Tekton screwdriver handles - can't decide!

[Nosferatu]

So I got my Tekton screwdriver samples today and I still can't decide what handle I like better. They both have distinct advantages.

I thought I wanted the High-torque when I was looking at them online. But, when the pair arrived, the hard plastic just slipped into my hand like I have been using them for decades. SOLD!

But, then I started messing with them some more, especially the high-torque as I wanted to give it an honest evaluation. I definitely found the benefits of the handle design and how it works in different grips and scenarios, especially two-handed when starting screws. It likes to be gripped further back, rather than choked up on like the hard handles. I could see getting to like them more as I use them. Plus they have square, hex and nut drivers with those handles, they don't with the hard.

BUT...that hard handle just...feels...right.

Anyone else have these? Which handles did you pick and why?

 

[GeoBruin]

Get a set of hard handles that has a range of sizes for everyday use and then do a "build your own" set of high torque in the larger sizes (#2 and #3 Phillips, 1/4" and 5/16" flat etc. ) in stubby, medium and long as well as nut drivers for when you need to apply "high torque".

By contrast, I received a big set of the high torque as a gift from my sister so I have even the smallest sizes with high torque handles. I find it unnecessary and they take up more room in my box. Meanwhile I ordered a limited set of the hard handles in the most common sizes and I find I grab those first for most things. Nice to have the high torque in the larger sizes though.

Good luck.

 

[JeepYJ]

My sample pack should arrive today…
I’ll give them a test run sometime over the weekend.

 

[Ton ton]

Get the ones with a red handle.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Yeah, the HT look funky imo.. wouldn't want to look at a whole drawer of those. And as said, bulky.

 

[JeepYJ]

Yeah, the HT look funky imo.. wouldn't want to look at a whole drawer of those. And as said, bulky.

Maybe try using tools instead of looking at them? They’re made to tighten/loosen fasteners. Choose which one you like best for that.

 

[drtyler]

Both of the handles are good. Neither is a bad choice.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Maybe try using tools instead of looking at them? They’re made to tighten/loosen fasteners. Choose which one you like best for that.

Sheeet...you dont even know.

 

[Greg5OH]

Not a comparison, but a superficial overview of the hard handles. the #2 and up fit like a glove. I like hard handles as they are easy to clean after grabbing them with greasy hands.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Not a comparison, but a superficial overview of the hard handles. the #2 and up fit like a glove. I like hard handles as they are easy to clean after grabbing them with greasy hands.

Those slotted driver shanks are cabinet-style, and look exactly like some of the Pratt-Read drivers I have, which confirms my suspicion that they sourced the shanks from Ideal. Cabinet-tip slotted drivers are great for screws that are deep inside of recesses, where a regular keystone driver won't fit.

I'd lean towards the hard-handle style. I have used the ergonomic drivers, and liked them, but I feel like the hard-handles will clean up better.

 

[mv213]

Hard handles all the way! I bought a set of the soft handles and immediately took a dislike to them. Too bulky and just seemed kind of gimmicky. I kept a couple of the larger sizes and gave away the rest. Switched to the hard handles. So nice, especially for the $$$.

 

[ybnormal]

Not a comparison, but a superficial overview of the hard handles. the #2 and up fit like a glove. I like hard handles as they are easy to clean after grabbing them with greasy hands.

yeah, but the thing I don't like about them is how they hurt your hands when you have to grip them tight to loosen a stuck screw

 

[Greg5OH]

do you have soft handle ratchets as well?

yeah, but the thing I don't like about them is how they hurt your hands when you have to grip them tight to loosen a stuck screw

 

[Steve_P]

I don't have the Tektons; I have the Wiha ergo/soft handles for when my hands are relatively clean. And then a few Williams hard handles, like #1 and #2 phillips, when I'm working on a car and my hands are filthy. So, I know this is typical GJ answer, but get both like I did. The ergo handles definitely offer a torque advantage. And I'm not removing that many phillips screws on cars, so most of my screwdriver use is around the house with clean hands and the Wihas. I haven't seen a slotted screw on a car since an '82 model where they were on a carburetor, so all my slotted screwdriver use is around the house; and even that is almost never.

 

[ybnormal]

do you have soft handle ratchets as well?

I have both. I've also got some "ergonomically-shaped" metal handles that aren't too bad

 

[ybnormal]

I don't have the Tektons; I have the Wiha ergo/soft handles for when my hands are relatively clean. And then a few Williams hard handles, like #1 and #2 phillips, when I'm working on a car and my hands are filthy. So, I know this is typical GJ answer, but get both like I did. The ergo handles definitely offer a torque advantage. And I'm not removing that many phillips screws on cars, so most of my screwdriver use is around the house with clean hands and the Wihas. I haven't seen a slotted screw on a car since an '82 model where they were on a carburetor, so all my slotted screwdriver use is around the house; and even that is almost never.

well, since I have a '65 impala convertible, and a '67 impala convertible, and a '86 el camino, and while all 3 typically use Phillips, sometimes there is a need for slotted like when popping apart plugs, or popping out glass fuses

but a comment above got me thinking, is this why the driver shafts and handles can be bought separately so you can interchange for the handle you need?

 

[Greg5OH]

I have both. I've also got some "ergonomically-shaped" metal handles that aren't too bad

end of the day, what everyone really needs is..one (at least) of every iteration. Then your 110% covered

 

[FMB4]

I'd go with the hard vintage snaponish handles, if possible. Vintage Proto styles would prob work OK as well. Not much of a fan of cushion handles, but that's just me...

 

[slowtwitch73]

yeah, but the thing I don't like about them is how they hurt your hands when you have to grip them tight to loosen a stuck screw

Get one of those thin rubber discs they sell at kitchen stores for getting lids off... or make something similar.

And that's what the wrench flats or the holes in the handle are for.. leverage.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Don't like my tools looking too much like *** toys.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Don't like my tools looking too much like *** toys.

For anyone who does...

Genius Tools Ratcheting Screwdriver Pistol Grip Handle 185mm Length Multi-Bit Drive Ergonomic Design - 526+2983

Genius Tools ratcheting screwdriver with pistol grip handle for stable, controlled driving. 1/4" hex shank with 22mm shank length supports common multi-bit use. Quick release chuck enables faster bit changes with less downtime. Chromium-vanadium steel alloy provides strength, durability, and...

www.geniustoolsusa.com

 

[jeffmoss26]

I really like the hard handles, got 2 more this week! They don't have the black oxide shanks anymore, except on torx.

 

[Maxcustody]

I was having this same debate..........LOL. The hard handles just felt right and I liked the weight. However, I did go with the new contoured ones because I figured for $62 what the hell, I can always get the old school ones later. I also have the Matco 10 piece blue set I am waiting on so I will have plenty of screwdrivers.

I have been on a spending spree buying about every tool there is. I want to outfit the new shop I am having built with all new tools.

It would be CRAZY to move my old tools into the new shop, C'mon

 

[javyLSU]

This is Garage Journal… Since when do we decide on just one? The correct answer is to get both of course!

 

[Max]

I have the Tekton HT drivers as well as the hard handle Williams drivers that are similar to the Tekton hard handles. The HT drivers are great for wood, as the hard handles are rough on the hands when you have to really crank on them. But the hard handles are great for working on the car, lawnmower, and my motorcycle. In this case, for me at least, the right answer is buy them both.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I just got this 63 pcs set from tekton with the rubber grip handles, they feel nice but i haven’t tried them yet. I was giving them to a crew at work but i think I’ll put these in my new service cart and order another set for work.

 

[woody 73]

So Tekton sent me a pm telling me I had better move my rear end before Feb. 1st or the prices would go over the moon and back; so, I bought the 22-pc hard handle set this week. Only time will tell if I like them or not.

 

[Maxcustody]

So Tekton sent me a pm telling me I had better move my rear end before Feb. 1st or the prices would go over the moon and back; so, I bought the 22-pc hard handle set this week. Only time will tell if I like them or not.

Yeah there was another thread someone posted about the prices going up. One reason I purchased all I did and saved some money. They had price and what it would be after the 1st posted on certain tools.

As others have said great marketing tool as well I guess. "buy now before it is too late"

I am impressed by their stuff, so it's all good. I just wish they did not discontinue their reversible ratcheting wrenches. I need to find a set of those from another manufacturer I guess.

 

[AA/FC]

I just received an order from Tekton with a new pick set and two new #2 Philips hard handle screwdrivers. Wow! The pick set is great but I am VERY impressed with the new hard handle screwdrivers. They feel extremely sturdy and the plastic handles themselves seem to be made out of very hard, dense plastic. Maybe the hardest plastic handle I've ever felt. In my opinion, they are very high quality screwdrivers. I am going to order more after I finish typing this post. lol.

I don't believe Tekton owns any manufacturing facilities of their own.... I am wondering who makes these new screwdrivers for Tekton? Pratt-Reid? Who else could be making screwdrivers in the USA for private label.

Great job, Tekton

 

[liliysdad]

I really like the hard handles, got 2 more this week! They don't have the black oxide shanks anymore, except on torx.

That's a damned shame....I really like the black oxide , hard handle drivers.

 

[AA/FC]

I really like the hard handles, got 2 more this week! They don't have the black oxide shanks anymore, except on torx.

My brand new Tekton hard handle Philips screwdrivers that arrived today have black oxide tips...

 

[AirMech#406]

I don't believe Tekton owns any manufacturing facilities of their own.... I am wondering who makes these new screwdrivers for Tekton? Pratt-Reid? Who else could be making screwdrivers in the USA for private label.

Great job, Tekton

From the "About us" section on their website:

"Where We Make Our Tools​

About 73% of our current product lineup is made in Taiwan, 21% in the United States, 3% in Canada, 2% in China, and 1% across several other countries. You can find the country of origin for every tool on Tekton.com by scrolling to the bottom of the product page and referring to the "Specs" section.
The coolest part about what we do is something new taking place here in West Michigan, one of the world’s leading manufacturing hubs. All sorts of advanced fabrication methods are found here to meet the needs of the automotive, furniture, and medical device industries at globally competitive costs.
Why, we wondered, don’t we employ the resources right in our backyard to make tools like no one has ever made them? So we did. We built our own specialized local supply chains to roll out products like our angle head wrenches, crowfoot wrenches, screwdrivers, and nut drivers."

So they dont mention who it is that makes their screwdrivers, only that it is a local company in MI... interesting.

 

[liliysdad]

My brand new Tekton hard handle Philips screwdrivers that arrived today have black oxide tips...

I assume he means the full black oxide shaft drivers. I greatly prefer them over the shiny chrome.

 

[Ton ton]

I assume he means the full black oxide shaft drivers. I greatly prefer them over the shiny chrome.

Me too.

 

[mv213]

There are basically two schools of thoughts on this. On the first side are the people who appreciate the simple rugged beauty, the natural fit and practicality of the hard red handles.

On the other side are crazy people.

 

[Ton ton]

There are basically two schools of thoughts on this. One the first side are the people who appreciate the simple rugged beauty, the natural fit and practicality of the hard red handles.

On the other side are crazy people.

Well said.