Need some opinions on Gearwrench durability

[Billy Jack]

Unfortunately, searching with the keyword "gearwrench" gave much more results than I chose to dig through, so I'll just ask my question in a new thread.
I've owned the flat Gearwrench wrenches for almost 20 years and never had one fail. However, I'll usually break a tight fastener loose with a box wrench first, then finish it with the Gearwrench. Recently, I had a friend clean out his storage locker and offer me a bag of "old tools and stuff" he has no need for. Lo and behold, there were sets of both metric and SAE flat gearwrenches in nice shape. Since I already have both sets in my roll cab, my thought was to pack these in the small "road box" in my trunk. Obviously, I won't be changing any struts, tie rod ends or anything complicated at roadside. But my question for the more avid GW users would be: For light duty work, would you trust a Gearwrench as your only wrench?
Thanks in advance for any input.

Bill

 

[gdocktor3]

As much Gearwrench as I have, I don't think I'd trust it as my one and only. Then again, one can argue that no ratchet wrench should be your one and only.

 

[smuro04]

For light duty work, would you trust a Gearwrench as your only wrench?

That says it all right there. My answer, absolutely.

My tools are 90% Gearwrench:

Chrome sockets, ratchets, extensions, impact extensions, screwdrivers, picks, hose clamp pliers, seal puller, XL ratcheting wrenches, all Taiwan made.

Combo/flare/stubby wrenches, impact sockets, double X hose & regular pliers, all Chinese made.

Use your tools responsibly and don't abuse them. Use the right tool for the job. They will last a lifetime.

 

[Super Sport]

There will be a lot of confusion as Gearwrench is now a brand name that carries all sorts of tools and not only the ratcheting wrenches that their name derives from, which is what you are discussing.

IMO, for light duty work, the opens ends should work just fine should the ratcheting box end break. If you're in the rust belt things may be different and you may want a solid box end wrench.

 

[Yarpo]

I'd agree, a large number of my tools are gearwrench and have given me no issues.

You said it yourself, you used a set for 20 years at work without issue. If you want, break the fastener free with the open end if you're able.

That said I've broken far more fasteners loose with the box end than I care to admit over the past 3-4 years at work, and while I cringe a little every time, they break free and the ratcheting mechanism still works. No complaints!

 

[mudflap]

I just use mine like a regular box end...only busted a few over the yrs.. They are tougher than u think.. I would just get a cell phone, and AAA.. and work on it at home...the older i get...the less stuff i want to do on the side of the road..It's not as much fun as it used to be...

 

[bixxjs]

I've been using Gearwrench wrenches in heavy industry for ten years and yes I've broken a couple,but they're cheap and easily replaceable.Any wrench in an emergency is better than no wrench.

 

[Strouty]

I've been using Gearwrench wrenches in heavy industry for ten years and yes I've broken a couple,but they're cheap and easily replaceable.Any wrench in an emergency is better than no wrench.

My only gripe about this is that yes they are cheap, but gearwrench seems to be making them cheaper each time I have had one replaced. The last time they sent my some crappy made in China versions, so I sold the sets and bought some new proto ratcheting wrenches. I do still have some, but they are my older ones and then there are my 120xp long double box ends. The 120 Xps seem better, but I have not used them nearly as much as other wrenches because they are spline.

I guess my point is that gearwrench does not seem like a company that is going to make a better quality tool, they are out to make a good profit for the stockholder. Some other brands are in it for the long haul and take the customer and quality seriously. In this day and age, you do get what you pay for.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

They are made to be faster, but are far more clunky when working in confined areas. They as not as strong as a regular box end, so I do not depend on them for loosening stuck fasteners. They are no good for working a stuck fastener back and forth to free it up.

Mine get used, but not as much as My regular combination wrenches.

 

[cja245]

I break a bolt loose with mine pretty much every time that I use them. Sometimes even rusty ones! When they start to go bad, I just order a replacement on amazon and the old one goes in the trash. They stand up surprisingly well to abuse and $7 to replace a wrench that you used multiple times a day for several years is no big deal in my book.

 

[mudflap]

I break a bolt loose with mine pretty much every time that I use them. Sometimes even rusty ones! When they start to go bad, I just order a replacement on amazon and the old one goes in the trash. They stand up surprisingly well to abuse and $7 to replace a wrench that you used multiple times a day for several years is no big deal in my book.

Amen Brother.......you gonna save the $7.00 by taking 2 wrenches to get the bolt loose every time for a year..? I think mine are a little more than $7.00 but i don't pitch them...just tell the NAPA guy to bring me a replacement on his next trip....

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Amen Brother.......you gonna save the $7.00 by taking 2 wrenches to get the bolt loose every time for a year..? I think mine are a little more than $7.00 but i don't pitch them...just tell the NAPA guy to bring me a replacement on his next trip....

you gonna save the $7.00 by taking 2 wrenches to get the bolt loose every time for a year? If someone would need two wrenches to loosen every bolt EVERY time,?????? na If GearWrench were that crappy, I would be looking for an upgrade..... I favor longer, stronger wrenches, and un-skinned knuckles for loosening the "stubborn" fasteners. There is a difference between "normal" properly torqued fasteners and stubborn fasteners that I take into consideration. I believe this is a gray area in many of these discussions.

 

[mudflap]

you gonna save the $7.00 by taking 2 wrenches to get the bolt loose every time for a year? If someone would need two wrenches to loosen every bolt EVERY time,?????? na If GearWrench were that crappy, I would be looking for an upgrade..... I favor longer, stronger wrenches, and un-skinned knuckles for loosening the "stubborn" fasteners. There is a difference between "normal" properly torqued fasteners and stubborn fasteners that I take into consideration. I believe this is a gray area in many of these discussions.

No...i was quoting cja...im using the ratchet wrench...if it breaks...it breaks..i don't care..

 

[M6erfan]

I've always thought GW was "cheap". Well marketed, but cheap build quality. I bought into the hype when they 1st came out with their ratcheting wrenches. I was never impressed. 2 locked up on me in fairly short order and I found that the width of the ratcheting end prevented me from using them very often. Anyway, I sold the set and never bought another.

I've picked up their ratchets over the years, every time they release a new model, to try out and see what all the hype is about. I remain unimpressed. I still feel they're just "cheap".

Ive chosen to spend my money elsewhere...

 

[ericb445]

I have beat on my GearWrench ratchet wrenches and they are still going strong. I have even doubled with another with wrench on it, to break loose stubborn bolts.
The only ratchet style that ever failed on me was a crescent brand one.
Like others have said if they do break they are cheap enough, plus you can call gearwrench and they send you a new one.

 

[T45]

>would you trust a Gearwrench as your only wrench

No. More about ratcheting wrench than GW brand.

If only one wrench, you are not in a hurry--obviously.

You need reliability not convenience...so Use a combo.

just my $0.02

 

[Strouty]

The biggest defect to the gearwrench ratcheting combination wrenches is the open end, they are so loose it is not even funny. I have been contemplating cutting off my open ends, just to make the wrench weigh less.

 

[T45]

Like others have said if they do break they are cheap enough, plus you can call gearwrench and they send you a new one.

The problem is, you cannot rely on them as your only tool for a travel kit ... for that you need some reduncancy (adjustable, pliers wrench, sockets, etc) at a minimum.

 

[Yarpo]

I've always thought GW was "cheap". Well marketed, but cheap build quality. I bought into the hype when they 1st came out with their ratcheting wrenches. I was never impressed. 2 locked up on me in fairly short order and I found that the width of the ratcheting end prevented me from using them very often. Anyway, I sold the set and never bought another.

I've picked up their ratchets over the years, every time they release a new model, to try out and see what all the hype is about. I remain unimpressed. I still feel they're just "cheap".

Ive chosen to spend my money elsewhere...

What kinda tools do you prefer? I have a good mix of everything from Stanley to a few snap on things (and more so at work supplied by the boss) but some of my favorite ratchets are my gearwrench ones. The mechanism feels great, the weight to them is perfect, and they fit my hand well. Not broken a single one of their tools yet, but I've only recently been using their ratchets, as opposed to their wrenches I've used from the get go.

 

[anndel]

The only GW stuff I have is the tap and die set. So far it's held up very well, on par with my USA made 20 year old Hanson.

 

[ajchien]

>would you trust a Gearwrench as your only wrench

I don't understand these questions. I think I have might more than more than 12 different 10mm wrenches ...

 

[M6erfan]

What kinda tools do you prefer?

For wrenches I have C'man, SK, Snap-on, Hazet, Stahlwille, KTC & Armstrong.

Basically, I am loyal to no particular brand...

 

[Angry welder]

I have used my Gearwrench wrenches for years without any issues. Like most things, you have to use them with a little common sense. You can't use a gearwrench in place of a impact socket with a cheater bar on it and expect it to stand up to that kind of abuse. However, if you use them as intended then they will last forever.

 

[bubinga]

I have used my Gearwrench wrenches for years without any issues. Like most things, you have to use them with a little common sense. You can't use a gearwrench in place of a impact socket with a cheater bar on it and expect it to stand up to that kind of abuse. However, if you use them as intended then they will last forever.

Don't put it on a fastener and give a full swing with a 20 lb. Sledge either, right?

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[Billy Jack]

Thanks for all the replies!
Sounds like GW's will do for my "road box". I tend to be meticulous about inspection and maintenance on my rides, so in 8 years of a daily driver, (had company cars for 30+ years), the only repairs I've done on location have been a battery replacement and rethreading a serpentine belt that got tossed off by high water. I still just feel better when I've got tools aboard. Right now I have a hodgepodge of "thirds" in my DD Buick, as my "second" set of tools rides in my El Camino.
Thanks to the influence of hanging around here for a while, I'm redoing my road box using a 50's Union Steel Chest & Cabinet two-tray tackle box I acquired recently, once the restoration/preservation is complete.

Bill