Tekton Ratcheting Wrenches

[Jtels85]

I apologize if this has been discussed previously, but I’m crunched for time and couldn’t find anything about it…

I’m very interested in purchasing a few ratcheting wrench sets from the Tekton website and they’re all out of stock and say they’ll be available in 6+ weeks.

Are they having supply chain issues or is something else going on? That kinda bummed me out as I really wanted these. I don’t want to have to find a different brand but I also don’t want to wait either. So, yeah… :\

 

[CallumRD1]

I asked them about it. They’re having issues getting a couple sizes in both metric and inch. If you look at their individual stock you can see which ones they are. Those couple missing prevent them from building up sets but you can buy all the other sizes individually.

 

[Jtels85]

I asked them about it. They’re having issues getting a couple sizes in both metric and inch. If you look at their individual stock you can see which ones they are. Those couple missing prevent them from building up sets but you can buy all the other sizes individually.

Unfortunately, that sounds more time consuming than it’s worth. I also don’t want to purchase them individually if important sizes are unobtainable. I wanted to order reversible sets and flex head sets in both metric and SAE.

Well, that’s a bummer. I’ll look around and see if the other Taiwan tool companies have similar sets in stock.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Fly YX]

You can try Capri Tool. I have a few of there tools and have been fine about like Tekton in quality. If you’re in the military you get 10% off.

 

[lardy1]

As far as I can tell the reversable wrenches aren't even in the lineup anymore. That could become a concern because of warranty for those of us that bought them. We'll see.

 

[Jtels85]

I was just reading the comments in a Tekton flex head ratcheting wrench YouTube video. There are comments from 2-3 months back where people stated they went to the Tekton site to order them and the wrenches were out-of-stock and will return in 6+ weeks. That’s the same message I received today.

The few Tekton tools I have, I really like. I was contemplating going pretty much all Tekton since I’m getting into off-roading and I like their socket cases and roll-up wrench pouches for traveling. Now, I don’t know what to do.

I already added GearWrench and Carlyle to my do not buy list. The tools I’ve wanted from them in recent months are out-of-stock and have been for some time. Can’t find them on eBay or Amazon either. I hate to add Tekton to that list, but it is what it is. Back to the drawing board.

 

[Steve_P]

I have Tekton, Ez- Red, and Mountain ratcheting wrenches. They all seem the same to me as far as quality, but FWIW Tekton is the only one that has 6 point ends out of the three brands that I have.

 

[Handyandy23]

I think every company is struggling with supply chain issues through the pandemic, not exactly an indictment of any particular company. I can see if you need wrenches right now then go ahead and buy whatever you can get your hands on. But if it's a case of building up a tool box I wouldn't be calling anyone a "do not buy" forever based on material shortages during a pandemic.

As for availability right now, looks like there are Made in Taiwan Olsa branded sets on Amazon in stock right now. I have no experience with them, but they're probably a step up from no-name junk.

 

[bscman]

I'd imagine supply chain is an issue.

But let's also not forget their January advertising tactic--announcing a price increase active as of Feb 1.

They truly did get flooded with orders as a result of this. In fact, many of the items I planned to order went out of stock.
Some stated 6+ weeks on their website, but came back in stock within a week.

On a side note, I had an issues with a socket set from them. They accidentally shipped 2x the same shallow socket, and not the corresponding deep socket.
I emailed them at 3:45pm on Sunday, and woke up at 5:15am today (Monday) with an active fedex tracking number. I also had an apology email time stamped Sunday.

Amazing customer service.
Who even has customer service reps workin on Sunday!?!

 

[Jtels85]

I think every company is struggling with supply chain issues through the pandemic, not exactly an indictment of any particular company. I can see if you need wrenches right now then go ahead and buy whatever you can get your hands on. But if it's a case of building up a tool box I wouldn't be calling anyone a "do not buy" forever based on material shortages during a pandemic.

As for availability right now, looks like there are Made in Taiwan Olsa branded sets on Amazon in stock right now. I have no experience with them, but they're probably a step up from no-name junk.

I’m just petty like that. I’m someone who likes uniformity. I typically buy everything from the same brand/stores. Clothes, tools, groceries…

Awhile back, I wanted to make a complete set of Carlyle Power 90 ratchets along with their comfort grip breaker bars. Half of them are out of stock on the NAPA website and have been for some time. Asking them got me nowhere.

Waited 8 months for the GearWrench 243 piece 6 point mechanics set to show back up on Amazon or eBay. Nothing. Gave up on it.

We were attempting to buy a specific, new Toyota vehicle for some time now and none of the dealers had them due to the chip shortage. We changed course, went to another manufacturer and bought a car from them same day. I’m due for a new vehicle myself and unfortunately, it also won’t be a Toyota. Two sales lost because of a silly chip and salesman who kept telling us to “hang tight”. No thank you.

Supply chain issues or not, I have things to do and money to spend. If you can’t provide me with what I want, chances are I won’t buy anything else from you. I’m willing to bet I’m not the only person like this.

I made the decision to change course, offload a lot of what I have and switch to Tekton. But again, I’m burned out waiting for things so now I will have to rethink my decision.

 

[bubinga]

I was just reading the comments in a Tekton flex head ratcheting wrench YouTube video. There are comments from 2-3 months back where people stated they went to the Tekton site to order them and the wrenches were out-of-stock and will return in 6+ weeks. That’s the same message I received today.

The few Tekton tools I have, I really like. I was contemplating going pretty much all Tekton since I’m getting into off-roading and I like their socket cases and roll-up wrench pouches for traveling. Now, I don’t know what to do.

I already added GearWrench and Carlyle to my do not buy list. The tools I’ve wanted from them in recent months are out-of-stock and have been for some time. Can’t find them on eBay or Amazon either. I hate to add Tekton to that list, but it is what it is. Back to the drawing board.

Well I always did sort of like gear wrench tools, but I'll tell you their warranty is awful.
They have a website similar to Tekton, where you take a picture of it and submit it and it must be almost 2 and 1/2 or 3 months already I am waiting for this replacement.

 

[bubinga]

I'd imagine supply chain is an issue.

But let's also not forget their January advertising tactic--announcing a price increase active as of Feb 1.

They truly did get flooded with orders as a result of this. In fact, many of the items I planned to order went out of stock.
Some stated 6+ weeks on their website, but came back in stock within a week.

On a side note, I had an issues with a socket set from them. They accidentally shipped 2x the same shallow socket, and not the corresponding deep socket.
I emailed them at 3:45pm on Sunday, and woke up at 5:15am today (Monday) with an active fedex tracking number. I also had an apology email time stamped Sunday.

Amazing customer service.
Who even has customer service reps workin on Sunday!?!

Yes their customer service is second to none.

 

[KomatsuTech]

I apologize if this has been discussed previously, but I’m crunched for time and couldn’t find anything about it…

I’m very interested in purchasing a few ratcheting wrench sets from the Tekton website and they’re all out of stock and say they’ll be available in 6+ weeks.

Are they having supply chain issues or is something else going on? That kinda bummed me out as I really wanted these. I don’t want to have to find a different brand but I also don’t want to wait either. So, yeah… :\

As someone else posted, the availability times aren't always accurate. There's a place on the out of stock items to get an email when they get them back in stock, I've used that feature a few times. If you're not hard pressed to need the wrenches, I'd just wait until they come back in stock. That's just me though, I don't like waiting either but I'd rather get what I want than settle for something else.

 

[Jtels85]

As someone else posted, the availability times aren't always accurate. There's a place on the out of stock items to get an email when they get them back in stock, I've used that feature a few times. If you're not hard pressed to need the wrenches, I'd just wait until they come back in stock. That's just me though, I don't like waiting either but I'd rather get what I want than settle for something else.

You make a valid point. I looked on my lunch break today and nothing seems to compare to the Tekton’s. Thank you for telling me about the email thing. I will go and do that.

 

[sgf13]

I guess I'm not alone. My wife ordered a ratcheting flex head SAE set for me for Christmas. When it didn't arrive she made it my birthday gift in late Jan. It still hasn't come.

 

[KomatsuTech]

Glad I could help! I couldn't think of a better one out there for the price. Some guys don't like them because they are 6 point, which can be a pain sometimes but to me it's not a big deal. I use them professionally and haven't had an issue yet, and I've given my 14mm a torture test from time to time with no issues. I think you're going to be happy that you waited if you buy them.

 

[Griff79]

Just as an FYI, I know it’s different products but I received a set of regular metric wrenches and a set of Torx in 3 days. So it’s not all products.
Griff

 

[Ton ton]

I have had decent service with Napa Carlyle ratcheting wrenches. They showed up in roughly a week. That's speedy for 2022. Your mileage may vary. I did pay extra for freight.

 

[bubinga]

Well I always did sort of like gear wrench tools, but I'll tell you their warranty is awful.
They have a website similar to Tekton, where you take a picture of it and submit it and it must be almost 2 and 1/2 or 3 months already I am waiting for this replacement.

They said my replacement wrench is on backorder till the 22nd of February.
So maybe with the pandemic, and the problems with imports,
Like everything else that is the reason.

 

[Tomstir]

As far as I can tell the reversable wrenches aren't even in the lineup anymore. That could become a concern because of warranty for those of us that bought them. We'll see.

A few months ago I was going to order those....didn't see them on the site....I emailed and received a reply saying they were discontinued.

 

[nicks78camaro]

A few months ago I was going to order those....didn't see them on the site....I emailed and received a reply saying they were discontinued.

Same, the reversibles appear to be discontinued

 

[sgf13]

I guess I'm not alone. My wife ordered a ratcheting flex head SAE set for me for Christmas. When it didn't arrive she made it my birthday gift in late Jan. It still hasn't come.

Turns out my wife said they didn't take money for the order and of course we are now in the new higher price structure. They told her they would email her when they become available, which they still aren't. I originally wanted the sae ratcheting box end set to match my metric set. We noticed that the flex ratcheting combination set is available now. The difference between the two sets is about $23.00 but the combo set does offer one more size and of course more wrenches total. The order is in so we'll see how it goes.

 

[sgf13]

Wrenches arrived today. I haven't used them yet but they look good and the mechanism seems smooth and solid.

 

[BlueHawk0172]

Here to revive a dead thread.. Just moved into my own place and have been slowly stocking up on new tools. Came across Tekton and knew these would be my go-to set. Looks like their ratcheting wrenches are all out of stock again, does anyone have any info on if they were ever consistently back in stock or if they've been out of stock since Feb?

 

[Fedwrench]

If you're talking standard length reversible ratcheting wrenches, yes. They've been out of stock for more than awhile. It's one of my questions when I visit the Tekton booth at this year's SEMA show. I think Tekton is looking for a new ratcheting wrench supplier.

 

[benny27]

Here to revive a dead thread.. Just moved into my own place and have been slowly stocking up on new tools. Came across Tekton and knew these would be my go-to set. Looks like their ratcheting wrenches are all out of stock again, does anyone have any info on if they were ever consistently back in stock or if they've been out of stock since Feb?

out of stock the whole time. Here is an article from aug 2021 about them being discontinued.

Tekton Reversible Ratcheting Wrenches have been Discontinued

toolguyd.com

 

[BlueHawk0172]

That's unfortunate they haven't been able to get any in.. I should have clarified also, I'm looking at a flex head kit from them. I had the craftsman flex heads for the last 3 months and returned those for store credit at Lowe's to go towards a new ceiling fan lol. From everything I've seen Tekton is far superior quality and, when not dealing with Covid supply issues, is far better for their lifetime guarantee.

21-Piece Flex Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set - Holder | TEKTON

Includes: 1/4-3/4 in. (SAE), 8-19 mm (Metric). No skipped sizes. 6-point box end and 72-tooth ratchet. Comes with holder. WRN57321.

www.tekton.com

 

[CallumRD1]

out of stock the whole time. Here is an article from aug 2021 about them being discontinued.

Tekton Reversible Ratcheting Wrenches have been Discontinued

toolguyd.com

That's just applicable to their reversible models. They haven't discontinued the non-reversible models.

 

[Next]

So have they changed suppliers?

I’m in the market for ratcheting wrenches.

 

[Chumly]

There's many brands to pick from. You may be able to go to Home Depot and buy Gearwrench right now, if not...Kobalt. You may be sold on a brand, and I like the faith in it all but they're not the be all in the ideal of wanting a tool.

I have a Tekton imperial/non-reversing/ratcheting/6-point combo set I'm willing to give away because the head is just too big for the line of work I'm in (no, I'm not a hoe). The ones I have from Tekton are just freaking fat. When you're in tight spots, loosen a bolt, and then the meat of the head doesn't allow you to remove the wrench...you're screwed fighting it like a monkey on a cupcake; there's only one way to go and keep getting stuckerer.

I don't think the ratcheting wrenches were made in the USA either way. Taiwan or Spain, and I'm sure nothing is going on in Taiwan as of late

Edit: we've posted the email from the Tekton CEO to us consumers predicting a shortage. Probably a thread about it; I know I've mentioned it. We're in this kind of world now and it is slowly spreading the sting of the supply chain. It ain't just tools, it's all the things we need, not just want. It's stung many of us in 2021 and we shot off the flares that this is going to hurt many more, so now it's getting more "on notice" that this is real for us all, top to bottom. But that's another thread in another section. Prices ain't done moving up, supply ain't done moving down as companies try to exist.

 

[Chumly]

March 10th, 2022. It's 5 months later:
" Hello, I'm John Amash, the CEO of Tekton, and I wanted to share exciting developments about our US manufacturing efforts. More and more of our tools are now made in the US, through a combination of our in-house manufacturing operations and partnerships with some of the best contract manufacturers in the country. The percentage of USA-made products in Tekton's lineup is now over 20 percent, including angle wrenches, crowfoot wrenches, dead blow hammers, groove joint pliers, hard-handle screwdrivers, high-torque screwdrivers and nut drivers, pick and hook sets, and several tool storage products. Our next USA-made category will be flare nut crowfoot wrenches.

Our in-house manufacturing capabilities include CNC machining, broaching, laser engraving, vibratory polishing, and pressing. Although we maintain strict control over the materials, processes, and specifications everywhere we make our tools, we believe there’s no substitute for working in our own plant with our own equipment. So we’re working hard to expand our in-house manufacturing capacity."

 

[Jtels85]

OP here…

The months I spent patiently waiting for those ratcheting wrenches to come back in-stock, coupled with Tekton leaving Meijer stores… It soured my feelings and expectations of the brand. No thanks.

Same with NAPA Carlyle. Still advertising tools that have been out-of-stock pre-covid. I wrote them off too.

If you have access to a MAC truck or eBay, the Expert line of reversible and flex head ratcheting wrenches are terrific!

 

[GeoBruin]

I saw some at Home Depot yesterday (Husky branded) and man were the heads small. It was to the point where I doubted there was enough material there to really pull on them but I bet they are handy in tight spaces. I think they were spline drive if I remember correctly.

 

[bubinga]

I'd be interested in seeing Tekton make a complete set of the XL double box end wrenches like gearwrench makes.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I was just reading the comments in a Tekton flex head ratcheting wrench YouTube video. There are comments from 2-3 months back where people stated they went to the Tekton site to order them and the wrenches were out-of-stock and will return in 6+ weeks. That’s the same message I received today.

The few Tekton tools I have, I really like. I was contemplating going pretty much all Tekton since I’m getting into off-roading and I like their socket cases and roll-up wrench pouches for traveling. Now, I don’t know what to do.

I already added GearWrench and Carlyle to my do not buy list. The tools I’ve wanted from them in recent months are out-of-stock and have been for some time. Can’t find them on eBay or Amazon either. I hate to add Tekton to that list, but it is what it is. Back to the drawing board.

There's a good chance most, if not all those companies are sourcing from the same suppliers, so they may be experiencing similar issues. There isn't much they can do if the manufacturers are having trouble shipping them.

 

[AJHD]

There's a good chance most, if not all those companies are sourcing from the same suppliers, so they may be experiencing similar issues. There isn't much they can do if the manufacturers are having trouble shipping them.

Not to pick on Tekton, but I've also noticed a large amount of Tekton products disappearing from Amazon and showing out of stock on their website.

I'm not buying or looking for much these days, but even Snap On has many products my dealer simply can't get. Snap On's website often keeps pushing that "back in stock on x-date" further into the future on products every time I look.

 

[Jtels85]

There's a good chance most, if not all those companies are sourcing from the same suppliers, so they may be experiencing similar issues. There isn't much they can do if the manufacturers are having trouble shipping them.

That’s fine, but it isn’t my problem. If I want or need something and they as a company can’t provide it, I take my business somewhere else.

Continuously pushing back the out-of-stock/return date for more than a year or two is kind of b.s. Remove the product from the website and stop trying to fool people. Once a day for months on end, I visited Tekton and NAPA’s websites waiting for an in-stock update and it never happened, hasn’t happened, won’t happen.

 

[Ton ton]

I have bought the double ratcheting box end wrenches through my local Napa since covid. Carlyle brand. But when it came to regular plain combination wrench, they were unavailable. I don't even look at Napa's website most of the time, I just bug the Napa employees, LOL.

 

[Bubba Fett]

That’s fine, but it isn’t my problem. If I want or need something and they as a company can’t provide it, I take my business somewhere else.

Continuously pushing back the out-of-stock/return date for more than a year or two is kind of b.s. Remove the product from the website and stop trying to fool people. Once a day for months on end, I visited Tekton and NAPA’s websites waiting for an in-stock update and it never happened, hasn’t happened, won’t happen.

But every brand that sells these is being affected. The ones that have them in stock probably still have old inventory, and will be dealing with the same issues once they need to re-order.

 

[Professional Tool User]

But every brand that sells these is being affected. The ones that have them in stock probably still have old inventory, and will be dealing with the same issues once they need to re-order.

Assuming we are still talking about ratcheting wrenches, this isn't some sort of specialty tool where there's only one manufacturer. There are other alternatives you can try out if one supplier is having production issues.