Improved socket sets from Tekton

[65k10]

I see on Tekton's website they have their new socket sets listed. Sockets have larger size stampings and it looks like the deep sockets are a little different. Plus they now come with the 90 tooth ratchets. Price is a little higher, but it's probably worth it for including a better ratchet. You can find all the new sets on Tekton's website, but here's the links for the 3/8 set and one of the 1/2 drive sets.

3/8 set
https://www.tekton.com/3-8-inch-drive-6-point-socket-and-ratchet-set-skt15301

1/2 set
https://www.tekton.com/1-2-inch-drive-6-point-socket-and-ratchet-set-skt25302

 

[Tallpilot]

Everything but knurling. Hard to argue these aren’t the best value in sockets now. I like knurling but it isn’t the dealbreaker non fully stepped shoulders are. If you want knurling pay double for Carlyle.

 

[mudflap]

Thanks for the update, and the links.. Looks like high quality stuff, at very reasonable prices.

 

[Fedwrench]

I must say I'm disappointed. 1/4 rail set only goes to 12 mm and open stock is the same Really need 13, 14, & 15 to be competitive. :dunno

I was expecting more offerings

 

[mudflap]

Wonder why the big sets, and singles can be had in 6pt shallow, but the separate rail sets are only available in shallow 12pt..? Thats a bummer..

 

[ChrisLS8]

Everything but knurling. Hard to argue these aren’t the best value in sockets now. I like knurling but it isn’t the dealbreaker non fully stepped shoulders are. If you want knurling pay double for Carlyle.

Or Gearwrench or OEMtools

 

[Dave.R]

There is plenty to come with our socket program going forward. We went back and forth on the knurling but ultimately ended up with a deep groove line in the socket.

I've had personal experience with socket knurling scratching bike parts, so I'm a much bigger fan of the groove vs. knurling.

Dave

[email protected]

 

[ericb445]

Good looking set for the money

 

[LilEngineeringBoy]

I like that there are no skips. As I go back and forth from Japanese to German cars, suddenly the 14 and 17 are less important and the 13 and 16 are getting the use.

Coming from 36t old school Craftsman ratchets, is there a huge difference between the 90t included here and the 120t GearWrench?

 

[Tallpilot]

Or Gearwrench or OEMtools

Gearwrench would sacrifice stepped shoulders.

OEMTools is a good option if you like German design (big drive ends, half satin finish).

 

[Mr_B]

Larger size stamping or 2 size stampings on each socket is something all main brands should be doing .
step in right direction but not huge changes, prefer stepped shoulders also drive ends on larger sizes like oem tools, german and koken and infar/premier style .
Full length shouldering on the deeps is good, only reason I see for not doing that is reduced production costs.
Only negative with the 90tooth ratchets is the flexi heads become loose/limp easily (bit like the HF Pitts Pro)
Overall a pretty decent pretty traditional american style socket design at sensible quality to cost and with currently easy life warranty .

 

[Fedwrench]

I think Tekton should consider metric only sets and also consider launching a blow molded set with the addition of wrenches, a couple of screwdrivers, and pliers. There seems to be more people asking for this type of portable set lately.

The new sets look nice and hopefully there will be more offerings in the future

 

[Citation]

I like that there are no skips. As I go back and forth from Japanese to German cars, suddenly the 14 and 17 are less important and the 13 and 16 are getting the use.

Coming from 36t old school Craftsman ratchets, is there a huge difference between the 90t included here and the 120t GearWrench?

The raised panel ratchets have poor feel. I think you will find it's rare that even 36 vs 90t plus matters much. For example, I would rather use a 72t Husky vs the 100T model (both based on the Apex/GW 80 and 120t designs respectively). The general consensus seems to be much over 60 is diminishing returns. The big plus is the newer ratchets have forward vs reversed selector switches. Otherwise, the older 72T ratchets were really nice and the extra teeth are an insignificant upgrade.

 

[Brownsfan]

Damn it . I just bought my sets at Christmas time.

 

[Mr_B]

Coming from 36t old school Craftsman ratchets, is there a huge difference between the 90t included here and the 120t GearWrench?

not a huge difference between a 90 count and 120, reality is need precise machining make it be low back lash or any tooth count gain lost in the slop of the parts .
another downside to 120xp is heads are overly large .

 

[Mr_B]

I must say I'm disappointed. 1/4 rail set only goes to 12 mm and open stock is the same Really need 13, 14, & 15 to be competitive. :dunno

I was expecting more offerings

Yes that finishes bit short, would expect 13mm at least and 14-15 more favourable, certainly 14mm .
I use 13 and 14mm in 1/4 drive daily .

 

[65k10]

Only negative with the 90tooth ratchets is the flexi heads become loose/limp easily (bit like the HF Pitts Pro)

The spring loaded plunger doesn't keep the head from being floppy or is the play side to side? I've considered buying one of the 1/2 flex heads, but I prefer the heads to stay tight to the handle.

 

[ATC]

There is plenty to come with our socket program going forward. We went back and forth on the knurling but ultimately ended up with a deep groove line in the socket.

I've had personal experience with socket knurling scratching bike parts, so I'm a much bigger fan of the groove vs. knurling.

Dave

[email protected]

Thanks for what you guys are doing. Simple kits with no BS filler tools, and no skipping any sizes.

 

[4Kings]

I think Tekton should consider metric only sets and also consider launching a blow molded set with the addition of wrenches, a couple of screwdrivers, and pliers. There seems to be more people asking for this type of portable set lately.

The new sets look nice and hopefully there will be more offerings in the future

They used to offer those, not all metric but a kit nevertheless. I bought one of these for my son a couple years ago.

https://www.sears.com/tekton-135-pc-wrench-and-socket-set-tools/p-SPM7834399822?sid=IDx20110310x00001i&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiAqt7jBRAcEiwAof2uK1JqD-3sH-EMul8iRhdQftvh2xjscPacKRaf4-LboqgB-VcitDOQJhoCqEMQAvD_BwE#

 

[M6erfan]

I like that Tekton made an effort but I too am disappointed. The new shouldered design is kinda half way but not like the euro and Japanese shouldering which is much superior IMO. Also, no knurling, dang. I work on motor bikes almost daily and I've never had an issue where a knurled socket scratched a part. I cant imagine a scenario where that would happen. But when I have oily gloves on trying to spin a smooth polished chrome drive tool it absolutely ***** not to have knurling. This is where non polished satin chrome has an advantage also.

For me, a kit that stops at 12mm in 1/4" drive is a deal killer (needs to go to at least 14mm IMO) and up to 22mm in 3/8" drive would be very useful.

Anyway, I'm a Tekton fan in general but was hoping for more out of the redesign. And yes, Metric only sets would be an awesome addition and I'm surprised that in todays metric world they are relatively rare.

 

[snickers muncher]

I probably use a 14mm 1/4 socket more than 4,5,6, and 7 combined, but a lot of sets stop at 12.

 

[Mr_B]

The spring loaded plunger doesn't keep the head from being floppy or is the play side to side? I've considered buying one of the 1/2 flex heads, but I prefer the heads to stay tight to the handle.

play side to side through pivot pin not retaining clamping force .
Don't use these personally but lad working for me has 2 and both gone loose very quickly (had couple people comment same). done thread lock and bolts tight but still gone loose .
Will have look at them myself but from initial look don't look like pin can pull them tight enough without stripping it, might be running out of thread so will look into it fully and try spot of bearing retainer if can get them tight .

 

[65k10]

play side to side through pivot pin not retaining clamping force .
Don't use these personally but lad working for me has 2 and both gone loose very quickly (had couple people comment same). done thread lock and bolts tight but still gone loose .
Will have look at them myself but from initial look don't look like pin can pull them tight enough without stripping it, might be running out of thread so will look into it fully and try spot of bearing retainer if can get them tight .

I see. Thank you for the explanation.

 

[BK13]

There is plenty to come with our socket program going forward. We went back and forth on the knurling but ultimately ended up with a deep groove line in the socket.

I've had personal experience with socket knurling scratching bike parts, so I'm a much bigger fan of the groove vs. knurling.

Dave

[email protected]

I understand you can't announce hard plans, but have you guys (or will you, given the number of times it's been mentioned) given any thought to offering the larger 1/4" sizes?

 

[bwringer]

I think Tekton should consider metric only sets and also consider launching a blow molded set with the addition of wrenches, a couple of screwdrivers, and pliers. There seems to be more people asking for this type of portable set lately.

The new sets look nice and hopefully there will be more offerings in the future

Yes, this. That's a fantastic set, but I have absolutely no use for the inch ****. I'd love to see more manufacturers selling metric sets.

 

[Handyandy23]

A little off topic, but why do so many of you want larger sizes in 1/4" drive? Personally I just grab a 3/8 because it usually covers the full range of most auto bolt sizes.

What's the advantage of a 14mm 1/4" over a 14mm 3/8"? Smaller socket body?

 

[2manytools]

A little off topic, but why do so many of you want larger sizes in 1/4" drive? Personally I just grab a 3/8 because it usually covers the full range of most auto bolt sizes.

What's the advantage of a 14mm 1/4" over a 14mm 3/8"? Smaller socket body?

That, and maybe limiting how much torque can be applied. When I bought an impact set for my truck, I went 3/8" for range. It was GW that goes 8-21mm.

I would have preferred Tekton, but only set that came close was a 3/8" & 1/2" combo set. Set is for the truck, so need 21mm but don't want 1/2" weight.

 

[buckwheat_la]

not a huge difference between a 90 count and 120, reality is need precise machining make it be low back lash or any tooth count gain lost in the slop of the parts .
another downside to 120xp is heads are overly large .

You really think so? I find the 120xp heads smaller than a lot of the generic 72 tooth heads. Interesting

 

[kblee27]

A little off topic, but why do so many of you want larger sizes in 1/4" drive? Personally I just grab a 3/8 because it usually covers the full range of most auto bolt sizes.

What's the advantage of a 14mm 1/4" over a 14mm 3/8"? Smaller socket body?

For my work, when I was carrying around 3/8" drive, I found out it was too heavy with all the sockets and extensions.

Then I switched to 1/4" drive, I found out many socket sets stopped at 12mm.
I really needed a 13mm, and preferably 14mm.

Recently I got a set from Wera which stops at 13mm, and I added a 14mm.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757ZN7C6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[thooks]

Did anyone notice while you were mostly whining that someone from Tekton posted in the thread with something constructive to say.....???

It tells me they are at least listening, tested their product with the desires of some and used past experiences and common sense....versus corporate board room reasoning?


Thanks Dave and Tekton. I have a few sets of your sockets, both Tekton brand and some from HF. While I've never had problems with "old school" US made Craftsman mechanics tools, I use yours as well and have been very pleased.

 

[eschoendorff]

There is plenty to come with our socket program going forward. We went back and forth on the knurling but ultimately ended up with a deep groove line in the socket.

I've had personal experience with socket knurling scratching bike parts, so I'm a much bigger fan of the groove vs. knurling.

Dave

[email protected]

Hey neighbor! I’m also in Michigan. Now that I know your a Michigan company I’m gonna take another look at Tekton tools for my future needs.

 

[CR888]

I think its great that a Dave from Tekton participates here to discuss their product. I like the new socket sets, while not a complete home run with every pro feature I would like to see, there definitely a step in the right direction. The 3/8 set seems great value @$60 where as its $200 for the 1/2" but you get a lot of sockets with zero 'filler' items. I too would like to see sizes up to 22mm in the 3/8 set & up to at least 13mm in 1/4. They do look very American with the layout and red cases which is good I suppose. If the deeps were 6pt & the shallows were 12pt or vice versa that would be cool & make the set a little more versatile. But generally well done.

 

[Farmall450]

Everything but knurling. Hard to argue these aren’t the best value in sockets now. I like knurling but it isn’t the dealbreaker non fully stepped shoulders are. If you want knurling pay double for Carlyle.

Ehhhh, at best maybe out of new ones, sure.

 

[Dave.R]

We will be releasing all Metric and all SAE sets in the future as well as extended range sets. Keeping out the filler tools and having consecutive sizing is something to always look forward to with us.

You should expect to see this program grow significantly over the next year!

Also, our 1/4 set does run up to 14mm. So you'll have a solid overlap between sets.

Dave

[email protected]

 

[gregpack]

I thinkand also consider launching a blow molded set with the addition of wrenches, a couple of screwdrivers, and pliers. There seems to be more people asking for this type of portable set lately.

If you could put together a smartly designed set with the essentials in a quality blow molded case I'd be a buyer. Blue point comes close on a couple of theirs. Be sure and include a small hollow area that would allow the owner to add a couple of specialty tools.

 

[Mr_B]

good to see up to 14mm in 1/4 is covered.
overall tekton certainly seems put in more effort on what they source and listen to buyers more than most.
Current easy warranty handling also great plus at the price point .
Hope to see more expansion/evolving ...

 

[M6erfan]

Just an example where extended size range comes in handy; I was torquing a clutch basket on a vintage Yamaha this afternoon, 22mm nut/36ft lbs. My 1/2" torque wrench goes down to 40 ft lbs so I needed to use my 3/8" torque wrench. Nice that my 90's era C'man 3/8" socket set goes up to 22mm...

 

[Yarpo]

Gearwrench would sacrifice stepped shoulders.

OEMTools is a good option if you like German design (big drive ends, half satin finish).

Gearwrench has stepped shoulders, unless I'm missing what stepped shouldering is. The benefit here to tekton is that the shoulder is farther down the socket, but gearwrenches are stepped about halfway up.

I'm curious if these are stamped on both sides or only one, as the older sets are stamped on one side?

 

[Tallpilot]

Gearwrench has stepped shoulders, unless I'm missing what stepped shouldering is. The benefit here to tekton is that the shoulder is farther down the socket, but gearwrenches are stepped about halfway up.

I'm curious if these are stamped on both sides or only one, as the older sets are stamped on one side?

I wrote fully stepped in my first post. I got lazy and skipped it for the reply.

Did everyone notice the 3/8” set now includes 11/32”?

 

[Yarpo]

I wrote fully stepped in my first post. I got lazy and skipped it for the reply.

Did everyone notice the 3/8” set now includes 11/32”?

Ah fair fair, I got ya anyways, just wanted to clarify and make sure I wasn't confused. The fully stepped shoulders look super nice here. Wish more companies did so.