Gearwrench/Crescent Roto Wrench Set

[gdocktor3]

I just bought the Crescent roto ratchet set CRW17 for $25 from Cripe Distributing. They appear to be the exact same as the Gearwrench and have all the same specs. Just wanted to let it be known they are the same and cheaper with the Crescent badge. Now, I have never used a roto ratchet before, but how do these compare to Snappy's and the other big guns? Thanks

 

[stonesfan68]

Yes, they are identical to Gearwrench and the Kobalt version supplied by Apex. They are pretty good ratchets IMHO. I grab the 1/4-inch drive first, and I like the fact that it can be used as a nut driver. I haven't used the Snap-On version so I cannot compare the two tools.


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[lightning02]

How are they diff from the HF roto ratchets?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

How are they diff from the HF roto ratchets?

HF is not made by apex.

 

[ChrisPace]

I have both HF and Gearwrench. The HF feels a little worse. One of my friends has the Snap On. I love it. It the leader but costs more.


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[gdocktor3]

I like that they can be used as nut drivers and at different angles. Nothing will ever compare to snap on, but for the price I couldn't resist. Kinda stupid on apex to sell same tool with different name for 1/2 the price. Either way I can't wait to get em.

Anyone use the Carlyle roto ratchet? It's the same as Mac and Cornwell, so I'm assuming it's good quality. Also anyone use Carlyle quick release ratchets? Round head or teardrop. I've been looking to replace my old craftsman qr ratchets with something newer, but SO seems to be the only top tier company making them. And they're too rich for my blood. So I'm considering Carlyle. Any other good companies make good qr ratchet? I know Armstrong (apex), bluepoint & fake Williams, HF, and other Chinese companies make them, but I don't want ****.

 

[lightning02]

I have the HF ones and they haven't missed a beat. I don't use them offer tho.

I like the handle on these better then the oval shaped ones on the HF.

 

[unslow1]

The Gearwrench does not have a quick release button. The HF does.

 

[gdocktor3]

I might go pick up the HF one just to get a comparison of the two.

 

[lightning02]

I might go pick up the HF one just to get a comparison of the two.

If you do let us know the outcome

 

[unslow1]

I might go pick up the HF one just to get a comparison of the two.

I have both and like the HF ones better. Mostly because of the quick release.

 

[AutoTeck84]

I like that they can be used as nut drivers and at different angles. Nothing will ever compare to snap on, but for the price I couldn't resist. Kinda stupid on apex to sell same tool with different name for 1/2 the price. Either way I can't wait to get em

Not really stupid at all. This way they can cater to people who care about the name and also those who like to have the functionality with a lesser brand name.

 

[gdocktor3]

I like that they can be used as nut drivers and at different angles. Nothing will ever compare to snap on, but for the price I couldn't resist. Kinda stupid on apex to sell same tool with different name for 1/2 the price. Either way I can't wait to get em

Not really stupid at all. This way they can cater to people who care about the name and also those who like to have the functionality with a lesser brand name.

But it's the exact same. But I understand what you're saying. Like Ford Ranger and Mazda B3000.

 

[jobo1004]

In my experience a lot of times the GearWrench variant of a tool is made in Taiwan and the Crescent version is made in China. Is that the case with these ratchets?

 

[gdocktor3]

I've heard many different claims on Gearwrench and Apex counterparts. Taiwan made Gearwrench better than Chinese, etc. My older Gearwrench stuff is made in Taiwan, but all the newer stuff is made in China. Which isn't much. A few ratchet wrench sets and a 1/4" socket set. I emailed Apex once, but even they couldn't tell me what was made and where. Then I asked them why people claim Taiwan stuff is stronger and better made, but they said that is untrue.

I will have to see what the package says on the Crescent when I receive it.

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Kinda stupid on apex to sell same tool with different name for 1/2 the price.

I believe Cripes' inventory is all merchandise that was closed out from retail stores or distributors. If you compare prices of their items they are all considerably lower than other places that sell the same item. This would explain the price of this ratchet set compared to the Gearwrench.

 

[gdocktor3]

Yes Cripe's is mostly all closed out inventory, but the price was the similar almost everywhere I looked before buying. The price on Apex's website is $78 while Gearwrench is $110. I'm actually going to email them out of curiosity as to what the difference is, if any, betweeen the two.

And when I said kinda stupid on Apex selling it cheaper with different name I meant it in the sense that they are inflating the price jut because of the Gearwrench name.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have a Crescent socket set at work I just checked and it is made in Taiwan.

 

[pauls_workshop]

But it's the exact same. But I understand what you're saying. Like Ford Ranger and Mazda B3000.

Oh my! You have just revealed your age to the whole forum!! That's simile you just don't hear everyday! - Paul

 

[gdocktor3]

I wasn't hiding my age. Perhaps you like Chevelle and Malibu better?

 

[stage20]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crescent-CR...Ratchet-Set-/400942998052?hash=item5d5a10a224

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crescent-CR...Ratchet-Set-/400942998052?hash=item5d5a10a224

Interesting. Typically the eBay prices match their website, but this is even cheaper. These are a steal at $25 shipped!

 

[gdocktor3]

Thats what I said when I saw it. And here I was looking for a few weeks at the Gearwrench set for almost $50. Glad I didn't pull the trigger right away. Actually, 9 times out of 10 I will find a better deal on Ebay than anywhere else.

 

[gdocktor3]

Ordered on 11-27 and shipped on 11-30 and still haven't received them. Estimated delivery 12-4. Its 12-5. Wouldn't be a big deal, except I paid $6 for shipping. I've received bigger packages with cheaper or free shipping. -1 for Cripe Distributing.

I did, however, buy a 1/4" roto ratchet from HF. It was $12 or so, which is roughly half the price I paid for the 2 from Cripe. Yes, it does have a quick release, but in my opinion it's junk. The ratcheting mechanism is choppy and rough, just like all the other HF ratchets. Worst of all, its not serviceable. I have bought other cheap ratchets with rough, choppy mechanisms, took them apart, lubed/greased them up and had a totally different tool. I have used everything from 3-1 oil, gear oil, grease, and even vaseline depending if its sealed or not. The grease and vaseline really tightens everything up and smooths it out. Quiets it down also. I will update if and when I receive my ratchets from Cripe.

 

[stage20]

Ordered on 11-27 and shipped on 11-30 and still haven't received them. Estimated delivery 12-4. Its 12-5. Wouldn't be a big deal, except I paid $6 for shipping. I've received bigger packages with cheaper or free shipping. -1 for Cripe Distributing.

I did, however, buy a 1/4" roto ratchet from HF. It was $12 or so, which is roughly half the price I paid for the 2 from Cripe. Yes, it does have a quick release, but in my opinion it's junk. The ratcheting mechanism is choppy and rough, just like all the other HF ratchets. Worst of all, its not serviceable. I have bought other cheap ratchets with rough, choppy mechanisms, took them apart, lubed/greased them up and had a totally different tool. I have used everything from 3-1 oil, gear oil, grease, and even vaseline depending if its sealed or not. The grease and vaseline really tightens everything up and smooths it out. Quiets it down also. I will update if and when I receive my ratchets from Cripe.

Where are you located? They are in Idaho or Montana I believe. I wouldn't complain about the cost of shipping when you look at it as a whole. The year wrench sets are double the total price then you have to pay tax....

 

[glockman]

Odd that you feel like HF ratchets are rough or junk. I have several of the composite ratchets and have lubed them and used the **** out of them. They feel pretty good to me. When price is considered, they are amazing compared to my SO ratchets that each cost 4x what all my HF ratchets cost. And I abuse the HF ratchets but save my SO stuff for the less damaging tasks.

 

[lightning02]

Ordered on 11-27 and shipped on 11-30 and still haven't received them. Estimated delivery 12-4. Its 12-5. Wouldn't be a big deal, except I paid $6 for shipping. I've received bigger packages with cheaper or free shipping. -1 for Cripe Distributing.

I did, however, buy a 1/4" roto ratchet from HF. It was $12 or so, which is roughly half the price I paid for the 2 from Cripe. Yes, it does have a quick release, but in my opinion it's junk. The ratcheting mechanism is choppy and rough, just like all the other HF ratchets. Worst of all, its not serviceable. I have bought other cheap ratchets with rough, choppy mechanisms, took them apart, lubed/greased them up and had a totally different tool. I have used everything from 3-1 oil, gear oil, grease, and even vaseline depending if its sealed or not. The grease and vaseline really tightens everything up and smooths it out. Quiets it down also. I will update if and when I receive my ratchets from Cripe.

mine HF roto ratchets where fine. tight on the backdrag but other wise they havent skipped a beat. the more i use them the better they feel (the 3/8s more so then the 1/4). id like to hear how the Crescent feel to you when they get there. iv never held one so cant say.

 

[ngk22r]

Or chevy luv / isuzu p'up

 

[gdocktor3]

Odd that you feel like HF ratchets are rough or junk. I have several of the composite ratchets and have lubed them and used the **** out of them. They feel pretty good to me. When price is considered, they are amazing compared to my SO ratchets that each cost 4x what all my HF ratchets cost. And I abuse the HF ratchets but save my SO stuff for the less damaging tasks.

This roto ratchet is the first HF ratchet I've ever bought. When I tested them in store they all felt really clunky and sloppy. Overtime I've acquired various Taiwan made, Stanley, cheapo ratchets that felt the way the HF do. Literally after using them a few times they would begin to bind and skip teeth. So I just decided to stay away from them. I do have a 3/8" stubby flex head that has Taiwan markings and it works ok, but not like my Snap On's. Don't get me wrong, I will only buy used Snap On tools. I won't drop big bucks for new. Most recent I bought a year old F80 with a short extension for $50 shipped off craigslist. And it was worth every penny. The only Taiwan made ratchet I can honestly say I like is the 1/4" Gearwrench 120xp I have and even then it sometimes reminds me of a little motorized toy car I had as a child. When that toy car finally broke all the tiny plastic gears came flying out. For 1/4" though I'd say SK is the best hands down. Better than Snap On's T72 1/4" ratchet and far better than Mac's MR5 ratchet. Just awful..

 

[gdocktor3]

Nearly 2 weeks later I finally got the ratchets. Although the Crescent ones aren't the best ratchets, they are definitely better than the HF roto ratchet. I haven't actually put them to work yet, I played around with them and the Crescent 1/4" is better made than the HF 1/4" I bought to compare. The Crescent is also a tad longer. The HF has a torx head tension bolt (for lack of better term) where the Crescent uses an allen head that protrudes out the side a bit, but is bigger. Neither one is serviceable and in my opinion the Crescent handle is more comfortable as it has a little bit of a textured grip where the HF is a smooth soft plastic feel. Chrome is very nice on both. Both heads are firm and tight and will not freely swivel while being used. Bottom line is the Crescent is smoother, longer, and feels better all around. HF has quick release and that's about the only plus.

The 3/8" Crescent is extremely nice and very well made. I like it better than the 1/4". Very smooth ratcheting action. Like the others it is not serviceable and has same type textured grip. It is longer than my F80 and nearly as long as my FLF80. I am very pleased with both ratchets and for $25 I couldn't be happier. I most certainly recommend this set over the HF roto ratchets that COST MORE. 1/4" HF roto ratchet $13 and 3/8" roto ratchet $16.