Gearhead sockets @ Pep Boys (pics)

[Wizzard]

So I had to go out and find a replacement 3/8 drive 16mm 12pt socket today since I noticed I'm missing it from my Craftsman USA set. Went to Sears and they didn't have it in stock, not to mention the quality (or lack of) of all the current Chinese Craftsman sockets is

Then I checked out Gearwrench at the local Advance Auto, not bad quality for the price. Finally at Pep Boys I noticed the Gearhead line (Taiwan) looked very solid, good heft and a really nice finish on the sockets, price was same as Gearwrench:

 

[stage20]

i would have bought the gearwrench. pep boys does a tool reset about every 5-7years it seems, so if you ever need this warrantied (cant really see anyone use it enough to be warrantied) you may just have to pay cash for another one.

 

[Wizzard]

That was my thought too. They did say as long as they carry the brand they will honor the warranty in store when I asked, if not I would have to take take it up with the company directly...which ain't happening on a $4 socket. I was just tired of driving around at that point.

 

[Kirbot]

I definitely don't see the advantage over Taiwan Gearwrench, but I'm sure it's a perfectly decent socket.

 

[Fedwrench]

I definitely don't see the advantage over Taiwan Gearwrench, but I'm sure it's a perfectly decent socket.

I'd say strictly availability. Out west we don't have advance auto parts so, you can't stroll into a store and grab a gearwrench socket whereas, Manny, Moe, and Jack can be easily found.

 

[Kirbot]

Never realized Advance auto was regional like that....

I'd go broke without their $40 off $100 coupon

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Never realized Advance auto was regional like that....

I'd go broke without their $40 off $100 coupon

Yep, nothing in the Northwest either. I still use the coupon for online when ordering parts.

 

[monster1]

My biggest issue with decent bargain tools is not the quality when I buy but the quality when its time to replace a tool in the set.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

ha those sockets ****!! Just ask the mechanics in service dept( I was a lube tech at Pep Boys store a few years ago.)

 

[Fiercedragonxx]

I purchased a 130 piece Gearhead starter set for $45 from their eBay store. I am curious how your socket is holding up? It seemed like it was a good deal for a likely emergency use set.

 

[AreYaSerious]

Gearwrench at pep boys I assume is Chinese gearwrench. The quality isnjunk compared to Taiwan.

 

[victor252]

I purchased a 130 piece Gearhead starter set for $45 from their eBay store. I am curious how your socket is holding up? It seemed like it was a good deal for a likely emergency use set.

I bought a similar set (108 pc) back in 2014 and it's fine. The ratchet is crappy but only became an annoyance when I used it with a 3 foot cheater pipe. Still kinda works, just very rough. I keep it in my car and don't sweat it if my $30 tool set gets stolen or lost. It has already paid for for itself literally 100x over by saving my friends and I about $3000 in labor costs.

It's a good set to have around but obviously not as nice as the (much more expensive) SK, Carlyle and Proto stuff I own now. A very good value.

 

[Professional Tool User]

It's not just the distribution network and customer service that makes Gearwrench better. Gearwrench simply has a lot more stuff. They even have you covered for certain specialty tools.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I'd say strictly availability. Out west we don't have advance auto parts so, you can't stroll into a store and grab a gearwrench socket whereas, Manny, Moe, and Jack can be easily found.

Interesting. Where is "out West" for you? I am in Arizona and we have several Advance Auto's.

3.5 years ago when his post was made, it was accurate. All the Advance locations now in Phx, Scottsdale, etc. are newly opened.