gear wrench opinion

[goldie lox]

looking at some 3/8 swivel/universal sockets. i like the sk ones cause they come in 6 and 12 (just an ocd of mine to have both) then i saw the gw ones. way cheaper and i have heard good things about gw. does anyone have any experence with these. i dont turn tools by trade, just a home mech. does the chrome hold up or will it start pitting/rusting. stay somewhat tight. which one should i go with

 

[martin666]

Dont know about the chrome swivel, but I have 1/4" SAE & Metric impact shallow, deep and impact swivel along with chrome semi deep sets. Im a full time motorcycle mechanic so they get used often. I'm also an admitted truck brand kool aid drinker but I've got to admit the Gearwrench stuff has held up great, if I needed them I wouldn't hesitate to buy the chrome swivels especially for home use

 

[Exceller8]

I still can't figure out why people are so high on Gearwrench when most if not all of their stuff is Chinese made. Why is Chinese Gearwrench better than any other company?

 

[rice rocket]

I still can't figure out why people are so high on Gearwrench when most if not all of their stuff is Chinese made. Why is Chinese Gearwrench better than any other company?

I think it's very specific to this forum. It was news to me that they made anything other than ratcheting wrenches until I joined here.

 

[Bdgjr215]

Because its not craftsman everyone gets a free pass except them

 

[Treeman]

I still can't figure out why people are so high on Gearwrench when most if not all of their stuff is Chinese made. Why is Chinese Gearwrench better than any other company?

It's all about brand name perception. The same reason people will pay inflated prices for Monster audio cable products.

For some reason, people feel more comfortable buying and using Gearwrench vs. something like Pittsburgh Pro. All about perception. And, wouldn't you agree that Gearwrench tools are at least as good, and probably better than the last generation of U.S. Craftsman? These level of tools are perfectly fine for the shadetree mechanic, both low and high proficiency level.

 

[rice rocket]

Because its not craftsman everyone gets a free pass except them

Nah, I wouldn't say that. Duralast, Husky, Kobalt, Pittsburgh Pro, etc. are not Craftsman either and they don't get the universal pass.

Maybe it's because it's not a chain brand or something?

 

[Exceller8]

It's all about brand name perception. The same reason people will pay inflated prices for Monster audio cable products.

For some reason, people feel more comfortable buying and using Gearwrench vs. something like Pittsburgh Pro. All about perception. And, wouldn't you agree that Gearwrench tools are at least as good, and probably better than the last generation of U.S. Craftsman? These level of tools are perfectly fine for the shadetree mechanic, both low and high proficiency level.

I have no problem with Gearwrench at all. I own a few set of tools from them, but I don't find them to be any better than my Taiwan HF tools.

With that being said, only about 25% of my tools are imports.

 

[CobraChevelle]

Its the "great american made companies" that go from USA made to China that get all the BS. But I do agree when **** goes the china the quality goes down big time. You can even see it with Gearwrench comparing Taiwan vs China made. I still buy GW but try to stay away from china when i can.

 

[martin666]

Dont see whats hard to figure out, OP asked for opinions on a specific brand. From my experience the 7 sets of Gearwrench sockets that I have ( all Taiwan made ) have performed fine, in real world daily pro use for a few years now. These are the only sets of imported sockets I own, but if asked to be honest I'd have to say that they hold their own against my Snap On, Mac, Wright, Armstrong, Williams, SK, Cornwell, Matco, and USA Blackhawk sockets. Will they continue to perform as well when they're 20 or 30 years old like most of my other sockets have, who knows only time will tell. If OP asked for opinions on an other brand of sockets I would guess he'd be happy to receive them from people that have experience with that brand. But he asked about Gearwrench and I'm just as sure he'll appreciate honest opinions on them from people that have hands on experience with them

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I got rid of my GW swivels as they became very loose very quickly. Some like that in a swivel though, I do not lol.


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[BMack37]

I really like a lot of Gearwrench stuff but all of the swivels look and feel rather comparable to other Taiwan stuff such as Kobalt...the Kobalt stuff is on sale at my Lowe's for around $20 for a 7 piece set. The Kobalt swivels feel better than the Chinese Craftsman, which feels comparable to HF...sloppy.

...and before someone says it(because it's a common misconception), Apex(Gearwrench) does not make the Kobalt sockets/sets.

 

[SantaAna12]

I have some Gearwrench, but in swivel sockets I think you will be better off with the SK.

 

[PJNJ]

I have the GearWrench 3/8 metric chrome swivels. Have had them for a couple of years. Only used them a couple of times and they worked fine since I am a home DIYer. And the chrome hasn't pitted or rusted in my unheated Northern NJ garage.

 

[PJNJ]

Dont see whats hard to figure out, OP asked for opinions on a specific brand. From my experience the 7 sets of Gearwrench sockets that I have ( all Taiwan made ) have performed fine, in real world daily pro use for a few years now. These are the only sets of imported sockets I own, but if asked to be honest I'd have to say that they hold their own against my Snap On, Mac, Wright, Armstrong, Williams, SK, Cornwell, Matco, and USA Blackhawk sockets. Will they continue to perform as well when they're 20 or 30 years old like most of my other sockets have, who knows only time will tell. If OP asked for opinions on an other brand of sockets I would guess he'd be happy to receive them from people that have experience with that brand. But he asked about Gearwrench and I'm just as sure he'll appreciate honest opinions on them from people that have hands on experience with them

 

[areyouanywhere]

I have 1/4 and 3/8 gearwrench universals, but I really have not used them much. I like them, they do exactly what I needed them too and I got them for a great price... no issues.

 

[DSLTRK]

It's all about brand name perception. The same reason people will pay inflated prices for Monster audio cable products.

For some reason, people feel more comfortable buying and using Gearwrench vs. something like Pittsburgh Pro. All about perception. And, wouldn't you agree that Gearwrench tools are at least as good, and probably better than the last generation of U.S. Craftsman? These level of tools are perfectly fine for the shadetree mechanic, both low and high proficiency level.

I'd agree on sockets, but the US made Craftsman 15* and locking flex ratcheting wrenches are top notch. My only gripe with those is the lack of some sizes in the sets such as 11mm and 9mm/11/16".

Gearwrench makes very nice tools, regardless if COO is CN or TW. Their quality standards are set very high, and in fact I prefer them over Snap-on's ratcheting wrench equivalent.

 

[Ign]

I'd agree on sockets, but the US made Craftsman 15* and locking flex ratcheting wrenches are top notch. My only gripe with those is the lack of some sizes in the sets such as 11mm and 9mm/11/16".

Gearwrench makes very nice tools, regardless if COO is CN or TW. Their quality standards are set very high, and in fact I prefer them over Snap-on's ratcheting wrench equivalent.

I'd disagree. Look at the some of the quality complaints on page 4 here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312250&page=4

I ****-canned GW 10+ years ago when their reversible ratcheting wrenches kept locking up or self-reversing. Two different sizes I replaced twice under warranty, but the replacements did the same thing. Everyone flocks to their non-reversible straight wrenches but only 'cause they're low cost and sold at seemingly every retailer.

There are far, far better choices for ratcheting wrenches but you have to seek them out just a little.

GW is only popular because like McDonalds, they're on every corner. You can't escape them.

 

[Kamanhart]

I have the SAE and metric set of gearwrench swivels as well. Picked them up for abut 30 through advanced auto with a coupon and for home mechanic use they have been superb.

 

[rhandwor]

I have both chrome and impact and and use the impact ones 99%of the time. I've found the chrome get loose and flop around and are hard to get on a bolt head.
I have one or two impact gearwrench small sockets. I use for small metric half sizes like 5.5mm. They appeared to be decent quality but sizes I hardly ever use. The impact has a small spring to keep them from flopping around.

 

[jallyn]

Does anybody know if GearWrench swivel sockets are made in Taiwan or China? I can't find that anywhere. From the reviews I've read the GearWrench swivels aren't as small as the Snap-On. That is probably a sign GearWrench swivels are made in China with weaker metal and bulked-up so they don't break as easily. I think some of the Taiwan made hand tools are good quality/value. For me I would give GearWrench swivels a shot if they are made in Taiwan...

 

[bcradio]

I'd disagree. Look at the some of the quality complaints on page 4 here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=312250&page=4

I ****-canned GW 10+ years ago when their reversible ratcheting wrenches kept locking up or self-reversing. Two different sizes I replaced twice under warranty, but the replacements did the same thing. Everyone flocks to their non-reversible straight wrenches but only 'cause they're low cost and sold at seemingly every retailer.

There are far, far better choices for ratcheting wrenches but you have to seek them out just a little.

GW is only popular because like McDonalds, they're on every corner. You can't escape them.

And I disagree with you.

I have not used Gearwrench reversibles but have sets of theirs in straight, flex, locking flex, double box, S shaped, and half moon. All of these sets have performed flawlessly with the exception on the 15mm locking flex kept coming unlocked... warrantied that and it is fine now.

i have used numerous other brands of ratcheting wrenches and not only did none of them seem noticeably better, they didn't seem better at all. Most performed about the same.

if you are only talking about reversibles then I can't compare as I have not used those. Also, all of my sets are Taiwan COO if that matters.

 

[goforride57]

I got a 1/2" swivel. Don't know COO but it hasn't broken on me or given me cancer. I bought a 3/4 to 1/2" adapter and some misc torx sockets from gearwrench. Quality is pretty decent in my opinion and price is good. They carry them at Advance Auto in stock. If I loose or break something, I go there and buy a cheap replacement gearwrench until I can find what I lost or replace what I broke.

 

[mrbtd]

Just wanted to mention I recently had to replace a 9/16 combo because it locked up on me. It was replaced at Fastenal. The replacement process was identical to what happens at Sears. No receipt/proof of purchase required.

Have an extensive set of combo/flex and stubby wrenches. This is the first time I had a failure.

 

[goforride57]

I still can't figure out why people are so high on Gearwrench when most if not all of their stuff is Chinese made. Why is Chinese Gearwrench better than any other company?

I have no problem with Gearwrench at all. I own a few set of tools from them, but I don't find them to be any better than my Taiwan HF tools.

With that being said, only about 25% of my tools are imports.

I can't figure out why people are so high on Harbor Freight. Can't click on anything in this section without somebody mentioning Harbor Freight.
Keep your coupons to yourself.

 

[wvhillbillie]

I don't know if Craftsman sets are Taiwan but I ordered a single 13mm and it was.

 

[jerseykat1]

maybe i sm mistaken but isnt gearwrench products made in Taiwan not China. The packaging on the ratchets i have says made in Taiwan. I did not check the packaging on the sockets.

But to answer your question the only gearwrench products i have had problems with are the ones that made them popular the ratchet wrenches. But that could just be because the ratcheting wrench set that i have is over 10 years old (well some have been warrantied but the rest are originals).

Did things change and they are now made in China not Taiwan? Craftsman is coasting of the name, they used to have good tools and that fact still resonates with a lot of consumers so they figure they can switch production over to China and noone would notice. I noticed so i don't eff with them anymore. If they switched to Taiwan i would be okay with that.

 

[jallyn]

Most of GearWrench ratcheting wrenches have gone to China in the past few years and they bulked up everything because of inferior Chinese metal. Same story for most of Craftsman.

I am impressed with DeWalt's set of 10 SAE or Metric reversible ratcheting wrenches. They are made in Taiwan by HI-FIVE/NewTools I believe. I picked up the metric set for less than $40 shipped from eBay. They ended up being shipping from SearOutlet and this is the best price I can find: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DeWalt-10-P...216330?hash=item1c5d2b808a:g:9m8AAOSwcBhWUrFn

...Fairly long pattern, thin and light, will get in much tighter spots than say a Chinese-made Craftsman. Not to mention having a superior ratcheting mechanism. Good chrome. Heck even the wrench rack they are packaged in is decent especially considering it is free.

 

[gdocktor3]

Gearwrench is produced in both Taiwan and China. Seems more China now it seems. I emailed them asking if there was a difference because many on here claim Taiwan is way better, but they said it is all the same. Perhaps different materials in the metals, but same design etc. I have the 1/4" socket set with 120xp ratchet and it has been flawless. I use it more than my Snap On T72 and almost as much as my SK. The SK is the cat's pajamas. Only thing that would make the 120xp better is if it was sealed head. Everything in the GW set has worked perfectly. Universal joint, palm ratchet, chrome is same quality as Snap On, etc. I have 5 sets of GW ratchet wrenches. Flexhead (SAE/MM), reversible (MM), and midget (SAE/MM). They all work and look great, but sound different. The flex heads also have nice grooved beams for grip. Then I have a set of Crescent (by Apex same as GW) roto ratchets. They work great and look very nice. Not as nice as Snap On's rotos, but much nicer than HF rotos. HF has quick release, but I don't like the feel of ratchet action. Rough and loud. I can say my GW experience's have been top notch. Only problem I've had was with a screwdriver. Stripped easily. There are certain things I wouldn't buy from GW however, swivel sockets probably one of them. Too many small moving parts that receive too much torque. When I bought my swivel sockets, I went the flea market route and ended up with a full set of Craftsman USA and a mixed set of Husky USA and SK for about $25. I rarely use them, so it was a home run as far as I'm concerned.

 

[TXBDan]

I couldn't be happier with my GW 84T ratchets and ratcheting wrenches. Call me simple.

 

[anndel]

I have some SAE GW non-flex, non-reversible ratcheting combo wrenches and some Craftsman. Both are made in China and looks exactly the same. When I ordered the CM online is said made in USA but when I went to Sears to pick them up I discovered it was made in china. I complained to the salesclerk and he offered a full refund or 30% off what I paid so I kept them. They work great and I've abused the **** out of them trying to loosen a bunch of stuck rusted bolts on a boat trailer when I forgot my breaker bar.

 

[Exceller8]

I can't figure out why people are so high on Harbor Freight. Can't click on anything in this section without somebody mentioning Harbor Freight.
Keep your coupons to yourself.

Dude, I'm not a HF fan boy!! My point was that people talk highly of Chinese Gearwrench but poo poo Taiwan HF tools. What am I missing?

 

[jerseykat1]

[emoji38]_hitti[emoji38]_hitti

I can't figure out why people are so high on Harbor Freight. Can't click on anything in this section without somebody mentioning Harbor Freight.
Keep your coupons to yourself.

Because not everything sold at HF is junk. There are some really good tools at HF if you just take the time to read the reviews. Quite a few great tool values there.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[TXBDan]

Dude, I'm not a HF fan boy!! My point was that people talk highly of Chinese Gearwrench but poo poo Taiwan HF tools. What am I missing?

That there are a wide range of quality and manufacturing standards in every country?

 

[tremek]

Its not where its made its how its made. Many of USA mad products are garbage many are not. most of the snap-on cordless are made in china. over priced yes but i would not call them garbage.

I have a set of gearwrench deep 3/8 metric sockets with a plastic rail i keep at work for the dirty jobs you know the ones when you have to hammer the socket over a rusted nut. something i dont want to do to my snap-on set i have abused the **** out of this set for 5 years i must say im impressed for 30$ i love the rail too.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have one 1/4" roto ratchet from HF and it works, yes, but it is extremely rough and clanky. It does have a quick release, but other than that, I don't like it. I bought it to compare to my Crescent (Apex/Gearwrench) roto ratchet that doesn't have quick release. The Crescent is much smoother and it has longer, more comfortable handle. Neither are serviceable, however. I'm not a mechanic by trade and not a name brand fan boy, but after using Snap On dual 80 ratchets and Gearwrench xp120's and ratchet wrenches, it makes more sense to me to pony up for a good mechanical tool, and then buy cheaper stuff from HF. My HF tools are limited. Such as impact extensions, dead blow hammers, rubber mallets, shallow 3/8" impact sockets I used to hammer my 6" Bondhus hex bits into, some 3/4" drive impact sockets I use with just a ratchet and thats about it. I had a small vise that broke when I over tightened it, I guess. Then I bought one of those 12 ton yellow presses and returned it before I finished putting it together. It was so flimsy and cheap. After that I decided never to buy a mechanical moving anything from them again.

 

[otis66]

Gear wrench are nice tools. I Started buying Gearwrench tools when Craftsman stop making hand tools in USA. I would buy SK over Gearwrench but I have had no problems with my Gearwrench tools.

 

[bryan750]

I think for the price they are hard to beat.

 

[SuperXero]

Gearwrench is pretty much the higher end of the lower quality tools, kinda on par with craftsman china tools. Good for people on a budget.

 

[jdl25]

I have the metric set and have been so happy with them. I would buy them again in a heartbeat. I am not an everyday user but Im in my shop everyday. I am happy with them.