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How to read Teng Tools part numbers

What the digits and letters in a Teng part number tell you.

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Written by David Crosbie

Teng part numbers are systematic — once you know the pattern you can decode most of the range:

  • Family first — the leading digits identify the product family (for example 6005xx are combination wrenches; the last digits are the size, so 600517 is the 17 mm).

  • R suffix — ratcheting version (600517R = 17 mm ratcheting combination wrench).

  • RF suffix — ratcheting with a flexible head.

  • RK suffix — repair kit (1192P1000RK fits the 1192P1000).

  • Set numbers — tool sets and trays have their own series (TT, TC, TED prefixes for trays and kits).

  • -US suffix — our internal stock code for units held at the US warehouse. TSW53R9-US is the same product as TSW53R9 — see "What does -US at the end of a part number mean?"

Socket part numbers — the full decoder

Socket range numbers start with M and read left to right. Worked example: M 12 05 10 -C = 1/2" drive · standard-length metric socket · 10 mm · carded pack.

  • Drive size (first two digits) — 14 = 1/4", 38 = 3/8", 12 = 1/2", 34 = 3/4", 11 = 1".

  • Type (next two digits) — 05 metric socket, standard length · 06 metric socket, deep · 01 AF socket, standard length · 02 AF socket, deep · 07 TX-E (external Torx) socket · 15 hex bit socket, metric · 11 hex bit socket, AF · 25 long hex bit socket, metric · 12 TPX (tamper-proof Torx) bit socket · 14 flat bit socket · 27 long Ribe® bit socket · 65 crow-foot wrench · 00 ratchet heads, extensions, adaptors and handles.

  • Size (last digits) — metric sockets carry the size in millimeters: M120510 is the 10 mm (half sizes get three digits, so 045 = 4.5 mm). AF sockets carry the size in 32nds of an inch: M120122 is the 22/32 = 11/16".

  • Point count — standard sockets are 12-point; where a 6-point version exists it adds a trailing 6. M120510 is the 12-point 10 mm, M1205106 the 6-point.

  • 9 at the front — the impact range (impact sockets and impact accessories).

  • -C ending — carded retail pack. The tool is the same as the plain number; only the packaging on the peg is different.

Where the M comes from — the M socket range dates from 1991, when Teng Tools moved from the shiny polished-chrome look to the satin finish the range still wears today. Satin is an extra finishing step, and it's practical, not cosmetic: a better grip when handling sockets — especially with oily hands — and the chrome vanadium satin finish gives long-lasting durability and corrosion resistance.

Every spec article on this help center lists the full part-number table for its series. If you have a number you can't place — even a competitor's — ask us in chat and we'll identify it.

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