Gearwrench Breaker Bar Quality

[HomeTheaterMan]

I've been wanting a 3/8" breaker bar for a while. Does anyone have any opinions on the Gearwrench ones?

I was planning to buy a used Snap On on eBay for around $30. After getting hurt from a 3/4" Craftsman breaking I'm skeptical of cheap breaker bars. However, a 3/8" one isn't going to be able to take a ton of torque. If I really need to get leverage I'd break out my 1/2" one. So I'm thinking I might be find with a cheaper 3/8" bar. With the AAP codes, the price is right on these. Are they decent quality, or should I spend the extra on a Snap On?

 

[T45]

I've been wanting a 3/8" breaker bar for a while. Does anyone have any opinions on the Gearwrench ones?

Hmmm...they are so cheap, maybe just try them out...

Howver, a 12 in bar (vs normal 8-10in) is long enough to make me wonder, too

 

[Coach James]

How did you break a 3/4" bar?

I have a 3/8 from C-man, HF and King Tony. Never a problem with any of them. If something is so tight, I need a pipe, I just go up to 1/2 inch.

I think a GW bar would be fine.

Coach

 

[captain14]

If your not in a rush AAP has had these as a buy one get one free deal. I think the last deal was buy the 1/2 inch and get the 3/8 free.

The last deal was in the summer time though.

 

[T45]

I have a 3/8 from C-man, HF and King Tony. Never a problem with any of them. If something is so tight, I need a pipe, I just go up to 1/2 inch.

Various diff plugs and brake jobs etc. you might end up wanting to lean on a 3/8 square drive with a 12, 15, 18 inch extension, 1/2 drive can get into stack height/clearance issues.

Just my .02

 

[Infinia]

I have a 3/8 from C-man, HF and King Tony. Never a problem with any of them. If something is so tight, I need a pipe, I just go up to 1/2 inch.

Coach

+1

I have an older CM 3/8 breaker bar but I have never really used it.
I usually just step-up to 1/2 ratchet and sockets.

 

[1950mercury]

I'd buy a used so.the resale on eBay is **** be patient and get one cheap

 

[Local]

You should be able to find a used or new Wright,proto, sk, cornwell for 15 bucks on eBay. I'm sure the gear wrench is quality so should be fine.

 

[bubinga]

I got the 1st. generation 1/2 HF breaker bar, for The X girlfriends car. (I know, you're talking 3/8" ) But I'll tell you what, that sucker seemed nice, and I think it was only like $10.00 or $12.00 with coupon.
Iv's been wanting to get there new "Pro" one, But really don't need it.
I have a Circa 1990 craftsman 1/2" Breaker bar, and it seems real nice.
I like it. USA made. I've never abused it.
I have a Circa 1966 3/8" on was my grandfather's Never had an issue . Although, I've never abused it either.

 

[CTyankee]

I bought one last year to break a seat belt torx bolt in my Jeep. Did the job...I'm happy with it.

 

[derosa]

I actually stood on a cheap 1/2 sears companion bar with a 3' pipe and split an impact socket in the process, can't imagine breaking a 3/4".
I have the 3/8 contour grip Wright breaker and love it, think it only costs about 40.

 

[johninct]

Snap-On makes a 18" 3/8" drive Breaker bar.

 

[neondog]

Snap-On makes a 18" 3/8" drive Breaker bar.

And they are sweet!! Had one for about five years but it got away from me. Right now I'm using a standard length CM with the last two inches of the shiny handle humps ground down so it will slip inside a eight inch piece of sawed off and slightly flattened strut shaft when I need a little more leverage.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think 3/8 drive breaker bars are often overlooked these days given all of the long handled fixed and flex head 3/8 ratchets that are available and tough.

SK makes a 15 inch long 3/8 drive breaker bar that's pretty nice

 

[d4dawg]

I have a HF 3/8" breaker bar, quality should be comparable to GW's offering. Used it to break loose the rear brake carrier bolt on my VW GTI. Those triple-square bolts are known to be notoriously tight. Not enough space for a 1/2" breaker bar there (unless the car is on a lift). I was pleasantly surprised that the 3/8" worked just fine.

 

[Mr_B]

Could be ok but if planning on using it hard I would get better known quality, one of those tools that needs be real quality materials so older tools tend be wise buy . I've used cheaper breaker bars and they all busted, old britool and snapon and my dads passed down very old king **** keeps on going what ever pipe I have on the end, the king **** takes a trolley jack handle and giving it the beans with ease .

 

[dnschmidt]

The best 3/8" breaker bar I've seen is Harbor Freight's. It's 18" long, and sturdily built. TOPTUL'S 3/8" breaker bars are about as long as a ratchet. That doesn't really do much for you. In this particular case HF is the way to go.

 

[bubinga]

The best 3/8" breaker bar I've seen is Harbor Freight's. It's 18" long, and sturdily built. TOPTUL'S 3/8" breaker bars are about as long as a ratchet. That doesn't really do much for you. In this particular case HF is the way to go.

Oh, I didn't know HF had an 18" 3/8" drive.

 

[CafeTools]

If theres anything that has a low probability of failing its a breaker bar with a cheater pipe. That said breaker bars are extremley hard to screw up in design.

 

[Kent_B]

I do have the Gearwrench 3/8 dr. breaker bar. I originally bought it to use on my son's serpentine belt No complaints. It didn't break the bank and it works as anticipated.

 

[jumbojak]

I have one and it has performed very well. I wouldn't jump on it or smack it with a hammer but it seems to do a fine job.