Tekton Price Increase Notification

[Farmall450]

I think he picked it up better then you understood his

First, nobody has said or proved Tekton is struggling.

Also, banking on the idea Craftsman or any of these brands will be around indefinitely is a gamble for sure. Look at the numerous big brands that have gone down in the past decade.
It wouldnt be a stretch for Craftsman to change the Warranty policy to exclude lifetime, that is a very real possibility. Look at how Home Depot has changed their returns policy, same with REI, Eddie Bauer, etc...

Nothing is certain, take your chances where you want. Buying quality first is usually better then banking on warranties later

A return policy has nothing to do with a warranty.

It's obvious the Craftsman name has considerable value (and is now in a ton of different stores). If you don't trust that Snap-on will be warrantying your tools in 20 years, then you may as well disregard warranty all together.

If this conversation was based on buying quality, I don't think the above posts would be discussing Tekton vs GW vs other import brands and a 10% price increase...

 

[tarbellb]

Return policy (HD) and warranty (REI, EB, etc..) policy are both just that, a policy. They can change at the companies whim.

Saying that Craftsman is a safer choice is laughable given the last decade, they tanked, went overseas, got sold, zero direction, and now year+ late on producing anything inhouse. Not a horse i'd bet on.

 

[WWheeler]

EVERY other tool of every other brand that I've purchased or have been price watching in the past year or more now has increased in price by a lot more than the ~5% Tekton is going up now. Many are well upwards of 30% more than they were pre covid, and none of the others (except I do recall Grizzly did) were nice enough to give me a headsup the prices were going to go up at some given date before they just up and did it.

 

[infinite97]

I agree with Lt. Cheg about Gearwrench going to poop. I picked up some Chinese made Gearwrench wrenches to fill in the gaps in my metric set. They were very poor quality compared to my older made in Taiwan Gearwrench tools. Here is an example of one from before I returned them.

What brand did you end up with? I have a metric set 10-24mm from Wurth Zebra, I like them, but they weren’t super cheap and I don’t think they’re anything special.

Still would like to grab the SAE set from someone.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Who cares about a warranty at this price point? I'm frugal, but it's easier and quicker to be up and running by just buying a new tool.

-Ryan

 

[boom_bap]

IMO tektons best tool is the combo wrenches and they're still pretty affordable. I think I bought the 8-19 set for 35 dollars back when.. I don't like their ratchets much, Capri ratchets are my preferred that I own currently. Tekton sockets aren't bad, Capri sockets aren't bad, but Icon sockets specifically the deep well chrome are worth the extra 2-5% just due to the shallow broaching. I don't have much Icon stuff other than a split beam and the deep 3/8s chromes, but so far I'm impressed with HF. Capri bit sockets are excellent.

My point, Tekton is probably the last place I look to buy tools now a days. Summit racing has the same socket rails for 20% cheaper.

 

[LWB]

Who cares about a warranty at this price point? I'm frugal, but it's easier and quicker to be up and running by just buying a new tool.

-Ryan

^This. At these price points you could have a spare set in storage.

 

[qqzj]

shallow broaching.

You sure it is called shallow broaching? Shallow chamfer, right?

 

[Southernbuild]

Well, after years of contemplation, this prompted me to order their angle wrenches!! I've got equipment with lots of hydraulic lines, probably shoulda done this years ago...

But, I agree with the main premise, it feels like Tekton is sorta pricing their self out of their market segment, on the common hard line tools. I've bought and enjoyed their tools, but seeing what they are now priced at, I'd be considering the competition for some items.

I do like the heads up on the price increase though!

 

[dchawk81]

You sure it is called shallow broaching? Shallow chamfer, right?

Doesn't matter. A few drinks and the ******* will lower his standards.

 

[boom_bap]

You sure it is called shallow broaching? Shallow chamfer, right?

Yes, shallow broach, when you put a nut or bolt in it won’t fall down into the socket very far.

Tekton has deeper broching which isn’t bad its just deep vs shallow.

They all chamfer the entrance.

 

[qqzj]

Yes, shallow broach, when you put a nut or bolt in it won’t fall down into the socket very far.

Tekton has deeper broching which isn’t bad its just deep vs shallow.

They all chamfer the entrance.

I see. Thanks. I thought shallow broach is standard.

 

[Steve_P]

For two essentially identical products, I don't mind spending a few more $ for Tekton- because if I lose or break a socket I can have a new one in my mailbox in a few days, shipped free; to me this is worth paying extra for. Plus, if there's an issue with an order, I think that I'll get better customer service than with probably any other tool company. I don't think I've ever had an issue with a Tekton order, or product, but there have been nothing but stellar reviews here for Tekton customer service- at least that I've seen. Again, to me this is worth paying extra for. If you just want the lowest price, then shop for it and deal with the consequences when there's an issue. And then complain about it here LOL.
Also, Tekton is a small company and doesn't have the power that someone like HF has to squeeze vendors when there's a price increase. When steel goes up and the supplier says "I need to raise prices 5% to cover increased material costs" Tekton doesn't have the haggling power that a HF does with their huge order numbers.
And we know that everyone that's complaining about price increases expects themselves to get a raise yearly. But I guess they don't want to pay for anyone else to get a raise.

 

[VolvoRyan]

But, I agree with the main premise, it feels like Tekton is sorta pricing their self out of their market segment, on the common hard line tools. I've bought and enjoyed their tools, but seeing what they are now priced at, I'd be considering the competition for some items.

It's a sticky wicket. At some point, either the price has to go up, or the quality has to go down. I suspect that you are correct. Cost speaks.

-Ryan

 

[texasprd]

Lots of alternatives to tekton, at better pricing too.

There may be less expensive alternatives, but are they comparable alternatives?

Tekton gives actual "proof test" torque specs on all their ratchets and breaker bars. I looked at 1/2" drive ratchets from Capri, Ares, Power Torque, EZ Red, SATA, Harbor Freight/Icon, and more. I haven't seen actual numeric torque ratings on other brands. Most claim they meet, or "meet or exceed", ANSI or ASME specs. They don't say what spec, year-version, or the actual torque value they meet as Tekton does. To me, that doesn't indicate comparability - there is no actual number to compare. The closest was Olsa, who gave an actual value for a 1/2" swivel ratchet (which I don't want) but otherwise say that their ratchets exceed the 2012 107.110 spec by 80%. That's good, but unless you know the spec value you still don't know the actual torque rating number. And the Olsas were more expensive than the Tektons.

Most of the time, that difference won't matter too much to me as a DIYer. But for situations when I really need to lean on a drive tool, as when I was in a wrecking yard using a 6'+ cheater pipe on my breaker bar to break loose a frozen control arm bolt (and the breaker bar handle was visibly deflecting), then that number interests me as I want to have the best tool I could for my money.

If you know of ratchet brands that publish torque proof test or design value that are comparable to Tekton, and are favorably priced, please name names - that will be much appreciated.

 

[dchawk81]

There may be less expensive alternatives, but are they comparable alternatives?

Tekton gives actual "proof test" torque specs on all their ratchets and breaker bars. I looked at 1/2" drive ratchets from Capri, Ares, Power Torque, EZ Red, SATA, Harbor Freight/Icon, and more. I haven't seen actual numeric torque ratings on other brands. Most claim they meet, or "meet or exceed", ANSI or ASME specs. They don't say what spec, year-version, or the actual torque value they meet as Tekton does. To me, that doesn't indicate comparability - there is no actual number to compare. The closest was Olsa, who gave an actual value for a 1/2" swivel ratchet (which I don't want) but otherwise say that their ratchets exceed the 2012 107.110 spec by 80%. That's good, but unless you know the spec value you still don't know the actual torque rating number. And the Olsas were more expensive than the Tektons.

Most of the time, that difference won't matter too much to me as a DIYer. But for situations when I really need to lean on a drive tool, as when I was in a wrecking yard using a 6'+ cheater pipe on my breaker bar to break loose a frozen control arm bolt (and the breaker bar handle was visibly deflecting), then that number interests me as I want to have the best tool I could for my money.

If you know of ratchet brands that publish torque proof test or design value that are comparable to Tekton, and are favorably priced, please name names - that will be much appreciated.

Do you know exactly how much torque you were applying to the control arm bolt with your 6 foot cheater bar?

 

[toddmorr]

There may be less expensive alternatives, but are they comparable alternatives?

Tekton gives actual "proof test" torque specs on all their ratchets and breaker bars. I looked at 1/2" drive ratchets from Capri, Ares, Power Torque, EZ Red, SATA, Harbor Freight/Icon, and more. I haven't seen actual numeric torque ratings on other brands. Most claim they meet, or "meet or exceed", ANSI or ASME specs. They don't say what spec, year-version, or the actual torque value they meet as Tekton does. To me, that doesn't indicate comparability - there is no actual number to compare. The closest was Olsa, who gave an actual value for a 1/2" swivel ratchet (which I don't want) but otherwise say that their ratchets exceed the 2012 107.110 spec by 80%. That's good, but unless you know the spec value you still don't know the actual torque rating number. And the Olsas were more expensive than the Tektons.

Most of the time, that difference won't matter too much to me as a DIYer. But for situations when I really need to lean on a drive tool, as when I was in a wrecking yard using a 6'+ cheater pipe on my breaker bar to break loose a frozen control arm bolt (and the breaker bar handle was visibly deflecting), then that number interests me as I want to have the best tool I could for my money.

If you know of ratchet brands that publish torque proof test or design value that are comparable to Tekton, and are favorably priced, please name names - that will be much appreciated.

i don't know of other brands that publish it because I haven't paid attention to it. I figure basically all ratchets meet the spec and that's good enough. If it breaks I warranty it, or eat it. No big deal.

i do pay attention to COO, and it seems so many of the Taiwan tools are similar if not identical, all likely out of a handful of plants at best. Good solid tools but really tough to differentiate, and therefore tough to justify a price premium.

 

[Farmall450]

Return policy (HD) and warranty (REI, EB, etc..) policy are both just that, a policy. They can change at the companies whim.

Saying that Craftsman is a safer choice is laughable given the last decade, they tanked, went overseas, got sold, zero direction, and now year+ late on producing anything inhouse. Not a horse i'd bet on

I'd argue warranty is a contract, and returns are a policy, but to each their own.

 

[four.cycle]

^ There does exist the possibility that those calling the shots at Tekton are not concerned about competing on price point with Harbor Freight or Gearwrench, both of whom established their reputations as "low end" suppliers from the start.

If you're trying to position yourself in the marketplace as a producer of a high-quality product, why would you want to try (at the same time) to compete on price point with the very bottom? Do you think Snap-on worries about the prices of "Performance Tool" at O'Reilly's Auto Parts?

It would not be an imprudent business decision to target the "mid-level" market at this time considering that the only remaining player in the game currently is S-K, and they don't seem to be "mid-level" on price point any longer.

When the price of gasoline went up to $5.00 a gallon, it should have been a clear indicator that the price of everything else would go up accordingly, which is exactly what's happened. There's nothing unusual about this at all - it's just the rest of the market finally catching up to the impact of fuel cost increases.

 

[dchawk81]

^ There does exist the possibility that those calling the shots at Tekton are not concerned about competing on price point with Harbor Freight or Gearwrench, both of whom established their reputations as "low end" suppliers from the start.

If you're trying to position yourself in the marketplace as a producer of a high-quality product, why would you want to try (at the same time) to compete on price point with the very bottom? Do you think Snap-on worries about the prices of "Performance Tool" at O'Reilly's Auto Parts?

It would not be an imprudent business decision to target the "mid-level" market at this time considering that the only remaining player in the game currently is S-K, and they don't seem to be "mid-level" on price point any longer.

When the price of gasoline went up to $5.00 a gallon, it should have been a clear indicator that the price of everything else would go up accordingly, which is exactly what's happened. There's nothing unusual about this at all - it's just the rest of the market finally catching up to the impact of fuel cost increases.

I thought Gearwrench was medium end.

 

[four.cycle]

^ From where you sit, perhaps. My impression of it (long before I joined GJ) was that it was a low-end, price-point line.

Bear in mind I see all of this through the filter of "buyer" - a leftover from my previous occupation. (As opposed to "consumer" or "user" - I see the world through a different lens.)

 

[dchawk81]

^ From where you sit, perhaps. My impression of it (long before I joined GJ) was that it was a low-end, price-point line.

Bear in mind I see all of this through the filter of "buyer" - a leftover from my previous occupation. (As opposed to "consumer" or "user" - I see the world through a different lens.)

Yeah I never gave it a ton of thought but I figured they were a half a step or maybe two above HF and along the same lines as Tekton, Sunex, etc.

Then again I only really figured there were 4 categories.

1. Top end like Snap, Matco, Williams, etc.

2. Middle like Sunex, Tekton, etc

3. Bottom like HF.

4. Pakistani imitation raised panel Craftsman rejects poured from tooth fillings of the elderly and children who picked up a land mine doll.

 

[four.cycle]

^ The really low-end stuff seems to be gradually disappearing. I ordered a set of Indian-made wrenches several months ago - extremely low-end stuff - just to take a look at it - and it actually was much better quality than the Globemaster/Zomax/Alltrade stuff from the 1960s and 1970s that I used to sell.

There are a lot of other tool companies other than those that make sockets and ratchets and wrenches. Trying to categorize them by brand can pose some challenges, as they don't all make the same stuff, and almost all of them outsource part of their product line.

So... Williams is now "better" than Tekton... how, exactly? They're both produced in Taiwan, aren't they?

Your list doesn't include Proto, Stahlwille, Heyco, Wera, or Nepros.

... just sayin'

 

[dchawk81]

^ The really low-end stuff seems to be gradually disappearing. I ordered a set of Indian-made wrenches several months ago - extremely low-end stuff - just to take a look at it - and it actually was much better quality than the Globemaster/Zomax/Alltrade stuff from the 1960s and 1970s that I used to sell.

There are a lot of other tool companies other than those that make sockets and ratchets and wrenches. Trying to categorize them by brand can pose some challenges, as they don't all make the same stuff, and almost all of them outsource part of their product line.

So... Williams is now "better" than Tekton... how, exactly? They're both produced in Taiwan, aren't they?

Your list doesn't include Proto, Stahlwille, Heyco, Wera, or Nepros.

... just sayin'

"My list" wasn't a list.

The middle is a spectrum like autism but it's still autism.

 

[Odd-job]

While I think some of the Tekton USA made stuff and ratchets might still be worth the current price point, there are definitely other options over the well known Tekton wrench set out there.

For those shopping for a wrench set would check out this Top wrench set from Amazon Japan (you have to order other stuff to make shipping less expensive):

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B01ICV27QS/

Also this Blackhawk wrench set is a steal although is not as complete:

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[bigredcornhead]

Anyone have any experience with these?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HSL71G3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RedOak]

Anyone have any experience with these?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HSL71G3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

No, but the video made me laugh. Who in the hell has room in their box for open cases like that?

By the way, Olsa does make pretty nice magnetic socket holders...which is pretty ironic given that video.

 

[RedOak]

Would anyone care to share which Tekton brand tools they prefer? in other words, if Tekton were raising their prices significantly, which tools would you buy from them before the price increase went into effect?

 

[dchawk81]

Would anyone care to share which Tekton brand tools they prefer? in other words, if Tekton were raising their prices significantly, which tools would you buy from them before the price increase went into effect?

I can't think of anything.

 

[Mike S.]

Would anyone care to share which Tekton brand tools they prefer? in other words, if Tekton were raising their prices significantly, which tools would you buy from them before the price increase went into effect?

The only thing left that I'd like to get from Tekton is their 1/2" drive 10 - 32mm impact socket set in both shallow and deep.

The chrome universal joint sockets are interesting, but that's me wanting something that I probably don't need.

 

[dchawk81]

The only thing left that I'd like to get from Tekton is their 1/2" drive 10 - 32mm impact socket set in both shallow and deep.

The chrome universal joint sockets are interesting, but that's me wanting something that I probably don't need.

Sunex makes a 9-30 rather than 10-32. It's the Sunex 2569.

I have that and the SAE equivalent 2568.

 

[Odd-job]

Would anyone care to share which Tekton brand tools they prefer? in other words, if Tekton were raising their prices significantly, which tools would you buy from them before the price increase went into effect?

For me the red handled pick set and angle wrenches - the USA/Canadian made stuff IMHO is a good value still ... this also includes some of the pliers, screwdrivers, the rebranded Trusty Cook dead blows (due to the warranty), Rousseau made boxes, etc. The Taiwan stuff is starting to get expensive from a value proposition relative to other Taiwanese focused brands like Icon, Gearwrench, VIM, Capri, Sunex etc (not including overpriced Carlyle though).

 

[Sal Bandini]

For two essentially identical products, I don't mind spending a few more $ for Tekton- because if I lose or break a socket I can have a new one in my mailbox in a few days, shipped free; to me this is worth paying extra for.

You can get most of the Amazon sockets in a few days, and in many cases, the next day or overnight, free shipping. Additionally, you can get the socket the same day at Menard's, HD, Lowe's, HF etc., so not sure why you want to pay extra for Tekton.

 

[WWheeler]

You can get most of the Amazon sockets in a few days, and in many cases, the next day or overnight, free shipping. Additionally, you can get the socket the same day at Menard's, HD, Lowe's, HF etc., so not sure why you want to pay extra for Tekton.

If you order from Tekton instead of Amazon you get free shipping AND 10% credited that can be used towards a future purchase which is periodically bumped to 20% for promotional periods. That's a big plus to me. That plus I really like Tekton's super easy warranty process. I've sent them a pic of broken tool and they same day shipped the replacement. I don't trust I'll get the same customer experience with cheaper alternatives.

Besides, the nearest Menard's, HD, Lowe's, HF etc are all at least 40 miles away from my home, so the gas and time to have to go there for an exchange, if they even will without a receipt or some other hassle, is not much of a benefit to me in most cases.

 

[dnschmidt]

You guys make it sound as though Tekton has doubled their prices. The price increases I see from Tekton are minimal. In the last two years TOPTUL has gone up 20% across the board at the wholesale level. Stop your whining.

 

[Ton ton]

You guys make it sound as though Tekton has doubled their prices. The price increases I see from Tekton are minimal. In the last two years TOPTUL has gone up 20% across the board at the wholesale level. Stop your whining.

Well said, sir.

 

[Ton ton]

Would anyone care to share which Tekton brand tools they prefer? in other words, if Tekton were raising their prices significantly, which tools would you buy from them before the price increase went into effect?

Angle wrenches for one. They're supposed to be as good as Snap On. Insert emoji here.

 

[Handyandy23]

Check out Icon. I know that people like to complain about HF but the Icon stuff is really good. The bit ratchet, extensions, dead blow hammers, and pliers that I've bought have been fantastic. With the coupons, you usually get really good deals and the warranty is obviously fantastic.

I used to really like Tekton but the price increases have totally turned me off to their tools. I also used to hate Harbor Freight, but the introduction of the Icon line and my experience with them has changed that. Good mid-tier stuff for reasonable prices and a lifetime walk-in warranty.

This is a bit of an odd take to me. You don't like Tekton because they increased their prices. HF increased their prices, they just slapped a new gimmicky name onto their new "premium" line tools, so it doesn't feel like a price increase. In either case you're paying a similar price for probably similar quality between Tekton and Icon, but the fact that Tekton is up front about their price increases and sends out email reminders is apparently a negative.

Except Icon isn't a bargain either. I'm not going to compare the entire catalogs, but just comparing 12-14" 3/8 flex head ratchets, Tekton is $44, Icon is $54. Yeah, I know, occasional coupons, ease of warranty.....
We've been spoiled with cheap tools and now that prices are increasing, people are complaining. Fine, don't buy Tekton, buy something else. And then complain when those prices increase and repeat.
I bought a couple of Gearwrench ratchets before Christmas. I looked at some additional ratchets about a month later, same website, and prices had increased ~20% on what I'd bought, and also priced out for a future purchase. Yes, about a 20% increase. But since GW never sent out a notice to GJ members, I didn't see anyone complaining here.

I agree 100% with this ^

Fortunately Sears is not the sole proprietor of Craftsman. Store /= brand.

You can still warranty older Craftsman tools, but if you have the old US-made versions all you're getting back is whatever off shore junk version they stock on the shelves now. The "warranty" still exists, but you're not getting the same quality back. I've also seen several people say they had to argue with store managers at Lowe's or wherever to get the warranty because walking into a store with a 20 year old wrench that the store never sold in the first place causes confusion.

Overall warranty is very low on my list of concerns, and even lower to try and guess which companies will be around to warranty my cheap tools in a couple decades. Tekton was apparently founded in 1969, so not sure why price increases indicates they're on their way out of business.

 

[m6z]

Either the price goes up or the quality goes down to meet the old price point.

 

[Odd-job]

You guys make it sound as though Tekton has doubled their prices. The price increases I see from Tekton are minimal. In the last two years TOPTUL has gone up 20% across the board at the wholesale level. Stop your whining.

These charts . Its the really combination wrenches hitting an all time high that I think are particularly out of line. Also to the chart jockeys, wouldn't focus too much on the highs and lows as Amazon pricing is volatile. Look at the average. Tekton went up from $90 to $156 while the Williams looks like it went from around $315 to $365 (not including Zoro coupons).