jsharpphoto
Well-known member
I saw someone in another thread questioning why people are paying the Tekton price for "same tools as harbor freight". That is a very relevant question. Price is an issue for the majority of us, and especially those that shop at places like harbor freight.
I'm sure there is overlap between the two companies and their suppliers, for some tools but certainly not all. The composite ratchets are a good example. Same thing, different color. Why pay more?
It's simple. Tekton gives a ****. They find quality tools and import them. Harbor freight finds cheap tools, and imports them. Some of these are the same tool. It's all about intent. If harbor freight has a good tool, it's likely due to luck. That the vendor who came in with the lowest bid, just happened to make a good product. Tekton is obviously more selective about who they partner with. Look at their bench vises. Taiwan has been making great vises for decades, not as good as US, UK or Japan, but still quality iron. China has yet to do so. The vises may look the same, but they aren't.
Let's talk about warranty replacement. Harbor Freight regularly changes who they buy certain products from. The ratcheting wrench you bought last year, made in Taiwan, will be replaced under warranty with one from China or more likely, India. Tekton has a better track record of sticking with a quality vendor for the duration of production. And my guess is, if you're not happy with the replacement, they will make it right.
I will still buy from harbor frieght. I love their tool chests and I buy all my casters from them, but for hand tools I will only buy Tekton.
If you don't shop at HF or buy Tekton, this is all kind of irrelevant. But for me, I have been looking at options to replace craftsman since they obviously aren't interested in maintaining a relationship with anyone who likes tools.
I'm sure there is overlap between the two companies and their suppliers, for some tools but certainly not all. The composite ratchets are a good example. Same thing, different color. Why pay more?
It's simple. Tekton gives a ****. They find quality tools and import them. Harbor freight finds cheap tools, and imports them. Some of these are the same tool. It's all about intent. If harbor freight has a good tool, it's likely due to luck. That the vendor who came in with the lowest bid, just happened to make a good product. Tekton is obviously more selective about who they partner with. Look at their bench vises. Taiwan has been making great vises for decades, not as good as US, UK or Japan, but still quality iron. China has yet to do so. The vises may look the same, but they aren't.
Let's talk about warranty replacement. Harbor Freight regularly changes who they buy certain products from. The ratcheting wrench you bought last year, made in Taiwan, will be replaced under warranty with one from China or more likely, India. Tekton has a better track record of sticking with a quality vendor for the duration of production. And my guess is, if you're not happy with the replacement, they will make it right.
I will still buy from harbor frieght. I love their tool chests and I buy all my casters from them, but for hand tools I will only buy Tekton.
If you don't shop at HF or buy Tekton, this is all kind of irrelevant. But for me, I have been looking at options to replace craftsman since they obviously aren't interested in maintaining a relationship with anyone who likes tools.
