Gearwrench 120XP Flex Ratchet Set Review

[Farmall450]

I reviewed the Gearwrench set #81230P which was featured in the hot deals section a while back.

http://www.toolaudits.com/gearwrench-120xp-4-piece-full-polish-flex-ratchet-set---81230p.html

IMHO I think it's pretty great, especially at the pricepoint. While they're aren't dual 80's, for $100/4 ratchets, it sure beats the dual 80 price.

Thanks for looking!

 

[Farmall450]

Also, I'd appreciate any suggestions on improving the review/site.

Thanks.

 

[Veto]

It looks more like an overview than a review. All of the information is either specifications or product/sales description.

You should try going more in-depth such as
- Weight,
- Finish
- Size (Head thickness, handle 'fatness')
- Balance (well balanced, handle heavy, etc.)
- Comparisons to similar/common products (CM RP, Dual 80, 'earlier versions' such as the 60T/84T GW ratchets).
- Quality & value

Use them for some time and then do the review, small details such as the direction switch or something like that could seem okay at first but annoying when used regularly.
It could also be the fact that it is an indent locking flex head. Personally I find those to be annoying. They're not as good as locking flex heads, and they dont offer the freedom of a regular flex head.

I like the fact that you brought up the backdrag, it is something that a lot of people forget when thinking ratchets.


Enough suggestions/criticism! I absolutely LOVE the idea of a website with tool reviews! I always look for reviews before buying tools and more often than not I find myself without any luck

Keep it up! Cant wait for more reviews



Edit: I like that you have a link to the manufacturers website and where to buy.

 

[cheechi]

a few typos, and even though it has a very basic layout I like the look. You would hear a different story from web developers how it has a more flat design compared to more modern built sites.

You should spend some time deciding and writing down your criteria for rating, and put it on the site for people to look at. Maybe a statement about how you use tools, what kind of environment they're in. That can really make or break the credibility of a review site.

 

[Tellingthem]

I also would like a bit more detail in the review. Unless you are aiming these for a professional audience many DIY'ers or people starting out might not know what backdrag is and why that is something to consider. Or what exactly "deliver 180% of ASME torque performance." means.

Also a rating of 9.5 out of 10 mean that these are almost perfect ratchets? That they are in the very top tier of all ratchets available from Craftsman to Snap-On? Or is that in their specific price range they are a top ratchet?

I like the clean design and nice bullet points. And I'm sure as you do more of them you'll get a feel for your specific style and make refinements. But overall it's a good start.

 

[Premium08]

I'll ask, whats back drag.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[JDon99]

It looks more like a sales advertisement than a review. Also, the price that you bought them for is not quite the average price.

 

[jim1987]

I'll ask, whats back drag.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

How tight a fastener has to be before the ratchet works . High means its has to be started fairly well, low is it'll keep.ratcheting at finger strength and not have to hold the socket to make it ratchet.

 

[allinon72]

What has kept me from this set is the non-locking flex (which annoy the heck out of me) and of course COO.

 

[Premium08]

How tight a fastener has to be before the ratchet works . High means its has to be started fairly well, low is it'll keep.ratcheting at finger strength and not have to hold the socket to make it ratchet.

Thanks, learn something new everyday!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[cheechi]

It's kind of not a good word for it either. My shop teacher always called it engagement.

 

[Farmall450]

It looks more like an overview than a review. All of the information is either specifications or product/sales description.

You should try going more in-depth such as
- Weight,
- Finish
- Size (Head thickness, handle 'fatness')
- Balance (well balanced, handle heavy, etc.)
- Comparisons to similar/common products (CM RP, Dual 80, 'earlier versions' such as the 60T/84T GW ratchets).
- Quality & value

Use them for some time and then do the review, small details such as the direction switch or something like that could seem okay at first but annoying when used regularly.
It could also be the fact that it is an indent locking flex head. Personally I find those to be annoying. They're not as good as locking flex heads, and they dont offer the freedom of a regular flex head.

I like the fact that you brought up the backdrag, it is something that a lot of people forget when thinking ratchets.


Enough suggestions/criticism! I absolutely LOVE the idea of a website with tool reviews! I always look for reviews before buying tools and more often than not I find myself without any luck

Keep it up! Cant wait for more reviews



Edit: I like that you have a link to the manufacturers website and where to buy.

I will take this all into consideration!
Thanks

a few typos, and even though it has a very basic layout I like the look. You would hear a different story from web developers how it has a more flat design compared to more modern built sites.

You should spend some time deciding and writing down your criteria for rating, and put it on the site for people to look at. Maybe a statement about how you use tools, what kind of environment they're in. That can really make or break the credibility of a review site.

Where at?
The editor can be pretty odd at times, and I miss things otherwise I would not.

Will do! Thanks

I also would like a bit more detail in the review. Unless you are aiming these for a professional audience many DIY'ers or people starting out might not know what backdrag is and why that is something to consider. Or what exactly "deliver 180% of ASME torque performance." means.

Also a rating of 9.5 out of 10 mean that these are almost perfect ratchets? That they are in the very top tier of all ratchets available from Craftsman to Snap-On? Or is that in their specific price range they are a top ratchet?

I like the clean design and nice bullet points. And I'm sure as you do more of them you'll get a feel for your specific style and make refinements. But overall it's a good start.

It got a high rating due to value; I feel they surpass cman in all fields and are bested by Snap-on.

Thanks!

I'll ask, whats back drag.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

How tight a fastener has to be before the ratchet works . High means its has to be started fairly well, low is it'll keep.ratcheting at finger strength and not have to hold the socket to make it ratchet.

Better worded than how I could have said it, thanks!

It's kind of not a good word for it either. My shop teacher always called it engagement.

I just use garage journal lingo

 

[Farmall450]

updated.

 

[woodstockva]

PM Sent...

 

[3 at 8]

I am waiting on this same set from Amazon for $99. Do you feel they could benefit from an alternative lubing or are you happy just using them as is?

 

[Farmall450]

I am waiting on this same set from Amazon for $99. Do you feel they could benefit from an alternative lubing or are you happy just using them as is?

I opened them up and they are adequately lubed as is, quite a copious amount from the factory. Therefore I don't think more would necessarily help.

 

[thesilverone]

how many ft-lbs did the ratchet take until it slipped/broke?

 

[Farmall450]

how many ft-lbs did the ratchet take until it slipped/broke?

Neither have broke yet!