Looks like Tekton listened again. New release of Metric or SAE only socket sets...
https://www.tekton.com/hand-drive-sockets/6-point-sockets
https://www.tekton.com/hand-drive-sockets/6-point-sockets
Tekton-New Socket set releases
- Thread starter M6erfan
- Start date
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Tekton listened but, still got the color coding of the case wrong. Red is for SAE 
$45 for a rather complete set of 1/4 drive metric sockets and drive tools seems like a winner-winner chicken dinner to me.
Although I would have liked to see the set run to 15 mm, i realize that most of the world doesn't use 15 mm in 1/4 drive so, i can live with it. I'm not a fan of quick release ratchets but, that's just me.
I'm also happy to see the sockets only sets coming in. I don't need any sockets but, i'll get some on sale. I wonder if there will be a Tekton Father's Day sale soon
$45 for a rather complete set of 1/4 drive metric sockets and drive tools seems like a winner-winner chicken dinner to me.
Although I would have liked to see the set run to 15 mm, i realize that most of the world doesn't use 15 mm in 1/4 drive so, i can live with it. I'm not a fan of quick release ratchets but, that's just me.
I'm also happy to see the sockets only sets coming in. I don't need any sockets but, i'll get some on sale. I wonder if there will be a Tekton Father's Day sale soon
Honestly Fed, I think they keep the backwards color scheme just to mess with you. It's quite likely that Dave reads your posts and smiles a little each and every time.
What I would like to see is a case set that has mid-depth sockets too. Tekton could be a real pioneer there.
What I would like to see is a case set that has mid-depth sockets too. Tekton could be a real pioneer there.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You're probably right
I usually shitcan the cases after a year or two of them sitting empty somewhere anyway.The only 1/4 drive set i've seen with drive tools and semi deep or mid length sockets, and I'm not sure if it's still available was an SK set.
I would like to see Tekton come out with a pure metric tool set in blow molded case (NOT RED) that also includes 10-19 mm combination wrenches, a small pair of locking pliers, a couple of screwdrivers, etc. they could look at some of Teng's portable sets for ideas. Not too big, not too small but, portable and handy, no fluff like 50 insert bits
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You're probably right
The only 1/4 drive set i've seen with drive tools and semi deep or mid length sockets, and I'm not sure if it's still available was an SK set.
I would like to see Tekton come out with a pure metric tool set in blow molded case (NOT RED) that also includes 10-19 mm combination wrenches, a small pair of locking pliers, a couple of screwdrivers, etc. they could look at some of Teng's portable sets for ideas. Not too big, not too small but, portable and handy, no fluff like 50 insert bits
Why locking pliers? I'd rather have a mid-sized set of channellocks than locking pliers. Faster to work with if you have to use a pair of pliers to turn something.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
and there in lies the problem with small sets
i think a small pair of curved jaw locking pliers with utter are uber handy. a pair of cobras or aligator pliers are great too. Although i hate the term multipurpose, i was just throwing out possibilities with their off the shelf products that might balance usefulness, weight, and kit size.. 
and there in lies the problem with small sets
Ah, now that I looked at the website I see what you mean. There appears to be enough room for pliers in the SAE set, but not the metric.
and they'd have to be a tiny pair of pliers to fit at all. The new 3/4 drive sets look interesting but I'm not sure how well the plastic cases would hold up. That's a lot of weight.
Ah, now that I looked at the website I see what you mean. There appears to be enough room for pliers in the SAE set, but not the metric.
The new 3/4 drive sets look interesting but I'm not sure how well the plastic cases would hold up. That's a lot of weight.
It is probably similar in weight to the 84 piece 1/2" set and is certainly heavy. Those jumbo cases have additional clasps on the sides which help keep it secure. But it's a bit of a pain to move around.
I'll he getting this one when available. Great looking set.
https://www.tekton.com/3-8-in-dr-skt-and-r-sets-1-4-1-inch-6-24-mm?set-range=combined
https://www.tekton.com/3-8-in-dr-skt-and-r-sets-1-4-1-inch-6-24-mm?set-range=combined
They doing quite well with set options.
The socket only sets on rail holders (double rail tray) good in concept and coverage .
stamped large markings and decent length shouldering useful features .
They need mid length sockets added ....
The socket only sets on rail holders (double rail tray) good in concept and coverage .
stamped large markings and decent length shouldering useful features .
They need mid length sockets added ....
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yes and No.
Yes, it would be nice if Tekton offered mid length sockets.
However, most of their target demographic would be happy with just shallow & deep offerings. Besides, there are already plenty of mid length offering in at least 1/4 & 3/8 drive.
You're probably right
The only 1/4 drive set i've seen with drive tools and semi deep or mid length sockets, and I'm not sure if it's still available was an SK set.
I would like to see Tekton come out with a pure metric tool set in blow molded case (NOT RED) that also includes 10-19 mm combination wrenches, a small pair of locking pliers, a couple of screwdrivers, etc. they could look at some of Teng's portable sets for ideas. Not too big, not too small but, portable and handy, no fluff like 50 insert bits
Maybe they could take inspiration from the Gedore Touring set. Just maybe opt for 3/8 drive and no skips in sizes. https://www.kctoolco.com/gedore-1000-tool-case-touring-47-pcs/
Tekton really seems to be stepping up their game. I see them all the time at my local Meijer, but I’m not sure which tools are new models and which ones aren’t. They look nice, but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
How do their wrenches and sockets compare to say... Gearwrench or Pittsburgh?
How do their wrenches and sockets compare to say... Gearwrench or Pittsburgh?
BarryWells
Well-known member
If those sockets are as good as their impacts there wont be any problems.
Pitts pro and Tekton were/are both made in Taiwan. Quality is likely to be similar.
I’ll be looking for a different brand for my next purchases.
I know nothing of Pittsburgh but Tekton now incorporates a shoulder that's necked down the full length of the socket, better than Gearwrench who shoulders their sockets at about the halfway point. Gearwrench however knurls their metric sockets, many peoples favorite feature, mine included. Gearwrench is stamping sizes on two sides of the sockets in their regular 3/8" and 1/2" stuff, while I believe Tekton is unfortunately only single stamping sizes into their sockets. I believe Gearwrench has a shallow broach on their deep sockets while Tekton has a deeper broach. I prefer the shallow broach but this is no better or worse from one socket to another and both have pros/cons depending on use.
Long patterns wrenches - Tektons are priced fantastically and the chrome is always touted as beautiful, made in Taiwan. However Gearwrench long patterns are slightly longer than Tektons and offer an Anti slip open end, and while also priced well they are unfortunately made in China.
Both are hard to go wrong with, Tekton offers points I believe when ordered off their site which is great, Gearwrench has a few bogo deals that are hard to beat. I think depending on where you look or what you buy they can be similarly priced. Dave from Tekton is active here on the forums and seems to be able to offer us with great customer service, above and beyond what you would probably find with Gearwrench. Which you choose to buy is up to you, both great tools at very good prices.
shteii01
Well-known member
I have a set of Tekton 1/4 drive regular length sockets that I bought new 4 years ago. None broke. I am very happy with them.
However. They are not shallow. Recently had to put covers on electrical boxes on a bunch of motors (4 bolts, one on each corner, bolts recessed so wrench fit badly). Very little room. I did sort of, kind of put the socket on the bolts and tightened them. But. Then I ordered some Ko-ken shallow sockets. They came in last week. They are a bit shorter then my regular length Tekton sockets.
However. They are not shallow. Recently had to put covers on electrical boxes on a bunch of motors (4 bolts, one on each corner, bolts recessed so wrench fit badly). Very little room. I did sort of, kind of put the socket on the bolts and tightened them. But. Then I ordered some Ko-ken shallow sockets. They came in last week. They are a bit shorter then my regular length Tekton sockets.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Did you get Koken Zeal sockets? they're shorter than a regular shallow socket. Great sockets!!!
I've noticed that most if not all, 1/4 drive shallow sockets made in Taiwan run a little longer than US made versions. Most US made 1/4 drive shallow sockets are around 7/8 long long whereas, the Taiwan made models run closer to an inch in length.
Yes and No.
Yes, it would be nice if Tekton offered mid length sockets.
However, most of their target demographic would be happy with just shallow & deep offerings. Besides, there are already plenty of mid length offering in at least 1/4 & 3/8 drive.
plenty shallow and deep offerings already too lol .
Not many lower cost easy warranty mid lengths on market and as tekton wants a more complete portfolio and does attract more professional side of buyers makes good business sense to me .
Handyandy23
Well-known member
$1000+
Good lord! That better come with a tech to turn the wrenches for me for that price!
$1000+
The set is much cheaper from European sources. I used it as an example since it does a pretty good job covering the basics and a decent layout. The foam isn't as space efficient as a blow molded case, but it shouldn't rattle as much. Although I suppose if tekton wanted to copy this set from Proxxon, that would work too. Anyway. Sorry for getting off topic.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91fKBpA6M6L._SL1500_.jpg
Did you get Koken Zeal sockets? they're shorter than a regular shallow socket. Great sockets!!!
I've noticed that most if not all, 1/4 drive shallow sockets made in Taiwan run a little longer than US made versions. Most US made 1/4 drive shallow sockets are around 7/8 long long whereas, the Taiwan made models run closer to an inch in length.
That’s really the most irritating thing about Taiwan sockets. They are longer than US sockets and they are all the same length in each drive size. Its silly for a baby 6mm 3/8 drive to be the same height as a 22mm.
I got plenty taiwan sockets and heights are stepped, a 6mm certainly not same as a 22mm, even a 20mm differs to a 22mm.
you'll find drive size heights differs too if choosy on taiwan oems .
1/4" not best buy in taiwan brsnds as indeed koken height and wall thickness massively different in 1/4 drive ..
shteii01
Well-known member
Yes, I got Z-eal 1/4 drive in 8, 10, 13mm, those are standard sizes for the bolts/nuts we use. We are metric shop in US.Did you get Koken Zeal sockets? they're shorter than a regular shallow socket. Great sockets!!!
I've noticed that most if not all, 1/4 drive shallow sockets made in Taiwan run a little longer than US made versions. Most US made 1/4 drive shallow sockets are around 7/8 long long whereas, the Taiwan made models run closer to an inch in length.
On top of that I got Ko-ken Nut-Holding regular sockets too.
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KBigg
Well-known member
Dang it. I saw the thread title and was hoping they released all the new sockets.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
Damn it. I wish I could have waited. I bought the 1/4 and 3/8 sets with the old style ratchet and sockets. I have had them since December. They live in my service van and ive abused them. Using them on a impact driver all the time. For the price I still couldn't be happier.
mwalsh9152
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 14, 2016
- Messages
- 349
I just bought all three sets. I think I am going to take the 1/4 & 3/8 and put them in the truck, then put the new ones in the toolbox.
DerekV
Well-known member
I actually just received some 12pt metric sets in the mail today.
Background:
I've been in the process of completing my 12pt sets (metric-only, zero need or desire for SAE in my box) and couldn't find USA Williams sets in 1/4 shallow and deep, or in 3/8 deep. The Williams/Snap On socket design is my favorite...I absolutely love the fit on the fasteners, the taper from the drive end to the business end on the smaller sizes, and the compact height of the shallows. However, I don't love those features enough to $eriously pony up for the $O sets in lieu of the absent USA Williams sets. It's too bad that the Taiwan Williams socket designs (which do have sets where the USA ones do not) aren't designed identically to their USA counterparts, because I would've went with those in a heartbeat. I know SK theoretically utilizes the features I'm after, but I've had terrible QC experiences with their chrome sockets. Not trying to dive deep into that, but what I received both off the shelf and as replacements were borderline unusable and absolutely not what I paid a premium for. I refused to waste my time going down that road again. Along came the new Tektons. They at least have that tapered design and appear to be a great bang for the buck, so I went for 'em. Won't be using the 12pts like the 6pts, so this was a relatively low risk gamble.
FWIW, I have Tekton's previous gen 6pt 1/4 and 3/8 sets that I keep in my trunk and USA Williams 6pt and 12pt 1/4-3/8-1/2 deep and shallow metric sets (again, where available) in my home toolbox.
Observations:
Obviously time will tell, but my initial impressions are really good. They'd be a home run if the shallows weren't long. All things considered, I don't regret my purchase. They're just sockets - no surprises - and there's something kinda nice about that. Dollar for dollar, I'd say they're pretty tough to beat.
Background:
I've been in the process of completing my 12pt sets (metric-only, zero need or desire for SAE in my box) and couldn't find USA Williams sets in 1/4 shallow and deep, or in 3/8 deep. The Williams/Snap On socket design is my favorite...I absolutely love the fit on the fasteners, the taper from the drive end to the business end on the smaller sizes, and the compact height of the shallows. However, I don't love those features enough to $eriously pony up for the $O sets in lieu of the absent USA Williams sets. It's too bad that the Taiwan Williams socket designs (which do have sets where the USA ones do not) aren't designed identically to their USA counterparts, because I would've went with those in a heartbeat. I know SK theoretically utilizes the features I'm after, but I've had terrible QC experiences with their chrome sockets. Not trying to dive deep into that, but what I received both off the shelf and as replacements were borderline unusable and absolutely not what I paid a premium for. I refused to waste my time going down that road again. Along came the new Tektons. They at least have that tapered design and appear to be a great bang for the buck, so I went for 'em. Won't be using the 12pts like the 6pts, so this was a relatively low risk gamble.
FWIW, I have Tekton's previous gen 6pt 1/4 and 3/8 sets that I keep in my trunk and USA Williams 6pt and 12pt 1/4-3/8-1/2 deep and shallow metric sets (again, where available) in my home toolbox.
Observations:
- The shallow sockets are still on the longer side. This is my only complaint, although it's a big-ish one for me. There have been times where the extra length was just too extra to get the job done how I set out to do it. It wasn't clear in their photos whether or not their designers changed the shallow heights to be more in-line with USA socket standards. I'm telling you now, they didn't, they're still long.
- Some (though not most, interestingly) sizes appear to use the same blanks as the next corresponding size. I'm indifferent about this because they're still nice and slim as you'd expect in a chrome socket. I'm sure this was done to help keep the costs low.
- They seem to fit on the ratchet drive ends better than the previous gen. I know there are some people on these forums that lust for properly placed ball detents
They do seem "more proper" to me. Now you know... - The sizes are proudly, yet not obnoxiously stamped on the sides. Very nice. There's no way you'll have a tough time knowing what size you picked up.
- For all the detail nerds, the finish and overall consistency is truly top quality. At least as nice as my USA Williams. Visible off-corner engagement design. Perfectly centered broaching on all of them.
- The twist-style socket rails that they come on, although the wrong color , are nice. I prefer the Hanson-style organizers from HFT for my chrome sockets, but I'm definitely going to repurpose these rails for some of my specialty/bit socket sets that are currently on standard (junk) steel rails.
Obviously time will tell, but my initial impressions are really good. They'd be a home run if the shallows weren't long. All things considered, I don't regret my purchase. They're just sockets - no surprises - and there's something kinda nice about that. Dollar for dollar, I'd say they're pretty tough to beat.
Toiuching on this point again ...
I had Koken and Premier sockets in 14mm 1/4 drive out on my work trolley top today so decided measure with calipers .
The Premier (made by Infar taiwan) was 1.1mm longer and 0.7mm more in diameter, good result considering the koken are pretty thin and shallow standards .
The Premier had better drive detents in my opinion too which surprised me .
The Koken is deeper broached and centre bore large which nice for stud clearance .
Considering the price the Premier sockets are amazing, I got them for beaters on air ratchet and battery 1/4 driver tools and not split one yet and chrome holds up good too (better than koken and snapon chrome flake .
I've used taiwan sockets for over 20 years daily auto and light farm machinary repair alongside japanese german and usa and good ones of each coo are good sockets, each having merits and flaws pending on usage scenario and good old personal opinions ....
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ptgarcia
Well-known member
Jeff590
Well-known member
Yeah, that is a nice set.
Does anyone have any idea when these new sets will be available through Amazon? (which I assume may have better pricing?)
Dave.R
Well-known member
Amazon should have these in the next several weeks. You'll see that Tekton.com is usually pretty competitive to any other retailing pricing out there.
We work to keep retails pretty uniform so that our brand is predictable and no discount retailer is shorting you on service.
Our preference is for you to get the tool in the easiest, best way possible. If that's Tekton.com, that's great. We do offer free shipping with an account and 10% back rewards to help sweeten the deal.
Dave
[email protected]
Very cool