Tekton inpact bit sockets now on their website
- Thread starter lardy1
- Start date
Is it just the Angle Head wrenches & Crowsfoots —that are USA made now?
Well that's something.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
If they're S2 steel they'll be a great value.
Avenging Bankroll
Banned
nothing
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DerekV
Well-known member
I’ve been looking forward to checking these out, thanks for sharing.
TLDR: they look nice and probably are nice, but I feel like they completely missed out on some low hanging fruit to really stand out from the crowd.
I’m a little disappointed they didn’t go full blown overkill like their new 1/2” 6 point line (i.e. 8mm?!) and do a 5mm hex, not that that’s normal for 1/2” drive but more of a “why not?” to further distinguish themselves from the competition. I’ve always wanted a 1/2” drive 5mm hex for convenience but they don’t seem to exist. 5mm hex is insanely common.
I also don’t understand why it’s basically a prerequisite for 1/2” drive impact bit sockets to come in mid-long lengths only (especially hex). Some examples of what should be the standard length are the short variants within the Neiko Pro 10283B triple square set (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SX11BO/?tag=atomicindus08-20) and the Blackhawk UH-1216CS hex impact set (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YSWXEO/?tag=atomicindus08-20). The other day I had to remove front caliper brackets (aka high torque + crammed space), held on by fasteners with an 8mm Allen hex, and there was no way a typical 3” long 1/2” drive impact socket would get in there. The 8mm in the Blackhawk set has an OAL of 1.17” - now THAT’S what I’m talking about. The new Tekton in 8mm is 2.95”.
The only downside to the Blackhawk set (aside from no 5mm) is that it’s only available in a metric/SAE combo set. Although I use and own essentially zero SAE tools, the “unique” length of the Blackhawk set appears to justify the added cost and drawer space. It’s too bad because Tekton does an excellent job providing a wide variety of practical buying options.
TLDR: they look nice and probably are nice, but I feel like they completely missed out on some low hanging fruit to really stand out from the crowd.
I’m a little disappointed they didn’t go full blown overkill like their new 1/2” 6 point line (i.e. 8mm?!) and do a 5mm hex, not that that’s normal for 1/2” drive but more of a “why not?” to further distinguish themselves from the competition. I’ve always wanted a 1/2” drive 5mm hex for convenience but they don’t seem to exist. 5mm hex is insanely common.
I also don’t understand why it’s basically a prerequisite for 1/2” drive impact bit sockets to come in mid-long lengths only (especially hex). Some examples of what should be the standard length are the short variants within the Neiko Pro 10283B triple square set (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SX11BO/?tag=atomicindus08-20) and the Blackhawk UH-1216CS hex impact set (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YSWXEO/?tag=atomicindus08-20). The other day I had to remove front caliper brackets (aka high torque + crammed space), held on by fasteners with an 8mm Allen hex, and there was no way a typical 3” long 1/2” drive impact socket would get in there. The 8mm in the Blackhawk set has an OAL of 1.17” - now THAT’S what I’m talking about. The new Tekton in 8mm is 2.95”.
The only downside to the Blackhawk set (aside from no 5mm) is that it’s only available in a metric/SAE combo set. Although I use and own essentially zero SAE tools, the “unique” length of the Blackhawk set appears to justify the added cost and drawer space. It’s too bad because Tekton does an excellent job providing a wide variety of practical buying options.
I agree. Hopefully they will post the specs soon. VIM stuff is awesome and reasonably priced when on sale but to be able to get that quality at everyday low prices with a no hassle warranty would be awesome.
Some not very nice ol' reviews & pics for this set of Tekton star drive impacts.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JM77OQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JM77OQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
you can't compare Tekton's current offerings to their old ****. 
Bannik254
Well-known member
I use my Sunex 3/16 and 5mm hex 3/8 dr impact bits -literally- every single day at work, I usually get around 4-6 months of hard use/abuse before needing to warranty through their website. Use a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter to use on my 1/2 milwaukee m12 stubby impact. I also have a set of Sunex duplicate hex bits for backup when my daily driver bits **** the bed.
Kind of wish Tekton had a set of impacts in those sizes. I find the Sunex impact bits don't stand up well to heat. If I use the acetylene torch on a fastener, get it cherry red, hammer in the bit and rip on it with an impact the bit permanetly develops a twist in the shank. Tekton's S2 steel bits seem to resist heat a lot better, have a set of the chromes I use for situations with heat on the fastener. If I had a set of Tekton impact rated bits, would be a mite safer.
Kind of wish Tekton had a set of impacts in those sizes. I find the Sunex impact bits don't stand up well to heat. If I use the acetylene torch on a fastener, get it cherry red, hammer in the bit and rip on it with an impact the bit permanetly develops a twist in the shank. Tekton's S2 steel bits seem to resist heat a lot better, have a set of the chromes I use for situations with heat on the fastener. If I had a set of Tekton impact rated bits, would be a mite safer.