Thoughts on 1/4 Gearwrench 120xp

[Tonyuk]

Hi All,

Just a quick question,

Im looking to get a long, flex-head 1/4 ratchet and was wondering if anyone owns one of the long Gearwrench 120 1/4 ratchets like below;

Here

I'm seeing mixed reviews with some saying their excellent to others saying they feel rough and with a lot of back-drag.

I looked into snap-on but over here they want £104 (including tax) for an equivalent ratchet.

Any info is appreciated.

 

[barrybeefburger]

I have this ratchet and can confirm the back drag is heavy, I wouldnt buy it again.

 

[noid]

I got a set of the swivel heads. I like them, the low arc, low profile head means they can get into alot of places.

Pair it with a toothless ratchet, and koken extensions (with knurling at the drive end) and youll be set.

The reviews don't lie:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTEXPDK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Hiball]

I have this ratchet and can confirm the back drag is heavy, I wouldnt buy it again.

It's a little heavier than your typical 1/4 ratchet, having to overcome two separate paws offset in a single paw design probably lends to that. Its not a deal breaker, but I prefer my 1/4" ratchets to have the least amount of backdrag out of all my sizes based off fastener sizes. The head thickness really isn't a selling point, it's on the thicker size, similar to the "Dual80 tech", there are thinner options out there.

I've owned the XP's since they first came out, I haven't broke one, but don't enjoy using them.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

120xp isn't anything worthwhile. The 84 tooth mechanism does not give me any access/swing arc issues, and is thinner as well.

I've had more problems with 120xp ratchets that 84tooth. To me, the 84 is the superior ratchet.

 

[PJNJ]

120xp -The head is bigger than most and the backdrag was more than I expected when I got mine a few years ago. But the backdrag seems to be a little better from use. I have the comfort handle version and I have to say the extra leverage from the long handle is nice.

Least amount of backdrag is my new SK 1/4 rat. It is better than my original favorite - my SK-Wayne 1/4 from the late 60's. You could get the SK 1/4 flex. I have one and though it has a little more backdrag than the regular, it is still very good.

I would guess you don't have access to Carlyle in the UK. Their comfort locking flex with quick release is very good. Smallest head that I have seen on a 1/4 ratchet and about the same length as the 120xp.

 

[barrybeefburger]

120xp isn't anything worthwhile. The 84 tooth mechanism does not give me any access/swing arc issues, and is thinner as well.

I've had more problems with 120xp ratchets that 84tooth. To me, the 84 is the superior ratchet.

This^
I have the fixed head 84 tooth and its far better, the back drag is still present but nothing that bothers me, my go to is a Hazet (dont know the model #)

 

[Tonyuk]

I can get a set of long 3/8 and 1/4" comfort handle off Amazon for £65 delivered, the 84 tooth models. Will probably avoid the 120xp for the moment.

Thanks for info all

 

[Rustypigeon]

I guess I got lucky with my 120xp ratchets. I got the comfort handle version of the one the OP linked. It has no more backdrag than my 84 tooth GR ratchet, or any of my 1/4" ratchets for that matter.

My 3/8 and 1/4 120xp ratchets are my go to ratchets. My SnapOn and SK ratchets don't get as much use as the 120xp ratchets do.

 

[Wamsutta]

I looked into snap-on but over here they want £104 (including tax) for an equivalent ratchet.

The Snap-on isn't equivalent to the GearWrench.
The Snap-on far exceeds the GearWrench in every way possible.

 

[Mr_B]

will agree the 84T taiwan models best ones get.
buying the set works out quite cheap if can make use of them, they been silly cheap at times in the US .
britool hallmark do a flexi at almost 7" and 72 tooth .

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The Snap-on isn't equivalent to the GearWrench.
The Snap-on far exceeds the GearWrench in every way possible.

It exceeds it in head thickness, alright.

The dual 80 is a great ratchet, but I could imagine giving up my GW ratchets for when a dual 80 simply doesn't fit.

 

[M6erfan]

There is really nothing to love about the GW 120XP IMO. I agree with every criticism pointed out already

 

[noid]

There is really nothing to love about the GW 120XP IMO. I agree with every criticism pointed out already

Its mostly about the 3 degree swing arc.

Unfortunately there aren't many alternative options because APEX (owner of gearwrench) has the whole dual pawl single gear thing patented. Other brands can't have a go much above 88 teeth because of this.

https://www.google.com/patents/US20140083259

Lets hope they license it out.

 

[M6erfan]

Its mostly about the 3 degree swing arc.

Unfortunately there aren't many alternative options because APEX (owner of gearwrench) has the whole dual pawl single gear thing patented. Other brands can't have a go much above 88 teeth because of this.

https://www.google.com/patents/US20140083259

Lets hope they license it out.

Personally I have no ratchet that has more than 72t. My favorite Ko-ken has 24t. I've never been in a wrenching situation when I thought, "gee, a 3° swing arc would get me out of this jam". Maybe I'm just lucky

 

[Jtels85]

How would you guys rate the quality and performance of the 84T and 120xp... say against the Carlyle Pro-90 ratchets?

 

[M6erfan]

How would you guys rate the quality and performance of the 84T and 120xp... say against the Carlyle Pro-90 ratchets?

I would rate the performance as poorer, Carlyle 90t no contest. Heck, any Carlyle vs. GW is not even a fair fight IMO. Carlyle makes really good stuff

 

[Kev442]

Figures. My 84 Gearwrench is balky and hard to reverse, the exact opposite of everyone else. Picked up my HF composite for the first time in a while and was suitably impressed. My 120xp is fine, starting to get broke in. Seeing how none of these are flex, I'm pretty much just talking to myself here....

 

[Jtels85]

I would rate the performance as poorer, Carlyle 90t no contest. Heck, any Carlyle vs. GW is not even a fair fight IMO. Carlyle makes really good stuff

I have the 1/4” drive Pro 90 ratchet and I love it. I’ve never tried Gearwrench except for what I handled in the store and wasn’t all that impressed.

I only wish Carlyle was a little more affordable. Even when on sale, they’re still overpriced for a Taiwanese tool. The quality seems fantastic, but I think they’d sell more of them if they dropped the prices a bit. $80 for a 13 piece star “torx” socket set!?! That’s just crazy to me. It should realistically be around half that.

 

[plinker]

No experience with the 120xp's, but the 60/84/88 tooth Gearwrench style ratchets are very nice. Nice enough to where I dont see the advantage with any higher tooth count ratchets.

I still prefer my S-K 40970 1/4 drive though.

FWIW, once you get to a 6* swing arc, anything finer then that isnt going to make that much difference in use. It's not like you are moving from 36 tooth to 60 tooth.

 

[jrockford]

I purchased a 4 pack earlier this year, which came with the 1/4". Used it maybe 2 times? Doesn't seem smooth to me.

Looking back, I should have just bought the long handled and stubby 3/8's.

 

[noid]

Personally I have no ratchet that has more than 72t. My favorite Ko-ken has 24t. I've never been in a wrenching situation when I thought, "gee, a 3° swing arc would get me out of this jam". Maybe I'm just lucky

Its a matter of access to leverage, 1.5 degrees of difference (between a 80 and 120 tooth) at 17 or 24 inches is substantial. The shorter the ratchet the less it maters.

An 80 tooth has to travel ~33% more distance. At 17 inches (longest current 120xp), the difference is .445" versus .668" at the handle.

The teeth start to have a bigger effect the longer the ratchet gets.

No experience with the 120xp's, but the 60/84/88 tooth Gearwrench style ratchets are very nice. Nice enough to where I dont see the advantage with any higher tooth count ratchets.

I still prefer my S-K 40970 1/4 drive though.

FWIW, once you get to a 6* swing arc, anything finer then that isnt going to make that much difference in use. It's not like you are moving from 36 tooth to 60 tooth.

There is definitely diminishing return the higher you go in teeth:

 

[Hiball]

Its a matter of access to leverage, 1.5 degrees of difference (between a 80 and 120 tooth) at 17 or 24 inches is substantial. The shorter the ratchet the less it maters.

An 80 tooth has to travel ~33% more distance. At 17 inches (longest current 120xp), the difference is .445" versus .668" at the handle.

So you consider <1/4" handle travel on a 17" ratchet substantial when comparing a 80 tooth versus 120? Or.. Did I read that wrong?

 

[noid]

So you consider <1/4" handle travel on a 17" ratchet substantial when comparing a 80 tooth versus 120? Or.. Did I read that wrong?

I guess it depends what you're working on.

Considering that is per click, I would hope I have at least 3-4 clicks when leveraging on something.

 

[Fender1325]

I'm surprised at the negative views of the 120xp. I have the regular 3/8 version and I'm very happy with it. I don't notice any substantial back drag at all. Pretty normal in that department I'd say. Just the other day I needed a fine tooth 1/4 driver too!

 

[Fedwrench]

I think the standard Gearwrench 60 or 84 tooth versions have thinner heads and a crisper ratcheting action than the 120xp versions. The Carlyle 90 tooth version is a great ratchet but, it's not offered in an all metal handled model.

 

[M6erfan]

Its a matter of access to leverage, 1.5 degrees of difference (between a 80 and 120 tooth) at 17 or 24 inches is substantial. The shorter the ratchet the less it maters.

An 80 tooth has to travel ~33% more distance. At 17 inches (longest current 120xp), the difference is .445" versus .668" at the handle.

The teeth start to have a bigger effect the longer the ratchet gets.

I get it, yet for decades auto/aircraft/heavy equipment/HVAC/maintenance mechanics worked on all kinds of stuff with no more than 60t. How did they ever get by?

 

[Hiball]

I guess it depends what you're working on.

Considering that is per click, I would hope I have at least 3-4 clicks when leveraging on something.

Kinda sounds like a Tool truck demo station.. If I'm using a 17" ratchet, I doubt I'm leveraging on anything with 1/4" of swing. I've never encountered a situation where 1.5 degrees of swing made a difference, but as Sberry says.. We have some golden arms around here so undoubtedly I'll hear about it.

Lol

 

[noid]

I get it, yet for decades auto/aircraft/heavy equipment/HVAC/maintenance mechanics worked on all kinds of stuff with no more than 60t. How did they ever get by?

Most of the time there are a few different ways of doing a job, whether that would be extensions, swivels, removing components etc.

However, as far as specialized industries were concerned, there were 'reechet's' since the 1950's and gearless ratchets since the 1920's for those low arc situations.

 

[M6erfan]

Most of the time there are a few different ways of doing a job, whether that would be extensions, swivels, removing components etc.

Don't forget stubbies, flex, wobbles, etc...You're making my point. 120t 1/4" ratchet? Really? I'll take my 60t/72t over the GW XP any day. I know context often gets forgotten here, but we're talking 1/4" ratchets here. Remember?

 

[ItsNemo]

I've got almost every style of cushion grip 84t gearwrench ratchet...I'm quite pleased with them. Would buy them again.

 

[sk farmer]

120's? yup they are ok but the real gems are 60-88 models. i like the gearwrench, armstrong and matco versions. the craftsman and husky versions are ok as well i guess.

 

[shockwave]

No experience with gearwrench but my matco 88 are about the same as the 84 and have the thinnest profile around for fine tooth the 120xp engages more but thicker and tight spots can be difficult

Me being in the USA it’s easier to get a lot of quality brands like sk and proto and snap on cheaper not in Europe a facom 72 tooth or wera zyclops are good alternatives

 

[Yarpo]

How would you guys rate the quality and performance of the 84T and 120xp... say against the Carlyle Pro-90 ratchets?

I like them equally, I see no advantage or disadvantage to either. My GW 84T 1/4 Flex head is my most used ratchet now I bet, and only because I bought it first. Both are FANTASTIC tools.

Good chrome, both my ratcheting mechanisms are very smooth, and both have thin heads.

Never used the 120 XPs, but I hear many mixed reviews about there compared to the 84T but it seems like that's a lot of personal preference anyway.

 

[Citation]

I would rate the performance as poorer, Carlyle 90t no contest. Heck, any Carlyle vs. GW is not even a fair fight IMO. Carlyle makes really good stuff

Looking at the Carlyle teardown pictures it appears they are the same basic Apex/GW design. Any difference might be just part to part variation or difference in lube in the ratchet.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Maybe I have an old one? or I've worn mine in a bit? But i feel the backswing is pretty nice on my 120xp. Very light. ironically it seems a tad stiffer in one direction over the other though.

I have 8 other 1/4 ratchets, all either Snap-on Mac, proto, or matco, and the GW is the lightest Backswing of all of them.

 

[noid]

Don't forget stubbies, flex, wobbles, etc...You're making my point. 120t 1/4" ratchet? Really? I'll take my 60t/72t over the GW XP any day. I know context often gets forgotten here, but we're talking 1/4" ratchets here. Remember?

Same thing can be said for using 24 tooth, as long as you have the appropriate stubbies, flex, and wobbles and etc.

Sometimes its just nice to have that extra click or two in a tight spot to get a fastener out faster, or save you from having to use that aid in the form of an attachment.

Its a "nice to have" forsure. When im in a spot where the difference in 1.5 degrees makes a difference at 1/4 I just get my one of my four reechets.

 

[Tonyuk]

Thanks for the info everyone, i've went for this set here;

Gearwrench 84 Set

At £92 its a reasonable price for 4 decently made long flex heads, hopefully they'll be here soon from the states.

 

[turnthewrench]

Thanks for the info everyone, i've went for this set here;

Gearwrench 84 Set

At £92 its a reasonable price for 4 decently made long flex heads, hopefully they'll be here soon from the states.

Congrats on your purchase! You can now complement your set with a 100 T Carlyle roto ratchet

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NAPA-CAR...652978?hash=item3af5f62732:g:z~8AAOSwYxBZ98CT

 

[Tonyuk]

Congrats on your purchase! You can now complement your set with a 100 T Carlyle roto ratchet

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NAPA-CAR...652978?hash=item3af5f62732:g:z~8AAOSwYxBZ98CT

It would be nice to have but unfortunately they don't ship to the UK, although for some reason its listed on our eBay site

The gearwrench ratchets are part of a larger buy of stuff i've been wanting to get for a while now, including some spanners (wrenches) screwdrivers, hammers and sockets. Also looking at a new roll cart for the house.

Unfortunately we don't have anything like the large tool culture over in the states, with places like harbour freight, sears etc.. where you can go and just pick up decently made kit. Nearly all of it has to either come off a truck, be bought online, or you have to settle for a shops own brand (usually low quality trash).