I'm looking for a decent set of ratcheting wrenches for at home. I know they aren't needed but I enjoyed my last sets a lot more than standard wrenches and got talked out of them by a friend. Im just a DIY guy, I don't want to spend the coin for a truck brand set. In the past I've had Craftsman and Gearwrench sets. I really preferred the Gearwrench for these. As I go to replace them I'm curious if I should get another Gearwrench set or try Tekton. Both have 5* arcs, both have about the same cost, Tekton is 6-pt which I tend to prefer on sockets whenever I can use them but the 12-pt will also work for e-torx and square bolt heads in a pinch which pop up from time to time when I restore tools.
Tekton vs Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches?
- Thread starter gdpolk
- Start date
Jimthediyguy
Well-known member
I’ve heard good things from both brands. I think Gearwrench can be had at NAPA now. Tekton I’ve only seen from Amazon. As another DIY guy, you would probably be satisfied with either one. I’ve always had CMan USA tools with a smattering of Snapon.
Not trying to raise any dander, but I’ve had pretty good luck with HF stuff that’s been Made in Taiwan. But like any thing, there’s always a dud somewhere that was put together while someone was asleep at the wheel.
But back to the question, either one, Gearwrench(which I own some, not the ratcheting wrenches though) or Tekton would suffice.
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minnesotadude
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The gearwrench reversible sets at napa plus a tape measure are 20 bucks for the cyber Monday. I ordered sae and metric. Only 8 piece for each so some sizes missing.
Dimitriy
Well-known member
I have a set of Gearwrench stubby combos and Mountain double box with flex heads. Both are made in Taiwan, both brands are more than good enough for the DIY'er. If you're not set on combo wrenches, give Mountain a look.
Is warranty a concern?
I drove all over town to get a Gearwrench wrench warrantied. Couldn't even get the big names, Napa and Advance, to warranty it. Found a smaller parts chain that would, except it will be a couple months before the replacement comes in. For me, the warranty is worthless as Apex directs you to a dealer. I'm done with Gearwrench.
I've also been thinking of Tekton, the few products I have are very nice. While I haven't had to warranty anything, threads on this forum say it's easy, just call and explain what happened and the new product will be mailed it to you. I would hope they would treat everyone like that.
I drove all over town to get a Gearwrench wrench warrantied. Couldn't even get the big names, Napa and Advance, to warranty it. Found a smaller parts chain that would, except it will be a couple months before the replacement comes in. For me, the warranty is worthless as Apex directs you to a dealer. I'm done with Gearwrench.
I've also been thinking of Tekton, the few products I have are very nice. While I haven't had to warranty anything, threads on this forum say it's easy, just call and explain what happened and the new product will be mailed it to you. I would hope they would treat everyone like that.
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lightning02
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When buying ratcheting wrenches a good warranty should be high on the list. There for between those 2 brands I'd go with tekton.
I have tried many places that sell GW and none will warranty any of it. They all say to call GW. Only place I haven't tried had been napa since we haven't had a napa in my town for a few years and now they just reopened one but I'm not holding my breath they will say yes when everyone else said no.
I have tried many places that sell GW and none will warranty any of it. They all say to call GW. Only place I haven't tried had been napa since we haven't had a napa in my town for a few years and now they just reopened one but I'm not holding my breath they will say yes when everyone else said no.
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I wouldn't want spline drive geawrench but 20buck napa deal would be good if surface drive and you not concerned on skips, I not too keen on 6 point but could get away with it . northern tool klutch could be option if don't want skips.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
If i was in the market for a set, i would go with this one:
https://www.tekton.com/flex-ratcheting-box-end-wrench-set-wrn76164
here's why: how often do you actually use the open end of a ratcheting wrench? This set gives you the speed of a ratcheting wrench combined with the versatility of a flex head wrench. The other thing i like about this set is that the wrenches are a standard length. there are plenty of extra long version of these wrenches available but, often those wrenches can be too long to use.
The linked set is also available in SAE.
https://www.tekton.com/flex-ratcheting-box-end-wrench-set-wrn76164
here's why: how often do you actually use the open end of a ratcheting wrench? This set gives you the speed of a ratcheting wrench combined with the versatility of a flex head wrench. The other thing i like about this set is that the wrenches are a standard length. there are plenty of extra long version of these wrenches available but, often those wrenches can be too long to use.
The linked set is also available in SAE.
If i was in the market for a set, i would go with this one:
https://www.tekton.com/flex-ratcheting-box-end-wrench-set-wrn76164
here's why: how often do you actually use the open end of a ratcheting wrench? This set gives you the speed of a ratcheting wrench combined with the versatility of a flex head wrench. The other thing i like about this set is that the wrenches are a standard length. there are plenty of extra long version of these wrenches available but, often those wrenches can be too long to use.
The linked set is also available in SAE.
I have that set and although I've only used it a few times I'm happy with it. It was able to reach into a tight spot and save me time and bruised knuckles recently.
I'll give Tekton a try. I've not had to warranty one of my Gearwrench tools in the past but I don't like hearing that its a pain to do should I need to. Thanks for the input guys.
I already have an SAE/metric set of ratcheting, flex head, stubby wrenches so I'll go for their long patterns with double flex head box ends. My regular combination wrenches are standard length so that will put me into a stubby combinations, standard combinations, and long pattern double box ends of wrenches. I don't really want or need another open end on my ratcheting wrench sets.
I already have an SAE/metric set of ratcheting, flex head, stubby wrenches so I'll go for their long patterns with double flex head box ends. My regular combination wrenches are standard length so that will put me into a stubby combinations, standard combinations, and long pattern double box ends of wrenches. I don't really want or need another open end on my ratcheting wrench sets.
Skeptic68W
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- Jun 18, 2015
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Someone mentioned Harbor Freight, but I'd like to vote against that decision first. I was gifted a set of ratcheting wrenches from there a couple years ago. Broke the 17mm on first use (the mechanism actually fell out of the wrench). They're also quite bulky in addition to not being strong. I have lots of HF tools I like, these aren't some of them.
In regard to Tekton vs Gearwrench, that's an interesting one.
I've always considered Gearwrench to be superior to Tekton in quality. To my eyes, Gearwrench is perceived as a top-tier consumer brand, and maybe a very bottom of the basement pro brand in some regards. I've always seen Tekton as a middle of the road consumer brand. Good pricing for pretty good tools, but not GW quality. That's just my perception.
In this instance however, with ratcheting wrenches, Tekton is actually a good bit more expensive than GW. They might be worth it though, IDK.
With Tekton, I do like that they have the 6 point box end vs the 12 on all GW I've seen.
I've also heard GW is a pain to warranty, but was also told by my local Napa that they can warranty any GW product as long as they have a part number, so I guess it's all down to your local suppliers.
For what it's worth, I have heard that Tekton has a fantastic warranty process with great service.
*****, this thread just made me go look at the COO of the Reversible gearwrench set I just bought. Figured it would be Taiwan but of course it's china...ugh. Guess I shouldn't be surprised for 20 bucks.
At this point it looks like Tekton Ratchet Wrenches are made in Taiwan and Gearwrench has now gone mostly to China. I'd buy Tekton and not look back.
In regard to Tekton vs Gearwrench, that's an interesting one.
I've always considered Gearwrench to be superior to Tekton in quality. To my eyes, Gearwrench is perceived as a top-tier consumer brand, and maybe a very bottom of the basement pro brand in some regards. I've always seen Tekton as a middle of the road consumer brand. Good pricing for pretty good tools, but not GW quality. That's just my perception.
In this instance however, with ratcheting wrenches, Tekton is actually a good bit more expensive than GW. They might be worth it though, IDK.
With Tekton, I do like that they have the 6 point box end vs the 12 on all GW I've seen.
I've also heard GW is a pain to warranty, but was also told by my local Napa that they can warranty any GW product as long as they have a part number, so I guess it's all down to your local suppliers.
For what it's worth, I have heard that Tekton has a fantastic warranty process with great service.
*****, this thread just made me go look at the COO of the Reversible gearwrench set I just bought. Figured it would be Taiwan but of course it's china...ugh. Guess I shouldn't be surprised for 20 bucks.
At this point it looks like Tekton Ratchet Wrenches are made in Taiwan and Gearwrench has now gone mostly to China. I'd buy Tekton and not look back.
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Ign
Well-known member
I keep a set of GW flex at one mill for setup. The other mill has Tekton flex.
Honestly I find Tekton’s 6pt an inconvenience. You wouldn’t think you’d notice, but I do that it takes longer/more effort/whatever to engage the fastener. Again, I too was surprised but I do notice.
I’m anchoring t-nuts in slots, attaching 1-2-3 blocks etc.
I also do kinda like the arrows etched into the GW, but I could do that w an engraver on any wrench I suppose.
I can’t believe it sounds like I’m recommending GW but their non-reversible stuff seems ok. I also only have the GW ‘cause last year at this time I was getting the 7pc sets from Sears for $13-20 shipped. I bought a bunch as gifts, for vehicles, etc. I wouldn’t pay retail.
Honestly I find Tekton’s 6pt an inconvenience. You wouldn’t think you’d notice, but I do that it takes longer/more effort/whatever to engage the fastener. Again, I too was surprised but I do notice.
I’m anchoring t-nuts in slots, attaching 1-2-3 blocks etc.
I also do kinda like the arrows etched into the GW, but I could do that w an engraver on any wrench I suppose.
I can’t believe it sounds like I’m recommending GW but their non-reversible stuff seems ok. I also only have the GW ‘cause last year at this time I was getting the 7pc sets from Sears for $13-20 shipped. I bought a bunch as gifts, for vehicles, etc. I wouldn’t pay retail.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I own at least 7 sets of Gearwrench, 1 set of Proto Taiwan, 1 set of Expert, and some random Matco and Snap On ratchet wrenches. Sure the truck brands are better, but the bottom line is they ALL do the same thing at the end of the day. I do like the spline box ends better than rage standard 12 point though. Never used Tekton, but I’m guessing they’d do the same as all the rest. Of your two choices, I’d pick Gearwrench for warranty purposes.
rockinacummins
Well-known member
I agree entirely. I’ve sold all the Gearwrench stuff I had (which I was never satisfied with due to poor quality). I tried getting Apex to warranty one wrench one time and I’ll never go through that again. As others have stated, they give you the run around and tell you to go to a dealer. Then the dealer gives you the run around and tells you to go to Apex.
Never again. I’m about to buy the Tektons.
mudflap
Well-known member
I have had no problem with Gearwrench warranty at Advance auto.. But yea, some of the guys at work have some Tekton stuff... Customer service/support seems to be off the chart good....
Bobioz1
Well-known member
I bought the Tekton set that Fedwrench recommends. They have performed well. I use Snap on wrenches all day and these fit right in. I too wish they were 12 point so they would get on the fastener easier.
i wouldn't buy either out of choice as wouldn't want china GR and hassle warranty and wouldn't want Tekton 6 points, facom would be first choice but for less pro use then klutch at northern tool if on offer, like the design of klutch ones and also don't skip sizes .
bwringer
Well-known member
If i was in the market for a set, i would go with this one:
https://www.tekton.com/flex-ratcheting-box-end-wrench-set-wrn76164
here's why: how often do you actually use the open end of a ratcheting wrench? This set gives you the speed of a ratcheting wrench combined with the versatility of a flex head wrench. The other thing i like about this set is that the wrenches are a standard length. there are plenty of extra long version of these wrenches available but, often those wrenches can be too long to use.
The linked set is also available in SAE.
Ooooooh, I like that.
One cool thing about that set is that I almost exclusively work on Japanese machinery, so I could keep the 8X10, 12X14, and 17X19 easily available and toss the 9X11 (Seriously? Only the two most useless sizes on the planet.), 13X15, and 16X18 in my junk drawer in case a Ford or something weird like that shows up.
Looks like I could buy those three wrenches individually for $68, too.
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I wish I could skip 13, 15, & 18 just so, I could get tools to experiment with from asian manufacturers that only make tools to the Japanese industrial standard sizes but, Ford, GM, & MOPAR won't let me.
I predict 9 & 11 mm will become more popular as the push for Global platforms widens.Hey, if you're ordering from tekton.com use code SEMA20 for 20% off any single order until 12/31/17.