Screwdrivers (Tekton/Klein)

[CC268]

Hey guys,

I’m about to pull the trigger on Tekton’s High Torque Screwdriver and Nut Driver set.

https://www.tekton.com/high-torque-screwdriver-set-drv41237

Just for home use - not professional use. I really like that it pretty much covers everything I’d need.

The other option would be to individually purchase the Klein sets. Klein does not make Allen drivers (they do have T Handles though). Klein would be about the same price excluding any SAE or metric Allen drivers. So Klein is more in the long run, but not a huge difference.

Any feedback is appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I would say Klein are better. More precisely machined tips, and I prefer their handle style. They are popular among electricians for good reason. Not to say the Tektons are bad, though.

If you are not sure, there's no harm in getting one of each, and see which one you like better.

 

[CC268]

I would say Klein are better. More precisely machined tips, and I prefer their handle style. They are popular among electricians for good reason. Not to say the Tektons are bad, though.

If you are not sure, there's no harm in getting one of each, and see which one you like better.

Yea I figured the Klein probably had the edge. I just like that Tekton is the one stop shop. Since Klein doesn’t make Allen drivers would you just say get their T Handles if I went that route or something else? Maybe Bondhus?

 

[Bubba Fett]

Yea I figured the Klein probably had the edge. I just like that Tekton is the one stop shop. Since Klein doesn’t make Allen drivers would you just say get their T Handles if I went that route or something else?

In addition to standalone screwdrivers, I got the Security bit set, which comes with a magnetic driver. Part # 32510. The handle is very comfortable, and has a strong magnet. The security bits are quite good. Holes are well centered, etc. I also got the regular bit set, Part # 32526. For some reason Klein only sells the magnetic driver with the security bits.

Of course, any 1/4" insert bits are compatible, so you can add to the set if needed. I believe this driver and the bits are made in Taiwan, while their standalone drivers are made in USA. However, the quality is just as good, and these are some of the better bits I've found.

 

[sparky 1971]

I use Klein screwdrivers exclusively at work. There's really nothing special about them, but my first employer gave me Klein tools, and I have kept it going for almost 28 years. Plus there's the fact that the electrical supply houses carry Klein and all the electricians I know use Klein. Why be different? At home, I use the Kleins that are on the downhill side of life, but I did treat myself to a set of SK cushion grip in a few sizes of slotted and phillips and a full set of Torx. I think those are better than Klein. The day before Tekton raised their prices, I bought the allen screwdrivers in both SAE and Metric. I'd always wanted a set, but sure didn't need them. I haven't used them yet, but did play with them. The handles are going to take some getting used to. I doubt I will ever use them enough for that to happen. The shape is just not what I am accustomed to, and since I use Klein screwdrivers everday... The quality seems good enough though.

 

[sparky 1971]

Yea I figured the Klein probably had the edge. I just like that Tekton is the one stop shop. Since Klein doesn’t make Allen drivers would you just say get their T Handles if I went that route or something else? Maybe Bondhus?

I have this set of T handles along with the 1/2" that doesn't come with the set, but the rack has a place for it. It's phenomenal. Klein also makes a set in metric as well as Torx. but I don't have those. I'll probably never have the Torx, but may have to get the metric for work eventually.

Hex Key Set, SAE, T-Handle, 9-Inch with Stand, 10-Piece - JTH910E | Klein Tools

Klein Tools hex keys are the tools professionals cannot afford to be without. The Journeyman™ Hex T-Handle from Klein Tools delivers more torque to the fasteners than standard hex keys. Heat-treated and tempered for superior strength and durability. Klein hex-keys are designed for a precise fit...

www.kleintools.com

 

[CC268]

I use Klein screwdrivers exclusively at work. There's really nothing special about them, but my first employer gave me Klein tools, and I have kept it going for almost 28 years. Plus there's the fact that the electrical supply houses carry Klein and all the electricians I know use Klein. Why be different? At home, I use the Kleins that are on the downhill side of life, but I did treat myself to a set of SK cushion grip in a few sizes of slotted and phillips and a full set of Torx. I think those are better than Klein. The day before Tekton raised their prices, I bought the allen screwdrivers in both SAE and Metric. I'd always wanted a set, but sure didn't need them. I haven't used them yet, but did play with them. The handles are going to take some getting used to. I doubt I will ever use them enough for that to happen. The shape is just not what I am accustomed to, and since I use Klein screwdrivers everday... The quality seems good enough though.

Mr. Klein himself! Haha just kidding. I forgot I have a set of Bondhus metric Allen drivers so I could get the Klein sets and then get the SAE set of Bondhus Allen drivers and I’d be set

 

[sparky 1971]

Mr. Klein himself! Haha just kidding. I forgot I have a set of Bondhus metric Allen drivers so I could get the Klein sets and then get the SAE set of Bondhus Allen drivers and I’d be set

Almost Mr. Klein. I use Knipex Cobras and linemans pliers, Ideal T-strippers, and Occidental Leather tool pouches but they are on a Klein belt. I think everything else is Klein though.

 

[lardy1]

I have several of both brands and I'd give the nod to Klein on fitment although I would also say that my #1 Phillips Klein has not been particularly durable. It is showing wear way faster than the #2 which gets used more. For general homeowner use, I'd probably recommend Tekton because of the one stop shopping and they just make it easy to do business with them. I don't have any of the tri-lobe handles but do like the Tekton square.

Good luck.

 

[CC268]

I have several of both brands and I'd give the nod to Klein on fitment although I would also say that my #1 Phillips Klein has not been particularly durable. It is showing wear way faster than the #2 which gets used more. For general homeowner use, I'd probably recommend Tekton because of the one stop shopping and they just make it easy to do business with them. I don't have any of the tri-lobe handles but do like the Tekton square.

Good luck.

Yea Tekton is definitely tempting. I could always do the Tekton hard handle set and then do the other high torque sets individually for the Torx, allen, hex, etc

 

[Steve_P]

I still have a few Klein screwdrivers from the late 1980s and they are definitely unimpressive IMO- far behind Wiha, Williams, Vessel, and even my old HF Taiwan hard handle copies of the SO drivers from that same era.

 

[CC268]

I still have a few Klein screwdrivers from the late 1980s and they are definitely unimpressive IMO- far behind Wiha, Williams, Vessel, and even my old HF Taiwan hard handle copies of the SO drivers from that same era.

Hmm…idk I’m leaning towards Tekton. I actually have some Wera Lasergrips which are amazing. Williams is just too much for me to spend on homeowner tools.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Yeah, I’d say they are maybe equal. I use Klein drivers at work and the rubber padding gets gummed up really fast. Less so with my Tekton drivers. Neither brand has fantastic durability and my Klein ones fit maybe a tiny bit better. I’d probably go Tekton just because if you want to one stop shop you can get the whole thing in one go. Plus you can warranty out bad drivers which is going to happen.

 

[Bubba Fett]

May as well face it: you're going to end up with both, anyway.

I have drivers from Klein, Vaco, Ideal, Pratt-Read, Master Mechanic, Masterforce, Husky, Sears Craftsman, SBD Craftsman, Williams, Kobalt, Companion, Ace Pro, Stanley, Stanley 100plus, Irwin, DeWalt, Allway, Vermont-American, SK, Enderes, Channellock, Proto, and a bunch of different amber acetate drivers from computer toolkits. I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Some are full sets, some are small sets, some are singles.

There is no perfect screwdriver. Some are better for automotive work, some better for electrical work, some better for woodworking projects, some are deliberately misused and abused. Some are sentimental pieces that never get used, because they are irreplaceable reminders. It is inevitable.

 

[d.mcfarland]

If it matters to you, the handles will have a different feel between the 2 sets you are contemplating.

I'd buy one of each style and use it for a little before committing to a large set. If you hate the feel you'll be glad you spent some time/money on making the decision ahead of time.

Personally, I'd lean toward the Klein version myself.

Also, you may want to consider the possibility of using 1/4" bits instead of all those drivers. Most of them will never be touched anyways.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I just bought that set recently, really haven’t used them enough but they seem like real good quality. I like all the tools in one set, handles are comfortable, there really isn’t that much of a difference between brands and i buy every brand almost. I would recommend them, plus usa made, i do like straight handles hex grivers and i like they don’t roll away.

 

[redwrench60]

There’s no way I could pick one screwdriver brand for everything.

I like Snap-on hard handles for dirty mechanical work, Klein for electrical/household/ect. And Stanley 100 Plus for beater service.

 

[Renegade1LI]

My favorite are still the old cm acetate and the usa ridgids, i have no problem with the husky either, too bad no more made in usa ones. I really don’t care, they’re just screwdrivers, most are pretty good anyway. I get these for the guys at work, they’re a good Construction screwdriver.

 

[KnurledNut]

A few considerations:
Klein used to press Robertson tips in their square screwdrivers. (Im not sure if they still do.)
Klein makes demolition screwdrivers. Tekton doesnt. Need i say more?
Klein slotted drivers are available with square shanks and keystone tips, both great features for general use. Tekton only comes in a round shaft and cabinet tip.
The biggest weakness of Klein is their grips arent greatly mechanic friendly.

Honestly, Tekton screwdrivers really dont impress me much. Just my opinion.

 

[tarbellb]

Tekton Trilobe are one of my all time favorite grips

Fitment and sizes are good. I have bent several flat tips doing some minor prying.... take that for what you want.

 

[Grokew]

Kleins are good, but once the rubber goes, you are left with the most uncomfortable and pointy double square shaped handle ever. I tried wrapping mine in paracord, but it is still horrible. With the rubber it was a really comfy screwdriver.

Edit:
Paracord as a screwdriver handle *****. It is slippery. If anyone has a tip for wrapping or fixing the handle let me know. I was considering wrapping the paracord with silicone tape, but I guess it is cheaper to get a new one.

 

[liliysdad]

I have both the Tekton hard handles and Kleins in my drawer....I prefer the Tektons in every single way. There is nothing about the Kleins that would make me grab them first. Between my Weras and Tektons, I am pretty happy.

 

[KnurledNut]

For me, the only advantage Tekton has over my other screwdrivers is they offer a 4” PH3. And flat tip hex drivers.

 

[liliysdad]

I really like the Tekton hard handles. SO far the tips have held up fine, but the handles are about my favorite I have found.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Kleins are good, but once the rubber goes, you are left with the most uncomfortable and pointy double square shaped handle ever. I tried wrapping mine in paracord, but it is still horrible. With the rubber it was a really comfy screwdriver.

Edit:
Paracord as a screwdriver handle *****. It is slippery. If anyone has a tip for wrapping or fixing the handle let me know. I was considering wrapping the paracord with silicone tape, but I guess it is cheaper to get a new one.

Maybe you could plasti-dip them?


To OP: I find handle styles to be extremely subjective. What is comfortable for someone may not be comfortable for someone else. It also depends on how they are used, how they are held, etc. For example, I have the Williams hard handles, which are generally regarded as very good drivers...but they are very uncomfortable for me. But I have found they are great for stubborn screws. Klein and similar drivers offer speed, which is important for finely threaded machine screws.

 

[CC268]

Thanks guys. I think I’m gonna kill multiple birds with one stone and just go for the Tekton kit.

 

[unknownroad]

FWIW, I like the Tekton handles better, but I was not impressed with the strength- I've twisted the smaller flatheads out of square just using them as screwdrivers. But, since some of the sizes/profiles will always end up getting a lot more use than others, it's a fine strategy to start out with a big, comprehensive kit at a reasonable price and just buy higher-end replacements for any that break or wear out.