Grey Pneumatic vs Tekton vs Sunex

[X1 Mike]

Looking to add some 1/2" impacts to my collection. Currently my impacts are all GP and my inclination is to keep it with just one brand. I have shallow and deep metric and SAE sets. The Tekton wins on $$$$ but it has fewer sizes. The GP would match everything I have but is the most $$$$. The Sunex does everything the GP does for 12 bucks less. Opinions...…..

26 Piece GP set $87
https://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1326m.aspx

26 Piece Sunex set $75
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MW9UW8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

14 Piece Tekton $32
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JLBQV2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[woody6904]

Stick with GP, have used all 3 and still like GP the best. Been upgrading some sets and found National Tool Warehouse to be very competitive.

https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.c...Metric-Standard-Master-Socket-Set-P13404.aspx

 

[Lucid Moments]

Check out Tekton's website. They have recently released a new line of impact sockets. They are more expensive, but more complete with no skips, and better design too.

 

[Fedwrench]

Do you prefer blue or red blow molded cases?

I haven't bought either in quite awhile. Do grey pneumatic impact sockets have both high vis and stamped size markings? For a long time sunex sunex was the only one to offer both.

Tekton just released new impact sockets sets that are very complete but, I consider 1/2 inch drive sets that start at 8 mm to be a waste of sockets. I rarely use 1/2 inch drive below 13 mm but, that's just me. I think it's ok to skip some sizes like 20 mm too. Tekton also offers open stock so, adding or replacing singles would be a breeze from Tekton.com.

 

[plinker]

I prefer Sunex simply as I'm familiar with them and the few times I've had to warranty something it's pretty painless. I do have a few GP sockets in 1/2 drive and they are slightly longer then the Sunex by about 3/16" or so.

It would pay to check tooltopia and others to compare prices.

 

[X1 Mike]

Do you prefer blue or red blow molded cases?

You laugh but part of wanting to keep with the GP is to keep my impact socket drawer blue.

I haven't bought either in quite awhile. Do grey pneumatic impact sockets have both high vis and stamped size markings? For a long time sunex sunex was the only one to offer both.

As far as I know GP is still just stamped.

Tekton just released new impact sockets sets that are very complete but, I consider 1/2 inch drive sets that start at 8 mm to be a waste of sockets. I rarely use 1/2 inch drive below 13 mm but, that's just me. I think it's ok to skip some sizes like 20 mm too. Tekton also offers open stock so, adding or replacing singles would be a breeze from Tekton.com.

The primary thing I work on is motorcycles so I really don't use a ton of 1/2" so just buying a few individual sizes may be good enough...……..Right up until I need a size I don't have.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Do you prefer blue or red blow molded cases?

I haven't bought either in quite awhile. Do grey pneumatic impact sockets have both high vis and stamped size markings? For a long time sunex sunex was the only one to offer both.

Tekton just released new impact sockets sets that are very complete but, I consider 1/2 inch drive sets that start at 8 mm to be a waste of sockets. I rarely use 1/2 inch drive below 13 mm but, that's just me. I think it's ok to skip some sizes like 20 mm too. Tekton also offers open stock so, adding or replacing singles would be a breeze from Tekton.com.

No, no, no! How will you remove swollen lug nuts? What will you sledge hammer onto a rounded 21mm?

People always got thrown off using my 1/2 sockets since 21 and 19 aren't directly next to each other like most peoples sets. I love my 20mm, loathe having to use it, but I use it plenty.



IMO it's better to have and not need, than need and not have. It's GJ after all, right?

 

[Fedwrench]

I used to think that sunex and Grey Pneumatic were made in the same Taiwan factory. there was just some people that put the brand names on the sockets and then threw the grey Pneumatic sockets into blue boxes and the sunex into red ones. I still kind of feel that way. The last sunex impact sockets I bought was a 3/8 semi deep metric set. I got it because the set covered 8-22 mm when most other sets only run 8-19 mm. Great sockets that i still use on most days. I think either brand will serve you well but, if you're partial to blue boxes, then the obvious choice is Grey Pneumatic.

 

[mfewtrail]

Since you're considering that Tekton set, I'll throw out a 4th option for you: Knox from Tooltopia. Neither the Tekton nor the Knox are stamped.

https://www.tooltopia.com/knox-tools-knxs1227ms.aspx

That Knox set is the cheapest most complete set, but $15 more gets you the same sizes(the knox listing has at typo and is a 26 piece set) from Sunex with stamping...

 

[qqzj]

Be patient and get GearWrench. they have great sales near Thanksgiving

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[lardy1]

The old style Tekton's may start showing up with the resellers. There may be some deals due to the introduction of the new line.

I have the old style Tekton impact sockets. I'm sure they aren't the best on the market but they'll turn a hex head.

 

[woody6904]

Do you prefer blue or red blow molded cases?

I haven't bought either in quite awhile. Do grey pneumatic impact sockets have both high vis and stamped size markings? For a long time sunex sunex was the only one to offer both.

GP has both now, started doing the stamping a couple years ago.

 

[Mr_B]

If you like GP stick with it.
They about 78 bucks on tooldiscounter.com
Never worth considering cost when only few bucks difference .
Would of thought for bike work thin wall set and or shouldered design be potentially helpful ...

 

[X1 Mike]

If you like GP stick with it.
They about 78 bucks on tooldiscounter.com
Never worth considering cost when only few bucks difference .
Would of thought for bike work thin wall set and or shouldered design be potentially helpful ...

I saw tooldiscounter.com yesterday but wasn't sure if they were reputable.

As far as thinwall, most places where I'd put a 1/2" impact have plenty of room. ATV lugs and axles, Harley compensator, axles............

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I still don't understand why people discuss Tekton. I watch tool brand comparison videos on Youtube pretty much whenever Youtube recommends one to me. I haven't seen a ton of Tekton stuff tested but whenever I do see it, it seems to ****. Latest example of a video I saw where Tekton proves to be ****:

No this isn't testing a Tekton impact product, but the point is... Tekton has literally never proven its tools to be quality (that I've seen) yet somehow they get an extraordinary amount of discussion on forums and stuff. I don't understand why.

I do have a couple sets of GP sockets that have been great to me for almost 10 years. GP tools have been somewhat tested and reasonably proven to be good. Money no object, I would not buy GP but here in the real world where money absolutely matters, I would buy GP again (and will probably buy more of their products in the future).

I honestly don't think Tekton is comparable at all, and if they were, they need to step up and prove it. Their entire brand is an internet fad right now. When it comes to tools, it's the manufacturer's job to prove to me that they can do the job without fail, and Tekton has - from what I have seen - failed to prove anything. As such, I'm not really sure why people would be trusting them to get the job done.

I've only owned a few random Sunex sockets (and never any of their more expensive tools) and haven't seen much in the way of "torture testing" of their stuff, so I have insufficient experience with which to comment on them.

 

[Mr_B]

I saw tooldiscounter.com yesterday but wasn't sure if they were reputable.

As far as thinwall, most places where I'd put a 1/2" impact have plenty of room. ATV lugs and axles, Harley compensator, axles............

If they work for you then that the ones get, no point mixing up brands trying something new and sunex nothing better .
I would see if can get someones proven buying experience on tooldiscounter before using or shop around a bit more.
I remember seeing that set around 75 bucks a few times .

 

[JP Chestnut]

Tekton has literally never proven its tools to be quality (that I've seen) yet somehow they get an extraordinary amount of discussion on forums and stuff. I don't understand why.

They have a super slick website, low prices, good CS, good warranty, and tons and tons and tons of options. They also clearly tailor their offerings to people who want a complete set.

I don't know how high quality their tools are - maybe they're trash, I don't know - but they're doing everything else right as far as being a web focused brand. Go try to find out something online about a particular Wright tool and do the same for Tekton. The consumer experience is worlds different.

Tekton strikes me as very very similar to a lot of VC backed brands with a really effective web-focused strategy. These brands span almost all "male focused" consumer goods: watches, whiskey, coffee, etc. Now it seems "tools" get added to the list.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

https://www.resellerratings.com/store/ToolDiscounter - note, however, that this site is kind of confusing and I don't recommend going by just their singular rating. I think it only takes into account very recent reviews. Not sure if the COVID situation has messed with TD's service lately.

One of my uncles has ordered from them 1-2 times and recommended them to me but I don't think I've ordered anything from them so far, so no personal experience to note.

Go try to find out something online about a particular Wright tool and do the same for Tekton.

That's true. I've actually written a complaint to Wright before for this.

But the kind of people that get real work done in life and the kind of people that judge tools by the manufaturer's website... well, I don't think there is much overlap there.

I'm literally a web developer by profession. I also fix my car (and just about anything else that breaks in life) and the thought of judging tools by the manufacturer's website is just so incredibly ridiculous to me.

What happened to people such that they started thinking the websites are what matter? I mean, good websites are certainly nice. But we are talking sockets here. Like why does someone actually even need to be on Tekton's website to look up sockets? Who even does that?

I guess some people must do that, though. (P.S. not trying to be insulting with this reply - I am acutely aware that some people might dislike my opinion there)

 

[toddmorr]

yeah i think your view is a little harsh Tux. Nobody makes purchasing decisions based solely on a website. For me, it's only one of a half dozen factors i consider. And by the way, the relative performance of the tool compared to competition in a stress test is rarely on the list.

anyway, Tekton gets alot right, and that earns them consideration from lots of guys.

 

[JP Chestnut]

I need a full set of torx and square bits for a project. Tekton has a set of everything a person could possibly ever need for around $200, I can get a good look at them online, and I could have them shipped to me by Saturday. It’s definitely appealing.

That’s not to say I’ll buy them - I probably won’t. I’ll likely end up paying five times as much for snap on. The tools are higher quality and made in the USA matters to me. Not everyone cares, can afford to be choosy, or really needs the quality.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

i have their impact sockets for work, they all do their job. Have not broke any of them yet.

Tekton = 1/2 deep impact socket set

GP = 3/8 shallow/deep impact set

Sunex = 1/2 shallow impact set

 

[crbnfbr]

Those new Tekton impacts do like nice, but I am disappointed they're still Cr-V not Cr-Mo.

 

[setfocus]

No, no, no! How will you remove swollen lug nuts? What will you sledge hammer onto a rounded 21mm?

People always got thrown off using my 1/2 sockets since 21 and 19 aren't directly next to each other like most peoples sets. I love my 20mm, loathe having to use it, but I use it plenty.



IMO it's better to have and not need, than need and not have. It's GJ after all, right?

beat me to it, or when the shinny cap came off what was a 21mm lug. And 23mm is good for the swollen 22mm or 7/8 lugs.

I bought a set of tekton 12 point, shallow, 1/2 drive impacts for the occasional 12 point bolt. Think I used one of them once so far. It worked. Not spending big money on something that's hardly ever used

 

[Mr_B]

Those new Tekton impacts do like nice, but I am disappointed they're still Cr-V not Cr-Mo.

why
generally good grade crv and good effort manufacture creates some of best impact sockets I experienced .

 

[X1 Mike]

If they work for you then that the ones get, no point mixing up brands trying something new and sunex nothing better .
I would see if can get someones proven buying experience on tooldiscounter before using or shop around a bit more.
I remember seeing that set around 75 bucks a few times .

That is pretty much what I was thinking but it doesn't seem as the GP is available in as many places.

I almost forgot about but may have to throw Icon into the mix.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-metric-professional-impact-socket-set-14-pc-56365.html

 

[livinloud11]

I bought Tekton 3/8 and 1/2 impact sockets in both deep and shallow. They work great for at home stuff (im no professional mechanic). I'm happy with them. I bought a separate 4 piece set for much larger impact socket sizes in case that day ever comes.

 

[xOccupantx]

I have GP impacts 3/8 and 1/2 and I love them. Have been extremely durable for me

However I’m looking to get a set of impact swivels and I’m pretty set on Sunex over GP due to ease of warranty. I’ve heard of many people having issues with GP on warranty but Sunex is no hassle.

I’ve got some Tekton impact too and it’s alright. Tekton impact stuff is noticeably thicker which means inferior metal in my mind, but I can’t say I’ve broken any of their stuff either. And I’ve also heard they have a great warranty should you need it which is also a bit comforting.

 

[kudakev615]

I’ve got some Tekton impact too and it’s alright. Tekton impact stuff is noticeably thicker which means inferior metal in my mind, but I can’t say I’ve broken any of their stuff either. And I’ve also heard they have a great warranty should you need it which is also a bit comforting.

funny you mention tekton impact socket wall thickness. i've been using a set of their 6 point 1/2" deep metrics for years and recently picked up their 12 point 1/2" deep and shallow sets. first thing i noticed when i took them out the box was how much thinner the 12 point sets are. they are almost as thin as chrome sockets.

 

[setfocus]

Yeah my 12 point tekton set was smaller than I expected. Most of my impact sockets are snap-on, except matco axle nut sockets, 3/8 drive mid-wells, and 1/4 - 3/8 drive triple square set... and the tekton 12 points

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[Taco Truck]

I still don't understand why people discuss Tekton. I watch tool brand comparison videos on Youtube pretty much whenever Youtube recommends one to me. I haven't seen a ton of Tekton stuff tested but whenever I do see it, it seems to ****. Latest example of a video I saw where Tekton proves to be ****:

No this isn't testing a Tekton impact product, but the point is... Tekton has literally never proven its tools to be quality (that I've seen) yet somehow they get an extraordinary amount of discussion on forums and stuff. I don't understand why.

I do have a couple sets of GP sockets that have been great to me for almost 10 years. GP tools have been somewhat tested and reasonably proven to be good. Money no object, I would not buy GP but here in the real world where money absolutely matters, I would buy GP again (and will probably buy more of their products in the future).

I honestly don't think Tekton is comparable at all, and if they were, they need to step up and prove it. Their entire brand is an internet fad right now. When it comes to tools, it's the manufacturer's job to prove to me that they can do the job without fail, and Tekton has - from what I have seen - failed to prove anything. As such, I'm not really sure why people would be trusting them to get the job done.

I've only owned a few random Sunex sockets (and never any of their more expensive tools) and haven't seen much in the way of "torture testing" of their stuff, so I have insufficient experience with which to comment on them.

No disrespect intended, but I think this has to do with you not being a professional tradesman. I've used plenty of Tekton stuff as a ski lift electrician/mechanic, and it's been fantastic. It gets used hard in all kinds of weather in all kinds of conditions including situations where I have to hurry and therefore misuse the tool. Our ski patrollers use some of their stuff too. Yeah, some of their stuff may not hold up as well as other brands in these torture tests, but they fare just fine in real world situations. Torture tests often miss the forest for the trees. If a tool does fail, you contact their fantastic customer service, and they take care of you. It's unlikely you'll need to though. I've only ever had one issue, and it was an issue straight out of the box. Whatever. **** happens. They had a new tool sent out to me two hours after I sent them an email. That's why I, and likely others, bring them up.

 

[javyLSU]

Ordered a few of the new 1/2” Tekton impact sockets to round out my SK set. I like them so far - fully necked, sizes etched AND stamped... My only wish is that the chamfering on the fastener end was shallow like my SK set, but I’m pretty happy with these.

 

[M635_Guy]

For $12, if you like GP and you want to keep a matched set, I'd just do that. I have the Sunex 1/2" Impacts and they've been great.

However, if it's a seldom-used set, I'd probably keep the extra cash in my pocket and get the less-expensive Tekton set.

I still don't understand why people discuss Tekton. I watch tool brand comparison videos on Youtube pretty much whenever Youtube recommends one to me. I haven't seen a ton of Tekton stuff tested but whenever I do see it, it seems to ****. Latest example of a video I saw where Tekton proves to be ****:

No this isn't testing a Tekton impact product, but the point is... Tekton has literally never proven its tools to be quality (that I've seen) yet somehow they get an extraordinary amount of discussion on forums and stuff. I don't understand why.

I do have a couple sets of GP sockets that have been great to me for almost 10 years. GP tools have been somewhat tested and reasonably proven to be good. Money no object, I would not buy GP but here in the real world where money absolutely matters, I would buy GP again (and will probably buy more of their products in the future).

I honestly don't think Tekton is comparable at all, and if they were, they need to step up and prove it. Their entire brand is an internet fad right now. When it comes to tools, it's the manufacturer's job to prove to me that they can do the job without fail, and Tekton has - from what I have seen - failed to prove anything. As such, I'm not really sure why people would be trusting them to get the job done.

I've only owned a few random Sunex sockets (and never any of their more expensive tools) and haven't seen much in the way of "torture testing" of their stuff, so I have insufficient experience with which to comment on them.

I hate those videos - "Test to Failure" or "Torture Tests" might as well be called "Watch Improperly-Used Tools Break for Fun!"

Worthless.

I'm not arguing for Tekton quality, though my chrome sockets and metric set of wrenches are from them. I haven't used them enough in "stressed" work to say too much, but so far they've been perfectly fine for my DIY use. I also have their 3/8" pearhead ratchet and I like it a lot. The way I heard about Tekton was GarageJournal and I bought them because the general opinions here were almost universally positive. The finishing on my stuff was very good - broaching, chrome, etc. The only corner I can see that is cut is they share blanks across multiple sockets, which means some are longer than they have to be. That is probably creates situations that a professional shop will find unacceptable from a time=money perspective, but I don't get the idea Tekton is going for the pro crowd. I guess we'll see if they hold up and function well for me.

 

[lardy1]

I still don't understand why people discuss Tekton.

It's quite simple, actually. This is a tool forum and Tekton sells tools.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I hate those videos - "Test to Failure" or "Torture Tests" might as well be called "Watch Improperly-Used Tools Break for Fun!"

Worthless.

Why are they worthless? Testing something at a high torque never happens in real life? You always have the exact proper tool in the exact proper size? The proper size always fits in the spot you need? You never use a 3/8" when you know you should be using a 1/2" but your 1/2" tools don't fit in the spot you're working? None of you have ever cracked a socket, broke an adapter, bent or broke a universal joint, or anything of the sort?

I think they're valid tests even if they don't represent every situation you'd use a tool in. If one tool does better under extreme stress than another, would it not be considered the better tool? I'm not sure what you guys think happens in these tests that is so unrealistic.

A few of you guys are taking extreme offense here and I don't quite understand why.

 

[Taco Truck]

Why are they worthless? Testing something at a high torque never happens in real life? You always have the exact proper tool in the exact proper size? The proper size always fits in the spot you need? You never use a 3/8" when you know you should be using a 1/2" but your 1/2" tools don't fit in the spot you're working? None of you have ever cracked a socket, broke an adapter, bent or broke a universal joint, or anything of the sort?

I think they're valid tests even if they don't represent every situation you'd use a tool in. If one tool does better under extreme stress than another, would it not be considered the better tool? I'm not sure what you guys think happens in these tests that is so unrealistic.

A few of you guys are taking extreme offense here and I don't quite understand why.

No one is remotely offended. We just responded to your statement, as a nonprofessional, about why the tools are brought up. No one is saying that they don't misuse tools to get the job done, but a reasonable person isn't going to hold it against the tool or manufacturer if they break under those circumstances. Regardless, I already mentioned that I misuse the tools and they hold up. Did you just want to make a comment and not have anyone respond? If so, an internet forum really isn't the place for that.

 

[Tallpilot]

I have GP impacts 3/8 and 1/2 and I love them. Have been extremely durable for me

However I’m looking to get a set of impact swivels and I’m pretty set on Sunex over GP due to ease of warranty. I’ve heard of many people having issues with GP on warranty but Sunex is no hassle.

I’ve got some Tekton impact too and it’s alright. Tekton impact stuff is noticeably thicker which means inferior metal in my mind, but I can’t say I’ve broken any of their stuff either. And I’ve also heard they have a great warranty should you need it which is also a bit comforting.

When it comes to impact swivels I would go with the pinless Astro.

 

[X1 Mike]

Yeah my 12 point tekton set was smaller than I expected.

I kinda like those.

 

[X1 Mike]

I decided to give the Tektons a try but I went with the 12 point deep well sockets. I have no problem with my GP’s just figured I’d try something different. The only potential problem I see is the sizes are only etched and not stamped. Really they will most likely not see enough use to have that worn away. Used them to remove a tire from the wife’s quad and they did what they were supposed to do. 50 bucks on the porch is tough to beat.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00944E5XG/?tag=atomicindus08-20




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[X1 Mike]

I still don't understand why people discuss Tekton.

It's quite simple, actually. This is a tool forum and Tekton sells tools.

Even simpler, This is a tool forum and people buy Tekton.

 

[tyyost]

In post 31 it shows two Tekton 1/2 deep sockets fully necked, them in post 38 the set looks just like my Walmart Stanley set from 15 years ago. I’ve been looking to replace it with something better as I seem to be reaching for more deep metric sockets lately. I’d prefer the reduced diameter ones - is there a different Tekton set I should be looking at?