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75pc Gearwrench Pass-Thru Locking Flex Head $34.99

autobon7

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Was in Sears today and stumbled upon this set being 1/2 off. Walked away, went back and snagged it. I wasn't there to pick up tools (supposed to be Xmas shopping) but couldn't resist. Have always wanted to try the pass-thru set but couldn't justify the price. With this being the flex head (which I don't have) and 1/2 off it's now mine. Any opinions from those that have bought this set?

This set is on sale online as well.
 
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Abbott

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That looks like a heck of a good deal for $35.00!
 

reptilezs

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i like the 49pc set better. more sizes and less filler bits. i picked up a kobalt bit set with a locking flex to supplement the kit on ebay
 
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autobon7

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Yeah, prolly wont use the screwdriver set much. But hey, for the price.....
 

d4dawg

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Nov 30, 2010
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Correct me if I'm wrong, I think only 17 or 18 of those sockets in the set are of the vortex kind? The rest are regular sockets that require an adaptor with the ratchet. That's the reason I got the 49pc set instead.
 

Danglerb

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Skipping, 75pc is full of filler, 49 is non flexhead ratchets. I might have bit, but I have the set from HF that was $14 and isn't that different.
 
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MechanicNamedJohn

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Skipping, 75pc is full of filler, 49 is non flexhead ratchets. I might have bit, but I have the set from HF that was $14 and isn't that different.

I have the HF Go Through as well, there has been plenty of times where I wished they had a flex head ratchet for it.
 

homesale

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May 16, 2010
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Is the sale over? It is currently $69.99 for 75pc & $49.99 for 49pc at sears.com.
 

mrholeshot

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Jun 22, 2010
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I bought the 49 pc set because it has a better socket selection and then bought the flex ratchet. Like most I have yet to use it
 

cheap bastard

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Apr 3, 2006
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I've seen those sets from GW and IIRC the idea was around about 20 years ago from an Asian source. Is there a specific advantage to such a design?
 

DrkMtnDew

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Sep 24, 2010
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i like the look of this set, especially with the flex ratchet. but they are still full price here, so i'll pass. for $35 though, that wouldn't be too bad. :)
 

diesel research

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Just bought the 49pc set with less filler fluff. Figured I would give it a shot. Possibly destined for junkyard/road box. God knows we all need more 1/4 and 3/8 sockets :rolleyes2

I can see some distinct advantages and disadvantages.

If you have a favorite drive tool/attachment, chances are it is not usable here.
Ratchet wrenches of any kind do seem to have torque limitations, may be wise to break free with another fixed tool first. (same with any gearwrench)
I would like to see a spark plug socket in this configuration for low clearance apps. (mostly cam-in-block cars/trucks)
The sockets are extremely thin/light which will be more prone to cracking.
They are 6 point, and carry the same pros and cons, including not working on 12pt fasteners.
They are a little wobbly since they are retained by a thin snap ring inside the gear wrench.
They may easily be pushed out of the drive handle.

Pros
They are 6 point, and carry the same pros and cons. With 6 drive surfaces and 72 teeth there is not much excuse for limited approach angles like old coarse ratchets and 6 point sockets.
The sockets are extremely thin/light allowing them to fit more places and travel lighter.
Allow long thru bolts just as obviously stated by design.
Easily pushed out of drive handle.


As you can see, many aspects could be both a pro and a con depending on the specific situation.

Main use would seem to be moderate/light torque on 6pt fasteners located in tight areas or carried in travel boxes where space/weight is limited preventing carrying deep and standard sockets. I can see a few places where the fat extensions may be a hindrance.

Got it to streamline a travel kit, and believe it may serve that purpose.
 

cbracer

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That's a good summary. If I could get a 12 pt pass thru set with flex adapters and an adapter to use those sockets on a normal torque wrench, then that would be a great set. I like how the torx and hex bits have broached normal socket slots built in.
 

MechanicNamedJohn

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I have the HF Go Through as well, there has been plenty of times where I wished they had a flex head ratchet for it.

I just purchased the 75pc set for $50... I really wanted this in a flex version. Have not used it yet, but the ratchet from GW feels way better the HF version. I think this set will come in very handy. I will do a comparison of both sets soon.
 

shoturtle

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Actually except for the flex head ratchet, the craftsman max axcess with 80 pc seems to be a better value with 1/4 and 3/8 drive.
 

MechanicNamedJohn

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Actually except for the flex head ratchet, the craftsman max axcess with 80 pc seems to be a better value with 1/4 and 3/8 drive.

I saw them and almost grab them, but opted out, just couldn't pull the trigger. I said to myself I wish they had a flex head ratchet version. I walked around and found the GW over by the screwdrivers (no clue why it was there.)
 

shoturtle

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I almost brought the GW set, but for 25 more, the craftsman set with torx and hex sockets made it more appealing for me. They are all sockets, unlike the filler in the gw. Both made in China.

The craftsman is the set I will use if I need to work on SAE size fastener. And I deal 99% metric.
 
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