Did I Make a Mistake?

[TDFbound]

I recently purchased a large GearWrench tool set since I had basically no hand tools at all. It is advertised on the Home Depot site for almost $2000, I bought it marked down to $1600. It shipped with a somewhat odd assortment of sockets in both 6 and 12 point and standard and deep sockets, leaving some holes in the lineup that I would like to fill. They also shipped all of them loose in plastic bags, with no other packaging or organization materials at all. So now I've got almost 400 sockets and no way to organize them. I did call and complain a bunch, and they actually refunded me about $550, so right now I've got a grand total of around $1050 in this set.

Now I'm wondering if I might be better served by returning it and ordering a set from Tekton. Factors I'm considering- people say the warranty is way better and easier to deal with, the sockets come on organizer rails, and I can get complete size runs that actually make sense. The downside would be that for the same money I'd get by returning mine ($1050) and putting the $550 back into it, I would end up with a comparable set but with only 6-points and zero 12-points. I prefer 6-point anyways, so I don't think that would be too big of a deal, and I'd not have some of the various adapters and extensions that came with my set.

If you were in my shoes, what would you do? I'll answer any questions and post up pics or other info as needed to help you help me make a decision. Thanks in advance!

 

[lardy1]

No love for GW here. I appreciate the hell out of Tekton. But that's one man who has never been a professional wrench's opinion. Other will feel the exact opposite.

You have a low post count so maybe you aren't familiar with the different users. I've found a handful that are real good sources for opinions on tools. And even the ones I look to have differing ideas and opinions.

Personally, if I think if you made any mistake it was buying such a volume from one source. But I'm confident they will do the job they were designed to do. Here's to your happiness.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

If you're unhappy with it, I'd just try to return it and start over with something that meets your goals and needs.

 

[TDFbound]

I really love the way the GW ratchets feel, and the fit and finish of the tools is overall good for the price, but GW doesn’t seem to offer the same size range and the potential warranty issues are a bit off-putting. I basically bought the whole giant set because I have almost nothing to start, like I can fit all my previous hand tools in my blue jeans pockets. I created an account on here just to ask this question and made a few quick replies so I could post a link to what I’ve got right now.

The Tekton sockets do look nice and it would be a complete set, not skipping around like the GW set. If it were you, do you think it is worth returning the GW and giving up all the 12 pt sockets to get a full run of Tekton 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2” shallow and deep chrome 6-point sockets? Could also get a full set of 1/2” deep 6-point impacts as well. The more I type here the more I feel like I’m trying to convince myself to do it. I don’t want to make another impulse decision though, since I can’t re-buy this GW set for even close to the same price.

 

[Tallpilot]

It's early in the morning for this much math. At first blush the list price for that set is staggeringly overpriced. But you basically cut it in half. There is nothing really wrong with that set (except the skips) and I like the 84 tooth ratchets.

Tekton
$380 for half as many sockets but no skips all 6 point
$225 for non ratcheting combination wrenches
$90 for flex head ratchet set
Tekton doesn't really have a comparable set of non flex ratcheting wrenches, although I wouldn't buy them anyway. You already have open ends so buy the double box end flex heads.
$195 for stubbies
$230 for box end flex

That's $1120 for a better size range but still missing 12 point and hex bits.

It's really a 6 in one hand half dozen in the other decision. I like Tekton sockets a little bit better (the new design). You get 10% back by ordering from Tekton.com. I'd encourage you not to order from 3rd parties since you are likely to get NOS which will be the old designs.

If you had paid any more for the Gearwrench set I would tell you to send it back but what you ended up paying is more or a less a fair price. It isn't a screaming deal but you have a fairly complete set and it is decent stuff.

 

[NUTTSGT]

You may be able to get an additional 10% rebate from HD as Menards has an 11% sale going on. That may sweeten the deal for you.

I don't use 12 pt sockets all the time but they are nice to have. Hard to check out the link on my phone but it's nice to start with a big set when you have nothing and add to it as time goes by.

Consider this, you'll probably have the majority of those tools for the rest of your life.

 

[Mr_B]

That works out like a buck eighty a piece, it the 84T ratchets which little nicer design than 120 .
You could throw couple hundred bucks at some socket rails and storage of some sort and call it good .
I wouldn't get caught up in warranty too much as individual items such low value and you likely loose a socket before bust it .
Warranty on basic hand tools not even that beneficial in cost and convenience professionally even after decade or 2 .
Gearwrench quality and design has slipped as resale prices battle on the mid range brands and they source cheaper manufacture .
If it easy return and you confident you can build what you want from tekton and be happier with it then maybe you should, don't buy everything from one maker as they all have tools they excel at or offer at great value and some tools you best avoid . Even some of the HF Doyle Bremen and Pitts Pro tools good tool and good value .
If you keep it just be sure all good and test all ratchets and everything for defects and deal with any complaints quickly as gearwrench generally easier deal with warranty wise in early months/years of ownership.
At price you paid it hard complain too much ...

 

[908Jim]

You did fine.

A lot of us like to cherry pick different items from different manufacturers. The problem with oddball online brands like Tekton is that they could eventually just disappear (think Toptul) if the brand isn't performing the way the owners expect. Gear wrench is far more established in the market place, so I'd feel a lot better about making a big investment in GW than Tekton.

 

[BrandoJames]

Generally speaking, I think it's a mistake to spend a lot of money upfront on a giant tool set from anyone. You need to start slow & figure out what tools and brands you like. Those preferences will vary from person to person, so there's no "correct" answer.

I'm glad you got some of your money back--as TallPilot noted, you're now only down a thousand bucks and have some tools. The problem with those big sets: there's a lot of stuff in that set that you paid for and will probably never use.

 

[Mr_B]

You did fine.

The problem with oddball online brands like Tekton is that they could eventually just disappear (think Toptul) if the brand isn't performing the way the owners expect.

This is a real concern and history shows what happens, Brand reduces quality and design so you not even that happy with replacement if do get one, Warranty becomes a ballache of T&C it not worth the headache time or fuel costs then they file bankruptcy lol .
Best warranty is self warranty, covers you for everything and for life .

 

[sberry]

Most of that little **** is should have anyway, some you use, a few pieces not and the unused being cheap is a good thing. Lots of unused 11mm come in every snap set but it's stored at 25 a piece vs a dollar.
Cheap sets are good to cover the bases if you are starting with nothing, buy additional or better if and when needed. The new Sears is as good as it has been since the early 80s, late 70.
Looks to me they sent the dies to China along with the work. I think they might have improved the steel in the sockets. Be different if it cost 9 dollars or 19, or 29 instead of 99 cents.

 

[sberry]

Use what you got, of course they come in a bag, buy a box. Was listed for 2, you got it for 1 and still whining cause they didn't put them all in a row neat for you. Get over it, save some money WITH them.

 

[Jazz1]

With the rebate buy some socket organizers. My Craftsman set I bought 40 years ago came in a box. Made socket holders with dowels back then.

 

[gtsgarage]

I like Tekton, Gear Wrench is decent. I have a lot of their ratcheting wrenches.

You did fine. Good price I say keep it and don’t stress. Get some organizing rails and a toolbox.

 

[zendriver]

It’s awesome that you called in customers supportand whined about basically nothing, Getting them to knock off over half a grand in the cost.

Bravo sir!

If you’re not capable of sorting sockets then you probably should just return the whole set. Imo


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[niget2002]

I'm doubling up on what others have said, but I agree with them.

Use the set you have. Buy some socket organizers.

If you run into a socket size you don't have, then go buy just the one socket at that time. I don't have anywhere near a full set of any socket of any size as mine are all piece-meal hand-me downs from different people. I've only had to go buy a socket once or twice for something I didn't have.

 

[Tallpilot]

You did fine.

A lot of us like to cherry pick different items from different manufacturers. The problem with oddball online brands like Tekton is that they could eventually just disappear (think Toptul) if the brand isn't performing the way the owners expect. Gear wrench is far more established in the market place, so I'd feel a lot better about making a big investment in GW than Tekton.

What does Tekton(MIT), a U.S. based company that barely even ships internationally have to do with Toptul(Rotar), a Taiwan based industrial machinery company?

I have tools in my box that aren’t made anymore. That doesn’t scare me.

Sure Tekton could disappear. Since we’ve more or less destroyed the economy over the past quarter, I expect many businesses to disappear.

Like Mr. B always says when you spend $2 on a socket you can afford to warranty it out of your own pocket. The only thing in that set likely to break outside of abuse or the rare actual defect is the ratcheting wrenches.

There are pros and cons to both choices but warranty or the manufacturer possibly going out of business shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

 

[lardy1]

How many brands has Apex killed? I agree that it's a non factor.

 

[908Jim]

How many brands has Apex killed? I agree that it's a non factor.

Apex has killed plenty of brands, however they are good about offering a replacement. For example, when they killed Armstrong, they offered gear wrench warranty.

Is it a "fair" in the eyes of everyone? Maybe not, but it's far better than being left high and dry.

 

[sberry]

The cost of modern tools is revolutionary. That would have cost north of 20K off the truck, its a little better, works about the same. 35 years ago it would have cost that much, some of it got cheaper while most has went up. The quality has generally improved along the way and some uber cheap has went by the wayside, stamped India wrenches and the like due to the fact that good has got so much cheaper that it doesnt make sense to buy the other any more.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I don't have many gear wrench tools, but the few I have are OK.

I would have made my selection before I bought and stuck to the deal.
I wouldn't have even called to complain. You got them to give you another $550 off and you still aren't satisfied.

 

[AmericanMechanic]

Didn't read the whole thread but...

Why would a better warranty be so valuable? If a few pieces break over the years, replace them, they are cheap anyway.

If a bunch of pieces will breal regularly, maybe that's the real issue.

 

[measuredtwice]

"no way to organize them"

So is this the reason that they refunded 1/3 of the price?? The photo shows that they don't come with rails. You must be a good negotiator to get $500 back. I'd hire you to do all my ordering! Haha!

There are lots of organizers that range in price from $1 to hundreds of dollars. Take your pick.

 

[908Jim]

What does Tekton(MIT), a U.S. based company that barely even ships internationally have to do with Toptul(Rotar), a Taiwan based industrial machinery company?

I have tools in my box that aren’t made anymore. That doesn’t scare me.

Sure Tekton could disappear. Since we’ve more or less destroyed the economy over the past quarter, I expect many businesses to disappear.

Like Mr. B always says when you spend $2 on a socket you can afford to warranty it out of your own pocket. The only thing in that set likely to break outside of abuse or the rare actual defect is the ratcheting wrenches.

There are pros and cons to both choices but warranty or the manufacturer possibly going out of business shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

I respectfully disagree. The value proposition of a tool completely changes if warranty support is unavailable. It may not matter to you, but I would argue that many, if not most, people justify the high cost of large established brands by the warranty.

You're telling me that you'd pay snap-on prices for a snap-on tool with no warranty?

 

[chappys4life]

I think you did good. I have gearwrench wrenches and ratchets that I have been using for years. Also im sure going tekton is still pretty close to your gearwrench quality.

Keep if for now and down the road upgrade or add what you feel you need.

Warranty is nice but look what happened with craftsman. I never thought in my lifetime would I see them go under. Now we are hoarding us made craftsman stuff. I would use the gearwrench and if you break something replace it with better or tekton. I think they will last you a lot longer than you think.

 

[Kevin54]

Sounds to me like you got a good deal. And for basically not having any hand tools at all. Use it and be happy with it. Get a decent box and some socket rails to organize things and you'll be happy for years.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

That's $1120 for a better size range but still missing 12 point and hex bits.

So what? The only times I ever use my 12 pt sockets are:

- If it's the only thing in that size I have
- Gave one to my FIL to use to loosen the square oil drain plug on his mower.

I'd be ok owning all 6 pt.

The OP's set doesn't look bad. I'd just stick with it. Use the $500 to buy a decent tool box and some organizers.

 

[m6z]

That's a great assortment of tools for $1050.

I've ran across a ton of 12 point head and header bolts. Not sure how anyone gets by with only 6 point.

 

[Mr_B]

I respectfully disagree. The value proposition of a tool completely changes if warranty support is unavailable. It may not matter to you, but I would argue that many, if not most, people justify the high cost of large established brands by the warranty.

You're telling me that you'd pay snap-on prices for a snap-on tool with no warranty?

Snapon basic hand tools even with the warranty hard call a value proposition on the warranty basis .
Tools you like have long warranty like diag equipment, air tools and battery tools have worse warranty than milwaukee yet still ridiculous cost .
Point is don't limit your choices over a lifetime warranty on 2buck sockets.
In 30 years of professional use I not busting socketry enough want pay 20 bucks a socket for a truck brand plus I can handle self warranty as urgently as scenario requires and could replace the tool with something I may feel an upgrade as decision is purely mine and even after 1 or 2 replacements it still 50% less cost ...
It a nice bonus have a usable warranty but you never likely get much value from warranty alone and real value will come from buying decent design that nice to use and quality good enough that you never likely need warranty anything unless abusing it ...
Good thing with his gearwrench set is the 84T ratchets take the Matco 88 tooth repair kits so even that no big expense fix yourself and gain bit of an upgrade if warranty flips you the middle finger .
I got no idea why people so concerned on life warranty on individual items worth less than a pizza ...

 

[TDFbound]

A lot of you have given some good insight and ideas. Lol I know I'm being a bit picky with this whole thing and recognize that there is not only one "right" answer to the issue. I'll probably end up buying a handful of individual sockets to fill in the gaps I know I'll want, and then buy some cheap rails to put it all on for now. Working on selling the motor and transmission out of a car I just bought, plan on using the funds from that to buy a welder and some other tools. After that, I should be able to make whatever storage solution I want and have nobody to blame but myself if I don't like it. Who knows, maybe it'll work out great and I'll build some extras to sell.

 

[Skin]

I didnt spend that amount but I did buy the master socket set that Craftsman offers (or use to) and kind of regretted it even though the sockets were only about a buck each. The finish of end of life USA Craftsman is poor was one of my issues but wont be with import tools.

My second problem, that you may quickly realize, is that I really didnt need all the Standard sized sockets and certainly not Standard in 12 point. The only time I scounge through those sockets is when I'm looking for a bushing or seal driver.

When you factor in what you probably will never touch the price per piece goes up substantially and you would of been better off buying the master sets in blow molded cases. Gearwrench even use to run promos where you'd buy the 3/8" set and get the 1/4" for free and that was $100-$150 if memory serves. The sets were 80550P and 80300P.

I dont know, at $1600? I'd return it for the sheer fact that you'll probably never touch half of it but thats me. At $1k I think you did okay though. You'll spend a few hundred just to get those large wrench sizes, bit sockets, and universal sockets back. Depends on what you wanted out of that set.

 

[Ralf11]

I'm with the return it people here.

I'd get the sockets I need and a breaker bar and an adapter for a cordless drill. Then add a good 3/8 drive ratchet later - and get it used.

Also wrenches.

I'd get as much as I could from garage sales. In fact, that's how I started out.

Put the thousand bucks you save into a no load mutual fund. Or beer.

 

[Mr_B]

A lot of you have given some good insight and ideas. Lol I know I'm being a bit picky with this whole thing and recognize that there is not only one "right" answer to the issue. I'll probably end up buying a handful of individual sockets to fill in the gaps I know I'll want, and then buy some cheap rails to put it all on for now. Working on selling the motor and transmission out of a car I just bought, plan on using the funds from that to buy a welder and some other tools. After that, I should be able to make whatever storage solution I want and have nobody to blame but myself if I don't like it. Who knows, maybe it'll work out great and I'll build some extras to sell.

HF do plastic clip rails for 3 or 4 bucks a 3 drive size pack .
Better that it not in blow moulded cases or organisers as you can't add to it and set it up in a box you can grow into .
You could look for a used box or buy new on a sale price and have tidy setup that can add to over time.
even the sockets you don't think use will get used for something over the years and the ratchets are fairly decent and even better if lube them and do the flex pin bolt threads with thread lock or bearing retainer and snug then tight .
Not too much fluff in that set, indeed probably more 12 point than really worth while but if you loose a size in one type least you got second socket option and sometimes 12 point easier use .
just go through it and be sure you like the ratchets wrenches and that the fit on fasteners seems pretty good, if so get it to work and get it in a box lol .

 

[sberry]

I bought the 3K Sears set in 1981 or so. I spent a little more to get box upgrade. At the time my stuff was hodge podge, incomplete and metrics were coming in full swing, I wanted full 3/4 set and big wrenches. The sockets were ****, they replaced the ones busted like a dry cracker and its been fine since. The wrenches were clumsy but brutally tuff and that set come both tap and die in both flavors up to 3/4/. I could have got by with out the DOE but the rest of it I used most of and it filled a gap, filled it out and I have added about 2x since.
I know a couple guys bought smaller sets and barely bought a tool since. At the time it was about 10% the cost from the big truck and I am not a collector and didnt want to wait, I should have scored a few more air tools a bit earlier.
The set was worth it, wasnt the end and have used all the allen wrenches, a guy needs those too. It did the work when I needed it.

 

[Gotcha640]

33 posts and no one has asked what you want to do with the tools! You guys are slipping!

I have 2 sets of 3/8 drive metric socketz 5-14mm, one to 19, spotty singles to 34 as needed. Similar in standard, similar in combo wrenches. Metrics are gw ratcheting. Less than 10 torx and Allen sockets. Whatever the HF impact socket set 10-25 plus singles.

That ~80 sockets, 30 wrenches, 10 screwdrivers, fills the top two drawers of my HF 55 inch chest, the rest is power tools, electrical tools and parts, air tools, hammers, pliers, tape, glue, measuring tools, etc etc etc. All the things that go along with the sockets and wrenches. It's all organized so I can find what I need when I need it.

I've completely rebuilt a 69 beetle, oil and brakes and suspension on bmws and Hondas and fords and vws, done all the general household fixer upper stuff. I'm not short on tools.

My friends dad bought a kit like yours when he started a truck restoration. We pointed out that a 55 Ford only has about 10 sizes of fastener, but he was dead set on having all the tools. Then he had to buy a box to organize, he picked the 30 inch whatever top and bottom craftsman. All those tools filled all those drawers, no chance of laying them out organized. Sure he could buy a bigger box, but you still have to go through 4 drawers of 12 point spark plug sockets before you get to what you want.

 

[anavrinIV]

33 posts and no one has asked what you want to do with the tools! You guys are slipping!

I have 2 sets of 3/8 drive metric socketz 5-14mm, one to 19, spotty singles to 34 as needed. Similar in standard, similar in combo wrenches. Metrics are gw ratcheting. Less than 10 torx and Allen sockets. Whatever the HF impact socket set 10-25 plus singles.

That ~80 sockets, 30 wrenches, 10 screwdrivers, fills the top two drawers of my HF 55 inch chest, the rest is power tools, electrical tools and parts, air tools, hammers, pliers, tape, glue, measuring tools, etc etc etc. All the things that go along with the sockets and wrenches. It's all organized so I can find what I need when I need it.

I've completely rebuilt a 69 beetle, oil and brakes and suspension on bmws and Hondas and fords and vws, done all the general household fixer upper stuff. I'm not short on tools.

My friends dad bought a kit like yours when he started a truck restoration. We pointed out that a 55 Ford only has about 10 sizes of fastener, but he was dead set on having all the tools. Then he had to buy a box to organize, he picked the 30 inch whatever top and bottom craftsman. All those tools filled all those drawers, no chance of laying them out organized. Sure he could buy a bigger box, but you still have to go through 4 drawers of 12 point spark plug sockets before you get to what you want.

I can take apart the entire front end of my '56 F100 with a 1/2" wrench and a flat head (for hose clamps). Just like I can take apart most of my mazda with a 10mm socket.

To OP: IF you didn't already have any tools, you now have a huge set for half price. I'd keep it personally and get to work. I started out with a Kobalt set in the blow molded case (Danaher era USA sockets, some Taiwan ratchets) but at this point only use the sockets, extensions, and ratchets out of that set. The wrenches were few and in sizes that didn't go either big or small enough, the ratchets are going strong except the 3/8" I lost the detent ball from, the hex keys and bits have been replaced. My set did not have pliers or screw drivers so I have had to add plenty since that set.

The longer you worry about having the right tools the more time you miss out on working on things with your tools. Learn what you like and what you don't, change and upgrade as you see fit. Soon enough you'll need a rolling box and all kinds of things to fill it.

 

[redragoon]

I'd just keep them. Add in things that you need from Tekton or any other brand you like. Replace anything that breaks or doesn't work well with a better version.

I started with just some USA craftsman wrenches and a Kobalt set from Lowes. I added more Kobalt and Husky tools to this for things I didn't have. Before that, I worked on everything using a Husky portable home set.

Slowly I'm replacing them all with Gearwrench. I not professional, so I don't need immediate warranty off a truck, and I already have a box store backup. I thought about selling, but moved them to a portable toolbox so I don't have to haul around my more expensive sets.

I would also get high quality holders like the Hansen Global 92000 ones for your sockets and wrenches. The holders never need to be upgraded and will fit more expensive tools just as well as the cheap ones.

I've also ordered Gearwrench for our toolkits at work (industrial automotive) and most pieces hold up well, especially the older designs. I still don't like any of the 120XP models. They have been much better than the Blackhawk, Proto, and other MSC brands. I was stocking Armstrong before they were closed.

 

[Gotcha640]

I'm also coming at it from a portability angle. Not sure what OPs situation is, but between high school and today I've never lived in one house more than 3 years, moved 11 times, and never had more space than a 2 car garage.

All those tools take up space. If you have the space (as in, large tool chest with shallow, wide drawers) to organize them, so you can easily find the tool you need and have a permanent place to put it back, great.

I only had 2 20 inch husky bags for the first 10 years and I didn't have space for tools I didn't use. I've tried to keep that mindset even with more space, and I feel like it's the right decision for me.

Next time I move, if it's in country, I'll haul the box, if it's international again, the essentials go in the bags and the box goes to my neighbor.

 

[m6z]

I'm also coming at it from a portability angle. Not sure what OPs situation is, but between high school and today I've never lived in one house more than 3 years, moved 11 times, and never had more space than a 2 car garage.

All those tools take up space. If you have the space (as in, large tool chest with shallow, wide drawers) to organize them, so you can easily find the tool you need and have a permanent place to put it back, great.

I only had 2 20 inch husky bags for the first 10 years and I didn't have space for tools I didn't use. I've tried to keep that mindset even with more space, and I feel like it's the right decision for me.

Next time I move, if it's in country, I'll haul the box, if it's international again, the essentials go in the bags and the box goes to my neighbor.

Very good point. I didn't buy an actual tool chest till after I had bought a house. I got by with keeping stuff in totes or the blow molded cases when I rented in my 20's.

 

[Kodiak]

The best thing to do if your situation allows it is to piece together an American made set over time. Some will be passed down to your kids possibly. If you're a weekend wrencher you could keep what you got, especially with that refund. They'll work for you and if one breaks buy a replacement. If bought for professional use, I'd go with an American made set even if assembled slowly. I see entire sets being sold on Craigslist all the time and sometimes they need the money fast.

Most of my hand tools are USA made Craftsman with a few Snap On, Bonney, and Proto passed down from my grandfather who was a professional, but over the years I've added a few gear wrench, Husky, etc. - they work too. I've even got a few metric wrenches made by Companion! They're only a notch above being toy tools. I don't even remember where they came from but I'm sure they'd work the few times I'd need them. Sometimes I don't want to pay high prices on-line and then wait several days for a tool I need, especially if it's a lesser used tool. I'm a fairly prolific weekend wrencher and I can only think of two tools I've ever broken - a USA made Craftsman socket in the late 80s and a Channel Lock brand of pliers. Sears replaced both (the good old days).

If you decide to use what you got, start mixing in USA made stuff from flea markets and Craigslist. I find great deals there all the time. I don't think you mentioned your age but your tool collection will likely grow considerably over the years. This is just the beginning.