Tekton Catalog and New Releases

[Ohio Andy]

. Maybe that will change, but with their rapid about face from the push to bring more manufacturing to the US, I am doubtful.

That being said, there is nothing wrong with the existing drivers so I don't see a need to improve them.

I love the handles but thought some of the tips could be improved, not that I have strong complaints about them. There is a reason that my largest set is Tekton.

I really like that they do full disclosure, for example, the pouches

27-Tool Combination Wrench Pouch (Red) | TEKTON | OTP21204

Red 27-Tool standard-length combination wrench pouch, made of canvas material. Marked with sizes 6-32 mm. OTP21204.

www.tekton.com

One of my old USA made Craftsman sets is in a tekton pouch because they didn't come with any storage at all. And some of my really nice high-end wrenches are also in Tekton pouches. As an example, I have some wright grip 2 wrenches from 6 mm 32 mm and the pouch from wright only goes to 24, and that said I want to be able to grab and go. So they are in a Tekton wrench roll. And just to fill the hole I chose to get one of their 31 mm wrenches. Most of my Tekton wrenches are ratcheting. I really like the long dual end ratcheting wrenches.

When I put these sets in the rolls, I usually fill in the extras with Tekton stuff because they are very comprehensive in what they offer. I did that with my old Craftsman USA wrenches. I could have gone to the trouble of finding the old USA versions or bought a more modern Craftsman version...

I have assumptions as to why why they are choosing to have the driver s manufactured in Germany, but I won't bother a speculate here. That they are releasing soon, engineering wrenches made in the USA. So I'm not sure it's fair to say that they are actively pushing to offshore their stuff.

 

[liliysdad]

. So I'm not sure it's fair to say that they are actively pushing to offshore their stuff.

You’re right, it’s not fair to make a blanket statement like that. It is difficult, however, to take that push seriously when the one established thing made here is going away.

 

[Ohio Andy]

You’re right, it’s not fair to make a blanket statement like that. It is difficult, however, to take that push seriously when the one established thing made here is going away.

Pretending I'm wearing a hat so that I can tip it to liliysdad

 

[mikey03]

I can predict the future... And my prediction is...

They will come out with a driver that has a better head and that same handle and then you'll be torn between the five sets you just ordered and buying another couple sets because you like the new drivers better...


Signed... Evil Andy

Well I mean @Dave.R can you tell us if the current hard handles are sticking around with the new inserts from witte or you gonna get the whole driver handle and all from germany?

 

[mikey03]

You’re right, it’s not fair to make a blanket statement like that. It is difficult, however, to take that push seriously when the one established thing made here is going away.

I’m with you on these handles being the best part of tekton lineup and I don’t want them to go away but honestly there’s a difference from offshoring American made tool to Germany and offshoring it to Taiwan or china.

I feel like German tools are equal to American so I don’t consider it a downgrade. Same for japan.

now when you go to Taiwan or Czech republic or Portugal I consider that tier 2. And when you go to china it’s tier 3. And going to India or Pakistan is tier 4.

 

[liliysdad]

I’m with you on these handles being the best part of tekton lineup and I don’t want them to go away but honestly there’s a difference from offshoring American made tool to Germany and offshoring it to Taiwan or china.

I feel like German tools are equal to American so I don’t consider it a downgrade. Same for japan.

now when you go to Taiwan or Czech republic or Portugal I consider that tier 2. And when you go to china it’s tier 3. And going to India or Pakistan is tier 4.

I don’t disagree with that at all. I don’t imagine the German(Witte?) drivers will be of lesser quality that the current US sourced offerings. In fact, they quite possibly may be better. They will, however, be just like any other Witte driver I can already buy at any of a number of places.

But…the current drivers aren’t lacking in quality, and they aren’t overpriced. They employ US workers, and they offer something that’s unique to the brand. These drivers were the flagship of the Tekton campaign to increase their US sourced offerings.

I sound like a whiny, broken record…but this decision is a mistake.

 

[drokihazan]

I don’t disagree with that at all. I don’t imagine the German(Witte?) drivers will be of lesser quality that the current US sourced offerings. In fact, they quite possibly may be better. They will, however, be just like any other Witte driver I can already buy at any of a number of places.

But…the current drivers aren’t lacking in quality, and they aren’t overpriced. They employ US workers, and they offer something that’s unique to the brand. These drivers were the flagship of the Tekton campaign to increase their US sourced offerings.

I sound like a whiny, broken record…but this decision is a mistake.

I can't help but feel aligned with this.
That being said, if Tekton makes the same US hard handles and sticks Witte German blades in them, I'll keep buying them when I need drivers. These are the only screwdriver handles I've ever liked more than the Snap-On/Williams hard handle.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

We are about to move our screwdriver program to a premium supplier in Germany that makes drivers for the tool truck market.

I’m really excited for this. I know everyone loves the hard handles but I’m all about big fat comfy composite handles for my screwdrivers. And if you guys go with the manufacturer I think you are, I’m going to be even more excited.

 

[mikey03]

I’m really excited for this. I know everyone loves the hard handles but I’m all about big fat comfy composite handles for my screwdrivers. And if you guys go with the manufacturer I think you are, I’m going to be even more excited.

But you can already easily get those lots of places but only one place to get tekton hard handle screwdrivers

 

[liliysdad]

But you can already easily get those lots of places but only one place to get tekton hard handle screwdrivers

This, to me, is the crux of the issue. A company that is trying to build its reputation as more than just a relabeling distributor, killing the one truly unique, quality item in the catalog.....in exchange for a relabel of something that's already available elsewhere. Even more baffling is the weight upon which is laid the "Made in USA" content of the lineup, and removing one giant swath of that in deference to an offshore maker.

Its all very odd.

 

[Dave.R]

That’s too bad the 6 in 1 are my favorite because they got the amazing hard handle and there shorter overall length compared to most 6 in 1s

Hey Mikey, good news - they are sticking around for a while!

 

[mikey03]

Hey Mikey, good news - they are sticking around for a while!

your the best dave!

 

[liliysdad]

Hey Mikey, good news - they are sticking around for a while!

Only the 6-1, or the hard handles in general?

 

[Etchase]

You guys are expecting a lot from a distributor, especially an internet sales one. At least they don’t drop ship, but that’s all they got going for them. They are very good at marketing though.

 

[Dave.R]

Only the 6-1, or the hard handles in general?

Just the 6-in-1 style handles.

 

[liliysdad]

Just the 6-in-1 style handles.

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the reply.


It sounds like there are still kinks to be ironed out, but will there be a similar hard handle option with these German sourced drivers?

 

[NMTrailboss]

Well, this thread cost me another screwdriver set purchase!

 

[Sanddollar]

I have a bunch of hard handled items sitting in the cart, I don't want to regret when I see the new hotness....

 

[Sanddollar]

Hard handles are no longer listed on catalog, looks like they are only in the outlet section.

 

[liliysdad]

Hard handles are no longer listed on catalog, looks like they are only in the outlet section.

Absolute shame, and a poor move in my (ad nauseum) opinion.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Absolute shame, and a poor move in my (ad nauseum) opinion.

I guess you can now buy their 22 piece set for $64.35

Hard Handle Black Oxide Blade Screwdriver Set, 22-Piece | DRV44001 | TEKTON

Includes: #0-#3 (Phillips), 1/8 - 5/16 inch (slotted/flathead), T10-T30 (Torx). Classic square handle made from durable glass-reinforced nylon. Made in USA.

www.tekton.com

I really like their hard handles, I probably have all of them. Will be interested to see what they replace them with or if they will just stick to their "high torque" versions.

https://www.tekton.com/high-torque-screwdriver-set-drv41236 ($99).

I like the high-torque versions better than I thought that I would, and they are obviously their best sellers or they would probably keep the hard handles; unless the new upcoming drivers have a similar handle, but I doubt that for no particular reason (so that opinion is based on almost nothing).

 

[Sanddollar]

I guess you can now buy their 22 piece set for $64.35

Hard Handle Black Oxide Blade Screwdriver Set, 22-Piece | DRV44001 | TEKTON

Includes: #0-#3 (Phillips), 1/8 - 5/16 inch (slotted/flathead), T10-T30 (Torx). Classic square handle made from durable glass-reinforced nylon. Made in USA.

www.tekton.com

I really like their hard handles, I probably have all of them. Will be interested to see what they replace them with or if they will just stick to their "high torque" versions.

https://www.tekton.com/high-torque-screwdriver-set-drv41236 ($99).

I like the high-torque versions better than I thought that I would, and they are obviously their best sellers or they would probably keep the hard handles; unless the new upcoming drivers have a similar handle, but I doubt that for no particular reason (so that opinion is based on almost nothing).

That 22 piece set is out of stock, seems the #3 phillips is sold out

 

[Sanddollar]

Looks like new design is out

Phillips and Slotted Screwdriver Set, #0–#3, 3–8 mm | TEKTON

10-piece set includes #0–#3 Phillips (JIS compatible) and 3–8 mm (metric) slotted drivers with 4 inch shanks. DWZ90006.

www.tekton.com

 

[Ohio Andy]

Looks like new design is out

Phillips and Slotted Screwdriver Set, #0–#3, 3–8 mm | TEKTON

10-piece set includes #0–#3 Phillips (JIS compatible) and 3–8 mm (metric) slotted drivers with 4 inch shanks. DWZ90006.

www.tekton.com

Those sure look like Wiha to me... don't think I have seen Wiha with holes in the handle though. Never used Wiha screwdrivers. Any good?

 

[Sanddollar]

Those sure look like Wiha to me... don't think I have seen Wiha with holes in the handle though. Never used Wiha screwdrivers. Any good?

And it looks like they have an insulated handle option, thinking Wiha too

 

[Callelle]

They look like Witte without the felt on the grips to me.

 

[liliysdad]

That’s an absolute pass for me. Nothing about that makes me want that over the old hard handles.

Dumb.

 

[Ohio Andy]

And it looks like they have an insulated handle option, thinking Wiha too

I am not seeing any bolsters.... Looks like the holes are to either hang the driver or attach a safety lanyard. I have an outstanding order for safety lanyards right now (not tekton)
I like the size markings in four locations.
Interesting that they have both Metric and SAE sizings for their slotted screwdrivers,

There are 8 slotted metric sizes from 3.5 through 14 mm. SAE is from 1/8 (about 3mm) through 3/8 (9.5 mm).
I have PB Swiss drivers for 3.5, 4, 5.5, 6.5, and 10. I do not have an 8, 12, or 14 PB Swiss driver. I do not even know if they make one. I also do not think that they make a 6, 12, or 14mm bit. I have a Tekton 1/2" slotted bit in a 1/2" socket.

The slotted bits are wedge shaped.

The philips claim to be JIS compatible.

Curious how they feel in the hand. Curious how the Wiha feel in the hand.

 

[KnurledNut]

They look like Witte without the felt on the grips to me.

100% Witte

 

[Ohio Andy]

They look like Witte without the felt on the grips to me.

And the Witte MAXX have the hole in the handle.

You are probably correct.

 

[KnurledNut]

I am not seeing any bolsters....

On Wittes the hole in the handle can be used with another screwdriver shaft for extra torque.
Surprised Tekton didn't mention this.

Edit: I updated this thread title to include mention of new releases since it's tracking that way.

 

[lardy1]

They look like Witte to me. Those aren't bad prices, imo.

 

[Ohio Andy]

They look like Witte to me. Those aren't bad prices, imo.

Have you ever used the wit screwdrivers? Do you like them?

They have never been on my radar. I've never tried them or seen them. I mean I've probably seen them online but never in person

 

[lardy1]

Have you ever used the wit screwdrivers? Do you like them?

They have never been on my radar. I've never tried them or seen them. I mean I've probably seen them online but never in person

I only have one Witte screwdriver. It was an impulse buy because it was on sale and I wanted to try a Witte driver. It's their low end slotted four inch driver. It doesn't really stand out but what 4 inch slotted screwdriver really does? I think the Tektons are a better grade. Mine doesn't have the black hollow groundtip so it really wouldn't be an accurate comparison.

Witte has many lines of drivers. They also, to my limited knowledge, do a lot of contract production for other German tool manufacturers. I don't know enough about that to give specifics.

 

[KnurledNut]

I don't know what Tektons fixation is with cabinet tip screwdrivers, but I sure hope they eventually offer these with keystone tips.

 

[Snaparxon]

Isn't or wasn't Witte the the Matco screwdriver maker? That would hurt Matco a bit cause their screwdrivers are stupid expensive

 

[rct]

I have a set of Witte drivers which are very nice. I also have a set of the red Tekton hard handles that are great screwdrivers and feel less delicate than the Witte's. Looking at the new Tekton pricing on the German drivers I feel like they missed an opportunity to keep the USA hard handles available and also offer the new German/Witte drivers at 2 different price points. Hopefully Tekton will consider bringing back the hard handles as a USA made value line and still have the new drivers available. You're a big enough company now. Let us choose (or buy both!)

 

[KnurledNut]

Isn't or wasn't Witte the the Matco screwdriver maker? That would hurt Matco a bit cause their screwdrivers are stupid expensive

The Top Torque II is made by Witte. The newest line is made by a Taiwanese manufacturer.

This 5 pc Witte set is $165!


And this Taiwanese set is $195!

 

[Fedwrench]

WITTE Katalog 2020 EN

This interactive publication is created with FlippingBook, a service for streaming PDFs online. No download, no waiting. Open and start reading right away!

online.flippingbook.com

WITTE MAXX series most likely or if you're old, the second generation MATCO screwdrivers. The Witte Maxx Plus has the anti slip flocking on the handle.

I popped for the four-piece Phillips set to see what's what since the last thing I need is a flat tip screwdriver, should be here Wednesday.

Phillips Screwdriver Set - 4 in. Shanks, 4-Piece (#0–#3) | TEKTON

4-piece set includes #0–#3 Phillips drivers with 4 inch shanks. JIS compatible. DWP90002.

www.tekton.com

 

[KnurledNut]

WITTE Katalog 2020 EN

This interactive publication is created with FlippingBook, a service for streaming PDFs online. No download, no waiting. Open and start reading right away!

online.flippingbook.com

WITTE MAXX series most likely or if you're old, the second generation MATCO screwdrivers. The Witte Maxx Plus has the anti slip flocking on the handle.

I popped for the four-piece Phillips set to see what's what since the last thing I need is a flat tip screwdriver, should be here Wednesday.

Phillips Screwdriver Set - 4 in. Shanks, 4-Piece (#0–#3) | TEKTON

4-piece set includes #0–#3 Phillips drivers with 4 inch shanks. JIS compatible. DWP90002.

www.tekton.com

MAXXPro line I believe. Still a personal favorite. I have always felt Witte was underrated. Their tips last and handle abuse well.