Picked up a couple of new shiny GearWrench ratchets..

[biggsean]

Since I've been so happy with their products up until this point, I decided to go ahead and try out a couple of GearWrench's ratchets. I purchased a flexing 3/8" drive stubby (model 81212) for $34.99, and a high polish 1/2" drive (model 81304) for $40.79, both from Amazon.com. Both of these ratchets have what appears to be a fine, 60 tooth mechanism, similar to what's found in the Craftsman next generation line of ratchets, and a full polish finish. These ratchets were made in Taiwan for Danaher according to the label. Anyways, they seem to be very high quality, and rival my Craftsman next generation low profile ratchets in term of operation. But enough of my BS, here are the pictures:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/BiggSean/tools/gw1-1.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/BiggSean/tools/gw2-1.jpg

Here's a comparison between the 1/2" Gearwrench, and 1/2" Craftsman Next Gen ratchet:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/BiggSean/tools/gw3-1.jpg

And here's a comparison between the 1/2" GearWrench, and my dear sweet precious Snap On F80 3/8". Notice a resemblance anyone?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/BiggSean/tools/gw4-1.jpg

[eschoendorff]

Chit. Those are nice ratchets... Taiwan maybe, but geez... makes me want to go try a couple...


GearWrench has been advertising rather aggressively in PTEN for a while. I guess they are looking to be serious contenders. now all they have to do is have the truck distribution channel. How long you guys think it will be before Matco tools are simply GearWrench tools with Matco labels on them (as if they aren't already!)???

[billymade]

So, if you would, pull the ratcheting head apart and take pictures of each of the heads; craftsman vs. gearwrench! I would be interested to see if they are the same; my store has recently started to carry more and more of the Gearwrench line! I wonder if the rebuild kits are made in Taiwan; is this the future of Danaher based products? So far Gearwrench stuff seems pretty good! The Snap-On influence on the handle shape/design is undeniable!

[wrenchr]

They have the on and off deal going on to!

[paramudduck]

I would like a use report on these ratchets. I've seen the "spark plug" model come up on Esay a few times lately and not go too high.

[Fedwrench]

I use the 3/8 and 1/4 drive gearwrench ratchets almost daily without any issues. I like the 60 tooth ratchet action, and the ratchet's thin head allows great access. I posted a thread awhile back with a Matco, Craftsman thin profile, and a Gearwrench ratchet opened for comparison. They all looked basically the same down to the red o rings used for sealing. If you shop around, stay away from Sears, you can find some decent deals on Gearwrench stuff. They won't make you give up you F80 series ratchets but, they perform well.:thumbup:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13978

[davestlouis]

I don't have any F80 ratchets yet, just older 836's and an F731, but I really prefer the feel of Danaher ratchets to my SnapOn's. I can't say exactly why, I just find myself reaching for my NAPA and Matco ratchets...it's just a "feel" thing.

[wrenchr]

I don't have any F80 ratchets yet, just older 836's and an F731, but I really prefer the feel of Danaher ratchets to my SnapOn's. I can't say exactly why, I just find myself reaching for my NAPA and Matco ratchets...it's just a "feel" thing.

F731 is a flex head correct?? I will trade you a matco ratchet for it?

[davestlouis]

I'd do it, with one caveat, the detent ball spring apparently has gone AWOL, the ball doesn't retain anything. I imagine it's an easy fix, just haven't bothered.

[wrenchr]

I'd do it, with one caveat, the detent ball spring apparently has gone AWOL, the ball doesn't retain anything. I imagine it's an easy fix, just haven't bothered.

Does it have to be the 60 tooth? I have a 36 tooth ratchet with the orange plastic handle brand new!! :)

[davestlouis]

Wrenchr, I just don't care for plastic handles. Maybe it makes me a dinosaur, but I plan to have my ratchets until they bury me and I just wonder how plastic will hold up over an extended period of time.

[wrenchr]

Wrenchr, I just don't care for plastic handles. Maybe it makes me a dinosaur, but I plan to have my ratchets until they bury me and I just wonder how plastic will hold up over an extended period of time.

I also have another 36 tooth matco but is slightly used. No plastic handle.

[unclemat]

I see a fellow Subbie enthuiast is one ratchet whore ;)

[biggsean]

I see a fellow Subbie enthuiast is one ratchet whore ;)

Hahahaha....gotta have every possible ratchet imaginable to work in these close-quartered engine bays. :P

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d14/BiggSean/WRX%20pics/cfstrut1.jpg

[wrenchr]

For the record we are all ratchet whores on this sight!!!! lol

[billymade]

You should see how tight my new beetle engine compartment is! 1.8 Turbo!