sickytwisted
Well-known member
I know the thread is here somewhere. Just couldn't find it so I'm starting it. Screw it, send me a link. I don't care. I wanna get me a set of stubby's but everywhere I look i'm met with strange prices. 
What do you think of gearwrench tools?
- Thread starter sickytwisted
- Start date
american lockpicker
Banned
Who needs them when you can get ratcheting wrenches from Germany or ratcheting screwdrivers(only GW tool I've used)from Snap-On.
kythri
Well-known member
People that don't want to spend that kind of money. The OP didn't ask for alternatives or the start of another brand war.
To the OP: GearWrench is great stuff. Don't hesitate to buy it. Regular sales occur at Sears, the next one will probably be closer to Black Friday.
I recently picked up some Gearwrench Ratcheting wrenches from the Classifieds. Ill be honest.. Ive heard lots of comments and Rave reviews and my first impression was Blah!!!. And before the Retards come in here crying, Slamming there keyboard let me first explain my reasoning. And REMEMBER its my OPINION, Im not trying to influence anyone else or dictate what they should buy. The OP asked a very simple question and im giving him my opinion. Now that the disclaimer has been read let me get back to my reasoning... I immediately unpacked them from the box (Xbeam) and was very pleased with the chrome, It was very shiny.. but somewhat cheap feeling after further inspection. I then inspected the business ends and was Severly Dissapointed with the Cheesy Flank Drive.. LMAO. The Next thing that bothered me was the overall Weight factor, They didnt seem to have much "Heft". When i added up all the factors, I decided this would be the last time i buy some GearWrench Products. I think everyone should make there own judgements, but my future doesnt have any of there products in it.
MrMark
Well-known member
I have one set from back when it was made in Taiwan. Most all of the Gearwrench is China now. It's blingy stuff; real shiny.
Even the Taiwanese outsource. The Taiwanese stuff is OK, is about all I can say. Can't get too excited about it is how I would sum it up. I tried a set and wouldn't buy another. How good could it be when they sell it regularly for about $30 for a set of wrenches on sale? I imagine it costs about 1 or 2 dollars to make the set in China.
Even the Taiwanese outsource. The Taiwanese stuff is OK, is about all I can say. Can't get too excited about it is how I would sum it up. I tried a set and wouldn't buy another. How good could it be when they sell it regularly for about $30 for a set of wrenches on sale? I imagine it costs about 1 or 2 dollars to make the set in China.
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Zebu Fellenz
Well-known member
I have sets of the flex head ratcheting wrenches in both english and metric, same with the stubby ratcheting wrenches. I also have a few of the standard ratcheting wrenches in the larger sizes.
They have held up to my use (I don't put a cheater pipe on the wrenches but I do push pretty hard on them sometimes to break a bolt free and I've never had any issues) just fine and seem like pretty good quality tools, they don't feel as nice as some of my older US made wrenches but for the price I wasn't expecting them to compete with tools at twice to cost or more.
I think they're a great value if the current China made tools are comparable in quality to the Taiwan ones I have.
They have held up to my use (I don't put a cheater pipe on the wrenches but I do push pretty hard on them sometimes to break a bolt free and I've never had any issues) just fine and seem like pretty good quality tools, they don't feel as nice as some of my older US made wrenches but for the price I wasn't expecting them to compete with tools at twice to cost or more.
I think they're a great value if the current China made tools are comparable in quality to the Taiwan ones I have.
Chris_R/T
Well-known member
I have the metric and SAE set of ratcheting wrenches. The SAE set is a couple years old, recently the 9/16" ratcheting mechanism turned to junk so kinda bummed out, makes me wonder how long my metric set I just bought that I use alot will last.
strnjss
Well-known member
I have the GearWrench pass-thru socket set. They are really nice quality! When I first opened it, I didn't see what all the gearwrench hype was about, but after working with them, they are great. They have a nice heavy quality feel to them
Wakefield
Well-known member
I think anything made in China(other than toys)is highly suspect and not to be depended on. Taiwan as far as I am concerned is not the same thing as China although I don't like to see so much of our industrial base being sent away.
I think the tool brands should be required to state on their packaging if any part of the tool is from China.
I think the tool brands should be required to state on their packaging if any part of the tool is from China.
The Sockets? Ill agree the Ratchet has some Heft. I have that set here currently and the Sockets are Extremely Light. I will look past them as they are intended for a special purpose and with such comes the traits that shed weight. I would never think about using the Vortex set for Normal Maintenance outside there intention.
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Simplespeed
Well-known member
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- Jul 23, 2010
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- 329
I have a 8-19mm flex head gear wrench set that i got about 4 years ago. They are my go to set and i have put them through hell. Theyre a little scratched up but the chrome is still there. I use cheater bars, put them up dirty, used on on corroded batteries, hammered on em, etc and they are still going strong. Iv really abused them since they were given to me by my brother and didnt cost me a penny. I wonder if quality has changed over time because the chrome on mine are damn strong and are pretty heavy when compared to a SO or MAC.
Deskmechanic
Well-known member
They ****. At least the current Chinese ones.
I bought a set of stubby ratcheting wrenches recently. First use of the 17mm (to snug up a suspension bolt on a motorcycle) and the sucker jammed up.
I have used only the 10, 12 and 14mm ones without trouble so far. As others have said they are very shiny. But have no heft and poor feel in the hand.
I'm saving up for some made in USA stubby ratcheting ones, or at least made-in-Taiwan. I have some Stanley branded ratcheting wrenches that are much much nicer.
I bought a set of stubby ratcheting wrenches recently. First use of the 17mm (to snug up a suspension bolt on a motorcycle) and the sucker jammed up.
I have used only the 10, 12 and 14mm ones without trouble so far. As others have said they are very shiny. But have no heft and poor feel in the hand.
I'm saving up for some made in USA stubby ratcheting ones, or at least made-in-Taiwan. I have some Stanley branded ratcheting wrenches that are much much nicer.
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mspecperformance
Well-known member
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- Aug 15, 2010
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- 264
when you factor is cost to quality ratio, I think most of gear wrench's offers are a hell of a deal compared to the truck brand stuff.
Also to me, many of the Matco ratcheting wrenches are comparable to the gear wrench stuff (Danaher stuff being similiar...???). I don't see the point is spending double or triple the amount for practically the same tool. Also I have two or three places to warranty exchange stuff. If you can warranty then it makes it worth it.
Also to me, many of the Matco ratcheting wrenches are comparable to the gear wrench stuff (Danaher stuff being similiar...???). I don't see the point is spending double or triple the amount for practically the same tool. Also I have two or three places to warranty exchange stuff. If you can warranty then it makes it worth it.
WSMC633
Well-known member
I've got a set of 8-19mm std. length Flex heads that I got as a gift years ago. I love the damn things. I've used the **** out of them without a problem. I have no problem with them sitting in the Drawer with a bunch of SO wrenches. Because of their age they're probably Taiwanese.
BTW, I don't think one wrench locking up indicates an entire tool-line of bad quality. It's a mechanical object. produce enough, you're bound to have some problems. Regardless of Brand.
I will say I didn't like the set I bought that was reversible with the Capstop thing on them. Found them annoying. Sticking with the non-reversing flex-heads myself.
BTW, I don't think one wrench locking up indicates an entire tool-line of bad quality. It's a mechanical object. produce enough, you're bound to have some problems. Regardless of Brand.
I will say I didn't like the set I bought that was reversible with the Capstop thing on them. Found them annoying. Sticking with the non-reversing flex-heads myself.
Simplespeed
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Sounds like you have the same set i have. Mine have to be flipped over to reverse. Mine are also made in Tiawan. Guess i wont be buying any new GW stuff.
supertooljunkie
Well-known member
I have several sets of Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches in both SAE & MM. I have reversible and non-reversible. The earlier sets are non-reversible and made in Taiwan. I have had no problems with them. However, I bought sets just before Christmas that were Chinese made. The reversible MM set I used for the first time last week. The only wrench used so far was the 15MM. It broke the nut loose fine, after that, it would reverse with little pressure. I thought maybe I was flipping the lever inadvertently, so I moved my hand up on the wrench. It reversed three more times before I got a ratchet and socket. I returned it to Sears where it was purchased, and they would not warranty it. I will buy no more of the Chinese made Gearwrench tools.
hguerrero
Well-known member
i got both sae and metric...
they work like they're supposed to for my purposes...non-professional wrench turner.
they're not designed to break a bolt loose..so keep that in mind
over all it's a good value.
they work like they're supposed to for my purposes...non-professional wrench turner.
they're not designed to break a bolt loose..so keep that in mind
over all it's a good value.
Obviously compared to snap on or something they arent the greatest, but for the price you cant beat them. I have an older set of non flex head metric that is my main go to ratchet set, this set has been to hell and back. The set has never skipped a beat. I also have newer SAE sets in both flex head and non flex head that have worked great. I would highly recommend this set to anyone who is looking for a good ratcheting wrench set that wont break the bank.
strnjss
Well-known member
Yes, i'm talking about the ratchets. They're heavier than they look, and I really like the feel of them. I've never even considered the weight of the sockets themselves. They don't feel unusually light to me or anything. They feel about right for a hollow pass thru socket I guess.
The whole set has a pretty high quality feel to it; but by high quality, I don't mean high abuse rating or anything. If used as intended, I think this set would last a lifetime, and are very comfortable to use.
King Bojack
Well-known member
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- Jun 6, 2010
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- 241
I've got flex head GWrenches and they've held up to good use. I also have a 3/8 and 1/4 Silver Eagle ratchet which are essentially GW copies. They've held up to some excellent use.
I say screw the haters and buy them. It's not like you're gonna be risking an arm and leg here.
I say screw the haters and buy them. It's not like you're gonna be risking an arm and leg here.
Since when has giving your opinion on a tool classified as a "Hater"? Please dont discriminate against me/other members because we dont like GearWrench, God knows we've had plenty of people banned here for doing the exact same thing. Ive re-read this entire thread and dont see any bashing that would warrant your comment. Its amazing how a simple question can turn into a COO war, Its also funny how things have turned here at GJ... Now the Boot is on the other foot and if you aint down with Import tools/Gearwrench tools your wasting your money, Not looking out for your future etc.. I can reference threads if you wish. What a Joke..
Mr.Nutcase
Well-known member
I like Gearwrench sockets and ratchets....
They are good..... I would buy more..
The taiwan made ones are better looking, than the Chinese made ones.
But they are get deal, I like sockets better than Craftsman.
The Napa tools are also the same Gearwrench, but with Napa as the brand..... they are good too.... (they are in the napa sales paper)
They are good..... I would buy more..
The taiwan made ones are better looking, than the Chinese made ones.
But they are get deal, I like sockets better than Craftsman.
The Napa tools are also the same Gearwrench, but with Napa as the brand..... they are good too.... (they are in the napa sales paper)
Great minds think a like.
However, Elroy has one little advantage here. To begin with, Elroy never made the Gearwrench mistake. Why should he when there are so much better tools available.
If you're hell bent on Import. Go Japanese. Look at Koken. They're nice
Gearwrench are just plain. They're not nice.
Cumminst100
Well-known member
I've tried them not overly impressed they are definately shiny. I only bought a 10mm 15mm and 7/16 to try them and see what the hoopla was about. I probably won't buy any more I'll just buy some craftsman before they go to china. Just my .02
GeorgiaHybrid
Well-known member
I don't own any Gearwrench products.... I was stupid enough to go straight to the top and buy Matco's ratcheting long wrenches. If you are going to buy Chinese ****, I figured I would buy expensive Chinese ****....
I find myself reaching for the non-ratcheting SO and SK wrenches most of the time and but every now and then I use the Taiwan made ratcheting Blue Points. I have used the Matco's twice.
I find myself reaching for the non-ratcheting SO and SK wrenches most of the time and but every now and then I use the Taiwan made ratcheting Blue Points. I have used the Matco's twice.
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Elroy is not out to impress either. He's more interested in the COO and supporting the manufacturing base in this country.
I've used their regular ratcheting wrenches for years, never a problem and i'd recommend them to anyone in a heartbeat, pro and weekend warrior alike. I abuse as well them and have yet to break a ratcheting mechanism.
Currently testing the X-beam ratcheting, i do not agree with cheap feeling. They function great and are very comfortable so much so that i've been eyeballing the Craftsman Crossforce [X-Beams have 0 offset which hurts it more often than helping it]. I'll be sure to report if i have any odd failures but i have a feeling they'll end up just like their regular ratcheting wrench cousins.
Even our local Snap-On sellers have stated they stock and move far more GW ratcheting wrenches than Snap-On.
wafrederick
Well-known member
Use the ratcheting wrenches and have been good so far.Have broken a few,started skipping and did get them replaced with no questions asked.Even Matco tool dealers sell Gearwrench since the same company,Danaher tools owns Gearwrench and Matco tools.My Matco dealer has the ratcheting wrenches and one combination wrench set in his tool truck
Thats why there called Opinions, You have yours and i have mine. I gave the OP "My" honest opinion based on my Comparisions. Tell the OP not me, Ive Made my decision, he is the one on the Fence. I guess my Disclaimer wasnt bullet Proof..
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have a lot of their line. I like it and most of the products have served me well. Most of my Gearwench tools are from the taiwan vintage before production was shifted to the PRC.
I think their 60 tooth ratchet is one of the best made. It's strong, has a thin head, and crisp ratcheting action. I don't care for their pliers. the grips feel slimey and the jaws are nothing to write home about. Their screwdrivers are comfortable but, the blades are a little on the light side. The brand markings on the handles evaporate at the first contact with brake clean. Their sockets are well finished inside and out and have large size markings. They also offer a wide range of sizes. I've been very happy with the performance of their ratcheting wrenches. The XL gearbox are the greatest thing since sliced bread for access. Sometimes they're too long though. I must point out that the sets at Sears that go for less than half price are lesser grade Gearwrench products. It's like the sets are tailor made for the cheap sale prices. For example, the reversibles that go on sale around the holidays have the worthless capstop feature. The sets aren't really complete and skip some common sizes. I thik you can get better Gearwrench sets from online vendors such as tooltopia or thetoolwarehouse.net Although imported, Gearwrench offers decent mid priced tools that will serve you well.
I think their 60 tooth ratchet is one of the best made. It's strong, has a thin head, and crisp ratcheting action. I don't care for their pliers. the grips feel slimey and the jaws are nothing to write home about. Their screwdrivers are comfortable but, the blades are a little on the light side. The brand markings on the handles evaporate at the first contact with brake clean. Their sockets are well finished inside and out and have large size markings. They also offer a wide range of sizes. I've been very happy with the performance of their ratcheting wrenches. The XL gearbox are the greatest thing since sliced bread for access. Sometimes they're too long though. I must point out that the sets at Sears that go for less than half price are lesser grade Gearwrench products. It's like the sets are tailor made for the cheap sale prices. For example, the reversibles that go on sale around the holidays have the worthless capstop feature. The sets aren't really complete and skip some common sizes. I thik you can get better Gearwrench sets from online vendors such as tooltopia or thetoolwarehouse.net Although imported, Gearwrench offers decent mid priced tools that will serve you well.
Jeff
Well-known member
I have sets of the GW ratcheting combo wrenches in SAE and Metric. I like them, no issues whatsoever. I recently put together a set of GW stubbies in SAE and Metric. I like them too.
For the price you can't beat them. I do a moderate amount of home wrenching on clunkers and yard equipment so they're fine for what I need. I don't how well they'd last in a Pro type environment.
For the price you can't beat them. I do a moderate amount of home wrenching on clunkers and yard equipment so they're fine for what I need. I don't how well they'd last in a Pro type environment.
dankicksass
Well-known member
I have a few Gearwrench products, just recently got most of them though, no long-term attachment. They're cheap to buy when they're on sale and I wouldn't buy them otherwise. I like the roto-ratchets but only after I played with the adjustments on them so they feel how I wanted them to. The ratcheting wrenches (straight, non-reversing) are nicer than the old stamped double-boxes I have but they need more clearance and probably won't take near as much abuse. The vortex socket set has ratchets in it with good action but I haven't used that much and the ratcheting screwdriver set... well that feels nice but I don't know how long I'll hold on to it anyway. The chrome is ok and the tools seem to be as well made as anything else Sears carries. I've picked up some individual adapters and extensions at Advance and those are fine too. If I have to have a tool right now and I'm at home it's probably Gearwrench due to geography and no open stock at Napa, Lowes or HD.
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I have the GW X-Beam Flex-Heads (both SAE and Metric) and they are awesome. I also own the stubby's in SAE and Metric. No problems so far. Got it on sale so I can't complain. I also recently picked up a set of GW flex-head ratchets. For the price, you can't beat it. I've been using them more and more due to the fact that they are great in tight places...
Thats why there called Opinions, You have yours and i have mine. I gave the OP "My" honest opinion based on my Comparisions. Tell the OP not me, Ive Made my decision, he is the one on the Fence. I guess my Disclaimer wasnt bullet Proof..
you certainly whine when someone pokes you in the side dont you? My point to you was to actually use the tools [more than on an occasion] then voice an opinion. The rest of the community who reads this, yep that response wasnt meant just for you, can take my experience with the tools contradicting your out of package fondling or not.