Difference between Gearwrench 81381 vs 81204P?

[Spta97]

Doing research it seems that people like these wrenches.

Looking to get a 1/4" and 3/8" and found two different part numbers and not sure of the difference other than color of the handle (and the 81204P is "teardrop" - not sure what that means.

Can anyone tell me the differences between these two? I called GW customer service and they didn't know.

2 Piece 1/4" & 3/8" Drive 120XP Dual Material Handle Locking Flex Head Ratchet Set 81381




GEARWRENCH 2 Piece 1/4inch and 3/8inch Drive 120XP Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet Set, Dual Material - 81204P

 

[Jarhead0408]

One locks and the other doesn’t.

 

[Spta97]

One locks and the other doesn’t.

Ah ha - thanks! I just noticed that as well.

I also noticed they don't have a quick release for the socket

Are you aware of any brand which has an extended locking flex head AND a quick release? Looks like Tekton makes one but reviews are mixed....

 

[Jarhead0408]

Ah ha - thanks! I just noticed that as well.

I also noticed they don't have a quick release for the socket

Are you aware of any brand which has an extended locking flex head AND a quick release? Looks like Tekton makes one but reviews are mixed....

Napa’s Carlyle ratchets do, but they are very expensive.

 

[Spta97]

Napa’s Carlyle ratchets do, but they are very expensive.

Thanks - you're not kidding. $200 for the 1/4 and 3/8. I think I may have to keep looking but thank you for the info!

 

[Zewnten]

Stahlwille makes one with all your features

 

[Spta97]

Stahlwille makes one with all your features

Thanks - quick search shows they are more than the Napas and reviews are mixed.

I like that they are made in Germany though it doesn't seem to come through in the (few) reviews.

 

[vssjim]

The heads on the new style 120XP's are way smaller than the old style but I like them both

 

[Spta97]

The heads on the new style 120XP's are way smaller than the old style but I like them both

Yea I was all set to buy until I noticed they didn't have a quick release. With greasy nitrile gloves its annoying to try and switch sockets.

I think the Napa ones will do the trick, but the prices are just too much for my usage - seems they were on sale in 2023 so maybe will wait until they go on sale again.

 

[Wamsutta]

Yea I was all set to buy until I noticed they didn't have a quick release. With greasy nitrile gloves its annoying to try and switch sockets.

How important is the locking flex to you?

I myself would never want locking flex. I don't like detent flexes either. I gotta have my flex free to move without any detents or anything.

Everybody has their preferences though.

 

[Spta97]

How important is the locking flex to you?

I myself would never want locking flex. I don't like detent flexes either. I gotta have my flex free to move without any detents or anything.

Everybody has their preferences though.

That’s a good point. Part of me is thinking it could get in the way.

I’m more interested in the quick socket release, length, 120 teeth, and comfort grip handle.

 

[Steve_P]

That’s a good point. Part of me is thinking it could get in the way.

I’m more interested in the quick socket release, length, 120 teeth, and comfort grip handle.

If you look at the ratchet comparison tests that Project Farm did, you'll see that the GW 120T ratchet isn't any better than the GW 90T; I'd say that it's actually worse since the head is slightly thicker, and the additional advertised teeth (provided by the second pawl) doesn't materialize to any advantage in the arc swing testing; in fact, it did significantly worse than the GW 90T. IMO, the two-pawl stacked design adds unnecessary complexity with no proven advantage other than advertising: "OMG, 120 teeth!!!!" There are a decent number of negative reviews on Amazon about failures of the 120T mechanism.

The GW 90T "dirt simple" basic mechanism design is also used by many other brands, including the Matco 88, which has been sold for 10+ years to pro users. I'm sure the GW 120T is a decent ratchet, but I've stuck with the proven 90T.

 

[Fedwrench]

If you look at the ratchet comparison tests that Project Farm did, you'll see that the GW 120T ratchet isn't any better than the GW 90T; I'd say that it's actually worse since the head is slightly thicker, and the additional advertised teeth (provided by the second pawl) doesn't materialize to any advantage in the arc swing testing; in fact, it did significantly worse than the GW 90T. IMO, the two-pawl stacked design adds unnecessary complexity with no proven advantage other than advertising: "OMG, 120 teeth!!!!" There are a decent number of negative reviews on Amazon about failures of the 120T mechanism.

The GW 90T "dirt simple" basic mechanism design is also used by many other brands, including the Matco 88, which has been sold for 10+ years to pro users. I'm sure the GW 120T is a decent ratchet, but I've stuck with the proven 90T.

One has to remember that there are a couple of versions of the 120XP ratchet these days. I agree that the first one had a huge head compared to a Gearwrench 60/84/90 version. I didn't like it. However, the new 120XP ratchet heads are quite thin compared to the original 120XP version. The current model is still about 1/8th of an inch thicker than a 90 tooth but the width of the 120xp is narrower than the 90 tooth version. The ratcheting action also improved. Look for the new GW logo outlined in orange.

 

[Steve_P]

One has to remember that there are a couple of versions of the 120XP ratchet these days. I agree that the first one had a huge head compared to a Gearwrench 60/84/90 version. I didn't like it. However, the new 120XP ratchet heads are quite thin compared to the original 120XP version. The current model is still about 1/8th of an inch thicker than a 90 tooth but the width of the 120xp is narrower than the 90 tooth version. The ratcheting action also improved. Look for the new GW logo outlined in orange.

Yes, I'm talking about the current version- like you said, it's a few mm thicker than the 90T, but the head width is narrower. The head thickness is still thin overall, and I'm not gonna look it up, but it's probably similar to the Snap On Dual 80.

IIRC, PF tested the original 120 tooth version, and it was considerably worse than the 90T in the arc swing tests. Did they revise the 120T mechanism in any way? I'm personally not sold on the stacked pawl design, feel it's a marketing gimmick, and think 90 teeth is plenty -with low backdrag, etc.

 

[Spta97]

Napa raised the price on their versions. Has me thinking again about the Tekton. Thoughts?

3/8 Inch Drive x 12 Inch Flex Head Quick-Release Comfort Grip Ratchet | TEKTON | SRH32112

Quick-Release Ratchet with a 90-tooth gear and 4-degree swing. Ultra-compact head. Extra long high-leverage handle with comfort grip. SRH32112.

www.tekton.com

 

[Mike S.]

I have the standard length Tekton 3/8" drive flex head. It's been my go-to ratchet for the ~2 years that I've had it. The back drag is minimal and the flex mechanism is reasonably stiff, and it gives a satisfying "click" when moved between positions. I think Client Graphics tested it against various ratchets on his YT channel. If I remember correctly, it took the most abuse before breaking.

I also have the GW 90T locking flex head in the 13" length and the current 120xp locking flex head in the 15.5" length. I've said it before here on the forums. The locking mechanism on the 90T version isn't great. Mine always unlocks itself after a few swings of the ratchet. I could deal with it if the head wasn't so loose in the unlocked position. There are ways to shim it, which have been posted here on the forums. I tried that, but I only got maybe two good uses out if before it got sloppy again. The 120xp locking mechanism is much better.

 

[Spta97]

I have the standard length Tekton 3/8" drive flex head. It's been my go-to ratchet for the ~2 years that I've had it. The back drag is minimal and the flex mechanism is reasonably stiff, and it gives a satisfying "click" when moved between positions. I think Client Graphics tested it against various ratchets on his YT channel. If I remember correctly, it took the most abuse before breaking.

I also have the GW 90T locking flex head in the 13" length and the current 120xp locking flex head in the 15.5" length. I've said it before here on the forums. The locking mechanism on the 90T version isn't great. Mine always unlocks itself after a few swings of the ratchet. I could deal with it if the head wasn't so loose in the unlocked position. There are ways to shim it, which have been posted here on the forums. I tried that, but I only got maybe two good uses out if before it got sloppy again. The 120xp locking mechanism is much better.

Thanks for the input! Looks like Tekton is the way to go. I figure if I have survived for 10 years with $10 harbor freight ratchets anything should be an improvement lol.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like the 1/4" tekton comes in an extended length.

 

[Steve_P]

I have several 90T Tektons and they're really nice ratchets. The only thing they're lacking is the variety that GW has. I had hopes that they'd expand their selection, but they never did, so I moved on to the GW 90T for most of my collection. Oh well.

 

[Spta97]

I have several 90T Tektons and they're really nice ratchets. The only thing they're lacking is the variety that GW has. I had hopes that they'd expand their selection, but they never did, so I moved on to the GW 90T for most of my collection. Oh well.

The 3/8” will probably do it for me but it’s short in comparison to the Carlyle. The 1/4” is just 6” - really want more than that.

The Carlyle is more than $200 for those two - meanwhile people got it for half that or more on sale. Debating if I should wait for the next sale as $200 isn’t worth it

 

[Steve_P]

The 3/8” will probably do it for me but it’s short in comparison to the Carlyle. The 1/4” is just 6” - really want more than that.

The Carlyle is more than $200 for those two - meanwhile people got it for half that or more on sale. Debating if I should wait for the next sale as $200 isn’t worth it

Tekton makes an 8" and 12" 3/8 drive in flex heads. For general use, 98% of the time, I personally think about 10" is ideal for 3/8 and 6" for 1/4. Then of course I have longer and shorter in both drives. GW makes 8" 1/4" drive 90T ratchets for something a bit longer. After that, it's Matco and SO for me for longer 1/4 sizes.

My main dislike about the Tekton is that the selector switch butts up against the machined step. This makes it hard for me to actuate with very short fingernails. An obvious design flaw IMO. GW doesn't do this; in addition, I like the stamped logo on the GW head, and the chamfer on the top of the head. Yeah, minor details...

The Carlisle prices are generally just insane unless there's a good sale. Not sure if they're actually selling any at the everyday price with so many other options.

 

[Spta97]

Tekton makes an 8" and 12" 3/8 drive in flex heads. For general use, 98% of the time, I personally think about 10" is ideal for 3/8 and 6" for 1/4. Then of course I have longer and shorter in both drives. GW makes 8" 1/4" drive 90T ratchets for something a bit longer. After that, it's Matco and SO for me for longer 1/4 sizes.

My main dislike about the Tekton is that the selector switch butts up against the machined step. This makes it hard for me to actuate with very short fingernails. An obvious design flaw IMO. GW doesn't do this; in addition, I like the stamped logo on the GW head, and the chamfer on the top of the head. Yeah, minor details...

The Carlisle prices are generally just insane unless there's a good sale. Not sure if they're actually selling any at the everyday price with so many other options.

The other requirement I have is the comfort grip handle. Once I started using them I can't use a regular ratchet.

Unfortunately the longer length, comfort grip, and quick release are only in Carlyle. I can't imagine someone spending $100 on a ratchet from Napa. That's just crazy.