Not enthused by the new Tekton Screwdrivers

[dnschmidt]

Right before the price increase I received an Email from Tekton touting their new version of their grippy handled screwdrivers so I bought two of the new version slotted screwdrivers one 1/4" and the second the 5/16". The handles are great but the new style blades where the angle of the taper is less acute doesn't impress me. The ideal slotted screwdriver is hollow ground. These are the exact opposite. They look and work like wedges. Now if I were using them for chisels that's a bonus but for turning slotted head screws not so much. I don't know why they made this change but I don't like it. When rebuilding carburetors I always use hollow ground 1" bits or power bits as they fit the screws better than common screwdrivers do. Sometimes I need to I grind some of the tip off of the bitts to make the fit even tighter so that there is no slippage. Tekton, I think this new design is a step backwards.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Yeah, heavily tapered slotted drivers ****.. even more so if they are chrome.. they cam up and out of the screw.

 

[KnurledNut]

No vapor blasted tips either. I dont see anything real special about these slotted, other than the new shorter stubby profile which is oddly hollow ground.

 

[haveissues]

I just received a set of hard handles a few days ago and unboxed them this evening. The philips are fine but I'm less than impressed with the slotted.

 

[Jtels85]

I want to like these particular Tekton screwdrivers, I really do. I was able to handle some at Meijer before both companies cut ties with each other. There are no vapor blasted tips on the slotted and there are also no 6” blades available. I’m sorry, but I don’t want a #3 Phillips with a 4” blade. That’s just weird to me not to have 6” blades.

I feel like if they’d just do those two things, these screwdrivers would be absolutely perfect in every way. Flawless.

 

[Fedwrench]

Yeah, I think Tekton screwed the pooch on the flat tips. I get having the width of the flat tip the same as the blade shaft on certain models where access is essential but, not across the whole line. They should offer some keystone type flat tips with the black vapor blasted blade tips. They do have nice screwdriver handles though. I would like to see Tekton release some hook and Pick sets with their new screwdriver handles.

 

[CallumRD1]

Yeah, I think Tekton screwed the pooch on the flat tips. I get having the width of the flat tip the same as the blade shaft on certain models where access is essential but, not across the whole line. They should offer some keystone type flat tips with the black vapor blasted blade tips. They do have nice screwdriver handles though. I would like to see Tekton release some hook and Pick sets with their new screwdriver handles.

Ask and you shall receive!

5-Piece Pick and Hook Set | TEKTON | Made in USA

Set includes straight pick, 45-degree bent pick, 90-degree bent pick, 90-degree hook, and 130-degree hook. PNH90101.

www.tekton.com

 

[Lesserstore]

I can't understand, if they made the stubby hollow ground, why not make the whole line hollow ground.

 

[jbfsr]

Just bought a Sunex set. First look is pretty good. They have a couple cabinet flat blade. Looks good for carb work.

 

[slowtwitch73]

I have never seen the use of having a blade go wider between the tip and shaft, and have ground that area off more than once.

I think its just a leftover from manufacturing when they squash the tip, so easy and cheap to leave it.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm not complaining about the blade being the same width as the shank as I actually prefer that. I'm complaining about the taper. I agree that if the stubby's can be hollow ground why not the normal length ones as well. TOPTUL does the same with their stubby slotted screwdrivers (love 'em) and I wish that they did the same with their normal slotted screwdrivers too.

 

[woody 73]

OP,

Could you show me a picture/part no. or link to the screwdrivers in question, I ask because I just got my set of 22 screwdrivers from Tekton, are we talking the same screwdriver here?

 

[KnurledNut]

I want to like these particular Tekton screwdrivers, I really do. I was able to handle some at Meijer before both companies cut ties with each other. There are no vapor blasted tips on the slotted and there are also no 6” blades available. I’m sorry, but I don’t want a #3 Phillips with a 4” blade. That’s just weird to me not to have 6” blades.

I feel like if they’d just do those two things, these screwdrivers would be absolutely perfect in every way. Flawless.

I bought that short #3 just because they are hard to find in that length and there’s a couple times I could have used it. I found the black high torque handle a good match for the extra grip in that size.

 

[KnurledNut]

Ask and you shall receive!

5-Piece Pick and Hook Set | TEKTON | Made in USA

Set includes straight pick, 45-degree bent pick, 90-degree bent pick, 90-degree hook, and 130-degree hook. PNH90101.

www.tekton.com

Nice to see them stepping up their game with that 90° loop hook.

 

[lardy1]

There's a pretty good example drawing of the tip on their website. I'm not sure I would want it either. But they do a pretty good job of showing it to you before you buy.

 

[lardy1]

Ask and you shall receive!

5-Piece Pick and Hook Set | TEKTON | Made in USA

Set includes straight pick, 45-degree bent pick, 90-degree bent pick, 90-degree hook, and 130-degree hook. PNH90101.

www.tekton.com

Damn you.

 

[PiperCub49]

No vapor blasted tips either. I dont see anything real special about these slotted, other than the new shorter stubby profile which is oddly hollow ground.

And they don't even advertise the hollow grind as anything special. I thought that was weird. I want a whole set of cabinet tip, hollow ground screwdrivers.

Yeah, I think Tekton screwed the pooch on the flat tips. I get having the width of the flat tip the same as the blade shaft on certain models where access is essential but, not across the whole line. They should offer some keystone type flat tips with the black vapor blasted blade tips. They do have nice screwdriver handles though. I would like to see Tekton release some hook and Pick sets with their new screwdriver handles.

Why would you like the keystone design over most of the lineup? Do you find that more useful in any scenario than the cabinet style?

 

[slowtwitch73]

I grind the wider part off often. Serves no purpose that' I've ever found, and often gets in the way.

 

[qqzj]

It would help a lot if someone can explain terminologies here. What is vapor blast? Pretty confusing for uninformed. Thanks!

Does vapor blast mean to remove chrome and leave bare metal behind? Or, it means some coating will be left on the tip after the blast?

 

[Bubba Fett]

I believe vapor blasting does remove (some, or all of) the chrome, and leaves a textured tip. It's best to get drivers that do not have chromed tips, since the chrome will flake off, which has a tiny, but critical effect on the fit of the driver to the screw. This goes for Phillips, Torx, etc. as well.

There are three styles of screwdrivers for slotted screws:

Keystone has the tip that widens at the end, like a chisel. They are sometimes called Mechanic's screwdrivers. The tips are basically squished and trimmed, and then ground (if they are good ones). When properly made, they are usually the strongest of the three, and can handle abuse, like prying, etc. The really strong ones have the shank (rod) go all the way through the handle so they can be tapped, etc. Some have round shanks, some have square, which in most cases is stronger. These are a great choice for bigger drivers.

Cabinet or Electricians drivers have a blade that does not widen. They may be made the same way as Keystone drivers, but the sides are ground down (Klein does this), or the taper is simply machined down from the rod (Ideal does this). These should have a longer taper, for a more parallel fit. They are generally meant to be used ONLY as a screwdriver. They can't take much abuse. The benefit is that these can reach screws that are recessed deep in holes, or in crowded spots.

The last kind is Hollow Ground. These are machined to curve inward on each side, and well-made ones are parallel at the tip, so they perfectly fit the screws. These are popular among Gunsmiths, watchmakers, or anyone else who needs a precise fit, since loose fitting drivers will damage screws. These are not meant to be used for anything other than driving screws. Most inset bits are hollow ground.

Tekton is most likely sourcing the blades from another OEM, such as Ideal or some other company. There are not many US companies that make driver shanks. Probably in the single digits, and only two or three that make them in large volume. So they may not have much choice if they want these to be USA made. Personally, I think they should go with Hollow Ground tips, and offer some "demolition" drivers with the Keystone tip and striking cap, since those have become pretty popular in the last ten years or so. But again, they are probably limited to what they can get.

 

[KnurledNut]

Why would you like the keystone design over most of the lineup? Do you find that more useful in any scenario than the cabinet style?

Its stronger. You know, for doing screwdriver stuff...

 

[slowtwitch73]

Its stronger. You know, for doing screwdriver stuff...

But that's what the $500 SO pry bars are for.

 

[PiperCub49]

Its stronger. You know, for doing screwdriver stuff...

Haha. I don't ever use a screwdriver for prying things. I ALWAYS use the right tool for the job. I ALWAYS follow the guidance on the Snap-On handles. I am a perfect tool user.

 

[MarkH]

It would have been nice to have a choice. Still we have too many times. Try to remove a screw. The keystone style does not work. Look over and see the user at the grinder. Screwdriver shaft is glowing red and orange. It will fit but the metal characteristics have changed. Job gets done.

We have been buying more cabinet tip screwdrivers because of this. We have a bunch of old perfect handle screwdrivers for prying.

 

[Ton ton]

Its stronger. You know, for doing screwdriver stuff...

Nice.

 

[Under_Pressure]

I've always thought it was kind of funny that tool manufacturers make a huge deal about not using flathead screwdrivers as a chisel or prybar, but then design them in such a way that is clearly more beneficial for chiseling and prying than turning screws (heavily tapered and keystoned). If the standard flat blade screwdriver was cabinet tip (and hollow ground, at least in the smaller sizes), I think a lot of people would be much more apt to limit their use to turning screws.

 

[fordgasm]

Ask and you shall receive!

5-Piece Pick and Hook Set | TEKTON | Made in USA

Set includes straight pick, 45-degree bent pick, 90-degree bent pick, 90-degree hook, and 130-degree hook. PNH90101.

www.tekton.com

i don’t need anymore hook & pick sets but I need another hook & pick set, nawhatimsayin….

 

[bubinga]

Off topic but I don't care for their crescent wrenches either I warrantied one out and it the replacement is the same way. The Jaws are not parallel probably I don't know three or four thousands out of parallel so that when you put it on the nut or bolt head and tighten it down tight do you have to loosen it to get it off.
I got a 12-inch it was like that from get go, had it warranted same issue and got a 15 in same issue.
You can even them up a little bit with a file,
(Not a good sign that you can file the metal)
But you really shouldn't have to.

 

[CallumRD1]

Off topic but I don't care for their crescent wrenches either I warrantied one out and it the replacement is the same way. The Jaws are not parallel probably I don't know three or four thousands out of parallel so that when you put it on the nut or bolt head and tighten it down tight do you have to loosen it to get it off.
I got a 12-inch it was like that from get go, had it warranted same issue and got a 15 in same issue.
You can even them up a little bit with a file,
(Not a good sign that you can file the metal)
But you really shouldn't have to.

The crescent wrenches are from the earlier days of the company, back when they were just rebranding cheap tools. They're not high quality and not representative of the current offerings of the company. They stopped selling those wrenches quite a while ago.

 

[KnurledNut]

I've always thought it was kind of funny that tool manufacturers make a huge deal about not using flathead screwdrivers as a chisel or prybar, but then design them in such a way that is clearly more beneficial for chiseling and prying than turning screws (heavily tapered and keystoned). If the standard flat blade screwdriver was cabinet tip (and hollow ground, at least in the smaller sizes), I think a lot of people would be much more apt to limit their use to turning screws.

They often promote it by offering striking cap/demolition versions.
PB Swiss, Witte, Wiha, Wera, Felo, Stahlwille, Gedore, Format, Hazet, Bahco, Toptul, Vessel, Mayhew, Klein, Milwaukee, Channellock, Genius, Stanley, Dewalt, Irwin, Lenox, Doyle, Estwing, Hart, Westward and plenty of others.
Maybe Tekton will get with the program.

 

[bubinga]

The crescent wrenches are from the earlier days of the company, back when they were just rebranding cheap tools. They're not high quality and not representative of the current offerings of the company. They stopped selling those wrenches quite a while ago.

Oh okay I wasn't aware of that who were they rebranded from? Dollar general Or Dollar tree?


Whatever the house brand is for lowe's, I got a crescent wrench around 1995 12 or 15 in I don't remember, and whoever it was made by it's really very nice.

 

[qqzj]

I am going to buy a few junk tekton adjustable wrenches and wait for their Updated version then warranty them

 

[KnurledNut]

Off topic but I don't care for their crescent wrenches either I warrantied one out and it the replacement is the same way. The Jaws are not parallel probably I don't know three or four thousands out of parallel so that when you put it on the nut or bolt head and tighten it down tight do you have to loosen it to get it off.
I got a 12-inch it was like that from get go, had it warranted same issue and got a 15 in same issue.
You can even them up a little bit with a file,
(Not a good sign that you can file the metal)
But you really shouldn't have to.

Hey now, we're not supposed to talk about their old tools that were a nightmare. Some folks here are really sensitive about that.

 

[bubinga]

I am going to buy a few junk tekton adjustable wrenches and wait for their Updated version then warranty them

Yeah that's a good idea! Had I known about that I would have waited until I warrantied the one I have. Any idea when the new version is coming out?

 

[Ton ton]

Off topic but I don't care for their crescent wrenches either I warrantied one out and it the replacement is the same way. The Jaws are not parallel probably I don't know three or four thousands out of parallel so that when you put it on the nut or bolt head and tighten it down tight do you have to loosen it to get it off.
I got a 12-inch it was like that from get go, had it warranted same issue and got a 15 in same issue.
You can even them up a little bit with a file,
(Not a good sign that you can file the metal)
But you really shouldn't have to.

No experience with Tekton adjustable wrenches. But it doesn't sound like I am missing much.

 

[Handyandy23]

Channellock makes a good adjustable wrench, and you can get them at HD. They are nice and tight, not sloppy like cheaper ones. Or even better, grab a Knipex Pliers Wrench!

 

[PiperCub49]

Channellock makes a good adjustable wrench, and you can get them at HD. They are nice and tight, not sloppy like cheaper ones. Or even better, grab a Knipex Pliers Wrench!

I've had trouble finding them at my Home Depots, but I have one, have handled the whole lineup, and can say that these Irega-made adjustable wrenches are super nice. They are definitely worth the couple extra dollars over the cheap ones. I love my Pliers Wrenches, but there's still a place for the good old adjustable wrench.

 

[Fedwrench]

And they don't even advertise the hollow grind as anything special. I thought that was weird. I want a whole set of cabinet tip, hollow ground screwdrivers.

Why would you like the keystone design over most of the lineup? Do you find that more useful in any scenario than the cabinet style?

Personal choice mostly however, on the vehicles I touch, there really aren't any flat head screws. As a result, I abuse the flat head screwdrivers using them to separate components like a diff cover. This is where the wider wedge Keystone blade shines. Again, I'm probably using a flat head screwdriver for anything except, turning screws.

 

[Badgerstate]

Right before the price increase I received an Email from Tekton touting their new version of their grippy handled screwdrivers so I bought two of the new version slotted screwdrivers one 1/4" and the second the 5/16". The handles are great but the new style blades where the angle of the taper is less acute doesn't impress me. The ideal slotted screwdriver is hollow ground. These are the exact opposite. They look and work like wedges. Now if I were using them for chisels that's a bonus but for turning slotted head screws not so much. I don't know why they made this change but I don't like it. When rebuilding carburetors I always use hollow ground 1" bits or power bits as they fit the screws better than common screwdrivers do. Sometimes I need to I grind some of the tip off of the bitts to make the fit even tighter so that there is no slippage. Tekton, I think this new design is a step backwards.

Ive never understood the hype behind Tekton in general. I grocery shop at my local Meijer and they used to carry Tekton. They looked like decent tools but nothing special, not any better than anything Stanley, Husky or Pittsburgh.

 

[dnschmidt]

Ive never understood the hype behind Tekton in general. I grocery shop at my local Meijer and they used to carry Tekton. They looked like decent tools but nothing special, not any better than anything Stanley, Husky or Pittsburgh.

I do like Tekton. I think they believe in trying to constantly improve which is something that pissed me off about TOPTUL where they prefer to stand pat. I just think Tekton screwed the pooch on this particular style of screwdriver. I'm sure their Phillips and Torx are fine.