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Gearwrench ratchet reviews??

Bruins63

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Aug 14, 2016
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Western Ma
Hi, I'm a technician starting out at a part time job, I go to a vocational high school and don't really want to spend money on snap on tools yet so I bought a set of gearwrench ratchets #81276 and am waiting for them to come in. I just wanted to know what you guys think of them, if they compare to snap on and all the other top brands of tools.
Thanks,
Nick
 
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SuzukiGS750EZ

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I've owned two sets. My newest set is the 120xp, the older set was less teeth, i just don't remember how many, 84 maybe? 60? Anyways, they've held up in a professional environment as well as at home working on other people's cars. Both sets are still going strong. Haven't broken or worn one out yet and i've used cheater bars on the 3/8 and 1/2. You'll be happy with them.
 

Fedwrench

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Welcome to the Journal!!!
Not a bad choice, the three piece locking flex head ratchet set.

Gearwench ratchets are durable mid priced tools that will serve you well. However, they are not on the same level as a Tool truck brand. That doesn't mean they're not good. Some people here are hung up on tool truck brands.

I've used several gearwrench ratchets in a professional shop setting since they first came out, and they've never disappointed me.

Good luck with your new ratchets!! Study hard and learn lots:beer:
 
OP
B

Bruins63

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Joined
Aug 14, 2016
Messages
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Location
Western Ma
Welcome to the Journal!!!
Not a bad choice, the three piece locking flex head ratchet set.

Gearwench ratchets are durable mid priced tools that will serve you well. However, they are not on the same level as a Tool truck brand. That doesn't mean they're not good. Some people here are hung up on tool truck brands.

I've used several gearwrench ratchets in a professional shop setting since they first came out, and they've never disappointed me.

Good luck with your new ratchets!! Study hard and learn lots:beer:

Thanks for the reply, I am learning a lot about working in the real world instead of shop at school, it's a lot different!
 

M6erfan

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Friendly word of advice?

Don't get hung up on the tool truck brands & getting into debt and credit trouble. Some of the best mechanics I know use only "mid level" tools
 
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Loscaldazar

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Feb 23, 2013
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2,385
Are they the best? Absolutely not.

Will they work well and not give you any trouble? Almost certainly.

They're good for the price and a solid ratchet to start with.
 

ihateminimumwage

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Jan 26, 2012
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My 84T and 60T Gearwrench ratchets were my go to ratchets when I was in a truck shop. Worked the hell out of them, and never skipped a tooth. Sold my 3/8 and 1/4 to try something different, but still have my 1/2" flex that still so far has been bulletproof years later.

You made a good choice.:thumbup:
 

HomeTheaterMan

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Apr 3, 2016
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I've had great luck with my Gearwrench ratchets as well. They hold up well, have a good feel to them, and are just an all around good ratchet at a great price.
 

Fedwrench

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Just remember that the best tool doesn't always come off of a tool truck. The brown truck delivers some great tools too.:lol:

Lastly, as you navigate the mysteries of automotive technology, always remember that it's important to know what right looks like. You have to understand how a system is designed and operates in order to determine what's wrong with it. Good luck in your studies and work.
 

gdocktor3

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I like my Gearwrench 120xp better than my Snap On T72. It's head is thinner and it has a smoother action with less back drag. It's also A LOT cheaper. The only thing that could be better would be to seal the GW heads with screws and not c clips.
 
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Empty Pockets

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Welcome to GJ.

They are good tools, not SnapOn, but you didn't pay SO price, either.

Your Gearwrench set will serve you well, as long as you don't abuse them, they'll likely last you until you retire
 

Billythekid1

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Jun 30, 2015
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They work great the sockets and wrenches also the only thing I didn't like was the selector lever gets stuck so u have to wiggle the socket to change directions idk if this is normal but I would guess so 3 guys in the shop have and all do it but were brought from the same truck hope this helps btw don't think anyone has broke a socket and we run them on Snapon impacts all day
 

gdocktor3

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The selector gets stuck on one of my larger ratchet wrenches also. I think that happens over time from wear and tear. Hasn't happened to my 1/4" ratchet though.
 

SuzukiGS750EZ

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My ratchets stuck too, because I used grease. I run atf in them now and haven't had an issue since
 

Billythekid1

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The selector did it on ours brand new we figured it would stop as they "broke in" but no it's ok u get use to it plus we're really rough on tools I've seen guys hammer on the ratchets
 

oldldh

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Fairhope, AL
GearWrench 81230P...

120 Tooth Flex Head Ratchet Set...

$93.95...From...

www.tooldisconter.com

Those are mine with the "Universal Measuring Device"...

You can't beat them...

The other set is #81230F...

84 Tooth for $90.29...same source...
 

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AmishFury

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They work great the sockets and wrenches also the only thing I didn't like was the selector lever gets stuck so u have to wiggle the socket to change directions idk if this is normal but I would guess so 3 guys in the shop have and all do it

i occasionally get this from my armstrong and matco 88s
 

ssdave

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They'll work, and if you use them lightly (non-abusively), will perform satisfactory for a long time. No, they're not Snap-on or other top brand, but they also cost 1/2 to 1/4 as much. Use them until they don't do what you need, or they fail, and by then you'll have a good idea of what you need to replace them with. If they don't fail, you'll have your answer already.

There's a lot to be said for using tools appropriately rather than abusively. I think that flat rate pay for mechanics has a lot to do with the current mentality of use a tool up and get it warranted when it breaks. When flat rate wasn't as prevalent, it seemed mechanics took more pride in using their tools appropriately and maintaining them in top condition. Now, if using up $50 of life out of a tool makes you 4 hours of time, it makes sense to abuse it and save the time.

The good thing about this change in mindset, though, is that ratchets and top quality wrenches have gotten a LOT better in the past 30 years. Ratchets are much stronger and work better today than they have ever before in history. Good wrenches and sockets are hard to break, unless used abusively. We live in the golden age of tools, lots available, high quality available, and not terribly unreasonable costs.
 

Greg85mcss

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Frederick MD
Friendly word of advice?

Don't get hung up on the tool truck brands & getting into debt and credit trouble. Some of the best mechanics I know use only "mid level" tools



Totally agree. I buy off the truck when there's a good deal, something they're known to make much better than other brands or specialty tools. Ratchets aren't a bad investment if you need more down the road. I have a locking matco that is very similar to the ones you ordered & like it but the dual 80s are my favorites. I always pay cash except once I forgot my wallet & paid the next week
 
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Jlbc212

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Dec 7, 2013
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Northeast MA
I have the 120tooth set as well and they have performed flawlessly. I did have a problem with a Gearwrench flex head wrench. The closed end ratchet locked up on a 14mm. I took it to the local Advance Auto Parts store that sells Gearwrench and immediately received a replacement, no questions asked.
 
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