For far too long tool makers have played games with their mechanics tool sets, boosting the tool number by adding extraneous tools, skipping sockets, and leaving off the big ones. When you get the Tekton 74 piece 3/8″ Socket Set, you get all the sockets from small to big. You get the 90 tooth ratchet. You get a U-joint, some extensions, adapters, and the sockets don’t skip!
Yes, sir! You read that right. The metric set goes from 6mm to 24mm and every millimeter in-between for both the deep and standard depth sockets. The SAE set goes from 1/4″ all the way up to 1″ for the standard and deep sockets too!
I think that’s amazing!
But wait, there’s more!
These sockets don’t arrive rolling around in a box. You don’t get them in some junk blow molded plastic case. You get the sockets, ratchet, and accessories on rails and trays that are American made!
This is a socket set where you can honestly say it has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Well there is one more thing I had to buy. As you can see in the video I got a 5/8 Tekton socket for spark plugs. It has a rubber boot to protect the fragile ceramic top of a spark plug. So with that additional socket I can fix the fleet of 20 year old Fords in my driveway that my family drives.
We have a F-150, an E-350, a Crown Vic, and a Mustang. All from the early 2000’s and some at 300,000 miles. So, yea, I know a thing or two about fixing or repairing autos.
How’d the Tekton do?
The Tekton set did really well on the first task which was changing out spark plugs 6 and 7 on the old Ford E-350 Econoline van. The 90-tooth ratchet only needs 4 degrees of arc to swing. The u-joint and extensions helped me get into the spark plug wells that for some reason are deeply recessed on the 5.4L Ford engine. Finding the correct socket on the rails was a breeze with the stamped markings.
Overall I’m quite impressed!
If you are interested in buying the Tekton 74 Piece 3/8″ socket set with tray and rails you can get it from Amazon by clicking here on my affiliate link. Just one click and you have all the sockets and accessories you’ll need for repairing your vehicle.
Owning a set like this will get you on your way to joining the 300,000 mile club!
Video Summary
Google’s Gemini AI kindly summed up the video for me and you can read it below:
Jim Kinkade’s Key Observations on the Tekton Socket Set:
- Packaging: True to Tekton’s unique branding, the products are distinctively wrapped in butcher paper, giving Jim the impression of “getting meat from the meat market, but it’s metal.” This unconventional packaging adds to the unboxing experience.
- Ratchet: The set includes a shiny, 90-tooth ratchet with a finely geared mechanism. This design results in a very small arc for swinging, which is ideal for working in tight spaces. It also features a convenient quick-release button for easily detaching sockets.
- Spark Plug Socket: A dedicated 5/8-inch spark plug socket was purchased separately, specifically for Ford vehicles. Jim notes its roll stamped numbers, which ensure durability and prevent the size markings from wearing off over time.
- Extensions and Adapters: The set comes equipped with various extensions, including knurled ones for hand-turning, offering versatility. A wobble U-joint is also part of the set, along with an adapter for bits, further expanding its utility.
- Deep Sockets (Imperial): Jim emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the imperial deep sockets, which range from 1/4 inch all the way up to 1 inch, including every size in between. These sockets are fluted and stamped with sizes that are designed not to wear off. Jim particularly praises the completeness of this set, noting that many other sets often skip crucial sizes.
- Metric Sockets (Shallow and Deep): The metric sockets, available in both shallow and deep configurations, cover a range from 6mm to 24mm, with no skipped sizes. Jim points out that these sockets are clear-coated on the inside to help prevent corrosion, a thoughtful detail for tool longevity.
- Socket Rails: The sockets are securely held on distinctive red and black “twist-to-lock” rails. Jim believes these rails are made in America. The black rail is designated for shallow and deep imperial sockets, while the red rail is for the metric sockets, providing organized storage.
- Value: Jim Kinkade concludes by praising the set for its “tremendous value.” He attributes this high value to its completeness, with no skipped sizes in both imperial and metric measurements, making it a highly practical and cost-effective investment for any toolbox.
The video wraps up with Jim’s plan to organize the tools and provide a follow-up review after putting them to use, specifically mentioning upcoming work on a Ford E350 van.
Tune back in soon for a follow up video and full review! Click this affiliate link to buy!