I got them at a deal and I'll say the little I've used them I'm not impressed. I think they will go floppy before I want them to. The SK I have are tighter and I have worn weight and snap on swivels that are more tight
gear wrench opinion
- Thread starter goldie lox
- Start date
gdocktor3
Well-known member
You're talking about the ratchet mechanisms in Gearwrench ratchet wrenches? I have 5 different sets that I use regularly and none are remotely loose or "floppy." The flex head wrenches are most often used and I've never even had to tighten the set screw for the joint. I'm surprised to hear you say that. Most all Gearwrench reviews are very good. Now, I have a set of Expert XL double box end ratchet/fixed wrenches that are complete junk. I just bought them brand new and the ratchet mechanism is loose and floppy on every one. It slides in and out and side to side. I will never even attempt to use them in breaking a nut free. Stay away from Expert.
I *think* he's referring to the swivels.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Yea I'm an idiot
jallyn
Well-known member
For sockets like you originally asked, I would go ahead and give them a shot. Probably a good value and unless you are depending heavily on your tools to make you money (auto mechanic) they should hold up fine.
i have the 80550 3/8 socket set and the 80300p 1/4 socket set and i have no complaints at all, except i wish the blow molded cases had some sort of handle on it. im only doing home/diy stuff and they have worked great so far
i really like the chrome on them, i just wished they made their sockets easier to read
Banshee365
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2009
- Messages
- 195
I would say the quality imports currently are Mac, Matco, Cornwell, Blue
-Point, and Carlyle.
-Point, and Carlyle.
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 always support USA companies when I can. Gearwrench started out as a company overseas. Craftsman/Sears moved jobs from USA to China. The only reason I bought Craftsman tools was because they were US made. I can buy tools made in China anywhere. I don't need to go all the way to Sears. I do not support any company that offshores US jobs. I stopped buying vice grips when they layed the entire town off and moved production overseas.
Not to mention Irwin vise grips are junk anyways. I'm on the hunt for an older gearwrench set, Taiwan made, metric, straight non reversible. The Taiwan ones are quality, the China ones are ****. The open ends are so thick from the pot metal they're almost unusable. And yes I use the open ends a lot. The older sets are just like normal wrenches. A used set at a decent price will show up on eBay. Either that or the proto set is very nice. I have the U$A set with the reversible switch but I want a straight set. The only ones they have are Taiwan but they're nice.
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jerseykat1
Well-known member
Warranty is lifetime and hassle-free. I've warrantied a 120xp softgrip flex head ratchet at advanced autoparts (they don't even stock that ratchet) without issues. The soft grip handle was broken at the very end because a coworker used a cheater bar on it. It got the bolt loose, ratchet mechanism still worked perfectly but that cracked tip annoyed me so I warrantied it.
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gdocktor3
Well-known member
I bought a 1/4" Gearwrench set and a 3/8" SK set this past year, both complete with ratchets, extensions, etc, and I hate to say it, but the Gearwrench stuff was hands down much nicer. The chrome is better and the 120xp ratchet is awesome, not as good as the 1/4" SK ratchet, but definetely the 3/8" SK ratchet. I also like the idea of the different grooves on the GW sockets to help differentiate metric and SAE.
Perhaps you could try the Hansen socket organizers that have the sizes etched into the stud the socket sits on? Just a thought.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I don't think that much of the Gearwrench line is made in the PRC. The last new Gearwrench items I purchased were their locking flex head ratchets and they were made in Taiwan. Before that it was their long pattern 84 tooth ratchets also from Taiwan.
I also think where you buy Gearwrench stuff from is a factor too. Like those ratcheting wrench sets Sears has on sale are often PRC made but, sets from other sources might be Taiwan made.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Can anyone tell me if they make 84T or 120T Gearwrench quick release ratchets?
They are import tools with USA price
Most gw hardware is at least 2/3 the price if not half depending on how and where you buy it
1950mercury
Well-known member
Most of Macs hard-line is USA made
rustbucket5
Well-known member
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- Apr 22, 2015
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- 252
i have a few gear wrench items (mainly ratcheting wrenches) so far so good! i dont understand some people.....the old saying you get what you pay for usually holds true, for what i paid for my tools i have gotten what i expect, i dont buy a 15$ tekton ratchet and expect a snap on to show up at my door. who gives a rats *** if its made in china or usa.
Ive got a ton of trays. It's easy to find them when they are put away. When you are wrenching and they are under the truck I can look at a craftsman and know what size it is.
Uh oh.... That last comment may start a huge flare up in the GJ..
But i have bought gearwrench through out the years and still have yet to buy one that was not made in Taiwan. Maybe I am lucky? All the tools work great and are still working. I am wanting to get more of the 120xp line as it is awesome stuff.
Sprintman
Banned
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?
Big difference between Taiwan and 'Chinese'.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
The gearwrench stuff is high quality that I have used. I would pay the slight premium if I was a pro just to have warranty support and resale value.
AutoTeck84
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2015
- Messages
- 105
Gear wrench is very good in most cases but they are starting to raise prices as there recognition grows. Their screwdrivers and pliers aren't very good but they price this stuff like their already proven tools (ratchet wenches). I also think they should make some xl DBE wrenches that ratchet on both ends and have 2 sizes per wrench like Mountain and Sunex carry
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Does Gearwrench make 120 or 84 tooth quick release ratchets? I can't find any info on them
ibedayank
Well-known member
gearwrench made by same idiots that make newer crapsman APEX
COSMOS
Well-known member
I bought a set of swivel heads in SAE and metric, the times I have needed them makes them one of the best purchases I have made in years....
I have made my collection mostly Gearwrench because I have a tool truck guy who drives near me. That being said, I am slowly replacing with Snap On or Matco as I can as the Snap On and Matco guys literally live in the same neighborhood as me.
Been plenty happy with my GW stuff, but it does have a clear difference in finish compared to the Snap On and Matco stuff.
Been plenty happy with my GW stuff, but it does have a clear difference in finish compared to the Snap On and Matco stuff.
shoggoth80
Well-known member
I can't comment on the swivels specifically.
I can comment on a general impression of the brand, based on some experience with it.
Stuff that I own that is GW: A 3/8" drive roto ratchet, with comfort handle. 1/4" drive mid deep sockets, 3/8" drive mid deep sockets. Some ratcheting wrenches, bought piecemeal.
I really like the sockets. Like a lot. They are well machined, nicely chromed, sizes are clearly stamped on the sidewall, and the knurling a the socket base is a thoughtful touch that makes a lot of sense... when it's too loose for a ratchet, but not loose enough to just spin off with fingertips. Well made, well thought out, warranty, good price per set. Sometimes can find BOGOs. As far as any of their sockets go, if it is Taiwanese, I'd say go for it.
Ratchet. It's a bit over 10" long. Comfort handle makes a world of difference when you use it a lot. Overall pretty good quality item. I warrantied it twice. First time was when I first started with my current employer. Over two years ago. Rusted out bolt. Really should have been using an impact, or a breaker bar I think. Second time... it was freezing cold outside, and someone had over-torqued some lug nuts, and I didn't have a choice but to resort to attempting to remove with my ratchet. Didn't take a lot of force at that temperature to send it flying apart. It has otherwise served solid for 2 years up to that point of DAILY use in a fleet shop, as my go to ratchet. They aren't as cheap as they used to be, but they still aren't bad. If you can't find one at less than full retail, catch the Carlyle 100T unit on sale. Otherwise, this is a safe purchase. Especially if you are a DIYer.
Based on my exposure and experience with the brand, I'd go for it. Word is that even some of their Chinese made wrenches aren't bad either. There is the argument that it's all about specs and QC when it comes down to that place. At least with GW they aren't leaving off COO and gouging you truck prices. Some of the other guys are a little shady that way. Not all of them though.
I can comment on a general impression of the brand, based on some experience with it.
Stuff that I own that is GW: A 3/8" drive roto ratchet, with comfort handle. 1/4" drive mid deep sockets, 3/8" drive mid deep sockets. Some ratcheting wrenches, bought piecemeal.
I really like the sockets. Like a lot. They are well machined, nicely chromed, sizes are clearly stamped on the sidewall, and the knurling a the socket base is a thoughtful touch that makes a lot of sense... when it's too loose for a ratchet, but not loose enough to just spin off with fingertips. Well made, well thought out, warranty, good price per set. Sometimes can find BOGOs. As far as any of their sockets go, if it is Taiwanese, I'd say go for it.
Ratchet. It's a bit over 10" long. Comfort handle makes a world of difference when you use it a lot. Overall pretty good quality item. I warrantied it twice. First time was when I first started with my current employer. Over two years ago. Rusted out bolt. Really should have been using an impact, or a breaker bar I think. Second time... it was freezing cold outside, and someone had over-torqued some lug nuts, and I didn't have a choice but to resort to attempting to remove with my ratchet. Didn't take a lot of force at that temperature to send it flying apart. It has otherwise served solid for 2 years up to that point of DAILY use in a fleet shop, as my go to ratchet. They aren't as cheap as they used to be, but they still aren't bad. If you can't find one at less than full retail, catch the Carlyle 100T unit on sale. Otherwise, this is a safe purchase. Especially if you are a DIYer.
Based on my exposure and experience with the brand, I'd go for it. Word is that even some of their Chinese made wrenches aren't bad either. There is the argument that it's all about specs and QC when it comes down to that place. At least with GW they aren't leaving off COO and gouging you truck prices. Some of the other guys are a little shady that way. Not all of them though.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
No, their quick release ratchets only have 45 teeth.
part#81014 for 1/4, 81218 for 3/8, 81219 for 3/8 flex head, and 81309 for 1/2 inch drive.
chrisnazzy
Well-known member
My Gearwrench tools are limited to just wrenches. I have:
10-19mm Stubby Ratcheting
8-25mm Metric Reversible Ratcheting
10,12,13,14,15,17,19 Flex Head Ratcheting
1/4" - 1" Standard Combination Ratcheting
3/8" - 3/4" Flex Head Ratcheting
I have never had any issue with them and haven't had to warranty any. I do have a couple questions though. With the main exception being the flex head most of my GW ratcheting wrenches were purchased around 2001. How do I tell if they are made in China or Taiwan. I'm just curious.
Also I am considering a few GW non-ratcheting wrench set purchases. I am looking at the Flare nut Metric and SAE sets and the 81921 and 81922 large metric and sae sets. Any thoughts on these. Everything is for home maintenance and my own maintenance/customization of personal vehicles. Links below:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0079GQOX0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076PCAEG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gearwrench-...:g:lKUAAOSwBLlVbMAe&item=141682552979&vxp=mtr
10-19mm Stubby Ratcheting
8-25mm Metric Reversible Ratcheting
10,12,13,14,15,17,19 Flex Head Ratcheting
1/4" - 1" Standard Combination Ratcheting
3/8" - 3/4" Flex Head Ratcheting
I have never had any issue with them and haven't had to warranty any. I do have a couple questions though. With the main exception being the flex head most of my GW ratcheting wrenches were purchased around 2001. How do I tell if they are made in China or Taiwan. I'm just curious.
Also I am considering a few GW non-ratcheting wrench set purchases. I am looking at the Flare nut Metric and SAE sets and the 81921 and 81922 large metric and sae sets. Any thoughts on these. Everything is for home maintenance and my own maintenance/customization of personal vehicles. Links below:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0079GQOX0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076PCAEG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gearwrench-...:g:lKUAAOSwBLlVbMAe&item=141682552979&vxp=mtr
Sprintman
Banned
Logic and Garagejournal shouldn't be used on the same day let alone the same sentence.
GHBrumbaugh
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2014
- Messages
- 91
I've been upgrading sockets and ratchets over the past year. I was on a real Made in the USA kick, so my main set of sockets are SK. More specialty sockets I went for GearWrench, as I know I won't be using them as much. In hind sight, I wish I would have gone GearWrench for everything. The finish quality of all the GearWrench sockets is way better than the SK. I've had zero issues with any of my GearWrench tools. I'd also be like $300 richer.
dclassical
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2008
- Messages
- 1,130
For now many years I have wanted to buy a 1/2" deep socket set (I have impacts which I use when needed but still no 1/2" deep).
I keep hesitating between SK and Gearwrench. I am happy with all the SK tools I have. I also have some 13+ years Kobalt sockets and very happy with them (they were USA made). I have 3/8" Gearwrench swivel sockets and I am happy with them.
Part of me wants to buy the SK... made in the USA and probably good quality if like all the other tools I bought from them. But part of me also wants to spend money on other things than tools at this point (flying and photography are also very expensive hobbies lol).
I will probably break down and buy a set one day... for now I buy the tools that I really need (after 15+ years of buying tools I still do not have all I need - and never will I am sure).
I keep hesitating between SK and Gearwrench. I am happy with all the SK tools I have. I also have some 13+ years Kobalt sockets and very happy with them (they were USA made). I have 3/8" Gearwrench swivel sockets and I am happy with them.
Part of me wants to buy the SK... made in the USA and probably good quality if like all the other tools I bought from them. But part of me also wants to spend money on other things than tools at this point (flying and photography are also very expensive hobbies lol).
I will probably break down and buy a set one day... for now I buy the tools that I really need (after 15+ years of buying tools I still do not have all I need - and never will I am sure).
depends on what you are comparing i guess. i have a good bit of usa that i would choose over gearwrench. but i do have a few gearwrench items that are of nice quality.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I would agree that some gearwrench stuff is nicer than USA craftsman. But it depends on what it is and how you define better.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I believe I've heard you talk about Carlyle on here before. Between the two, if you've had experience with both, which company makes a better quick release?