Gearwrench 56 piece ratcheting screwdriver set

[biggsean]

Hey guys, this is one of my favorite tools in my collection, and I just wanted to share this review that I posted on my home forum, www.wrxmodders.com.

It's a 56 piece set (model # 44013)that includes a ratcheting screwdriver, ratcheting t-handle, multiple interchangeable shafts, standard and metric sockets, and a thorough set of bits. Nothing special you say? Well here's where it gets interesting. Most inexpensive ratcheting screwdrivers lack the fine tooth gearing that Snap-on brands have, and for good reason. They are usually very expensive to manufacture. This is what differentiates the GearWrench brand from the competition. I happen to own both a ratcheting Snap-on screwdriver ($100 for just the screwdriver) and now this set. After comparing the two screwdrivers, one would be hard pressed to find a difference in the ratcheting mechanism. Both operate as smooth as butter, and both have a nice rubberized grip. The difference being that this set only cost me $29.99, and included a t-handle (with the same fine tooth mechanism) and all of the extra shafts, sockets, bits, etc. That's less than a third of the price of the Snap-on! This is an absolute no-brainer for anybody who works on their cars as constantly as I do. Here are a few pics of the set, and some comparison shots with my Snap-on:

 

[Steve1968LS2]

Based on your review I just ordered a set from Sears..

 

[biggsean]

Glad that I could be of help. You're going to love this kit! I forgot to mention earlier that I love this little kit SO much that I actually purchased an extra to keep in one of my cars at all time.

 

[Stuey]

What I don't like is that most of the 56 pieces are sockets and bits that most people are going to have anyways. There's a 40 piece set with a stubby handle and more shaft options, but at almost double the price!

I ordered a T-handle and two shafts the other day from Sears, hopefully I'll like mine as much as you like yours!

 

[Lyaec350]

Stubby handle is $6 by itself on Amazon... is there a stubby bitholder or socket extension available?

 

[bmwpower]

Hoping my Sears order goes thru...I ordered most of those parts at the "deal" prices the other week.

 

[bchee]

Is that extension shown on the top a flexible extension?
I went to Sears today to look at this set, but couldn't find. I don't think it's an online only item.

 

[biggsean]

Is that extension shown on the top a flexible extension?
I went to Sears today to look at this set, but couldn't find. I don't think it's an online only item.

Yes it is sir.

I was actually in my local Sears today and noticed that they still had this set in stock. I couldn't convince myself that I needed a third set though, so I didn't purchase one.

 

[bchee]

Just bought this set based on your review. Overall, decent quality. The standard handle is much larger than I was expecting. Based on your pict, it looks about the same size as the Snap on. I don't have another ratcheting screwdriver for comparison, but the ratcheting mechanism is pretty fine and smooth. I really like the T-handle and flexible extension. Got it for $25 with sale price and $5 coupon.

 

[biggsean]

Just bought this set based on your review. Overall, decent quality. The standard handle is much larger than I was expecting. Based on your pict, it looks about the same size as the Snap on. I don't have another ratcheting screwdriver for comparison, but the ratcheting mechanism is pretty fine and smooth. I really like the T-handle and flexible extension. Got it for $25 with sale price and $5 coupon.

It really is a no-brainer at that price point, don't you think? All of my friends that I show it to are blown away.

 

[PoorOwner]

ok, I got a little chance to use this, my thought is that this is best suited for benchtop work with plenty of space. It was a little long in tight spots and should have came with a shorter extension. But the ratcheting mechanism is great.

Since the kit comes with SAE and metric sockets, this is something I can bring in the house and assemble furniture or something newly bought.. that's quite handy.

 

[PoorOwner]

I got some ACR bits from the Lowes decking section and used it to drive some 3" deck screws into my sagging door frame, even with the same bit in the cordless drill it was slipping occasionally.. But using the T handle ratchet from this kit it never slipped, probably because you can apply the push right in the center of your palm. The next few I just started with the drill and finished with the T handle! The driver is very nice especially combined with #2 philips ACR bits.. They are about $6 for 5 bits at the Lowes deck section.

 

[gotmud13613]

I just picked up this set last night. It seems like a really well built set. My favorite is the T-handle, Not sure how the little asst of bits will hold up ? But the sockets seem to be alright.

 

[joshboogie]

Well I jumped on the wagon. I got one today. I had them open it in the store just to see what I thought and I was impressed. I took it to work and compared it to the Snap On one and it's damn close. Of course the Snap On one is slightly better but for $30 this is a nice tool. The ratcheting part is damn near identical. I'll recommend this to anyone I know.

I also looked at the Kobalt version of this at Lowes and it is spot on with the gearwrench screw driver. It's also the same price. Has more extensions but it doesn't have the T handle. I didn't get to put my hands on it to test but on a visual they are exactly the same.

 

[Stuey]

I noticed the same about the Kobalt version. I think that the Kobalt version might be a better buy if it ever goes on sale and the T-handle can be purchased separately.

 

[joshboogie]

Well if you can live without the T handle I'd go with the Kobalt one. It's $29.99 but right now you can get a $10 off any $25 purchase coupon for Lowes so it's really only $19.99. It's a trade off either way.

 

[JayL]

I just ordered a set online at sears. It was $17.99 after a 40% discount off from the $29.99 price.

I missed the last 50% Gearwrench sale but today I was able to purchase several Ratcheting Wrench sets @ 40% discount, together with the screwdriver set.

 

[Itzkwik]

Another happy customer. Picked up a set Saturday.

 

[biggsean]

I purchased four more of these sets at the $17.99 price before Sears yanked the additional 40% discount.

 

[tite681]

I purchased four more of these sets at the $17.99 price before Sears yanked the additional 40% discount.

$17.99? I'll have to stock up on these and give them away for Christmas presents.

 

[Norton155]

The ratcheting action of both handles is very nice. Has anyone noticed that the sockets tend to wobble a little on the extentions? When I noticed this I tried the sockets on several 1/4" drive ratchets and they are also loose. Maybe they designed the 'wobble' into them to help get the socket on hard to reach fasteners.

 

[PoorOwner]

I don't think so, personally I am not too thrilled about how loose everything fits, especially wish the shaft would be harder to pull out from the ratchets
but that's ok for the price.

 

[justinmc]

I don't think so, personally I am not too thrilled about how loose everything fits, especially wish the shaft would be harder to pull out from the ratchets
but that's ok for the price.

Weird.. mine fits pretty tight and nothing is loose. Maybe you got a bad version? The mechanism to switch between forward/reverse feels "light" but it at least positively clicks into place. This is a nice set that I've enjoyed for a few months now. Just got a chance to put my two cents in here. My only complaint is that the the rubber material is a little "grippier" than the snap-on soft grip stuff and if you lay it down on anything other than a clean surface it tends to grab every little spec of grit it can. Makes me wish they made a hard plastic handle similar to the snap-on plastic ratcheting versions. However I do love the T handle!

 

[DaytonFan]

Thats a snazzy little set!!

 

[dps]

...on sale today for $21, just came back with one...thanks for the write-up biggsean

 

[biggsean]

Not a problem, I'm glad this thread continues to live on, and people manage to find deals on this handy little set.

 

[bmwpower]

Bought one, too, for $21...still waiting to pickup... thanks!

 

[bchee]

The ratcheting action of both handles is very nice. Has anyone noticed that the sockets tend to wobble a little on the extentions? When I noticed this I tried the sockets on several 1/4" drive ratchets and they are also loose. Maybe they designed the 'wobble' into them to help get the socket on hard to reach fasteners.

I also noticed that the sockets wobble on the extension. It did kind of bother me, but then it might come in handy at some point. I had a chance to play with a snap-on ratcheting driver (the one that can convert into the pistol grip) and it felt heavier, with a sturdier 'feel' to the ratcheting mechanism. Of course, that means little because that's just how it 'felt' to me without actually using it.

 

[mkstuls]

Also Facom have the same screwdriver

And Stanley too