Why I Buy Tekton

[Dave.R]

Does anyone know why there are Tekton products for sale on Ebay and other places that aren't on the Tekton website? For instance, they have socket holders on the website but not ones with handles like this one at Sears.

http://www.sears.com/tekton-3-8inch-drive-socket-holder/p-SPM2094612003?prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

Our website is our current and up to date listing. But, other companies may list old or discontinued product of ours. If it isn't on our site, it isn't a current item with us.

My first experience with Tekton has not been that great from a quality control aspect. Just ordered the Metric & SAE flare nut wrenches from Amazon. Problem is I received two 10mm & 12mm wrenches where one needed to be the 3/8 & 7/16 SAE wrench.

Did you send us and email or otherwise contact us? Sending you a wrench isn't a problem at all. You'd have a your new one in a couple days.

Dave

[email protected]

 

[MG11068]

Our website is our current and up to date listing. But, other companies may list old or discontinued product of ours. If it isn't on our site, it isn't a current item with us.

I can understand that. Every company discontinues items from time to time. But if a person buys one of those discontinued items and has a problem, how do you handle the warranty?

 

[Dave.R]

I can understand that. Every company discontinues items from time to time. But if a person buys one of those discontinued items and has a problem, how do you handle the warranty?

If we still have the item available, replace it as usual. If not, send out the revised product. If the product has no revision, work out a resolution with the consumer.

 

[MG11068]

If we still have the item available, replace it as usual. If not, send out the revised product. If the product has no revision, work out a resolution with the consumer.

That sounds reasonable. Thanks for answering my questions and thanks for participating here. It is because of your participation here that I made my first purchase of Tekton products about a month ago.

 

[ninjamunky85]

I'm lucky enough to have a Meijer just a few miles from me where they sell Tekton. Stopped by and picked up a few things today.



I was in need of a new rubber mallet as my old wooden one is beat to **** so I was happy to find the fiberglass handle version... The ratchet was 20% of and even though I didn't need it I couldn't pass it up. I already have and love the HF version, but I like this color scheme better. I think I might give my cousin all my HF composite ratchets and replace them with the Tekton ones.

 

[brendelac]

Dave.R, I have a tekton related question:

Before Christmas, Amazon.ca had a tekton sale. I had my eye on the torque wrenches, but noticed they looked very similar to the ones being sold at Princess Auto which is basically the Canadian equivalent to Harbor Freight. They were branded under Power Fist which is a Princess Auto house brand. I sent an email inquiring about whether or not they were the same product and was told that Tekton only makes tools for the Tekton brand so I bought from amazon. Here are the links to the two products.

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/1-2-in-dr-click-type-torque-wrench/A-p2919389e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00C5ZL0RU/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Tonight looking at wrench holders, I have found what is obviously the same product (right down to the patent number) on amazon.ca and princessauto.com

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/metal-12-wrench-holder/A-p2926665e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000NPPAGG/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Your thoughts, please.

 

[Dave.R]

Dave.R, I have a tekton related question:

Before Christmas, Amazon.ca had a tekton sale. I had my eye on the torque wrenches, but noticed they looked very similar to the ones being sold at Princess Auto which is basically the Canadian equivalent to Harbor Freight. They were branded under Power Fist which is a Princess Auto house brand. I sent an email inquiring about whether or not they were the same product and was told that Tekton only makes tools for the Tekton brand so I bought from amazon. Here are the links to the two products.

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/1-2-in-dr-click-type-torque-wrench/A-p2919389e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00C5ZL0RU/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Tonight looking at wrench holders, I have found what is obviously the same product (right down to the patent number) on amazon.ca and princessauto.com

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/metal-12-wrench-holder/A-p2926665e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000NPPAGG/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Your thoughts, please.

I am unable to speak of corporate patents, factories, or anything of that sort. But I can tell you that TEKTON has no affiliation with Princess auto.

 

[sk farmer]

Dave.R, I have a tekton related question:

Before Christmas, Amazon.ca had a tekton sale. I had my eye on the torque wrenches, but noticed they looked very similar to the ones being sold at Princess Auto which is basically the Canadian equivalent to Harbor Freight. They were branded under Power Fist which is a Princess Auto house brand. I sent an email inquiring about whether or not they were the same product and was told that Tekton only makes tools for the Tekton brand so I bought from amazon. Here are the links to the two products.

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/1-2-in-dr-click-type-torque-wrench/A-p2919389e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00C5ZL0RU/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Tonight looking at wrench holders, I have found what is obviously the same product (right down to the patent number) on amazon.ca and princessauto.com

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/metal-12-wrench-holder/A-p2926665e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000NPPAGG/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Your thoughts, please.

i doubt that tekton makes much of anything and would venture to say that everything they handle can be found under some other brand. i don't know if that is good or bad but if they can back up their items with identical or very similar items it is probably ok.

so often if an item is lost or broken it cannot be replaced with an identical item, especially with brands like tekton. nobody knows what long term availability of tekton items will be and unfortunately only time will tell how that works. they seem to stand by their stuff which is good but i really wonder where they will be and what they will have in 5 or 10 years.

 

[Dave.R]

i doubt that tekton makes much of anything and would venture to say that everything they handle can be found under some other brand. i don't know if that is good or bad but if they can back up their items with identical or very similar items it is probably ok.

so often if an item is lost or broken it cannot be replaced with an identical item, especially with brands like tekton. nobody knows what long term availability of tekton items will be and unfortunately only time will tell how that works. they seem to stand by their stuff which is good but i really wonder where they will be and what they will have in 5 or 10 years.

Our policy is always equal to or greater than. In the off chance we've moved away from a product, with no replacement, I find a way to make it right. Generally speaking we stay away from gimmicky in and out items. We've been in business over 40 years and have no intention of slowing down.

Dave

[email protected]

 

[rick carpenter]

Pliers are probably Wilde?

Yes, the Tekton USA pliers are Wilde-made. It's tough to buy a better set of pliers for the price, I replaced all of my beater groove-joint and slip-lock pliers with them and they're great.

I ordered some Tekton pliers when Dave R. announced that sale here a while back. (I looked at Wilde's site too, Wilde pliers were more expensive than Wilde-made Tekton pliers with the same warranty.) Good product, solid c/s from comments here, and I'll order from Tekton again.

 

[Fusion13]

Dave.R, I have a tekton related question:

Before Christmas, Amazon.ca had a tekton sale. I had my eye on the torque wrenches, but noticed they looked very similar to the ones being sold at Princess Auto which is basically the Canadian equivalent to Harbor Freight. They were branded under Power Fist which is a Princess Auto house brand. I sent an email inquiring about whether or not they were the same product and was told that Tekton only makes tools for the Tekton brand so I bought from amazon. Here are the links to the two products.

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/1-2-in-dr-click-type-torque-wrench/A-p2919389e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00C5ZL0RU/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Tonight looking at wrench holders, I have found what is obviously the same product (right down to the patent number) on amazon.ca and princessauto.com

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/metal-12-wrench-holder/A-p2926665e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000NPPAGG/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Your thoughts, please.

They might be similar or even the same tool, but I'd rather buy from Tekton, just due to the warranty service... way better then princess auto

 

[sk farmer]

Our policy is always equal to or greater than. In the off chance we've moved away from a product, with no replacement, I find a way to make it right. Generally speaking we stay away from gimmicky in and out items. We've been in business over 40 years and have no intention of slowing down.

Dave

[email protected]

first off, i give you a heads up on being available to answer questions and comment. your full polish wrenches in the plastic wrench racks look nice even though i have not had a set in hand. i am familiar with the new us made pliers and know for a fact they are of great quality.

i may be splitting hairs but i would love to see some proof of tekton being in business for 40 years. m.i.t., the parent company has been around quite while, over 40 years if the website is correct. just my opinion, but a lot of the m.i.t. stuff has been less than stellar and hitching tekton to m.i.t. to convince someone of a 40 year history is stretching the truth......, if that is what you are implying.

 

[Dave.R]

first off, i give you a heads up on being available to answer questions and comment. your full polish wrenches in the plastic wrench racks look nice even though i have not had a set in hand. i am familiar with the new us made pliers and know for a fact they are of great quality.

i may be splitting hairs but i would love to see some proof of tekton being in business for 40 years. m.i.t., the parent company has been around quite while, over 40 years if the website is correct. just my opinion, but a lot of the m.i.t. stuff has been less than stellar and hitching tekton to m.i.t. to convince someone of a 40 year history is stretching the truth......, if that is what you are implying.

The company that TEKTON is apart of has been around for that duration. The brand of TEKTON itself is about 7 years old. The idea I got from that post was that he felt we were a small, new company, and I was trying to affirm that we've been around a bit. Though we have refocused our products, we are still the same company as before.

Sorry for any confusion on my terminology.

Dave

 

[sk farmer]

thanks for the clarification.

could you give us a quick rundown on the relationships between all of the m.i.t. branches? there is the three listed on your site as well as the goodyear air hose mention. what is the connection with grip? are there any other entities your company is affiliated with?

 

[Dave.R]

thanks for the clarification.

could you give us a quick rundown on the relationships between all of the m.i.t. branches? there is the three listed on your site as well as the goodyear air hose mention. what is the connection with grip? are there any other entities your company is affiliated with?

Our company is Michigan Industrial tools. M.I.T. offers the brands TEKTON, Maxcraft, Workshop, and we currently are a licensee of Goodyear air hose and reels.

We have no business affiliation with Grip. As for any other relationships, I'm unable to elaborate on, as we keep our corporate relationships private. I enjoy answering questions, but there is always a boundary I have to keep in mind.

Dave
[email protected]

 

[sk farmer]

no problem. i am a tool history junky. it is alway interesting to find out who is doing business with who. i have some inside connections in a couple companies who i can pump for info but it is almost always off the record. it is sometimes amazing how small that world is and how the players know each other and work together or against each other.

 

[CatSplat]

Just a quick anecdote on Tekton customer service.

I recently bought a set of the 7" USA-made Tekton groove joint pliers via Amazon.ca, and found on arrival that the groove mechanism just wasn't quite working right - jaw action wasn't nice and smooth like my other Tekton pliers and tended to stick a bit. I sent a quick PM to Dave.R and he immediately had a replacement set on its way to me. The replacement pliers worked perfectly, so thumbs up for Tekton's outstanding customer service.

I also bought a set of their low-profile 72 tooth ratchets recently and have been very impressed with them so far, I'll post a review if I have a chance.

 

[BryanB]

Dave, any chance of your stubby wrench production being moved to taiwan? I think you could sell a ton of them if they were of similar quality to your long panel combos....

 

[Dave.R]

Dave, any chance of your stubby wrench production being moved to taiwan? I think you could sell a ton of them if they were of similar quality to your long panel combos....

The stubbies are actually pretty good. I've never had to swap one and haven't had any finish complaints. You can only over build something 4 inches long so much before its a waste to the consumer. They review pretty good too, lowest being a 3 star for COO but not about the quality.

Too often quality is judged by the COO and not the company itself.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPXHFM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPT5QC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Dave

 

[jsharpphoto]

Just a quick anecdote on Tekton customer service.

I recently bought a set of the 7" USA-made Tekton groove joint pliers via Amazon.ca, and found on arrival that the groove mechanism just wasn't quite working right - jaw action wasn't nice and smooth like my other Tekton pliers and tended to stick a bit. I sent a quick PM to Dave.R and he immediately had a replacement set on its way to me. The replacement pliers worked perfectly, so thumbs up for Tekton's outstanding customer service.

I also bought a set of their low-profile 72 tooth ratchets recently and have been very impressed with them so far, I'll post a review if I have a chance.

I have the 72t low profile ratchets as well. They are my favorite non-flex head ratchets that I own. I got a full set of the Tekton comfort grip pliers today. I haven't used them much, other than to cut them out of the packaging. They went through zip ties like a hot knife through butter.

 

[6PTsocket]

You can order through Home Depot. The local Meijers stores here carry quite a bit.

Tractor Supply has them for mail order only. The prices seem lower than some others.

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[pescados666]

Tekton seems to have a lot better customer service than harbor freight. I've seen multiple posts from people in the past saying after they had a problem with one of tekton's tools that tekton told them to just send them an email with a picture of the broken product and tekton would replace it.

One example I could find was...

The slip-joint pliers I bought from Amazon to round out an order for free shipping and to throw in my tackle box. The nut for the actual slip joint part was not staked properly and spun off. I left an honest review of it on Amazon and was immediately contacted by a rep from MIT/TEKTON about sending me a warranty replacement. They sent the replacement with a few little trinket keychain LED lights for the trouble and told me to just scrap the bad one.

They had a rep, Dave R., on here a while ago as well. He's probably who I'm remembering stating tekton's warranty policy.

I know they have some displays at some stores also, but haven't ever seen any in person myself.

Even if it's the same exact tool from HF, it seems like it'd be a much nicer experience to do it through tekton than to hope the current shift manager at HF allows an exchange.

 

[Tallpilot]

Dave.R, I have a tekton related question:

Before Christmas, Amazon.ca had a tekton sale. I had my eye on the torque wrenches, but noticed they looked very similar to the ones being sold at Princess Auto which is basically the Canadian equivalent to Harbor Freight. They were branded under Power Fist which is a Princess Auto house brand. I sent an email inquiring about whether or not they were the same product and was told that Tekton only makes tools for the Tekton brand so I bought from amazon. Here are the links to the two products.

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/1-2-in-dr-click-type-torque-wrench/A-p2919389e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00C5ZL0RU/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Tonight looking at wrench holders, I have found what is obviously the same product (right down to the patent number) on amazon.ca and princessauto.com

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/metal-12-wrench-holder/A-p2926665e
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000NPPAGG/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Your thoughts, please.

I have used both Pittsburgh and Tekton torque wrenches. The Tekton ones are in a different league entirely. They are not Snap On obviously but you will find no better quality for less than 3 times the price. I now have 4 of them.

 

[Tallpilot]

I do wish (psst Dave) they would make large metric wrenches like they make large SAE. At least to 35mm but all the way to 50mm would be nice.

Edit: I see they now have exactly this on their website! I am not sure when they started offering them. Certainly not when I was looking a few months ago. Excellent though!

 

[FigureItOut]

I have used both Pittsburgh and Tekton torque wrenches. The Tekton ones are in a different league entirely. They are not Snap On obviously but you will find no better quality for less than 3 times the price. I now have 4 of them.

I need to upgrade from my HF torque wrench to a mid level like Tekton. Any thoughts on Tekton VS. the newer Husky ones? What do you like about the Tekton, any dislikes?

 

[jdlong]

I got my first Tekton tools recently. Long pattern flex heads, offset composite ratchets, and stubby combos. They are priced like Harbor Freight but the fit and finish is a notch or two higher. Plus they don't skip sizes. It's quite obvious a lot of effort was put into the ergonomics. The long pattern flex heads with 6 point heads are the kicks. Especially around nasty corroded frame bolts. No, they are not Snap on or Matco. They are not suited for building up motors. But it's like getting Snap On feel out of a budget tool. Perfectly fine for external engine accessories and suspension. The tools pay for themselves after one repair. As a serious DIY guy, I can't see spending 17k on tools to keep a fleet of 2k beaters running. Tekton makes this quite practical as far as I'm concerned. Snap on would be barely broke in long after I'm dead.

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

Are there any local suppliers of Tekton, or is it strictly internet?

Blains farm and fleet and Big R are the ones I know that stock tekton tools in store. Actually a whole isle full.


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[FOCUS.FREAK]

You make a phone call, or send an e-mail. No sending it in, or wasting gas money driving to a store.

Most times it's on your door step within a day or so.

This is the reason I support tekton there is no bsing around you send them an email with a picture and a description and boom next day it's at your doorstep.


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[icthruu74]

My local Ace hardware just started stocking them about 2 months ago. An entire aisle packed full. Probably 3 times the selection of all other hand tools combined in the store. I've picked up exactly 1 Tekton tool, a 1/2" low-profile ratchet. With just a bit of use I'm happy with it. I especially like that the finish and feel are nicer than CM for about 1/2 the price (at least at that store). I'm considering a wrench set as well.

 

[Tallpilot]

I need to upgrade from my HF torque wrench to a mid level like Tekton. Any thoughts on Tekton VS. the newer Husky ones? What do you like about the Tekton, any dislikes?

The Tekton wrenches have a nice positive click and feel quite good when adjusting which the HF one did not. I have the 1/4, 3/8 and both 1/2s. I can't comment on the Husky brand but since it is made in Taiwan it is probably fine. It is also almost twice as much money as the Tekton and I am not sure why it would be worth that premium.

I have 'calibrated' my wrenches by testing them against each other and they are all better than the 4% claimed. Would I do a head job with them? Probably not but they are adequate for anything else on a car.

Again I really can't comment on the Husky but I sure like Tekton customer service better than Home Depot. I have almost but not quite put Home Depot in the same "I don't ever shop there no matter what" list that Best Buy has been on for about 10 years.

 

[7avalon7]

I only have Tekton pry bar, and no complain so far. Used it on our properties.

I did not know their pliers are made by Wilde. I need to go to Meijer and check them out.

 

[HammerRed]

We have a farm & family store thats just like TSC but better. They carry tekton....first thing i noticed was the pry bars. Exact same as Mac striking prybars. Their XL ratchets are just like the ones now sold at oreillys...same guts. same cheap *** easy to strip out ratchets.

 

[Mowerdoctor]

I'd love to try the combo wrenches but my meijers doesn't carry them

 

[TNBurban]

I only have Tekton pry bar, and no complain so far. Used it on our properties.

I did not know their pliers are made by Wilde. I need to go to Meijer and check them out.

Have a Tekton pry bar set. Used one of the bars when I did a rebuild of an old Craftsman chipper/shredder I have. And used another when doing some work on the Suburban. Performed as advertised both times.

Used the longest of the set just last weekend to maneuver a few pieces of apple wood and pecan wood into the middle of the charcoal pile when smoking some ribs to get them hot and smoking.

My new favorite charcoal poking tool is my Tekton pry bar.

 

[oldldh]

About 18 months ago, Amazon had a $ 15.00 off $ 50.00 Tekton tool sale...(That's 30% off for you arithmetically challenged young whippersnappers...)

And...

I had a "Senior Moment"...

And...

I went nuts...

And...

So far, they are ahead of my old "USA Craftsman", in both quality, and performance...I realize I'm going to get eviscerated, but, so far, it's the truth...

The tools are, as advertised, well worth the cost, not world beating quality, but, as I am in my eighth decade on the planet, I couldn't get my money's worth out of "Truck brand" stuff, anyway...

Decent tools, backed by A-1 Customer service...

What's not to like???

 

[6PTsocket]

I'm just curious. For something like a socket. If it is,well finished and fits correctly, how do you prove that a truck brand socket is superior. Has anybody tested to failure or proved that the Tekton finish is less durabable? Reputation gives you confidence but it does not establish the quality of the competition. We know that beyond the rats and wrenches SnapOn markets other people's stuff, often at higher prices. Tekton is gaining a reputation for great customer support. With the truck guys it depends on your relationship with your driver or the size of your tab. The warranty is basically with the driver. Snap On wil not side with you against him. If I want to buy American, there is SK and Wright, both with great customer support. Don't get me wrong. SO is first rate but you have to prove it to me that other products are significantly worse on a case by case basis. Generalizations don't mean much.


another thread

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[maxpower_hd]

Well all I know is the only Tekton tool I ever tried were snap ring pliers and they broke the very first time I used them. They were cheap as cheap can be. It was a set of four pliers so I was able to use the angled ones instead to finish the job. A month later, the second time I used those they broke. This was not from abuse just use.

A co-worker has a Snap-On set. Granted they are overpriced and the kit is much larger than what I need but his are many years old, I have used them for the same job that broke two of mine and his are all in good shape.

So now I am soured on Tekton to be honest. And I still need some new snap ring pliers.

 

[Tallpilot]

Well all I know is the only Tekton tool I ever tried were snap ring pliers and they broke the very first time I used them. They were cheap as cheap can be. It was a set of four pliers so I was able to use the angled ones instead to finish the job. A month later, the second time I used those they broke. This was not from abuse just use.

A co-worker has a Snap-On set. Granted they are overpriced and the kit is much larger than what I need but his are many years old, I have used them for the same job that broke two of mine and his are all in good shape.

So now I am soured on Tekton to be honest. And I still need some new snap ring pliers.

Getting decent Snap ring pliers for less than professional prices seems to be fairly difficult. I just ordered a $50 set of Lane tools that I hope will be good. They should in fact be there when I get home from work today.

I never tried Tektons version but I think any one size fits all will basically fit none and that only a big box full of different sizes and angles will work properly. Thoughts?

 

[woody6904]

Well all I know is the only Tekton tool I ever tried were snap ring pliers and they broke the very first time I used them. They were cheap as cheap can be. It was a set of four pliers so I was able to use the angled ones instead to finish the job. A month later, the second time I used those they broke. This was not from abuse just use.

A co-worker has a Snap-On set. Granted they are overpriced and the kit is much larger than what I need but his are many years old, I have used them for the same job that broke two of mine and his are all in good shape.

So now I am soured on Tekton to be honest. And I still need some new snap ring pliers.

Don't let that situation completely turn you away from Tekton. I will agree their cheap snap ring pliers are junk. Same as the junk HF ones that I tried once for the service truck and threw away.

Tekton does have some nice tools, especially for the money. Their chrome and impact sockets have worked flawlessly with no issues. I have a few of the US made screwdrivers and pliers floating around and they have been fine.
And those composite ratchets are still amongst my most used, especially the 1/4 ratchet.


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[6PTsocket]

Well all I know is the only Tekton tool I ever tried were snap ring pliers and they broke the very first time I used them. They were cheap as cheap can be. It was a set of four pliers so I was able to use the angled ones instead to finish the job. A month later, the second time I used those they broke. This was not from abuse just use.

A co-worker has a Snap-On set. Granted they are overpriced and the kit is much larger than what I need but his are many years old, I have used them for the same job that broke two of mine and his are all in good shape.

So now I am soured on Tekton to be honest. And I still need some new snap ring pliers.

I agree, personal experience is the best yardstick. Once burned you usually don't go back.

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