Tekton tools

Joined
Mar 19, 2022
Messages
73
Location
Central Mississippi
Hey guys. I just want to ramble in the tool section for a while. Just got home from work to see that my tekton package is here and would love to lay down a little mustard on what I think of tekton tools.
For starters I am a younger man.(21), always have worked on stuff. My dad owns a plumbing company (I've been on the service truck many-a-days). I'm also starting a hands on trade school for diesel technology which requires me to buy another tool setup. (I'm not carrying my tools from home, I have my own side jobs and my own vehicles to wrench on)
Being on that service truck with my old man has definitely taught me alot of life lessons, and has given me a chance to put my hands on many tools and different brands, cheap and expensive so I do have a decent comparison. Plumbing isn't my passion (hey, dad will always have business but I just love heavy equipment with a passion) also, from the numerous side jobs and working on my own stuff can carry over to the different brands I've used.
Now,
Tekton tools seem like a great "deal" to me. I have a 3/8 ratchet, their allen wrenches, various vice-grips and cutters, the pry bars, and a wrench set that has stubby and standard wrenches in sae and metric.
The wrench sets don't skip sizes like some companies tend to which is always a plus in my book. The open ends seem to fit nuts and bolts well, without much "slop". The open ends also don't seem to spread like some cheaper brands. Not really much to say about the box end other than the fact that they work as good as you can expect a box end wrench to work.
Screenshot_20221005-010014_Chrome.jpg
The vice grip style plires are great so far, they lock tightly in place and the teeth don't seem as soft as some cheaper/middle brands.

Just got the allen wrenches today. Haven't used them yet but I'm a fan of the case. I like the way it lays down in my drawers flat. The Allen's themselves seem well made. Nice finish and feel in the hand. I hope they turn out to be as good as they look. And again, just like the wrenches, no skipped sizes, which is important to me.
Screenshot_20221005-010103_Chrome.jpg

The prybars are nice. They have a fatter handle with a striking cap on the end. The aren't as flex-ey as the pittsburg that they replaced. I'm pleased so far.
Screenshot_20221005-010039_Chrome.jpg

Overall, with tekton I'll have to say I love it. Seems like a good middle/upper-middle brand that dosent carry the snappy or mac, etc. Price. Great for someone starting a professional career such as myself or the diy guy.
Thanks for reading. If you guys would like me to speak about or review tools that I purchase more often I would be glad to. This is my first actual "review" so I imagine the structure isn't the best right now. I promise to do better next time if ya like🤣
 
Thank you for the quick review. You speak/write very well and I do look forward to more reviews from you.
I don't have any Tekton tools that I am aware of myself but I seem to think that I may have a socket or something in my tool chest.
I may even have a HUSKY in there somewhere. And I don't know where I got this however, I even have an IRONMAN in the mix.

I bought & use what my father used(Snap-On, Stanley, Cornwell, Craftsman) and I have many of his tools...which mean they're old.
Dad would be coming up on his 110th birthday.
 
Tekton is a great value. I have their 3/8 torque wrench and a few sockets and extensions. They appear to be well-built and feel great in the hand, but I am DIY so I can't attest to their durability in a pro situation where they are used daily.
 
I only have experience with their torque wrenches. Old school bike (pedal) mechanics recommend them often. Apparently, they are the same torque wrenches Park Tool sells at much higher costs. I've had 2 sizes for about 6 years or so and they have kept spec.
 
It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders not to dive into huge debt. with the Snappy truck while you're getting established. The tool world has changed so much in the past 20 years. Us shadetree types could rely on U.S. made Craftsman tools as the excellent middle ground. Now, even S.K. tools seems to be taking a huge nose dive with their acquisition by a Chinese company. Sigh.

Tekton has an excellent following at the Garage Journal forum and to me seems to be the next best alternative for the "middle ground" tool quality. They are marketing some U.S. made tools and they always seem to have something new developing. As stated above, their sets don't skip sizes and their customer service/warranty is excellent. They attempted to establish isle space in many stores (Family Farm & Home, Meijers, etc.) but failed. Too bad.

Real world reviews are always a good thing. I hope to see more from you, especially after you ding them up a bit while in use.
 
Tekton is arguably the Craftsman of 30 years ago. Obviously there are differences like no B&M exchange (but their warranty process is painless) and fewer US-made tools

TTBOMK the pry bars are still US Wilde

I've been drooling over their new open end angle wrenches ever since they were released and I believe they are also US COO, but I just can't ever justify the cost of both sets
 
Tekton is arguably the Craftsman of 30 years ago. Obviously there are differences like no B&M exchange (but their warranty process is painless) and fewer US-made tools

TTBOMK the pry bars are still US Wilde

I've been drooling over their new open end angle wrenches ever since they were released and I believe they are also US COO, but I just can't ever justify the cost of both sets
That is what I was thinking too but not 30 years ago may be 15 years ago, their product range is much smaller than Craftsman was. 30 years ago a lot of the tools were made by top shelf manufacturers. Their ratchets were always crap for some reason, although most of my tools have been replaced with newer designs I still have and use some of the Craftsman stuff 45 years in. The list..

Craftsman Tool Manufacturers and Date Ranges.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the Craftsman Tool Manufacturer and Date Range Summary Table,

This table containes the Series Codes (manufacturers ID), the Manufacturers Names (if known), and the Date Ranges (years, if known) that the series codes apply to.

This table includes only mechanics hand tools, general hand tools, and some machinest tools specifically identified with series codes.

This table excludes power tools, wood working tools, yard and garden tools, and any hand tools not specifically identified with series codes.

This table represents the combined efforts of numerous members of the Garage Journal, the Garage Hangout, and the Craftsman Club websites. It is considered a work in progress and is subject to change as new information becomes available.

The sources of information used to compile this table include, but are not limited to the following:
1) Members personal tool collections, observations, and purchase recollections,
2) Sears and Craftsman Tool catalolgs,
3) Alloy Artifacts Website (a most excellent resource),
4) Patent filings, Trade Mark filings, and FTC filings,
5) Assorted News Service articles, and
6) Various Tool Manufacturers websites and catalogs.


Last Updated: 12/06/09



Early Craftsman Series (generally pre-1947, with some exceptions):

BC = unknown U.S. manufacturer, ca. ? - ?

BE = New Britain, ca. 1931 - 1947

BM = S-K, ca. 1939 - 1951

BT = unknown U.S. manufacturer, ca. 1936 - 1938

Cxx = Probably New Britain or Hinsdale, ca. 1930 - 1936

CI = unknown U.S manu., ca. 1930 - 1945

CF or C-F = Herbrand, ca. 1934 - 1939

Craftsman Vanadium = unknown U.S. Manu, ca. 1931 - 1941

C8 = JP Danielson, ca. 1930 -1936

F-circle = Miller Falls, ca. 1949 - 1964

G-circle = possibly Lectrolite, ca. 1949 - 1964

H-circle = New Britain, ca. 1931 - 1947

K-circle = SK, ca. 1939 - 1951 perhaps later

N-square = unknown U.S. manu., ca ? - ?

P-circle = Wilde, ca. 1945 - 1960

S-circle = Kastar, ca. 1960 - 2008, perhaps earlier

V-circle = unknown U.S. manu., ca. ? - 1985

U-circle = Plomb, ca. 1944 - 1948

Z-circle = Mayhew, ca. 1957 - 1969


Modern Craftsman Series (generally 1947 and later, with some exceptions):

BF = probably Daido, possibly Hozan, Japanese made, ca 1969 - 1987

C = unknown U.S. manu., ca. 1991

C = Stanley Works, Taiwanese made, ca. ? - ?
(note--this is a Canadian Craftsman series code)

CG = unknown U.S. manu., ca. 2001 - 2005

D = Kington, Chinese made, ca. 1992 - 2008

DJ = Mitutoyo, Japanese made, ca. 1968 perhaps earlier & later

E/EE = National Hand Tools/later Stanley Works-NHT division, some USA made, most Taiwanese made, ca. 1982 - 1991

EEE/EEC/EE7 = Stanley Works, Taiwanese made, ca. 1988 - 2009
(note--these are Canadian Craftsman series codes)

F = Danaher/possibly K-D division, ca. ? - 2008

G = Easco, ca. 1980 - 1989 perhaps as early as 1979 when Easco acquired the Gastonia plant

G continued = Danaher, ca. 1990 - 2009

G1 = Danaher, ca. 2000

G2 = Danaher, ca. ? - 2008

G2D = Danaher, ca. 2008 - 2009

GD = Danaher, ca. 2008 - 2009

GK = Danaher/Kingsley Tools Division, ca. 2003 - 2008

GK-A = Danaher/Kingsley Tools Division, ca. 1999 - 2003

GK-F = Danaher/Kinsley Tools Division, ca. 2007 - 2008

GK-G = Danaher/Kingsley Tools Division, ca. 2007 - 2008

GK-X = Danaher/Kinsley Tools Division, ca. ? - 2008

H = Danaher/Holo-Krome, ca. 1994 - 2009

HZ = Danaher/Holo-Krome, ca. ? - 2008

HZ O = Danaher/Holo-Krome, ca. 2009-2009

HZ OO = Danaher/Holo-Krome, ca. 2008 - 2009

I-circle = Parker Mfg Co, ca. 1965 - 1986

JW = J.H. Williams & Co, ca. 1954 - 1972

K = SK division of Facom, ca. 1985 - 2004, could still be NOS

K1W = Danaher, ca. 2007

K3V = Danaher, ca. ? - 2008

K3X = Danaher, ca. 2007 -2008

K9W = Danaher, ca. 2008 - 2009

KR = Danaher, ca. 2005 - 2008

KU = Danaher, ca. ? - 2008

KV = Danaher, ca. ? - 2008

KW = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2008, probably earlier

KX = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2008, probably earlier

L1X = Danaher, ca. 2008 - ?

L SI = Simmonds International, ca. 2008 - 2009

M6W = Dahaher, ca. 2007 - 2008

N = Pratt Read, ca. 2007 - 2009

OA = Unknown U.S. manu., ca. ? - ?

P = Wilde, ca. 2008 - 2009, perhaps earlier

Q = Pratt Read, ca. 2002 - 2006

R = Pratt Read, ca. 2002 - 2006

PR = Pratt Read, ca. 2002 - 2009

Q PR = Pratt Read, ca. ? - ?

S PR = Pratt Read, ca. 2007 - 2008

T PR = Pratt Read, ca. 2007 - 2008

U PR1-3 = Pratt Read, ca. 2008

V PR = Pratt Read, ca. 2007 - 2008

W PR = Pratt Read, ca 2007 - 2009

X PR = Pratt Reed, ca. 2009 - 2009

ST = Stanley Works, likely Taiwanese made, ca. 2007 - 2009
(note- this is a Canadian Craftsman series code)

T1V = Danaher, ca. 2006 - 2007

T2W = Danaher, ca. 2008

T3W = Danaher, ca. 2008

T5V = Danaher, ca. 2008

T5W = Danaher, ca. 2008

T5X = Danaher, ca. 2008

V = Moore Drop Forge, ca. 1938 - 1967

V (continued) = Easco, ca. 1968 - 1986 perhaps as late as 1991 as NOS

VF = Danaher, ca. likely early 1990's

VG = Danaher, ca. 1994 - 1995

VH = Danaher, ca. 1994 - 1997

VJ = Danaher, ca. 1994 - 2008

VK = Danaher, ca. 1996 - ?

VL = Danaher, ca. ? - ?

VM = Danaher, ca. ? - ?

VN = Danaher, ca. 1999 - 2001

VP = Danaher, ca. ? - ?

VQ = Danaher, ca. 2001 - 2004

VR = Danaher, ca. 2002

VS = Danaher, ca. 1995 - 2003

VT = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2006

VU = Danaher, ca. 2005

VV = Easco, ca. 1978 - 1989

VV continued = Danaher, ca. 1990 - 2009

VW = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2008

VVY = Danaher, ca. 2009 - ?

V^(2nd V inverted) = Danaher, Armstrong Division, ca. 1992 - 2008

VVL = Danaher, ca. 2000 - ?

VVN = Danaher, ca. 2005

VVS = Danaher, ca. 2003

VVT = Danaher, ca. 2004 - 2005

VVV = Danaher, ca. 2008

VVW = Danaher, ca. 2008

VVX = Danaher, ca. 2002 - 2008, possibly earlier

W = SK Hand tools, post-Facom , ca. 2005 - 2008

WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - 2008

WF ll = Western Forge, ca. 1969

WF D = Western Forge, ca. ?

WF J = Western Forge, ca. 1991 - ?

WF K = Western Forge, ca. ?

WF L = Western Forge, ca. ? - 2009

WF R = Western Forge, ca. ?

WF U = Western Forge, ca. 2008

WF V = Western Forge, ca. 2008 - 2009

WF W = Western Forge, ca. 2002 - 2009

WF X = Western Forge, ca. 2008 - 2009

WF Y = Western Forge, ca. 2009 - 2009

A WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

B WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

C WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

D WF = Western Forge, ca. 1993 - 2000

E WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

F WF = Western Forge, ca. 2003

G WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

H WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

J WF = Western Forge, ca. 1995

K WF = Western Forge, ca. 1995

L WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

M WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

N WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

O WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

P WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

Q WF = Western Forge, ca. 1990 - 1995

S WF = Western Forge, ca. 2009

T WF = Western Forge, ca. 2002 - 2009

U WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

V WF = Western Forge, ca. 2002 - 2009

W WF = Western Forge, ca. 2002 - 2009

X WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - 2009

Y WF = Western Forge, ca. 2009 - 2009

+ WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - ?

* WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - ?

> WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

|| WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

∆ WF = Western Forge, ca. 1966 - ?

□ WF = Western Forge, ca. 1965 - ?

7 WF = Western Forge, ca. ?

X = SK Hand tools, post-Facom , ca. 2008 - 2009

Z = Mayhew, ca. 1957 - 2008

3 = Kastar, ca. 1991

4 = Kastar, ca. 1992

[ = Kastar, ca. 2002 - 2009 possibly earlier

.(Dot) = SK, ca. 2008 - 2009
 
Thanks for your review!

I have a few Tekton tools and they have all been good, however there prices are double what they were a few years ago, and much more than Husky or Kobalt. For a shadetree like me I just buy those now. If I were making a living from them I would likely want something better than any of those.

For me, there more than I need to pay and not good enough to pay a premium - but still good tools.
 
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I know Tekton is one of the more popular Chinazon names, but I'm not trusting of them yet. My 'middle ground' is Husky and Cobalt. They are not the middle ground of 20 years ago of course. I was sold on Armstrong but they went under. I will consider Williams if I need something better than the box store brands.

Capri looks to be a pretty good middle choice, but have no experience yet.
 
I know Tekton is one of the more popular Chinazon names, but I'm not trusting of them yet. My 'middle ground' is Husky and Cobalt. They are not the middle ground of 20 years ago of course. I was sold on Armstrong but they went under. I will consider Williams if I need something better than the box store brands.

Capri looks to be a pretty good middle choice, but have no experience yet.
Capri makes some sexy looking ratchets but I've never been thrilled with the prices

Also for ratcheting wrenches the DuraTech stuff on Amazon seems real decent for Chinese COO without the premium of the GearWrench name
 
I like my Tekton stuff pretty well. Their impact sockets have held up good for so far using them every day. I also bought their needle nose vise grips for work and I’m not really impressed with those. A few reasons why number one is the release mechanism is opposite of the original Vise Grip pliers. Two, the end adjustment knob comes loose under stress and you constantly have to retighten it. Other than that they are ok in my opinion still better than the Chinese Vise Grips that just shred teeth. Their other pliers are nice and made in USA. Their screwdrivers are good and have good tips. Never used their chrome sockets before so can’t speak on those. Their wrenches feel nice and are well made. I bought a few sizes I didn’t have or needed extras of and they have done fine. I bought some of their torx type Allen keys and they are nice too. Them and Capri are probably my favorite mid tier tools. Great warranty and rewards points too. But Craftsman USA will still remain my favorite tool brand probably. I wish it was still available.
 
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