More 1970's SK- socket fails -- and another one!

[hofferwood]

From before I quit the old site.

Chuck

[DeadNutz]

Thanks for posting that Chuck. Sure looks like sintered steel to me.

[hofferwood]

No prob----same socket both halfs.

[oldnslo]

There were a few variants throughout the years. Some discernable by height, others by lettering (sizes) and by brand spelling. Here are 3.

Some variants include 19 with a taller M/M  (the key being the slash) those are early ones (not in this pic). The 3 banded taller ones are later production.

[goodfellow]

Just an update on this -- I sent the 19 and 18mm 1/2" drive sockets to SK. I added a letter stating that I didn't care about a warranty replacement, but that they should look at these carefully to see why they failed. I also mentioned that I had broken other sockets (1/4" drive and 3/8" drive from sets in this era, but never bothered to warranty them).

Surprisingly, they sent back a "Thank You!" letter, and new 18mm and 19mm 1/2" drive replacements. Great customer service; I wasn't expecting that, but Ideal Industries has changed SK for the better. I will purchase "new" SK if I need sockets in the future.

[Rusty]

I wonder how many of those SK warrantied over the years. I know I never bothered taking the time to warranty the ones I snapped.

[Jamesyarbrough]

Dude sk warranty is top notch. 

[Rusty]

SKs warranty has been all over the place over the years. From 5 dollar fees to just plain incompetent staff depending on the year and Corp in charge.

I just consider sockets to be a breakable after so much use. Ratchets and wrenches I expect better performance from.

[Jamesyarbrough]

I cant speak for the past, but this year ive warratied two ratchets. Really easy. Call leave a message with the part number and get a head kit 3 days later. 

[Rusty]

Since Ideal bought them they have been totally outstanding.

[walrus]

I bought one of their new ratchets 3/8, it change directions all the time. I suppose I should call them and get a new kit. Its done it since new and I believe was/is a known problem. I have a bunch of their sockets, no issues with those. I buy Ideal stuff on regular basis.