Husky vs. Tekton (no, it's not bait)

[Wellie]

New member, longtime lurker here. And yes, I know Tekton is the answer to all my woes, world hunger, and world peace... but I still have to ask, I have no problem spending the extra cash when and if it makes sense.

In the market for the complete socket set in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2, shallow and deep, 6 point (12 point maybe) up to a max size of 1 - 1/2" and MM equivalent. My side hustle is repairing small engine, sizeable farm equipment, ground implements, and a lot of power sports. So a diverse selection has been essential, and the piece meal approach has worn thin.

On a whim I purchased a Husky Master Socket Set, a 347 piece set for an incredible price of $211 with tax (sale, discount, and Veteran's discount). A fairly complete set sizes in 6 & 12 point, aside from the 1/2" drive deep 6 point and missing a few sizes that I was able to fill from old set. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Master-Socket-Set-347-Piece-H347PCSSSO/308773799

Its not Tekton quality and I know it. I really don't need the 12 point stuff aside from the occasional head bolts and such, but I can cover those. My question comes to longevity, warranty, and usability... and if the savings is worth it compared to the Tekton price and 6pt only setup. FWIW I'm using ratchets of many makes.

- How has the durability been using them on a regular but not full time basis?
- Are there any known or common fitment or slippage issues?
- Is it decent and halfway durable for the money?
- Has anyone used the Husky warranty, specifically calling the 1-800 number and obtaining a replacement? (Home Depot is an hour away from me, so rarely go there)

I do have a full set of Husky Reversible Ratcheting wrenches that I picked up on FB Marketplace, brand new for cheap... and they have survived quite the beating, but socket collections are different.

 

[lardy1]

For me, it would be Tekton simply based on my past experience with them. As for comparison, the only modern Husky tools that I've bought are a ratcheting screwdriver (to see if I like the concept. I did. Gave the Husky to wife and bought Stahlwille and Bahco for my shop) and one ratcheting wrench to fill in a missing Gearwrench from a set I rarely use. It isn't a very nice ratcheting wrench. Similar to the ultra cheap Gearwrench it matches.

I have quite a bit of Tekton. It isn't always the best available but I find most of it to be acceptable for my personal use. If you've been reading here I don't have to tell you about them having the best customer service in the online tool business.

I personally struggle to trust modern Husky because it's mostly Apex rebrands and I have zero respect for Apex Tool Company and their business practices (but that's my own baggage).

Use what you can afford and enjoy the tools you choose. One thing I've found is that no matter what tool I choose, it's almost inevitable someone in here will mention something to make me wonder if I made the right choice. Most of that is just second guess and nonsense because when my tools come out, they seem to function regardless of brand.

Peace.

 

[mike93lx]

How many sockets are you guys breaking? In 25 years of owning tools, I think I have broken one or two, excluding the big torx bits, and even then, it's probably only a few more.

Worrying this much about warranty, especially on cheap tools, seems unnecessary to me.

 

[lardy1]

I don't remember ever cracking a socket in my 70 years but I'm not an auto tech. I really haven't broken many tools in my life. I only abuse my tools if I can't see any alternative.

 

[AEAdam]

Breaking tools is not the yard stick of an acceptable tool. If cheap tools functioned like expensive tools except that they broke more often, we would all use them.

The yard stick for tools is can they, how they, handle high torque. Whatever the nominal torque is for a given bolt, our tools should handle probably twice that without yielding (changing shape).

You are bottom feeding tools and with these brands you may run into trouble rounding off some stubborn fasteners, which could be a problem for you. An impact wrench and a decent set of impact sockets might be a good easy mitigation. You won’t need it for power sports, you might for some farm equipment.

In the admittedly flawed tests available on YouTube, I don‘t recall seeing Husky, Tekton does ok, maybe punching above their weight, which explains the love the brand gets here. My choice for you would have been a tool box full of Williams USA, as they are good performers, true heirloom tools that won’t break the bank. Their whole range is good, sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers. It’s exactly what so many GJers want (but weirdly don’t seem to buy). It’s Snap On design, good quality US manufacturing, for reasonable prices.

More: Icon, by ripping off Snap On designs, is also attractive to me for all the same reasons. I like that you can get semi deep sockets, I like the look of their wrenches, which are Snap On copies. Those are good designs. The lengths are good. Test results show them comparable to Tekton. My only concern with HF is, for how long will the quality last? At what point will they turn off the quality to increase profitability, or switch suppliers? If one hopes to warranty an Icon tool in the future, HF will still be around, but the Icon you buy in just 5 years will likely not be the Icon you can buy now.

 

[Zewnten]

At the price point of these tools why worry about warranty? You’re more likely to lose than break them. If the Husky set was made in Taiwan I’m sure they’re fine. If they’re not I’d probably go with Tekton.

 

[shakenfake]

How many sockets are you guys breaking? In 25 years of owning tools, I think I have broken one or two, excluding the big torx bits, and even then, it's probably only a few more.

Worrying this much about warranty, especially on cheap tools, seems unnecessary to me.

In the past 3 or 4 years I think I have broken 3 sockets. Two Husky 12 pt. sockets, 7mm and 8mm, that were so loose to begin with they basically rounded themselves out. One USA Craftsman 1/4" 10mm socket that cracked right down the middle.

I just buy tools based on the prestige now and not warranty. I never even warrantied those 3 I just tossed them.