Are all GrearWrench ratchets this unusable?

[Ohio Andy]

My goto non-skip don't care that much what happens to it socket set has been the SK Mechanics Tool Set, 1/4" & 3/8" & 1/2" Drive Socket with 216-P Ratchet, 149-Piece, SAE & Metric, SuperKrome Finish, with Storage Suitcase for $200.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZKT3SXQ?tag=atomicindus08-20

If I need to carry something somewhere I grab it and off I go. This is a non-skip set with decent range both standard and deep SAE and Metric.

I decided to give a GearWrench set a try because it is less expensive (about $150) and has a few sockets that the SK does not. Cheap enough that I do not worry that much about what happens to it. These are sets that I might use as a loaner set or just something that I drag off somewhere questionable, as opposed to my more expensive socket sets.

GEARWRENCH 185 Piece Mechanics Hand Tool Set - 1/4", 3/8”, & 1/2" Drive | 90 Tooth | SAE & Metric | GW90MCBMTS - Amazon.com

GEARWRENCH 185 Piece Mechanics Hand Tool Set - 1/4", 3/8”, & 1/2" Drive | 90 Tooth | SAE & Metric | GW90MCBMTS - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

GW90MCBMTS 185 Piece 1/4", 3/8” & 1/2" Drive 90T SAE/Metric Mechanics Hand Tool Set - Gearwrench

Count on GEARWRENCH to get the job done. Get the GW90MCBMTS 185 Piece 1/4", 3/8” & 1/2" Drive 90T SAE/Metric Mechanics Hand Tool Set here.

www.gearwrench.com

The set includes a 1/4 Female to 3/8 Male adapter and I decided to do my first test of the 1/4 ratchet with that to make sure I can pop things on and off that ratchet. It was so tight I went back to see what is included in the set so that I could verify that it was indeed a 1/4 female. After verifying that it SHOULD be able to fit on that ratchet I just forced it on. It was equally difficult to get it off. With practice I can get it on, but I can honestly say that I have never seen any ratchet this difficult to get things on and off.

I grabbed a mini Titan 1/4 ratchet and all the sockets went on and off no problem. I grabbed a 1/4 Flex Head Proto I had nearby and that was the similar. OK, so in a pinch I can use the GearWrench 1/4 ratchet, bit so totally not worth the hassle. This entire set is going back.

The 3/8 and 1/2 are a tight but usable. I own over 50 ratchets and I have never seen this before. Anyone have good luck with GearWrench Ratchets?

 

[WWheeler]

EDIT: I should read better than just the title before posting. I'm comparing apples to oranges with ratcheting wrenches instead of ratchets. I do not have any experience with GW ratchets. Sorry.

I will note (more apples to oranges) that almost every single one of my Snap-on ratchets were so very tight when new that I couldn't get any smaller sockets off of them, like a 10mm or 12mm, without using something to pry with - usually a small pocket screwdriver. That's just how every single one of them have been when new, but they get much better after some use (or I just build up my socket snatching muscles and technique for that ratchet). I see it as a sign of their high quality and why none of them that spring ball bearing on the anvil has ever wore out or gotten loose yet. Even on ratchets I've used for 20 years or more I don't ever worry about a socket coming off when I don't want it to.

I have had a bunch of sets of Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches for quite a while now and not had any issues with any of them. I won an auction on ebay for 8 sets (4 Metric + 4 SAE) of GearWrench ratcheting wrenches (reversible, flex, locking flex, and stubby) about 8 years ago. Only complaint I've had about them is I'm not a fan of the locking feature of the locking flex sets. The slide switch to lock/unlock is sticky and cumbersome to use, but they all do work just the same now as when they were new.

 

[Ohio Andy]

EDIT: I should read better than just the title before posting. I'm comparing apples to oranges with ratcheting wrenches instead of ratchets. I do not have any experience with GW ratchets. Sorry.

I will note (more apples to oranges) that almost every single one of my Snap-on ratchets were so very tight when new that I couldn't get any smaller sockets off of them, like a 10mm or 12mm, without using something to pry with - usually a small pocket screwdriver. That's just how every single one of them have been when new, but they get much better after some use (or I just build up my socket snatching muscles and technique for that ratchet). I see it as a sign of their high quality and why none of them that spring ball bearing on the anvil has ever wore out or gotten loose yet. Even on ratchets I've used for 20 years or more I don't ever worry about a socket coming off when I don't want it to.

I have had a bunch of sets of Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches for quite a while now and not had any issues with any of them. I won an auction on ebay for 8 sets (4 Metric + 4 SAE) of GearWrench ratcheting wrenches (reversible, flex, locking flex, and stubby) about 8 years ago. Only complaint I've had about them is I'm not a fan of the locking feature of the locking flex sets. The slide switch to lock/unlock is sticky and cumbersome to use, but they all do work just the same now as when they were new.

I almost bought a set that was on clearance, but I have a lot of Proto ratcheting wrenches that work pretty well. Looks like yours are flex though. The ones I tested in the store (ratcheting wrenches) seemed to be fine. My flexible ratcheting wrenches are long pattern Tekton, with a flexible ratcheting part on each end. Love those.

I was wondering if GearWrench (or their owning company) makes the Ace Brand ratcheting wrench.

The ratchets are not remarkable, neither good nor bad, in the action; just your standard Chinese (or is that Taiwan) stuff. The three ratchets are all tight on the anvil, with the 1/4" tight enough that it was so difficult to get the socket on I assumed it was not meant to go on. And then I figured out that they were all that way (for 1/4"). The others are tight but at least usable.

Who owns GearWrench? Are they related to Apex? I thought that GearWrench was respected in general, but not sure I have heard people discuss the Ratchets.

To add insult to injury, the outer box from Amazon was damaged so I had to find a box that would hold something 16" x 24" to return since it would not allow me to return to a nearby Whole Foods. It arrived in an Amazon box so not sure what that is about.

I was kind of wanting to have this set as a toss around set that I would not stress if I ended up letting something just keep it. Has a nice compliment of "stuff".

• 1/4" Ratchet with 2" extension. Ratchets are 90 tooth. 81011T
• 3/8" Ratchet with 3" extension. Ratchets are 90 tooth. 81211T
• 1/2" Ratchet with 3" extension. Ratchets are 90 tooth. 81304T
• 3/8" Spark Plug: 5/8 in 13/16 in
• Combination Wrenches: 5/16" 3/8" 7/16" 8mm 10mm 12mm.
• Magnetic Nut driver with 60 Bits.

It includes the following bits:

• PH1, PH2, PH3, PH4, PZ1, PZ2, PZ3, PZ4
• Slotted: 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 6.5mm, 7mm, 5/16 (2x of each for <= 1/4)
• T5, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45 (all are security except for T5)
• S0, S1, S2, S3 : (S=Square/Robertson)
• SAE Hex: 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 3/8, 5/16, 1/4, 5/16
• Metric Hex: 10, 8, 7, 6, 5, 5, 4, 3, 2.5

Wonder if I can paste in the included sockets... Metric: Shallow on the left and Deep on the right

mm	1/4	3/8	1/2	1/4	3/8	1/2
4mm	✔
5mm	✔			✔
5.5mm	✔			✔
6mm	✔			✔
7mm	✔			✔
8mm	✔			✔
9mm	✔			✔
10mm	✔	✔		✔	✔
11mm	✔	✔		✔	✔
12mm	✔	✔		✔	✔
13mm	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
14mm		✔	✔		✔
15mm		✔	✔		✔
16mm		✔	✔		✔
17mm		✔	✔		✔	✔
18mm		✔	✔		✔	✔
19mm		✔	✔		✔	✔
20mm			✔
21mm			✔			✔
22mm			✔			✔
23mm
24mm			✔

SAE shallow on the left and deep on the right

inch	1/4	3/8	1/2	1/4	3/8	1/2
5/32	✔
3/16	✔			✔
7/32	✔			✔
1/4	✔	✔		✔
9/32	✔			✔
5/16	✔	✔		✔
11/32	✔			✔
3/8	✔	✔		✔	✔
7/16	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
1/2	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
9/16		✔	✔		✔	✔
5/8		✔	✔		✔	✔
11/16		✔	✔		✔	✔
3/4		✔	✔		✔	✔
13/16			✔			✔
7/8			✔			✔
15/16			✔
1			✔

 

[WWheeler]

Yes, Gearwrench is an Apex company. Apex acquired GW mid 90s long before Apex merged with Danaher and Cooper becoming Apex Tool Group and then was acquired by Bain Capital.

AFAIK those 90T Gearwrench ratchets generally get good reviews here at GJ. I've never used one though. Come to think of it I did buy a set about 2 years ago but that was a gift for my nephew. He's now a Ford tech and he uses them daily.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Yes, Gearwrench is an Apex company. Apex acquired GW mid 90s long before Apex merged with Danaher and Cooper becoming Apex Tool Group and then was acquired by Bain Capital.

AFAIK those 90T Gearwrench ratchets generally get good reviews here at GJ. I've never used one though. Come to think of it I did buy a set about 2 years ago but that was a gift for my nephew. He's now a Ford tech and he uses them daily.

I had the option to get a replacement or a $25 refund of I just kept it. If I knew I could replace the ratchet and it would be fine I for $25, but that 1/4 ratchet was terrible.

If you're nephew is using them often they can't be as bad as this one.... Hesitant to just order another set.

 

[IndyGarage]

I've been using Gearwrench 90 tooth locking flex heads for about 3 years now and I haven't had a bit of trouble with them.

I also have their 120 tooth 24 inch fixed head - works great.

I would say the GW aren't quite as good as my Snap-on 80 tooth ratchet, but they don't **** either.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I don't know if it matters, but these claim to be some super slim head design so they're not as thick as I guess their previous design. So this might even be new.

 

[Steve_P]

I have 10+ of the GW 90T ratchets and they're all excellent; mine were all Taiwan made. No issues with them other than the locking flex heads are typically a loose fit to the handle, but nothing that a few shoulder screw washers didn't fix for me on one. These ratchets have always done very, very well in the Project Farm tests.

I'm not aware that they've changed the design any, but maybe they have. The ones that I have are thinner than anything but the Matco 88, which is a nearly identical design ratchet including the thickness; the gears and pawls also interchange.

The obvious thing to do is to measure the anvils. Is the anvil too big? If not, then I guess the retainer ball is too tight?

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

All of my GW ratchets have the button on the back and they have been outstanding! I have had them for 6 years now and use them professionally. I just busted the anvil off my 1/4 drive ratchet hitting it with the but of my hand but thats a different story. I replaced it with a Icon.... wasn't impressed!

I would suspect the retaining ball is to tight and will need to be worked in. These are outstanding ratchets.

 

[Ohio Andy]

The ratchets were not quick release; I usually choose quick release. Sounds like 1bad55chevy had quick release.

Steve_p, are yours quick release?

I bought the set because I expected them to be good. Hesitant to try again.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Looks like this is the ratchet that cubes with the set

https://a.co/d/2kxryh8

And this is the quick release version

https://a.co/d/eBmpsff

And yes, the problem was likely on the ball detent... But I did not want to take time to try and fix it....

 

[WWheeler]

I still think it sounds like the ball detent is just stiff and needs broken in. Maybe push in on it with something and give the spring behind it a drop/squirt of lubricant of your choice. The push the ball back in and out a few times, then try putting on a larger socket and removing it a few more and see if it doesn't get easier.

Sounds exactly like every Snap-on ratchet I've ever bought new. Every single one if I put a 10mm on there and it aint coming off without some help, a screwdriver or pliers when it's spanking new. Only after using them a while do that get were I can get to where removing a small socket is possible by hand. That's not a manufacturing defect. That's high quality built for a long haul.

 

[kbeefy]

I love my original gearwrech zero offset wrenches that I bought back in the 90's. It's awesome and I still use it daily.

Because of that experience, I have bought a couple sets of newer ratchets.

I hate every one of them. They ****. Usually walmart tools would be as good or better.
I don't know if anything gearwrench is still worth owning, but nothing I've bought in the past 10 years was.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I still think it sounds like the ball detent is just stiff and needs broken in. Maybe push in on it with something and give the spring behind it a drop/squirt of lubricant of your choice. The push the ball back in and out a few times, then try putting on a larger socket and removing it a few more and see if it doesn't get easier.

Sounds exactly like every Snap-on ratchet I've ever bought new. Every single one if I put a 10mm on there and it aint coming off without some help, a screwdriver or pliers when it's spanking new. Only after using them a while do that get were I can get to where removing a small socket is possible by hand. That's not a manufacturing defect. That's high quality built for a long haul.

I thought that I did not actually have a 1/4" socket because I could not get it on. After I verified it was a socket I had to use external force to get it on? I had to stop after a few because my fingers and hand hurt. The 3/8 and 1/2 were very tight but not so much that I was alarmed.

If you can not pull them off by hand, that sounds about right. But then I need to get my rubber grip pliers to get them off so I do not scratch up my sockets.

 

[ed_]

Sounds like somethings wrong with them? The majority of my ratchets are gear wrench and I love them. I have a 3/8 drive 120T ratchet that sees the most use and then I have a couple 1/4 and 1/2 drive 90T ratchets (I think they are the same as in your kit) that I use quite often.

I've never had much trouble popping sockets on and off the any of them but I use Tekton sockets and can't speak for GearWrench sockets as I don't have any.

 

[vssjim]

just go on line and warranty it out it's fairly easy and no hassle I have lots of 90tooth series 1/4 ratchets all work well

 

[Ohio Andy]

just go on line and warranty it out it's fairly easy and no hassle I have lots of 90tooth series 1/4 ratchets all work well

What they will tell me is that since I just purchased them I need to go through the original seller (Amazon) who offered me about $23 to not send it back. Zoro is easier to deal with. I might still need to send it back, but only if they do not have the replacement part.
:-(

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

I bought a 200 something piece GearWrench socket set and several wrench sets, based on good feedback here on GrageJournal. For a while it seemed like people raved about how great they are for value.
I was completely disappointed. Here in Australia they are not great value. The price puts them in competition with normal name brands like Stanley. The quality how ever puts them right near the bottom with 'house' brands.
I almost never use my GearWrench tools as they are poor quality and not nice to use. The only time I grab them is when I know I am likely to damage them. Such as hammering a socket onto a damaged fastener

 

[Chipm]

The 120xp 3/8 is fragile in my experience. I warranted it twice (once took forever because they had no stock) then gave up on it.

 

[51dueller]

I have 7 of the 90 tooth ratchets at home and 3 of the 84 tooth at work, all of them work fine for me.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Alright I like having the three different sizes, I decided to order a Tekton 3/8 set which has the same range. I already have the 6pt in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 so I ordered a 12 pt set.

Hard to beat their customer service and I own a bunch of their ratchets and other tools.

Feelings seem mixed on the gearwrench.

 

[vssjim]

What they will tell me is that since I just purchased them I need to go through the original seller (Amazon) who offered me about $23 to not send it back. Zoro is easier to deal with. I might still need to send it back, but only if they do not have the replacement part.
:-(

I'm not always sure where I have bought an item as we used to also have a GearWrench Street Team truck so I always list it a that is where I got it no questions asked no receipt needed because I'm not always sure where I bought something from but they still stand behind them so your choice but it was sold by them and warrantied by them in the end never been rejected for any reason.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I'm not always sure where I have bought an item as we used to also have a GearWrench Street Team truck so I always list it a that is where I got it no questions asked no receipt needed because I'm not always sure where I bought something from but they still stand behind them so your choice but it was sold by them and warrantied by them in the end never been rejected for any reason.

Interesting, I didn't know they had a tool truck

frankly that One ratchet was my only real complaint with that set... Although I will admit that I have a Craftsman overdrive set that's a little nicer

 

[Steve_P]

The ratchets were not quick release; I usually choose quick release. Sounds like 1bad55chevy had quick release.

Steve_p, are yours quick release?

I bought the set because I expected them to be good. Hesitant to try again.

No, not quick release. I probably have 50 ratchets and not one is QR.

But, what is the actual issue? Is the anvil sized properly? I assume you own a decent set of dial or digital calipers, so..... What's the deal?

Years ago, I received two impact extensions from Sunex that had retainer ball issues, and they replaced them.

 

[Ohio Andy]

No, not quick release. I probably have 50 ratchets and not one is QR.

But, what is the actual issue? Is the anvil sized properly? I assume you own a decent set of dial or digital calipers, so..... What's the deal?

Years ago, I received two impact extensions from Sunex that had retainer ball issues, and they replaced them.

Yes, the anvil was sized properly so it had to be the ball. It was in a set and Amazon wanted everything or nothing. Well, really, Amazon wanted to give me like $23 to let me deal with it. My experience is that if i call a company and say "I just bought this and something is broken" they tell me to deal with retailer so I did. And I sent the entire set back. I then ordered a Tekton 3/8 set. I think it is a better set, but cost more, not really needed for what I intended to do, however.