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4 pc Gearwrench Flexhead ratchet set (with video)

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joshboogie

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Jan 11, 2008
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OK so I broke down and ordered a set of Gearwrench Flexhead ratchets. Got them from Amazon.com for $85 shipped so I couldn't pass it up. So far I'm pretty impressed with them. The 60 tooth gear is nice. So far I've used the 3/8's to change the spark plugs in my 92 Nissan Hardbody and change the oil. I also got a chance to loosen a seat bolt with the 1/2. They seem pretty strong so far. I recorded a few short videos turning them so you can get an idea. Here are a few pics I took as well.

CIMG0053.jpg


CIMG0055.jpg


CIMG0057.jpg


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These are pics of the 1/2 in.
CIMG0061.jpg


CIMG0062.jpg


CIMG0063.jpg


CIMG0064.jpg


Here are the videos:

3/8 inch
<embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://s13.photobucket.com/flash/player.swf?file=http://vid13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/joshboogie/Tools pics/CIMG0065.flv"></embed>

3/8 inch Stubby
<embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://s13.photobucket.com/flash/player.swf?file=http://vid13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/joshboogie/Tools pics/CIMG0066.flv"></embed>

1/4 inch
<embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://s13.photobucket.com/flash/player.swf?file=http://vid13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/joshboogie/Tools pics/CIMG0067.flv"></embed>

1/2 inch
<embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://s13.photobucket.com/flash/player.swf?file=http://vid13.photobucket.com/albums/a259/joshboogie/Tools pics/CIMG0068.flv"></embed>
 
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J

joshboogie

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billymade said:
That BASHED thumbnail looks PAINFUL! OUCH!!!
Click to expand...

Yeah it felt GREAT! The day I got my new Hitachi drill I was making one of my "infamous" socket trays and the drill slipped off the screw and right into my thumb.


OH and just to give you an idea of size my tool box is 19.5 inches wide.
 
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billymade

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Thats GOTTA HURT!!!! How about the time I dropped at 24" adjustable wrench on my big toe? That thing took months to heal!!!
 
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Blacknwhitepit

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Interesting videos... I just came to the realization how disturbed I may be that I am finding interest in watching a ratchet and socket being turned. :lol_hitti

-BWP
 
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Kartman

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Thanks for the review, pics and video! This is a very timely post as I was just looking at this exact set last night. What is the over all length of the 3/8" flex head?
 
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joshboogie

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Kartman said:
Thanks for the review, pics and video! This is a very timely post as I was just looking at this exact set last night. What is the over all length of the 3/8" flex head?
Click to expand...


This is a guess but I'd say 12 maybe 13 inches. If you look at the first pics you'll get an idea for how long it is because my toolbox is 19.5 inches deep. The 1/2 inch is just about the same length and the 3/8's is next to the 1/2. Sorry I can't give an exact measurement but they're in my box at work.
 
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JayL

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Manila, Philippines
I too have these set of ratchets and at the price paid I'm very very happy. Another forum member summed it up in the words " Those ratchets will serve you well". My set does just that every time I pick any of the four ratchets.:thumbup:

- I give a plus for the positive feel flex movement too.

I've had mine for about a month or so now.
 
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bchee

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Blacknwhitepit said:
Interesting videos... I just came to the realization how disturbed I may be that I am finding interest in watching a ratchet and socket being turned. :lol_hitti

-BWP
Click to expand...


Ha Ha I feel the same way. Thanks for sharing the picts and videos. Good quality. I bought the stubby flex head, should be here next week.
 
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ImportTuner

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bchee said:
Ha Ha I feel the same way. Thanks for sharing the picts and videos. Good quality. I bought the stubby flex head, should be here next week.
Click to expand...

I bought the long bent flex and they sent me the stubby flex head by mistake. Sending it back ... so what do you use a tiny stubby flex head for?
 
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Fedwrench

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ImportTuner said:
I bought the long bent flex and they sent me the stubby flex head by mistake. Sending it back ... so what do you use a tiny stubby flex head for?
Click to expand...

You can use a stubby flexhead in places where a regular length ratchet won't fit, and you can use it on fasteners that you don't want to exert alot of torque on.
 
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bchee

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I figure the flex head can do whatever the standard stubby can do, so I might as well get the flex head just in case the handle ever gets in the way. Plus, it's just another cool ratchet to have. I got it from Amazon last week for $19.

I listened to the videos and the 60 tooth gearwrench don't sound like my craftsman 60 tooth thin profile, or my 60 tooth williams. Interesting.
 
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ImportTuner

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bchee said:
I figure the flex head can do whatever the standard stubby can do, so I might as well get the flex head just in case the handle ever gets in the way. Plus, it's just another cool ratchet to have. I got it from Amazon last week for $19.
Click to expand...

Damm ... the stubby is costing me $39 so far ...until I get the bent flex head. The weird thing is that the plastic holder has the right part number (81214) but the little ratchet has part number 81212 ... :(
 
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eschoendorff

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joshboogie said:
This is a guess but I'd say 12 maybe 13 inches. If you look at the first pics you'll get an idea for how long it is because my toolbox is 19.5 inches deep. The 1/2 inch is just about the same length and the 3/8's is next to the 1/2. Sorry I can't give an exact measurement but they're in my box at work.
Click to expand...

Can you post a link to this ratchet set? Looks like this 4 pc set has everything I want in pne package..... :thumbup:
 
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bchee

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joshboogie said:
I don't think I've even seen a "homemade" tool video on here before so I said what the hell lets try it.


Here's the link:
4 pc Gearwrench Flexhead ratchet set





So does it sound better, worse, or just different?
Click to expand...

I would just say different. Of course, the audio may have changed in the process of making the video, so it's hard to say. The williams is very quiet, quieter than my snapon 80 tooth. My craftsman is pretty loud and 'tinny'. I think that's a word. It's one of the older thin profiles, which, I think, may have a slightly different handle.

Thanks again for the picts and vids
 
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joshboogie

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Well they are a lot louder than the 80 tooth SO ratchets. A co-worker has one and I had a chance to try it out.
 
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bchee

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I got my stubby flex head today. I'm pleased with it, except it had a larger-than-I-would-like nick in the head. The ratcheting torque is low and ratchets smoothly and quietly. The reversing lever is very easy to move back and forth. The flex doesn't lock, but it does have a detent ball to keep it in several different positions, and it's pretty stiff. The profile of the head is thinner than my fhx80. I remember biggsean tooks some good picts comparing the f80 to the gearwrench, showing the difference in head thickness.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17436

If they could keep the same head profile, but add a quick release, I think I would prefer that.
 
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bchee

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biggsean said:
Thanks for the great pictures and videos. I just ordered a set. :)
Click to expand...


I thought you already had most of those ratchets that come in that set?


Anyway, I forgot to mention one of the most important points about my stubby flex - I was thinking about also getting the stubby 80 (fkf80), but I think I'll be happy with this gearwrench stubby.
 
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biggsean

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bchee said:
I thought you already had most of those ratchets that come in that set?


Anyway, I forgot to mention one of the most important points about my stubby flex - I was thinking about also getting the stubby 80 (fkf80), but I think I'll be happy with this gearwrench stubby.
Click to expand...

Actually the only one I have is the 3/8" stubby. I'm going to keep the extra 3/8" stubby in my race car, and add the rest to my collection.
 
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paramudduck

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Nealcrenshaw Gearwrench is the only brand thats imported most of these guy's will talk about.

They have quite a following on this board. It's really surprising considering how rabid some of them are about Snap-on.
 
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Mr.Nutcase

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just get them at advance autoparts......cheaper..... no shipping.I wonder if you can order other tools..
 
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billymade

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Anyone have a "Long term update" on Gearwrench ratchets? How: well are they holding up, how has been getting rebuild kits been from Gearwrench, how are they wearing, daily usage issues etc. and do they have floppy or spreading issues on the swivel head ratchets? Would appreciate overall long term/hard use experiences (the 100k review!); especially from those in the professional auto tech fields; a real world usage and abuse experiences ... :)
 
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keithwvd

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I have the same set. I pretty much bought it just for the 1/2" and 1/4" ratchets. I love them. I started working at a shop using a matco 1/4" flex head and 1/2" long handle and they made things so much easier I had to upgrade from my craftsman raised panel ratchets after three years. They're an awesome balance of price and quality. I already have a flex head 3/8" and stubby flex 3/8" if anyone is looking to buy a set of just those two.
 
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billymade

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Have you broken the internals and how was the warranty or rebuild kit acquisition process; or did they just send you a new one? Also, how did the rubber handles wear? I don't think they offer handle replacements or do they?
 
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SMKS

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I assume everyone notices how old this thread is. The OP hasn't logged in since Feb 16th.

If you search for threads on GearWrench warranty you'll find some posts showing negative experiences. I think Mrholeshot posted some of them.

Side note - Amazon probably isn't an "auhorized distributor." Mrholeshot had a problem because he bought them off of ebay, if memory serves. Even though they were new, GW hassled him about the warranty because the seller wasn't an authorized distributor.

Eventually someone from Apex saw his posts on the forum and helped him out. But, the regular GW service channels wouldn't

Here's the thread-
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90307
 
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