Gearwrench vs tekton?

[Brownsfan]

I need a set of 1/4 and 3/8 sockets for work. Need to be in a case because Im a mobile tech. They will be used daily. The Gearwrench deal has better ratchets but the Tekton is cheaper and shipped free from Amazon. Im looking at these sets. What say Garage Journal .
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCYX504/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCYX4WI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or this deal from the hot deals thread
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550F

 

[ChrisLS8]

I love Tekton but until they do their update on the sockets the GW are nicer.

I've seen good reviews on the Tekton 90T rats

 

[M6erfan]

Tekton is easier to warranty and has a better case. And if you have a preference, Tekton ratchets are QR too.

Either will serve you well though.

 

[kctyphoon]

The Gearwrench deal has had like 2 years of people buying from that thread..

Don’t think you’ll find a world of difference between the brands, cause you wont.. they are basically even in terms of quality from everything you’ll read online.

If nothings changed with Tekton - the Gearwrench has a better case IMO. Everything is kept on one side, nothing is “locked” in, and the tops can be removed for storage and used in a box or cart as an organizer. Maybe thats good for you, maybe its bad, but its something to consider.

 

[M6erfan]

As a travel case for a mobile tech, opening and closing it often, needing to keep the parts secure, I'd prefer the Tekton case. But if you are putting them in a drawer, then yes, the GW case has that advantage.

 

[Negen]

If I were me I would buy tekton. I like the company better. I have some gear wrench sockets and they are only meh. Geared wrench does have some nice ratchets 120xp and a nice service belt tool. But if it were sockets I needed I would buy anything in Taiwan or Japan over anything China. I am not sure what people do to need to warranty chrome sockets but if that is not a concern look into tone the prices are quite competitive and much higher quality. Old Taiwan gear wrench was nice but the quality seemed at lest to me to have dropped after the move to China.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Yarpo]

If I were me I would buy tekton. I like the company better. I have some gear wrench sockets and they are only meh

I like gearwrench products better, but forsure like Tekton as a company better based almost solely on Dave's Activity here, the company seems to be trending in a positive direction . That said the gearwrench sockets offer a few features tektons do not currently.

Old Taiwan gear wrench was nice but the quality seemed at lest to me to have dropped after the move to China.

People keep repeating this, but what tools or products are they producing/replacing that where made in Taiwan that are no longer produced there? Is the set at tool discounter made in China? No. Is anyone getting made in China 84/120T ratchets or Sockets outside of some odd kits that have always been made there? From what I've seen, no. I order a lot of gearwrench tools and keep getting made in taiwan stuff every week. I've been asking forpeople to verify this for months now and nobody has been able to, so I'll keep asking everytime its brought up.

 

[Negen]

I bought sockets from advanced auto that were China. Only place that stocks them locally. I live in king county wa. If that matters.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Yarpo]

I bought sockets from advanced auto that were China. Only place that stocks them locally. I live in king county wa. If that matters.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

It certainly matters, im trying to get this sorted out haha. Which sets? Torx? Impact? Chrome?

I know their impacts are China but thinkyhey always have been, or for a long while now atleast

 

[SRSemenza]

I like gearwrench products better, but forsure like Tekton as a company better based almost solely on Dave's Activity here, the company seems to be trending in a positive direction . That said the gearwrench sockets offer a few features tektons do not currently.




People keep repeating this, but what tools or products are they producing/replacing that where made in Taiwan that are no longer produced there? Is the set at tool discounter made in China? No. Is anyone getting made in China 84/120T ratchets or Sockets outside of some odd kits that have always been made there? From what I've seen, no. I order a lot of gearwrench tools and keep getting made in taiwan stuff every week. I've been asking forpeople to verify this for months now and nobody has been able to, so I'll keep asking everytime its brought up.

A couple I came across ...................... older chrome GW 3/8" SAE universal/ flex socket set made in Taiwan same newer set made in China.

As above for a wobble extension set ( don't remember the drive size at the moment).

I actually had them both in my own hands in the packaging.

Seth

 

[M6erfan]

Does every thread have to turn into a f**king COO ******* match?

Bottom line, Tekton definitely Taiwan.

 

[Negen]

gearwrench 80554 or something it was a chrome sockets on a plastic rail that I bought from advanced auto.

I looked up the part number. Could be wrong.

The larger sets I have seen have been Taiwan. But with prices so close next time I need cheaper tools I will look at tekton.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Negen]

Does every thread have to turn into a f**king COO ******* match?

Bottom line, Tekton definitely Taiwan.

If this is directed to comments I made I am sorry. If I knew the name of the OEM factory I would have used it. It isn't the coo in the gear wrench sockets that I had issues with it. It was the factories that caused the issues. But the factories in Taiwan producing higher quality things.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Professional Tool User]

I have the Tekton 1/4 dr set and besides that 72 tooth ratchet that skipped on me, the set is excellent. I wonder if their new 90 tooth ratchet is any better. The case is well designed and executed and the sockets shine beautifully. If you already have a decent ratchet, go with Tekton unless the Gearwrench set comes with one of their better ratchets.

 

[seanb02]

How many people on here are actually mobile techs? That would be my question. Because in a mobile environment your tools are subject to whatever outdoor temperature/humidity may be at the time. I have all my tools on my service truck, and even chrome plated tools will show rust depending on usage levels and how often I spray them down with oil.

I've often debated on switching to cheaper tools for the truck to where I don't care if they rust, but ultimately for what I do I need the best fitting tools for the job at hand. Honestly I can't help you in your Gearwrench versus Tekton dilemma, because they will both work for you for a limited amount of time. Whatever set you go with you can always upgrade ratchets to something that fits your hand better and overall works better even if it doesn't fit in the case. Then the original ones that fit in the case are your backups.

 

[TrailHawkZ71]

When I was working on equipment out of a service truck, I used Matco ratchets and Genius sockets (Taiwan). Never had any issues with them. That said, if you're relying on the tools in the field, I would try to go with a reputable brand like Matco, Wright, Snap-On, etc... id tou can afford it. Williams sells some nice drive sets that come in molded hard cases too. Warranty does you no good when you're 20 miles out of town in the middle of a job and you have something break


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WittHay]

I would go with the Tekton 1/4 drive set and the GearWrench 3/8 drive set. The Tekton has a nice case and has everything you need for 1/4 drive plus a spot in the case to hold extras.

The GearWrench has nicer sockets and a more complete range than the Tekton 3/8 drive set. The GearWrench 84T 3/8 ratchet is quite robust plus it includes the stubby for smaller sizes. If you are in a hurry easier to get the sockets out of the GearWrench case.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have exactly zero complaints with my Gearwrench sets.. out of about a half dozen sets i have, they are by far my favorite..

 

[Mr_B]

Can't go far wrong with either at the price.
ratchet and socket design better on gearwrench .
When tekton do sets with the new design ratchets they'll be a better buy .

 

[mr.lemons]

I'm surprised mobile techs would use the bulky plastic cases. The contractors we use at work like to squeeze everything into one tote so they only need to make one journey from the van.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

Another option is the armstrong 15-199 50pc 1/4 set. Cripe is selling them for $116 made in the US too.

Id go with gearwrench for the 3/8, or if you have other ratchets, sunex sells a 50 something piece 3/8 impact master set for $75 that comes with a swivel and extensions but no ratchet. Both sets do come with a good case so its easy to stack in the truck boxes and not hog up space.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

I just realized the GW set is both 1/4 and 3/8 for $102. Id definitely go that route for the price. The gearwrench stuff I have seems to be pretty decent.

 

[brooktre]

The Tekton 1/4” set 13001 and 3/8” set 13101 can be bought together on amazon for $80.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDO6L90/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Brownsfan]

The shallow broaching of the Gearwrench has me leaning toward them. Plus the ratchets are nicer. I wont be carrying extra ratchets except maybe a flex head of each. Maybe. I dont use these things very hard. Im mostly taking panels off of various types of heavy equipment to install tracking and engine monitoring systems in them. And interior panels of regular vehicles. Im working out of a Nissan NV200. The case is important because the socket rails im using now are ok but they do let go in the bag once in a while. And its always the one i need. Its just nice to be able to have every single socket i need next to me and be able to tell at a glance if something is missing. For what im doing Snap On is just not justified. I cant afford one of their general service sets. Hell even their Blue Point sets are out of reach.

 

[crewchief888]

i have a couple sets of tekton drivers, long MM & long torx.
havent managed to break the blow molded boxes yet, even after a year or so in my service truck.

sets of 3/8" dr MM shallow and deep sockets in the garage, no issues with the aces even in extremely cold temps

i have a couple tekton ratcheting combo wrenches, i'm not impressed by them at all, GW ratcheting combos are much better IMHO

 

[Yarpo]

Does every thread have to turn into a f**king COO ******* match?

Bottom line, Tekton definitely Taiwan.

Not a ******* match cause nobody said either **** yet, I'm just trying to find out what tools they're making in China and Taiwan. People cant just say they've switched production over to China as that would be untrue (unless someone has a sourced article, comment, etc) as they're still making tons of tools in Taiwan. It's like saying Tekton switched over production to the USA, just because they make (or get) a few tools from the USA. Its semi misleading. That's all.

Sorry OP, back on topic, I'd recommend the GW bogo deal at 102

 

[ptgarcia]

Based on the OPs intended use, I'd get the less costly of the two brands: Tekton.

 

[rpcraft]

I have one of those Red three drawer boxes and its amazing how much toolage you can stuff in there when you get rid of all the socket holders and just use ABS strips as organizers in between the tool sets.

I have another soft sided open box for some cordless toys and a couple of really good pairs of channel locks, pipe wrench, and crescent wrenches, along with a charger for the tools and some of the accessories for cutting or demolishing something but usually if I have to resort to that tool box we're moving beyond the technical zone and steeping into the break it off and repair it zone. Pretty soon I am going to add a cordless 4 inch grinder to it (probably Ridgid) and it should be the ultimate salvage yard kit (at least until the make a back pack plasma cutter). Just waiting on the funding for the tool allowance, lol.

I never liked carrying blow molded cases because for the space they take up they never carried all the tools and some of the places I have worked going back to the truck meant a climb down ladders, then walking a 1/4 or 1/2 mile to the parking lot and then back. The tool box can be locked and lifted with a rope, (admittedly its a workout) but if it drops I know that it may be smashed to hell but once I pry it open and get another one I can pretty much depend on not having to do a tool hunt either.

 

[rpcraft]

And my point to an end was buy the cheaper of the two and make your own portable tool kit out of a similar toolbox... Sorry for the diatribe, lol!!

 

[Brownsfan]

Ended up buying the Tekton. Well because I already have nicer ratchets actually have the flex head versions of the ones in the Gearwrench sets. Except for the stubby. Cheaper price and free shipping. Saved about $30. Some will say the extra ratchets and sockets would make up for the $30. Probably right. I also went with Tekton because I like that they are making a effort to make stuff in the USA and not actively closing USA facilities and moving production. Plus I like supporting the smaller company. Next is some screwdrivers and Pliers. Maybe combo wrenches. Oh the chrome is really good. Although it wont stay that way its fantastic. I have never based my tool buying decisions on warranty, in fact some here obsess over it. But its nice to know they have a rep here and take care of their customers. Thanks for everyone chiming in and helping my decision.

 

[M6erfan]

Ended up buying the Tekton. Well because I already have nicer ratchets actually have the flex head versions of the ones in the Gearwrench sets. Except for the stubby. Cheaper price and free shipping. Saved about $30. Some will say the extra ratchets and sockets would make up for the $30. Probably right. I also went with Tekton because I like that they are making a effort to make stuff in the USA and not actively closing USA facilities and moving production. Plus I like supporting the smaller company. Next is some screwdrivers and Pliers. Maybe combo wrenches. Oh the chrome is really good. Although it wont stay that way its fantastic. I have never based my tool buying decisions on warranty, in fact some here obsess over it. But its nice to know they have a rep here and take care of their customers. Thanks for everyone chiming in and helping my decision.

Nice Just curious what you think of the cases and how they'll work for you.

 

[Brownsfan]

They will be great actually. Both are the same size. The little storage space in the 1/4 case is really cool. I keep socket adapters for my drill in there as.well as a few of my most used torx and hex bit sockets. The cases seem really good as far as quality and being able to hold up to being used daily. They fit in my Husky rolling tool bag just fine. No more hunting down sockets as they fall of rails. Next is a set of hex and Torx bit sockets in a case. Husky and the Craftsman are what Im looking at.

 

[Al Borland]

If you are throwing the set in a bag/box and the tools are equal, pick the better box.
Nothing worse than hide-and-go-seek in the bottom of the bag looking for a particular socket.

 

[lilscorpion]

Daym, great info. I’ve been chasing various sets all night! Probably should have slept a bit.

 

[Ton ton]

Gearwrench is readily available off the shelf locally for me. But I understand Tekton has a better warranty. Napa has better prices on certain gearwrench ratchet wrenches than Carquest last time I checked. The gearwrench screwdriver I bought recently was made in Taiwan. You have to check each individual tool for COO in gearwrench brand. You can buy gearwrench ratchet wrenches off the snap on truck if warranty is a big deal to you. Tekton has a long lag time if the Tekton website is accurate. So it depends on how soon you need the tools in my mind. Just my 2 cents.

 

[visionguru]

The only reason one would buy Tekton over GearWrench is the non-skip 3/8" 6mm-24mm, such as
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P6RJXJ9/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Otherwise, Tekton is store brand quality at premium price.

Gearwrench 3/8" and 1/4" master sets had been $100 total for ages.

If no need for 3/8" to 24mm and price is important, I'd buy the Costco DeWalt set for $99, which has both 3/8" and 1/4" sockets.

 

[qqzj]

The only reason one would buy Tekton over GearWrench is the non-skip 3/8" 6mm-24mm, such as
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P6RJXJ9/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Otherwise, Tekton is store brand quality at premium price.

Gearwrench 3/8" and 1/4" master sets had been $100 total for ages.

If no need for 3/8" to 24mm and price is important, I'd buy the Costco DeWalt set for $99, which has both 3/8" and 1/4" sockets.

Generally agree. However,

Gearwrench 3/8" and 1/4" master sets had been $100 total for ages.

This deal is long gone.

 

[qqzj]

BTW, all my 3/8 GearWrench sockets stop at 19mm. Where to buy larger GW sockets? I'd like sizes up to 24mm or even more.

My 1/4 socket sets stop at 15mm. That does not bother me too much.

 

[TailGunner3000]

The problem is Gearwrench has also become an average tool at a premium price. Old Gearwrench was nearly on par with truck brands. New Gearwrench...not so much.

 

[qqzj]

The problem is Gearwrench has also become an average tool at a premium price. Old Gearwrench was nearly on par with truck brands. New Gearwrench...not so much.

I have not touched recent GearWrench socket sets. For the ones I owned, GearWrench is definitely better. I hold GW and Tekton at hands at the same time and the Tekton just seem cheaply made. Lest sophisticated in forging and esp. dull looking chrome. I sold the Tekton and kept the GW.

One thing to know is that GW is shallow broached. i.e., even for deep sockets, the part that can hold the fastener is not deep. But the Tekton is much deeper. (So in similar conditions, the Tekton is more hollow inside.) In certain scenarios, I can see Tekton might be better. So for a real toolholic, I can see him buying both since they are not exactly the same.

Also I digged around on GW's website. GW's deep sockets for 6 point 3/8 drive have 20mm, 21mm, 22mm and 24mm. Shallow has 20, 21 and 22. The mid length only goes up to 19mm. To be honest, these large ones are not very meaningful for 3/8 drive, but I might buy them anyway. It is really annoying that GW does not do what Tekton does and put every size into a set.