Earlier this afternoon I spent quite a bit of time chatting with the Online Manager for Tekton tools. We talked about Tekton as a brand, and some of the new tools they have been coming out with.
How I Used to See Tekton
To me, Tekton was that inexpensive tool brand that I saw on Amazon every so often. I considered them as I did companies like Neiko and Titan. It was one of several companies that you looked at what you need something cheap.
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How I Now See Tekton
I purchased about $150 in Tekton tools last May, when there was a $5 off $30 promo at Amazon. Most of those tools are still in their as-shipped packaging, but I have been gradually testing and using some of them. Tekton also sent over a couple of samples a few months apart, and I have started testing and using those as well.
Generally, Tekton tools seem to be okay. Some of their products stand out as being especially spectacular, such as their USA-made air hoses.
My current impression is that Tekton is a decent value brand.
How Tekton Sees Themselves
Tekton prides itself as offering tools for demanding users on budgets.
Tekton started off by selling some of the better tools that their parent company, Michigan Industrial Tools, had been importing for resale.
The brand has been going through a sort of transformation process these past few years, and has really been trying to improve many of their tools. Tekton actually started to move away from cheap tools at cheap prices a few years ago.
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It can be tough to take brand representatives’ words at face value, but I believe the Online Manager’s words to be genuine. They mirror what a Product Research and Design Engineer said a few years ago when Tekton was starting to shift their strategy.
What they have found is that small changes in tools and products could lead to vastly improved user experiences, with only minor bump-up in cost.
Tekton says they are now producing better quality tools, and I believe them.
Tekton Customer Service
It was said that Tekton’s focus on customer service makes it ridiculously easy for users to seek replacements for broken or defective tools. If you come across a flawed product, or break something you don’t think should have broken, Tekton can sometimes have a replacement shipped to you the day you contact their customer service team.
While nobody wants to have a reason to contact a brand’s customer service department, Tekton is insistent they will leave users with a very positive and quick experience.
I loathe having to deal with customer service when a tools fails or I come across a manufacturing flaw. I was reassured that, with Tekton, users won’t have to worry about return shipping, return authorization numbers, or long delays waiting for replacement tools.
New Tools
Their new torque wrenches are easier to read, as well as easier to use.
Their chrome-vanadium impact sockets are tough, slow-wearing, and have deep laser etchings that won’t rub off with use. The sockets are said to be the best sockets for the money, and are a great value.
We also talked about new hex keys, adjustable wrenches, and lead-free dead-blow hammers.
I have been assured that even more redesigned tools are slated for release this year.
Where Can You Buy Tekton Tools?
Amazon, Meijer, independent hardware stores and chains, and other online distributors.
It looks like Amazon has the widest selection of Tekton tools, and also has a special Tekton Tools page.
Future Coverage
I have heard enough from two Tekton representatives now that I trust they are sincere about how the brand is moving towards offering good tools at fair prices.
My hands-on experience with Tekton tools is still limited, at least compared to my experience with more familiar tool brands such as Craftsman and Stanley, but I do like what I’ve seen thus far.
There are certain Tekton tools I would probably never go near, such as their drill bits, but given the tools I purchased and those Tekton sent over, I have a nice variety of tools to test. If there’s something specific you would like to see tested, please let me know and I’ll try my best to make it happen.
If anyone has feedback about Tekton tools that they would like to share, your opinions would be greatly appreciated!
rob
I have purchased about 10 Tekton products over the last few years via Amazon. So far pretty happy with them, my favorite is their 25′ measuring tape. It’s easy to read and great for people that don’t use a measuring tape everyday. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NPR4FG/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also have good success with their ratcheting tie down straps. Seem to be good quality and have held my loads in place for 3-4 hrs driving in the back of my truck w/out a problem.
Hang Fire
I got their 2938 Nut Driver set, they came up with this incredible innovation of offering an ENTIRE set of Nut Drivers and the ENTIRE set has detents for quick release chucks like found on modern impact drivers! What innovation!
OK sarcasm aside, at least they are doing the obvious when others cannot- the competition has been offering either 3 nut drivers with detents as part of larger sets, or and entire set of only the old-style hex-only (no detent) drivers. D’oh.
I also have their 1/2″ impact socket adapters and extension sets (4957 and 4971). I have only had them about half a year but use them often with both 18V and 600ft-lb air impact wrenches, and no problems yet. I consider Tekton a big step up from Neiko and will continue to buy their products as long as they keep up the quality!
Norm
Yes on the 2938 Nut Driver set!
Loved that it comes with SAE & Metric.
I haven’t seen (or really looked) for a set like that.
I can carry a 1/4″ ratcheting nut driver and bits and it saves me trips back to the tool box.
mnoswad1
only one question has to be answered to determine if a tool company can be trusted.
Are the tips of their screwdrivers painted black?
Daniel
Yes they are i don’t know why but they are i dust mine off with a wire brush…
Matthew
I only have two Tekton tools & it’s a pair of there nylon hammers with replaceable heads. Absolutely love them for work & gun repair/take down.
I believe they were around $3 each? They were extremely cheap & well worth the money.
I’ll be looking into other tools by Tekton for sure. Excellent write-up!!
Joe M
I think the only TEKTON tool I own is a Third Hand with Magnifier for my workbench. It’s not that TEKTON is a bad brand or anything, I just find they don’t make anything I really want. The things they do make, that I want, tend to be something I want more from other brands. If that makes sense.
But when you’re talking something so simple that it doesn’t matter if it’s a $5 item or a $5000 item, it will be the same tool? I don’t care if it’s TEKTON or another brand. It just has to be sold to me. Third Hand with Magnifier is a good example of this. I bought it because it was there, and it doesn’t matter the price. Everyone sells it for the same price anyways.
Jerry
I’ve got a few Tekton tools, and it seems the ones I got most recently are of better quality. If this holds true across the whole brand, I believe I will start viewing them less as a source for ‘cheap’ tools and more of a source for decent tools at reasonable prices. I do have certain tools that need to be top shelf, and I have paid a premium for them, but often for tools that don’t get used heavily, good enough is good enough.
Greg W.
I really like their 6″ and 12″ long screw chucks.
Dan Richards
I had their 4lb deadblow hammer, it failed within 3 months. Emailed them and they quickly sent out the wrong tool to replace it. Didn’t email them again, wasn’t really upset, but I’ve written them off and I haven’t used the smaller hammer they sent me. I always viewed Tekton, Neiko, MiT and G.R.I.P. as Harbor Freight equivalents, never really considered any of those to be a “real” tool brand, still don’t.
Dan Richards
Tekton’s CS team found this comment I made, and they sent me out a new hammer. That’s way above and beyond the call for CS. Thanks, Tekton.
Dale
I used to be a big Craftsman fan. I would even consider Craftsman if Sears still stood behind them but now with the “proof of purchase required” warranty, I am looking for other possible tool lines.
The thing that interests me the most about Tekton is their customer service. Your story definitely supports my decision to start purchasing Tekton. I don’t do heavy work, yard tools and home products assembly is about as demanding as my hand/mechanics tools gets but I have read reviews on Amazon from mechanics using Tekton for some serious work.
I bought a Tekton ratcheting wrench set to replace some rusted Craftsman wrenches and they did the job I needed them for. I’ll continue to buy Tekton as long as they keep up the quality.
My advice to Tekton is that there’s no need for tools to be junk just because they come from China. Make a good tool, be a good partner, and you’ll find that Americans can be open minded. There’s a huge opportunity for you if you keep making good tools or even make better yet tools.
Mike
Hope Sears does not require receipts on craftsman tools, I don’t keep receipts from 40+ years ago. They have not required in my area anyway.
Just ordered a jumbo combination wrench set (2″ and down SAE) for occasional tractor work. will respond after I receive and use them some. Purchased through Home Depot.
Erik
The only stuff Craftsman requires a receipt and or all the parts is if it is their cheaper EVOLV line or some lawn stuff, like hoses, hose handle sets.
Parke
I ordered a Tekton Hose Reel from Amazon and it arrived damaged, it looked like the box fell out of a truck so it probably had nothing to do with Amazon or Tekton. Tekton customer service was excellent to deal with and sent out a replacement that arrived in 2 days. I’ve ordered some hammers and a few other Tekton tools that have all been a great value and the great customer service takes away any worry of something not working out.
Wanda jones
My grandson is starting college this fall to be an auto mechanic. So I was wondering if the tekton tools would be a good investment for him. I’ve never seen any of them anywhere.
Stuart
Possibly. Tekton tools offer great bang for the buck. But your grandson might also be eligible for big discounts with tool truck brands, which are generally of much higher quality.
A lot of better quality Tekton tools have been coming out, but some of their older tools aren’t highly recommendable for heavy duty professional use.
I have never seen Tekton tools sold at local stores, so if he needs an additional size or warranty replacement, it would have to be done through the mail.
Jeremiah Jones
Homedepot sell tekton
RW
Watch the video on Youtube which does a test of several different ratchets, Snap On, Tekton etc. Tekton beat them all! Over 600 pound ft of stress and it bent but still worked. By comparison, Snap On broke at about 290 pound feet and wad the runner up.
I just bought the Tekton 1/2 deep complete metric socket set and they are lovely…no skipped sizes either, like virtually every other brand does. That was the deciding factor for me.
Michael boggess
Been a mechanic for 50 years. Bought some tekton impact sockets and love them. I beat the 22mm every day for 4 years and finally cracked it. Junk snap on maybe 6 months. Sold my snap on shit and bought all tekton sockets. Get buy and 20 times better than junk ass high priced snap on. Buy them up boys.
Fax Rector III
Wanda,
If the school he is going to doesn’t already have a kit available (which many seem to), then I can personally vouch for the quality of Tekton tools. I am an Iraq veteran that last year started doing “shade-tree” mechanic work on the side of my regular job. I couldn’t afford an expensive set of tools initially. My solution was buying a Craftsman kit for around $150 and then adding in as needed. Within a few months of work, I began focusing on Tekton mainly due to having Amazon Prime (now I even watch Facebook for their specials). Nowadays I have more money invested in Tekton tools and have not broken a single one! The quality is better than Craftsman, no doubt in my mind. They are plenty strong for a new mechanic. Best wishes to him in the career field!
Bryan
Tekton offers a student discount program too. 30% off their website prices. Tekton has really stepped it up in the last few years. Their new line of screwdrivers are USA made as well as some of their pliers, still at a low price. There is no debate that the high priced brands make high quality tools, but 50% off of “Really Expensive”, is still too Expensive for a lot of people. With Tekton and Gearwrench and other mfgs offering good quality and excellent warranty support for a reasonable price even a DIYer can afford quality tools. You Snap-On only people are missing some good bargains.
James
I bought theTekton 1859 Wrench socket set and ended up breaking two of the socket wrenches. I do however own a tape measure and a few pair of pliers that I use often that still hold up nicely. Im not completly shying away from the brand Im just not buying pricier items from them anymore.
alec mcmullin
I recently bought a Tekton 3/8 ratchet with the oval head and thumb switch from Amazon and love it. I must have 1/2 a dozen of the old big store brand that just seem to accumulate in 3/8, and they all stink because of coarse gearing that is silly in a smaller (or any) ratchet. Not Snap-on, but pretty good, at least at first. Time will tell. I’d like to get the same thing in half inch drive, maybe with a longish handle but all I see are the round head dial type that I don’t like as much.
Jeff Stromwall
I only have one question are they actually manufactured in the USA ? I like to purchase things that are made here in the USA, not imported and then sold as such.
Stuart
Only some of their tools are made in the USA.
For example,
https://toolguyd.com/tekton-usa-made-pliers-review/
https://toolguyd.com/tekton-usa-made-punches/
https://toolguyd.com/tekton-bungee-cord-strap-review/
https://toolguyd.com/tekton-usa-screwdrivers/
and I believe their air hoses as well.
Stephen
This has recently become a big deal to me as well, as I’ve been considering the right and wrong of buying from countries who can only undercut domestic prices because they have oppressive governments who abuse their citizens. Kinda like how Reagan said it was not okay to just “live and let live” while Russia and China were abusing our fellow man. So I’d buy from France or Japan but not China, for instance. Long story, I know, but do you have a bigger list of what’s made domestically vs. overseas? I’m spinning on my finger my 6th replacement GM8261 1/2 in to 3/8 reducer right now; I’d like to try something new.
Andrew Wood
There is some pretty strong evidence that Tekton stamps some of their China made tools “Made in the USA”. I would avoid any such company.
Stuart
What evidence?
Andrew
You’re so full of shit
Eric
You’re the one saying there’s evidence. If there is indeed evidence, we’d all appreciate if you shared it.
PJ
Approaching 2 years since you’ve made your BS comment. We’re all still waiting for you to supply your references.
Jason
Im a heavy deisle mechanic and most of my core tools are tekton, for the money you cant go wrong with their quality and how they hold up. Ive used their sockets in ways not intended to be used as such as press extensions and modified punches but they have never faltered no matter how much abuse i have out them threw. The best thing i can say about tekton is they dont leave a size out in their sets, such as 15,18,23,25,27 mm sizes that most brands decide to leave out of sets. Especially the 18mm since it is very common over the entire automotive industry. Im very happy with them and continue to buy them.
Garett
I also am a heavy truck mechanic. I deal with the normal day to day things and also have a lot of heavy hydraulics to repair. I was looking at tekton jumbo crows feet and would appreciate any feedback as to durability, spreading and so on.
Thomas R. Smith
I just received the SAE and METRIC stubby combo wrench sets. First let me say that the finish is impressive. The price is very good and I was happy to see they are made in Taiwan instead of china, as I have never had any issues with Taiwan tools. Then there is the fact that the metric set is a complete set with no missing sizes. Many people say the missing sizes are because there are SAE equivalents. The last thing I need is to have to stop and hunt for an SAE wrench while working on a metric engine. Thank you Tekton.
I imagine I will be buying many more tools from Tekton.
While I have not used these two sets, if they perform as well as they look I will be well pleased.
LOUIS WARNER
whats the warranty on your hand tools?
Bryan
Tekton warranty program is “Always Guaranteed.” https://www.tekton.com/tool-help
William Su
I’m considering the TEKTON WRN77164 Extra Long Flex-Head Ratcheting Box End Wrench Set and was wondering if anyone has either tested them out or has had any experience with this set. They’re extremely handy to get into tight spaces and seem very useful. One of my buddies has the EZRed set of these wrenches and was considering the same set he has but when I saw the price difference between the two, I thought I might want to get everyone’s opinion on these first. So guys and gals, please feel free to chime in!
Terry
I have purchased several sets of Tekton impact sockets and have used them on an 18v Milwaukee impact and also air impact swapping out engines in a Jeep. They have held up well and i have yet to break one. I currently have about three more sets on the way. I also purchased the Tekton socket rails and so far i am very pleased with those also. Nice feature giving the sockets a quarter turn to lock them on the rail. I was a little skeptical at first and thought it might be more of a pain but now that i have used them some i have come to like them. I believe the sockets are well worth the money and if their warranty is as good as they say what do you have to lose? I don`t think you will be disappointed.
Terry
Forgot to mention that i also have the SAE and Metric set of combination wrenches. Very happy with those so far. The finish is nice and smooth and when you get in a tight spot the wrenches do not slip or spread. I have put a few of them through the stress test and they haven`t let me down. Seems to be a nice set of wrenches for the money.
BigD
Have the combination metric wrench set, 3/8 drive 6 and 12 point impact sockets and a sae/metric 1/4 drive socket set and very happy with the quality, finish and price
Josh
I absolutely am impressed with the 3/8-1/4 combo ratchet socket set cheaper than snap on and mac with almost as good quality if not the same for an astonishing 25$ sticker price on amazon. The ratchet was an instant impress to me as I have never come across a ratchet that adjusted so finely and could take a licken and keep on ticken for the same price point. I have had Matco, Snap on, Mac tools that have broken or become loose doing the same tasks that I have done with using Tekton. I also like how very comfortable the tools feel in hand. To be honest I am a Armstrong and Mac tools fanatic but after buying this set I am an instant Tekton fan as well. I just wish there was more of these well thought out tool sets that tekton offers maybe a complete mechanics toolset with a metal toolbox then I could really put the snap off fans to shame in the shop. In my experience using Tekton they are better than Armstrong (good heavy tools wrenches are kind of on the flimsy side), Matco (matco has durability issues for me) and (sad to say Mac which they are excellent but far too bulky sometimes and I hate how pickey they are with purchase receipts when something goes south in the middle of a job) and by far Snap on in ratchet quality and durability, sockets aren’t too bad they defiantly are good though. Good for Tekton on becoming a more quality focused tool company. Highly recommend for the mechanic looking to maximize profit over cost of tools (stay away from harlot freight…unless its screwdrivers or a deadblow) but to those who want definitive quality and reliability with out sawing off their leg every time they need to buy a tool.
Thomas R. Smith
Ok, it has been a year since my first post.
Tekton has preformed flawlessly. I have added more of their tools to my rollaway, and plan to add more.
My one gripe is that I was looking for a new 1/2″ torque wrench but when I called them I was told that their’s only torques to the right. So I had to look elsewhere. There are times (like the clutch hub nut on a Harley Soft tail) when there is a left hand thread.
Are you listening Tekton R&D?
Joseph Hanselman
I’m a industrial/heavy machinery mechanic I pretty much have nothing but Proto/Matco/Rigid Tools. I recently purchased a 3/8 impact metric shallow socket set. I was so impressed ! I now have 4 sets of impact sockets ,small non maring hammer, impact universals, impact extensions, 1/4 inch metric and standard sets, star bits, Allen bits, and more to come. I love my Protos but I purchased all the tek ton things for less then my Proto 18 inch adjustable wrench….My matco 1/2 impact is breakaway 1300lbs , no visible damage on the socket set from Teckton!
great-tools
I’m a very disappointed with Tekton / MIT tools as a company not for their products. I’ve been selling them since the 1990’s and stopping for a period of 10 years or so for various business reasons that I have explained to them and now they don’t want to sell to me anymore. Prices went really high around 2008. An $8 vise turned in to a $17 vise almost overnight. Percentage wise that is not what I would call a “small bump in price”. The tool did not change, only the colored box changed at that time. True $17 is not much money but you can only mark a product up so much before it stops selling. I thought that is where we were at with MIT tools. Many other import brand tools around this time failed by the way. They switched from the MIT branding to Tekton which meant editing hundreds of product pictures and descriptions for online sales. Their MIT impact sockets were great selling products and had the stamped in sizes. They switched to the painted on sizes which I took it as a way of cheapening them while increasing the price. Laser etched tools, slink screened tools, and gimmick tools are a big turn off for me to use or sell. If a socket is not roll stamp identified I find it to be a step in cutting corners to make profits not an improvement. Then they brought out tools with black and white cow designs and flames painted all over them. I didn’t know where this stuff was going. I simply was busy and didn’t have time for all these changes so I thought I could take a break from buying and see where things were going which is what I did. It was a big mistake for me because not I am cut off for not buying in awhile.
I told them all about this recently. I have sold thousands of MIT / Tekton products and it means nothing to them. Not a word of thanks or praise or anything other than “Tekton is not interested in working with additional online retailers”. I fully understand this is their right but I am not a new / additional customer. I am actually a very old customer. It just don’t seem the right to me. I was never told I would be reevaluated yearly to see if I am good enough or not to sell their products. This is the part that I find really disturbing because there are some very small and very unprofessional sellers on ebay selling their products as I write this but somehow I’m not good enough anymore with 20 years experience and 100% happy customers for two decades plus.
I never thought I would see the day when America would be made so great again that tool companies don’t want to sell tools to tool sellers anymore. It is an amazing time when companies have too much business that they come right out and say they don’t want more businesses selling their products.
As far as tools go, I own about $75,000 in Snap-On tools in my own garage. I don’t care what the cost of them is, I feel Snap-On is the best and what every other tool is measured by. I sell about 1500 SKUs of all sorts of tools for a living and as far as tools go the Tekton / MIT ones were very good quality for the price when I was selling them. I can’t speak for recent items but I have no reason to doubt the quality is as good or better. Their impact sockets I have actually used in my one shop and I have customers that have used them professionally for 20 year and they have been excellent. Granted these were the original MIT ones with the stamped sizes. I can’t speak for the Tekton impact sockets because I have never used one of them. I can tell you I never got a single MIT / Tekton product returned for a problem. If there was a problem I only can assume the customer contacted MIT / Tekton about it.
I have no real hard feelings toward them but I am very disappointed how they don’t care to deal with me anymore. Most companies are thrilled to have an old customer return but not Tekton / MIT.
E
I purchased a couple of torque wrenches and a set of ratchets, they seem to be solid tools for their price, i did however have a problem getting a replacement for a 1/2 inch torque wrench… When contacting Dave, the tool manager, he asked me if i had filed a return for a replacement, in which i said yes and then asked me to send pictures, which i had already posted. The site says you can post more than one picture but i was only able to post one. Long story short I never received a replacement, all i got was a lecture from Dave and how i should properly care for my tools. I keep hearing how great their replacement plan is, unfortunately if you do not sound AMERICAN, Dave will not respond kindly…
Scroat Bag Garage - Kansas City, MO
Purchased the Tekton bundle of sockets, 1/4 kit, 3/8 kit and the big 1/2 kit…came to $375 with free shipping. They were out of stock for about a month but worth the wait. I’ve replaced all my Craftsman sockets with Tekton’s. The problem came when they gave me 10% back in Tekton Cash to use on another item. I had some small purchases before the sockets so I have about $40+ in Tekton Cash. I went to make another purchase of sockets for the home box and they raised their prices 16% on them! WTF. Nice to give me 10% credit for my next purchase only to raise your prices by 16%. So I wrote a nice letter with my concerns and was told sorry, prices went up and basically maybe you can’t afford them.
NOTE: If you shop Amazon you’ll likely find Tekton tools for 10% less than the Tekton web site so you get your savings upfront. That’s where I found the 48 piece combination wrench set, still free shipping.
Not likely to purchase anything ever from them after that. I’ll hang around to see if they do a fathers day sale and hope I can get another discount to make it worth the effort to buy another socket set with my Tekton Cash.
Heard good things till that happened, now could are less about Tekton.
Stuart
That’s unfortunate, but to be fair, I’ve been seeing price increases across the board, with many brands, raw materials, and products affected by continued COVID-related economic disruptions and aftermaths.
I’m now learning that if I like a current price, not to wait because they can and will go up unexpectedly.