going to be far behind them. For the prices they charge I hope I'm wrong
We’re paying our enemies to build armies. It’s insanity.
How much is this UA-camr getting paid to carry water for China? Pathetic.
Which is why I try not to buy anything made, if I can, in that enemy state.
Quality of Asian tool manufacturers has gone up, the 70s and 80s had some real crap coming out of the Far East. Quality brands who have had tools made in Asia have demanded quality. I would suggest that people remember issues of freedom and human rights. Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines are good choices. China's human rights record should definitely make them out casts if you can. Even some USA made stuff can be crap if they are non-Union, cheap-assed, power-grabbing and revenue oriented over quality oriented. I don't care much where stuff is made anymore, I care about whether or not where they are made upholds basic human rights and is honest with the international community. Thanks for this video!!!
Ive been a big fan of Tekton as of late, I was pleasantly surprised that some of their tools (ike the crows feet) are made in the US!
Also at resonable prices with a lifetime warranty
I still have my first SK 3/8 ratchet and sockets. I bought the set back around 1973. They have some scratches on them and much of the chrome around the head is gone. But they're working great. I also have a set SAE wrenches that I bought about the same time. The chrome on the wrenches on doing well for being so old.
I started buying SK tools back in the 70s because they were to be found in EVERY small town parts store, (at least in my area), and I could walk in to one and replace any tool. I 1980 I worked in a small parts store and continued buying them. UN-till it suddenly became a, We can't swap that out but we can put it in a box and send it with the Rep when HE comes next. He will then send it to HQ and they will determine IF they will replace the 'Lifetime Warranted' tool or not. As you can guess, SK tools TANKED and then all we heard from them was how nobody was buying SK tools and they just don't understand it. I STILL have most of my SK tools from the 70s and they are still great tools but like Craftsman, I've bought my last.
First set of sockets I bought SK 1/2 12 point chrome started to come off right chrome was like razor blades,never had a SK dealer so I kept them and worked with them 50 years later I still have them never broke one
I can't claim that I had a complete set of SKs, but I still have a few wrenches and sockets and all of them made in USA. I would never pay more for a name unless I see the 'Made In USA' proudly marked on the tool. Old SK tools are legendary, as are the old 70's Craftsmen.
I’ve always loved SK. When I started in Diesel 20 years ago. Everything I bought was SK. I even bought the big SK Hercules Pro Toolbox. Hell! Even the Kubota dealer i currently work at is an SK dealer and they gave it up because of warranty nightmares and lack of availability. But I switched to Snap-On a LONG time ago because of the volatility with SK availability. And in Minnesota there were no SK trucks.
And I’m sorry… If it’s not Made in USA. It’s not SK and I’m not interested.
There was an SK tool truck in Bemidji when Ideal brought out that concept. I contacted the dealer to try to get him to come to Moorhead, and he wouldn't do it. SK used to make a good plastic fastener removal too; and I wanted one. It is gone and I never found one.
im 46 from PA and have had similar experiences. back in the day snap on and mac werent things here either. it was craftsman, and the auto parts stores had the "professional" nice shiny sk and k-d tools hanging on the wall behind the counter where you couldnt touch them. the thing is though, when you needed that special wrench or socket tht wasnt in a craftsman set, and you spent all that money oon that "professional" sk or k-d tool, they never seemed to live up to the hype. even back then.
powercraft was a high end name back in the day too. and bonney. i remember the garage mechanics having them. idk where they came from though, lol.
I’m 47 left my home state of Iowa at 45 for Missouri and I run across a lot of good quality vintage tools that I grew up with here in Missouri like Williams New Britain Indestro Billings Sk craftsman K-D my tool box is full of the greats I love vintage USA tools nothing in my opinion compares to them
@@502deth im only 29 and ive got three sets of bonney wrenches that were my grandpas. I use them all the time on hydraulic fittings or hard to reach places that those thin things slide into easily.
I’m retired after 40 years as a heavy duty mechanic and I must say I loved my SK tools ! I did not have a lot but the ones I had lasted all 40 years !
I’m just happy that I still have my USA SK tools I’m definitely not letting them go after this once again thanks bear for the update I wish the best of luck for SK because in the value range of hand tools is an absolute juggernaut of a market l example look at craftsman even when they made a comeback not even half of customers came back because of the other options I think USA and Value would definitely be successful (channel lock pliers)
A tool junkie here...full time mechanic with 5 different sets of tools...S-K is one of my favorites since ‘69-‘70...have a complete set of the older S-K that I use all the time...the thing with S-K having some USA made and China made I guess doesn’t really bother me too much, Snap-On does it, so does Mac....a lot of people can’t afford the high end USA made professional quality tools anymore, so they have to buy something less expensive.....at least the cheaper line still looks good
Not paying that price for chineseum tools. If I want budget tools I will buy Tekton and enjoy quality Taiwan manufacturing.
I have a 1/4" SK ratchet set that is 40+ years old. It is in the tin box. It is my go-to for 1/4" needs. It is a quality set.
I lucked into a SK 1/4" shallow set with ratchet for $5 at a auction back in the 1970s. Still using it.
I like Toos!
SK started in 1921, sold, by Ideal, to China in 2021. Their "Superkrome" WAS done by the same company that does Harley-Davidson chrome.
Great video. I'm also an old SK fanboy but haven't seen their tools for sale in years. I do my best not to buy any thing made in china or made by a Chinese company, regardless of the price, unless I absolutely have to. With the exception of Milwaukee power tools because I'm stuck in the battery format. But I won't touch Milwaukee hand tools, Craftsman or a thousand other made in China brands, however it is getting harder to know who owns who these days and sometimes there just aren't any other choices. However, I will buy from any country other then China. You can't trust Amazon's country of origin listing anymore either many times its just not accurate or a flat out lie or maybe a counterfeit. I miss the good ole days when you just went to a store and bought whatever they had to get the job done. Nowadays I spend hours researching, reading and sorting out the real reviews, making sure the Item is legitimate, comparing pricing, only to give up when my head starts to hurt and closings all the links, only to do it all again a few days later. Haha.
Well, I have been hearing that SK went to China. Now it is official 😞. I have a good amount of SK in my tool boxes. I also have Snap-On, Mac, and Matco. About 80% of my tools were purchased 35+ years ago (when their wasnt a bunch of good alternatives to the tool truck stuff). About 5 years ago I purchased a set of SK combination wrenches. When I opened them up, the 1" box end had 2 flats on the box end with no chrome on them. I promptly returned that wrench out of the set, for exchange. I was sad to see this quality, and have not purchased a single SK since. Now that they are moving to China, be sure that I will not be purchasing another SK tool. Lately, I have purchased a bunch of Tekton (Tiawan & USA) stuff. It is great quality at lower than SK prices, with an awesome warrentee, and 10% back on each purchase 🙂. My final comment is that I am not happy that moving foward, my warrentee replacements will be made in China, not the USA, which is what I was supporting when I paid top dollar for these fine tools 😞!!
I bought a pair of SK 3/8 drive ratchets in the 90s. 1 stubby and the other regular reach. I used the regular reach so much I wore it out. Loved it. Now ? Overpriced Chinese tools is a negatory for this Patriot. Keep up the good content. Say Hi to The Bear for me.
I am 70 and bought SK tools when 10 years old and kept buying till I had them all. Never lost a wrench or socket, broke an extension
Made in USA- 1 in stock, 2 in stock, out of stock.... And October delivery on how many? Clearing out inventory before the "New" SKU's get ready to go?
SK was selling retail way back in the late 70's that I know of. My father bought a SK socket set in that green metal case with a ratchet and extension or two at the Navy Exchange when I was a young teenager. I was just getting into work on cars. Granted, the Navy Exchange is not public retail, but it's retail for members and dependents of the military. He probably bought the socket set at Camp Pendleton.
I had no idea how good SK was back then until a friend pointed it out. I actually preferred Craftsman. There were Sears everywhere making it easy to fill in a gap with a socket or wrench. I remember not really liking the Craftsmen socket wrenches back then and most of the eighties. Much preferred that SK wrench until I ran into a field service engineer that was using Snap On.
I have collected drawers full of vintage SK sockets and wrenches. I will continue to hoard as much as I can find when then price is right. Not buying any legacy brand now made in China.
As a Canadian my national brand was GREY tools, Most my tools I have bought are Mastercraft (Canadian Tire's made anywhere store brand) which despite a lifetime warranty have clearly been of declining quality over the last 10+ years. I have bought N. American brand tools/Knives when feasible and I used to only buy American made Irwin Visegrips, Buck knives, and EstWing tools, till tools I ordered (Estwing PB-18 18-Inch Pry Bar, several small BUCK folding knives and sadly all current produced Visegrips) arrived marked made in china. On a happy note I now saw the Estwing tool i bought that was made in China listed as Made In USA (Estwing PB-18 18-Inch Pry Bar) and when I re-ordered it indeed thay are now american made. I have a very large tool base that can complete nearly any automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, welding, and construction tasks. As I no longer find myself haveing to buy as many tools to complete tasks and mostly just upgrade or replace tools that are wearing out or get misplaced (8 children) I decided to purchase GREY TOOLS however when I started looking at thier selection I changed my mind as it seamed most of what they were selling are made overseas as well, I contacted them to enquire into this and I was told it was in order to remain price competitive in the Canadian market. The only reason to buy these brands is to support domestic manufacturing as the lifetime warranty tools I buy from CanadianTire complete the same task but at 1/3 the price or less. Needless to say I did not end up buying GREY TOOLS as they are the same asian made tools at 3X the price and I no longer buy Visegrip at all and I am careful which BUCK knives I buy but EstWing is still on my preferred tool list.
i had a tenant years ago that was a retired mechanic ..he fixed choppers in the army for years...anyway he bought a condo in florida and he gave me a bunch of tools as he knew i liked working on my cars etc....lots of SK stuff that was probably from the 90s never had a problem with them...good quality..
I used to work in the SK-Tools Factury in Johnson City TN.
If I need a replacement for my hobby grade tools, I'll go with Taiwan over China any and everyday. I thankfully still have plenty of older USA tools. I watch for them new and I will pay a premium for them if I think they are better. I'll also repair USA tools if that's an option. But I will actively avoid tools made in China.
i have a 3/8 drive set of metric s-k sockets i bought in 1964 that i still use today,,,i was 17 yrs old back then workin at a ford dealer
I have few of the SK super chrome sets been good to me so far bought them back in 2019 for the metric and 2020 for the standard set. For home use
At work doing industrial maintenance I use there black oxide adjustable wrench’s which have held up great. Also have a small set of hose clamp pliers that I use to pinch shut 4mm-8mm air lines. But I believe in having the right tool for the job regardless of brand. So I have a bunch of different brands in my work tool box and at home. Knipex pliers and side cuts. Klein/vessel screwdrivers. Milwaukee wrench sets. Klein strippers and crimpers. Channel lock socket sets that are in metal cases. Not used very often but having the metal case is nice. Although I’ve removed and added different sockets that I do and don’t need on repairs. Glad to see they are surviving all be it on life support.
I grew up with Craftsman and SK tools…made in the USA. I try my best to purchase everything I can made anywhere but China. Its a hard pill to swallow SK tools made in China. It is what it is in today’s world.
Thanks Jeff! I'm with you. I'll have to wait and see. I won't buy anything unless I get to see it in person, either in store or perhaps a friend will buy some SK products. I'll let you know if I get a chance to see them. 😊😊
SK was my favorite tool brand now in a proto and snap on man
SK is maintaining SOME manufacturing in the USA, but the only items truly USA made at the moment available through traditional suppliers are the chrome sockets and the LP series tear drop ratchets. The stuff they are selling at Lowes is definitely all Chinese made.
I love my sk pliers the original usa made stuff not sure if I can get behind any of this foreign made stuff at the price point might as well buy harbor freight stuff
Yay! I started in with SK before they sold to China and things been in limbo. I can start buying them up again! Being an Illinois boy I'm an SK fan boy. I have some old ones from my Dad and I picked up some nice stuff on steals and deals to get my own collection started. I love my SK that I've bought.
I like s&k tools..i got my hands on them when i started my career as a elevator mechanic and the store we delt with pushed S&K products and we loved them because they held great and came in cases to keep them organized..the supplier also warranty them with no questions asked..
I treat SK like Craftsman now ... warranty only. With Craftsman, it was more about the great lie of the return of American manufacturing (I even bought some of the Taiwan stuff to support the brand during the supposed transition to USA made). If I need China/Taiwan made tools, I can just walk into Lowes or Home Depot, to buy Kobalt or Husky.
Also, as an FYI, the new SK no longer makes 3/4" drive tools and does not have remaining inventory from the old SK to process warranties. The best they can do is offer you some "retail" value of your broken item and you can try to find something else on their website as a substitute, in lieu of a warranty exchange (and you still have to ship back the bad tool, at your expense). And if you've checked their website recently, you'll find it appears that over half of the SKUs listed are out of stock.
Thank you for the SK tools update. I have SK sockets from the 1970s in 3/8" and 1/2" drive sets and a 1/4" fractional and metric, shallow and deep sets. My father introduced me to SK in the 1970s when he gave me the 3/8" and 1/2" sets. I continue toi use them to this day. I also have some SK combination wrenches purchased as needed. They are usually my go-to wrenches. I am disappointed in the new SK socket sets ratchet quality included in the new sets. There is no knurling and the round head doesn't appear to be rebuildable. They look cheap with the narrow, hard-to-grip Snap=On copy that so many China sets use.
While I am not a fan of ratcheting wrenches, I am glad to see the X-frame wrench available once again. I am interested in their Country of Origin as I highly doubt that Greatstar would betray their homeland for their marketplace. It looked like a lot of money for cheapened quality. I think the jury is still out on this stuff. While I don't need many tools anymore, I would buy SK if it is any good.
I just got the hart 40v 15inch trimmer 600 cfm blower combo on clearace for 60 bucks (org 298) at my local walmart . I also got a 20v blower for 20 bucks for the battery .
SK was the first tools I purchased in the early 70's.
SK from China is a HARD PASS for me. Harbor Freight is my go to these days.
China
Just after the take over by GS, SK was running specials probably to clear out existing stock. Haven't seen the new tools, but in my area SK dealers aren't that close, so maybe their train of thought is to sell thru Amazon as the main web retailer and maximumize exposure and improve margins.
Most of the cheap stuff on Amazon is Chinese made
I was just opening my Workpro slip joint pliers I got off Amazon when I watched this video. I could have gotten the SK ones but figured for $10 less I can get about the same quality. They are a little different but the grips look about the same...other than the color. After all it is all GreatStar isn't it?
S-K Wayne and Craftsman is all that there is in my toolbox. I only buy vintage when I'm needing a specific tool though. Tool auctions, swap meets, eBay, etc. They don't have to be mint, as long as the chrome is pretty nice, not rusty (impact tools) anf they don't show any signs of being "beat on". I even have a few where previous owners engraved their intials or ownership marks on them. Not a problem for me as long as they are vintage, 30+ years or more. If I ever buy any of the newer S-K or Craftsman, it'll be after a lot of research, reading reviews and determining the actual country of manufacture. Made In America is non-negotiable when it comes to my hand tools.
I grew up in south Texas and SK was sold at some automotive stores and the industrial tool stores. They were respected at that time.
By the way, I don't want a super-fine toothed ratchet. Some people may actually need that, but I don't. One tool I bought recently was a 1/4" round head ratchet. First, I bought a Williams, which I thought was a respected US tool maker. It was attractively priced and made in USA. I received it and discovered that the knurling had sharp edges which made it uncomfortable to hold. I don't want the thing. Every time I used it, I would hate it. So I went to one of my sources of pre Great Star S-K tools and found the long-handled version of the 1/4" ratchet. It's a thing of beauty, a pleasure to hold in the hand. I don't know or care how many teeth it has. Another lesson in being wary of bargains.
Edit: It has 60 steps per revolution.
I bought mine from Macleods back in the 60’s complete in their green metal boxes. They were appreciated as higher quality tools especially the ignition set.
I still have most of my 1/2, 3/8 And 1/4 Sockets that I purchased while I was in high school 60 years age. My green box of the 1/2 inch set is still in my shop.
My Mom worked for Garett Airesearch at the time they were owned by Dresser so I was able to get SK from the company store. I have worked in Automotive and Boiler repair for over 40 years and have used my favorite ratchet the Roto Head 3/8 Drive and the super fine tooth 1/4" ratchet everyday. One of the large 1/4" SAE & Metric sets is in my kitchen junk drawer right now. It saddens me they've gone to China, you think I would be used to it by now.
I’ve been building a good SK Wayne set for about 15 years yard sales and pawn shops and a few flea markets it’s been slow. But the new price is kind of high and they warranty old junk the sales on Amazon are fire.
I am still using a SK 1/2" ratchet set that I bought in 1971 in of all places, Zayre's! Except for a 9/16 socket I cracked using a big cheater bar, all still in good condition in it's original steel box.
Purchased my first racket set of SK back in 1978 from Bradley's. Purchased a full toolbox off SK on Craigslist yesterday for $75
I will look for SK USA but i don't need many tools after 75 years of accumulating them. We are now getting schooled on the disadvantages of becoming dependent on China.
When I was an apprentice all I bought was sk. I tried to warranty a 3/4 breaker bar they told me to send it back to them on my dime and because they didn’t offer that breaker bar anymore they would give me a credit for whatever I wanted online. I bought a snap on. Kinda need a 3/4 breaker bar in my business
I’m glad I watched Gus video because I was gonna order all SK sockets because they were recommended by several old school guys but after seeing they are now made in china I don’t think I can do it especially knowing todays current events
Just in case you don't know, Matco was not a legacy tool company. Matco once stood for Mac Allied Tool Company, and Mac had sourced battery chargers, dwell meters, volt amp ohm meters and so forth from Mac Allied Tool Company. Along about mid `80s some of the Mac tool men showed up suddenly selling Matco branded hard tools and telling us it is the same company, just changed the name. They sold all the neat stuff they once made for Mac along with their new line or hard tools. Most of the Mac men remained with Mac and those guys would explain what happened and why Matco was now sold by usually former Mac Tool men. Great video on SKF, good to know they are finally back!
Yes, Mac had the Matco (Mac Allied Tool Co.) to source non-Mac made tools, etc. Mac split with Matco in 1979, with part of management staying with Mac and part heading up Matco, a separate entity. Mac was sold to Stanley in 1980, where they are still part of Stanley Black and Decker.
Fell out of my chair...SK is BACK ? They were always expensive, but best quality tools...man...I'm in shock ! Yes, I'm an old SK fan boy too :)
6 months ago, when this video was first uploaded, I posted about an SK screwdriver that had the shank snapped in the middle. It was the long, thin variety, and I wondered if the "new" SK Tools owners would honor their lifetime warranty.
When I inquired on their website, I was asked to send a photo of the damaged tool, to which I complied. A short time later I was directed to send the damaged to back to them. Again, I complied. At that point I had no further communications from them 🤷🏻♂. THEN... one day, 6 months later, I get a small package in the mail with my brand new thin blade screwdriver! They changed the color of the handle to an all green olive drab color, but otherwise, it's fine.
So, in this instance, SK was a winner with their lifetime warranty. 👍🏻
There have been some hiccups as they switched owners, but they seem to be picking up the pace now.
We were an SK tool truck for a while. SK has some big issues. They wanted tool truck but at the time didn’t have enough tools that were worth a shit. It was a sad departure
That’s is great that the Toos are back!! Fantastic! Now what about the Tools though?!😅
I've always liked S-K until the latest change. When I was young, it was the brand to buy. My 3/8" ratchet is one of my oldest tools. I bought it used in about 1960. I didn't have money for sets when I was young, though, so just bought a piece here and there. Then when I got into my career I didn't need tools much, so still just bought an occasional S-K tool. Fast forward to present day -- when I heard about the Great Star acquisition, I searched out and bought a lot of S-K from various places. If I never use some of it, at least I have the satisfaction of having the genuine article, made in (or near) Chicago.
I am not as optimistic as you seem to be. We know now that some wrenches are being made in China, which is unacceptable to me. I don't even like the move to Pennsylvania. I think closing the Chicago factory was the death knell for the company. A company is its people. How many key people were lost in this transition?
Here's an example of the deterioration of the company. One of the tools I was trying to buy from old stock was an unusual plier. Nobody had it. When the new company finally got going, I looked in their online catalog and found it was missing. I sent an inquiry about it and was told it had been replaced by such-and-such part number. That was baloney. The part number given me was just that of another plier which was still available. The one I wanted was not replaced, it was dropped. The person who answered my inquiry either didn't know the catalog or was just trying to bs me. Either way, it's unacceptable. But there was a happy ending. I found out S-K didn't make the pliers anyway, and I found out who made them. I was able to find the one I wanted with the maker's name on it from Harry Epstein.
Another beef: I don't like Amazon. I use it only when I have to have something which I can't get any other way.
The real question is are they really professional quality now? Lots of entry level look really nice but are not pro quality, which is fine when they are prices and marketed that way.
Yes way back in 1966 when SK was SK-WAYNE I got ½” and ¼” SAE socket sets and a combination SAE wrench set. The main reason I bought SK was my father had a SK ½” set he got around 1946 or 1947. To date not one peace has failed, Not that I will ever need it, I just wonder if the current SK will honor warranty of past SK tools?
Why would i purchase this over anything else you can get from overseas. Seams way to expensive for Chinese tools.
I inherited a number of older SK tools of my dad's from when he was a heavy machinery mechanic back in the 80's
I am coping with Bear deprivation.
SK tools actually was a supplier to craftsman in the 1940s for their 3/4 heavy duty line and then again in I think the 90s with their professional line
The sockets are still made in the US. In that last kit the foam and maybe the ratchet are china
Ill cherish the SK tools of my fathers, and the few ive aquired, but dont intend to purchase another SK tool, ever again 😒
I have an SK 3/8 ratchet set from the mid 90s I received from my Godfather before he passed. Besides the sentimental value, I treasure it even more now that they moved out of the US and are now part of the Chinese Communist Party.
The SK Industrial (US made) tools are so hard to find, I'm just going to buy Wright Tools. Yeah they're pricey for a DIY home shop but I'm tired of people complaining nothing is made here but refuse to support American tool makers.
I have all kinds of US made S-K tools that date back 50 plus years. My two 1/2" drive ratchets have never let me down while the 3/8 drive innards had to be replaced once after I tried to hard to break a rusted nut loose. Broke one socket and never had a combo wrench, SAE or metric fail. I also have a bunch of Snap-on (all US made) but only one of their ratchets that failed within weeks of purchase with nary a warranty in sight. I do like my 1/4 and 3/8 Snap-on sockets better then the S-K. Even have some US made Craftsman tools that are working well. For me, doubt that I'll try any of this new S-K batch - just not convinced they are as good until I hear several years of good life - and at my age, I'll probably be out of wrenching by then.
Here in Minnesota was all craftsman or S&K USA back in the day. 👍
Glad I bought my SK tools before it got bought. (Thanks to D.o.T for the heads up on the sale at the time).
Do you remember Kmart's benchtop pro series? I remember them being solid tools and nice ratchets. Not sure if you've already done a video, but as an idea, Bench top would be interesting to hear about! .. love ks by the way. 😊
Nothing wrong with Snap On, Wright, Proto,,, and other USA brands.
About a month and a half ago I bought a set of 1/2" Chrome SAE sockets on a rail from them 7/16-1 1/16" - was delighted to see a price of $54. I couldn't click 'buy now' fast enough.
Only after they arrived did I see that they were Made in China.
But Looking at them Objectivly, I have to say that I am impressed with the quality of them, and the rail too. The price has gone up, now to $69, so I may have gotten a sale deal that may come around again?
I think I'll put a set of the Metrics, maybe a 12 point set in my cart and watch them.
This are not my primaries, but at the price I got them - a good deal IMHO
I'm definitely a fan of S-K but, I'm also in the wait and see group now. I have S-K tools that are older than me as well as tools that I've bought myself.
I went through the "chipping chome" era but that problem was fixed years ago. I haven't bought any S-K stuff since the buyout but, anything I bought for 10 years or so before that didn't have any finish issues. I use all of my tools hard, no matter which manufacturer but, I also clean and put them away when the job is done.
You're spot on about knurling (or lack thereof!) on modern hand tools though! When I pull my grandpas older than me S-K Wayne round head ratchets out of the box for a job, I KNOW that I'm holding a REAL tool!
I reserve dollars for Chinese products to as few as possible as far as tools go. They are disposable and are treated as such when I do buy them. Everything else is USA, Germany, Switzerland, Japan or Taiwan and has been a good strategy for thirty years and going. Suffice to say, that has worked out well, especially for tools like locking pliers and adjustable wrenches that will wear out exponentially faster for every penny saved on a cheaper product.
I found some SK Wayne wrenches over the weekend. Paid $2.00 a piece. Anyone have a date range on those? Found a USA made wizard 3/8 ratchet without the part number also for $8.
SK-Wayne stamped tools were from around 1964-1969....I have a few and when I see "em cheap I get "em.
They do make made in the usa drive set it's a tear drop design 1/4, 3/8 and a 1/2 set for 225.oo
Yesterday I received the 12pt Regular length metric wrench set, 7mm-22mm. Looks nice. Only 3 wrenches have USA stamped in the back. Rest have part numbers on both ends. Odd. Look all alike. Unsure what is going on. I have many SK sets, and their stubby ones from years ago. All have PN# and USA on the back side. Not these new ones.
I've owned 3 sets of SK rachet sets, 1/4, 3/8" & 1/2" for over 30 years, and they are awesome. Additionally, I have a set of their equally awesome screwdrivers, but the shank on the long thin screwdriver actually snapped in the middle. Do you think they would still honor the life time warranty today?
No
I just sent a picture of a couple sockets and a extension to warranty and they sent me all new made in usa it took a week this was a couple months ago
I just sent a picture of a couple sockets and a extension to warranty and they sent me all new made in usa it took a week this was a couple months ago
What size screwdriver? I would replace it with a Vaco, now oart of Klein, if possible.
When u spoke to sk the something sets made un China they were calling consumer grade and then the pro sets were made in USA. They even had a tab on the web site called consumer/enthusiasts tools and then professional tools and it had the old style sockets still for sale. Then I called them about 2 months ago and th3 lady said they only had the China sockets at that time but would have USA made stuff later that they were setting setting up the factory.
I never bought SK because it was the highest tooth count, flashiest chrome or had cool foam. I bought them because they were a quality made USA tool that worked and worked hard. The metal cases took a beating and kept the sets together, even when they switched to the plastic clamshells, my older SK went into the plastic for a rest and the new stuff went to work in the metal case. I'm lucky enough to have plenty of SK to use, and feel no inclination to buy new, china made stuff at that price point. I'll go with Tekton and Capri if I need to fill a gap.
That foam toolbox organizer beats the hell out of a metal case all day every day.
I'll buy any American made S•K tools that interest me, but would rather buy tools from the dollar store before I ever buy a single Chinese made S•K tool regardless of quality.
It sucks to see but I am more of a WRIGHT tool fan anyways, I like S•K but just not as much as WRIGHT tool.
ive been trying to get those 6pint ratcheting wrenches for awhile now. I cant get them! Now I heard they are made in china now and dont carry the USA stamp anymore. Thanks for the content and God bless and remember! All things for the glory of God!
Used to love SK now i'm waiting for the patent to expire so a better company can knock-off the SK X-frames.
Sk fan boy here: no I will not pay $200 (pro money) for a made in China set. It's not that I don't think the Chinese can make a quality set if you pay for it, it's that I don't trust that they are quality. They are marked that high because of the name. It's sort of like Craftsman charging good money for absolute junk because of their reputation from 40 years ago.