SK Tools Cyber Sale Tool Haul: #2 Phillips Showcase

In this video we take a look at SK's offerings in the #2 Phillips realm with 4" Shafts. This video essentially has two parts...We first highlight each driver, their part number, and price. Later in the video, we examine the chrome job and hex bolsters, which left a bit to be desired on the Cushiongrip version.
-If you like what you see, this conveniently coincides with a 20% Off Sale good thru January 28th. I say that in good faith, but encourage anyone interested in pulling the trigger to read on...
Like the gloves? Save some cash with "LoneStar" as your discount code
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--I will just be straight up honest with you and say I can not recommend SK's screwdrivers unless you are a fan of the design, or aesthetics. If green is your jam, I'd suggest Stahlwille's 3K line. If it is important to buy USA made tools, go for Klein, or something from the tool truck. SK makes some nice stuff, but their screwdrivers leave a bit to be desired, especially at a premium price. I have used Klein for years and also have Mac/Protos and both would come much higher on the list for US based drivers. The Mac's will cost a bit more, while the Klein's can be scored at a savings vs SK.
---If you ever wondered if I review things subjectively, this should give you your answer. I always try to focus on the good while also highlighting what could be deemed as negatives for some users. However, when you have a tool that shouldn't have left the facility, especially at this price point, I find it unacceptable and it would be a disservice to you not to highlight that shortcoming.
----This isn't just me not liking the ergonomics as well as another brand, this is a quality control issue. When SK posted on Instagram about their screwdriver sale, I left a comment (January 9th) about the chrome job and hex bolster. Very much to their credit, they said they would warrant it, send me a new driver, and issue a return label for me to return this driver. As of typing this (January 24th...a full 15 days later), I have not gotten the new driver and I am starting to believe it isn't going to come.
That certainly isn't the end of the world as the driver is functional for actually turning screws, as I cited in my comments to SK, but the underlying principle of saying you will send out a replacement and failing to do so is something I don't take lightly. I would be less upset being ignored, or simply being dealt the usual warranty-dodging jargon.
I"m not trying to be too harsh on them, but I do hold SK to a higher standard than say something from Home Depot, or Harbor Freight. This driver never should have left the factory in my opinion and I can't help but think some of the other drivers have suffered, or will suffer the same fate. At minimum the shaft needs to be checked, handle fitment verified, tip inspected, and the hex bolster, if equipped, should be tested.
If you've brought any of their drivers in recently, it might be worth checking. As is, we will move forward running the test with this duo representing SK. The tips seem solid on initial inspection and that is what will matter the most. For all I know, despite the issues with the chrome job and hex bolster, they might very well out perform the competition. In terms of hex bolstered drivers, these will score a ZERO. Even the cheapest drivers I have brought in have at least been subject to enough standardization and quality control to fit a wrench properly.
Am I done with SK? It is honestly hard to say, but this certainly doesn't encourage me to go out and spend my hard earned money on their products. These drivers will be given the same fair shake as all the others to win me over with their performance...That is fair and it is the least I can do for you, the viewer, and SK Tools, which I truly hold in high regard based on their durability at work and my early impressions of their X-Frame ratcheting wrenches.
*Time Stamps and Links*
2-in-1 Pocket Clip Screwdriver PN 85112 $5.09
sktools.com/sh...
Suregrip PN 82007 $16.80
sktools.com/sh...
Cushiongrip PN 79113 $17.09
sktools.com/sh...
Suregrip Analysis: @9:20
Cushiongrip Analysis: @10:20
Complete Crap @13:15
If SK had sent the replacement driver, I would have tacked that portion to the end of the video with the good news they made things right and to simply make sure to check their hex bolsters if you were to order. However, since it never came, that wasn't an option.
**Links**
Forum: www.lonestarmop...
Facebook: / lonestarmopars
Instagram: / lonestarmopars
Twitter: / lonestarmopars
Music:
"Gearhead" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommon...

[@brucetaylor1753]

I love SK tools but their quality control sucks. I have sets literally from every decade since the 50’s and lately I’ve been disappointed with what they are sending out.

[@johndavis1217]

I sold my Craftsman Pro Screwdrivers, bought all new SK stuff, the soft handled, same as Craftsman Pro. I still had money left over. I like these screwdrivers myself. Craftsman had a much wider selection than SK does. Like someone else said, I want to support SK, but it is hit and miss, and SK is not inexpensive for the DIY guy.

[@Peep18m]

John Davis how much did you get for you’re craftsman pro set? How many did you have?

[@mnyshrpknvs]

I'll stick with Wiha, Wera and Hazet.

[@johngibson3594]

I like the older style sk screw drivers. I still have some old harbor freight screwdrivers with the same type design and handle material that are 35 years old and still going.

[@GH-oi2jf]

I love that square S-K handle on the 45155, a large 3/8” square drive spinner. I keep a bit driver socket (45498) on the end. I think the square handle works better in large sizes. Curiously, that part no. is also used on a long-handled breaker bar. Why would they use a part no. for two different tools?

[@betty123ism]

I don't know why but I really want to be a fan of SK. Maybe I just like the green. It seems like some of their stuff is great and some has similar problems to what you show here. I got their new pear head 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets. While they do have a lot of teeth, and they seem to be getting better with some break in, honestly the old design round head coarse tooth ratchets have smoother action. I've tried several different kinds of oil in them and finally settled on white lithium grease, which seems to help a little. I also got a stubby wrench set from them, and after only limited use the chrome is starting to chip away. With that said, I have been really happy so far with their sockets and their old style ratchets.

[@moeszyslack4676]

Thanks for this review. Although a very small sample size, this is really disappointing to see. You pay a premium for an American made product, and get this, and then they haven't made it right. I had a pair of VBW pliers that I let someone use while plumbing (what a mistake) and he wasn't careful, got the tips blue with a torch flame. Ruined. I bought a new pair, and the tips have a massive overbite, where they aren't flush (top jaw extends over the lower jaw). What a disgusting slip up in QC/QA. Now I have to wait until they're in stock to get a replacement, again. It sucks when you happily pay more for a premium product, and get a piece of trash that never should have left the factory.

[@anthonymascolo5519]

Does Western forge make the newer style sk screwdriver? Because those are identical to the old Craftsman professional screwdrivers from 10 years ago, except in green.

[@mmmmmlemons]

Armstrong look the same too.

[@memphistate8958]

SK is my favorite tool company and I own many of their products. I have to admit their quality control has turned to garbage lately. I’ve ordered several tools lately that have arrived with defects in the chrome. I ordered a 15” 1/2 ratchet that arrived with a 6” gouge down the side of the handle. It was jagged and sharp to touch. SK has great customer service and they apologized and sent a return label. A couple weeks went by and I had to call them again to ask where my replacement was. The lady I talked to was very nice and she located my paperwork and promised the ratchet would be sent out that day. I suggest to everyone that receives a product with a finish quality they feel is not up to SK’s standard is to return it. Make SK make it right. Keep calling them. Keep bugging them. That’s the only way they will correct the issues. I want SK to continue to be successful and I want people to continue buying their products. They are one of the last US tool manufacturers left and their tools are top of the line at a reasonable price. They just need to get their QC together and give a little more attention to detail.

[@Meater76]

I had a similar experience with SK recently. I ordered their long pattern combination wrenches and I received 2 wrenches (8 and 10mm) that were extremely warped. I was shocked that they left the factory like that. I immediately called them and explained the issues and they sent me a return label. Unfortunately, after a few weeks the new wrenches still had not arrived and I sent another email asking for an ETA. They finally arrived. It was great that they responded to me so quickly but as you said the quality control needs improvement. You would expect that a company that sells professional tools made in the USA would make sure their product leaves the factory in perfect condition. I still love SK and will probably buy more from them but hopefully they will step up their game and fix the qc issues.

[@vicv7075]

I like other SK hand tools but I think for the money you can find better screwdrivers out there. However I do like that pocket screwdriver i actually liked it so much I have 3.

[@LilasTools]

I have a lot of SK stuff from 1950-2000 nothing newer and no screwdrivers though. Wrenches,Ratchets, Sockets etc. Very nice high quality stuff comparable to my Mac, Snap - On, PROTO.

[@justinhill4380]

I have several of the older craftsman professional #2 phillips screwdrivers, as that was the size of screw I was turning all day, every day. They are exactly the same as the SK soft handles with the exception of them being red and black instead of green and black. I have to say they held up extremely well and at least on the craftsman version the chrome was always flawless and the hex bolster was perfect. I was looking to get some more and was excited to see that SK had the same since the craftsman ones I have are now many years old, and was extremely disappointed to see this from SK. Thank you for the review.

[@wolleysegap9740]

I like the older one's. Did you contact SK and tell them the screwdriver is defective ?

[@traceelliott414]

My 3/8 SK combo wrench fits that screwdriver that you were using.

[@bixkauldhar1566]

I regularly use PB Swiss and Vessel Japan handtools.