Tekton vs Sunex vs other

[TheMadMech]

I use Snap-On for most of my tools. As an industrial mechanic I work on big heavy hot stuff which is covered in rock hard dirt, grease, oil, and rust.

That said I'm in the process of adding two workstations to my area and doing all Snap-On straight off would be cripplingly expensive.

These stations are basically to add tool access to remote areas so I don't have to drag everything over distance.

I'm looking at Tekton for this but am curious what you guys think. Sunex and Pittsburgh are also contenders though I'm gun-shy about Pittsburgh. The fact is, I don't know enough about Tekton or Sunex to know how they'll work out. Reviews of Tekton seem to be generally favorable.

What do you guys think?

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[d.mcfarland]

You need to tell us what tools you are talking about.

 

[ChrisLS8]

If you are asking about sockets and ratchets I would have zero qualms recommending any of Pittsburgh's Taiwan made 1/4-1/2 sockets and ratchets.

For wrenches I've really liked my Tektons

 

[kb1982]

I think the best bang for the buck if looking for sockets would be the master set of Sunex impact sockets. I have around 240 dollars in both sets, metric and standard in 1/2 inch drive and it would cover most everything socket wise besides the smallest sizes
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunex-Tool...mpact-Socket-Set/191991307978?epid=1937549891

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunex-Tool...648184&hash=item1ebe6f2a03:g:TL8AAOSw71lZ0FZf

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[visionguru]

+1^^^

Sunex seems more professional than Tekton and Pittsburg, which are more of home owner grade. Any socket sets should do the work just fine, but brands like Sunex probably are of better quality and less likely to skip sizes.

 

[SuperXero]

Sunex for sockets, tekton for wrenches.

 

[Jtels85]

Another user recommended Sunex impact sockets and I’ve heard nothing but good things about them. I plan on purchasing the 3/8 master set.

I also have experience and nothing but good things to say about Craftsman impact sockets. Mine are China made and have taken some abuse, held up great and still look good. You can probably get a good master set at Sears for around $150. They are just as good as anything else out there.

 

[Parrothead]

I’ll chime in for Tekton and their wrenches, for sure. I’ve beat the snot out of them with a mini sledge while doing brakes and front end work in the rust belt. Very pleased. I’d have no qualms with the sockets either. I can’t speak for impacts so rely on the advice of those who know.

 

[TheMadMech]

Looking for wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, hammers, pry bars, the basics to start with.

For Hex Wrenches I'm probably going Bondhus and for screwdrivers probably With but am open to suggestions.

I'm not kidding myself, I love my snappy dual 80s enough that I've already got my guy getting them for me.

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[ChrisLS8]

Screwdrivers you can get the Tekons which are US made or you can look at Williams as an alternative

 

[kb1982]

Looking for wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, hammers, pry bars, the basics to start with.

I'm not kidding myself, I love my snappy dual 80s enough that I've already got my guy getting them for me.

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Be on the lookout for Craftsman prybars. They are American made rebrands.

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[plinker]

Wilde pry bars,
Sunex for Imapct sockets,
Williams (USA)for wrenches,
Williams or Witte screwdrivers,
Trusty cook/Estwing for hammers.

 

[Jimithing616]

May want to check out Carlyle...

The YouTuber “Snap On Junkie” did a little review about how he is buying Carlyle and since you mentioned being a snap on user and he is also clearly a snap on ‘junkie’ as it were... I figured I’d link the video...

A lot of guys on here seem to really like Carlyle too, I haven’t read the replies yet but you may see that it is a suggestion frequently if you search the forum

My local industrial tool dealer sells Sunex impacts exclusively and all the guys here in MN who shop there apparently like them, I doubt he’d keep them when he can order proto And Sk too.... haven’t tried them myself, but, that’s some anecdotal BS I felt was slightly relevant....

Anyway, without further ado, here’s the video...

 

[powerstrokin]

Im about to buy Sunex universal impacts, i have Tekton impacts and they have been great. I love my Tekton wrenches!

 

[Fedwrench]

You kind of have to judge each brand on a tool by tool basis. Both sunex & Tekton have some great tools for the money in their line up but, each of them also have a few dawgs in the mix.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a set of Tekton offset double open end wrenches, I'm well pleased with them. I am so pleased that I just bought 2 Tekton composite ratchets, they seem ok, but I haven't used them yet.

I'd vote for Tekton for wrenches

 

[Tallpilot]

Tekton for combination wrenches and chrome sockets, Sunex for impact sockets then try Carlyle wrenches for the other station so you can beat the **** out of different brands and let us know which ones are the best value

 

[VH5150]

I've watched a lot of reviews on YouTube on Tekton combo wrenches. They're all great. The only Tekton I actually own are Impact Sockets (holding up perfectly) and Stubby Combo Wrenches (also holding up perfectly).

As far as Pittsburgh goes, I have a lot of the Pittsburgh Pro stuff and I have nothing but good things to say about them. In particular, the Flex-head ratchets and the 6-point Deep Chrome Sockets. Those ratchets have outstanding reviews.

 

[TheMadMech]

Currently my impact sockets are Carlyle and they are good. I put heavy abuse on some of them and they hold up. I considered getting the snappys but in my line of work sockets are almost considered disposable so I went with a brand I could afford to replace quickly. I'm keen to check out the Sunex though, lots of high praise from what I'm seeing.

About the Tekton wrenches, just to clairify, are you guys recommending their ratcheting wrenches or traditional combo wrenches?

 

[7avalon7]

I just bought Sunex impact 3/8in drive sockets after reading recommendations from GJ. From the looks of them, these are well made sockets. Obviously I have not used them, but they look and feel nicer than my Craftsman Chinese made 1/2in drive sockets, and cheaper too.

As far as pry bar, Craftsman pry bars got my vote.

I am just a FIY user, not a pro here.

 

[Mr_B]

prybars craftsman (made by wilde)
sockets williams, gearwrench older taiwan, pittsburgh pro if size range works for you
wrenches stahlwille, wright, williams, tekton for best of that lower cost bracket
screwdrivers wiliams hard handle, toptul drive thru

carlyle and toptul do some good stuff, carlyle pricing can be bit higher than seems right . worth a run through HF for few of the worthwhile things they do, pitts pro not bad stuff if suites your needs and warranty easy, tekton warranty easy but sockets are far from anything special, the tekton wrenches are better than other low cost options and plier range pretty decent too, older gearwrench taiwan was best made/design sockets at midrange cost.

 

[rustbucket5]

i would get sunex for sockets, tekton for hammers ratchets wrenches and screw drivers(or if you like striking cap get the mayhew cats paw) mayhew prybars and picks. pliers.......i like knipex but they are very expensive, if looking to save money id get channellock although i personally dont like their products. for punches id just get the cheap stuff from HF/PA unless you do a ton of bearing pounding then id get the better stuff

 

[Jtels85]

I didn’t want to start a new thread since Sunex impacts have been discussed before... but why do the 1/2” drive deep sets have a 26mm and not a 24mm? I use 24 frequently. Never used a 26. They go 22, 26 and 27mm.

Am I missing something?

 

[M6erfan]

I didn’t want to start a new thread since Sunex impacts have been discussed before... but why do the 1/2” drive deep sets have a 26mm and not a 24mm? I use 24 frequently. Never used a 26. They go 22, 26 and 27mm.

Am I missing something?

My Sunex deep set goes to 36mm and includes 24

 

[GrayEngineer]

I don't have ant experience with Sunex tools, but they seem to have a good reputation. I do have a serveral Tekton tools, and I've been impressed with everything I have. I'm typically a bit of a tool snob, but Tekton has caused me to start looking at other brands similar to Tekton. Their chrome socket are very nice, and honestly I doubt I'll be buying any more Snap-on socket sets because of the quality of the Tekton sockets. Koken makes better sockets than Snap-on, and are a lot cheaper too. Also, since I'm mostly a diy guy Tekton's warranty is easier and more convenient for me in the event I need to have something replaced.

To make a potential long post short, buy Tekton tools and don't look back. Sure you'll want and need other branded tools l, but you won't be at any disadvantage using Tekton tools vs other brands outside of having to lug around a much heavier wallet cause of all the cash you'll save. In all honesty, Tekton tools are to me are on the same level of quality in my opinion. I've even sold off some of my Snap-on and replaced it with Tekton.

Damn, I sound like a Tekton fanboy. Yikes.

 

[Professional Tool User]

It depends on what tools you want. I have no problem with buying Tekton impact sockets (both chrome and impact) wrenches, and striking pry bars, and certain styles of pliers. Sunex would be a good place to go for specialty items that Tekton may not have.

 

[johndeereman]

If it was my money i would Go sunex for impact socket's and Tekton for the wrench's. I have had great luck with both brands.

 

[Mr_B]

Not much value in sunex and plenty same or better for less money .
Tekton chrome may do you well and if buying a fair bit the reward points will make it good value, not keen on tekton impact socket design, way better comes out of taiwan for same money .
few decent things at HF so picking cream of what a few brands do well will net decent enough result .
Don't overlook wiliams, carlyle, wright, swanstrom for deals and quality where it might benefit ...

 

[bobcatdan]

I like sunnex for their impact sockets. Very tough. Nice thin wall and they offer pretty much any kind of impact socket you can think of. The only chrome tools of sunnex I own are 1/2" crowfeet. They work good and I'd recommend them. As for the rest of sunnex tools, no real interest as they don't look any better than any other lower line import tool. No experience with Tekton, but I think if a person pick and choose on individual tools, Tekton will have nice gems.

 

[CR888]

Of all the people cheering Tekton & Sunnex sockets, I kinda wonder if they REALLY know what good socket design is. I think many have purchased these sockets based on testimony & review of people that don't know a lot about sockets. Sure they work and have a couple of basic features that are OK but there are far better often cheaper Taiwan designs that are far better. I think chrome finish & not skipping sizes is how many judge a socket.

 

[rijndael]

I kinda wonder if they REALLY know what good socket design is.

They fit fasteners well and haven't stripped anything.
I haven't broken any, but if I do, they have a good warranty.
The anvil fits the socket well.

What else do I need to be worried about?

 

[X1 Mike]

I was looking at Sunnex for my impact sockets but went with Grey Pneumatic instead and have not regretted it.

 

[mhejl]

I noticed something odd on my Sunex 3/8 "master" set just the other day. These were purchased within the last 6 months. Not at home at the moment so the sizes may be off but:

Sitting in a Westling tray, I noticed the 16mm and some others looked odd with a much thicker wall so I got the dial calipers out...

The 16mm, 17mm, 5/8", 3/4", both std and deep are all made the same outer diameter! A cost cutting step to not mill down the smaller sizes, maybe?

I think this also occurs in my 1/4 sets, too.

 

[kythri]

They fit fasteners well and haven't stripped anything.
I haven't broken any, but if I do, they have a good warranty.
The anvil fits the socket well.

What else do I need to be worried about?

Advanced features, duh! Do your Sunex or Tekton sockets have Bluetooth? NO. Do your Sunex or Tekton sockets have biometric locks? NO.

Sheesh.

 

[M6erfan]

Of all the people cheering Tekton & Sunnex sockets, I kinda wonder if they REALLY know what good socket design is. I think many have purchased these sockets based on testimony & review of people that don't know a lot about sockets. Sure they work and have a couple of basic features that are OK but there are far better often cheaper Taiwan designs that are far better. I think chrome finish & not skipping sizes is how many judge a socket.

I'm not disagreeing with you but the design of Tekton sockets is very similar to S-o, ProTo, SK, Wright, Williams, etc... All very much recommended here on GJ.

 

[Shane6377]

Of all the people cheering Tekton & Sunnex sockets, I kinda wonder if they REALLY know what good socket design is. I think many have purchased these sockets based on testimony & review of people that don't know a lot about sockets. Sure they work and have a couple of basic features that are OK but there are far better often cheaper Taiwan designs that are far better. I think chrome finish & not skipping sizes is how many judge a socket.

So enlighten us. What features should we be looking at?


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[Parrothead]

...but there are far better often cheaper Taiwan designs that are far better.

Feel free to tell us which brands and where to get them cheaper.

 

[Yarpo]

So enlighten us. What features should we be looking at?


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My biggest complaint with them is the sizes are not stamped. I worked under a guy who had laser etched sockets and the etching wore off which made it hard to find whatever he asked me to grab as the new guy. Kind of lazy. The nose is also tapered and not necked down in any way what so ever, again kind of lazy. They're made from CrV instead of CrMo and I won't get into that whole debate, a proper CrV socket is fine, but lots of other companies prefer to make impact sockets out of CrMo. Take that as you will. They also offer no O-ring Grove and the drive end is also not tapered down on the large sizes. Very basic in terms of features.

 

[jimmyin3D]

For Impact sockets go Sunex for sure. Price and quality is there as well as good customer service for warranty help. The Carlyle impacts are very similarly made to the Sunex. Grey Pneumatic is similar but there warranty is not that great.

Do you have a price range in mind or what tools you need? Just sockets? Or do you need screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches?

For basic pliers the Channellock will serve you well and priced fairly.

For screwdrivers tons of choices depending on price but the Williams USA hard handle are very nice and the exact same as the Snap Ons for a cheaper price. The price is also very good and covers a variety of Phillips style and Slotted.

Wrenches the Gearwrench long handles 12pt are great and have a anti slip design. Full sets of metric and SAE run about $100 for each. Can’t go wrong with Gearwrench.

 

[kythri]

I'm pretty sure the majority of my Sunex impacts are both laser-etched and roll-stamped, in addition to being CrMo.