Tekton has come out with a new line of hard-handle screwdrivers that are USA-made and fairly priced.
The new Tekton hard-handle screwdrivers are said to have virtually indestructible handles, made from glass-reinforced nylon. The handles can resist extreme temperatures, high impacts, fuels, grease, cleaners, solvents, chips, cracks, scratches, and dents.
Advertisement
Basically, the handles are highly durable with some chemical resistance.
Tekton is offering the screwdrivers with chrome-plated and black oxide shaft finishes.
Phillips driver tips all have a black oxide finish, for more accurate fastener fitment, and slotted screwdriver tips are chrome-plated for maximum corrosion resistance (unless you go with the black oxide finish).
The screwdrivers ends are clearly marked with tip style and size for easy identification.
There are 3 screwdriver shaft lengths – 1-1/2″ for stubby screwdrivers, 4″ for standard drivers, and 8″ for longer reach.
Advertisement
Tekton is selling these screwdrivers directly on their website. You can buy them individually, or in sets.
There are, in no uncertain terms, an astonishing number of different screwdriver set options that look to cover any combination of screwdrivers you might want. If you do happen to want a different combination, you can simply add an individual driver size or two to any set.
Tekton’s website also makes it remarkably clear as to what screwdriver you will receive with each set. For instance, the 6pc set depicted above will include Phillips #0, #1, #2 and slotted 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″ screwdrivers, all with 4″ shafts.
Right now only Phillips and slotted screwdrivers are available, ranging from PH #0 to #3 and 1/8″ to 5/16″. Torx and square screwdrivers are expected to be available in early 2020.
Tekton describes the handle as being a classic design, and it is one a lot of mechanics and auto techs tend to prefer. Screwdriver handles like this tend to be resilient and easy to wipe clean.
It has a square cross-section and smooth contours along the sides that create natural finger positions.
Additional Material Details
- AISI 8650 steel blade, hardened to HRC 52-56
- Nylon 6 inner core for blade turnout resistance
- Nylon 6 (glass-reinforced, same as core) outer handle with impact modifier
- Shore D 90 durometer outer handle hardness
Pricing: $23 for a 6pc standard-length set
COO: Made in USA
Buy Now via Amazon
Compare(Williams Hard-Handle Screwdrivers via Amazon)
Read Also: Tekton Comfort-Grip Screwdrivers
Discussion
Hard-handle screwdrivers are often chosen for their durability, resilience to automotive and workshop chemicals, and how easy they are to wipe clean.
There are lots of reasons why Tekton is really impressing me with this launch.
First, they’re making these screwdrivers in the USA, expanding upon their selection of USA-made hand tools. This is in a time when other long-time USA-based brands are shuttering factories.
Second, look at the options you get. There are only 16 screwdrivers, and you can get them in so many different set sizes and configurations. It looks like you’re on your own in terms of storage and organization, but that also means you’re not wasting money on a rack or blow-molded tray you might not want.
When some other brands come out with new screwdrivers, you don’t get a lot of options. You might be able individual sizes online – sometimes – or maybe a 5pc set or 8pc set in stores. That’s why Tekton’s approach is refreshing. It’s user-friendly to be able to get exactly what you want.
Lastly, it seems so simple, but their graphic makes it so easy to see which screwdrivers you’re getting in any particular set. This graphics shows you want the select set includes, and also shows you the other options.
Tekton isn’t the only brand working to make it easier to know and understand what’s being included in a tool set, but this is one of the clearest efforts I’ve seen.
I spoke with the online manager for Tekton a few years ago. We talked about how Tekton was striving to move away from cheap tools at cheap prices and towards good tools at fair prices, how customer service was very important to them, and how they were working hard to transform the brand and its reputation. It looks like they are definitely holding steady on this path.
Mnoswad
How are the markings on the handle done?
The painted markings on the handles of all my screwdrivers of various brands are wearing off.
Unless the size markings are molded into the handle with a separate plastic injection or engraved and filled with paint, I’ll pass.
Chris
Looks like they are stamped on
hangovna
Hot stamped. Fairly durable but not as durable as Milwaukees two-shot markings that are shot with white first, then red over to get the size markings. That will never wear off.
Mike (the other one)
They have a few 6-in-1 screwdrivers with similar handles, except they are black.
They have the typical Standard/Phillips drivers, but also a version with all Square Recess drivers, and two versions with all Torx sizes.
$10 each over at Amazon and Tekton’s site. Tekton also sell replacement bits for these.
Jon
After a lot of research I got all my impact sockets from Tekton. Very nicely made, super tough, excellent sizing / fit, lifetime guarantee with easy replacement. I posted some questions on their site last year and had answers — and an ongoing email conversation within 24 hours. Very positive experience overall. I’ve been seeing them offer a lot of new tools over the last year, their quality seems great, especially considering their pricing compared to “elite” brands. With the lifetime guarantee on top of all this, I’m becoming a major Tekton fan. very impressed with the way the company is growing and managed.
Jared
I’ve purchased two Tekton tools but wasn’t impressed with either. Because they seem to get a lot of positive reviews (here and elsewhere), I’m inclined to believe they have good items in their catalog but the quality is mixed and I should be careful next time which items I purchase.
The first tool I bought was a pair of compact bolt cutters. Admittedly these are cheap and I didn’t expect Knipex quality. They take a lot more effort to cut than I expected (perhaps not very sharp), handles are not comfortable and the components don’t line up precisely (for example, the travel adjustment screw isn’t centered). I think I’ll end up buying a pair of Knipex anyway because I’m not satisfied with how the Tekton’s perform.
Next item was the 1/2″ manual impact driver. Mine didn’t work. I would hit it with a hammer but it didn’t turn. I mangled some brake rotor screws before realizing they weren’t even that tight and the impact driver itself was faulty. I took the rest out by hand.
I appreciate Tekton has a good warranty program, but I still elected to return the driver (and bought a JH Williams unit instead). I only purchased the Tekton in the first place because it was markedly cheaper than the alternatives and had a high number of positive Amazon reviews.
I’m not bashing the brand – I suspect many of their tools are good. Perhaps I happened to pick two that are the type they are transitioning away from. I’ll just be more careful in future purchases to see what kind of press they received here.
Eric
They’ve been getting better. They started out selling the same cheap generic tools that a lot of companies put their name on. But overtime they’ve been stepping up their game and improving the quality of a lot of their stuff. So some stuff is really good, and other stuff is still cheap crap.
Rcward
As long as that is true they will be thought of as the latter
Jon
I think Eric’s reply (just before this one) describes the situation pretty well. I think they *were* one of the cheaper / lower quality brands, and probably some of the older tools may still reflect that. My impression is that they’re making a serious effort to change their target market, move up quality so they can compete with more serious brands, and back it all with their guarantee.
It seems the newer offerings reflect the quality improvement — I know the impact sockets do. Hopefully they’ll phase out the lower-grade tools and bring the entire offering up to higher standards.
Kenneth Stephens
I like their drivers. And I have the trilobe torx drivers. I wish these would have hex bolsters though for use of a wrench like the Williams(snapon) linked
RCWARD
They have a long way to go before people will associate “ Tekton “ with quality
Frank D
They look quite generic.
Model # on the handle seems a bit excessive
Bonus points for tip size and type.
My preference is a more ergonomic tri-lobe.
schill
Probably cheaper to only print on one “face” of the handle. And if it were molded in like the “Tekton” name on the side you’d need more (or more complicated) molds for the handles.
Thom
I welcome any tool manufacturers who make stuff in the USA. I wonder who is making them for TEKTON… Western Forge or Williams /SnapOn?
Philip
I feel the same way
Blythe
I came here to comment that the handles look very similar to a snap on set that I have, and are quite comfortable
TheTool
Wilde but the handles are manufactured somewhere else in the US.
Bob
I’m glad to see they’re moving in the right direction. These drivers look decent for a good price and it’s just about every iteration of driver you could ever need. Only thing missing that I tend to like is on the larger slotted drivers some brands put a nut/facet on the shaft you can get a wrench on it and give yourself more torque. Not a dealbreaker but a nice to have.
On a side note: Maybe my perception is off but I feel I’ve seen a slight uptick in domestic produced handtools recently? I wonder if it’s because it’s easier/cheaper for companies to get private labeled US sourced tools now that Sears craftsman and other large brands have exited that market. Or maybe its the trade Tariffs? I think that’s only mainland China not Taiwan so wouldn’t apply to Teckton. Or maybe Tekton is just a very well managed company paying careful attention to the overall profit margin while still trying to source domestic production on at least some of their tools there by elevating the brand perception? For example they know they can make a little bit less money on the USA screwdrivers because they make a lot of money on the Taiwan sockets. A loss leader type thing. The long-term goal being large enough volume of US produced products to bring production to an acceptable profit margin. Always fun to speculate.
Whatever the reason I’m glad to see good quality domestic products at decent prices.
Jared
“Only thing missing that I tend to like is on the larger slotted drivers some brands put a nut/facet on the shaft you can get a wrench on it and give yourself more torque.”
I agree – personally I prefer a hole at the grip end so I can put another screwdriver’s shaft through it and use it like a T-handle.
Mike (the other one)
I think certain tools are not much more expensive to produce here, and companies like Tekton realize that people are willing to pay a few bucks more for a better quality tool. Screwdrivers and pliers being the main examples.
Tekton seems to actually care about customer satisfaction, whereas certain tool conglomerates are more than happy to produce pot-metal junk and sell them at the same price as the quality tools that once once made in America.
ktash
Don’t need more phillips or slotted, but could use a set of square screwdrivers. I’ll take a look at them when they come out.
Corey Moore
These look great for a home set for me. I’m super pleased with my Wera for work and heavy use, but these appeal to me, too. My oddball drawer at home currently consists of a mix or husky, hdx (lol), and old Stanley drivers and pliers. I’d like to establish a more quality and uniformed assortment.
Nathan
SO you can mix and match a set, did I read that right? I like that idea as I’d buy a few new ones and do just that.
I say Tekton is coming along with some quality – but as always buyer beware but this is true of many things. I bought a tekton flex head ratchet a while back due mostly to cost and that their ratchet and sockets have been getting great ratings. 3/8 drive flex head 90 tooth etc. Now – don’t get me wrong it’s actually a great product, ratchet runs smooth, head pivots etc I even liked that for a flexhead the overall length wasn’t greater than a standard sized 3/8. BUT – turns out I just really do need a locking flex head. I gave it to a friend and they love the thing.
If Tekton was to make a locking flex head I’d probably buy one.
To that end – I cross shop them for somethings and this screw driver thing might be a next purchase.
Mopar
If these are being aimed at auto mechanics/techs, the painted markings instead of engraved on the end of the handle is no big deal. No auto mechanic opens the screwdriver drawer of his toolbox looking for an 8″ screwdriver with a #2 phillips tip. He’s looking for the average size phillips, about yay long, that he knows fits those trim screws the best. And if he’s looking for a slotted screwdriver, odd are all he cares about is if it’s the right size for whatever he needs to pry. I can’t remember the last time I used a slotted screwdriver on an actual screw.
I like the handles; looks a lot like all the other quality mechanic screwdrivers in the shop.
Dustin
In this day and age, any design engineer that intentionally uses slotted screw heads is a jerk.
Dave
The first time I would wipe them down w a paper towel soaked with brake cleaner or carb cleaner (which I do ALL of the time as I’m putting my hand tools away) the markings would most likely be gone, but that wouldn’t be an issue as I agree with Mopar; the markings are no big deal anyway.
RKA
It’s an interesting brand of late. Lots of positive news posted on GJ. I haven’t tried their tools yet. I did look at their catalog and it seems like they are targeting new tool buyers beefing up their toolbox. For instance, I didn’t see an option to buy sockets individually. Their line also seemed pretty basic. For someone well stocked and looking for problem solving tools, it’s not the place to go…yet. Their warranty process sound great from what I’ve heard, but quality is number 1 for me. I’ll be watching to see how the brand evolves.
As for the screwdrivers, the hex on the shaft is less critical for me, but what I really appreciate is knurling on the shaft, which almost nobody does (vessel does). That would have been a good way to get my attention. I do like the look of the handles though.
Charles
given pros basically don’t use phillips or slotted, why do we see so many archaic screwdriver designs? It’s surprisingly hard to find a torx/square kit, and yet that’s what all pro screws take, ex drywall and electricians. And even they have a lot of square now
Mopar
Maybe because pros in fields that tend to use torx/robertson/etc head screws also generally don’t use screwdrivers anymore?
What trades still rely heavily on manual screwdrivers?
Mechanics, electricians, cabinet makers… what else? Those fields still tend to use a lot of phillips and slotted screws. I think most pros in the other trades are using power tools to drive the majority of their screws. Not even a DIYer is building a deck or laying a subfloor using a manual torx screwdriver, are they?
Bobby
They look nice, and I’ll probably pick some up. Is anyone else not a fan of chrome plated screwdrivers? I haven’t had the best of luck with chrome surviving, even the USA made ones. Was this a manufacturing defect?
Robert
I’m late to the party but I just obtained one of these Tekton hard handles and it is quite impressive.
Viorel
Looking to pick up a set as i like the simple hard handles and i need some longer drivers. How would you say they stack up against other brands?