Opinion on GearRatchet products

[amishman]

I have been collecting tools for my shop that I hope to have by years end and have been collecting mostly Craftsman and Husky tools. I do have a set of GearRatchet that came with the 3/8" Ratchet and all the SAE and Metric sockets. I keep it in my VW when I go on trips. I like the feel of the ratchet. Not too bulky and feels real good in the hand. I also like the looks of it. I can use the pass thru sockets of an adapter to then use any brand socket on it.

Just wanted to see if anyone else here uses the GearRatchet from KD Tools. I am thinking about getting a 1/4" set to add to my collection and keep them in my main tool chest in the shop.

Just wanted to see what others think of these ratchets or do they wear out or break earlier than say a Craftsman.

Thanks

tj

[TNToy]

I'm not familiar with this product. Is this what you're describing?

http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchet_and_socket_system/gearratchet/index.jsp

Back on track: It's a good product. You shouldn't have much problem out of it. Gearwrench is made by Danaher, the same comapany that owns Matco - Snap-On's biggest competitor. I have a few sets of Matco Pro-Swing ratcheting box wrenches, and set of flex-head GearWrenches that I use all day, every day. I feel there's no difference in quality, smoothness, or durability between the two. The matco ones are just easier to get warrantied, and come in all sorts of offsets, and the metric wrenches don't skip any sizes.

That's my only gripe about GearWrench: Everywhere they're sold it's almost impossible to find a metric set from 10-19mm without a missing 13, 16, or 18mm wrench... :rolleyes:


[RANT=ON]

That said, let's move onto your comparison tool. The Craftsman raised-panel ratchets are item #1 on my list of the worst tools ever made. The ones that look like this?

http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00944811000?wid=100&hei=100&op_sharpen=1

I hate them with the fire of a thousand suns. That never-grips, instant-wear pawl has caused me more skinned knuckles than I care to remember. I GAVE mine away back before I did this stuff professionally, and was happy to do so. The pro-series may be fine, but I've not tried one.

If you don't think they suck, then you must just never have used anything better. Heck, if they were laying side by side on the floor, I would (100% seriously) grab a Pittsburgh ratchet from Harbor Freight to use, and kick the Craftsman across the floor.

I hate craftsman ratchets.

[RANT=OFF]

:deep breath: Aaaaaah... I feel better now... :bounce:

If you want a decent ratchet on the cheap, my choice is the Husky Pro's with the rubber grip. I still have a couple of them lying around, and they won't die. Pretty good mechanism, and they work smoothly after a lot of beating to remove stuck fasteners. The ones that look like this:
http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/asset/images/eplus/051655249016_3.jpg

If you want to spend a little more and get a pretty high quality tool, get an SK. I'm pretty sure Kartracer just fainted somewhere because I actually recommended SK, but it's good enough to last a lifetime if you don't use it daily.

My favorites when it comes to ratchets are a Snap-On anything, and the new 60-tooth ratchets from Matco. I LOVE those things. Bought a 3/8" drive one in a pawnshop two weeks ago for $8. Took it to work (already had an identical one) and sold it to one of the other techs for $30. :D

If you wany pro-quality tools, you can get them without paying any more than you would for a gearratchetthingie, or a Husky or Craftsman Pro. Just search ebay regualrly and scoop one up that no one else bids on. I get a lot of my Snap-On stuff for work that way. :)

[chevy302dz]

I have the Gear Ratchet set that you are describing, and honestly I never use it, unless I need the pass through feature. The Gearwrench brand gear wrenches are great so I doubt you will have any issues with their ratchets. As far as what ratchets to buy, the best deal going is the Craftsman thin profile professional ratchet. It's a 60 tooth sealed head, with a quick release, and a well shaped handle. Unlike the regular and "pro" series this ratchet is well built and will take abuse. The Husky's are rebranded Stanley import stuff, and can usually be found cheaper at WalMart under the Stanley name. If you don't mind roundhead ratchets the SK's are great, I would highly recommend their 60 pc 1/4" drive set if you are looking to pickup a new set, it's one of the most complete out there.

[kartracer55]

hahahhaha Reccomending SK are we???


As far as Ratchets go, Im gunna say the craftsman raised panels in 1/4 drive are my FAVORITE 1/4 drive ratchet. I use SK, Snap On and Matco at work and for some reason I like the mechanism's feel on my craftsman more than these. I hate them in the other sizes but for 1/4 I grab this before my SK.

Now, SK makes a 44 pc1/4 drive set, metric and SAE deep and shallow with a ratchet an an extension for about 90$ which I have and would highly recommend. Apparantly they have a 60pc set as well for baout 110$.

Im sure the gearwrench set is on par with craftsman and husky, but I personally woudl stay away simply because its not made here. Just a little thing I have.


Talking about the 60tooth matco ratchets... I cant confirm it but apparantly the guts of the craftsman pro-60tooths are identical to the matcos, o-ring seals an all.


Jim

[chevy302dz]

Talking about the 60tooth matco ratchets... I cant confirm it but apparantly the guts of the craftsman pro-60tooths are identical to the matcos, o-ring seals an all.Jim

I wouldn't be suprised, I actually perfer the Craftsman version for the quick release but of course Matco has many more styles. The 60 piece 1/4" drive SK set is well worth the extra money, it covers every size you could think of for 1/4" drive.

[chevy302dz]

While we're on the subject, look what GearWrench started making.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-81206.html

[liyi1725]

I have used GearRatchet extensively. It is a great tool that has a pass thorough hole on top. You wonder how come I never thought about it before.
Very handy when you need them.

Check out some comments from web blogs on those cool tools:

http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/22/hands-on-gearwrenchs-xl-pass-thru-ratchet/

http://toolmonger.com/2006/09/30/hands-on-gearwrenchs-serpentine-belt-tool/

[Rickster]

Looks like the pass-through ratchet isn't available alone and you need to buy the whole set with sockets and all.

[TNToy]

I wouldn't be suprised, I actually perfer the Craftsman version for the quick release but of course Matco has many more styles.
I hate quick release buttons. In a tight spot they either won't fit because of the extra 1/8"... or the buttons is mashed against something. I want a flat, smooth plate.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-81206.html

Wow. Those look a lot like Matco's. Since they're both Danaher companies, I wonder why...

[kartracer55]

Yeah, but those use a plastic lever like the craftsmans. The matcos have a metal one that sits flat, or almost flat with the top of the ratchet. Similar, but I wouldnt cound on it being Identical

[chevy302dz]

I hate quick release buttons. In a tight spot they either won't fit because of the extra 1/8"... or the buttons is mashed against something. I want a flat, smooth plate.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-81206.html

Wow. Those look a lot like Matco's. Since they're both Danaher companies, I wonder why...

The release on the Thin Profiles is flush to the back of the ratchet.