gearwrench flexheads

[usmc_noma]

so those of you that jumped on the deal back in september and who have recently bought them, what's your opinions on them?

i know they're non locking flex but have ya'll had problems with them flexing a lot while using them? anything else ya'll have found since you've bought and used them. all opinions welcome.

i'm debating whether i should get these or the 8pc nonflex ratchet combos.

 

[Zrexxer]

They're pretty tight and they have an allen screw for the pivot instead of a pin, so even if they get floppy you can snug them up. I had standard GW's, I wanted these specifically for the flex head.

 

[cambell]

i have both and always grab the flexheads first, i never would have bought the standard if i knew how much i like the flex heads.

 

[BWright]

Going along with this topic, im getting ready to buy a 12pc metric set of tooltopia. I can't decide tho whether i want the standard flexes or the xl locking flexes. I have the flexes in SAE and i don't really have a problem with them moving too much, but ti think the locking feature might be handy. What do you guys think?

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-9901.aspx

or

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-85698.aspx

 

[BB26]

Going along with this topic, im getting ready to buy a 12pc metric set of tooltopia. I can't decide tho whether i want the standard flexes or the xl locking flexes. I have the flexes in SAE and i don't really have a problem with them moving too much, but ti think the locking feature might be handy. What do you guys think?

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-9901.aspx

or

http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-85698.aspx

I have both. Locking feature aside, IMO the quality is far superior on the XL series. A few highlights:

- XLs are 15-20% longer
- XLs have surface drive plus open ends, which is a nice feature
- Aside from a small button, the locking mechanism does not add any extra bulk over the regular ones. The Craftsman locking flex wrenches that I have are much bulkier.
- The fit/finish and feel is much better on the XLs.

I believe GWs XL series wrenches are made for professional users, while the standard series target the DIY or casual user crowd (availabe at Sears, Lowes, etc.). I can definitely tell the difference between the two lines.

 

[BWright]

I have both. Locking feature aside, IMO the quality is far superior on the XL series. A few highlights:

- XLs are 15-20% longer
- XLs have surface drive plus open ends, which is a nice feature
- Aside from a small button, the locking mechanism does not add any extra bulk over the regular ones. The Craftsman locking flex wrenches that I have are much bulkier.
- The fit/finish and feel is much better on the XLs.

I believe GWs XL series wrenches are made for professional users, while the standard series target the DIY or casual user crowd (availabe at Sears, Lowes, etc.). I can definitely tell the difference between the two lines.

I think that settles it, for $17 bucks more ill be going with the xl. Thanks

 

[Joe H]

Yeah I have been eyeballing the XL series from Gear Wrench for some time. I did recently purchase the flex head 7pc metric set that sears had on sale. I have used them for a couple of days and they are definitely a nice set for the $40 I paid.

 

[BB26]

I think that settles it, for $17 bucks more ill be going with the xl. Thanks

$17 well spent. I never even use the regular ones after buying the XLs.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have only two of them, older, non locking, metric, 13 mm and 14 mm. Found in the street. Have proven to be extremely handy removing bellhousing bolts when doing the clutch change on my Ranger, and the transaxle R&R on my Plymouth.

Charles

 

[Rodger]

I've had a set of the SAE and of the metric for a year or so. Strong and tight....never "flipped around" loosely. Been useful in the awkward positions.

 

[usmc_noma]

good to go. thanks for the reviews. now one last question...is there any difference from the ones you find at different stores? ie...the ones at sears v. lowes v. ace hardware?

 

[nate379]

I LOVE mine. Almost always the first thing I grab when I need a wrench. Bought them when they first came out and have not had any problems with them other than a couple of the more common used ones stick once in a while. Rap it against the bench and it's fixed. Probably just needs to be cleaned.

 

[Junkman]

I picked up a spare set of the SAE flex heads at Sears this evening for $39.99. I like mine so much that the spare set will go into my junk yard box.