Gearwrench 14 piece socket set initial thoughts

[ace028]

Sorry if this has been posted before.

I was looking for a nice fine tooth 1/4 ratchet to add to my tool box that wasn't a flex. I read a lot of positive reviews on the gearwrench ratchet, and that the 88 tooth matco upgrade kit fits. Well after searcing on ebay, it made more sense to get the socket kit because I got more for my money obviously.

Well after opening it, I am really impressed with the quality and finish of the tools. The chrome looks far supirior to craftsman. The only disadvantage is that the sockets are slightly taller then craftsman, which may not be a bad thing unless you needed shorter socket. I have not actually used the ratchet for anything yet, but for only $20 plus shipping, I think I got a great deal! Hope to buy some 88 tooth kits pretty soon! I am sort of thinking of replacing some of my craftsman sockets with gearwrench, (thoughts).

Here are a few pictures, sorry for the poor quality pics, my camera was dead so these are cell pics the matco handle is orange, not pinkish lol.

 

[dualsub2006]

I started putting Gearwrench in my road box but all of my recent buys have been Gearwrench. I've been happy with the ratchets, sockets and wrenches and I have been wearing them out. Screwdrivers are next for me.

 

[ace028]

Good to hear, I have the wrenches and really like them, though I hate that you cant flip the reversing combo wrenches over because they have a lip that keeps a nut from passing through the wrench, the craftsman version don't have that.

I saw a set of sockets on ebay from 10mm to 24mm 1/2 dr for around $25, not a bad deal, I need 22-24, and craftsman would prob almost cost that much for only 3 lol.

 

[Jeff]

I have the GW Metric & SAE 3/8" socket sets. I have no issues with them and the price was right. I also have a set of the GW ratcheting metric wrenches which I absolutely swear by.

 

[dualsub2006]

I got the ratcheting wrenches during the sears Labor Day but haven't used them much. I got sets of SAE and metric combo wrenches at an Advance clearance sale and have been using those a lot.

 

[mooman]

I got that same set from my local NAPA. They were blowing them out at $10 each. They still have a bunch of them. You're right, the little ratchet is smooooth!!!

 

[littlekillertoad]

I picked up the 3/8 set at a pawn shop for $10 and I was impressed. For the price, it was hard to say no.

 

[Paco Pena]

I bought the same set for $24.99 locally. Nicely finished and no issues after about 4 months of home use.

Paco

 

[mrholeshot]

I picked up the ratching screwdriver set at sears when they were 1/2 off. It has 1/4 inch drive sockets and extensions but no regular ratchet. I'm not impressed with the sockets at all nor the extensions. I really like gearwrench stuff and I have bought a good bit of it. The Sockets themselves seem like what they are and that is cheap China tools. The rest of the stuff like ratchet wrenches, ratchets (rotohead) and even the driver handles seem to be great and don't scream Cheap. Now to be fair I haven't actually used the sockets so how strong they are I have no idea. They just have that cheezy look to them. I would like to see a regular 3/8 deep 17mm deep so I could get a better perspective.

 

[dualsub2006]

Now to be fair I haven't actually used the sockets so how strong they are I have no idea.

I bought one of those sets for my work tool box and I have used it in some nasty pump and backflow situations. I haven't had an issue with the sockets at all. They are cosmetically different from the sockets in my normal Gearwrench sets but functionally they are first rate.

I wouldn't call them cheap China tools at all. I have cheap China tools from Harbor Freight and this Gearwrench set is certainly a cut above IMHO.