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Tekton Tools Praise Thread

oldschoolcraft

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Joined
Dec 31, 2017
Messages
1,829
Location
Bay Area, California
I spend a lot of time researching tools on the internet to buy. I'm very picky because I have limited space, like to assemble mobile toolkits in specific containers with size limitations, and have OCD about skipped sizes. Of all of the tool brands, Tekton is miles above every other tool company in 2024. If you haven't been to their website, I encourage you to check it out. If you're a competitor, I encourage you to copy Tekton's website user interface.

The website is super clean, and it's easy to find exactly what you want in a few clicks. Not buried under multiple layers like most other sites.

You want a wrench? Click on wrenches, the button is right on the top of the screen. One single click and you have all of the wrenches. Other sites are 5 to 8 clicks to see the wrenches. I'm here to buy tools. I'm not hear to read your mission statement. Tekton gives me exactly what I want on the top of the main website.

You want a specific type of wrench? On that wrench page, there is big buttons for each sub category of wrench. Very easy to see and pick what you want.

You want to know if the wrench will fit in your wrench organizer? Scroll down, here's the thickness, length, and 37 other measurements of the wrench. Not in general, of each wrench. Click on the wrench's size, and see all of the dimensions of that specific wrench. Or socket, or any other tool. Every single dimension.

You hate skipped sizes? You want to have ever integer sized wrench or socket for fasteners that dont yet exist? They got you. 37mm? Do you even know why you want a 37mm socket? Neither do they, but they'll sell it to you.

Do you like it when US Tool Companies slowly start outsourcing their production overseas? No, you hate that? How about the opposite then? How about if the tool companies starts making tools overseas and uses the profits to gradually build US-based production? They now make four way angle wrenches, pins, punches, chisels, and screwdriver handles in America and are working to expand. They're also making tool carts and drawers in Canada.

How do you feel about warrantying your broken tools? Do you like to get the entire set of wrenches to bring to a store because they dont warranty single wrenches? Oh you lost 1 of the 15 wrenches of the set, and so you voided the warranty on the other 14? Do you like digging up the receipt to bring to the store? Do you like mailing broken tools back, finding a box and printing a label? No? Okay how about take a picture of the broken tool and email it to them and they'll send you a new one.

Do you like to be confused why a product is on clearance, whether or not it's been discontinued? No? How about if the website showed you exactly what was discontinued, why it was discontinued (to consolidate the line or to improve the design into a new version), and when it was discontinued. And how about a direct link on the clearanced item page to the redesigned new product, so you can decide if you'd rather get the new one? Done.

Do you like to buy stuff on Amazon and know it's genuine and also get to maintain the warranty? And do you like to not pay higher than retail price on Amazon? Amazon stocks Tekton tools at retail price with prime delivery. Ships and sold by Amazon.

I admit I lack experience with the quality of their tools, many here say put them in a mid-tier category alongside Gearwrench, Icon, and Vim. But their website and business practices are the highest tier of any tool company at the moment.

My one criticism is their 10% rewards program. I despise rewards points and programs. I would much rather than reduce the price by 10% (or maybe the math works out to 9%) then to string me along to get the discount. I understand why they do it, and everything else about them is so fantastic, it's hard to get mad at it. There's no such thing as "free", they initially overcharge you relative to the profit margin they want to make, and give you back that price increase as a reward on the next purchase.
 
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LopezBart

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Oct 13, 2023
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2,521
Location
Lopez Island, WA
I have just a mixed SAE & metric 3/8 socket set, a 1/2 SAE set of sockets & ratchet, and some SAE wrenches from Tekton. They're really nice, well polished, smooth and heavy chrome. I'll be buying more of their tools.
 

FigN⋅m

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 28, 2024
Messages
511
I'm not sure I agree with disliking a reward program, but then hype a $139 annual Prime account shipping as an advantage?
Tekton will sell you the same products and ship free over $25 which is fairly easy to achieve.
I don't use Amazon very often and prefer to deal directly with a company if possible. Just my take on that part...

I rationalized the 10% thing over a few different purchases with them and came out with a smattering of items
such as ratchets, impact swivel, picks & prybars, and I splurged on a split-beam TW. So far I'm happy with my decisions.

Oh! and don't forget to add a free sticker to your purchase! :giggle:
 

gizardlizard

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 29, 2019
Messages
725
Location
Madison, WI
Love Tekton and pretty much everything about them EXCEPT….. their screw drivers. They ****!! I bought a huge set of the hardened tip ones and have had to warranty lots of them. The tips are crazy soft. Bought a second set and had the same issue. Done with them for screw drivers. Love their other tools though.
 

JEdiag

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 11, 2021
Messages
147
Location
Ohio
I got to hand it toTekton, Im thrilled they are bringing a lot of manufacturing to the US, they are constantly improving and updating. I bought the angle wrenches a while back(1 1/16 - 1 1/4) and love them. They changed the finish and I bought a set of the new ones (lower size set) and they feel great. Time will tell how they hold up to corrosion but so far so good. I havent tried their other tools other than a pick I bought recently, seems to be great so far.
 
OP
O

oldschoolcraft

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Joined
Dec 31, 2017
Messages
1,829
Location
Bay Area, California
I watched a video on YouTube and it discussed that Tekton used to be cheap trash disposable tools like basic Harbor Freight quality, and the children of the old owner took over and decided to turn the company around into being a higher quality company in recent years.

I really am gushing over how good the website is. I spend a lot of time on various tool websites and Tekton is just so amazing compared to every other place. I can tell they care.
 

lardy1

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Joined
Mar 17, 2019
Messages
3,393
Location
Michigan
Generally, I'd rate their tools between fair and good, depending on the tool. Where they shine is their customer service and that website is a reflection of that. Maybe the best CS in the business.
 

kody1234

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 9, 2014
Messages
67
I spend a lot of time researching tools on the internet to buy. I'm very picky because I have limited space, like to assemble mobile toolkits in specific containers with size limitations, and have OCD about skipped sizes. Of all of the tool brands, Tekton is miles above every other tool company in 2024. If you haven't been to their website, I encourage you to check it out. If you're a competitor, I encourage you to copy Tekton's website user interface.

The website is super clean, and it's easy to find exactly what you want in a few clicks. Not buried under multiple layers like most other sites.

You want a wrench? Click on wrenches, the button is right on the top of the screen. One single click and you have all of the wrenches. Other sites are 5 to 8 clicks to see the wrenches. I'm here to buy tools. I'm not hear to read your mission statement. Tekton gives me exactly what I want on the top of the main website.

You want a specific type of wrench? On that wrench page, there is big buttons for each sub category of wrench. Very easy to see and pick what you want.

You want to know if the wrench will fit in your wrench organizer? Scroll down, here's the thickness, length, and 37 other measurements of the wrench. Not in general, of each wrench. Click on the wrench's size, and see all of the dimensions of that specific wrench. Or socket, or any other tool. Every single dimension.

You hate skipped sizes? You want to have ever integer sized wrench or socket for fasteners that dont yet exist? They got you. 37mm? Do you even know why you want a 37mm socket? Neither do they, but they'll sell it to you.

Do you like it when US Tool Companies slowly start outsourcing their production overseas? No, you hate that? How about the opposite then? How about if the tool companies starts making tools overseas and uses the profits to gradually build US-based production? They now make four way angle wrenches, pins, punches, chisels, and screwdriver handles in America and are working to expand. They're also making tool carts and drawers in Canada.

How do you feel about warrantying your broken tools? Do you like to get the entire set of wrenches to bring to a store because they dont warranty single wrenches? Oh you lost 1 of the 15 wrenches of the set, and so you voided the warranty on the other 14? Do you like digging up the receipt to bring to the store? Do you like mailing broken tools back, finding a box and printing a label? No? Okay how about take a picture of the broken tool and email it to them and they'll send you a new one.

Do you like to be confused why a product is on clearance, whether or not it's been discontinued? No? How about if the website showed you exactly what was discontinued, why it was discontinued (to consolidate the line or to improve the design into a new version), and when it was discontinued. And how about a direct link on the clearanced item page to the redesigned new product, so you can decide if you'd rather get the new one? Done.

Do you like to buy stuff on Amazon and know it's genuine and also get to maintain the warranty? And do you like to not pay higher than retail price on Amazon? Amazon stocks Tekton tools at retail price with prime delivery. Ships and sold by Amazon.

I admit I lack experience with the quality of their tools, many here say put them in a mid-tier category alongside Gearwrench, Icon, and Vim. But their website and business practices are the highest tier of any tool company at the moment.

My one criticism is their 10% rewards program. I despise rewards points and programs. I would much rather than reduce the price by 10% (or maybe the math works out to 9%) then to string me along to get the discount. I understand why they do it, and everything else about them is so fantastic, it's hard to get mad at it. There's no such thing as "free", they initially overcharge you relative to the profit margin they want to make, and give you back that price increase as a reward on the next purchase.
I have a lot of Tekton tools.never had to warranty one.I like the no skip sockets and wrenches.
 

Callelle

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Joined
Feb 3, 2022
Messages
635
Location
Depew NY
Tekton I put on par with Sunex, maybe slightly higher. Outside of their sockets and tool boxes, all of their stuff is just meh. Nothing really innovative or interesting or what have you. Their wrenches are nice I suppose but why not offer something with some sort of anti-slip? I will give it to them that their website is top notch.
 

Jeeper99

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 14, 2024
Messages
65
I like my tekton stuff. It's decent, not amazing quality stuff. Warranty is easy and their website is awesome.

After some sizes no skips are a waste and get heavy if you are carrying them around. I've got the 25-32mm wrench set I've used the 27, 30, and 32mm, the rest are just eating up tool box space and money. When I decided to expand my metric wrenches from 32 to 50mm I just ordered a 36, 41, 46, and 50. I couldn't justify spending $815 on 18 wrenches from 33-50mm when I really only use 4 sizes and they were only $262 for those 4 wrenches. Yeah it would have looked good in my tool box having all those wrenches though having an extra $500 to spend on tools I'd actually use was more important. Being able to easily order just 4 wrenches was super easy on their website.
 

danielbuck

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 15, 2014
Messages
917
I've not had any problems with them, and the one time I've had to have a part replaced, they were very easy to deal with and had an entire new tool sent to me. (torque wrench)
 

GeoBruin

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2018
Messages
3,733
Generally, I'd rate their tools between fair and good, depending on the tool. Where they shine is their customer service and that website is a reflection of that. Maybe the best CS in the business.
I don't notice a good website until it's really good, and I don't notice a bad website unless it's really bad. I have plenty of Tekton tools, and part of it is the experience of buying them, from the website and ordering process to the shipping and packaging. All top notch.

Other companies I would like to support more, but I just can't get past their website.
 

swsman

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2021
Messages
520
Location
Earthbound
Like some others, I like their website and simple warranty process.
So far I only have a few locking pliers from them, that is to change later this week.

Ordered three ratchets, 9" in 1/4 size, 12" in 3/8, and 18" in 1/2.

Non flex, no quick release. Personal preference.

I am not abusive with my tools, so these should work well for my needs.
Look forward to putting them to work.
 

Steve_P

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Joined
Sep 15, 2010
Messages
5,181
Tekton I put on par with Sunex, maybe slightly higher. Outside of their sockets and tool boxes, all of their stuff is just meh. Nothing really innovative or interesting or what have you. Their wrenches are nice I suppose but why not offer something with some sort of anti-slip? I will give it to them that their website is top notch.

Their ratchets are also very nice- although I prefer the GW 90T. As are their mini pry bars.

If you think their stuff is "meh", what's better for the $? They're not trying to be Snap On, just a top tier "bargain" brand like Capri, Sunex, Gearwrench.......
 

Callelle

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Joined
Feb 3, 2022
Messages
635
Location
Depew NY
Their ratchets are also very nice- although I prefer the GW 90T. As are their mini pry bars.

If you think their stuff is "meh", what's better for the $? They're not trying to be Snap On, just a top tier "bargain" brand like Capri, Sunex, Gearwrench.......
Capri, Icon, Astro, etc... All of which I'd pick over them, I don't know why you brought Snap On into the conversation though.
 

DarryT

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Joined
Mar 29, 2024
Messages
210
Definitely great pro-sumer level tools. CS & website are top level.
 

swsman

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Joined
May 5, 2021
Messages
520
Location
Earthbound
I wanted to follow up on this.
Received the ratchets and have put them to work already.

Prior to doing so I disassembled to check inner guts for craftsmanship/if needing to be lubbed up.

1/2" drive ratchet had a very light coat of factory lube, 3/8" drive was bone dry. Have not taken 1/4" drive apart as I do not have torx bit small enough, think I will just soak it in ATF instead.

Certainly not at the level of SO/Matco ratchets when it comes to fit/finish, this being said they are perfectly servicable for my need.
Anvils on 1/2 and 1/4 are firm, 3/8 drive one has a little bit of movement, nothing overly concerning at the moment.

Like mentioned above I have used them on garage project or two already, so far so good.
 
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bwringer

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Jan 1, 2013
Messages
10,250
Location
Indianapolis
I build websites for much of my living, and Tekton's is indeed on a whole higher level of its own. The interface is jaw-dropping perfection, and everything just plain works. Hats off. Anyone who sells physical products online needs to study their website deeply. All the info you need to make your decision is there.

I'll also give a strong shout out to the product photos. Finally, a tool company that understands that people, oddly enough, want to get a very damn good close-up look at the tools before buying.

Everything is simple, extremely clear, and consistent, with drawings and diagrams where needed, and photos with human hands so you can see how the tool interacts with the human body. Getting good photos of shiny things is technically fairly difficult, and their photographers have this absolutely perfected. Every detail of the color grading and posing is perfection.

This certainly isn't as cheap, but it sells the hell out of the tools.

Our clients don't sell physical products, but the same principles apply; perfecting and polishing the online experience is not easy or cheap, but it always pays off. What does your customer need? Give it to them. The concept is simple; the execution is not.



I'll also give big props to McMaster-Carr; they've invested HEAVILY in online technology and IT, and it shows in their website -- and massive sales. MSC, Zoro, Fastenal, Grainger, etc. all have frustrating, terrible websites by comparison. Unless they have something McM doesn't, or someone has an unhealthy relationship with the local sales droid, how are they selling anything?

The one knock on McMaster is that there are no photos, just crappy line drawings; the CAD files and detailed specs are revolutionary, and plenty for the majority of what they sell, but there are still many products where a photo is much needed. They also don't always share the brand of the products, and quite often this matters a lot (you can contact them and ask, of course).
 

liliysdad

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Joined
Jul 18, 2008
Messages
5,373
I have nothing against Tekton. I like their hard handle drivers quite a bit. I have bought a few wrenches and sockets to try them out, and always felt they were decent, on the cheap and chintzy end of things. Nothing, for me, differentiates them from other Taiwan sourced tools.

They do have a nice site, though.
 

Blind1

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 8, 2018
Messages
355
I like my tekton stuff. It's decent, not amazing quality stuff. Warranty is easy and their website is awesome.

After some sizes no skips are a waste and get heavy if you are carrying them around. I've got the 25-32mm wrench set I've used the 27, 30, and 32mm, the rest are just eating up tool box space and money. When I decided to expand my metric wrenches from 32 to 50mm I just ordered a 36, 41, 46, and 50. I couldn't justify spending $815 on 18 wrenches from 33-50mm when I really only use 4 sizes and they were only $262 for those 4 wrenches. Yeah it would have looked good in my tool box having all those wrenches though having an extra $500 to spend on tools I'd actually use was more important. Being able to easily order just 4 wrenches was super easy on their website.
I bought a set of performance tool 1/2” drive impact sockets for that exact reason. $30, made in Taiwan same as Tekton.

Same reason I only bought 8-19mm in 3/8” drive. Zero need for a 20mm 3/8 drive socket, etc.

The likely hood of me needing one of the skipped sizes is so incredibly low.
 

nh_yota

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Joined
Mar 10, 2015
Messages
4,068
Location
Seacoast New Hampshire
I have a bunch of Tekton tools that I've acquired over the past few years - in fact I just bought their 57 piece MM/SAE 1/2" socket set when it was on sale. After Craftsman went to China, Tekton became my go-to brand for a while until Harbor Freight opened in my town a couple of years ago.

I give Harbor Freight tools a slight edge if you have a store nearby because you can return a tool same-day, however if you live out where mail order is the only way to buy tools then I definitely recommend Tekton.
 

mepstein

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Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
1,281
I like Tekton tools. They might be good and not great but for me, it seems to be good enough. Same with my us general tool boxes. My buddy has a big snap on chest with snap on tools so I do understand the difference.
 

Ohio Andy

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Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,247
Location
Columbus, Ohio
Love Tekton and pretty much everything about them EXCEPT….. their screw drivers. They ****!! I bought a huge set of the hardened tip ones and have had to warranty lots of them. The tips are crazy soft. Bought a second set and had the same issue. Done with them for screw drivers. Love their other tools though.
What screwdrivers do you prefer. I do like their screwdrivers but prefer PB Swiss. I own mostly Craftsman, then Tekton, PB Swiss, and Wera.

I watched the testing by Project Farm (
) and I wondered about his testing since he said he was testing using an impact driver to be more abusive to the screwdrivers.
 

SRSemenza

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Joined
Apr 26, 2017
Messages
616
Love Tekton and pretty much everything about them EXCEPT….. their screw drivers. They ****!! I bought a huge set of the hardened tip ones and have had to warranty lots of them. The tips are crazy soft. Bought a second set and had the same issue. Done with them for screw drivers. Love their other tools though.


I see that a lot (all? ) of the black rubbery handled screwdrivers have been added to the clearance listings on the Tekton site. I wonder what will be changing?

Seth
 

Ohio Andy

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2,247
Location
Columbus, Ohio
I do like that black rubber handle but river about longevity / durability.

Some of the clearance ones were marked as "seconds". Also, it looks like when they change a set (add an extra piece) summer sets might go on clearance. I could be wearing but some liked that way.

So yeah, can't wait to see.
 

gizardlizard

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Joined
Aug 29, 2019
Messages
725
Location
Madison, WI
The tips on them are just so soft. I have no
Issue with the handles and kind of like them. But for a screw driver tip to break off while opening a thin brass gas port on a gas valve? That was pretty lame. I have four others to
Send back due to broken tips. They are great about exchanges but the ones I get are still soft.
 

lardy1

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Mar 17, 2019
Messages
3,393
Location
Michigan
Tekton screwdrivers remind me of the later USA made Craftsman screwdrivers. The fit was decent and the price was decent but the durability reflected the price. I have and use Tekton screwdrivers but I have many more that I prefer over them.
 

Madjik Man

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Dec 3, 2015
Messages
1,513
I see that a lot (all? ) of the black rubbery handled screwdrivers have been added to the clearance listings on the Tekton site. I wonder what will be changing?

Seth

Their hard handles are on clearance too.

They say “discontinued from our line up.”
 

SRSemenza

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Apr 26, 2017
Messages
616
I asked Tekton about the difference between the clearance and non-clearance screwdrivers . This is what they said .................

Thanks for writing in, the tips on the slotted screwdrivers are a slightly different design, otherwise they are just configurations we no longer offer. There is no difference in the handles or quality of the drivers.

Seth
 

Madjik Man

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Dec 3, 2015
Messages
1,513
I have bought a couple of ratchets and several pliers and the quality is very good. Haven't tried their screwdrivers, as the Megladora Vessel screwdrivers won my heart.

Same. I’m probably going to put my 16 piece Tekton set up for sale. Hardly used.
 

sparky 1971

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Oct 9, 2018
Messages
7,966
Location
Central Iowa
As far as the screwdrivers, the website says the new screwdrivers now have an electricians tip. As far as I know, there are two types of tips, cabinet and keystone. I have two 3/16" cabinet tip, everything larger, 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8 are keystone tip and it's been that way for the entire 30 years I've been an electrician, so apparently, some of my screwdrivers are wrong, I just don't know which. I have some Tekton hard handles in the shop and I do like them, I just wish they offered some with 6" shafts. Sometimes 4" is too short, but 8" seems way too long.
 
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