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.
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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.
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: $25 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.