Gearwrench non-ratcheting wrench defects

[TransAmFSAS]

Recently picked up a gearwrench long pattern non-ratcheting set for auto work. Got a decent deal on them, payed $90 NEW for the 81900 set, which is 24 wrenches 8mm-22m, and 1/2"-1". But was slightly DISAPPOINTED when I opened the package.

I'm pretty picky about my tools, but the quality control was just bad. The offsets just didn't seem right, the 16mm being the WORST OF ALL. There was also a dent in one of my wrenches that was polished over. This may be the very last time I buy tools that say MADE IN CHINA.

Anyone else have issues with gearwrench quality? The reason I got this set is because I have heard such good things about the quality.

Attached are pics of the 16mm, next to the 15mm and 17mm.

 

[Trucky]

I like their ratcheting stuff... because it's about the only decent stuff out there. Never even knew they made those "regular" kind of wrenches... and now I see those aren't even regular.. in shape. I'd tell you to drop that set or return it, and get something decent, made in *insert anything but china*, and pay a little more, but I bet you're already thinking that. That's rediculous. Yay for non-existant quality control?

 

[TransAmFSAS]

Absolutely. That was the first thought that came to my mind when I lined up the wrenches and picked out every imperfection down the line. The ebayer I purchased from is sending me another 16mm to replace this sorry excuse for quality control. I suppose you truly do get what you pay for.

 

[nathan_454]

It's not just them. I got a set of snap on sae wrenches and the 7/16 had not had the open end punched out all the way. It measured about 3/8 and was rough inside. But had been chrome over. I warranted it but kinda wish is I had kept it now. Kinda neat in an odd way

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Every tool companies have defected items. I had many defected Snap-On tools that I exchanged.

 

[TransAmFSAS]

I understand, yet all the offsets have problems. I lined up all the wrenches flat and looks at them straight on and it's like a small wave with the offsets.

Oh ya another thing i forgot to mention, my 14mm is curved lol.

I really need to know, did anyone else have this bad of an experience with gearwrench? Or do I have the worst luck?

 

[Fedwrench]

No, It's just you.

Seriously, it's hard to gauge Gearwrench quality these days. When Gearwrench first expanded in regular mechanics tools, all of their line was made in Taiwan and the quality was very good especially for the half off price sales Sears had at the time. However, since production of most of the Gearwrench line moved to the PRC a couple of years ago and the merging of the Gearwrench Brand under the Apex tool group, quality has slipped. Fit, finish, stamping, and chrome quality have taken a serious hit. It is to the point now that unless, I can see, hold, and touch the Gearwrench item, I won't buy it. In the last Gearwrench 8-22 fixed combination wrench set I purchased, one side of the 22mm wrench's open end was curved down slightly and wouldn't fit a 22mm fastener. Gearwrench used to be a great product but, I'm not so sure now.

 

[SquareBear]

My experience with GearWrench is all bad. I purchased a 68 piece GearWrench Socket Set from Advance Auto. I opened the case and both 1/4" & 3/8" drive ratchets had large nickel chrome plating holes on the face. (CHINA) Returned the socket set back the next day. Also, I like to test play the ratcheting wrenches in the stores to see how fine tooth they are and 1 out 4 ratcheting wrenches freeze for some reason.

Only thing good about GearWrench is the GearRatchet Pass-Thru system. That's about it.

 

[Sterff]

I also tend to do a once over all the Gearwrench products I buy. All of the Gearwrench stuff I have now is 90% Taiwan made. You can tell a difference between the two in quality.

 

[TransAmFSAS]

I also tend to do a once over all the Gearwrench products I buy. All of the Gearwrench stuff I have now is 90% Taiwan made. You can tell a difference between the two in quality.

How have you found all taiwan made gearwrench tools?

 

[JML2]

Only thing good about GearWrench is the GearRatchet Pass-Thru system. That's about it.

I tried to get the XL Flex ratchet, to go with my original Pass-Thru set with the smaller non-flex ratchet, and gave up after getting two that were really badly made. Under the chrome, the metal was scraped and gouged as if no one had bothered to smooth it out before chroming. Worst finish that I've ever seen on a ratchet, regardless of COO or maker. [sigh] Nothing close to the original set's quality.

 

[Sterff]

How have you found all taiwan made gearwrench tools?

I purchased most of them a few years ago and the rest from a local hardware store nos.

 

[kartracer55]

That's a shame. Whether we like it or not, Taiwan puts out some really good stuff. Looks like China still pumps out a lot of junk. I was eyeing up those gear wrench ratchets everybody loves so much, but now im not so sure!

The good news, is that you can probably pick up Toptul for around the same price. If you can wait a little longer you can pony up a little extra and maybe pick up some of the New SK stuff out there

 

[TransAmFSAS]

Well I really need these wrenches for work, and don't feel like loosing money paying for shipping twice just to return these. So I will tough it out and give these china mades a chance at work.

I'll report back to you guys on how they do in the shop!

 

[TransAmFSAS]

Hello, first time back on the forum in 3 years. Just wanted to say these wrenches have really held up in 3 years of professional auto work. Would recommend them to any technician.

 

[bcradio]

Wow. Thank you for letting us know how they have been. I always appreciate when members come back and update their threads.

Keep coming back

 

[carterbeauford]

I have two complete sets of the Taiwain made long wrenches and they're flawless.

not sure where the new 84T ratchets are made but I noticed a small dent in on the back of the ratchet body under the chrome.

 

[stage20]

i believe their ratchets are still taiwan? even craftsmans china line of stuff still has taiwan ratchets so somebody must at least know that china cant make a half decent ratchet.

there are several threads on defective wrenches from gearwrench. they are seconds, have to be. all of these have been purchased on ebay, or amazon, or online tool dealer. has anyone had issues with bent wrenches from a retailer? id say it was slim compared to other sources. thats how you get the good price.

 

[TransAmFSAS]

Of course! I forgot how much I liked this forum. The feedback and support is great.

Yes I got my set from an ebay seller, who gave me a free replacement no questions asked 3 years ago. On top of that a product manager from gearwrench sent me a PM on this forum offering to replace them as well. I didn't see this PM until yesterday, my first time back on the forum in 3 years...lol.

Point is I would definitely buy gearwrench again regardless of occasional defect, because they stood behind their product for me and I like that. And compared to other wrenches I have used I still prefer my gearwrench set.

 

[fearthebeard]

Have had excellent experiences with gearwrench. I'm a dieselGheavy equipment tech mostly so these wrenches get absolutely abused. One time I was uing a 9/16 ratcheting stubby to remove ancint, rusted, lock tighted bellhousing bolts on a backhoe cuz it was all I could get access with. Another time the same thing with a 14 mm ratcheting stubby on bellhousing bolts on a dumptruck. In my experience gw are good quality tools as far as wrenches (ratcheting or otherwise) go.

 

[Bruce57]

We bought a set for our service truck. Finish quality looked really good on the whole set. However, I used a 1-1/8 the other day and was disappointed on how loosely the box end fit the nut.