Gearwrench kit or Tekton

[wiscobadger91]

I recently bought a house and am starting to build a tool collection to fill up a tool box so I don’t have to ‘steal’ my Dad’s Snap-On and USA Craftsman all the time. I’m not doing anything ********, but do occasionally get involved in exhaust, minor engine, suspension work along with random DIY projects around the house. I generally buy quality stuff that will last so I’m willing to spend money on this, but don’t want to waste money on something I don’t need either. For ratchets and sockets I’m between Gearwrench and Tekton. Napa has a 243 piece Gearwrench for $250. Otherwise I read rave reviews about Tekton and they’re on sale for 15-22% off on Amazon right now. If I went this route I’d likely get the 1/4 and 3/8 socket sets along with their Everybit set to start, then later on add combination wrenches and 1/2 impact sockets. I’d likely buy their screwdrivers and picks too. Any advice?

 

[Jtels85]

If your decision is only between the two, I would go Tekton. GearWrench quality has dipped drastically over the the past several years.

Also, don’t discount mechanics sets from Duralast or Husky.

 

[Tynee]

Agree. Tekton is trending toward higher quality and a product you'll be happy using for decades. Gearwrench is trending toward the cheapest product the can produce.

 

[Steve_P]

For sets or sockets, I would go with Tekton, and I have. But, I also have both the 90T Tekton and 90T GW ratchets, and I prefer the GW. GW has a much larger selection of lengths than Tekton, and it's also performed better in the Project Farm tests. The Tekton 90T ratchets are definitely good, but I also think the GW is better.

 

[Etchase]

Gearwrench between those two. Tekton is primarily a distributer with less then 100 employees, mostly working in a warehouse, but with a strong marketing department. Apex, a designer and world class manufacturer has several brands including Gearwrench with similar products. You might want to check their SATA brand which gets deeply discounted compared to Gearwrench sometimes. DeWalt is another good choice in that price range.

 

[bcradio]

Not what you asked, but I'd also look at this set and wouldn't hesitate to buy it myself if I didn't already have the tools

Master Technicians Tool Set, 428 Piece

Amazing deals on this 428Pc Master Technicians Toolset at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Robinson1]

I’d probably just go to Harbor Freight. The Quinn sets are nice and priced comparatively to Tekton. I like the Pittsburgh Pro ratchets and they have a nice assortment to choose from. Honestly the Pittsburgh Pro socket sets are good for the money they just aren’t as comprehensive as the Quinn sets.

While you’re there check out the Doyle and Quinn pliers because as much as it pains me to say this they are pretty equal to USA Channellock in terms of quality.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Honestly, homeowner tools don't have to be all that great. For the house, I have cheapo stuff.... with nicer tools for the important stuff. GearWrench or Tekton is too high a quality for homeowner jobs.

For mechanical projects? Get the best you can. My automotive tools are completely separate from the house tools. Mostly, because the cars are metric, and the house is SAE. Also, my automotive tools are cheerfully greasy and oily. Not covered with dust, paint, and stupid spider webs like my "house tools".

To answer your question: Tekton. Tekton is universally (and consistently) pretty good. Unbelievable, for the money. GearWrench is a moving target when it comes to "quality". The flex-head 90T's were absolute garbage when they came out. Apparently, GW fixed the sloppy fit. Now the GW lovers can wave their flag again.

Me? I'd rather pound a nail through my foot than buy another GearWrench tool.

-Ryan

 

[M6erfan]

I'd rather pound a nail through my foot than buy another GearWrench tool.

Agreed.

 

[ItsNemo]

I'm in the Gearwrench camp for ratchets, they're essentially the same as what you get from Matco but at a much lower price. Though I do own a bunch of Tekton sockets as well, they just don't seem quite as good as Gearwrench ones. Tekton seems like high end harbor freight quality, Gearwrench feels like low end tool truck quality.

I've only had one issue with the original 1/2" drive 84 tooth ratchets, promptly replaced under warranty without fuss, I've never had any other issue with Gearwrench tools despite what people above might say.

 

[drtyler]

If your decision is only between the two, I would go Tekton. GearWrench quality has dipped drastically over the the past several years.

Also, don’t discount mechanics sets from Duralast or Husky.

The Duralast and Husky tools have been Apex sourced over the past few years, same as Gearwrench and Sata.

 

[lardy1]

I see Tekton quality steadily trending upwards and the opposite from Gearwrench. I will caution you about buying Tekton from anyone except Tekton because many sellers online are hawking older versions of their tools. Tekton will still warrant them but you need to check closely to make sure you're getting the current issue.

 

[M6erfan]

I'm in the Gearwrench camp for ratchets, they're essentially the same as what you get from Matco but at a much lower price.

Is this for sure true? I've had both, and the 88's are miles ahead of any GW ratchet I had.

 

[Etchase]

Is this for sure true. I've had both and the 88's are miles ahead of any GW ratchet I had.

I believe you can exchange the rebuild kits between the two, so they are very similar but not exactly the same. What was miles ahead?

 

[j3rf]

Is this for sure true? I've had both, and the 88's are miles ahead of any GW ratchet I had.

They're a budget replica of the Matco design, at least the older versions were. The newer 120XP stuff has evolved away from it.

 

[wiscobadger91]

Thanks for the responses! I want to avoid Harbor Freight if possible. What’s the big draw to Tekton if so many don’t seem on board with them? If I picked up the 1/4, 3/8, Everybit sets and this combination wrench set I’m looking at $333. The GW set is $250. The extra cost doesn’t matter but I’m not sure if I’m wasting money by going Tekton over GW.

 

[M6erfan]

They're a budget replica of the Matco design, at least the older versions were. The newer 120XP stuff has evolved away from it.

I've handled the newer 120XP ratchets in store and I found them big, bulky and poorly balanced. Again, nothing like the Matco 88's.

 

[four.cycle]

TIATA

(Tekton is always the answer.)

Way mo' betta on the sockets - nicely finished, if a bit tall. NICE chroming.

I do not use "ratcheting wrenches", so I cannot speak to those, and I've never had a TEKTON wrench in my hand.

Tekton's 90-tooth ratchets are amazing for their size, BUT:

Do not overlook the products being cranked out by the Taiwanese (and even some from China):

"Titan" brand - Star Asia LLC - sold through O'Reilly's Auto Parts - silly cheap.

Suggest you take a look at the last few pages of the "TOOLS OF JAPAN" thread - it will be an eye-opener for you.

 

[bobg03]

I liked the Older Craftsman, not a fan of the newer ones but...the New Overdrive Tools from Craftsman seem to be pretty well liked.

I'm a boomer, if it's not a quality tool AND asthethically pleasing to my eye I'm not buying it. Hell I'm not buying anything these days unless I break something.

 

[j3rf]

I've handled the newer 120XP ratchets in store and I found them big, bulky and poorly balanced. Again, nothing like the Matco 88's.

budget replica

 

[Steve_P]

Is this for sure true? I've had both, and the 88's are miles ahead of any GW ratchet I had.

The GW 90T is essentially identical internally to the Matco 88. I have both in 1/4, and the gear and pawl will interchange between the two, and they function just fine. The gears have essentially identical dimensions. The Matco design is a little nicer in that the cover plate sits on a machined step in the ratchet body where the GW plate sits on the gear. I know there's some GW hate here, but the GW 90T is really a good ratchet. To be sure, it's about the same internal design as the Tekton and Capri 90T, but GW has the best selection.

IIRC, the GW 90 and Matco 88 tested very similarly in the PF tests.

 

[M6erfan]

The GW 90T is essentially identical internally to the Matco 88. I have both in 1/4, and the gear and pawl will interchange between the two, and they function just fine. The gears have essentially identical dimensions. The Matco design is a little nicer in that the cover plate sits on a machined step in the ratchet body where the GW plate sits on the gear. I know there's some GW hate here, but the GW 90T is really a good ratchet. To be sure, it's about the same internal design as the Tekton and Capri 90T, but GW has the best selection.

IIRC, the GW 90 and Matco 88 tested very similarly in the PF tests.

I haven't tried the GW 90T, but I do have a Tekton 90t. Still, I find the Matco a much nicer ratchet, for sure at a higher price but there it is. Not that the Tekton 90t is bad, at all.

 

[Tynee]

Thanks for the responses! I want to avoid Harbor Freight if possible. What’s the big draw to Tekton if so many don’t seem on board with them? If I picked up the 1/4, 3/8, Everybit sets and this combination wrench set I’m looking at $333. The GW set is $250. The extra cost doesn’t matter but I’m not sure if I’m wasting money by going Tekton over GW.

Don't completely rule out everything from Harbor Freight, something like their 1/2" breaker bar is a tool I'd pick up in multiples to have in several places.

To the original question, one of the things that people rave about with Tekton is their warranty service. It's very easy to replace something if you have a problem with it. I've heard horror stories with GW, especially when bought through retailers like parts stores. I've read that the stores don't like handling the warranty, so you're stuck dealing with Apex's warranty process, which isn't as painless as Tekton's. Of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary).

A question on the price comparison, did you take into account that Tekton ships free and will give you a refund towards your next purchase? Would that reduce the $83 difference?

In the end, it's a personal preference thing. I'd absolutely pay the difference to go with Tekton if it were me. Others wouldn't.

 

[M6erfan]

@j3rf You must be kidding. If by 'replica' you mean not even on the same planet, then sure

 

[ItsNemo]

Is this for sure true? I've had both, and the 88's are miles ahead of any GW ratchet I had.

The 84's and 88's can swap internals, I believe the 90's too but haven't seen that done (though sounds like it based on the above posts). If by miles ahead you mean on a journey to the moon, sure...but if you mean across town, other than some slightly different bodies and maybe a few more seconds spent in machining, there isn't much between them.

 

[M6erfan]

The 84's and 88's can swap internals, I believe the 90's too but haven't seen that done (though sounds like it based on the above posts). If by miles ahead you mean on a journey to the moon, sure...but if you mean across town, other than some slightly different bodies and maybe a few more seconds spent in machining, there isn't much between them.

The 120XP was mentioned earlier as a 'budget replica' and that is what I was referring to. If one thinks the difference between that and an 88 is "slight", well there's no accounting for sense I guess.

 

[Kuma601]

I'd suggest buying what fits your budget and yields as complete a set as possible. At DIY homeowner level much of the stuff is not going to use the tool above 70% of the build limitations. Buy "better" tools for the tasks you'll be needing to work on with regularity but even then the "need" to spend up may not be necessary. With BF sales you can pick up a Craftsman or Husky, Tekton sets and be pretty complete. As well as others who kit up tools aimed at the DIY'ers. One thought is if the tools mainly sit that's $ *******. When you begin breaking tools that is time to evaluate use and how much is practical $ to spend towards.

I have an old Stanely Workmaster ratchet that was my first "real" socket set bought in '83 or '84. The 10mm and 14mm socket have been changed because the chrome flaked off from the use. The ratchet is still going for my DIY stuffs.

 

[wiscobadger91]

I'd suggest buying what fits your budget and yields as complete a set as possible. At DIY homeowner level much of the stuff is not going to use the tool above 70% of the build limitations. Buy "better" tools for the tasks you'll be needing to work on with regularity but even then the "need" to spend up may not be necessary. With BF sales you can pick up a Craftsman or Husky, Tekton sets and be pretty complete. As well as others who kit up tools aimed at the DIY'ers. One thought is if the tools mainly sit that's $ *******. When you begin breaking tools that is time to evaluate use and how much is practical $ to spend towards.

I have an old Stanely Workmaster ratchet that was my first "real" socket set bought in '83 or '84. The 10mm and 14mm socket have been changed because the chrome flaked off from the use. The ratchet is still going for my DIY stuffs.

You make a valid point about tools siting and $$ *******. I’m use to having every tool I need out in the garage at my parents, so I’m hoping to get to that point in time. my only problem with it is why but cheaper then nicer later on, vs buy nice to begin with…nice adds up quickly tho.

Most of my projects are on cars, boats, small engines, etc but that’s not to say I won’t use them when I go to fix my dryer. I use that example because I just had to replace the bearings and didn’t have proper tools lol.

What about a kit like this then? You can get it in trays for a tool box too. I’m planning to buy a Husky or US General box.

 

[JeepinMike]

To the original question, one of the things that people rave about with Tekton is their warranty service. It's very easy to replace something if you have a problem with it. I've heard horror stories with GW, especially when bought through retailers like parts stores. I've read that the stores don't like handling the warranty, so you're stuck dealing with Apex's warranty process, which isn't as painless as Tekton's. Of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary).

I've been very happy with my Tekton kits... I shattered a Torx bit with an impact.... a email of a picture to them and I had a replacement in the mail... couldn't have been easier...

-mike

 

[Steve_P]

Gearwrench between those two. Tekton is primarily a distributer with less then 100 employees, mostly working in a warehouse, but with a strong marketing department. Apex, a designer and world class manufacturer has several brands including Gearwrench with similar products. You might want to check their SATA brand which gets deeply discounted compared to Gearwrench sometimes. DeWalt is another good choice in that price range.

Tekton has a strong marketing department? Seriously? Are you confusing it with Harbor Freight? Which is solely a distributor. Tekton does manufacture some of their own products in MI. Maybe they only have 100 employees, but when you have an issue, who do you think you're going to get better service from: a massive industrial conglomerate, or a small "family" owned company with less than 100 employees?

 

[M6erfan]

Tekton has a strong marketing department? Seriously? Are you confusing it with Harbor Freight? Which is solely a distributor. Tekton does manufacture some of their own products in MI. Maybe they only have 100 employees, but when you have an issue, who do you think you're going to get better service from: a massive industrial conglomerate, or a small "family" owned company with less than 100 employees?

By 'strong marketing dept" he means satisfied members of GJ. I'm guessing.

 

[Steve_P]

I haven't tried the GW 90T, but I do have a Tekton 90t. Still, I find the Matco a much nicer ratchet, for sure at a higher price but there it is. Not that the Tekton 90t is bad, at all.

My main gripes with the Tekton 90T is that their selection *****, and the selector switch is difficult to access because it's low profile (fine) and it sits right next to the edge in the machined recess (not fine). The GW 90T and the Matco 88 don't do this, the recess is machined further away, and this makes them easy to flip. This isn't considering the force it takes to flip it, just to get a fingernail on it. Of course part of my issue is that I keep my fingernails really short, or else they split, but I'm guessing most pro mechanics do this.

The Tekton 90T has the "best" internal design between it and the Capri 90T, GW 90T, Matco 88, SK LP90. The tekton has a boss on the back of the gear that locates it into the ratchet head, and the cover plate sits on a recessed step. Obviously this doesn't make it better in use, and it makes the head thicker, but it's the "right" way to do it from a design standpoint.

edit: all of the above listed have essentially the same mechanism design.

 

[ItsNemo]

The 120XP was mentioned earlier as a 'budget replica' and that is what I was referring to. If one thinks the difference between that and an 88 is "slight", well there's no accounting for sense I guess.

The 84's and 88's came out right around the same time, those were the ones I referred to.

 

[Steve_P]

GearWrench is a moving target when it comes to "quality". The flex-head 90T's were absolute garbage when they came out. Apparently, GW fixed the sloppy fit. Now the GW lovers can wave their flag again.

Me? I'd rather pound a nail through my foot than buy another GearWrench tool.

-Ryan

I bought a bunch of GW 90T ratchets in the last year, including lots of flex heads. I prefer a friction flex head over locking, so I only have one locking GW locking flex. All of the friction flex heads were nice, no issues, no flop. The 24" 1/2 drive locking, which they only make in locking, was floppy. A simple .005", or .010", thick shoulder screw shim fixed that and it's perfect. I knew it'd probably be loose going into the purchase based on the reviews, but I was willing to add a shim (I keep a selection) and I was fine with that for a $100 ratchet that'd cost $250+ from a tool truck brand. I agree that I should not have to do that, because if they can make the friction ones "perfect", they can do the same for locking; but I guess they feel that locking is an excuse to loosen machining tolerances .010"- because they lock in place. Again, I don't agree, but for the $, I'm willing to overlook and correct for it to save $150 on a ratchet I'll rarely use. And for sure a Snap On dual 80 will probably be stronger, but....

 

[j3rf]

The 120XP was mentioned earlier as a 'budget replica' and that is what I was referring to. If one thinks the difference between that and an 88 is "slight", well there's no accounting for sense I guess.

No I did not.

The newer 120XP stuff has evolved away from it.

 

[M6erfan]

No I did not.

Ah, I miss read your post, apologies.

 

[IRQVET]

I have zero experience with GW, but I own alot of Tekton and I love their ratchets and sockets. Spanner wrenches from them I’m not a huge fan of, but thats just me.

If it was me, I’d go with a mix. Tekton wretches and sockets, Tools from Japan for various items like pliers, and maybe Carlyle for spanners?

When I was younger the appeal was getting an all in one kit that has everything from the same manufacturer. But hindsight 20/20, now I want to find the best (enter subset here) of each brand, then you have the whole thrill of the hunt scenario when it come to finding/ buying tools.

 

[Pig_Pen]

Tekton is always improving their product line. Gearwrench is always looking for ways to cheapen theirs. After Apex bought and hollowed out a dozen or more once proud US tool companies we shouldn’t be surprised that they’re now doing it to their own flagship brand.

 

[InjectorService]

I have Tekton, Gearwrench 84, & Gearwrench 120XP ratchets. The 120XP are my go to. I don't love the flex detent on the Tekton, too notchy.

 

[LopezBart]

I've bought sockets, SAE wrenches and torque wrenches from Tekton - first class stuff, and a pleasure to use.