Tekton sent over a few new tools for testing last week, and while there weren’t really any ground-breaking new developments, there were a couple of pliers that caught my attention despite looking a bit utilitarian and otherwise unremarkable.
I gave them a quick go and found that the pliers were actually pretty nice. Their pivots’ open/close actions were smooth. Jaws were nicely ground and had clean-cut jaws. Handles were comfortable to grasp. Whoa, these are some good pliers.
And then something caught my eye – these new pliers are all made in the USA!
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Tekton Slip-Joint Pliers
The new slip-joint pliers have three gripping zones – a parallel area for gripping flat or boxy objects, a small curved jaw zone for gripping round and irregularly shaped items, and a larger round jaw zone for when you need max gripping capacity.
As with other slip-joint pliers, the pliers can be adjusted for extra-wide work-holding needs. The pivot hardware can be adjusted so that you can tweak the tools to your preferred tension. I found that the pliers’ factory-set pivot tension was perfect.
Prices range from $9 and change for the smallest size, to $13 for the largest.
Models: 6-1/2″ (37122), 8″ (37123 ), 10″ (37124).
Buy Now: 6-1/2-inch | 8-inch | 10-inch (via Amazon)
These remind me of the Wilde flush joint pliers I tested a while back, and are similarly priced, only more easily available.
Tekton Groove Joint (Tongue and Groove) Pliers
While I’m no longer as much a fan of tongue and groove pliers as I am quick-adjust pliers, I found myself impressed with Tekton’s latest offerings. The adjustable pliers are very solidly built, the parallel jaws are well-formed, and seemingly durable teeth are angled and ground for aggressive gripping power.
Adjusting the pliers isn’t any slower or quicker than with my favorite Channellock tongue and groove pliers.
As with the slip-joint pliers, you can tighten up or loosen the pivot nut to suit your preferences or to compensate for wear over time.
Prices range from $9 and change for the smallest size, to $25 for the largest. The pliers are all very reasonably priced, and I’m hoping that Tekton comes out with a set that helps make them even more affordable.
Models: 5″ (37521), 7″ (37523), 10″ (37524), 12-2/4″ (37525), 16″ (37526).
Buy Now: 5-inch | 7-inch | 10-inch | 12-3/4-inch | 16-inch
Recommendations
Tekton has come out with some very nice USA-made pliers that are affordably priced. These pliers don’t have premium handle grips or fancy cutting-edge features, but they also don’t have any gimmicks. They’re robust pliers that seem very well-suited for day-to-day use.
If you’re building up your tool collection, looking for some upgrades, or just like to try new tools, these are some fine value-priced USA-made pliers.
Thank you to Tekton for providing the review samples unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for editorial and comparison purposes.
MT_Noob says
It does look like Tekton is stepping up their game with US made tools. The design looks nice enough, and I always prefer the ability to tighten the fit of joint. What is your impression of the durability/strength of the materials? Are the jaw ridges going to deform the first time you torque on something or will they hold up?
Stuart says
I think they’re going to hold up to use. Knowing what I do about Tekton, they partnered with an experienced OEM to produce these pliers, and not a green startup that’s learning things like heat treatment for the first time.
I’m fairly certain these are made by Wilde for Tekton, given the similarities between both brands’ pliers, which makes me even more confident that the pliers will hold up to reasonable usage and demands.
MT_Noob says
That is a good point, I may have to give these a try. As always thanks for a great site.
JohnnyFbomb says
I would put money on that you’re right. They look wilde to me.
Joshua Latham says
I will definitely give these a try. I’m partial to my Channellocks, but I will always try to support other USA made tools, and they will be easy on the wallet.
Stan says
I figured all Tekon products were cheap bottom of the barrel China/Taiwan items, but I never ever thought I’d see the day where I’d see anything Tekon branded that was USA made.
I am sure Wilde is the OEM, but given the vast importance of buying American is to me, I might consider these some day.
Minh says
Wilde would be my guess too, these look exactly like the Craftsman branded ones, which I like better than Channellock’s equivalence.
Kent says
I’ve purchased a few Tekton tools in the past, and have been happy with the quality. They aren’t SnapOn, but there’s about 10% of the price too.
Low prices, good quality and US made? I have enough pliers to last me forever, but I’ll certainly recommend these to friends.
Jerry says
Simple, sturdy, and reasonably priced USA made pliers. What’s not to like? I’ve had enough of gimmicky tools trying to justify a premium price. It seems that simple tools that work, are what I use the most.
SteveR says
These slip-joint pliers look similar to a pair of Snap-on “Talon Grip” pliers I bought about three years ago. Nothing terribly fancy in the looks department (the tool itself appears to be bead-blasted), but very sturdily built and 8″ long. They have a different grip design in the jaws (the Tekton has more gripping zones), but the Snap-on has three jaw settings for gripping larger objects; most other pliers have just two. The grips are somewhat different, in that they have tactile red foam rubber grips as opposed to the slick Tekton grips. These, too, may be manufactured by Wilde, given the similarities.
They’re pretty durable, but are 3-4 times the price of the Tekton version. I’ve always wondered about their source; Snap-on seems to farm out a lot of stuff that they have put their name put on and then sell at a higher price.
Toolfreak says
Like others, I also thought TEKTON was just a low-end China-made tool brand.
This is a great offering from them, non-nonsense pliers at a killer price.
Hopefully they will sell incredibly well and help keep Wilde making quality tools for a new generation.
It’s a little surprising to see a brand like TEKTON stepping up to fill in the USA-made tools gap, but something was bound to happen. Hopefully they will continue to expand their tool line with other products from Wilde and perhaps many other companies. It wouldn’t be a bad thing if TEKTON offered both a low-end cheap line of China-made tools, and a higher quality USA-made tool line.