Have You Broken Any Tekton Tools?

[BarrelRoll]

If you have broken any Tekton stuff which Tekton tools have you actually broken and how did you break it?

I can't find much bad about Tekton on here, it sounds like their warranty process is super easy, and they have free shipping to Alaska. I'm pretty hard on my stuff at work in an industrial environment. I need to fill some holes in my tool box at work, mainly big metric stuff and tools I don't use very often. I'am leaning towards Tekton.

 

[Professional Tool User]

I haven't broken any Tekton tools so far. A lot of their stuff is decent enough. That being said, not all their tools are good. There's still a bit of junk in their catalog like the letter punch kit I bought. Just make sure you don't end up buying those items. As for using the tools in an industrial environment, you're going to have to weigh the downtime vs tool costs. If it's more cost and time effective just to buy a new replacement tool/warranty locally, the Tekton's warranty is irrelevant.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Killed a 3/8 ratchet, 8" handle flex. Kept skipping teeth. They sent me a new one, which has lasted 18-24 months since.

Blew the locking handle off a set of locking pliers, rivet failed. Replacement set failed the same way, so I just tossed them.


I've bought some sockets, bits, and picks since. They seem to stand behind their stuff.

 

[vanapplebomb]

Never had any problems with their chrome and impact sockets, wrenches, and hammers. Very good stuff for the money.

Hex keys are ok. I would rate them just behind Bondhus and Eklind. With time they do round over, but are still a head and shoulder above many other cheap hex keys.

 

[p00p]

broke several ratcheting wrenches. Wasn't using any cheater bars or hammers on it. Pure human strength. Not even enhanced with alcohol!
1 star, wouldn't recommend.

 

[Buckgnarly]

We use them at school, and so far after 3 years the animals have broken......
2 needle nose
1 3/8 ratchet (guts)
1 socket

All were warrantied fast and easy.

 

[assassin10000]

Their long handle flex ratcheting wrenches (12-14 & 17-19) and one 3/8 impact wobble.


I still need to remember to grab a pic and warranty the wobble (I have 2 so no down time).

 

[nicks78camaro]

Stripped a 3/8" ratchet. They sent me a rebuild kit quickly.

Broke the flex part of a 1/2" ratchet. They sent me a new ratchet quickly.

 

[onarant]

I haven't had any of my Tekton tools break yet. They get used a lot but I would not say they are used hard.

 

[LGBFJB]

I broke one of their bent needle nose pliers, and my buddy broke a few of their 1/2" rachets. Their stuff ranges from bad to great depending on supplier, but they seem to be getting better with time. Warranty is easy like everyone else said. Seems good for your use case.

 

[AirMech#406]

Broke their 18" 3/8 drive ratchet the first time I used it. I was using it to break free a spark plug torqued to 420 in-lbs so it should have been well within the capabilities of the ratchet. I think it must have been a mfg defect in the gear or the pawl because it spun so easily. They sent me a rebuild kit and I have not had any issues since, but I am a little leery of their ratchets now.

 

[Gurp]

I haven't broke any of there wrenches year in 9 years. I've lost a few working away from home. They have definitely been well abused.
Can't speak on much else of theirs though.

 

[Jweebothee]

A I’ve had bad luck with their 3/8 torque wrenches, the lock nut on the bottom keeps coming out completely after about 3-4 months. I thought maybe I unscrewed it too much the first time, so when they sent me a replacement, I made sure i never loosened it too much, and set it back to 10 ft/lbs, when not used, the highest it was ever used was 50 ft/lbs, but after 3-4 months the replacement fell out again, so they sent another, and that one the anvil had a crack in it, so they sent another, and I’ve since got a split beam and a digital so I haven’t used the Tekton one, I love it when they are working, but I’ve just had bad luck with them. So now I have 3 broken ones and a new one, I would like to try to fix the broken ones but not sure how to go about that, I’ll check the YouTube one day to try, sorry for the long post haha. But tekton is an awesome company, I have a lot of great tools that have not let me down, and their customer service is top notch!!

 

[ecotec]

We use them at school, and so far after 3 years the animals have broken......
2 needle nose
1 3/8 ratchet (guts)
1 socket

All were warrantied fast and easy.

That is pretty damn impressive. I always figured that students and soldiers, using tools that are not theirs, are the best test for tools.

I don’t think that I have damaged a single Tekton tool… but as my tool collection has grown from NOS and estate sales… most have been given away or donated. There are still a few in my giveaway tool drawer.

 

[Fly YX]

I guy at work broke a bit socket and a 1/4 torque wrench. Went on their website and took some pictures of the tools. A few days later the new ones arrived was super easy.

 

[Buckgnarly]

That is pretty damn impressive. I always figured that students and soldiers, using tools that are not theirs, are the best test for tools.

I don’t think that I have damaged a single Tekton tool… but as my tool collection has grown from NOS and estate sales… most have been given away or donated. There are still a few in my giveaway tool drawer.

We have 6 carts, each cart has a complete 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet set SAE and metric, 2 vice grips (needle and regular), metric combo and metric stubby wrench set, 3 pry bars, flip socket set for wheels, combo/needle/channellock/dykes, Tekton ball peen and Trusty Cook relabeled deadblow.
I have been pretty impressed so far, plus the student discount program is fantastic.

 

[Madjik Man]

There are still a few in my giveaway tool drawer.

Hello. *friendly wave*

 

[toddmorr]

Put a cheater bar on a 3/8 ratchet and broke it. Easy replacement

 

[ibzepfan]

I broke a 1/2 to 3/8 impact adapter taking lug nuts off, not once but 3 times. The first 2 times Tekton sent me a replacement, but a couple of months ago when the 3rd one broke I just bought an Ares adapter from Amazon. I know, I should have bought 1/2 impact sockets to begin with.

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

Broke a 3/8 universal. The jaws spread and it got very sloppy. Had a replacement in under a week (but I am in MI). Not B&M fast on the warranty, but fast enough. It couldn't have been easier.

 

[visionguru]

I can't find much bad about Tekton on here, it sounds like their warranty process is super easy, and they have free shipping to Alaska.

Wool has to come from the back of a sheep.
Tekton tends to charge more for the same run-of-the-mill quality. In the following example, 68% more :

Angled End Handled Pry Bar Set (3-Piece) | TEKTON | LSQ42103

Includes: 12, 17, and 25 inch angled tip handled pry bars. Features strong bar stock, a steel striking cap, and durable handle. Made in the USA.

www.tekton.com

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/wrecking-pry-bars/masterforce-reg-3-piece-pry-bar-set/hpb3hthc-mf/p-1532932649296-c-9170.htm?tid=-9147392491156578071&ipos=1

Very recently, I used a Tekton O2 socket to do O2 sensors. It's horrible, barely worked, despite having 3000+ positive reviews on Amazon. Tekton socket is loose fit on O2 sensor and caused corner rounding (1st pic). After 1st O2 sensor, I stopped and bought Gearwrench sockets on Amazon.


The 2nd one was done by a Gearwrench socket, not even a mark despite being much more corroded.

IMO, what Tekton offers is pretty much the same as Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, Harbor Freight. Except offering non-skip socket sets covering large sizes, there is not much to write home about. Neither cheaper or better warranty than those physical stores.

 

[david3921]

I dropped my 1/2" ratchet and broke the selector. I emailed Tekton asking about the price of a rebuild kit and how to order. They asked for a picture. I sent them a picture via email. They sent me a rebuild kit for free in two days.

 

[Nthill93]

Broke a 1 1/4” 3/4 drive socket. Sent them a picture and new one came in the mail a few days later

 

[toddmorr]

Wool has to come from the back of a sheep.
Tekton tends to charge more for the same run-of-the-mill quality. In the following example, 68% more :

Angled End Handled Pry Bar Set (3-Piece) | TEKTON | LSQ42103

Includes: 12, 17, and 25 inch angled tip handled pry bars. Features strong bar stock, a steel striking cap, and durable handle. Made in the USA.

www.tekton.com

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/wrecking-pry-bars/masterforce-reg-3-piece-pry-bar-set/hpb3hthc-mf/p-1532932649296-c-9170.htm?tid=-9147392491156578071&ipos=1

Very recently, I used a Tekton O2 socket to do O2 sensors. It's horrible, barely worked, despite having 3000+ positive reviews on Amazon. Tekton socket is loose fit on O2 sensor and caused corner rounding (1st pic). After 1st O2 sensor, I stopped and bought Gearwrench sockets on Amazon.


The 2nd one was done by a Gearwrench socket, not even a mark despite being much more corroded.

IMO, what Tekton offers is pretty much the same as Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, Harbor Freight. Except offering non-skip socket sets covering large sizes, there is not much to write home about. Neither cheaper or better warranty than those physical stores.

You're right, there are lots of quality Taiwan offerings out there and many are now much cheaper than tekton.

 

[Ton ton]

I cracked a Tekton impact socket. Yes, the warranty is painless.

 

[Odd-job]

This thread is motivating me to finally follow up on a rebuild kit for my 18 inch 3/8 ratchet. It has been getting a little futzy lately with the lever changing direction when its least convenient buried in an engine bay.

Tekton has some gems mixed in with a bunch of generic stuff. Particularly the USA made stuff like screwdrivers and basically anything with their new hard handle. Can't forget their Rousseau boxes which I really want. Their wrenches used to be a really good value before pandemic and inflation, but if it were my money I would go for some Japanese Top or KTC wrenches in satin right now.

Has anyone warrantied their Trusty Cook rebranded dead blows by chance? Seems like Tekton wraps it with their warranty and support which quite frankly was what Trusty Cook was missing vs Snap On.

 

[nicks78camaro]

This thread is motivating me to finally follow up on a rebuild kit for my 18 inch 3/8 ratchet. It has been getting a little futzy lately with the lever changing direction when its least convenient buried in an engine bay.

Tekton has some gems mixed in with a bunch of generic stuff. Particularly the USA made stuff like screwdrivers and basically anything with their new hard handle. Can't forget their Rousseau boxes which I really want. Their wrenches used to be a really good value before pandemic and inflation, but if it were my money I would go for some Japanese Top or KTC wrenches in satin right now.

Has anyone warrantied their Trusty Cook rebranded dead blows by chance? Seems like Tekton wraps it with their warranty and support which quite frankly was what Trusty Cook was missing vs Snap On.

That's a great question about their deadblows

 

[nicks78camaro]

See attached screen shot with Tekton rep.

NOTE: they replied again and said their hammer warranty is decided on a case by case basis

 

[dnschmidt]

To answer the original question I've never broken any hand tool made by anybody. But, I live in Phoenix so maybe that disqualifies me from this discussion.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Yes, broken a couple long Allen bits. Warranty was painless just took a few weeks.

Back when they had the cheap Chrome Vandium no skip impact sets coworkers broke a few sockets. Again, painless warranty.

Noticed a few other companies do the “take a quick pic and submit short online form” method of warranty now, and IMHO it ought to be the standard.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I’ve had several wrenches spread on me. Nothing crazy as far as force applied. They did warranty them quickly which was cool. To me, the combo wrenches seem a little soft.

 

[nicks78camaro]

See attached screen shot with Tekton rep

NOTE: they replied again and said their hammer warranty is decided on a case by case basis

 

[iagsxr]

I broke one of their bar clamps that I'd bought years ago. Didn't even know they had a warranty till it was discussed on here.

Sent them a couple pictures. Had a new one in about a week.

 

[Odd-job]

NOTE: they replied again and said their hammer warranty is decided on a case by case basis

While that's better than nothing, they must have read this thread and had 2nd thoughts

 

[qqzj]

Broke their 18" 3/8 drive ratchet the first time I used it. I was using it to break free a spark plug torqued to 420 in-lbs so it should have been well within the capabilities of the ratchet. I think it must have been a mfg defect in the gear or the pawl because it spun so easily. They sent me a rebuild kit and I have not had any issues since, but I am a little leery of their ratchets now.

Which kind of spark plug needs so much torque?

 

[Buckaroo5]

Snapped the tip off of a 1/2" T30 impact bit. Sent a photo and got a replacement quickly.

 

[lardy1]

I sent an email asking if they had repair ends for their air hoses. I bought a hose and reel several years ago. They replied to send a picture so I did and a few days later a new hose arrived. I didn't expect that.

 

[boom10ful]

Wool has to come from the back of a sheep.
Tekton tends to charge more for the same run-of-the-mill quality. In the following example, 68% more :

Angled End Handled Pry Bar Set (3-Piece) | TEKTON | LSQ42103

Includes: 12, 17, and 25 inch angled tip handled pry bars. Features strong bar stock, a steel striking cap, and durable handle. Made in the USA.

www.tekton.com

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/wrecking-pry-bars/masterforce-reg-3-piece-pry-bar-set/hpb3hthc-mf/p-1532932649296-c-9170.htm?tid=-9147392491156578071&ipos=1

Very recently, I used a Tekton O2 socket to do O2 sensors. It's horrible, barely worked, despite having 3000+ positive reviews on Amazon. Tekton socket is loose fit on O2 sensor and caused corner rounding (1st pic). After 1st O2 sensor, I stopped and bought Gearwrench sockets on Amazon.


The 2nd one was done by a Gearwrench socket, not even a mark despite being much more corroded.

IMO, what Tekton offers is pretty much the same as Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, Harbor Freight. Except offering non-skip socket sets covering large sizes, there is not much to write home about. Neither cheaper or better warranty than those physical stores.

Best ones I've bought were Snap-on, Matco, and Lisle O2 sensor sockets. The cheap ones just spread and make a job that much harder IMO

 

[qqzj]

I think I am going to collect a few really cheap low quality T

Wool has to come from the back of a sheep.
Tekton tends to charge more for the same run-of-the-mill quality. In the following example, 68% more :

Angled End Handled Pry Bar Set (3-Piece) | TEKTON | LSQ42103

Includes: 12, 17, and 25 inch angled tip handled pry bars. Features strong bar stock, a steel striking cap, and durable handle. Made in the USA.

www.tekton.com

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/wrecking-pry-bars/masterforce-reg-3-piece-pry-bar-set/hpb3hthc-mf/p-1532932649296-c-9170.htm?tid=-9147392491156578071&ipos=1

Very recently, I used a Tekton O2 socket to do O2 sensors. It's horrible, barely worked, despite having 3000+ positive reviews on Amazon. Tekton socket is loose fit on O2 sensor and caused corner rounding (1st pic). After 1st O2 sensor, I stopped and bought Gearwrench sockets on Amazon.


The 2nd one was done by a Gearwrench socket, not even a mark despite being much more corroded.

IMO, what Tekton offers is pretty much the same as Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, Harbor Freight. Except offering non-skip socket sets covering large sizes, there is not much to write home about. Neither cheaper or better warranty than those physical stores.

That is interesting. I have two Tekton O2 sensor sockets. They worked well for me. But I am in CA, maybe I am not qualified to comment. I also have a whole set of GearWrench sensor sockets. They are completely new. Never used once.

 

[AirMech#406]

Which kind of spark plug needs so much torque?

Aviation spark plugs. Specifically on a Lycoming engine.