Snap on vs gearwrench xp120 question.

[mach2mack]

Ok so I am a professional auto tech. I'm looking at getting a new set of long handle flex head ratchets. I don't own any snap on hand tools. When I graduated tech school I bought the big 1470 piece craftsman set and never really needed anything else that set has served me well for the last 8 years. I want a quality set of ratchets. I can get a set of 4 of the gearwrench long handle flex head xp120's for $95. I've always been a fairly cheap guy to me a $40 craftsman does about the same thing as a $200 snap on. That being said I don't mind paying if there is a REAL benefit. The dual 80 snap on has a 4.5 degree arc swing and the gearwrench a 3 degree. I believe gearwrench has a lifetime warranty as well as snap on. No snap on truck comes to our shop so I would have to call him if I ever broke a snap on. In my mind the gearwrench is a better deal but never having owned snap on I don't know for sure. Other then the name is there a real advantage to buying a set of snap on which would probably cost me what $500+ over the $100 gear wrench? Fan boy stuff aside please.

 

[classic70]

The Snap On are a real pleasure to use, I have several. That being said I do have a few 120 gearwrenches. Snap on is my preferred ratchet if price was not a concern. The Gearwrench will work just fine. If you are cheap I would go with the Gearwrench, huge step up from Craftsman and a small step down from Snap On.

 

[6MocoA]

For less than 1 SO ratchet you can get a set of GW. I have a flexhead FLHF80 (or whatever the part # is for the flex head 3/8 SO) and its a great ratchet. However, my XP120s are 95% the ratchet for 33% the cost. Im not a pro, but I wouldnt mind using GW for my living as for the cost of 1 SO I could have 1 or 2 GW backup ratchets in case my primary broke.

 

[ADSR]

Armstrong is snap on to Apex tool group.
Gearwrench is their blue point line, so to speak.

Get some locking flex 88 tooth armstrongs. the 3/8's is like 60 bucks and the 1/4 is 45 at HJE

 

[Thax]

Pro tech here as well. Honestly id skip the Snap on, yes the Dual 80 is really nice but its just not worth the extra dough. As far as the ratchets go , look at the 84 tooth count ones. I like them more than the 120xp's , less backdrag and you can get them in a locking head now as well. If you dont have a SO dealer forget the dual 80 , half of what your paying for is service. If theres no dealer there isnt any service. I have ratchets from literally every brand in my box and I find myself using my gearwrench and Matco rats the most . I would really suggest the 84 tooth GW , great bang for the buck.

 

[mach2mack]

So yeah sounds like the snap on isn't really worth it to me. The tool truck stopped coming here years ago. We only have 7 techs here between 2 shifts and we are all master techs that have been doing this awhile so we didnt buy enough to be worth it for him I guess. So you guys don't see any real advantage to 120 teeth over 84? I have a set of 84 tooth craftsman ratchets I can't say I ever felt like I needed more I just figured with long handle ratchets 120 might be good and the set is only $95.

 

[gdocktor3]

Buy the GW set for now and keep your eye out for a snappy on eBay or CL. I recently bought a minty fresh FLH80 for $50 on Craigslist. Now I'm searching for a quick release.

 

[nutsnbolts]

I love Snap On...but I hear a lot of guys say a lot of good things here about those Gearwrench 120's. From what I gather, you might be hard pressed to find a better deal than the one you're talking about.

 

[sk farmer]

i have a dual 80. a real nice one with a hard handle. can't recall the last time i used it.

what do i use most? my armstrong 60 tooth locking flex and 88 tooth aerospace models in 1/4 and 3/8 along with a 3/8 gearwrench converted to 88. i also have the 3 piece set of gw 120's that see a fair amount of use. as long as you are 60 teeth and up there is very little difference in swing. the 2 that lord diesel may be some of my all time favorites.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm not sure what your exact needs are, but an alternative to the flex heads can be roto ratchets. I bought this crescent set from cripedistributing and it is the exact same as gearwrench. http://www.cripedistributing.com/crescent-crw17-2-pc-1-4-3-8-roto-ratchet-set.html
Spend the $26 on the roto's, still get the needed angles and search around for good deal on snappy flex head or like.


I was also in Napa today looking at Carlyle ratchets. They have nice 60 tooth flex head ratchets that have sealed heads like snap on's. A member on here likes his Carlyle as much as his 80 tooth snappy. Carlyle is much cheaper and seems like a solid ratchet. The gearwrench ratchets are not sealed heads, but rather held together with c clip. In my opinion the c clipped ratchets are a bit loose and sloppy. Better chance of breaking? Not sure. I do have a GW 120 1/4" ratchet that I like better then my snappy 72 tooth. It's also thinner.

If I'm being honest, my flex head 80 tooth snappy is my go to ratchet. Long, strong and smooth.

 

[mach2mack]

I broke my craftsman 3/8 flex head a while back and lost it my 1/2 flex head is a cheap craftsman with maybe 40 teeth so I'm just looking for a good set of long flex heads. I can't say I would even use them a lot. I use my 1/2 flex head fairly often but probably wouldn't use the others too much but for that price why not get the set.

 

[LB-1911]

So you guys don't see any real advantage to 120 teeth over 84? I have a set of 84 tooth craftsman ratchets I can't say I ever felt like I needed more I just figured

- I don't recall the original contributor of this graph -

 

[6MocoA]

my 1/2 flex head is a cheap craftsman with maybe 40 teeth so I'm just looking for a good set of long flex heads. I can't say I would even use them a lot.

The Craftsman 1.2 dr, flexhead is actually 36 teeth. I bought mine for about $30 and I use it as a ***** - I use it as a breaker bar if Im too lazy to get up and get one. My Matco 88 tooth locking flexhead is a whole different story. The Craftsman is sloppy and crude while the Matco is absolutely smooth and awesome. I actually enjoy using the Matco. Comparing the craftsman to the Matco is like comparing a budget Hyundai to a fully loaded Lexus. If I did this for a living, I would spring for the Matco many times over than be forced to use the Craftsman.

 

[JBradley500]

The 1/4" and 3/8" drive are nice in all of the above brands mentioned. The 1/2" drive Snap-On is definitely in a league of its own. I have a set of Armstong Maxx's and the 1/2" mechanism feels awful compared to any of my 1/2" Dual 80's. You can find them on eBay for as low as $100 or $125 depending on handle length. Just make sure you get the stronger "A" variant (SF80A, SLF80A) where the screws come in from the back of the ratchet head. You will not be disappointed in your purchase.

 

[mach2mack]

The Craftsman 1.2 dr, flexhead is actually 36 teeth. I bought mine for about $30 and I use it as a ***** - I use it as a breaker bar if Im too lazy to get up and get one. My Matco 88 tooth locking flexhead is a whole different story. The Craftsman is sloppy and crude while the Matco is absolutely smooth and awesome. I actually enjoy using the Matco. Comparing the craftsman to the Matco is like comparing a budget Hyundai to a fully loaded Lexus. If I did this for a living, I would spring for the Matco many times over than be forced to use the Craftsman.

Yeah my cheap craftsman one ***** that's why I want a new set. It works but it's a very cheap ratchet.

 

[Krolik]

I'm a fan of both - all my Snap On ratchets were bought on ebay for less than 1/2 of retail. I never really care to buy off tool trucks, most of my tools are Hazet anyway so the warranty question for me doesn't matter.

Have a couple of the dual 80's and they've absolutely held up to anything I could throw at them, absolutely the most stout ratchet I've used wrenching on Mercedes. I've also got the GW flex head 120xp set that I use strictly for hard to access areas that require small swing arcs - they're fabulous and have held up to crazy abuse as well.

Would I buy Snap On new? No. But I'll definitely be buying if I come across deals. For what it's worth, jump on the GW wagon - just about every damn tool I have from Gearwrench has been holding up to abuse brilliantly!

 

[barrybeefburger]

I have, SO,Hazet,teng tools,king **** and a few others, you will not be left wanting with either the 84 or 120 tooth GW

 

[mach2mack]

So now the question is comfort grip or not on the gearwrench ratchets. Anyone ever find the extra thickness of the comfort grip to get in the way? Yeah I over analyze stuff it drives my wife nuts lol.

 

[ngk22r]

I have the dual 80 and the 120xp. Both are fine ratchets and the first thing I noticed is the GW takes less effort to move and the dual pawl set up works great, this is in 1/4 so cannot comment on 1/2.

Personally I like Mac's new axis ratchets best from feel and their design of the flex head is better in my opinion.

But since we are talking about YOUR situation I would rather get the GW comparing new to new. If your not getting the support of the truck coming by every week then why pay for higher price considering that if you are using the tools properly both will last a long time.

 

[malykaii]

To be serious though, you got a bunch of these threads running parallel to yours. All good info, check them out.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321664

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321969

And quoting myself from another thread...

I have a few snap on and g.w. ratchets at work and keep a g.w.120xp at home.

Excellent ratchets at a very good price. My only "complaint" is that even though the ratchet is sealed, it's not a very good seal. I've dropped g.w. ratchets into anifreeze and gas only to find I have to disassemble and clean it the next day. Same goes for any ratchet I own including s.o. roto ratchets. However the s.o. sealed 80s arent prone to this abuse, so that's I only reason I still keep and reach for snap on over g.w. in some cases.

Honestly, just grab the 81230P set. Amazon has it for $115 which is still less than just one s.o. ratchet yet the gearwrench is about as good.

 

[malykaii]

Armstrong is snap on to Apex tool group.
Gearwrench is their blue point line, so to speak.

Get some locking flex 88 tooth armstrongs. the 3/8's is like 60 bucks and the 1/4 is 45 at HJE

What I've never understood is why they offer their "cutting edge" 120 tooth technology (which is some of the highest numbers in the industry) in their budget line.

Maybe G.W. reaches a bigger market that can benefit from this while Armstrong has a strong bit smaller base and won't benefit profits as much?

 

[ngk22r]

Armstrong is snap on to Apex tool group.
Gearwrench is their blue point line, so to speak.

Get some locking flex 88 tooth armstrongs. the 3/8's is like 60 bucks and the 1/4 is 45 at HJE

Sorry to hi-jack this thread but those slip joints look nice, please make a thread on them!

 

[gdocktor3]

So now the question is comfort grip or not on the gearwrench ratchets. Anyone ever find the extra thickness of the comfort grip to get in the way? Yeah I over analyze stuff it drives my wife nuts lol.

Why not go down to Sears or advance auto and give them a test run!? Only you can decide which feels best. In my opinion, the comfort grip is just a luxury thing. They get dirty. They eventually break away. How often are you wrenching in 20 degree weather with snow? Even if you are, I'd bet you have gloves on. They are nice if you're worried about dinging or scratching paint or something I guess..

 

[LB-1911]

Sorry to hi-jack this thread but those slip joints look nice, please make a thread on them!

Some background -

Published on Mar 28, 2012
Wilde Flush-Fastener Slip Joint Pliers Review

Published on Jul 9, 2014
Wilde Tools - Flush Fastener Pliers - MADE IN USA

07-09-2014
Tool Review : Wilde Flush Fastener Pliers
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=254362


Tool Review: Wilde Flush-Joint Pliers
http://makezine.com/2012/03/27/tool-review-wilde-flush-joint-pliers/

Other previous threads-
https://www.google.com/search?q=New...ers+gaRAGE+JOURNAL+site:www.garagejournal.com

 

[cliftonbros89]

I personally really like my Snap On ratchets I think they're great. But if you don't want to spend that much on some ratchets there's least SK and Armstrong.

Although the SK are lower tooth count I still like them. They're a good solid U.S. made ratchet with a lifetime warranty. I also like my Armstrong ratchets. I like to higher tooth count. The ones I have all seem to be solid also. They don't have the play in the head that a Craftsman seems to have. I also have some Craftsman 84 tooth professional ratchets too. But my understanding is they're not selling those anymore. Mine haven't been bad. However I would take the Snap On, Armstrong or SK over the CMan.

I can't personally speak for Gearwrench. Only Gearwrench products have is a few sets of ratchet wrenches.

 

[malykaii]

So now the question is comfort grip or not on the gearwrench ratchets. Anyone ever find the extra thickness of the comfort grip to get in the way? Yeah I over analyze stuff it drives my wife nuts lol.

At how cheap they are, get both.

 

[oldldh]

Spend the difference on something else, you need...

Here's mine...

I'm very happy with them...

 

[Adam.C]

I think these Taiwan ratchets are all stacked pawl designs. I think the stacked pawl is a weaker design than Snap On. Based on what you've said, I recommend trying the Gearwrench or Armstrong. You may find they are good enough for you.

In keeping with what I typically recommend, I recommend you splurge only for long ratchets. For std length, consider HF. You likely will never break one.

If you want the best, buy the Snap On dual 80. They are the perfect compromise of strength, tooth count, low back drag, head sealing etc. But they aren't for everybody.

 

[ADSR]

If you want the best, buy the Snap On dual 80. They are the perfect compromise of strength, tooth count, low back drag, head sealing etc. But they aren't for everybody.

LOL, i'm keeping an eye on ebay for a used locking flex dual 80. I love my Bahco dual 80's, so i'm sure the SO locking flex will be the cats ****

 

[ADSR]

What I've never understood is why they offer their "cutting edge" 120 tooth technology (which is some of the highest numbers in the industry) in their budget line.

Maybe G.W. reaches a bigger market that can benefit from this while Armstrong has a strong bit smaller base and won't benefit profits as much?

I believe it's got something to do with the thin head profile and the fact that they don't want Matco to have a 120 ratchet.

 

[MrGiggles]

I've been having selector trouble on my newer GW 84 tooth ratchet and reversible ratchet wrenches.

Not a problem with my heavily used and abused HF ratchets though. I only wish they made a fixed head long comfort handle in 1/2 and 3/4.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Why not go down to Sears or advance auto and give them a test run!? Only you can decide which feels best. In my opinion, the comfort grip is just a luxury thing. They get dirty. They eventually break away. How often are you wrenching in 20 degree weather with snow? Even if you are, I'd bet you have gloves on. They are nice if you're worried about dinging or scratching paint or something I guess..

2 things I was gonna say. I would go with advance as they're more likely to be around for a while. Sometimes they want a receipt for warranty though. They can't pull up sales from other locations. I like to put ratchets in the screwdriver holes in my cart so that's another issue with comfort grips.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[6MocoA]

I've been having selector trouble on my newer GW 84 tooth ratchet and reversible ratchet wrenches.

Not a problem with my heavily used and abused HF ratchets though. I only wish they made a fixed head long comfort handle in 1/2 and 3/4.

To tell the truth, I had same trouble with two XP120 3/8 dr. regular length ratchets I bought at Advance. I took the first one back because I wanted to see how the warranty process would work (argued for 5 min with store manager before he let me grab one off the shelf). The second one had similar issues and I just popped the cover off and squeezed a drop of lube in there - now its perfect.

 

[malykaii]

I would go with advance as they're more likely to be around for a while. Sometimes they want a receipt for warranty though.

It's a $20 ratchet. Warranty shouldn't be such a big deal. We don't get a warranty with our $5k used Toyota. Why not just get the ratchet you like best. If it breaks, it breaks.

 

[mach2mack]

Why not go down to Sears or advance auto and give them a test run!? Only you can decide which feels best. In my opinion, the comfort grip is just a luxury thing. They get dirty. They eventually break away. How often are you wrenching in 20 degree weather with snow? Even if you are, I'd bet you have gloves on. They are nice if you're worried about dinging or scratching paint or something I guess..

Sears didn't have any I didn't know advanced had them. I'll check it out.

 

[mach2mack]

I personally really like my Snap On ratchets I think they're great. But if you don't want to spend that much on some ratchets there's least SK and Armstrong.

Although the SK are lower tooth count I still like them. They're a good solid U.S. made ratchet with a lifetime warranty. I also like my Armstrong ratchets. I like to higher tooth count. The ones I have all seem to be solid also. They don't have the play in the head that a Craftsman seems to have. I also have some Craftsman 84 tooth professional ratchets too. But my understanding is they're not selling those anymore. Mine haven't been bad. However I would take the Snap On, Armstrong or SK over the CMan.

I can't personally speak for Gearwrench. Only Gearwrench products have is a few sets of ratchet wrenches.

I have the newer 84 tooth ones not the older sealed head ones.

 

[ADSR]

I have the newer 84 tooth ones not the older sealed head ones.

I'm not a CM guy, but those look made by apex tool.

 

[mach2mack]

I'm not a CM guy, but those look made by apex tool.

No idea I've never even heard of apex.

 

[Wamsutta]

Other then the name is there a real advantage to buying a set of snap on which would probably cost me what $500+ over the $100 gear wrench? Fan boy stuff aside please.

There is no advantage unless you're able to recognize the advantage. Most people won't be able to recognize the advantage, but thankfully, Snap-on is not marketing their products to those clueless people.

 

[ADSR]

No idea I've never even heard of apex.

I know Apex made the USA CM socket sets, I guess they make the USA ratchets too.