Pittsburgh Pro (HF) vs Tekton sockets

[scale]

I dont want to get into a ******* match here. I get it. They are both cheap tools. I am a simple home diy guy and dont use my tools to make money. I love my tools and using them is one of my favorite hobbys.

Up until this point, i have had CF raised panel wrenches and socket sets that are ~30 years old.

I have recently purchased some socket trays and realized i have alot of holes to fill now

I only have a handful of 6pt 1/2 drive and a few bare spots in my 3/8 inch drive sets.

I am thinking of purchasing a 1/2 drive set of metric and sae. DO i need them? Not really. I havent really needed them much to date. When i have, i have been able to get by on the few that i have and do have a full set of SAE 12pt cf that have served me well. Do i want them? Yes. MY OCD wants to fill out the rails.

I dont want to get craftsman because sadly....its my understanding they are garbage now. Not surprised really.

After much reading, best bang for the buck appears to be the Pittsburgh Pro line from HF. These would be a decent set as they are low cost and just down the road should i ever need a warranty replacement. I had a look at them and they appear ok. High vis markings. A real good deal if you take the coupons into consideration.

The other options around the same price point is the Tekton brand. I cant really find any comparison of the 2 brands. The HF brand might be quicker to replace but i am wondering if the chrome plating on the tekton is better.

Has anyone done a side by side comparison between the 2 brands?

 

[jdlong]

I have a smattering of both but no duplicates. All I can say about Tekton is the fit and finish is a notch or two better than HF and they don't skip sizes.

 

[Local]

Might want to check out toptul. I love the satin finish and with no missing pieces. At least that would take care of your metric 6 pt. I'm waiting for that boat to arrive to order a set of standard length sockets from Mr dennis.. The good thing about tekton is they have good customer service.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-GAAQ37...%3A0b1c957e15b0a787f7acd7defff4202b%7Ciid%3A5

 

[Loscaldazar]

I have a smattering of both but no duplicates. All I can say about Tekton is the fit and finish is a notch or two better than HF and they don't skip sizes.

Almost dead sure the Pittsburgh Pro sockets from the last few years and the Tekton sockets are the same (a lot of their lines are the same or very similar).

The not skipping sizes is the biggest advantage to Tekton.

 

[Infinia]

Get rid of the trays ASAP, the OCD is really expensive to cure. Even if you manage to fill the socket 'holes' won't the ends of the tray still be incomplete esp. on the 3/8 sets? Remember mixing cheap brands the other socket differences will start grating upon your acute senses.
Consider using the provided tool trays from Tekton or Gearwench. Better yet, remember, nine out ten 'tool doctors' recommend CM socket rails for your old school socket sets.
Stop making your own problems!

 

[md21722]

Get rid of the trays ASAP, the OCD is really expensive to cure.Even if you manage to fill the socket 'holes' won't the ends of the tray still be incomplete esp. on the 3/8 sets? Remember mixing cheap brands the other socket differences will start grating upon your acute senses.
Consider using the provided tool trays from Tekton or Gearwench or if room is tight using better brands of socket rails.

Pretty good advice, one you have the trays filled up you will want matching brands.

 

[6PTsocket]

I dont want to get into a ******* match here. I get it. They are both cheap tools. I am a simple home diy guy and dont use my tools to make money. I love my tools and using them is one of my favorite hobbys.

Up until this point, i have had CF raised panel wrenches and socket sets that are ~30 years old.

I have recently purchased some socket trays and realized i have alot of holes to fill now

I only have a handful of 6pt 1/2 drive and a few bare spots in my 3/8 inch drive sets.

I am thinking of purchasing a 1/2 drive set of metric and sae. DO i need them? Not really. I havent really needed them much to date. When i have, i have been able to get by on the few that i have and do have a full set of SAE 12pt cf that have served me well. Do i want them? Yes. MY OCD wants to fill out the rails.

I dont want to get craftsman because sadly....its my understanding they are garbage now. Not surprised really.

After much reading, best bang for the buck appears to be the Pittsburgh Pro line from HF. These would be a decent set as they are low cost and just down the road should i ever need a warranty replacement. I had a look at them and they appear ok. High vis markings. A real good deal if you take the coupons into consideration.

The other options around the same price point is the Tekton brand. I cant really find any comparison of the 2 brands. The HF brand might be quicker to replace but i am wondering if the chrome plating on the tekton is better.

Has anyone done a side by side comparison between the 2 brands?

I was in the same boat. I had everything but 1/2" drive metric in chrome. I usually got by with an impact socket but sometimes the were too bulky. I wanted 6 point because if I have to resort to 1/2" drive it is probably tight or frozen and I have less chance of rounding a fastener with 6 point. It gets a better grip. I bought the Eastwood shallows and deeps. I would have liked the broach to go deeper but otherwise they have been OK for Chinese stuff and I got them on sale. Eastwood also backs them for life. They go down to 15 mm and I would like to go down one more size to 14mm. I was thinking Tekton. I have never used them before. For 2 sockets I could go up scale to SK but it is a cheap set that I rarely use. As you said,they are not often needed unless you work on bigger stuff. HF does not seem to have as much open stock as Tekton. It is mostly all sets with them.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[4Kings]

For your 3/8 skips, you can fill in with Menards Masterforce, USA made of at least the same quality of your Craftsman sockets.

Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk

 

[winlinmac]

For missing sockets, you can find a lot of them at Cripe Distributing.

Also, Tekton tends to not skip sizes, which is a plus. The cost racks up quick if you go with Harbor Freight. Buy it once and be content with it

Impact Sockets -- go with Sunex all the way

Edit: I'm not sure if you inquiring chrome, impact, or both. Gearwrench makes good chrome sockets.

 

[scale]

I ended up picking up a 1/2 inch drive deep metric pittsburgh pro set today at harbor freight. I had a 20% off and ended up with it for just under $13. They have each of the deepwell set (SAE and Metric) and each one has 2 UPC codes. The code on each that ends in a even number seems to be plated better. Perhaps it was just my eyes but both were stocked on the same pegs mixed in the stores. Aside from the upc there was no difference in packaging or sizes. The site lists each set twice too. Either way i thought it was worth mentioning. Perhaps polishing a turd is possible? The set i got does not skip any sizes at all 10 - 19mm and visually it looks decent or as decent as any socket i have used. OF course you cant tell jack squat from looking at them. That will come with use.

You guys are right about the trays. Its going to cost me more to fill them and ill never be done. I can count on all my fingers and toes the times ive actually needed a 1/2 drive anything and tire changes go to my impact sockets. Mostly the jobs i do are done by my 3/8 drive. They get the most work around here. I have SK and older NAPA rachets and love them.

Anyway...thanks for the input. The plan to fill in the 3/8 missing sockets will be done at sales and swapmeets this summer looking specifically for older craftsman, sk, etc.

I am hoping i dont start trying to make them all same......heck......i can already see it happening Thats future me's problem. I wont worry about that until then.

 

[tonyciambrone]

I have a smattering of both but no duplicates. All I can say about Tekton is the fit and finish is a notch or two better than HF and they don't skip sizes.

Everyone cites "they don't skip sizes."

It's not true though. Tekton 10-24 has no 14,16,20,23.

Wish people would stop repeating the same lies...

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I recently filled out a set of 1/2" chrome Craftsman that only went to 17mm with Gear wrench singles. I made a list of what sizes I needed and every trip to Advance Auto I made, I would get one or two sockets and use my speed perks coupon to cover the cost. I think the set is pretty much filled in aside from a few skips to 32mm.

If I was going to do over I would consider buying a set of Gearwrench and just be done with it, as much as I like Tekton sockets not sure I like them enough to have them as my main sockets. In the OPs case I think Tekton or Toptul would probably be fine, The skips in the HF sets would drive me nuts.

I even noticed Duralast sockets in 1/2" chrome deep skip a bunch of sizes I use all the time like 18mm, add to the fact that they are made in India made me not want them, and I just needed a set for junkyard runs.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

This is the set I had in mind, it does skip a few but they are not commonly used in my shop.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-1206-2-Inch-Socket-Metric/dp/B0062PCKIW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1490560515&sr=8-4&keywords=tekton+1%2F2+socket+set

 

[jdlong]

Everyone cites "they don't skip sizes."

It's not true though. Tekton 10-24 has no 14,16,20,23.

Wish people would stop repeating the same lies...

Depends on which sets you buy. eg. 1/2 drive master set. 14, 16, 20, 23, they're all in there. Shallow and deep.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-1...gclid=COP6-oqS9dICFQWQaQod9jcI5w&gclsrc=aw.ds

Same goes for 3/8


http://www.homedepot.com/p/TEKTON-1...gclid=CJ7Xm-ea9dICFZC6wAod5IMDmg&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Loscaldazar]

Everyone cites "they don't skip sizes."

It's not true though. Tekton 10-24 has no 14,16,20,23.

Wish people would stop repeating the same lies...

Depends on which set and additionally Tekton has them available for purchase separately if you want them. HF does not have open stock, and if they skip a size, it's usually not offered in another set that is of the same quality or type of socket.

 

[6PTsocket]

I ended up picking up a 1/2 inch drive deep metric pittsburgh pro set today at harbor freight. I had a 20% off and ended up with it for just under $13. They have each of the deepwell set (SAE and Metric) and each one has 2 UPC codes. The code on each that ends in a even number seems to be plated better. Perhaps it was just my eyes but both were stocked on the same pegs mixed in the stores. Aside from the upc there was no difference in packaging or sizes. The site lists each set twice too. Either way i thought it was worth mentioning. Perhaps polishing a turd is possible? The set i got does not skip any sizes at all 10 - 19mm and visually it looks decent or as decent as any socket i have used. OF course you cant tell jack squat from looking at them. That will come with use.

You guys are right about the trays. Its going to cost me more to fill them and ill never be done. I can count on all my fingers and toes the times ive actually needed a 1/2 drive anything and tire changes go to my impact sockets. Mostly the jobs i do are done by my 3/8 drive. They get the most work around here. I have SK and older NAPA rachets and love them.

Anyway...thanks for the input. The plan to fill in the 3/8 missing sockets will be done at sales and swapmeets this summer looking specifically for older craftsman, sk, etc.

I am hoping i dont start trying to make them all same......heck......i can already see it happening Thats future me's problem. I wont worry about that until then.

HF has more than one supplier for many products. The quality can vary and sometimes the specs. are significantly different. All you can do is check reviews and as you did, take the better finished one. They have two 5hp 60gal 2 stage compressors for the same price with mostly the same specs BUT the three cylinder one is actually a single stage and has a 150 psi max pressure while the real two stage2 cylinder one goes to 165psi. If you go to the store and they do not have the one you want,I guess you are out of luck. I have never mail ordered so I do not know if they switch between stock numbers. Anybody had any experience? Can you specify and get the one you want or do they switch numbers?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[cheechi]

so you have trays for 6 pt & 12 pt both and you're filling holes in 3 drive sizes?

seriously if you buy a socket because of an empty peg that's tool polishing. Buy a socket because you can't remove a bolt. I bet your set was already as complete as you need.

 

[jrockford]

so you have trays for 6 pt & 12 pt both and you're filling holes in 3 drive sizes?

seriously if you buy a socket because of an empty peg that's tool polishing. Buy a socket because you can't remove a bolt. I bet your set was already as complete as you need.

Good words of wisdom, but sure enough you'll be needing that missing socket eventually.

Nice avatar by the way.

 

[scale]

No. Im only buying 6pt sockets. I have 1 1/2 inch set of craftsman 12 points but thats it. That will get me by. It has never let me down and as stated, i dont use 1/2 inch all that often.

I am in no hurry to fill the pegs on the trays. YOu are right....i havent needed them yet or i would have them.

The ones i use most is my 3/8 set and the missing ones in that size will be slowly replaced with "found" sockets at sales, flea markets and swapmeets.

Thanks for all the feedback. This forum is great.

 

[Tom.C]

Fwiw I have a collection of the harbor freight and have yet to break one but it's worth noting that the shallows are 12pt and deeps are 6pt, for the chrome, I have the Taiwan made ones and I don't think they skip any sizes.

 

[ChevyEFI]

No. Im only buying 6pt sockets.

There's no benefit to 6 pt. in larger sizes (after about 1/2")

I bought a HF chrome shallow 12pt SAE set (3/8" to 1"?) for the 11/16" (ARP flywheel bolts) and later made a header clearance spark plug socket from the 5/8".

Read the opening pages of a Haynes auto repair manual. Buy cheap. If it fails you, upgrade. So far, I don't need to upgrade my 1/2" SAE sockets, and have from 3/8 through 1-1/2" or so. The only reason I have through 1-1/2" is because I needed them for a pinion nut. They're Stanley and were bought at Wal-Mart probably 15 yrs ago. And I repeat, So far, I don't need to upgrade my 1/2" SAE sockets.

Buy what you need. Don't be a homer, brand *****, trend hopper, brand wagoner, or penny and pound foolish at the same time. If you need to drive nearby to get a cheapie tool when you actually need it, that's a good time for a break. If you need something shipped next day, pay for it. If you use a tool so much you would benefit from upgrading, do so. Let your work clarify your needs, and drive your acquisitions. More **** = more distraction and less room.

 

[anndel]

In my tool boxes are old USA Made Craftsman, Snap On, SK, Tekton and Sunex. Sorry no HF and mostly (80%) Snap Ons.

 

[HanShotFirst]

I'm not a pro-wrencher, and I have a wide smattering of tools from HF, CM, Husky, Kobalt, SK, Snap-On, and a few others I'm sure.

Regarding HF/Pittsburgh - When it comes to sockets and ratchets I have to say I'm VERY impressed. I have some 20 year old HF/Pitt 1/2" sockets that I have beat the hell out of and they're still very much in the game. For a home wrencher I would say they're more than adequate. And with the newer HF ratchets like the SO knock-off's and their composite ratchets; I have to say I just love them. These days the composite Harbor Freight ratchets are always what I reach for first (and I have Snap-On, MAC, SK ratchets); so I'm VERY satisfied.

If you feel you have to buy sockets to fill holes, then just buy them onesy-twosey on ebay, or at yard sales/Craigslist.

And keep in mind, it's always nice to have spares of most things.

 

[SuperCheyenne]

Buy whatever you can afford... There's no shame in having HF stuff.

I personally have mostly Tekton (with SK Impacts). But that might not be best for you.

 

[smuro04]

The HF chrome sockets are actually very nice for the money. The only skip I can find in their single sets is the 18mm, 20mm and 21mm sockets missing from the 3/8 deep and shallow sets, that's it. If 12pt shallows aren't your thing, then spring for the 301 piece mechanics tool set when it's on sale for $159. It has complete 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" sets in shallow and deep, all 6 pt. There will be a few sockets missing like a 1/4" drive 14mm, a 1/4" drive 9/16", and some smaller sizes in the 1/2" drive metric deep, but you can fill those in for under $20 more if you're resourceful and check the open box section. I keep this set in my tool cart and it's a great backup set to have for taking to the junkyard, repairs around the house, and letting the significant other get dirty and lose rather than your nicer set (got a box full of Gearwrench in the garage that I take care of).

Never used Tekton so I can't comment, but take a look at the Gearwrench sets. If you shop around, you can find the complete 3/8" drive and 1/4" drive sets with ratchets and extensions for like $115 shipped to your door. They are excellent quality sockets and a great bang for your buck.

 

[Tonyuk]

I have a set of tekton 1/2" deep impacts, and compared to my cheaper china sets i cant see much of a difference tbh. The finish is similar, the fit on a bolt feels the same and the broaching is the same depth.

Nice for the cost but nothing extra special, i've yet to see any basic socket set impress me compared to the cheaper sets tbh.

 

[Al Borland]

Get what you need and get what you are comfortable with paying for.
As far as 6 point Vs. 12 point not mattering above 1/2" or so...
Come to the rust belt. You will change your tune quickly.
Or fight with a G.M. oil plug in an aluminum pan. 6 point fits snugger, and you are going to have to smack it to break it loose. You will appreciate 6 point.

 

[thatguysb]

Confirm your purchase first, i purchased a set of tekton from amazon.

i got 10-12-13-15-17-18-19mm

no 14mm WTF, bought a single dewalt and completed my set. The tektons are extremely thick compared to the dewalt tho. Dewalt fit and finish is much better.

My opinions are based on my Run which i purchased 2 years ago. dunno if it get better

 

[zktk01]

I think the Toptul was an excellent recommendation. very nice stuff for the price.

These are the larger sizes and Metric only, but still a good deal.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPTUL-Lar...492235?hash=item1a391f258b:g:ibkAAOSwgZ1Xshoh

 

[Coach James]

Despite what some people like to say, current production Craftsman sockets are not trash/garbage. For most folks, they would work fine.

I have some Tekton and HF sockets and find both work fine for me. With a blind fold on, I couldn't tell one from the other.

Coach

 

[hangfirew8]

Conversation left off 03-27-2017 and restarted today like nothing happened. Kinda think it doesn't matter to the OP anymore.

If you don't like blank spots in your trays, take matters into your own hands.
View media item 77167

 

[thool]

Read the opening pages of a Haynes auto repair manual. Buy cheap. If it fails you, upgrade.
...
Buy what you need. Don't be a homer, brand *****, trend hopper, brand wagoner, or penny and pound foolish at the same time. If you need to drive nearby to get a cheapie tool when you actually need it, that's a good time for a break. If you need something shipped next day, pay for it. If you use a tool so much you would benefit from upgrading, do so. Let your work clarify your needs, and drive your acquisitions. More **** = more distraction and less room.

This is profound on many levels. For tools, I agree for the most part, but there is also the comfort factor. Some tools are just a pain to use: some raised panels and hard screwdrivers.

But look at cell phones: they're tools, and some people are so brand loyal that they'll buy whatever a specific manufacturer puts out, even if it tops $1000.

 

[kythri]

Despite what some people like to say, current production Craftsman sockets are not trash/garbage. For most folks, they would work fine.

Agreed. The VAST majority of complaints about Craftsman sockets are due to two things:

1> The brand is Craftsman
2> Craftsman sockets are now, by and large, imported from Asia (China, specifically, if I'm not mistaken).

Don't shy away from Craftsman sockets because of either of those reasons. They're good, solid stuff.

 

[thooks]

Gee thanks. I just ordered an SAE deep well set of Tekton instead of buying at HF for $14 less

 

[nbpt100]

There's no benefit to 6 pt. in larger sizes (after about 1/2")

Read the opening pages of a Haynes auto repair manual. Buy cheap. If it fails you, upgrade. So far, I don't need to upgrade my 1/2" SAE sockets, and have from 3/8 through 1-1/2" or so. The only reason I have through 1-1/2" is because I needed them for a pinion nut. They're Stanley and were bought at Wal-Mart probably 15 yrs ago. And I repeat, So far, I don't need to upgrade my 1/2" SAE sockets.

Buy what you need. Don't be a homer, brand *****, trend hopper, brand wagoner, or penny and pound foolish at the same time. If you need to drive nearby to get a cheapie tool when you actually need it, that's a good time for a break. If you need something shipped next day, pay for it. If you use a tool so much you would benefit from upgrading, do so. Let your work clarify your needs, and drive your acquisitions. More **** = more distraction and less room.

I agree....Profound advice!

Also when it comes to 12pt vs. 6 pt. there are a number of threads on here that get in to the nitty gritty details.
In Short.......
It is true that as you get up in hex bolt size it gets harder to round the corners with a 12 pt. What someone said about rust and already damaged fasteners makes a strong case for still going with a 6 pt., if you can. But sometimes having the increased engagement points with a 12 pt. is a benefit. Sometimes that matters. Also there are 12Pt. fasteners where you have no choice but to use a 12 pt. socket. They all have their places.
if you are still unsure........go look up the threads and see many peoples opinions and experiences.

I agree with the comment on Craftsman sockets not being as bad as some on here say. When ever a manufacturers transfers a factory there are always quality issues. I don't doubt anyone's misfortune with a Chinese CM socket. But over time they are working it out. With Stanley behind them now I would expect them to improve reliability. You still can't beat their ease of replacement. Assuming you have a Sears or Sears Hardware close by. As they move sales into one of the other Box stores that should improve too!

 

[jrockford]

Tekton should be buy one get one at your local Meijer this Friday.

 

[nbpt100]

No Meijer here in New England......I have never seen Tekton in a retail store.....I have only seen them on the internet.

 

[Tynee]

Tekton should be buy one get one at your local Meijer this Friday.

Any details on this? I’ve looked all over the inter webs without any luck finding this deal.

 

[Tynee]

Sorry for the double post

 

[thooks]

Just buy HF. They are the same exact socket. Confirmed after I received my Tekton order.

If they aren’t, why wouldn’t Tekton have theirs made differently??

With the HF “on sale” and a 20% coupon, you are just at 50% of Tekton price.