So I was all set to start buying gearwrench regular wrenches because I like the variety and the long pattern wrenches after a few weeks of planning to buy them I read on another thread that they were made in China. The only reason that selected gearwrench was because of the variety of wrenches and they were made in Taiwan.. Any suggestions on a brand that has the the same variety of wrenches at a reasonable price.
Gearwrench alternative
- Thread starter Thamuza
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Malczewski
Banned
Doesn't exist.
Don't worry about the flag mindlessly waving in front of the factory. Apex group isn't about to tolerate any nonsense from it's factories.It's a solid outfit.
Don't worry about the flag mindlessly waving in front of the factory. Apex group isn't about to tolerate any nonsense from it's factories.It's a solid outfit.
I have a complete set of SAE and metric. Way over rated and not very happy with them. The box end is ok, but the open end ***** ***. Fastener fit is terrible. As for the quality of the forging, I got no complaints as it was just today I was beating on a 15mm with a hammer to break a bolt loose. The damn thing didn't break and the chrome is still home..haha 
Kirbot
Well-known member
I suppose Carlyle would be the next step up. Made in Taiwan.
Much more expensive though.
Much more expensive though.
I cant afford to buy off the truck. I'm using craftsman now and have had to replace some lost and stolen sockets and wrenches and have not been happy that I cant find U.S.A. made anymore. Since reading the forums it seems that the Taiwanese tools have mass approval and I need to build my tool set. Whats the next step up other than SK.
Kirbot
Well-known member
I'm pretty sure most Kobalt combo wrenches are still made in Taiwan.
I don't know if you'll find any really big sets like you can with GW, but it's worth checking out.
I don't know if you'll find any really big sets like you can with GW, but it's worth checking out.
btbsandman
Well-known member
In my own personal set of wrenches:
I have Gearwrench Ratcheting Combos, Genius, Kobalt USA (Danaher), Craftsman, MasterForce, Craftsman Industrial, Allen Industrial, Heyco, and Tekton.
There is not one perfect brand out there.
I have Gearwrench Ratcheting Combos, Genius, Kobalt USA (Danaher), Craftsman, MasterForce, Craftsman Industrial, Allen Industrial, Heyco, and Tekton.
There is not one perfect brand out there.
Most Carlyle is sourced from apex tools. So....
But gearwrench's factories seem to have consistent quality control.
JBradley500
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Probably the new Taiwan tekton sets would be similar to what you're looking for.
AceofSpad3s
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The used market is your friend, You can get old us steel for next to nothing.
AceofSpad3s
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I have a complete set of SAE and metric. Way over rated and not very happy with them. The box end is ok, but the open end ***** ***. Fastener fit is terrible. As for the quality of the forging, I got no complaints as it was just today I was beating on a 15mm with a hammer to break a bolt loose. The damn thing didn't break and the chrome is still home..haha
I picked a 2 metric ratcheting flex head combo wrench a month or so back used on the cheap, I agree they are nothing to write home about, chrome is nice, but so are my husky plain combos.
Kirbot
Well-known member
Urrea is another one to consider.
Made in Mexico, it's basically a spinoff of Proto.
The only real downside is that a 15 piece set for example, won't have 15 different sized blanks. They might stamp a 13mm and a 14mm in the same wrench. But I think Tekton does that too....
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119792
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I6J75AK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ5644A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Made in Mexico, it's basically a spinoff of Proto.
The only real downside is that a 15 piece set for example, won't have 15 different sized blanks. They might stamp a 13mm and a 14mm in the same wrench. But I think Tekton does that too....
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119792
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I6J75AK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ5644A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Take a look at Wright with Wrightgrip. They will twist the head off a bolt with the open end without spreading. Take a look at the following video review.
Here's a prior review vs. Craftsman RP, Gearwrench, older SK -
Best bang for the buck imo. And their USA too.
Here's a prior review vs. Craftsman RP, Gearwrench, older SK -
Best bang for the buck imo. And their USA too.
kctyphoon
Banned
if i were a pro,, i think id be looking at carlyle and gearwrench myself.. dont know if this helps either - but Kobalts 300+ sockets sets are on clearance for like half price right now..
carlyle wrenches are REALLY nice..
carlyle wrenches are REALLY nice..
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My comments were only about their wrenches. I have a **** load of ratchet wrench stuff and love the hell out of them. I also have a couple complete sets of sockets that are just ok. I guess it just occurred to me that it's hit and miss with GW. Some stuff is great and other stuff just alright. All in all and since I only buy their stuff when on sale I have absolutely no complaints for the value.
AceofSpad3s
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I was talking about there combo wrenches not ratchets. Those ones I have just happen to be flex head ratcheting box end combo wrenches.
oldldh
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GearWrench #81919----$ 188.99/Free Shipping/No Tax...
www.qualitytoolsforless.com
Hard to beat---Quality or Price!!!
www.qualitytoolsforless.com
Hard to beat---Quality or Price!!!
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chris142
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I use my made in China ones daily. No issues.
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
Don't bother would be my answer. The wrench guys will throw a f-ing hissy fit though. The way things modern s*it is...you have to actively go looking for a situation where you can use a friggin wrench on a bolt. It's okay, that's why they got ratchets and assorted doodads to lego and charge you absurd prices for.
No doubt wrenches are easier for angular torque but...not used so much anymore.
Patrick Boyle
Well-known member
I've got a set of Williams reversible ratcheting wrenches and I love them. Paid $120 for a set of 12: http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-MWS-12RC-Hand-Tools-Wrenches-Ratcheting-Combination-Metric-Sets
Made in Taiwan
Made in Taiwan
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Carlyle is hands down the best import tool there is. But the price reflects it..
stovebolt6
Well-known member
I have a lot of gearwrench tools. The thing I like about them is that they are marketed to professionals and are sold on the trucks alongside the other top brands, but are not priced prohibitively for DIY hacks like myself. What's different about a gearwrench tool made in Taiwan versus a Matco tool made in china? Also, there are several Gearwrench tools that are rebranded Matco anyway..
I think the only real alternatives to GW are the truck brands to be honest.
I think the only real alternatives to GW are the truck brands to be honest.
LOL, i keep forgetting about Carlyle because it's just finally make it's way into Canada. Depending on their prices on anti-slip, it's between them and wright for my new set.
thesilverone
Well-known member
Have any facts to back up that opinion?
Wamsutta
Well-known member
That puts a major damper on any suggestions right there. Good wrenches cost money. There's nothing wrong with buying one wrench at a time; that's how a lot of guys buy their wrenches and that's how I bought mine.
Williams/Blue Point or Carlyle, although if you were going to spend that money for standard combo wrenches at least I think I would buy Wrightgrips.
We had a plateau where there were several good Taiwan made lines for varying prices, and now we basically have half or less than what was available a year ago. I personally don't like Husky's line but you might luck out and find some Taiwan in there, if so they would likely be GW copies. Kobalt Taiwan if you find some NOS would be an excellent choice. Both are currently china made and imo they are not as nice as they were a year ago.
The GW china made wrenches I have not personally seen anything that differs from the Taiwan made, however several folks here have mentioned it. I don't remember any specific comparisons so take it for what it's worth.
We had a plateau where there were several good Taiwan made lines for varying prices, and now we basically have half or less than what was available a year ago. I personally don't like Husky's line but you might luck out and find some Taiwan in there, if so they would likely be GW copies. Kobalt Taiwan if you find some NOS would be an excellent choice. Both are currently china made and imo they are not as nice as they were a year ago.
The GW china made wrenches I have not personally seen anything that differs from the Taiwan made, however several folks here have mentioned it. I don't remember any specific comparisons so take it for what it's worth.
stovebolt6
Well-known member
Unfortunately not the whole line, just bits and pieces here and there. At least around my area. Though I've never had an issue with any of the UltraPro tools and I like them quite a bit.
Well, you got me there. I suppose not. But, I will say, imo, they are. At least for me. Since my Napa carries 99% of their line. But, as stated, the price reflecte that.
I was gonna ask if you wanted to qualify that as "Asian", because I wonder if Carlyle is nicer than the German stuff, then I started thinking about Nepros and KoKen, so now I guess I'm just gonna shut up. LOL
Though it would be interesting comparing Carlyle to TopTul....
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I have been wanting to try some of the Carlyle stuff. There is one Napa that is kinda close to me that has a few items but not the full line. And its behind the.counter like Gearwrench at Advance. I will say I buy USA tools when I can which I am fortunate to be able to do. But its not always practical. Like.ratcheting wrenches which are all.Gearwrench in my box. Some are China and I have had.one 19mm reversible lock up on me. Which my snap on dealer warrantied for me . Even though I didn't buy it from him. I.dont really think there is much if any difference between China and Taiwan Gearwrench. I.have some China and Taiwan sockets and there is NO difference in function or cosmetics. So buy the Gearwrench wrenches. They are good tools. If.you want better pony up for Wright,Proto or Williams. I would buy one of those brands if the price was close to say Carlyle or Gearwrench.
Warranty is another issue where I am there is no Napa but sears and the parts stores will warranty gearwrench. We have all the major truck brands (Cornwell Matco Mac) but only snap on stops at our shop and all the truck guys around here pretty much only sale their brand. No secondary brands on the trucks.. Except for IR.
Agree Jim, warranty is faster, they drive to the shop.
But they are nearly equal in my opinion bro.
Kirbot
Well-known member
That would be a pretty interesting comparison.
The finish and style is so different, it might be hard to decide which is really better.
It's a shame Toptul is so hard to get in the States, that the results almost wouldn't matter...
Kirbot
Well-known member
Also a good suggestion.
Blackhawks gets over looked way too often around here.
They still carry a lot of USA, including the combo wrenches.