To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

GearWrench 1/2" flex head ratchet

G

gofastman

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
729
Location
Minnesota
Does anyone have one of these and what are your thoughts on it?
Obviously I would like to have a SHF80, but this is 1/4 the price and when Matco comes out with their 88 tooth rebuilds maybe it will be almost as good.
My only concern is the flex joint looks like it is a pin design rather than a screw, is there any known streigth issues with this perticular setup
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
G

gofastman

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
729
Location
Minnesota
sorry to bump but I'm gonna order this really soon unless I find a reason not to, anyone have input?
 
L

lametec

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2008
Messages
2,099
Location
Michigan
I have 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Gear Wrench flex head ratchets. Other than the 1/4" direction lever being a bit sticky, I've had no issues with either one.

I've had 'em for about a year now. Average hobby-mechanic use.
 
OP
G

gofastman

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
729
Location
Minnesota
lametec said:
I have 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Gear Wrench flex head ratchets. Other than the 1/4" direction lever being a bit sticky, I've had no issues with either one.

I've had 'em for about a year now. Average hobby-mechanic use.
Click to expand...

I fully plan on abusing the **** out of this wrench, I.E. using it in place of a breaker bar for all but the tightest stuff. :shocking:
 
A

AutoTech

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 30, 2007
Messages
332
gofastman said:
I fully plan on abusing the **** out of this wrench, I.E. using it in place of a breaker bar for all but the tightest stuff. :shocking:
Click to expand...

I have the 1/4 and 3/8 Gearwrench flex rathchet and the Matco 24" 60 tooth flex ratchet and use them daily. I've never experienced a problem with any of them and put alot more torque than I should on them. I have some of the Snap On 80 tooth ratchets but the GearWrench and the Matco ratchets are my go to ratchets because there tough and the head isn't as thick as Snap On's, they get into tighter areas but thats JMO.
 
M

Merkava_4

Banned
Joined
Dec 26, 2007
Messages
14,518
Location
Clovis, CA.
gofastman said:
Obviously I would like to have a SHF80,
Click to expand...

That's what you should have then.

The GW is a 1/4 of the price, but also a 1/4 of the quality.

There are a few things that I'd like to have too that I can't afford at this time, but I absolutely refuse to lower my standard of taste and buy something of lesser quality that will allow me to "get by" for now.

Stick to your guns!! Stay with high quality American made tools, even if that means waiting for awhile. :)
 
A

AutoTech

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 30, 2007
Messages
332
Merkava_4 said:
That's what you should have then.

The GW is a 1/4 of the price, but also a 1/4 of the quality.

There are a few things that I'd like to have too that I can't afford at this time, but I absolutely refuse to lower my standard of taste and buy something of lesser quality that will allow me to "get by" for now.

Stick to your guns!! Stay with high quality American made tools, even if that means waiting for awhile. :)
Click to expand...

1/4 of the quality that couldn't be further from the truth Merkava. Just because there made in Taiwan doesn't mean there junk. I will put my Matco or GearWrench ratchet up against any Snap On ratchet!
 
K

krusty the clown

Member Emeritus
Joined
Nov 18, 2007
Messages
7,535
Location
niangua, mo
Merkava_4 said:
The GW is a 1/4 of the price, but also a 1/4 of the quality.
Click to expand...

i'll have to disagree

Merkava_4 said:
There are a few things that I'd like to have too that I can't afford at this time, but I absolutely refuse to lower my standard of taste and buy something of lesser quality that will allow me to "get by" for now.
Stick to your guns!! Stay with high quality American made tools, even if that means waiting for awhile. :)
Click to expand...

but i strongly agree with this:thumbup:
 
4

48548

Well-known member
Joined
May 14, 2008
Messages
4,030
Location
Phoenix
I also agree with Krusty, I don't think any of my toptul/koken/Genius ratchets are 1/4 of the quality of my snap on, but then I would say that the raised handle craftsman are,:lol_hitti The others are 90 percent in my opinion....
 
C

CamarosRus

Well-known member
Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
1,547
Location
Renton, WA (Seattle)
http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ratchets_and_sockets/ratchets/flex/setdetails.jsp?part=81230

I looked at the above 4pc set. Descriptions are non existant,

1) Are you implying that it contains a long handled 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Flex Head Rachet plus a 3/8" Stubby Flex Head Rachet.

2) Where can I SEE/How can I confirm length specs on above pieces

3) Which distributor has best pricing on same

4) Is not having the comfort grip/cushion grip considered a liability. I've never owned a cushion/comfort grip rachet and dont know what I'm missing or NOT!!!!!!!!

Thanks,
 
2

29Sedanman

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
78
Location
Indianapolis
I have the same set you linked above. My wife bought it for me for Christmas last year for around $100 from Amazon. I love them, and think that they are very nice ratchets.
 
L

lametec

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2008
Messages
2,099
Location
Michigan
CamarosRus said:
1) Are you implying that it contains a long handled 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Flex Head Rachet plus a 3/8" Stubby Flex Head Rachet.
Click to expand...
That's exactly what the set contains.

CamarosRus said:
2) Where can I SEE/How can I confirm length specs on above pieces
Click to expand...
Not sure, but I can guarantee you that it's what I said it is.

I can take a picture of 'em tonight and post it tomorrow if nobody has found specs on 'em by then.

CamarosRus said:
3) Which distributor has best pricing on same
Click to expand...
Was Amazon when I bought mine. $85 w/free shipping at the time. Tooltopia has it for $91 here. It says KD, but the logo on the pictured wrenches is clearly a GearWrench logo. Add a $8 dollar filler for free shipping.

More sources here.

4) Is not having the comfort grip/cushion grip considered a liability.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't think so. I've never had one with a cushion grip either, but I think I'd prefer the non-cushioned grip for a smaller footprint. Just wear a pair of gloves if comfort is an issue.
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
B

BWright

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 21, 2009
Messages
559
Location
Illinois
CamarosRus said:
Please show/confirm length of 81306 1/2" Flex Rachet Included in 81230 Set !!!!!!

Thanks!!!!
Click to expand...

Well according to this

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ratchets_and_sockets/ratchets/full_polish/index.jsp?view=stock

81304 standard grip is 11 inches long, and the 81307 comfort grip is 15 inches long, so even though it doesn't list a length for the 81306 i would assume 15 inches. I think the 18306 is the 18307 without the comfort grip. Haha just a guess though.
 
B

BackTracker

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 8, 2009
Messages
583
Location
Hawaii
I have found the matco thin head to be my favorite ratchet. That said I just picked up a gearwrench ratchet and it has a nice smooth action and feels plenty solid while costing less and having a nearly identical head to my matco. Furthermore the new matco guts fit in the gearwrench.
 
B

bmxr4life87

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 21, 2009
Messages
872
Location
Bixby Oklahoma
I love how statements are made with ZERO evidence to back them up. I have a long flex 3/8 gearwrench i paid $20 on sale at advance auto parts. After using it i traded my fhx936 comfort grip for some other tools. Ive used the dual 80s and they are fine and dandy but they have a much stiffer pawl making it harder to ratchet back with a loose bolt. ive yet to find one with an easier than the GW. craftsman, c-man pro, snappy, mac, cornwell, matco, napa, sk ive used them all and im sold on the GW. they are very affordable with very high quality. i use mine daily professionally and have yet to grease it. If you get a chance check out the gearwrench non ratcheting wrench sets they are 15 or 16 piece they cover most commonly used sizes and are only $70 at my local advance. Bought a few loose ones and compared them to co-workers matco opti torque.... IDENTICAL in every way, shape and form, we compared them side to side, hit em with a caliper and everything. So without proof its kind of foolish to say that gearwrench is 1/4 of the quality without even holding or seeing a set in your own hands because mine get used day in and day out on medium duty trucks (up to 2 ton) so they get some hard use
 
F

fordracing200

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Messages
629
so you guys are saying the GW is better then my 80 tooth snappys? really?? Thats alot of money I could get by selling them all off...
 
B

BackTracker

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 8, 2009
Messages
583
Location
Hawaii
I don't know about ditching the snappy however, I like Matco ratchets better than snap on...and being able to stuff the new 88 tooth matco mechanism into that gearwrench which is pretty much my matco ratchet anyway....I would say sell away and have some beer. Uncle buck has the right idea! :)
:beer2: MMMMM lots of beer for the cost of those snappy's or you could just give them to me and I'll give you a case of beer, I'll even let you choose the brew!
 
B

bmxr4life87

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 21, 2009
Messages
872
Location
Bixby Oklahoma
fordracing200 said:
so you guys are saying the GW is better then my 80 tooth snappys? really?? Thats alot of money I could get by selling them all off...
Click to expand...

im not saying you should sell all your snap on ratchets for gw stuff. im just suggesting that you dont pass them up without first taking a look at em. i prefer my gw and im not just some hobbyist so just giving my .02
 
C

CamarosRus

Well-known member
Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
1,547
Location
Renton, WA (Seattle)
Thanks for the LARGE pics showing ruler next to G.W. Rachets.........

Does the G.W. 17"(+) long handle 1/2" Drive Rachet compare
favorably in length with other major/truck brands ??????

or do the pro mechanics want more leverage ????

First time on any site that I read ANY positive comments about Gear Wrench
traditional long pattern combo wrenches. I'm looking to replace my older S.O set
(3/8" - 3/4") , but was thinking I'd go up to 1 1/4" with either S-K, TOPTUL or ????

Thanks for the ongoing education
 
A

AutoTech

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 30, 2007
Messages
332
fordracing200 said:
so you guys are saying the GW is better then my 80 tooth snappys? really?? Thats alot of money I could get by selling them all off...
Click to expand...

Not saying that GW is better than Snappie but I would say there just as strong. I have several 80 tooth Snap On ratchets but the GW and Matco ratchets are my go to ratchets and the Snap On's are my back ups. I personally like the GW ratchets better and use them hard everyday and there still going strong. They are Taiwan made but the quality is definatley there.
 
OP
G

gofastman

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
729
Location
Minnesota
I went ahead and ordered it, if it ***** I'll sell it to my buddy who is also a mechanic.
Has anyone used the red lube of love in these ratchets with good results?
 
F

Fedwrench

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
14,957
Location
Valley of the sun
gofastman said:
Has anyone used the red lube of love in these ratchets with good results?
Click to expand...

Although there are people here that smear the red lube of love everywhere, it works better on ratchets having 36 or less teeth. For the fine 60 tooth Gearwrench ratchet action, I've found thinner lube such as BreakFree CLP or 3 in one oil to work best.:beer:
 
C

CamarosRus

Well-known member
Joined
May 14, 2009
Messages
1,547
Location
Renton, WA (Seattle)
Read a negative comment on quality of GEARWRENCH Plastic Grips on Rachets.

Any comments on ordering with or without, IF I even have that choice.

Anybody know if Plastic Grips can be ordered and applied to chrome only handles???

Thanks,
 
O

olds394

Banned
Joined
Mar 28, 2009
Messages
170
Location
Tacoma Wa
fordracing200 said:
so you guys are saying the GW is better then my 80 tooth snappys? really?? Thats alot of money I could get by selling them all off...
Click to expand...

Well according to Snap-On your 1/2 inch 80 tooth has a working torque rating of 280ft/lbs.:wtf: I'd be suprised if the GW does.
 
B

Bobby B.

Well-known member
Joined
May 5, 2009
Messages
112
Location
Southern California
Can't tell from the pic, do those lock in place? I've used the SO locking ratchet and I thought that was great. Never quite understood why all flex heads don't lock in place.
 
F

Fedwrench

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
14,957
Location
Valley of the sun
CamarosRus said:
Read a negative comment on quality of GEARWRENCH Plastic Grips on Rachets.Thanks,
Click to expand...
One negative comment is merely an opinion, not a trend. Soft grip handles get and often stay dirty and aren't as resistant to nicks as steel regardless of whose name is on it. As far as replacement handles, I haven't found where Gearwrench handles are available separately, and they cannot be retrofitted to chrome handled ratchets.

olds394 said:
Well according to Snap-On your 1/2 inch 80 tooth has a working torque rating of 280ft/lbs.:wtf: I'd be suprised if the GW does.
Click to expand...
At 280 ftlbs, you need a breaker bar, not a ratchet.

Bobby B. said:
Can't tell from the pic, do those lock in place? /QUOTE]

No, it's only a detent ball in a groove to reduce head movement. It doesn't lock like Matco or Snap on. Honestly, I have locking ratchets and never use the feature but, that's just me.
Click to expand...
 
OP
G

gofastman

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
729
Location
Minnesota
I got it yesterday. Plesantly suprised, very well made tool. It was $50 and I'd say its roughly 3/4 the quality of the snappys.
My only gripe is that the ratcheting action is a bit stiff, even with the RLL, I thnink an 88 tooth upgrade is in order. If anyone cares, there is a screw conecting the handle to the head, not a pin.:thumbup:
The [chrome] hand grip is decent, the snapon's grip is a bit better for my oversized meat claws.
Over all Im very happy with this thing and will deffenetly be ordering more
Gearwrench stuff in the future!
 
F

fordracing200

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Messages
629
I have a 3/8 80 tooth regular handle, locking long handle flex, 1/2" 80 tooth regular and 17" locking flex and a 72 tooth 1/4" and I never use the 1/2" long handle ratchet....I always use my impact for 1/2" stuff....Those look alot like the napa ratchets......same head? napa tools are $$$$$$$ though. 70 bucks for a 36 tooth flexhead long handle 3/8
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom