Tekton Screwdrivers are now from Witte...
- Thread starter Jarhead0408
- Start date
Arrived today... At first "grab", I like the new Tekton/Witte's quite a bit! And although I really like the US made hard handles (enough to buy another set while still available in the outlet), they definitely feel much more 'slippery' especially when new than the new ones!
Too early to report on how the tips hold up, but honestly I expect pretty strong performance from Witte. Couple that with Tekton's fantastic warranty, and I'm not worried about them long term.
Too early to report on how the tips hold up, but honestly I expect pretty strong performance from Witte. Couple that with Tekton's fantastic warranty, and I'm not worried about them long term.
nicks78camaro
Well-known member
If it already hasn't been said in this thread, I received confirmation that their hooks and picks will continue to be manufactured as is.
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
I find myself in this camp as well. I have a couple sets from various places (PB Swiss, Craftsman, Klein, Wera, Wiha, etc.), but I do prefer consistency in sets of drivers. The idea of warrantying it out (or trying to expand the set later on) and getting something completely different (soft grip vs. hard handle) makes it a non-starter for me.
I've actually seen other brands do this type of thing as a deliberate ploy to evade warranty claims. "Oh shucks, we don't sell a comparable item anymore, so we can only give you a pro-rated, $5 store credit," and that type of ********. I am not saying Tekton is or will be doing that, but I've seen it enough times that it gives me pause.
The whole thing just reeks of amateur hour to me. They keep wanting to be compared with the major players, even making a huge deal of their increased “American Made” catalog content. Their hard handle drivers were the flagship of that marketing campaign.
They can’t seem to make that work, so instead of trying to improve the line which was very well received and reviewed, they jump ship and double down on their position as just another importer and rebrander. Their product line changes suppliers so much, the odds of getting the same tool this October that you got last October is a roll of the dice.
Tekton has somehow become less interesting that Harbor Freight.
They can’t seem to make that work, so instead of trying to improve the line which was very well received and reviewed, they jump ship and double down on their position as just another importer and rebrander. Their product line changes suppliers so much, the odds of getting the same tool this October that you got last October is a roll of the dice.
Tekton has somehow become less interesting that Harbor Freight.
nicks78camaro
Well-known member
All good points of concern but any brand can change COO, design, or drop a line altogether at any time. Look at Sunex, used to be all Taiwan now mostly China. Gearwrench same thing. Snap On changes font on their logo and it doesn't match the old tools.
I think you can count on good service from Tekton but don't plan on getting a like for like replacement on any tool from any company forever.
I think you can count on good service from Tekton but don't plan on getting a like for like replacement on any tool from any company forever.
Absolutely true….What you get may look a bit different, but you know where it comes from, and you know that it will be functionally and, usually, dimensionally identical. In addition, Snap On doesn’t typically change fonts or designs every year or so….
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Good points.
The main thing most people would hope for is that the replacement was somehow at least an "upgrade" from the previous version.
Also, since this is Garage Journal, it's also a good reason to always buy a collector set along with a use set.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I picked up some of their discontinued products and generally I see why they were discontinued.
I believe The primary reason they switched screwdriver suppliers was because they believed that they would have a superior product and it frees up their current manufacturing for USA made wrenches.
With all the love here due JIS drivers... But that there new drivers are jis compatible.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
I love German tools. Well, with a name like Schmidt why wouldn't I. So I'm sure I'll like the Witte. HOWEVER, I hate the Tekton rubber handled straight blade screwdrivers as they had no secondary taper whatsoever and are more suitable as pry bars than screwdrivers. I have no direct experience with their Phillips as I have a true shitload of TOPTUL JIS Philips and Pozidriv which I truly love.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
I have said it before, but I like Tekton's style and effort to bring affordable and full lines of product to market.
The hard handles were an interesting line but it's been done and probably not as hot a mover as they needed to be.
Funny enough, I thought Witte were two-sided a long time, not trilobular, until I read a thread here on the changes. I doubt they're as great as Toptul dual-material rubberized trilobular handles, but I bet they're damn good.
The hard handles were an interesting line but it's been done and probably not as hot a mover as they needed to be.
Funny enough, I thought Witte were two-sided a long time, not trilobular, until I read a thread here on the changes. I doubt they're as great as Toptul dual-material rubberized trilobular handles, but I bet they're damn good.
IIRC, the Tekton USA drivers tested just ok in the Project Farm test - not spectacular at all. The Wittes could test twice as good and people here would still complain.
It was probably a logistical nightmare for them since they were sourcing the blades outside and making the handles and assembling the final product. For dozens of options.
I don't have anything by Witte, they don't seem to get much attention here, but I'd be surprised if they aren't more durable than the previous line.
It was probably a logistical nightmare for them since they were sourcing the blades outside and making the handles and assembling the final product. For dozens of options.
I don't have anything by Witte, they don't seem to get much attention here, but I'd be surprised if they aren't more durable than the previous line.
I put about as much stock in Project Farm’s tests as I do the prognostication of a palm reader
I’ve been using the hard handle Tektons for a few years now, and have yet to have an issue. The handles are phenomenal, damned close to the Snap On versions. I have not lost a single one to damage, etc, and I haven’t had a single one damage a screw, kill a nun, cause a hex, nada. They fit very well in carb idle mix screws and #3 Phillips door hinge screws. Best of all, they were made in the USA and priced damned reasonably.
I use screwdrivers for screwdriver things, no prying, stabbing etc. I have a drawer full of hard handles from SnapOn, Tekton, and Matco. I like them all. Hard handles clean up better than cushy rubber ****. They don’t get eaten by gas, or come apart, or get gummy and look disgusting in three years.
Yeah, it’s my soapbox, and I’ll preach from it as long as I like. Hard handles are the superior driver handle. I’m still pissed that SnapOn is slowly killing theirs as well.
I would have guessed the opposite… Witte is pretty well lauded across the board… and the black oxide Tekton finish seems very low end… even if they are pretty ergonomic.
Witte is very well regarded on this site.
The complaint is about them being made by Witte, it's about the constant changing of suppliers for no real reason.
You have to let that go. A lot of people here start twitching if everything in their drawers doesn’t match. They will be fine. Nothing really needs to match, and Witte is a top of the line supplier. I have no doubt that they are better than the last two generations of USA made Tekton screwdrivers.
I would get rid of the hanger holes on the handles… I am not a fan of those…
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
Matco has the most complete Witte selection ranging from stubbies to really long drivers. They raised their prices however. Tekton seems to have a decent mix too, but not as comprehensive. If anyone stateside is interested in Witte, Matco and Tekton would be the way to go because you can warranty out the screwdrivers. My Witte stuff is from Witte and as is the case with most German tools, the warranty is about as close as “***** to be you and your broken-*** screwdriver” as it can be.
Submariner733
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2024
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I currently use Durateks, but the idea of a 4-inch PH3 was appealing.
Tekton/WITTE fit and finish are excellent.
However, experienced some issue with the PH3. To start, the Tri-lobe handle in the largest configuration created a pressure point in my palm that was quite uncomfortable. Secondly, the PH3 would easily cam-out on commercial door hinges unless I focused on the entry angle and constant force. I tested side-by-side with the Duratek and the difference was striking, with the Tekton/WITTE requiring over twice the force to keep from slipping. Once I figured out what was happening, the Tekton/WITTE worked well if I could constantly push into it.
Received good results using the 5.5mm slotted and Square #1 on electrical. Handle felt great and tip performance was excellent. On cover-plate screws the 5.5mm tip was just a little too thick, wouldn't fully settle into the bottom of the slotted screws -- but performance was still good. The 3/16 seems better suited for this application.
Most likely I will keep the Square #1 in my primary cart as I do not have any Duratek square tips. The other drivers may be moved to an inactive or secondary rotation.
Tekton/WITTE fit and finish are excellent.
However, experienced some issue with the PH3. To start, the Tri-lobe handle in the largest configuration created a pressure point in my palm that was quite uncomfortable. Secondly, the PH3 would easily cam-out on commercial door hinges unless I focused on the entry angle and constant force. I tested side-by-side with the Duratek and the difference was striking, with the Tekton/WITTE requiring over twice the force to keep from slipping. Once I figured out what was happening, the Tekton/WITTE worked well if I could constantly push into it.
Received good results using the 5.5mm slotted and Square #1 on electrical. Handle felt great and tip performance was excellent. On cover-plate screws the 5.5mm tip was just a little too thick, wouldn't fully settle into the bottom of the slotted screws -- but performance was still good. The 3/16 seems better suited for this application.
Most likely I will keep the Square #1 in my primary cart as I do not have any Duratek square tips. The other drivers may be moved to an inactive or secondary rotation.
Hammer1963
Well-known member
I prefer my Witte produced screwdriver products over any other that I have used. Whether they be NAPA, Cornwell, Matco or Witte labeled. So I am happy to see Tekton offering them. I don't need any new screwdrivers, but that's not going to stop me from buying a few of them from Tekton.
For those wondering how the Tekton’s compare to actual Witte branded drivers, the tips are different in design. The phillips tips are flat ended on the Tekton's vs pointy on the Witte’s. The flat head tips are round on the Tekton’s and diamond shaped on the Witte’s. The grips are the same in overall feel with the exeption of the Witte plus having the anti slip “peach fuzz” tipe material which I am not keen on.
Attachments
Just watched a couple of videos reviewing the new drivers…and dear Lord, those handles are huge on the larger drivers. If anything, seeing them in action makes me even less interested. I see nothing whatsoever to make these attractive.
Tekton's new insulated screwdrivers are now available. They are 1000 V AC, 1500 V DC insulated. The grips have a double triangle on them, does this mean VDE certified? Available in square, slotted and Phillips.
www.tekton.com
Insulated Screwdrivers | TEKTON
Drivers have a tri-lobe handle, a soft and textured overmold grip, and three size markings. Available with Phillips, slotted, and square tips.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
The double triangle indicates IEC compliance which are globally recognized.Tekton's new insulated screwdrivers are now available. They are 1000 V AC, 1500 V DC insulated. The grips have a double triangle on them, does this mean VDE certified? Available in square, slotted and Phillips.
Insulated Screwdrivers | TEKTON
Drivers have a tri-lobe handle, a soft and textured overmold grip, and three size markings. Available with Phillips, slotted, and square tips.
These screwdrivers also meet ASTM 1505 standards.
VDE has higher safety requirements and testing than both, which designation doesn’t appear on these. It looks like this:
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
I have used mine several times times over the last few weeks and I do like them. The flat tips are different on the bigger sizes.
They are holding up well. Only thing is they are a bit plump.
I plan on adding a few more in the near future.
They are holding up well. Only thing is they are a bit plump.
I plan on adding a few more in the near future.
Wrench-Polisher
Well-known member
My four legged friend has a review.
The grips are quite ergonomic easy to fit in the mouth, the metal protrusion is a dental and health hazard and should be removed. The plastic deforms quite well without razing hard plastic shards that tear up gums, overall good shape and texture and mouth feel. May make your smelly two legged roommate irrationally angry I suggest taking the new screw driver in a secluded spot where the two legged idiots of the house wont bother you when enjoying the new screw driver.
I would give it 4 out of 5 squirrels, It would be 5 squirrels but Im still chasing the last one, I will catch it some day.
The grips are quite ergonomic easy to fit in the mouth, the metal protrusion is a dental and health hazard and should be removed. The plastic deforms quite well without razing hard plastic shards that tear up gums, overall good shape and texture and mouth feel. May make your smelly two legged roommate irrationally angry I suggest taking the new screw driver in a secluded spot where the two legged idiots of the house wont bother you when enjoying the new screw driver.
I would give it 4 out of 5 squirrels, It would be 5 squirrels but Im still chasing the last one, I will catch it some day.
Farmall450
Well-known member
That was one perk of Craftsman - even when they changed suppliers, the stuff was pretty much styled the same. And the majority didn't change much lol. Obvious exceptions being the pro/industrial stuff.
Sanddollar
Member
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I saw Tekton added a couple of German made hammers too.
www.tekton.com
www.tekton.com
Can German pliers be far behind?
Combination Hammer Set, 2-Piece (21, 28 oz.) | TEKTON
2-piece set includes 21 and 28 oz. combination hammers. Each hammer has a solid head with one steel and one nylon face and has a rubberized grip. HCB92001.
Drop Mallet Set, 4-Piece (7, 16, 28, 44 oz.) | TEKTON
4-piece set includes 7, 16, 28, and 44 oz drop mallets. The handleless design has steel shot that reduces rebound. HWH92001.
Can German pliers be far behind?
From Halder, I guess. They are pricey. Is Tekton going up market?I saw Tekton added a couple of German made hammers too.
Combination Hammer Set, 2-Piece (21, 28 oz.) | TEKTON
2-piece set includes 21 and 28 oz. combination hammers. Each hammer has a solid head with one steel and one nylon face and has a rubberized grip. HCB92001.Drop Mallet Set, 4-Piece (7, 16, 28, 44 oz.) | TEKTON
4-piece set includes 7, 16, 28, and 44 oz drop mallets. The handleless design has steel shot that reduces rebound. HWH92001.
Can German pliers be far behind?
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Yes. Halder Ferroplex.
I ordered a set of 4 of these on Wednesday, had them on Saturday. Pretty quick shipping for the day before Turkey day. Like the big handles but haven't used them yet. Will go in my bag tomorrow for real world use. I have Greenlee insulated which I don't like and currently using Wera which I do like but had to try the tektons after hearing so much about their tools in general.Tekton's new insulated screwdrivers are now available. They are 1000 V AC, 1500 V DC insulated. The grips have a double triangle on them, does this mean VDE certified? Available in square, slotted and Phillips.
Insulated Screwdrivers | TEKTON
Drivers have a tri-lobe handle, a soft and textured overmold grip, and three size markings. Available with Phillips, slotted, and square tips.
Their dead blows look like Trusty Cook? Is that correct?I saw Tekton added a couple of German made hammers too.
Combination Hammer Set, 2-Piece (21, 28 oz.) | TEKTON
2-piece set includes 21 and 28 oz. combination hammers. Each hammer has a solid head with one steel and one nylon face and has a rubberized grip. HCB92001.Drop Mallet Set, 4-Piece (7, 16, 28, 44 oz.) | TEKTON
4-piece set includes 7, 16, 28, and 44 oz drop mallets. The handleless design has steel shot that reduces rebound. HWH92001.
Can German pliers be far behind?
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The red ones, yes.