Is the Default Advice to "Get the Tekton Set" still Relevant?

[dmparksa]

I know for the last 5-ish years, the go-to advice has been to "get the set from Tekton". I'm starting to question if that's still relevant.

I'm a home gamer, mostly working on my own vehicle, very occasionally working on friends' vehicles. I've done a tiny bit more than what most would normally be comfortable with, just short of a full engine rebuild. I did most of my work with older USA Craftsman, HF Pittsburgh, Dewalt, and some newer craftsman tools. I've recently gotten more into tools and have been on the lookout for better pieces.

However with a recent new vehicle purchase, I'm finding myself working on things less than I did before since there's nothing wrong with it yet!

I've bought a few different pieces from Tekton over the years: their metric combination wrench set, a breaker bar, some sockets, extensions, universal joints, and other small pieces here and there. I've been very satisfied with the quality and price of the things I've bought from Tekton. While I haven't broken anything that I've bought from them, it's nice to know that they will provide great customer service and warranty when/if I need it.

I know prices are going up across the board on many things, but I'm noticing that Tekton's price increases are a bit too much to consider it a simple inflation adjustment.

As an example, here's a Tekton 3/8 drive 12 inch flex head quick release ratchet. https://a.co/2fhV3fh

In 2020, price was $35, today's price is $44. I know $44 is still a great price for this quality of a ratchet and the warranty that Tekton offers, that's still a 25% increase in price!

Along the same lines, my metric combination wrench set 8mm-22mm back in 2019, it was $40. Now it's $81, a 100% increase. https://a.co/7k1HGyo

I'm finding myself choosing to buy Gearwrench(for much cheaper on sales), Koken(for a bit more through DRPD or palmac or KokenUSA), HF, Powerbuilt, Sunex, Capri, or Astro pieces more than Tekton due to the prices. I understand they have a 10% towards your next purchase deal on their website, but not sure the 10% makes it worth it to pay the extra for certain items.

Anybody else notice the same thing? Any other go-to brands that we should start recommending instead? Or is it still worth it even after the price increases?

 

[zendriver]

If cost is an issue, why “upgrade” at all?

Unless you were revcovering from broken knuckles, It sounds like the tools you already have are perfectly usable.

 

[dmparksa]

If cost is an issue, why “upgrade” at all?

Unless you were revcovering from broken knuckles, It sounds like the tools you already have are perfectly usable.

I'm confused. I'm just expanding my set, such as adding a flex head 3/8 ratchet when all I had were straight 3/8 in the standard length.

Not sure what broken knuckles has to do with anything.

 

[qqzj]

If you are not in a hurry, you can grab them off Craigslist. I got the 84 piece 1/2 drive 6 point set for $150, brand new, delivered to my house

Over the years, I have seen all kinds of them at good prices.

 

[qqzj]

For flexible head ratchets, gear wrench 120xp 4 piece set is great. I don’t care whatever others say, they just work great for me. If you want snap on version, I got used 1/4 drive for $30 from CL. There is a 1/2 drive one on CL for 130. Not new . But very good condition. If you buy new stuff and use it for a month, it will be in the same shape

 

[zendriver]

If cost is an issue, why “upgrade” at all?

Unless you were revcovering from broken knuckles, It sounds like the tools you already have are perfectly usable.

I miss read and thought you were upgrading not adding on my mistake.

 

[dmparksa]

For flexible head ratchets, gear wrench 120xp 4 piece set is great. I don’t care whatever others say, they just work great for me. If you want snap on version, I got used 1/4 drive for $30 from CL. There is a 1/2 drive one on CL for 130. Not new . But very good condition. If you buy new stuff and use it for a month, it will be in the same shape

Yeah, I picked up a Gearwrench 84T 3/8 and 1/4 locking flex heads for about $40 a few months ago.

I also gifted some Gearwrench socket sets: $45 for the 1/4 set and $60 for the 3/8 set, included both Metric & SAE 6 point sockets shallow and deep, along with 120XP ratchets, a couple extensions and a universal joint. Again, great price IMO.

Also impressed with Capri's ratchets for their price under $15(seems to be the same ratchet as Powerbuilt 649986 currently at $12, down from the $22 MSRP) for their 3/8 standard length ratchet, and about $25 for their flex head on Amazon(on sale often). Batwing pawl, 72 tooth, well greased out of the box, medium to low-ish backdrag, rebuild kits available, with lifetime warranty(provided that the company continues to exist).

I did pickup a few used things here and there, but haven't seen any great deals recently. Maybe someone will be letting go of some Christmas presents in Jan...

 

[dmparksa]

I miss read and thought you were upgrading not adding on my mistake.

No worries. I am guilty of upgrading since I recently upgraded from some HF Pittsburgh chrome sockets to Koken, but only in 3/8 drive metric. It definitely wasn't necessary. The Pittsburgh shallow 3/8 sockets were 12 points, so that was my main excuse to get the Koken set. Got the 3/8 metric since that's what I use 99% of the time.

Nothing wrong with the pittsburgh sockets. They work, haven't rounded any bolts. I will say that the tolerances feel a bit tighter on the Koken sockets, but I haven't taken a caliper to it to see exactly by how much. I'm probably just making it up in my head to justify the upgrade.

 

[JradM]

I think sockets are one category of tool where the difference between cheap and expensive sets is marginal.

Don't misunderstand me - there are differences. It's just that it's not as noticeable as pliers, for example; cheap pliers are frustrating pieces of junk and good pliers offer obviously superior strength, gripping power, ergonomics, durability, etc.

With sockets, whether you're using Husky or Nepros, they all kind of similar. There are improvements like tighter tolerances, thinner stronger steels, better chrome, knurling, lower profiles etc. It's just that most bolts turn about the same with any of them.

With that mindset, I tend to group sockets into general categories and then buy based on what I find as a good deal or has a design feature I want.

E.g. Husky, Craftsman, Powerbuilt and Harbor freight are all "budget" options. Perfectly usable, but there's better stuff.

Gearwrench, Tekton, Sunex, Capri, Astro - all mid-range stuff. My impression is that Gearwrench and Sunex might be on the lower-end of mid-range, but I think it depends on what exactly you're buying. Tekton trends towards the upper end, but you can find lots of Taiwanese options that are basically the same thing. One advantage with Tekton as a "default" recommendation is that the socketry is all pretty good (that doesn't hold true for their entire tool lineup however - there's still some real turds in there).

Koken, Nepros, Snap-on, Proto, etc. High-end options.

I personally bought a lot of Williams socketry in the last couple years - both from the USA and Taiwan lines. I think it's good stuff, but not quite into the "high end" category. The Taiwanese stuff is roughly comparable to Tekton and has excellent polish and finishing. I think it's overlooked because many people who buy Williams are doing so because they are specifically looking for a US-made product.

The Williams USA line isn't that different from Snap-on, but the size markings aren't terribly easy to read (both because they're small and there's a lot of extraneous text on the sockets, like part numbers, that is exactly the same size) and some users have reported quality-control issues like shallow size-stamping or two of the same-sized sockets finding their way into a set. I've got a lot of it and never had this happen, but it's come up on GJ so I can't dismiss it entirely. If you use a socket-rail system that makes the socket-marking largely redundant and don't come across a QC issue - then Williams USA sockets are like Snap-on at near Tekton prices.

That was a whole lot of text that I think could basically be summed up as: "Tekton is still a good blanket recommendation and you won't go wrong if you stick with that brand. However, it's got competition if you know what to look for and keep an eye out for deals."

 

[dmparksa]

That was a whole lot of text that I think could basically be summed up as: "Tekton is still a good blanket recommendation and you won't go wrong if you stick with that brand. However, it's got competition if you know what to look for and keep an eye out for deals."

I agree pretty much 100%. Tekton's socket sets are good, but if you shop around, you could find better or equivalent sets for cheaper. You could also end up getting a more expensive set that's not as good Tekton. Not sure if their pliers are worth it, I know they get some of them made in the USA, but most seem to be from Taiwan. You can get USA made(Klein or ChannelLock) pliers for similar price or you can get Japanese made pliers for less sometimes. I'm sure their ratchets are still worth the price, but you could get better deals for GW or Capri.

Here's a quick overview of what I've gone through over the past few years.

Sockets
I debated between Williams and Koken sockets when I was upgrading my 3/8 metric sockets, ended up going with Koken due to the reported QC issues on the Williams USA sets and not wanting to flag down the Snap-On truck in town.

My Tekton pieces have been good, having used a few of their sockets(filling out few of the skips on the Pittsburgh set I have). Dewalt 1/4 and 3/8 set I have for the car is pretty good too, just odd that the 3/8 deep sockets are more like semi-deep sockets, but actually worked out in my favor more than it hasn't. Haven't needed something deeper in 3/8 often. I found that if I needed a deep 3/8, I could get there with a deep 1/2 better anyways.

Tried a few socket accessories from Husky, wasn't impressed with their extensions and universal joints. The 8" extension was a bit curved and all the extensions had a lot of play at the drive end. Felt cheaper made than GW or Tekton. I also have a Husky torx socket set and sheared off the T9 or T10 some time ago that I may replace with VIM, Bondhus, or Eklind eventually.

I also have a few different Sunex pieces, all have been good without any issues. I think Sunex wrenches are supposed to be pretty bad, but their impact socketry has been good.

Pliers
For Pliers, I think you can get a good starting kit with Klein 80020 that includes side cutters, lineman's and needle nose for $64. Add anything more specialty with Klein, Knipex, Tsunoda, and/or ChannelLock as needed.

Tsunoda pliers at between $10-$20 per piece for common pliers is spectacular. Most of them are made in Japan, great fit and finish.

Warranty/Customer Service
I've had to contact Apex Tools a few times for GearWrench QC issues
- Had a chrome socket come with rust
- Had a chrome socket without any markings

Both times I contacted Gearwrench through their website and got no response. Called a few days later and was told that they were already on the way. Seems like their communication is pretty bad, but their warranty process has been easy for me. Provided pictures, no receipt was submitted, nor did they ask for one. I received both replacements within a week or two.

I bought a Sunex mid length 3/8 impact socket set last week, came with two 18mm in the set, missing the 17mm. Contacted the customer service, they said it should be here in a few days.

Other Brands/Notes
I have a few items from Powerbuilt and Power Torque. I've had pretty good experience with both. Power Torque from Oreilly's seems to be a good middle ground between Autozone and Napa. Not as expensive as Napa Carlyle, but better quality than recent Autozone Duralast items I've had. Latest Duralast ratchets can be had for less on Amazon under Apex's SATA brand. $27 for 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets. Same applies for Husky ratchets.

Powerbuilt ratchets are often same ratchets as Tone, Carlyle, Blackhawk, or other brands and can be found significantly cheaper than those other brands. Warranty seems good as well. I contacted Powerbuilt through the Contact Us Page to ask about a ratchet, somebody called me the next morning to go over the ratchet specification with me. Honestly didn't expect anyone to contact me back.

 

[CS454]

Yes, get the Tekton set.

 

[JradM]

I agree pretty much 100%. Tekton's socket sets are good, but if you shop around, you could find better or equivalent sets for cheaper. You could also end up getting a more expensive set that's not as good Tekton. Not sure if their pliers are worth it, I know they get some of them made in the USA, but most seem to be from Taiwan. You can get USA made(Klein or ChannelLock) pliers for similar price or you can get Japanese made pliers for less sometimes. I'm sure their ratchets are still worth the price, but you could get better deals for GW or Capri.

Here's a quick overview of what I've gone through over the past few years.

Sockets
I debated between Williams and Koken sockets when I was upgrading my 3/8 metric sockets, ended up going with Koken due to the reported QC issues on the Williams USA sets and not wanting to flag down the Snap-On truck in town.

My Tekton pieces have been good, having used a few of their sockets(filling out few of the skips on the Pittsburgh set I have). Dewalt 1/4 and 3/8 set I have for the car is pretty good too, just odd that the 3/8 deep sockets are more like semi-deep sockets, but actually worked out in my favor more than it hasn't. Haven't needed something deeper in 3/8 often. I found that if I needed a deep 3/8, I could get there with a deep 1/2 better anyways.

Tried a few socket accessories from Husky, wasn't impressed with their extensions and universal joints. The 8" extension was a bit curved and all the extensions had a lot of play at the drive end. Felt cheaper made than GW or Tekton. I also have a Husky torx socket set and sheared off the T9 or T10 some time ago that I may replace with VIM, Bondhus, or Eklind eventually.

I also have a few different Sunex pieces, all have been good without any issues. I think Sunex wrenches are supposed to be pretty bad, but their impact socketry has been good.

Pliers
For Pliers, I think you can get a good starting kit with Klein 80020 that includes side cutters, lineman's and needle nose for $64. Add anything more specialty with Klein, Knipex, Tsunoda, and/or ChannelLock as needed.

Tsunoda pliers at between $10-$20 per piece for common pliers is spectacular. Most of them are made in Japan, great fit and finish.

Warranty/Customer Service
I've had to contact Apex Tools a few times for GearWrench QC issues
- Had a chrome socket come with rust
- Had a chrome socket without any markings

Both times I contacted Gearwrench through their website and got no response. Called a few days later and was told that they were already on the way. Seems like their communication is pretty bad, but their warranty process has been easy for me. Provided pictures, no receipt was submitted, nor did they ask for one. I received both replacements within a week or two.

I bought a Sunex mid length 3/8 impact socket set last week, came with two 18mm in the set, missing the 17mm. Contacted the customer service, they said it should be here in a few days.

Other Brands/Notes
I have a few items from Powerbuilt and Power Torque. I've had pretty good experience with both. Power Torque from Oreilly's seems to be a good middle ground between Autozone and Napa. Not as expensive as Napa Carlyle, but better quality than recent Autozone Duralast items I've had. Latest Duralast ratchets can be had for less on Amazon under Apex's SATA brand. $27 for 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ratchets. Same applies for Husky ratchets.

Powerbuilt ratchets are often same ratchets as Tone, Carlyle, Blackhawk, or other brands and can be found significantly cheaper than those other brands. Warranty seems good as well. I contacted Powerbuilt through the Contact Us Page to ask about a ratchet, somebody called me the next morning to go over the ratchet specification with me. Honestly didn't expect anyone to contact me back.

Those all seem like solid tools and well-considered choices.

For pliers I like NWS too - though some are so pretty I feel guilty touching them with dirty hands.

Titan can be good too, but I think of them like Powerbuilt - where some stuff is great value and some is kind of junky. Titan's micro swivel ratchet and ratcheting bit drivers are the cat's behind! ...but most of their regular-sized ratchets are clunky and mediocre, and the combination wrenches? No thank you.

With Tekton, definitely avoid the manual impact driver and the 8" mini bolt cutters.

 

[tyyost]

The OP hit the nail on the head, value is relative. Tekton is a good solid choice, especially if it is priced competitively. Others offer equal or better tools at price points similar or less than buy them. The market for anything right now is all over, raw materials, shipping, fuel all make getting deals harder. There was never a good value priced one shop stop, but Tekton was close for a while.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think the today's advice would be: Have you checked Tekton.com for what you're looking for? It's always best to always shop around and see what options there are for a given tool, price, quality, features, service after the sale, etc.. One thing I like about Tekton is that, they continue to release new products regularly. Granted, I'm still disappointed in them being unable to offer ratcheting wrenches for some unknown reason They did recently release comfort grip ratchets and breaker bars. Capri has some decent specials but, they too are out of stock on some of their tools. DRPD has a wide selection of product but, I feel they have supply issues on their more popular items. I think Tekton still delivers a quality tool at a decent price even in today's climate with excellent customer service.

 

[boom_bap]

Dewalt sockets are pretty nice, at least the ones I got back in 2016/17 ish. I use them more than tekton sockets to be honest, although I have both. Their wrenches I've been less than impressed. Tekton wrenches are decent. My older miusa craftsmans are my favorite, I just don't have a full set unfortunately. Satin finish..

 

[Shocker]

I just keep buying USA stuff used. It is amazing what you can find on Craigslist, FB marketplace, OfferUP etc. I got a Taiwan made Williams 1/2 metric set like new in the box for $10. I already have a ton of 1/2" stuff but I added it to my extras box. Can't pass that up for 10 bucks.

 

[snickers muncher]

Yeah, I noticed the big price increase in the Tekton wrenches. For my last two socket purchases I went with GearWrench and Capri. They were cheaper and still decent quality. I upgraded my Tekton wrenches to Carlyle.

I was a little disappointed with how so many of us wanted Tekton to make a straight flex head 18 inch 1/2 ratchet and they seemed to just kind of blow it off for the bent handles.

 

[boom_bap]

The capri 18inch flex head 1/2 is an awesome ratchet if you're still looking. It has no detents either which I prefer.

 

[Josh the IH guy]

I have some tekton stuff. It's good. As was mentioned, the line of quality keeps getting thinner and thinner with sockets and wrenches. Sockets, wrenches, ratchets, I'd rather buy used SK/proto than anything new.

For pliers, hard to beat channellock, especially for the price.. That said, I do like my doyle pliers. I hate to even admit that, but it's True.

I do like my tekton screwdrivers, and I will reach for them over several different sets of USA craftsman, Icon, and several other brands...

 

[toddmorr]

Haven't bought tekton in a while, they sell decent Taiwan stuff but the same is available elsewhere, usually for less. Capri, for one.

 

[Old Donn]

Think Tekton prices are out of hand? Check out the SK website.

 

[Handyandy23]

I'm happy with my Tekton stuff, but I also don't feel the need to fill my toolbox with any particular brands. I shop around and buy whatever I feel is the best value, at a level of quality I can live with.

I have some Tekton flex head ratchets, as well as some sockets. But I've also recently bought Sunex sockets, Astro, Gearwrench ratchets, etc. When I'm looking for a specific set, say 3/8" impact sockets mid-length, I just search around Amazon and the manufacturers I trust, and go with the best value.

I also have Wright wrenches because even though they're in a higher price bracket than Tekton or other import wrenches, I felt like they were the best value given they are still priced way under tool truck brands, but provide much nicer features than cheaper models.

Tekton is still a safe blanket recommendation if someone asked you that isn't super into tools and doesn't have the patience to shop all around. But they're not necessarily going to provide the best value no matter what.

 

[Josh the IH guy]

Think Tekton prices are out of hand? Check out the SK website.

Even used SK is getting crazy. Ever since they sold, the used prices have doubled.

 

[qqzj]

Really, that is great. I have some used SK that I can sell

 

[dnschmidt]

Short answer: YES. TOPTUL has increased prices 20% in the last two years so why wouldn't Tekton be faced with the same realities as TOPTUL? We live in inflationary times. Get use to it.

 

[bigredcornhead]

I would say yes if i could find the same 39 buck 4816, but noooo now they want 109 bucks for what was 39 bucks. Has anyone noticed this, driving me nuts.

 

[Madjik Man]

As a DIYer Tekton was easily my go to for years.

It hit that value:quality:customer service balance perfectly for me.

They are still affordable relatively speaking but the price increase in their tools along with many more options popping up now has me searching other brands compared to not even looking at anything other than Tekton.

Granted I’ve still bought the 1/4” and 3/8” socket sets in the last year. But they were both on “overstock clearance” discount and I applied my rewards points to it. So the pricing was great.

 

[Newell33]

I too was sold on Tekton for a period of time. They always seemed to be right in the ballpark on price, and the quality was decent. You'd often find them as the "Amazon's Choice" for a particular socket set or tool group. My opinion changed after I bought a set of their locking pliers. The deflection on them is horrible, and now they simply take up space in my tool box. They're going in my next yard sale. Right after that purchase their prices started jumping considerably. I never even considered Tekton when I recently started looking for a 3/8 impact socket set for my new M12 stubby. Instead I'll likely purchase the Neiko set. Neiko seems to be of similar quality for about half the price.

 

[WWheeler]

I think the today's advice would be: Have you checked Tekton.com for what you're looking for? It's always best to always shop around and see what options there are for a given tool, price, quality, features, service after the sale, etc.. One thing I like about Tekton is that, they continue to release new products regularly. Granted, I'm still disappointed in them being unable to offer ratcheting wrenches for some unknown reason They did recently release comfort grip ratchets and breaker bars. Capri has some decent specials but, they too are out of stock on some of their tools. DRPD has a wide selection of product but, I feel they have supply issues on their more popular items. I think Tekton still delivers a quality tool at a decent price even in today's climate with excellent customer service.

Also worth mentioning is if you order from Tekton.com you get free shipping plus 10% 'rewards' that can be applied to your next purchase, and often there are 'double rewards' specials going on. That's one way to claw back some of the ridiculous inflation that has hit every brand.

Also, you get on their mailing list to let you know when they have a special, sale, or a new product coming out.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I think Tekton's sockets, ratchets, wrenches, and screwdrivers are quite good. Their pliers seem to be decent, especially the USA-made ones (which are made by Wilde).

For sockets, I think it's fine to stick with mid-tier brands, or even house brands like Husky and Kobalt. They are usually quite decent, especially if they are made in Taiwan. Plus with sockets, you have to buy a lot of them: Inch, Metric, Shallow, Deep, 6-point, 12-point (but only in bigger sizes), Spline, Chrome, Impact, E-Torx, bit sockets, etc. That ends up costing a lot, so I see no reason to spent a lot on Tool-truck sockets, which honestly are not that much better than many of the mid-tier brands, and in some cases may even be the same.

If you do that, you can use the money you saved to get nicer ratchets.