The rear axle on my motorcycle (S1000RR) is retained with a 34mm nut, which is a size understandably not included in the 200-some piece Craftsman socket set I bought way back in 1999 and still makes up most of my current socket assortment. As a guy with a pretty active Zoro account for work, I simply ordered a 1/2" drive Proto socket and have been happily using it for every chain adjustment, sprocket swap, tire change, etc... for the past 2.5 years.
I do about 10-12 track days a year with this bike, and I take a collection of critical tools with me to the track for adjustments and the occasional emergency repair. Unfortunately, the world has despicable scumbag thieves who take advantage of unattended tools in the parking lot while the owner is out on track dragging knee, and as such, the tools I take with me to the track are cheap and not a huge issue to replace should they be stolen. The most expensive tool I bring with me is actually the Proto 34mm socket.
So for the upcoming season I decided to get a cheaper option to throw in with my track toolset, and it's also nice to have redundancy. I found an inexpensive Tekton socket on Amazon, and figured since this is Garage Journal, I'm probably not the only one who would be interested in comparing the two sockets.
First thing I noticed is that the Tekton is smaller and lighter than the Proto. I didn't bother to weigh them, but the extra heft of the Proto socket is fairly substantial when you hold them. The base of the Proto is wider, the socket is taller, and it's just a bit thicker than the Tekton.
The chrome on both is nice, with no real difference between them. The broaching depth is also about the same between them, and both feature radiused corners with the now common 'flank-drive' type internal flats. The Tekton socket has a shiny clear coat applied to the interior that the Proto lacks.
The drive inserts on both sockets have beveled edges and clean, even ball detents cut into them for retention. The Tekton has radius cuts on the drive square, the Proto does not. You can see the extra heft in this end of the Proto.
I'm really impressed with the Tekton socket. I know a lot of people on this forum have recommended them, and this is my first example. While I am not about to torture test them, I'm sure both will easily handle whatever I need from them, and the Tekton is a great price with a great warranty. I've been thinking about replacing some of my old 1/4 drive G1 Craftsman sockets, and while I've been happy with all my Proto purchases (even had a nice experience replacing a busted 1/4 drive extension) I'm also impressed with Tekton sockets, especially for the price.
I do about 10-12 track days a year with this bike, and I take a collection of critical tools with me to the track for adjustments and the occasional emergency repair. Unfortunately, the world has despicable scumbag thieves who take advantage of unattended tools in the parking lot while the owner is out on track dragging knee, and as such, the tools I take with me to the track are cheap and not a huge issue to replace should they be stolen. The most expensive tool I bring with me is actually the Proto 34mm socket.
So for the upcoming season I decided to get a cheaper option to throw in with my track toolset, and it's also nice to have redundancy. I found an inexpensive Tekton socket on Amazon, and figured since this is Garage Journal, I'm probably not the only one who would be interested in comparing the two sockets.
First thing I noticed is that the Tekton is smaller and lighter than the Proto. I didn't bother to weigh them, but the extra heft of the Proto socket is fairly substantial when you hold them. The base of the Proto is wider, the socket is taller, and it's just a bit thicker than the Tekton.
The chrome on both is nice, with no real difference between them. The broaching depth is also about the same between them, and both feature radiused corners with the now common 'flank-drive' type internal flats. The Tekton socket has a shiny clear coat applied to the interior that the Proto lacks.
The drive inserts on both sockets have beveled edges and clean, even ball detents cut into them for retention. The Tekton has radius cuts on the drive square, the Proto does not. You can see the extra heft in this end of the Proto.
I'm really impressed with the Tekton socket. I know a lot of people on this forum have recommended them, and this is my first example. While I am not about to torture test them, I'm sure both will easily handle whatever I need from them, and the Tekton is a great price with a great warranty. I've been thinking about replacing some of my old 1/4 drive G1 Craftsman sockets, and while I've been happy with all my Proto purchases (even had a nice experience replacing a busted 1/4 drive extension) I'm also impressed with Tekton sockets, especially for the price.
