Tekton screwdriver handles

[Handyandy23]

I've been meaning to pick up a set of screwdrivers with a hard / easy to clean grip to keep in my garage box for working on cars. The set currently have are very soft grips, grey, and they are all stained with oil and falling apart.

I was going to pick up a set of the Williams hard handles, but just saw the Made in USA Tektons. I'm wondering if anyone can comment on the grips? Are they hard or soft? How do you find them for clean up and wiping down?

 

[bonneyman]

I have a #2 phillips that I bought of theirs to try it out. The red is hard plastic, the black is very hard rubbery compound that you can put a dent in it with your fingernail if you push hard.

Nice grippy and great shape for fitting the hand. I like it. I've not had to clean it yet, but if/when I do I'll use Quik N Brite cleaner. Should do a good job of removing greasy stuff without hurting the handle.

 

[Professional Tool User]

They are soft, but firm. The part of the handle closer to the shaft allows you to grab on hard and the other end is round so you can still spin the handle. I bought a 3pc square set to see if I liked the handle. Surprisingly I liked it. TBH I don't use them that much and haven't tried cleaning it. They shouldn't be any harder to clean than your average soft handle. I don't know how chemical resistant the handles are.

 

[Lisamelting]

I have them and use them daily. They're pretty grippy when oily, and clean up pretty easily.

 

[poppakap]

How do the tips compare to other quality, say Wera, tips?

 

[uncwstudent]

They were pretty decent to me but they were harder than I preferred. The Wera's were more comfortable to me and I prefer Wera tips

 

[mudflap]

I have just played with them some at Meijers...I can see how they would be grippy for breaking things loose...but too clunky for spinning fasteners in and out..i dont like them.

 

[bwringer]

The Tekton tri-lobed alien phallus shape takes some getting used to, but to spin fasteners in and out you just have to shift your grip a little.

I like 'em. I bought their big set. The tips work great and so far nothing's worn out.

The black is a grippy rubberish stuff, so if you want hard handles, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Screwdrivers are mostly personal taste. Buy what you like.

 

[Professional Tool User]

How do the tips compare to other quality, say Wera, tips?

I haven't used my Tekton ones enough to see how the tips wear, but design wise, the Wera tips are better. You have a sporting chance of undoing a messed up screw with the laser etched tips for phillips and for slotted tips it doesn't feel like it will slip off as easily. And even for square and hex tips, they have their flank drive equivalent for that, so your chances of removing a cheap softened screw will be a bit higher.

 

[victor252]

How do the Tekton tips compare to Carlyle? They have that 8pc set on sale for $20. The OP should check that out.

 

[mudflap]

How do the Tekton tips compare to Carlyle? They have that 8pc set on sale for $20. The OP should check that out.

Thats in the real deals flyer..i picked up another set. Best screwdrivers i have ever used. My current ones are holding up well in an everyday use diesel shop. Had a mish mosh of truck brands..took them to the home box..

 

[mudflap]

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSDS8

Unbelievable price for these..

 

[Handyandy23]

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSDS8

Unbelievable price for these..

Unfortunately in Canada we don't get the same deal. The Ultra Pro set (which I'm guessing is our rebranded version of that Carlyle set, since we also don't get Carlyle) is in the Real Deals for $66.

They are soft grips as well - how do you find they clean up and are holding up to auto fluids?

 

[mudflap]

Unfortunately in Canada we don't get the same deal. The Ultra Pro set (which I'm guessing is our rebranded version of that Carlyle set, since we also don't get Carlyle) is in the Real Deals for $66.

They are soft grips as well - how do you find they clean up and are holding up to auto fluids?

They are holding up very well..They clean up easy from mostly oil/hydraulic fluid. and once in a while i will hit them with some brake kleen, or starting fluid. Napa lifetime warranty is no hassle tho..if there would be a problem down the road. Tips fit and grip good. They dont cam out unless a screw head is really gone. And have been very durable. Unless you just dont like the handle style..i dont know what else you want a screwdriver to do...? even at 10x the price.

 

[buckwheat_la]

Unfortunately in Canada we don't get the same deal. The Ultra Pro set (which I'm guessing is our rebranded version of that Carlyle set, since we also don't get Carlyle) is in the Real Deals for $66.

They are soft grips as well - how do you find they clean up and are holding up to auto fluids?

As far as I can tell Carlyle and Ultra-pro are completely different brands

 

[mudflap]

Unfortunately in Canada we don't get the same deal. The Ultra Pro set (which I'm guessing is our rebranded version of that Carlyle set, since we also don't get Carlyle) is in the Real Deals for $66.

They are soft grips as well - how do you find they clean up and are holding up to auto fluids?

Cant you order them in online to a local Napa store..Or have them shipped to your house..or would the shipping cost be too much..?

 

[Handyandy23]

Cant you order them in online to a local Napa store..Or have them shipped to your house..or would the shipping cost be too much..?

Apparently NAPA US only ships to addresses or stores in the lower 48 states, and I can only buy from NAPA Canada (which doesn't have the Carlyle line).

I might be taking a trip to Detroit later this month so I could probably grab a set then.

 

[mudflap]

Apparently NAPA US only ships to addresses or stores in the lower 48 states, and I can only buy from NAPA Canada (which doesn't have the Carlyle line).

I might be taking a trip to Detroit later this month so I could probably grab a set then.

Well thats crazy...seems like if would be alot easier for them to just have 1 tool line for us both..? But thats a good idea..you can report back how well they hold up against the zombies ..use them to fight your way out of the big D....LOL.

 

[kb1982]

The Tekton tri-lobed alien phallus shape takes some getting used to, but to spin fasteners in and out you just have to shift your grip a little.

I like 'em. I bought their big set. The tips work great and so far nothing's worn out.

The black is a grippy rubberish stuff, so if you want hard handles, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Screwdrivers are mostly personal taste. Buy what you like.

Guess I'm not the only one that thought that about their shape. To the OP; It may look odd, but you can get some great grip with that handle design. I would go as far as saying the grip is better suited for transferring torque than my Wera Kraftforms. As for spinning out screws quickly, it just takes a different approach.
I work on 1000 ton plastic molding machines, so the handles almost always end up covered with hydrualic fluid. A quick wipe down, and they look like new. So far it has effected the handles the least bit.
And now to make some people cringe. The tips and shanks are also pretty tough. In the heat of the moment, ive resorted to using a flathead to dig hardened plastic out of small crevices of a mold a time or ten. So far they have held up, but I dont condone the improper use. If i use it improperly and one fails, thats on me not Tekton, and will purchase another to replace it. Final thoughts....give the Tekton screwdrivers a try. You prolly wont be disappointed.

Sent from my LML713DL using Tapatalk

 

[ChrisLS8]

I like mine, I only use them infrequently as I always find an excuse to move into 2019 and use an impact driver but for what they are used for I'm happy with the quality

 

[Handyandy23]

Guess I'm not the only one that thought that about their shape. To the OP; It may look odd, but you can get some great grip with that handle design. I would go as far as saying the grip is better suited for transferring torque than my Wera Kraftforms. As for spinning out screws quickly, it just takes a different approach.
I work on 1000 ton plastic molding machines, so the handles almost always end up covered with hydrualic fluid. A quick wipe down, and they look like new. So far it has effected the handles the least bit.
And now to make some people cringe. The tips and shanks are also pretty tough. In the heat of the moment, ive resorted to using a flathead to dig hardened plastic out of small crevices of a mold a time or ten. So far they have held up, but I dont condone the improper use. If i use it improperly and one fails, thats on me not Tekton, and will purchase another to replace it. Final thoughts....give the Tekton screwdrivers a try. You prolly wont be disappointed.

Sent from my LML713DL using Tapatalk

Thanks for the feedback, especially on how they clean up. That's my main concern - I know a screwdriver is a simple device and one brand won't perform hugely different than another, but I do want to make sure the next ones I get will clean up and hold up better than my current ones.

I'll admit some of the damage on my current ones are also from "non standard use", but just in general there are too many glued on soft rubber bits that are falling off, degrading, and discoloring. I want something simple and easy to clean up after I inevitably cover them in oil.

 

[mjs3350]

I've been very happy with the 19pc Williams set (it's actually 14 Williams drivers and 5 Bahco drivers).

 

[Lisamelting]

The Williams set is great...for exponentially more money.

 

[victor252]

If the Wiha Anti-Cam-Out screwdrivers are as good or better than Carlyle or Tekton, this might actually be the best deal at the moment. From Wiha outlet. $12 set (7 pc)

https://www.wihatoolsoutlet.com/3k-slotted-phillips-acr-set

The thing is, if they're so great, why discontinue them?

 

[Yarpo]

If the Wiha Anti-Cam-Out screwdrivers are as good or better than Carlyle or Tekton, this might actually be the best deal at the moment. From Wiha outlet. $12 set (7 pc)

https://www.wihatoolsoutlet.com/3k-slotted-phillips-acr-set

The thing is, if they're so great, why discontinue them?

I'd say Wiha has a better reputation in screwdrivers than both companies above, so that's insane. I just bought them, guess I'll sell or give away my Tekton set, as I've got a set from like everyone now. Also Wiha has a warehouse here in MN I guess? News to me

 

[Matt XYZ]

I'd say Wiha has a better reputation in screwdrivers than both companies above, so that's insane. I just bought them, guess I'll sell or give away my Tekton set, as I've got a set from like everyone now. Also Wiha has a warehouse here in MN I guess? News to me

Thanks, I just ordered a set. Way cheaper than I can get them in Germany. The Wiha SoftFinish are my go to screw and torxdrivers, I wish they also had them in the Wiha Outlet. I also have the Tektons and think they are very good.

 

[Handyandy23]

If the Wiha Anti-Cam-Out screwdrivers are as good or better than Carlyle or Tekton, this might actually be the best deal at the moment. From Wiha outlet. $12 set (7 pc)

https://www.wihatoolsoutlet.com/3k-slotted-phillips-acr-set

The thing is, if they're so great, why discontinue them?

Apparently they don't ship to Canada, as US is the only option in their drop down menu trying to check out. So I guess no deal for me.

 

[bwringer]

Apparently they don't ship to Canada, as US is the only option in their drop down menu trying to check out. So I guess no deal for me.

Meh, out of stock anyway.

But I've bookmarked that site. Assuming the site is legit, that's pretty phenomenal pricing on really good tools.

 

[bullnerd]

I lost all my screwdrivers in a fire. So, starting over I decided to go all Tekton for the main tools I need.

Like said earlier, the grip seems strange at first, but two seconds later, you'll love it. WAAY (that's the technical term) more torque can be applied than with a standard craftsman round driver, And you can still spin them. The palm part is big for really pushing hard, And the tips are fine for a homeowner. I've beaten mine pretty good so far and there is no signs of damage.

All that and the great customer service that you hear about on this site and its a pretty good setup.

So far all my Tekton tools have come very well packaged and in nicely designed packaging.

Good luck

 

[cheechi]

I bought a set of the Tektons due to all the excitement here. I have a lot of screwdrivers, and while I like these, they don't get used as often as my HF $8 set does. When I use them I am never disappointed, but they never made it to the top of the list. I think for the money and my hands, the Williams hard handles are better for me. But these are good and I doubt you'd be disappointed in them.

 

[Yarpo]

Meh, out of stock anyway.

But I've bookmarked that site. Assuming the site is legit, that's pretty phenomenal pricing on really good tools.

They're legit, a short drive away from my house it turns out.

I got the ACO grey ones, here's a few comparison pics. Only ones that are used are the Gearwrench and craftsman ones, and the other's are just around due to the fact that screwdrivers are always discounted. In regards to the thread here, I dislike Tektons handles personally and prefer the Gearwrench and Wiha due to having small hands. The Carlyle is just a little fat for my liking

 

[bwringer]

Nice comparison!

Those pics really make you wonder why the heck everyone doesn't mark the size and tip style on the handle butts like Tekton and Carlyle. Makes life just a teensy bit nicer, ya know?