Help Me Choose - Tekton vs Icon

[catron44]

I'm looking to purchase a 1/2" deep metric socket set. This is one area my sockets are lacking. I would like a set that covers the range of +/- 10mm to 24mm. I am focusing on Tekton and Icon at the moment. They are both around $50.

I'm not looking for any tool truck brands and I don't have time for estate/yard sales so please keep the discussion to something relative to 10-24mm for $50. COO not important on this purchase. I just use my sockets for DIY, I'm not a pro mechanic.

Does anyone have hands on feedback on the 2 options I am looking at?

 

[rijndael]

I like Tekton's picture/email warranty policy, and they're a known quantity, so I'd suggest that route.

HF cycles though their brands too quickly, I'm not confident Icon will be around in 5 years.

 

[lardy1]

Your need is exactly the same as mine right now. 1/2" drive deep metrics. I've never even touched an Icon tool so I can not make any comparison. But I can say that I chose Tekton because I like their website. Free shipping. No minimums. Open stock. A visible effort to continue to try to market domestic tools (very important to me) and what appears to be a stellar customer service/warranty policy.

I live where there are Meijers stores so there is a limited offering on on the shelf stock that way. Last week they had a 40% off sale and I scored the Taiwan made 1/2 standard metrics, a roto ratchet and a pair of domestic made nut jaw pliers for a good price. Unfortunately they don't stock the 1/2 drive metric deeps and the 1/2 drive impacts were sold out or I would have bought more.

Before you label me a Tekton shill (not that I would care, really), understand that my sockets of preference are SK and I have tried to buy domestic since the time I could finally afford to. A well stocked shop and retirement have made buying things like 1/2" drive deep metric sockets for home use too costly to justify.

No badmouthing Icon here. I'll probably never own an Icon tool but all this chattering and disagreeing is ridiculous. Buy what your own wants/needs and budget leads you to.

 

[Fly YX]

The only thing I don't like about Tekton is the impact sockets they are laser engraved and not stamped. All the other Tekton tools that I have has been great. I've seen some of the Icon stuff at harbor freight but I haven't personally used any.

 

[sk farmer]

I like Tekton's picture/email warranty policy, and they're a known quantity, so I'd suggest that route.

HF cycles though their brands too quickly, I'm not confident Icon will be around in 5 years.

to be fair tekton is just a brand made up to cover for michigan industrial tool or mit for short. there is no guarantee that any brand will be around in 5 years.

 

[rijndael]

That's true. I have a higher confidence of Tekton being around in 5 years vs. Icon.

 

[parks31]

I would think if the icon brand disappears that harbor freight would give you a suitable replacement if needed to be warrantied. I could be wrong though.

 

[Mr_B]

If light use and you got a good coupon icon maybe worth a punt .
If likely using them harder I go Tekton route mainly as proven be suitable .
How long any these brands be around is any ones guess and why I never pay too much for long term warranty .
initial purchase issue company handling far more critical than lifetime warranty .

 

[BrandoJames]

Not even close--Tekton.

 

[m6z]

Wait till BF/CM and buy whichever is cheaper.

 

[Parrothead]

Not even close--Tekton.

Same.

I’m very happy with my Tekton stuff, it’s taken a beating.

The Icon sockets did not get good reviews on YouTube, and that’s from reviewers who got the for free. Take that for what it’s worth. *they actually used the sockets for a month before rating them.

 

[Stooge]

A buddy just bought some 3/8 drive tekton socket sets and for the price, they seem like a great buy. Time will tell how they hold up and wear, but I doubt he'll be having any issues with them under his normal uses. I don't think I have anything negative regarding Tekton's offerings and would be inclined to go with them over the Icon brand that, as already mentioned, might not be around in a couple years when they have a slew of new brands, but also, for a $50 set of 1/2 drive sockets, I wouldn't consider it a big enough spending to really worry about warranty issues in a few yrs.

 

[Lisamelting]

I have and use the Tekton set every day and have been happy with them. I don't have any experience with the Icon brand. I have used Tekton's warranty one time when I broke a pair of cutters. I sent an email and received a new pair a couple days later. For that simple reason they've earned a solid place in my future tool purchases or recommendations.

 

[seber]

to be fair tekton is just a brand made up to cover for michigan industrial tool or mit for short. there is no guarantee that any brand will be around in 5 years.

MIT has been around since 1956. They have an annual revenue of over $23 million. I think it would be fair to assume that with the successful launch of Tecton brand, it will be around for a very long time.

 

[BrandoJames]

Same.I’m very happy with my Tekton stuff, it’s taken a beating. The Icon sockets did not get good reviews on YouTube, and that’s from reviewers who got the for free. Take that for what it’s worth. *they actually used the sockets for a month before rating them.

Yep, I remember those videos. But I didn't want to bring that up and risk restarting the Icon Flame War. So that's on you, lol.

 

[Chromdome35]

From my home gamer perspective, I personally prefer Tekton for chrome sockets and Gearwrench/Sunex for impacts. I have all three in my box.

I recently purchased Tekton's 1/2" deep metric chrome sockets for $55 off Amazon. They are 10-24mm no skips. The fit and finish on them is A+++.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QQ3KNHF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[giants]

Thanks.

Has anyone on GJ compared Icon to the regular Pittsburgh Pro sockets?

 

[GTO]

Not even close--Tekton.

 

[DpSyChO]

OP, just for comparison look up sunex 2653. Ive been satisfied with the Sunex set I have.

 

[M6erfan]

Between the two, Icon or Tekton, I think it's 6 in one/1/2 dozen the other. Both made in Taiwan, both will probably out live you, both are similar in design, both have easy warranty.

Might want to take a look at Gearwrench and Carlyle, both have better designed sockets than either Tekton or Icon.

 

[chevy302dz]

Well Tekton has a better range of sizes, better warranty and better reviews (I've used my 1/4 set well beyond reason and it's held up great as have other tools from Tekton). Also, it appears that any changes they have made to the line have been improvements so there is that assuming the trend continues. Another option might be the new Wiha sockets if they are still on sale (not sure if that's still the case). I believe they cover the sizes your looking for and they appear to have good though limited reviews. If these are off sale then I would take the Tekton over Icon. Full disclosure, I do have one set of Icon sockets but have not put them to use in the same way as the Tektons, however from what I have seen so far in actual use I prefer the Tektons.

 

[Skin]

to be fair tekton is just a brand made up to cover for michigan industrial tool or mit for short. there is no guarantee that any brand will be around in 5 years.

Tekton has been immensely popular. Their products are some of the most widely reviewed on Amazon of any import brand including GW. Its not going anywhere anytime soon.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Tekton all the way. Icon as a brand relies too much on hype for marketing. Tekton to some extent actually cares about quality and doesn't pretend to be professional grade. Even though the 90 tooth ratchets from both brands seems to use the same internals and Harbor Freight recalled theirs, I'd be willing to give Tekton a easier time for not being pretentious.

 

[Professional Tool User]

to be fair tekton is just a brand made up to cover for michigan industrial tool or mit for short. there is no guarantee that any brand will be around in 5 years.

Of all the tool brands out there, Tekton is near the top when it comes to putting in the effort, improving, and rolling out new tools. I can definitely see Tekton being around in 5 years. They've been steadily improving and rolling out new products, including some USA made stuff like their screwdrivers. Compare that to Icon which is over reliant on hype to market their tools. You simply don't launch a tool brand and then suddenly recall stuff.

 

[GrayEngineer]

I'll throw in another vote for Tekton. I've been impressed with all the tools I purchased from them. The sockets are very good quality, and their ratchets are excellent especially considering the price point.

 

[Heap64]

I'm happy with my Tekton's, I went with them for all my metrics.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[catron44]

From my home gamer perspective, I personally prefer Tekton for chrome sockets and Gearwrench/Sunex for impacts. I have all three in my box.



I recently purchased Tekton's 1/2" deep metric chrome sockets for $55 off Amazon. They are 10-24mm no skips. The fit and finish on them is A+++.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QQ3KNHF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This is the exact set I was looking at.

Thanks for all the responses, I'm going Tekton since they're prime and would save me a trip to HF.

I have no issues with gearwrench as I have some of their products but they only go to 19mm in their $50 set.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[giants]

Might want to take a look at Gearwrench and Carlyle, both have better designed sockets than either Tekton or Icon.

Thanks. I'm also looking at Tekton. In what ways are the Gearwrench and Carlyle sockets better designed?

Can you recommend a particular 3/8" 6 point set for GW and Carlyle?

 

[Mr_B]

^
usable knurling and stepped shouldering .

 

[bpjr]

I've used PittsPro sockets several yr and have no problems so expect ICON would be comparable. The main problem I have with HF is they skip sizes and don't sell singles...they used to sell singles but not now. That puts Tekton ahead to me. Otherwise I think HF or Tekton will be fine.

 

[sk farmer]

wow, people get edgy when you there is anything but sunshine and flowers about tekton. go back and read my post. the first quote was that tekton is a name used by mit. that is unquestionable and a known fact. it is no secret that i am not a fan of mit and question tekton because of it but what i said was fact. if icon is a hf brand then tekton is an mit brand. that is the only thing i was clearing up.

the second quote was that any brand could be gone in five years. craftsman was nearly gone, sk was gone for a while. armstrong is gone. there are countless brands out there that i am sure nobody though would be gone in five years. guess what, they are. all i said is that any brand could be gone in five years. none of us have the crystal ball.

 

[giants]

^
usable knurling and stepped shouldering .

Thanks. What does stepped shouldering mean?

 

[giants]

wow, people get edgy when you there is anything but sunshine and flowers about tekton. go back and read my post. the first quote was that tekton is a name used by mit. that is unquestionable and a known fact. it is no secret that i am not a fan of mit and question tekton because of it but what i said was fact. if icon is a hf brand then tekton is an mit brand. that is the only thing i was clearing up.

the second quote was that any brand could be gone in five years. craftsman was nearly gone, sk was gone for a while. armstrong is gone. there are countless brands out there that i am sure nobody though would be gone in five years. guess what, they are. all i said is that any brand could be gone in five years. none of us have the crystal ball.

Thanks. My intent is not to argue or challenge your opinion. Quite the opposite; I'm seeking experiences and opinions so that I can make smart choices as a DIYer and potential pro. Do you have experience with Tekton tools? If so, would you compare them to other brands? Thanks

 

[Mr_B]

Thanks. What does stepped shouldering mean?

I only buy sockets with shouldering and knurling or lower half soft satin for grip .
shouldering full length top on small sizes and drive end shoulder on large sizes is my preferences .
It more a euro and japan design over classic usa socket design .
No way I use full polish and no proper knurl all day long, total pain in **** after having used half satin and/or proper knurl types .
Everyone different so choose what works for you, some like full polish no knurl and not care about shouldering but care mainly easy wipe clean .
Just decide what you likeand what covers sizes you need at cost range you willing pay out .
Don't get too hung up on warranty for something that 2 to 5 bucks a piece.

 

[chevy302dz]

I only buy sockets with shouldering and knurling or lower half soft satin for grip .
shouldering full length top on small sizes and drive end shoulder on large sizes is my preferences .
It more a euro and japan design over classic usa socket design .
No way I use full polish and no proper knurl all day long, total pain in **** after having used half satin and/or proper knurl types .
Everyone different so choose what works for you, some like full polish no knurl and not care about shouldering but care mainly easy wipe clean .
Just decide what you likeand what covers sizes you need at cost range you willing pay out .
Don't get too hung up on warranty for something that 2 to 5 bucks a piece.

Well the the current Tektons do have fully stepped shoulders.

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-in-dr-skt-and-r-sets-5-32-9-16-in-4-14-mm?set-range=combined

 

[sk farmer]

Thanks. My intent is not to argue or challenge your opinion. Quite the opposite; I'm seeking experiences and opinions so that I can make smart choices as a DIYer and potential pro. Do you have experience with Tekton tools? If so, would you compare them to other brands? Thanks

mit was and is a **** company. low budget questionable tools sold out of the back of semi trailers in the parking lot of tent sales at farm show, fairs and from low budget stores and maybe auto parts stores. yes, tekton has newer stuff and some made in usa stuff but i have seen individual sockets on a peg that are identical other than the packaging and stamping. i have some mit stuff and it is ok for what it was but no better than anything at hf.

 

[Mr_B]

Well the the current Tektons do have fully stepped shoulders.

https://www.tekton.com/1-4-in-dr-skt-and-r-sets-5-32-9-16-in-4-14-mm?set-range=combined

Yes I know, the picture is their marketing .
Only shoulder fastener end rather than euro/japan style of shouldering drive end large sizes .
I never said they didn't and never mentioned features they have/haven't
I think Tekton sockets a very reasonable choice and pretty good value as currently warranty support good so if got issues out the box you get sorted pretty easily .
wouldn't be my choice but they perfectly decent enough for product/warranty to cost ratio .
Pro use seems prove them pretty durable too .
Current tekton sockets as good as original gearwrench before cut production costs and lost some features on the sockets .

 

[chevy302dz]

Yes I know, the picture is their marketing .
Only shoulder fastener end rather than euro/japan style of shouldering drive end large sizes .
I never said they didn't and never mentioned features they have/haven't
I think Tekton sockets a very reasonable choice and pretty good value as currently warranty support good so if got issues out the box you get sorted pretty easily .
wouldn't be my choice but they perfectly decent enough for product/warranty to cost ratio .
Pro use seems prove them pretty durable too .
Current tekton sockets as good as original gearwrench before cut production costs and lost some features on the sockets .

Ah, Now I see what you're saying, this is the style you're talking about:https://www.geniustoolsusa.com/genius-tools-10pc-1-4-dr-sae-deep-hand-socket-set-gd-210s.html

 

[chevy302dz]

mit was and is a **** company. low budget questionable tools sold out of the back of semi trailers in the parking lot of tent sales at farm show, fairs and from low budget stores and maybe auto parts stores. yes, tekton has newer stuff and some made in usa stuff but i have seen individual sockets on a peg that are identical other than the packaging and stamping. i have some mit stuff and it is ok for what it was but no better than anything at hf.

The sockets have certainly changed as have the ratchets: Older Tekton

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCYX4WI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

New Tekton
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P7WMK4L/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[fordgasm]

Tekton for the standard sockets, Sunex for impact.