Hello, all.

This is my first post, so please bear with me.

A bit of background: my truck was on the verge of breaking down, which reignited my interest in starting a side business of legally flipping cars. Naturally, this led me to seek out American-made tools, especially older, durable ones. I stumbled upon a website, alloy-artifacts(dot)org, that delves deep into the history of tool companies, making for highly engrossing reading.

I then came across Project Farm, and their presentation on ratcheting wrenches blew me away. I was particularly impressed by SK Tools' X-Frame wrenches.

My research on SK Tools revealed that they still manufacture tools, although the location puzzled me a bit. Some sources mentioned a facility in Colorado Springs, while others indicated the Midwest, possibly Ohio.

To add to the confusion, I found out that an Asian company acquired SK Tools in 2021.

So, my question is: Are SK Tools still being made in the United States?

Thanks, everyone!
L-

PS: I really enjoy this site!

Want more information on china socket and ratchets supplier? Feel free to contact us.

About Us

Over a Century of Innovation

SK Tools USA, LLC traces its origins back to the early 1900s when it was founded as the Sherman-Klove Company by Mason H. Sherman and Noah Grover Klove. Initially, the company focused on contract manufacturing, producing tools and parts for other businesses. Following a diversion into munitions production during WWI, SK Tools returned to its primary passion: crafting high-quality tools for American technicians. From the inaugural Round-Headed Ratchet to the current SK® X-FRAME® Ratcheting Wrench, the company has a long history of innovation for US professionals.

In the present day, SK Tools USA, LLC continues to manufacture over 1500 products, sustaining a steadfast commitment to providing top-notch tools for the world's most demanding professionals.

A Detailed Timeline of SK Tools' Evolution

• The "SK" in SK Tools stands for the Sherman-Klove Company, which initially made munitions and screw-machine products. By 1932, the SK Tool division was officially established.
• The SK Tools brand emerged somewhat accidentally. The Sherman-Klove Company had a major client, Hinsdale Manufacturing, which closed during the Great Depression, leaving Sherman-Klove with a large inventory of unsold goods. To manage and sell this inventory, SK Tools was formed and soon gained a reputation for quality, dominating the market for sockets by the early 1940s.
• The early to mid-1930s saw the introduction of SK's knurled-base sockets, which combined robust construction, tapered walls for accessing tight spots, and an appealing appearance with polished and matte chrome finishes.
• Theodore Rueb, an SK engineer, and inventor developed the legendary fine-tooth round-head ratchet in 1934. Between 1934 and 1943, SK filed for eight patents, six of which were for round-head ratchet designs, all invented by Rueb.
• The original SK round-head ratchet, introduced in 1934, remains one of the most popular ratchet styles even today.
• If you own an SK socket marked "SK Chrome," it was likely produced in the 1940s, a period when this specific marking was used.
• In the 1950s, SK formed an alliance with Lectrolite Corporation, leading to the production of drop-forged wrenches stamped "SK Lectrolite" from 1953 to 1962.
• On April 4, 1961, SK obtained a patent for the rotating-head ratchet wrench, also known as the "Roto-Ratchet."
• By 1964, SK and Lectrolite were acquired by the Symington-Wayne Corporation, marking their products with the "SK Wayne" trademark.

In November 2021, SK Tools USA, LLC moved its manufacturing and distribution operations to Williamsport, PA, where it now operates alongside Shop-Vac USA, LLC. Under the ownership of GreatStar Industrial USA, SK Tools benefits from greater resources and global reach, enhancing its service, innovation, and maintaining its 100-year reputation. The Williamsport facility allows SK Tools to continue U.S. manufacturing while leveraging Shop-Vac's expertise and resources.

Empowering Automotive Professionals

SK Tools USA, LLC offers premium, precision-crafted tools designed for the toughest American professionals, all backed by a lifetime warranty. Whether it's ice in your veins or steel in your hands, you can rely on SK Tools to get the job done.