Tekton and Kobalt are the same as in identical. They introduced their 90t ratchets at the same time. The details of their construction are also the same. Nothing wrong with that as they both seem to work nicely.
Best *Reasonably Priced* Ratchets
- Thread starter Handyandy23
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Tekton and Kobalt are the same as in identical. They introduced their 90t ratchets at the same time. The details of their construction are also the same. Nothing wrong with that as they both seem to work nicely.
Dave.R
Well-known member
Incorrect. We do have a team of engineers and designers in Grand Rapids Michigan, where I also work. Some of our bigger projects have been the new ratchets, angle wrenches, screwdrivers, and our new socket program.
Dave
[email protected]
Ummmmm.... No
Dave.R
Well-known member
I know more ratchets are being planned and worked on. I don't have specifics, but things are always in the works.
Dave
[email protected]
OP
Handyandy23
Well-known member
Incorrect. We do have a team of engineers and designers in Grand Rapids Michigan, where I also work. Some of our bigger projects have been the new ratchets, angle wrenches, screwdrivers, and our new socket program.
Dave
[email protected]
Thanks for setting the record straight, Dave.
And this is an older thread. I already made my choice, which happened to be the 90T Tekton. Great ratchet! Smooth as butter, no back drag, tight, good fit and finish. Couldn't ask for anything more, especially for the price.
I'll be buying more Tekton ratchets to add to my collection.
Josey Wales
Well-known member
Sorry if already posted, but the new style Williams round head is a sleeper.
https://www.toolsdelivered.com/Will...ols-1-2-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools
https://www.toolsdelivered.com/Will...ols-1-2-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools
Sorry, you are correct, the 90T are not. The 72T were identical (head and mechanism), the 90s are not. They did introduce their respective 90s at the same time. Regardless, the question was name a store brand with a 90T ratchet. A number of ratchets have a mechanism similar to the Tekton 72T including HF, Titan, and Klutch (both Northern Tool brands). However, often they have some detail difference. The Kobalt and Tekton were identical down to the retention screws. Not a bad thing since they are good feeling with low back drag. The reversed lever is about the only issue.
The quote I was replying to asked which store brands have 90T ratchets. Kobalt does (introduced at the same time as Tekton). Husky has had a 100T version of the GW 120T ratchet for some time. Cman has had 84T ratchets.
Hard to not assume these come from the same factory...
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The Klutch 90T isn't quite identical to the Tekton but sure looks like it might have the same guts. The bottom plate is held in differently. Previous Klutch 72T was again the same design as Tekton.
Titan 90T with teardown. NT also sells basically the same thing as a Klutch ratchet.
Here are the old Klutch 72T. Again looks a lot like the Tekton
Titan 90T with teardown. NT also sells basically the same thing as a Klutch ratchet.
Here are the old Klutch 72T. Again looks a lot like the Tekton
Hard to not assume these come from the same factory...
Don't forget the HF version...
Yeah, we get it. But saying Tekton doesn't design anything or that they're just churned out of the same factory as everything else is just ignorant.
Now you're just bringing up other tools in a weak attempt to save face after your obviously incorrect statement.
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No, the HF isn't the same ratchet (other than the plastic one). The mechanism operates on the same way but the case closure is different.
Where did I say Tekton doesn't design anything? Hint... I didn't. If you want to argue about that claim try arguing with the person who made it.
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I didn’t mean to stir up so much stuff. I was just trying to point out that the new Tekton ratchets were not the same 72T design almost everybody rebranded. Which really isn’t a bad design except for the floaty selector without positive detents.
buckwheat_la
Well-known member
I may just be a dummy but don't you get the same You Tube we get? There are LOADS of videos on reviews for Taiwan made tools on there
I didn't say you said Tekton doesn't design anything.
You did initially say that the 90t ratchets are identical to the Kobalts.
I was addressing multiple ignorant posts.
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In other words you got caught in your own screw up and now are claiming that you really meant something other that the obvious meaning of your post.I didn't say you said Tekton doesn't design anything.
You did initially say that the 90t ratchets are identical to the Kobalts.
I was addressing multiple ignorant posts.
This is why it's often better to not post smart *** replies when you feel someone else made a mistake. Sometimes those smart *** replies result in the smart *** looking like a dumb *** in the end
In other words you got caught in your own screw up and now are claiming that you really meant something other that the obvious meaning of your post.
This is why it's often better to not post smart *** replies when you feel someone else made a mistake. Sometimes those smart *** replies result in the smart *** looking like a dumb *** in the end
No, now you've moved from ignorance to...
I said exactly what I meant.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
Best Cheap ratchet for me is a Stanley or Kobalt. I really like my Wrights where they put a 3/8 head in a 1/4 handle. I use those often.
The ratchet I always pick up first is the Zyklop - the original green handle version is awesome and not outrageously expensive.
The ratchet I always pick up first is the Zyklop - the original green handle version is awesome and not outrageously expensive.
You aren't making any sense now. I acknowledged my error regarding the 90T ratchet but was correct regarding the older ratchets. Your replies to me clearly accused me of claims I never made. When that was pointed out you tried to dance around your own mistake. Had you just pointed out my original error, no issue. But you decided to do a victory dance while making mistakes of your own. No issues with the correction part but when you screwed up who said what (not uncommon in cases like this) it would have been better to accept your own error, clink the beers and move on. Now, you are doubling down on the accusations of what I didn't say. I guess that's easier that just saying oops and moving on.
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visionguru
Well-known member
Lowes, Homedepot, Menards, Harbor Freight, Walmart,.... do they design tools too?
How many times have you played with Tekton tools?
My experience with Tekton tools is probably more than most who commented, from my frequent trips to Meijer. I have nothing against Tekton. They actually have a ratchet I plan to buy: 90 teeth 1/4" stubby, whenever I see Meijer run a sale. Are Tekton decent quality? Yes. So are other store brands whose tools are similar in design/workmanship/price. I can't think of 1 thing that Tekton stands out.
If you think Tekton deserves special mentioning, nothing wrong about lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about tools.
Screwdrivers, angle wrenches, way above average 3/4” drive tools. Tekton stands out in several areas with or without adjustment for price point. So if any old hardware store ratchet will do, why not support a company that’s trying to innovate?
You said "Tekton designs nothing". Dave from Tekton set you straight on that. And I'm the one who's uninformed??? LMAO.
OP
Handyandy23
Well-known member
The self proclaimed Tekton expert because you play with them in Meijer sometimes? Also an actual Tekton employee has already stated in this thread what they designed and make on their own. I don't think it's a secret what they do and don't make.
If you can't feel the difference between what Walmart or HF sells and Tekton's better offerings, like their newer 90T style ratchets, then buy whatever you want. But I did try everything local to me and ended up with Tekton for a reason.
visionguru
Well-known member
Tekton is a brand. Innovate? That's Craftsman, which brought out a weird new tool every once in a while. If you have local stores that carries Tekton, you will agree with me.
There is a big difference between "designing a tool" and having a tool made to specification. So, all the store brands are also tool designers? Even the mighty truck brands don't design most tools themselves.
You still didn't answer my question: how you ever compared Tekton tools with other store brands in person? then you don't have to rely on information someone feed you.
"Expert", no. I do have sharp eyes and mind.
I was once based in Dayton so I went to Meijer often but that was a long time ago. Here in Florida we don't have any stores that stock Tekton but I own many of their tools. Perhaps the store inventory includes old stock instead of their updated products? I know that is a big issue with Amazon.
If you are looking at old stuff it would make sense that you concluded they are nothing special.
They really did design their screwdriver handle and it is innovative. Like the Instinct handle some people love it and some people hate it. But that's what we want, choices.
The angle wrenches aren't innovative since the design is an exact copy of Snap-on (patent expired) but making them in the US from plasma cut steel and selling them for a reasonable price is both innovative and patriotic.
In their early days MIT (owner of Tekton trademark) did in fact just import a bunch of generic cheap garbage from places like India. But they've used the profits they made from that to dramatically improve their offerings. They also very obviously listen to suggestions from this board. They are a family owned company instead of a faceless conglomerate.
All the above are reasons I support them. But you are of course free to hate them if you choose.
Rabid Badger
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visionguru
Well-known member
I did some tool shopping last weekend at a Sears appliance and hardware store, right across the street from Meijer. I got this Gearwrench 1/2" master set for $100. A comparable Tekton set at Meijer costs more than $150 and lesser quality. Granted, the Gearwrench was on sale, but the full price is $150ish.
I don't hate on any brands, but pay attention to quality/price ratio when shopping for tools. Due to the convenience of weekly visiting the grocery store, sooner or later, I'll buy some Tekton stuff. Somehow, whenever I needed tool, I often found similar quality/design from other store brands at better prices than Tekton.
From the heated reactions to my honest observations of Tekton, it seems that Tekton's internet campaign works. I'd better stay way from commenting on Tekton risking offending the fans.
To stay on the topic about ratchets. Meijer does have the latest 90 teeth. Notice the prices.
The following pictures were taken last weekend, at the Meijer where I got my hands on experiences about the brand.
Cheers!
Attachments
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Rabid Badger
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The Tekton kit includes more sockets, a longer extension and a breaker bar for the same regular price as the GearWrench kit. Not exactly apples-to-apples.
I don't see anyone other than you claiming a large disparity in quality between the current Tekton offerings and GearWrench. In fact, the general consensus lately is that GearWrench quality has gone down considerably in recent years.
Roughly 20% of your recent posts are bashing Tekton tools that you've never used.
This. I have that set with the 120xp ratchet (80700P) and I had to spend additional money filling out the larger sizes with Carlyle and Toptul sockets. Then there was buying more extensions and a breaker bar. It's weird how Gearwrench stopped the metric deeps at 19mm. I considered it one of Gearwrench's poorer showings since it is lacking in the larger sizes. At the time I had kind of wished I had gone with the Tekton 84 piece 1/2 set since it would have had everything, but was still kind of turned off by the 72t ratchet. Now that they switched to a 90t ratchet, I think it would have been a better option.
I do think 1/2 drive chrome socket sets is one area Tekton does seem to do better over other cheap import brands. There are no skips, all 6pt, and you at least have a breaker bar to go with the standard handle ratchet.
OP
Handyandy23
Well-known member
I'm not sure why you think the only reason anyone could like Tekton tools is through some sort of marketing brainwash job. What even is this "internet campaign" you speak of? All I've ever seen is one Tekton employee on the board answering questions, and other than that people who actually bought and have actually turned a bolt with their tools singing their praises.
If positive real world reviews based on actual usage is an "internet campaign", then what does that make bashing Tekton constantly based on spinning their ratchets in your hand at the grocery store?
Has it ever occurred to you that Tekton gained fans by producing good products at a good price? And not that people are just under some kind of spell?
Some here seem to be butthurt that Tekton doesn't own a factory. 
I guess it's OK though that GW churns out product after product out of china and Taiwan.
You know who else rebrands stuff? Snap-on, SK, Proto... I guess because they rebrand some tools means that these companies don't actually design anything themselves. Just following the (admittedly hard to follow) "logic" of some posters
I guess it's OK though that GW churns out product after product out of china and Taiwan.
You know who else rebrands stuff? Snap-on, SK, Proto... I guess because they rebrand some tools means that these companies don't actually design anything themselves. Just following the (admittedly hard to follow) "logic" of some posters
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This.
The 1/4 and 3/8 sets are fairly complete and the 84t ratchets are great. The 1/2 sets are missing half the deep sizes to shave a few bucks off the BOM. I also don’t understand why they are ‘obviously’ better quality than Tekton. It’s obvious they have knurling. Dave already explained why Tekton didn’t add it to the new design.
In other news the Snap-on hating ‘bear’ just made a Tekton video that was very positive. Now we just need Dave to get MIT into the GJ Alliance or hold a group buy for us.
visionguru
Well-known member
Speaking of sockets, Tekton sockets are poorly marked, all you can see from an arms length is the "TEKTON", while it's double marked on Gearwrench, plus knurling at the bottom (like Snap On). Also, Gearwrench sockets feel more solid and heavier than Tekton, probably due to broaching depth.
Gearwrench box seems designed to be placed in a tool box after removing the lid. Tekton is designed to be carried in a mobile setting.
Gearwrench impact sockets are all made from CR-MO steel, like all professional brands. Tekton uses CR-V. The Pittsburg brand at Harbor Freight offers CR-MO sockets as "Pittsburg Pro" line, while "Pittsburg" line is cheaper and with CR-V.
All these seems to indicate for whom Tekton is made. Gearwrench seems positioned at upper DIY and lower professional. There is still long way for Tekton to catch up. As far as I can tell, there is little difference between Tekton and some of the store brands in AutoZone, Menards, Lowes..., Gearwrench just has a little more professional touch, and often can be purchased at similar price as Tekton.
The only thing I noticed about Gearwrench's quality going down is the "gearwrench"--ratcheting wrenches. I have the original version. The newer versions are obviously shorter, thinner, and not as well made, but they are substantially cheaper than 10 years ago. Mine was more than $10 a piece, nowadays, $5 or less in a set.
"bashing"? I was simply sharing my observations. If there were more Meijer stores, I'm sure more people would have agreed with me.
A simple google search could reveal Tekton's foot prints on the internet, which might be the brand's primary sales channel. That's the internet campaign I'm talking about, and it's obvious. While most other store brands are mute.
Yes, Tekton makes good tools for the price, but there are lots of stores sell tools at similar price/quality ratio. What makes Tekton so special? My comments are based on many times touch and examine the tools, probably more "real world" than people commenting based on internet pictures.
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We like arguing. It helps us validate our observations. The poorly marked sockets you speak of are the old versions. Why not peruse the website and see the new design. I prefer they are fully necked down unlike Gearwrench.
Gearwrenches are the flagship product (the trademark isn’t ‘socket set’) and the first thing they ‘value engineered’ after the Bain acquisition. Fans seem sanguine that everything else will stay the same. Mayhaps it will.
With my money though once a company starts cheaping out I switch. Usually to a company like MIT obviously moving in the other direction.
as a profesional i prefer nice made crv impacts (don't like tekton ones though) over current trend of soft crmo.
crv just as good for impacts if good grade and proper heat treatment .
Some of tekton stuff not bad buy at price point and some a very good buy, most of taiwan stuff coming from usual oems, either pretty identical to other brands or with slight design changes .
If warranty important to you then tekton hard beat at this price point .
crv just as good for impacts if good grade and proper heat treatment .
Some of tekton stuff not bad buy at price point and some a very good buy, most of taiwan stuff coming from usual oems, either pretty identical to other brands or with slight design changes .
If warranty important to you then tekton hard beat at this price point .
Rabid Badger
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Wow, that's a lot of writing. I can tell being right on the internet is very important to you.
Just one more question: If Tekton tools are so inferior, why do you spend so many hours fondling them in a grocery store? You're clearly not there to spend time with your wife, or you'd...you know...spend time with your wife. It seems like you could just as easily stay home and fondle your GearWrench stuff.
I mean it doesnt take but 5 or so minutes to write a half decent comment, he brings up a few valid concerns, but I guess its easier to ignore them instead of discussing the validity of his various points. Usually how tool discussion here goes..
Nice of tallpilot to respond and kept the discussion going instead of ducking out, me and him have had various discussion like this in other threads about this same topic!
I say Gearwrench or if you can spend a little more, SK. I just replaced all of my SO ratchets with the flex head SK and upgraded them with the DT heads to double the tooth count. My favorite I've used yet. I also have an extra backup head for each one after the upgrade.
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Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using Tapatalk
I honestly don't have any issues with the Armstrong 88/MATCO 88T ratchets. Made in USA and you can still source USA made rebuild kits for them from AJ Manufacturing/MATCO.
The only issue I have with my MATCO 88 Flex head is the chrome peeling on the head of the ratchet.. sad part is.. I haven't even ever used the damn thing yet. I just got it cause it was a good deal for a brand new ratchet at $52 shipped. lol
The only issue I have with my MATCO 88 Flex head is the chrome peeling on the head of the ratchet.. sad part is.. I haven't even ever used the damn thing yet. I just got it cause it was a good deal for a brand new ratchet at $52 shipped. lol