tekton VS kobalt tools

[chaos_efphect]

I would like to start I did some searching but did not find much about a comparison of the 2 product lines. I am looking at getting a new SAE socket set and was considering going with Tekton or Kobalt and wanted to hear some options. I do not have a snap on size budge and would mostly only use them around the house on small project.

So what is everyone's thoughts on the 2 brands? any other brands I should look at?

I really do not want to go with harbor freight but I also want something that will last.

 

[General Geoff]

drive size? Size range? chrome or impact?

 

[BK13]

If you are looking at 3/8" sockets, this quarter NAPA has a Carlyle 3/8" set for like $18 for standard and $23-24 for deep.... I've not looked at Tekton chromes, but their impacts seemed pretty decent. But I really like what Carlyles I have....


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[General Geoff]

For a complete SAE-only 3/8" socket set including 72-tooth ratchet and a couple extensions, I recommend the Grey Pneumatic 81627RD set. Goes from 5/16 up to 1" in both shallow and deep, no size skips.

For another $50 you can get the same set but with all metric sockets from 7 to 22mm included as well: http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-81659crd.aspx

 

[M6erfan]

Between the two you mention I vote Tekton

 

[bobcatdan]

SK.

 

[chaos_efphect]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I was thinking 3/8 and or 1/2. I currently do not own an impact so just standard ratchet. I was looking at something like

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-40-P...c-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/50200783

OR

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCYX504/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[M6erfan]

Again, I'll recommend the Tekton here. It's a better value as you get a swivel and an extra extension in the 3/8" set, and it's less expensive. Soooo....

 

[outdoorspace]

Tekton's per-drive socket sets (13001, 13101) are more complete than Kobalt; drive tools should be identical. I have no personal experience with the warranty process for Kobalt at Lowes, should be easy enough, but Tekton's customer support is very proactive and quick to mail replacement parts.

It's beside the point but I despise the color coding on Kobalt hand tools.

 

[beardog]

The Tekton set you linked is 1/4 drive. Between those two I'd get the 3/8 Kobalt set. The Tekton 3/8 set includes a universal in it for same $. I go with Tekton.

 

[jumbojak]

I used my brother's Kobalt sockets earlier this week and wasn't impressed at all. They slipped far more than I felt like they should have when great care wasn't taken to ensure the ratchet was perfectly perpendicular to the nut. I can't say yea or nay to the Tektons as I've never used any of their sockets, but I will add my voice to those recommending Carlyle. On sale, the Carlyle sockets are tough to beat.

 

[gdocktor3]

Is this something you will use once in a blue moon like a few times a year, or a few times a month? If it is something you will use once in a blue moon, I'd go to Lowe's and get the Kobalt. This way you can exchange something quickly and easily if it breaks.

If you are planning on using these tools weekly or a few times a month, I would spend a few more bucks on Gearwrench. You can go with something like this from GW. Unfortunately you just missed out on a great deal on this set for only $60 from Northern Tool, but if you use TRT30 promo code you can get it for $104. Pick it up in store and save on shipping. Now you have the basics of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2, then you can fill in the rest as needed. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...rench-83118c/11040784-P?searchTerm=socket+set

 

[Know Wosad]

Tekton

 

[sberry]

Either or,, they are similar.

 

[yamaha0343]

I think they're both pretty similar.

But... for stuff like sockets and ratchets, I'd move the budget up just a little to get something like SK, USA Williams, or even Gearwrench. USA Craftsman sockets are good as well if you can find them. Those are tools you keep a long time, and a crappy socket can ruin your day.

Also see the Kobalt set you linked is 12 point. Any particular reason you'd want 12 point?

 

[lightning02]

if your comparing tekton and kobalt id go with the tekton.

kobalt skips alot of sizes and im not sure what they make thats china or taiwan nowadays. but if there both on the same playing flied id go with tekton either way. they have a better warranty as well. there ratchets as the same basically as long as there both taiwan made.

i have tools from both companies. alot more sockets from tekton then kobalt and the tekton never failed me and fit great.

just make sure whatever you do you are comparing apples to apples.

 

[Fedwrench]

Tekton would be my choice between those two brands.

 

[4x4_G30_Sportvan]

Tekton

 

[CNGsaves]

Best deal right now for guys just starting out is the GearWrench set (it is 118 pieces) for $59.99 at Northern Tool and you can use $10 coupon from RetailMeNot getting you down to $49.99 net.

See the other GJ thread on it:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=332121

Then I'd supplement it with other sockets from Tekton and skip Kobalt all together.

While you're at it, get the GearWrench breaker bars on sale at Advance Auto . . . see:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334125

 

[Jeremy77]

Tekton.. I have the 54 pc.(I think) 3/8 set. I was a complete set of MM/SAE regular and deep for around $45 bucks. Ratchet is identical to the Kobalt but it had no skips, 3" and 6" extension as well as a swivel.

 

[Al Borland]

If the Kobalts are COO Taiwan, get them. Also, check Husky at Home Depot, not bad for COO China.

 

[M6erfan]

If the Kobalts are COO Taiwan, get them. Also, check Husky at Home Depot, not bad for COO China.

Mind expanding on why this is your recommendation?

 

[Greg85mcss]

I have the tekton set you posted the link for and it's great. I really like the tools & the quality of the blow molded case. I bought it to fill a specific need but from what you've said I would jump on that 118 piece gearwrench deal. I have those in 3/8 & they're my favorite sockets to use plus you get some very nice ratchets with it too.


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[Brownsfan]

If you are looking at a Kobalt set that is Taiwan made then they will be remarkably similar to Tekton. The ratchets are damn near identical. If the Kobalt is China made then Tekton all day. The new China made Kobalt is not impressive to say the least.

 

[gdocktor3]

Best deal right now for guys just starting out is the GearWrench set (it is 118 pieces) for $59.99 at Northern Tool and you can use $10 coupon from RetailMeNot getting you down to $49.99 net.

See the other GJ thread on it:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=332121

Then I'd supplement it with other sockets from Tekton and skip Kobalt all together.

While you're at it, get the GearWrench breaker bars on sale at Advance Auto . . . see:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334125

This is no longer available. I checked yesterday before I made my recommendation in post #12

 

[blackwire]

Of the 2 toolsets you are considering, the Tektons are 6 point and the Kobalts are 12 point. I prefer 6 point, so I would go with the Tekton.

 

[a52-830]

i just picked up two tekton ratchets. early use seems to be great, but they have not been stressed yet. the finish is great. for the money, and my experience so far, id go with tekton.

 

[chaos_efphect]

Thanks everyone for the input on this, this mostly is for once a blue moon use as someone called it. Mostly want a good socket/ratchet set to keep around the house for little things. IE setting up a new grill or putting together a table not something I am going to use daily.

Think I am going to see what Amazon has for GearWrench.

 

[erty67]

To the OP, If you are looking at Kobalt and Tekton kits I would go with whichever give you the most the money. In my opinion the quality between the two is near identical. As someone previously stated, the Taiwan Kobalts do seem to be better built than the China Kobalts so keep that in mind if your going with Kobalt.

 

[erty67]

Thanks everyone for the input on this, this mostly is for once a blue moon use as someone called it. Mostly want a good socket/ratchet set to keep around the house for little things. IE setting up a new grill or putting together a table not something I am going to use daily.

Think I am going to see what Amazon has for GearWrench.

Try Advanced Auto. You can do well using coupon codes to buy GearWrench there. Also, don't count out Harbor Freight. Their Pittsburgh Pro ratchets are just about the same as the Tekton and Kobalts, perfect for the household/backyard mechanic and their new red handled ratchets have received great reviews here.

 

[Coach James]

I have the 40 piece Kobalt set in my office at the gym. I've used it to assemble and take apart numerous pieces of gym equipment, install floor anchors and a few other things. Never had any problems with it even after putting much of my weight on the ratchet to remove some really tight bolts. The sets I have are Taiwan made. No idea how the China ones are.

I also have a Tekton flex head, bent handle 3/8 ratchet that has become on of my favorites to use. So as to which set to buy, I would say whichever would allow you to do the largest variety of jobs.

Coach

 

[Al Borland]

Mind expanding on why this is your recommendation?

Tekton appears to use the same ratchet as the Taiwan Kobalt (William). Sockets are good and available over the counter locally. Tektons are mail-order, so no instant purchase gratification/instant warranty.
If the Kobalt are COO China.... Husky (Apex) are better (and cheaper too).

 

[M6erfan]

Tekton appears to use the same ratchet as the Taiwan Kobalt (William). Sockets are good and available over the counter locally. Tektons are mail-order, so no instant purchase gratification/instant warranty.
If the Kobalt are COO China.... Husky (Apex) are better (and cheaper too).

So basically it comes down to warranty, if I'm understanding you correctly. Depending on where you live, Tekton may be available over the counter in some brick and motar stores...

The Tekton set is more complete and less expensive

 

[Al Borland]

Less warranty, more instant gratification...
If I need a tool, I don't want to wait a week for it.
That being said, Kobalt has switched to China, and quality of the new ones...Nothing special.
Everybody and their uncle seems to sell the William Taiwan ratchets, including Harbor Freight, NAPA, Lowes, so the real issues are socket quality, cost, and availability.

 

[yamaha0343]

I have a Kobalt Taiwan ratchet in 3/8, it's not a bad ratchet at all. No experience with their China line though, didn't know they switched. I haven't been to Lowe's in a good while, since HD moved closer.