What is your level of knowledge when it comes to DIY mechanics? The quality of tools is essential to every mechanic, no matter what kind of mechanic you are.
You need different hand and power tools for every smithy task. Tools of varying quality are available from various brands.
Gearwrench and Tekton are two of the most popular brands. How do you choose?
Who is Tekton?
Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to Tekton Company, founded in 1991. Tekton manufactures assembly tools, such as machine tools, which are of high quality.
In addition to hand drive sockets and ratchets, Tekton Tools Company’s core products include pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers. They offer better and cheaper tools than their competition.
There is 72 percent of the product lineup comes from Taiwan with 22 percent from the United States, 3 percent from Canada and just 1 percent spread out over several countries.
Tekton also produces punches, chisels, pry bars, mallets, clamps, and bolt cutters.
Who is Gearwrench?
Gearwrench is a leading manufacturer of hand tools that runs under the Apex Toll Group.
The company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hand tools. Since their first launch of a five-degree ratcheting wrench, this brand has won many hearts.
A variety of their products include ratchets, pliers, sockets, and nuts/screwdrivers.
Tekton vs Gearwrench: Product Comparison
Tool cart
Tekton and Gearwrench both make tool carts that help keep tools and supplies organized on job sites. The Tekton cart has a larger, deeper bin than the Gearwrench cart to store more items, but the Gearwrench cart is lighter and easier to maneuver around tight spaces.
It’s best to consider what you’ll be storing in your cart as well as how you’ll be transporting it to find out which of these two tool carts is the right choice for you.
Screwdriver Set
The major difference between these two screwdriver sets is the material.
A Tekton screwdriver set has durable metal handles, while a Gearwrench screwdriver set has durable rubber grips.
The other difference is that a Tekton screwdriver set comes with 24 bits and 2 extension bars while a Gearwrench only comes with 16 bits and 1 extension bar.
Pliers set
Tekton pliers are designed to be compact and precise; they are used for small-scale tasks like electronics work and hobbies. These pliers are manufactured using superior quality materials that can withstand heavy-duty usage.
Tekton pliers are a pair of non-ratcheting type of grooved slip-joint pliers. They have no teeth so they cannot grip bolts, but they do have grooves designed for gripping flat surfaces such as pipes and nuts.
Gearwrench pliers may not be as durable as Tekton but they are heavier duty than their counterparts which makes them suitable for larger tasks like plumbing or automotive work.
You can use these pliers to remove or tighten bolts or fix damaged parts. The teeth on these pliers allow you to grab onto a bolt and turn it with a maximum grip.
Hex bit socket set
Tekton has a nickel-plated steel construction. Gearwrench is made from stainless steel.
The other big difference is that you get three more bits with the Tekton set than you do with the Gearwrench set.
Gearwrench hex bit socket is the most popular choice for industrial workers. It features a 1/4″ drive, which is smaller than its competitors.
The Tekton, on the other hand, has a larger 3/8″ drive.
Pry bar set
Pry bars are a versatile tool that can be used for dismantling and assembling furniture, loosening stuck nuts and bolts, opening jar lids, and many other tasks.
The Gearwrench set is made from heavy-duty steel construction with a durable chrome finish that includes 10 different sized pry bars in lengths of 12″, 16″, 20″ and 24″.
The Tekton set is made from light-duty steel with a chromed finish and comes with 10 different-sized pry bars in lengths of 12″, 16″ 20″, and 24″.
Punch and chisel set
The punch and chisel set is often used by technicians when they need to remove a broken bolt, rivet, or screw from metal. This set typically contains a punch, chisels, anvils, hammers, and screwdrivers.
The two brands are different because they have different purposes.
Tekton tools are typically used in residential construction jobs, while Gearwrench tools are designed specifically to repair cars.
Hammer set
One of the biggest differences between the Tekton and Gearwrench sets is that while Tekton hammers are made of hardened steel, Gearwrench hammers are made of forged steel.
Hardened steel is much stronger than forged steel; therefore, it can withstand more force without bending or denting.
Gearwrench hammer sets come with more features than Tekton sets do.
One key difference between the two sets is that the gears wrench set includes a claw bar, while the Tekton doesn’t include one.
Wrench set
Tekton is a company that produces high-quality tools. They sell their tools in sets that usually come with a carrying case.
Gearwrench is another company that sells the same types of tools but in individual pieces.
Tekton wrench sets are sold in sets with 8 to 12 pieces in each set. These sets come with a carrying case for easy transportation and storage.
Gearwrench offers individual pieces of their products, which might be more convenient for some people who want to buy what they need without buying an expensive set.
Tekton vs Gearwrench: Detailed Comparison
Convenient
Each tool is separated into its own compartment in Tekton’s quality storage cases, allowing them to be easily arranged.
There is a size marked on the box and on the sockets, which makes it easier to find them.
Therefore, things can be done quickly. One of its best features is its convenient storage box, which you can carry easily to any project.
A storage box is provided with each of Gearwrench set that offers all the features found in the Tekton tools box.
Tekton is more convenient than Gearwrench for the average consumer but the quality of Gearwrench storage box is not so convenient.
Dura?bility
Strength and durability have been discussed in many ways in comparisons of Gearwrench and Tekton ratchet wrenches.
Tekton and Gearwrench compare head-to-head in terms of durability. It’s impossible to choose between these two popular brands due to their quality.
In both brands, durable materials are used. Their tools are made from vanadium steel, which is heat-treated and forged to be fairly strong.
Using the work of different levels mechanics, they create both budget and high-quality tools.
Useabi?lity
Most mechanics who are repairing something around you are likely using Tekton’s tool. Due to their ease of use and availability, they are very popular.
The full range of Tekton tools is available from beginners to advanced levels so you can easily find the tools you need.
In spite of Gearwrench’s popularity, most of its tools are usually used by more advanced mechanics due to beginners finding them hard to use.
Affordable
Tekton tools run in the lower price range when compared to Gearwrench.
The torque wrench, the impact wrench, the sockets, and others from Tekton can be purchased in different price ranges, so many users can choose a tool within their budget that is high-quality and affordable.
In contrast, Gearwrench’s tools are extremely difficult to find in the budget range, since they are built to be very sturdy and quite expensive.
Warranty Policy
GearWrench offer limited warranty on their products. The covered products are free of any problems from the workmanship or material from when they were purchased to the timeframe they are warranted for.
- Tool boxes 83169, 83168 and 83167 have a 5-year warranty
- Tool boxes with codes 83151m 83130, 83148 come with a 1-year warranty
- Accessories, consumable products and carrying cases have a 1-year warranty from purchase date
- Torque products have 1 year for tools and 90 days for calibration from the date of purchase
- Accessory bits, taps and dies, bit sockets and extensions, bit holders and cutting tools offer 30 days warranty form purchase date
This warranty doesn’t cover products that have been altered, modified or disassembled and reassembled, used, stored or improperly installed items. This is the same for items not stored correctly, have been misused or have had unauthorized repairs carried out.
Tekton provides a lifetime warranty so that you have a low-hassle experience. You only need is to fill out forms and send out the tools to claim your warranty.
Pros and Cons of Tekton Tools
View this post on Instagram
Pros
- Smooth gripping with a non-slip surface
- Laser-etched markings make it easier to read
- Corrosion-resistant
- Forged vanadium steel, heat-treated tools
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Ratchet may not handle heavier works
- Plastic casing tends to not last long
Pros and Cons of Gearwrench Tools
View this post on Instagram
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant
- Durable
- Clean easily
- Alloy steel for added strength
- Fits small spaces
- Reduces faster rounding
Cons
- Can rust when not stored correctly
- Case is not very durable
- Higher prices
- Previous issues with engagement
Which Brand is Best Suited for You?
Both brands provide excellent service and maintain their quality. People also highly appreciate their commitment to quality.
While Gearwrench produces a variety of tools, the brand specializes in most types of wrenches. Their use is more suited for those who use wrenches in their industry.
The different Tekton brand tools are undoubtedly the best if you want good quality tools in a budget range suitable for beginners.
For heavy-duty, strong work, Gearwrench offers the best tools in terms of quality and versatility.
Tips for Professional and Normal Users
- Keep all tools organized
- Keep tools stored as per instructions
- Don’t use dull or damaged tools
- Always use the correct tool for the job to avoid damage or injury
- Don’t drop or throw tools down on hard surfaces
FAQs
1. Are 6 or 12 point sockets better?
Ans. Lightweight repairs can be performed with 12-point sockets, but heavy wrenching is best accomplished with 6-point sockets. Sockets with six points are much less likely to round over corners or fall off stubborn fasteners
2. Can I use a 12-point socket on a 6-point nut?
Ans. No, you can’t. A 12-point won’t fit onto a 6-point screw. The 6-point screw doesn’t allow for the space needed to install a twelve point.
3. Are Tekton tools forged?
Ans. Yes for many of the Tekton tools.
Although it is a perfect option to make wrenches, it requires dies that are expensive as the dies are limitedly available because of their unique geometry type and also changing them is difficult. Moreover, wrenches of different sizes need different forging die.
4. Is gear ratchet made by GEARWRENCH?
Ans. Yes, Gearwrench makes ratchets along with some other industrial and automotive hand tools like torque wrenches, tool storage, screwdrivers, struck and striking tools, nut drivers, impact sockets, and pliers.
5. Is Tekton made in the USA?
Ans. only 22% of Tekton tools are made in the USA. the majority of products are made in Taiwan (74%). For other tools 2% are made in Canada, 1% in China, and 1% in other different countries.
If you need to know the manufacturing country for a specific product, you can check their official website in the spec section at the bottom of the product page.
6. Which Tekton Tools Are Made In the USA?
Ans. Many Tekton products are made in the USA including screwdrivers, air hoses, punches, wrenches, chisels, and ratchets.
Leave a Comment