panknuckshovel
Well-known member
you guys did see that you could possibly win a set of these by joining the alliance right?
New Gearwrench Flex Spline Wrenches
- Thread starter Fedwrench
- Start date
retDAC
Well-known member
My set of these spline XL double-box end wrenches just arrived: FYI, they are 10mm - 19mm (10 piece set). So they are "missing" the 8mm and 9mm, not the intermediate sizes folks suspected.
They look longer than the regular 12-point double-box end XL wrenches. These things are MASSIVE (in a good way). Having the flex end on these will really come in handy as far as making them more usable with the long length.
The 120XP mechanism feels pretty good on most of the wrenches, but some of the smaller wrenches (such as the 10mm on my set) act more like a 60-tooth than a 120-tooth mechanism because the pair of pawls seem to engage around roughly the same time (i.e., the pawl clicks between the two pawls isn't evenly spaced).
My 120XP spline wrench set (which arrived last week) has a few small wrenches this way as well, while some of the small ones also feel normal.
They look longer than the regular 12-point double-box end XL wrenches. These things are MASSIVE (in a good way). Having the flex end on these will really come in handy as far as making them more usable with the long length.
The 120XP mechanism feels pretty good on most of the wrenches, but some of the smaller wrenches (such as the 10mm on my set) act more like a 60-tooth than a 120-tooth mechanism because the pair of pawls seem to engage around roughly the same time (i.e., the pawl clicks between the two pawls isn't evenly spaced).
My 120XP spline wrench set (which arrived last week) has a few small wrenches this way as well, while some of the small ones also feel normal.
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
"Use your tools right and they last for life"
Oh gearwrench! hahahaha
To answer your question because of the color inserts on the tools I'd say they're from one of the taiwanese mfgs. Don't think other mfgs do this yet. Whether or not they're branded armstrong (who doesn't offer import stuff to my knowledge) I don't know. For that price though those better be some damn awesome taiwanese wrenches.
Unless they're us-made. Anyone know of us mfgs using color insert sizes on wrenches?
Oh gearwrench! hahahaha
To answer your question because of the color inserts on the tools I'd say they're from one of the taiwanese mfgs. Don't think other mfgs do this yet. Whether or not they're branded armstrong (who doesn't offer import stuff to my knowledge) I don't know. For that price though those better be some damn awesome taiwanese wrenches.
Unless they're us-made. Anyone know of us mfgs using color insert sizes on wrenches?
Sure would be nice to see those wrenches at work! What are the applications in your use of them?
Ask and ye shall receive. I just wrench on my own car at home for fun, so I'll use them for cranking on engine or suspension bolts.
Set of 10:
Deep fixed box end:
120XP ratchet flex end:
Length comparison between the regular Gearwrench 12-point flex wrench, the new XL Spline wrench, and the GearBox XL:
Here it looks like the ratchet surround is quite a bit smaller, but the black teeth section is also a bit thicker on the Spline series, so overall the new Splines are a little smaller, but not by a huge amount.
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Jarhead0408
Well-known member
Dang those look nice!
Nooooooo. You shouldn't break things loose or apply finishing torque with ratcheting ends. Having a regular box on each one is absolutely perfect. These are exactly how all ratcheting wrenches should be made. Wonderful design, imo.
Matcos are too expensive for me, but if these are Taiwan rather than China, I'm going to have to give them some serious thought. Anyone got the COO for sure yet?
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
This is like the third time I am explaining myself.....I already have the long fixed end ones to break stuff free. I totally agree with breaking stuff free, I just do not want to buy another fixed end set.
The EZ reds/Mountains are looking better especially since the GW skips 8/9....though I have had great luck with GW warranty....decisions, decisions
@Mech33...are the machine screws on the ratcheting ends able to be tightened like the head of a Dual 80 flex head. I've been looking at these style wrenches for quite a while, I wonder when they'll make there way to tool trucks...I'm gonna want to take a close look and feel. I don't know about other members but on all of my Dual 80 ratchets I set the torque on the flex head screw to my liking.
Unless GW changed the design the flex joints are held in place by a solid pin. There is nothing to tighten.
Mech can I bother you to measure the ratcheting box end thickness (as in depth, not width across) of the 10, 15, and 17? Im curious if the stacked pawls made them fatter.
The flex head tension can be adjusted with a screw (just like the 12-point flex wrenches). Picture attached showing a 17 mm, 15 mm, and 11 mm 120XP wrenches (sorry, my 10 mm is on loan) side-by-side with the 12-point flex heads. The 120XPs are actually *slightly* thinner! Measurements:
17 mm 12-point flex: 11.09 mm
17 mm 120XP spline flex: 10.74 mm
15 mm 12-point flex: 10.30 mm
15 mm 120XP spline flex: 9.96 mm
11 mm 12-point flex: 8.31 mm
11 mm 120XP spline flex: 7.74 mm
17 mm 12-point flex: 11.09 mm
17 mm 120XP spline flex: 10.74 mm
15 mm 12-point flex: 10.30 mm
15 mm 120XP spline flex: 9.96 mm
11 mm 12-point flex: 8.31 mm
11 mm 120XP spline flex: 7.74 mm
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Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
GW flex anythings have had hex/torx screws for years now.
One thing the 120XP wrenches are missing are the serrated markings on one side of the handle to help quickly indicate direction. I kind of miss this those, but there are some new markings on the handle flat sides that I think can perform a similar function once I get used to them.
I only had a single set of flex combo's at one time, I don't remember them having a screw but maybe they did.
kythri
Well-known member
Anyone got pictures of these up against the 12-pt Gearbox XL wrenches to show a length comparison?
I'm still don't really care for the idea of spline, but I really want these long flexies...
I'm still don't really care for the idea of spline, but I really want these long flexies...
I can tell you that the 13mm gearbox I have at home measures 11 3/8", maybe you can get the measurements of the new flex version from the earlier member who posted pics.
My 13mm Gearbox spline XL measures 15" flat, so it's quite a bit longer.
15" 13mm? dang. how long is the 15 and 19? i didnt realize they were that long. this set may be in my future.
kythri
Well-known member
Thanks to all for the measurements.
I might be jumping on Spline after all...
I might be jumping on Spline after all...
that is long!(thats what she said)
Here's a comparison of the Gearwrench Gearbox, Gearwrench XP120 flex head, and the matco flex head spline all in 14 mm.
The Gearbox (non flex head 12 point) comes in at just under 12 1/8 inches overall.
The 120 xp flex head spline measures 15 7/8 inches overall.
The matco comes in at 15 9/16 overall.
I don't see $200 difference in the quality between Matco and Gearwrench flex head spline versions. However, ask me again in a couple of years.
One thing I do know, is that these wrenches are frickin long and that Gearwrench should make a set in standard or just long length.
The 120 xp action is smooth with without added bulk. I'll see how they do in the long haul.
Matco is on the left Gearwrench on the right.
The Gearbox (non flex head 12 point) comes in at just under 12 1/8 inches overall.
The 120 xp flex head spline measures 15 7/8 inches overall.
The matco comes in at 15 9/16 overall.
I don't see $200 difference in the quality between Matco and Gearwrench flex head spline versions. However, ask me again in a couple of years.
One thing I do know, is that these wrenches are frickin long and that Gearwrench should make a set in standard or just long length.
The 120 xp action is smooth with without added bulk. I'll see how they do in the long haul.
Matco is on the left Gearwrench on the right.
Attachments
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
****, they are longer than the non flex gearbox and I got some money to burn......any updates, they sure look nice!
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
Gave in and ordered them.....cannot wait to try these beasts!
shockwave
Well-known member
Those look really nice I just wish they would add 21,22 24 and 27mm to the sizes
shockwave
Well-known member
Never used a 29mm except maybe an axle nut
Use 27mm older Nissan crank bolts suspension for older 4Runner as well as most oil pressure senders 1 1/16 and 27mm are very close in size
24 and 27 are DIN German and JIS Japan sizes. Also ISO.
29 is not a standardized size.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I don't see $200 difference in the quality between Matco and Gearwrench flex head spline versions. However, ask me again in a couple of years.
I'll see how they do in the long haul.
.
I know its only been a matter of months, but I'm curious as to what your opinion is on the Gearwrench these days??
I know this is a bit off topic, but I have a 1/4" Gearwrench 120xp ratchet and I feel like I'm going to break it if I use it on anything other than a loosened nut or bolt. I just picture myself as a kid when one of my motorized cars broke apart and all the teeny tiny plastic gears came falling out and they were all stripped out and bent up. That's what I think will happen to the ratchet if I put too much force on it. And that's not much considering its only 1/4".
My 2 cents not owning these wrenches as I already have the Matco, if you're going to abuse them get the Matco ones. If you're a home user or just a guy in a shop on a tight budget get the GW ones without question. My reasoning is this, 120XP is all about swing arc. Strength wise its weaker because they took a 60 tooth pawl and then cut it in half so the load distribution is smaller. Remember, only 1 pawl is engaged at any given time. A lot of guys in shops really beat on these super long wrenches which inevitably stresses and takes a toll on the mechanism and I've seen the Matco ones broken often enough that I'd want both the beefier single pawl and maybe an easier warranty. That's just my opinion which should actually prove factual assuming all other things (primarily tool steel quality) being roughly equal. You just cant escape the fact that the GW ones are distributing the same load over a smaller surface area.
Price wise the Matco set can be had on ebay for around $250-$300 ($200 direct for students), the GW set looks to be settling around $200.
Price wise the Matco set can be had on ebay for around $250-$300 ($200 direct for students), the GW set looks to be settling around $200.
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I like them. They're my go to super long wrench. No issues to report. I like the thicker beams of the Gearwrench over the thinner Matco versions.
As for your Gearwrench 1/4 drive flexhead ratchet, I've beat the hell out of my 60 tooth version for more than a few years now without any issues. I routinely use it when I should be using 3/8 drive.
FMC1959
Well-known member
To the OP or anyone else who has these and has also tried the EZ-Red, how do they compare? I know the EZ-Red NR5M costs less as they give you 10 (flex) sizes on 5 wrenches, where as the GR are 10 wrenches with one end flex. But how about feel, quality and other impressions?
Dirty Diesels
Well-known member
So far I've been using 27mm on Ford timing chain tensioners and also Jeep oil filter pipes and also the plastic oil filter canister on Peugeots, but not had to use 29mm yet.
Jarhead0408
Well-known member
Fixed kills it for me. I like the idea of a flex on one end.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Gearwrench introduced these at last years SEMA show. Seemed very nice. Their Website is at least two years behind. I don't know why it's so out of date but it is.
dede2897234
Well-known member
In relation to stage20's post, I attached two screenshots that includes specifics about the new Carlyle ratcheting wrenches that I received via e-mail from NAPA.
Dave
