A Brief History of SK Tools (Made in the USA)

A Brief History of SK Tools (Made in the USA) - I'm honestly not a fan of most high-end hand tools. Often I see them as vastly overpriced for the alleged value that you get. SK is one of the few tools that manages to make the equation work. They made in the USA, they are top shelf tools and yet the are not stupidly expensive. Now they are not cheap or budget tools but for the privilege of owning real, top quality, American made tools, it's hard to beat SK's value.
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[@denoftools]

Who do you feel compares to SK Tools?

[@makeitabud89]

No one, I have an sk ratchet from the 30s and you can still get replacement parts for it. Used same parts as new ones. Who else can say their design from 1933 is still better than most engineered today. Of course the ratchet has the original style parts but you could upgrade it to the 90 tooth if you wanted

[@biggiefitz6275]

Off the top of my head l'd have to say Wright Tools

[@makeitabud89]

@@biggiefitz6275 wright and Martin

[@kellypenrod2979]

Williams tool, and proto indestro compare easily.

[@KBLIZZ333]

I've been getting paid to turn wrenches since I was 17 yrs old. I'm going on 39 this coming July. That being said I've owned a few tools from each of the big name tool companies. In my humble opinion S.K Tools Ranks up there with all the big boys. A good amount of their stuff I actually prefer over Mac, Matco, and Snap-On .

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

As a Millwright that has used and owns many old SK tools I'm quite sad to see them go the way of the past right along with Armstrong and JH Williams, there are not many American industrial tool manufacturers left. Long live Wright and Proto.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Love the old school hammered green tool boxes from Sk

[@MrJruta]

Old video I know but is there anywhere you know of to get those boxes? My dad gave me his 1/4” socket set out of his tools when I was a kid (I’m in my 50’s now) and I was somehow smart/lucky enough to carry the socket drive, breaker bar and short extension with me to this day. I’ve lost the box and sockets but “replaced” them with a complete set from HF. I’d love to remake the set with the box

[@starfire2558]

@@MrJruta if they did a limited retro run they’d make a bunch of money

[@keithmorin4986]

@@MrJruta I have a few in a few different sizes. I have 2 1/4" drive that I would part with that are 20 years old and look brand new looking.

[@USAjudo]

@@MrJruta ebay has a couple

[@AnthemBassMan]

Well I’m 52 and Dad still has his SK sockets and ratchets from before I was born. He turned wrenches for a local car dealer as a mechanic and body man right after he graduated. He also ran a shop out of our garage when I was growing up. His SK’s are still working just fine.

[@NP-rh3dt]

I like SK because they're like the modern Craftsman. Perhaps not as affordable, but certainly more affordable than Snap On and Mac. SK doesn't charge for their name, they charge for their quality.

[@MrAnonymousRandom]

They are not that much cheaper if you are looking at list prices. And if you are buying online or used, unless you know an authorized dealer who is willing to help you with warranty problems, there's the hassle of sending in broken tools. Snap on, Mac, and even Proto have a far stronger distribution network.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Craftsman has never and will never even come close to S-K, even when they were U.S.A. made tools. S-K has always been the overlooked brand that only professionals knew about. As for Snap-On, Mac etc., they don't compare either. They used to, but, were always much more expensive. Now that they've shipped a lot of their manufacturing overseas, while keeping their prices high, they've lost ALL credibility to me. I recently bought a 100% USA made, 11 piece set of S-K flare nut wrenches (s.a.e. and metric) for under $200 at a local distributor. Try finding a price like that, even on a Chinese set from those other guys. I'm not a professional so the only reason that I know about S-K is because my grandpa was. I have many of his old S-K tools and they still work every day.

[@MrShobar]

SK made tools for Sears under the Craftsman label for years. Also for other house brands.

[@chex313]

@@MrAnonymousRandom I thought Napa handled SK claims? Did that change?

[@brianb7423]

MrShobar when was that? Most likely before they started offshoring craftsman production I’m guessing

[@kenjohnson4461]

my first set of new wrenches was SK I bought them when I was a teen and got the mechanic fervor I still have them 50 years later

[@MrSupernova111]

Incredible!

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

Most of my tools that I use to make a living are hand-me-downs from my father and uncle, and are mostly SK. They really don't make them like they used to.

[@SirTools]

The first time I saw SK tools was at a NASCAR engine builder's shop. I started buying them the next day. SK has my respect to this day. Locally, we sadly do not have that SK tool truck. My wife is so happy to know that there is no truck nearby. SK is a bit better than old made in USA craftsman. I do like SONIC but can't afford them. Snap-on has never been within my budget or Mac etc off the trucks. Recently I purchased some Pittsburg from HF and they are "OK". Thanks for this great history lesson, like always bear. Shine on !

[@lucky13driver]

My grandfather was a mechanic for Ford......so you know he was a busy man.lol After he passed away he gave me his tools.and I have a full set of SK wrenches I love them.i also miss my grandpa.

[@ChevyConQueso]

SK ratchets have made me a huge fan of the round head design. I've been filling out a huge set in all sizes, and went on a buying spree for new and used, and I now have an old SK Frankenstein, several round head classics, an early Roto Ratchet, a couple Facom era Tuff1 72 tooth (very nice and tight), and am about to upgrade a couple with the new DT kits. I love all of them, especially the 1/4 with 60 teeth. I also have Wright and a 72 tooth double pawl Craftsman that I initially thought was less than ideal, but now really appreciate and love using. I put Superlube in ALL of them. It takes them up another notch and really makes me pass up on the pear head ratchets, although that stuff makes them feel fantastic too. I found myself "tuning" the pear heads by clipping detent springs to get them to feel more like my SKs.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

I've got some round head SK's I've been using for 20 years that were 40 years old when I got them. There's simply not a better ratchet.

[@brandoncrimmins6296]

I bought a bunch of SK (NOT S & K!) when I started school for diesel years ago. And their stuff is all top notch. And affordable to boot.

[@josefserf5469]

Does anyone remember the magazine ad for SK tools in the 1970s featuring AJ Foyt? His endorsement impressed me and soon after I bought my first SK socket set - a 1/4 drive set in the traditional green speckled finish metal box. Have several other SK sets in the green plastic boxes. I feel that SK makes some of the very best tools you can buy without breaking your bank account. The fact that they are commited to making their tools in the USA makes them even better!

[@doesnothinspecial6680]

I don't have as much SK tools as I used too. A lot of mine apparently sprouted legs. But when they were there, they got used and used hard.

[@brannonfrost4286]

Don't you just love it when things you worked hard for sprout legs?Maybe your ex buds also have sticky finger disease.

[@smitty4699]

i have an SK Tools torque wrench and I love it. fantastic piece of equipment

[@95ZR580]

The only sk tool I have is a 3/8 torq wrench. Bought it 15 years ago off the mac tools truck lol. Its never given me an ounce of trouble and I've used it thousands of times

[@georgeburns7251]

Thank you again. I purchased a 3/8 set of metric sockets from the NEX in Lemoore Ca after my first deployment in 1970 to work on my wife's brand new VW square back, since my others tools were all Craftsman SAE that I used to work on my 65 Mustang. I still have the set, but I no longer have that green metal box that it came in. SK supplied sockets to the Navy. My shop chief gave me a set of 1/4 sockets that I still have in the green metal box. But the ratchet in the set is Snap On. I'm not sure how that happened. But these tools did a couple rebuilds on that VW, an MGB, and several other cars over next 50 years. Your video brought back some good memories.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Found it! Thanks for replying to my post on history of Craftsman. S-K all the way for tools that stay in my shop! Pittsburgh etc. for tools that go in the truck box or get "loaned" to friends. I was raised on S-K tools and Kennedy boxes and I have a bunch of grandpa n dads old stuff which I still use. 2 of my prized possessions are grandpas 1/2" round head ratchet and Kennedy 620 chest. Both are beat up, but that just gives them more character, and they still work every day! The 620 is actually a machinists box and it still has most of its green paint, not the brown that newer Kennedy boxes have. I remember riding along on wrecker calls and it was always in the cab with us. The stories that box could tell. Also, Rustoleum has a hammer finish green paint that is VERY close to the original S-K color. It's a bit darker, but, I've used it to restore several of the old steel cases just to show them off. My friends are always impressed with them. Thanks again n S-K all the way!!!

[@johncasey4623]

I have snapon and SK. I love my SK wrenches and sockets. They are very strong and for the money you cant beat them. After 10 years as a heavy truck mechanic I have only had my 15/16th need warranty and that was a minor issue not a tool failure.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

Yes it's sad to see them go.

[@STB-jh7od]

I still want a history of Duluth Trading Company. Thanks.

[@scootergeorge9576]

Only been around since 1989. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duluth_Trading_Company

[@timturk6003]

This is just my experience but sk are the best tools i’ve used and they tend to hold up better than snap-off

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

Back in the day you would almost never see snap-on on a real job site. But you'd sure see a lot of SK for a reason.

[@fordrac1ng81]

Back in the early 2000s when I worked as a mechanic, I bought a lot of SK tools. I really liked them and if I was a pro again, I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. Sure there's no SK truck coming by, but I typically could buy multiples of commonly broken tools for the price of one snap-on or mac.

[@Fatcat-racing]

It’s definitely interesting to learn about them, I work for a lawn care company and we mow the ideal and sk factory In sycamore

[@fstompo]

They’re took trucks are amazing a totally different experience from other tool trucks absolutely my favorite brand

[@ifitsnotbrokenfixit1193]

SK tools also made tools for Jcpenney when they sold tools I still have my dads old Jcpenney tools. He always said that SKtools were the best. Wish I could tell you about the sk truck he never stops in at work. He been driving be for the last 20 years.

[@rondellschuyler7074]

I had my dad's old set of SK Tools with the small tool box with the carrying handle. The tool boxe is the old green finish these tools are from 1953 excellent quality.

[@ih1206]

I enjoy SK tools. I got an old 3/8” ratchet that I bought used off eBay with some other tools. It’s missing half the chrome, yet it’s still the one I grab for first, just used it tonight working on the tractor. I’m still a fan of buying Made in the USA tools when I can, new or old.

[@jimkaipanen6577]

I have a mixture of tools ,S/K, wrenches that I bought in the early 60s. As some say road hard put away wet look great still do the job and the chrome plating on my tools.

[@rookiexreviews]

Keep your stick on the ice

[@les8804]

The Sherman family still owns "Berlands House of Tools" with three locations in the Chicago area. One of the most extensive tool stores that you will find. Pretty amazing stores

[@mdss4310]

When im digging through a big box of sockets at the pawn shop if i see one with cross hatching on it i buy it usually its a sign of quality

[@duanemiller5606]

Use to work as a mechanic at a dealership and the guys that came by in the Mac and Snap on tool trucks weren’t high pressure salesmen. They would ask how you were doing or if you were having trouble with anything you’re working on and they might recommend a tool even show you how it might help you out but they didn’t Insult the other tool brands. I guess these guys just understood if you insult my tools you’re insulting me and that’s not a good way to make a sale.

[@LynxStarAuto]

Gary Marrs Plus not knowledgeable in the slightest. I literally had to teach a tool truck guy what ball detent vs retainer pin anvils were.

[@ww321]

I remember buying a craftsman professional wrench set years ago. I noticed in one package there was a sk wrench. Lol I still have most of the sk sockets i bought 45 years ago. Thanks for the videos! :)

[@edbigtruck]

I have Ratchets from Craftsman, Snap On, MAC. Harbor Freight and some others. But my SK Ratchets are by far my favorites. I’ve had them for over 30 years.

[@RedemptionGarage]

Awesome video Red and very interesting. I appreciate you taking the time to research this and share it. I learned a lot.

[@RedemptionGarage]

@DougE I love the bear!

[@diverseflips7879]

Love the knowledge and research you share about the tools.

[@judgesan9542]

I`m from the UK and I have a complete set if SK Spanners they are great beautiful Spanners.

[@calvinhandley2373]

I've owned a lot of SK tools over the years. Most of them I acquired used, some from my Dad, a bunch more from a a friend I did some work for about 30 years ago. Also bought some new. A bunch of them I recently passed on to a younger mechanic I know as sort of a starter tool set. I still have a 1990's era 1/4" dr set that has been a go to set since I bought it new. Always had good luck with SK. As fears as who SK compared to? Craftsman before they started going downhill.

[@themountofoliveschannelwit7009]

The only common retailers that carry SK tools (that I know of) are Grainger and Advanced Auto Parts. but neither of them keep SK tools in stock and only have SK products as a special order items. ....However, you can get SK ratchets and Sockets at Home Depot but sold under the Klein Tools name. SK rebrands their Ratchets and sockets for Klein Tools (and once again it's special order item at H. Depot )

[@TartanJack]

And that answers the question I was about to ask. Thanks.

[@davidscott7005]

And Clark's Tool & Equipment

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

Luckily for me, there's a local, family owned, auto parts store that is a S-K/Klein tools distributor. I love these tools and it's also my "go to" parts place. If they don't have it in stock, it'll be there in the morning!

[@jrt77339]

I have some SK tools from 1970 and they still stand behind them. Three of my ratchets needed to be repaired. They shipped the parts to me for free and they work like new now.

[@editorjuno]

I still have most of the sockets from a little SK set that I bought nearly 50 years ago that came in one of those hammered green steel boxes. The ratchet handle is long gone -- not broken, but stolen back when I was working summers at a VW dealership during my college years. Excellent tools -- never failed, only lost or stolen!

[@rodw]

Hi Jeff, I have to say first and foremost THANK YOU for the time, reading and researching the facts of this company. I liked the part where they bought it back from France and dedicated themselves to be an American made tool Co. with American materials as well. Love this series of videos on the HISTORY of these companies.I really liked the Carhart one because I didn't know much about the company. Levi's would be a good one. I just had an idea pop in my head. Happens a lot to me lol. A video on the difference between BIB Overalls and Coveralls? Why was each one invented? Painter lants vs carpenter pants? Isn't that big loop for a hammer? What does a painter use it for? Thanks again for all your efforts to HELP ALL THE DEN !!! I hope I'm around to witness the DEN reaching 50K Subscribers. That's more people than some ballparks hold !! Keep up the GREAT WORK my Friend, Rodney

[@chucks4328]

Good video Bear. I've got a few S K tools handed down from my dad. Closest place to me that I know of that sells SK is 60 miles away. I vote for a Plomb/Proto video next. My dad had several of those he bought shortly after getting out of WW2 and I still use them to.

[@verdantacres4460]

Just got a small set of sockets wow very well made. Thank you for your videos

[@MrJohnnaz]

As I sit here wearing my free SK ball cap. SK is the new Craftsman as far as I'm concerned. I have a lot of SK sockets and tools, I even have my grandfathers 1/2" drive set with odd sizes like 25/32 never had any problems with any of them, 3/4" drive set included. When ever someone wants to know, what are reasonably priced hand tools, I always say SK. Made in USA, SK put their money where their mouth is, and built a new plant to make them in. Two big thumbs up, hope they do good, well into the future.

[@skapunkoialternativeliving6522]

Thanks what he's sharing that brief history my friend...

[@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950]

I know this vid has been up awhile, but it is interesting...my dad had a set of s-k 1/2” sockets that my mom bought him in the 50’s with Gold Bond stamps (like s&h green stamps)...he used for all his adult life, now my brother has them. Thanks for posting this Red.

[@rayc.1396]

OMG, I have some S K from the 70's. As for Snap, well, a fellow I worked with used Snap exclusively, I used Craftsman. His Snaps went south twice and he had to get a replacement. Till the truck came around he used my Craftsmen. What a shot he took over that, twice plus the price and both new Snaps didn't make one shift.

[@anandarochisha]

I have a pile of S-K and am VERY pleased. Started collecting them in the 70's, back in the S-K Wayne and Lectrolite days. I have a full set of Snap-On tools but S-K is my go to wrench.

[@TomTom-by5sx]

I've had a set of 1/2" drive deep sockets with ratchet and breaker bar for 49 years and never broken one. Believe me when I say I've beat on them to the extreme. Not one complaint.

[@MrSupernova111]

Wow! Amazing!

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

The old stuff was quite good.

[@beyer66]

Thank you for not calling them “S&K”

[@Barney-hk3es]

My favorite brand of tools. But an partial because when I was taking automotive tech in high school my dad got me a complete 1/4, 3/7, 1/2" drives socket set for Christmas one year. Still have then today. That gift has saved me so much $$$ in repair Bills

[@shawnbollinger9644]

Thank you for the history, my Cousin works at the Sycamore plant

[@MorrowSind]

I just wish SK was more affordable and obtainable by the average wage. Great video, Bear.

[@jeremychesser5128]

I started right out of high school working for ideal industries amazing company to work for. When they bought SK and opened the new SK factory across from my new job in sycamore il I was grateful they stayed American made. I'm still using SK tools my father passed down to me that he had been using since the mid 70s. Some of the best tools for the money in my opinion.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

I've used SK tools my entire career and I was grateful when Ideal took stewardship of the historical company. It's too bad it didn't work out as it seemed a good fit.

[@HomeWrecknKneeKnockr]

Can you please do videos on the history of Mac, Wizard, Plumb?

[@joekoy7495]

You can warranty SK at Grainger, just did. they didn't have it in stock so I had to come back the following week to pick it up. the tools themselves are well built and very well engineered.

[@MrSupernova111]

Great review man! I just got the X-Frames and I can't wait to use them. Cheers!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

The SK Tool trucks are awesome there very respectful and not pushy at all I have snap on mac and Sk come to my shops

[@chex313]

I bought my fist SK 1/2" ratchet ext and socket set in the green box around '75 for $19.99 only ever had one broken socket replaced (It was abused). It is still my go to set to carry around.

[@johnnyyuma9326]

About time, the best tools made. I have 85 year old SK tools and I have PowerKraft Tools from Montgomery Wards By SK on every Tool. Just bought a new SK 3/8 set with a 90 tooth ratchet....NICE!

[@A_guy840]

I have a s-k ratchet that was given to me, identical to the one you showed in your video. It's 100% my favorite ratchet and if I coukd own all s-k tools i would. I've has that ratchet for years and for quite awhile it was my "breaker bar". Still works like new!

[@stephenleepmg113]

Love the video.. Ii am a huge S&K Tool fan. Just as a side note. The US Defense Department purchases S&K for are military.

[@akm03051]

Not S&K, just SK.

[@GH-oi2jf]

I have that classic S-K 3/8” ratchet, the old style like yours. An American classic. It should be the first tool for someone starting to work on cars, as it was for me. I’d like to hear something about the late lamented Diamond Forge and Horseshoe Co., another fine American tool company.

[@badbiker666]

The manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs, still mentioned on the S-K and Western Forge websites, is closed - permanently. My neighbor worked there for 18 years and still hasn't found a new job. He's hurting.

[@speedydry]

SK combination wrenches are the best in my opinion. I have a lot of professional grade tools. Unfortunately many brands are gone. I am getting rid of my Craftsman because their new tools are Chinese made. I don’t like mixed shapes/styles in my sets. Break an old Craftsman and your new tool won’t be like the old one.

[@user-cs1ne8gx9u]

SK, wright, Armstrong, Proto, and JH Williams made the best industrial tools. I've got combo wrenches from all of them and SK and JH Williams are my favorite.

[@David-yf5fo]

I am old enough to have purchased three new S-K socket sets that came in the metal boxes with the green "wrinkled" paint with gloss finish. Those were often sold under promotions in the 70s and early 80s. My step father's set, bought in the early 50s, had the flat green finish. That one got left on the tracks of our D-7 (an old 17a) one day in the early 70s and you can guess what happened to the vintage green box. The metal boxes slide around and beat the crap out of everything. The blow-molded boxes are bulky, too easy to accidently open upside down, and take up too much space. It would be nice to see S-K and other premium lines get away from the blow-molded boxes and offer some good heavy fabric caddies with pockets and clips to store their socket sets in. The smaller S-K sockets and ratchets were second to none and still are. The S-K wrenches with fat flared handles and the now the outrageous garish finish, not so much.

[@heystarfish100]

The Sherman family is still in the tool business in Chicagoland. Their stores are called Berland’s House of Tools. If you ever are in the area it’s a wonderful place to visit for professional grade tools for all trades and is open to the public. Berland’s has a KZbin channel so you can see what they’re about. A brick and mortar store without an internet sales presence but they’re all about service and sales.

[@chuckhaynes6458]

Just sittin' here in Pahrump. I'm lookin' out the back window at the Tractor store while polishin' up my 1960 S-K Wayne 3/8 ratchet. Yep it's a fact I've had it all these long years. The only other one I have that has lasted this well is a Proto 1/4". That's because I haven't used a 2 foot snipe on it.

[@denoftools]

I love TSC but that drive out to Pahrump is a killer. I wish there was one in town over here.

[@chuckmiller5763]

SK must have had tool trucks in the 50s or 60s. My dad gave me some SK tools that he said was bought off the SK trucks when they had them. He said they didnt sell them in stores, mail order or truck.

[@shallnotbeinfringed5916]

I have a lot of sk wrenches never had a problem fit and finish is great

[@melgross]

I have a lot of SK tools (heck, I’ve literally got hundreds of pounds of tools, not including machinery, or power tools. If it was made, I likely have it.) My wife likes to say that I will buy a tool if there’s a chance that a friend might want to borrow it someday.

[@MrSupernova111]

lol. I'm looking at the X-frame wrenches as my introduction to their brand. This set would replace my old one but I'm no rush to upgrade as I spent a lot of money this year on tools and did most of the car maintenance I need to do on my car for a while. Maybe if they go on sale over the holidays (2021) I'll pull the trigger. They look amazing and from I see have great reviews.

[@BigDog50001]

I like SK hand tools. Excellent video Bear.

[@RFComms]

I too love that hammered green.

[@scottjohnson3226]

i love S&K tools! Bought the majority of mine back in the 80s and 90s. Tools that I still use today. Mostly wrenches, ratchets and sockets. All very good stuff!

[@scottjohnson3226]

I'd sure love to have that green and black S&K box!

[@denoftools]

Nice looking isn't it?

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

I have all my dad's SK hand tools and the screwdrivers are my favorite...They are so first class and I grab them every time. Also the 1/4 drive socket set is out of this world with quality. I personally think they are every bit as good as the grossly overpriced Snap-On. Thanks Red for the interesting history of good ole' S/K~!

[@charlesgarrity7186]

This I can appreciate, a video that is recommending a quality tool company that isn't HF. Don't get me wrong I like HF, but I just love the warm and fuzzies you get from using a high quality tool with an amazing fit and finish, that in my opinion, HF tools just don't offer.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

In-depth History lesson on SK Tool Co. Nicely done. 🍻🛠

[@denoftools]

I got a new camera coming in this week just for doing Shop With Me Style videos. We should do a team up and hit the same stores then link to each other's videos to give everyone a "Second Opinion".

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

The Den of Tools Love the idea of collaborating with each other. Only thing is, last week and week before last I did walk around soft every store sharing my thoughts on everything I could think of. Now if there was a specific product that you had in mind that we could bounce ideas off of.? Send me an email if you’d like So we can discuss it further. jeep_1984 @outlook.com

[@JustinVodden]

that cross hatched socket reminds my of my Indestro tools

[@brotherbrian1]

I've got my Dad's old SK 1/2" ratchet like the one you pictured. I'm not a fan of he round head design, but that thing is indestructible.

[@BigHayes7771]

The best ratcheting wrenches on the market I'm saving up for a set

[@MrShobar]

I bought a set for myself, partly out of loyalty, partly because I was curious. One of the best tool purchases I ever made.

[@christinaabundiz1888]

X frame wrenches i luv em

[@DawaSupplyCo]

First time i saw an sk tool was on my first boat (submarine [us navy]). We must have a contract with them or somethin.

[@john4kc]

I buy S-K stuff whenever I see it at garage or estate sales. I'm sure I have some super old stuff, but also S-K Lectrolite wrench sets, S-K Wayne sets and more. I bought a set of S-K flare nut wrenches about 25 years ago and they still look like brand new. They are still so nice that they look out of place next to other tools. The X-frame wrenches are incredible, but I do not own them yet. The mechanism is mind-blowingly smooth. Every time I see their socket sets I'm tempted to sell off all my stuff and start over. OH, I also have a set of S-K made Craftsman professional wrenches. Yummy!

[@andrewscott8892]

I love SK, almost as much as I love Armstrong, but the quality control at SK is in the garage

[@Broncort1]

Ok, I hereby admit that I jumped the gun on my opinion of you (HF junkie) and your growing on me...lol. This history of videos are an excellent watch. Hoping you do one on Delta, Powermatic, and Jet in the future. What the hell, let’s do Hilti too! 🙂

[@pl5882]

If I could pick any brand to replace my crapsman (2010ish) lot, I’d probably choose SK first then Cornwell or Mac. SK is still out of my price range since turning wrenches isn’t how I earn a living but I’d be nice. Good documentary, bear!!

[@RestorationbyAlabamaCreeks]

Excellent information, your videos have all the necessary details.

[@pjkentucky]

Well done Bear......S K makes a fine product.

[@lynnnewby4530]

The sk ratcheting wrenches are great.

[@bearsandsoxfan]

I really enjoy your content! I have learned so much about the history of tool companies from watching your videos! Have you thought about doing a podcast where you interview companies or contractors from the tool, automotive, and construction industries?

[@denoftools]

That would be fun to do. I've reached out to a lot of companies and I think I need to get closer to 100k subs before the big companies will talk to me.

[@ghiagoo]

I like the old hammered paint look also

[@cardo1111]

These videos that go into the company history are very interesting, the bear digs deep 👍🏽

[@OldBeaterGarage]

Sad they're gone. I have an SK Impact Extension it looks perfect compared to the Pittsburg that I bought around the same time. The Material is Vastly Superior to Chinesium Pittsburgh uses and I don't think it was all that much more expensive. I also have an old Raised Panel S-K 3/4" and normally I hate the feel of the Easco/Craftsman raised panel wrenches but for some reason that S-K just feels good in your hand (obviously the S-K is more expensive).

[@sparkydstoolboxtalk1024]

Great video, I like SK the only SK tool I own is a 1/2 inch Allan socket that I bought for landing large wire in switch gear, electrical panels, etc. In hind sight I should have bought the whole set. Have you considered making one of these videos on Klein Tools, or Channellock? Both of them still make a large quantity of tools in the USA. Keep up the good work this channel is great.

[@kellywizbang]

I have S-K tools that were handed down to me by my dad. I'm 58 so they are pretty old but great.

[@jamesu]

I have lots of SK tools. Some old, some new. Good stuff. I have two local vendors who sell, stock and, warranty them.

[@paulsmith9341]

I still have my SK combination brake tool and drum brake adjustment spoon. They're both sitting in my drawer waiting for my next vehicle with drum brakes. 🙄

[@rodneybrand8521]

Paul..i may have the same set.. my dad bought in mid 60's and I've used them on every car I've owned and everyone else's never a problem with them.. Made in USA 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@paulsmith9341]

@@rodneybrand8521 I haven't had a vehicle with drums for decades.

[@MrShobar]

I have a large number of SK tools (some inherited). Superb quality, but rather expensive. If I had to gear up to work as a mechanic today, however, I'd buy something like Tekton or even HF, and put the money I saved into my 401K.

[@denoftools]

Funny enough, I did a video on just that!

[@bradkrekelberg8624]

When I started wrenching around 2000, we had 2 tool trucks visiting my dealership, Snap-on and this guy that sold a variety including S-K. I used to buy often from the S-K guy just because he WASN'T the Snap-on guy, haha. Unfortunately, the S-K guy didn't come nearly as regularly as the Snap-on guy for whatever reason.

[@Graystonethusky]

What's a screw machine... Hahaha. Looking at 12 of them right now on the shop floor. Got ACME, New Britain and some Wickman's. Old school for the win!

[@Dethride69]

Great as always! Although calling a screw machine a lathe is like calling a Top Fuel Dragster a “car”

[@warlockcommandcenter]

Yes cross hatch socket, from craftsman by SK mostly 1/4” are still in my box I think I have nearly a full set. On theS&K tool trucks I’ll bet the price on the trucks is ratcheted up near Snap on prices.

[@craigjorgensen4637]

Very good information! I’m also a fan of SK but I do wonder how they have been able to survive. They build quality stuff in the USA. There was a time they were much less money then the tool trucks but this is no longer the case. Still I’m a fan and always have been!

[@louisroy9348]

Another good video, I like these type of history videos, always learn something. Shine on