GearWrench in the future?

[Pudge87]

Do you think GearWrench is going to be the next biggest "middle class" tool manufacture? After going to Sears today, Craftsman seems like its going downhill rapidly and truck brands sourcing more and more from overseas. It seems like GearWrench is getting bigger and bigger every year. They offer a complete hand tool lineup, innovative, lifetime warranty (somewhat difficult according to some), and according to their website, they're trying to start a mobile tool truck. Anyway, what's you opinion?

 

[itsvegas]

if they keep things going the way they have been, i would say absolutely.

 

[Fast LT1]

Gearwrench stuff isn't bad. I have an independent tool dealer that sells their tools. I buy some from him. If they would change some of their products like they're ratchets for example, get rid if the ball and ridge detent and make a snap on like flex head. Also their extensions aren't hard enough, my 1/4" ones flex and loose a lot of torque, whereas my snap on extensions don't. But then again I can buy 4 sets of gearwrench extensions vs one set from snapon. If they're warranty process was easier they'd become what craftsman was 20 years ago. Minus the made in USA part, but the majority of people don't care where it's sourced from.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think Gearwrench is already there.

Don't get me wrong Craftsman has been around for well over 80 years and they have heritage and time on their side.

However, Gearwrench has grown significantly since first launching ratcheting wrenches under the KD banner in 1996, to replacing KD tools and offering a very extensive line of automotive hand tools.

Additionally when the old SK went under, many independent mobile tool jobbers filled that void with Gearwrench hand tools.

What Gearwrench needs to do is to expand their availability through an auto parts store chain like pep boys or oreily's, someone out west. Of course with Advanced buying carquest, maybe Carquest will dump the powerbuilt line in favor of Gearwrench.

I've been happy with my Gearwrench purchases and they're a lot cheaper than the brands I was buying.

 

[BK13]

I just hope GW can keep a majority of it's production in Tiawan, versus moving it to China.

 

[mech-tech]

I have to agree on the distributor remark, orielly's used to sell kd/gearwrench but have since dropped them for some other cheap brand I never heard of. They used to have the cheap line of tools, and kd as the upper brand. Now if I want gearwrench I have to order online. Sears has very little and VERY few auto parts stores sell them within 25 miles. If I had someone local that had a full stock, then they would be my main brand. I had a 9/16 rachet wrench that needed replacing, only one small auto parts store even stocked them in my area, and they only had the reversable wrenches with the lever. Most gearwrench tool boards I see only have the wrenches, no other products.

 

[Pudge87]

Majority of my sockets are GW brand and I've had awesome results, BUT I will admit, I DON'T use them everyday like some of the guys on here. With that being said, will guys that purchased a ton of GW stuff reap benefits of better replacements in the future if the company increases QC beyond what it already is?

 

[Pudge87]

I know the Advance Auto Parts' around here carries a pretty good line up of their stuff. AAP also is one of the cheapest places to purchase metric sockets (they don't carry much SAE) and you can also stack a coupon to make them that much cheaper.

 

[LXCam]

I have several of the original GW stuff and its been flawless. So recently I decided to purchase a few of thier socket sets to both complete the collection and freshen up some of my older kinda wore out stuff. And I can saw I'm not thrilled with some of it. Oh its not bad, but it ain't great either. Their swivel sockets leave a lot to be desired. The wrenches fit ok, but not as tight as I would like. I will say all the brochings are properly centered and the finish is excellent. But I don't think I will be purchasing any more of their products.

 

[Silberpfeil]

I love their stuff for the price. Being 15 I can't buy high dollar brands like Snap on etc, so they're a great brand for the price. I think they'll be around for a while, people like to pay less for stuff and if it's good stuff they'll keep buying it. The only problem I have is that only one place stocks it here, Masters. (Pretty much Australian Lowe's)

-Jeremy

 

[Bhfear]

I have 90% snapon tools in my box. Have blue point and other mfg. Ratchet wrenches and i go for my flex head gearwrench before any other. Love the quality of the wrenches. But cant say anything for there standard wrenches or sockets etc. As i do not use them. And warranty is easy threw my snappy dealer.

 

[CWP1616L]

All those Asian tool companies try their darndest to copy Snap-on. I often wonder what their tools would look like if they didn't have Snap-on to copy.

 

[Pudge87]

All those Asian tool companies try their darndest to copy Snap-on. I often wonder what their tools would look like if they didn't have Snap-on to copy.

Why try to reinvent the wheel? If it works, it works. Also I don't think GW copies all that much. If anything they innovate more than they copy.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Do you think GearWrench is going to be the next biggest "middle class" tool manufacture? After going to Sears today, Craftsman seems like its going downhill rapidly and truck brands sourcing more and more from overseas. It seems like GearWrench is getting bigger and bigger every year. They offer a complete hand tool lineup, innovative, lifetime warranty (somewhat difficult according to some), and according to their website, they're trying to start a mobile tool truck. Anyway, what's you opinion?

Doubt it. I see a ton of their unsold inventory of theirs popping up on ebay. They don't make sockets or wrenches any better than any of the house brands that I know of and charge much more for it.

So, I don't agree with your assessment. I think stanley usage will actually grow. I was looking at some of the bostitch stuff they have at walmart and it's real good. The warranty probably isn't in store but having store presence like that with good tools is definitely going to pump up their brand. I can't attest to usage except for the t handle set I have but the stuff looks well made. Price is somewhat steep for the bostitch stuff though nothing excessive.

Anything with a mail in warranty is a pain though so the house brands in lowe's, home depot, and auto parts stores will necessarily get more use than a mail in tool (even if it's built better). If gearwrench wants to compete they need to contract for local replacement or repair either at retail or independently, unless they lower their prices across the board. I don't buy their stuff because everything they make I already have from other manufacturers with similar if not better quality.

I don't know where you're finding their specialty tools but I don't recall ever seeing anything but sets (maybe some single wrenches) from this manufacturer except online. I don't really look at their stuff though. Online I can find their stuff cheaper than I can find for house brands, still don't buy it because no retail warranty. I've never had a problem with anything kobalt so I'd rather just buy what I need from them even if I end up paying a couple bucks more.

This is not a knock on gearwrench though, as I understand it they make very nice ratcheting box wrenches. If I ever were to want to buy a set they'd be where I'd look first but I'm not a big box wrench guy. I have a couple craftsman ratcheting box wrenches and they do what they should do. A lot of tools end up being more like a commodity than specialty. If they're all the same quality you just buy what you prefer. I don't buy tools because they look nice, I buy them either because they're cheap, because they're durable, or because even if they're less durable there is a hassle free warranty replacement (a combination of all of these factors).

 

[Danglerb]

As Craftsman goes downhill, GW seems to be slipping right into the niche they used to own.

 

[ndoran]

here in Canada NAPA sells Gearwrench, The Canadian Tire Mastercraft Maximum ratcheting wrenches have Gearwrench stamped on the packaging. My Snap On and Mac dealers will sell and warranty Gearwrench.

 

[niferous]

GearWrench has really big backing in that they are owned by Apex Tool group. Apex is a huge conglomerate tool manufacturer who makes just about every tool you can imagine. My company is a distributor but we honestly don't do too much with them.

Those same guys own:

Allen – Hex keys

Armstrong Tools – Industrial hand tools, made in the USA.

Atkins – Hacksaws

Belzer – hand tools

Campbell – Rigging, chains, and clamps.

Caulkmaster – Pneumatic dispensing guns

Collins – Machetes, shovels, and axes

Crescent – Produces general hand tools and tool sets.

Delta – tool boxes

Diamond – Horseshoes and farrier tools.

Erem – Precision pliers.

H.K. Porter – Bolt and cable cutters.

Iseli – Precision matched parts

Jacob's Chuck – drill chucks

JOBOX – truck boxes and site storage

K-D Tools – mechanic's hand and specialty tools

K&F – files and rasps

Kahnetics – Dispensing systems.

Lufkin – Manufactures measuring tools such as calipers, gauges, micrometers, and measuring tapes.

Mayle – Mechanic's hand tools

Nicholson – Produces files, rasps, and saws.

Plumb – Striking tools, such as hammers, axes, and chisels.

SATA – Mechanic's hand tools.

Spline Gauges – gauges

Weller – Soldering stuff

Wire-wrap – Electrical connection equipment.

Wiss – Scissors and snips.

Xcelite – Electronics tools such as general and specialized screwdrivers and
Airetool – tube cleaners and expanders

Apex – production impact sockets, bits, and universal joints

Buckeye – material embossing

Cleco – assembly tools

Cooper Automation – automated fastening systems

DGD – automated systems

Doler – advanced drilling equipment

Dotco – material removal tools

Master Power – industrial air tools

Metronix – Servos, drivers, and speed controls

Quackenbush – advanced drilling equipment

Recoules – drilling tools

Rotor – assembly equipment

Utica – torque measurement and control tools

 

[LXCam]

Talk about shameless plugs.....you go niferous!

 

[John316]

Gearwrench is a very nice mid range brand for auto hand tools. Just look at the configurations they offer in ratchets, wrenches and sockets. They seem to continue to roll out more as time passes. I have a full set of chrome sockets including swivel and mid length, the reversible ratcheting wrenches, many ratchets, the long gearbox wrenches, etc. and have been happy with all of them, except I am annoyed by detent style flex ratchets (but that's my preference)

I would love to see them upgrade the screwdrivers and pliers, but hey... that's what knipex, channnellock, williams and wiha are for

 

[HDMac07]

I haven't had any trouble out of my GearWrench stuff. I use at least a few different GearWrench tools every day and I will continue to purchase them while they are cheap. They are gaining popularity, and the company will continue to grow - at least I personally, FIRMLY believe that. They are supposed to have tool trucks hitting the streets in the near future and a lot of tool trucks around here already carry extensive lines of their tools.. including our Snap-On man. I have used the following sets extensively with ZERO problems: 1/4" deep well metric sockets, 3/8" deep well metric sockets, metric flex head ratcheting wrenches, metric double box end ratcheting wrenches, and I'm certain that I have to be forgetting some. I own Snap-On and Mac Tools USA sockets and wrenches in just about every size and option that I own similar GearWrench products and I have no preference as to which I use.. they are all great tools. Here is a picture of the cart I use daily, there are several sets of GearWrench tools on it, several sets of Mac Tools on it, and Snap-On ratchets/extensions/some sockets. Popularity of the ToolBrand is growing, and will keep growing because they truly do seem to be providing a quality tool at a VERY fair price.

 

[nanofrog]

As Craftsman goes downhill, GW seems to be slipping right into the niche they used to own.

This is what appears to be happening IMHO as well.

I'm even wondering if Sears might end up carrying more GW as their own stuff continues to slip (assuming this trend continues).

 

[Pudge87]

Seems like most of you guys are in the same boat as myself. Filling the cliché that Craftsman is losing. Also I think some people that still down GW, wouldn't if it said Made in USA. Quality and price staying the same.

 

[Fast LT1]

I will also voice my opinion that their flare but wrenches aren't very good. They don't fit nearly tight enough, almost to the point where they round off bolts more than they help. My snap on ones fit way tighter.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Seems like most of you guys are in the same boat as myself. Filling the cliché that Craftsman is losing. Also I think some people that still down GW, wouldn't if it said Made in USA. Quality and price staying the same.

Most import stuff (chinese and taiwanese) is rebranded. If you can get it with a brand stamped on the handle you can probably get one without the brand stamped on the handle for 50-60% less. That's the issue (besides the mail in warranty). Some people pay for brands some people don't.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Craftsman has long been my "third line" of tools... I do have a soft spot for the GearWrench ratcheting wrenches, and have five smaller sets. However, I lack any further interest in their product line.. Will they replace Craftsman purchases for me??? No, I doubt that.. I bought numerous Craftsman socket sets over the last two years... Some of the ratchets I have used out of those sets so far have proven to be junk.. But I bought ProTo ratchets and socket sets also, so I do not have to depend on the questionable Craftsman ratchets.... The China Craftsman raised panel wrenches hanging on the store pegs can stay there... I have some RP wrenches from back in the 70's that were nothing but run of the mill average tools back then.. But they look darn good when compared to the rough edges on the China stuff.. About a month ago, I bought a 309 piece set of Craftsman tools.. The set contained 201 USA ? sockets for $199 +tax.. Ya, Ok, that sounds like a bargain.... Amongst the other 108 pieces, there were sixteen Craftsman ratcheting wrenches... Well, a half hour ago, I laid four 1/2" ratcheting wrenches along side my keyboard... One is the Craftsman, two are Ace branded Gearwrench, the fourth is a flex head Gearwrench.... On these four wrenches; I cannot tell any difference in the ratcheting end either by sight or feel. All four are the same width on the ratcheting end.. But the open end of the Craftsman has more of a lobster claw look is also thinner and 1 1/4" longer... All I can say is there are four darn nice wrenches next to my keyboard... Time will tell how they endure their tasks... I favor USA products; but these ratcheting wrenches are my exception to that rule..

 

[niferous]

Talk about shameless plugs.....you go niferous!

LOL, like I said we don't sell much of their stuff at all so no plug intended. I just copied that from their site.

I forgot to add before that their reps usually try to market the GearWrench line to distributors who sell to automotive mechanics. I'm not sure if it is still the case but it used to be that they didn't make past an 1-1/4" wrench set. I do think they are the only manufacturer that is making the ratcheting combo wrenches in larger sizes though. We recently got an order for a 2-3/8" ratcheting combo wrench and they were the only place we could find it.

 

[Pudge87]

Most import stuff (chinese and taiwanese) is rebranded. If you can get it with a brand stamped on the handle you can probably get one without the brand stamped on the handle for 50-60% less. That's the issue (besides the mail in warranty). Some people pay for brands some people don't.

Tool truck brands do the same thing right?

 

[CWP1616L]

Why try to reinvent the wheel? If it works, it works.

Exactly. Why reinvent the wheel when somebody else already invested the time and money into the research and development.

 

[Pudge87]

Theres only a few different ways to make a certain product of any kind. So at the end of the day most things are a copy or idea of something else.

 

[Fedwrench]

Exactly. Why reinvent the wheel when somebody else already invested the time and money into the research and development.

I think you're whining too much about the snap on comparison Merk.

Gearwrench ratchet handles resemble snappy's but, that's about it aside from the tools being chrome.

Gearwrench's ratchets use a different floating pawl design internally than snap on, and snappy just doesn't sell as many different ratcheting wrench shapes, sizes, and lengths as Gearwrench does.

I'm just not seeing examples of Gearwrench copying snappy's tools.

I seriously doubt if anyone thinks they're getting the same level of tool as snap on when buying gearwrench but, that's just me.

 

[mrjaw14]

I'll 2nd the post above. Yesterday I got the two roto ratchet set from gearwrench for $28. They are nice, comfortable, but the mechanism wobbles in the head a bit, the internals feel dry so I'm going to have to take it a part and lube it right out of the packaging...but they cost me $28, so there's nothing to complain about. But it isn't a SO. also if I break it I can't just exchange it because I got it at Essex, but at $28 I'm not buying it for the warranty, I got it half off already.

 

[Farmall450]

if they keep things going the way they have been, i would say absolutely.

I would agree.

 

[signcrafter]

I've been buying a bunch of gearwrench stuff in the last year or so. Mostly specialty things like wobble extensions, flex sockets, hex bits, etc. Whenever I need something like an air filter or oil filter or something from advance I'll add a set of gearwrench sockets to the order and use a discount code. A 20 dollar air filter plus 30 dollar socket set is 50 bucks and you get 20 off so that socket set is now only 10 bucks.

Great deal and so far I'm very impressed with the quality. Especially for the money. It's really nice when I'm working on a friend or family member's car and they need a part and I'll tell them the part is **.** dollars and add a tool to that order. Good excuse to pick up a bunch of tools for cheap.

 

[ishiboo]

GearWrench is probably very easily the leader of the low-cost tool pack right now, when you consider all important factors like selection. Even their Chinese COO stuff is relatively good quality.

 

[MackMan]

I'm not a fan of GW in my (limited) experience...
I have a set of the standard ratcheting wrenches, probably got them around 2007-ish.

The ratcheting end is great, never had a problem.

But the open end is apparently for cosmetics only. Working on my motorcycle one time I put my 1/2" open-end gear wrench on a nut and it just slipped around, rounding the edge a bit. switched to my 1/2" snap-on and had no problem.

Had the same problem with a GW when bleeding brakes, and had to use a socket instead because the GW just rounded the fitting (didn't have a S-O wrench that size).

What's odd is that on the same wrench and same bolt I've checked a few times after those two occurrences and the ratcheting end will fit perfectly, and the open end has a very sloppy fit. I LOVE the ratcheting wrench idea, but I also expect both ends to be useful.

 

[Pudge87]

I'm not a fan of GW in my (limited) experience...
I have a set of the standard ratcheting wrenches, probably got them around 2007-ish.

The ratcheting end is great, never had a problem.

But the open end is apparently for cosmetics only. Working on my motorcycle one time I put my 1/2" open-end gear wrench on a nut and it just slipped around, rounding the edge a bit. switched to my 1/2" snap-on and had no problem.

Had the same problem with a GW when bleeding brakes, and had to use a socket instead because the GW just rounded the fitting (didn't have a S-O wrench that size).

What's odd is that on the same wrench and same bolt I've checked a few times after those two occurrences and the ratcheting end will fit perfectly, and the open end has a very sloppy fit. I LOVE the ratcheting wrench idea, but I also expect both ends to be useful.

Something that I've never thought about, I don't think I've ever tried to use the open end of a ratchet wrench. Typically I only reach for the ratchet wrenches when I need the ratchet part.

Fedwrench, I think you hit the nail on the head.

 

[AndrewH]

I really like my GW stuff, I have the ratcheting wrenches in 7-25 mm as well as 1/4 - 1 inch plus I have shallow / mid length / deep and swivel socket sets of 1/4 and 3/8 metric and shallow / deep in 1/2 metric (I rarely use standard stuff) and it's all held up great. I'm very happy with my purchases.

Note: 1/4 flex sockets are missing from the picture..

 

[mech-tech]

I thought I was the only one having problems with gearwrench open ends slipping on bolts/nuts.

 

[03protege]

I don't think Gearwrench tools are replacing Craftsman for majority or Americans, just us in the know.

They really have some great products at great prices, I am just scared quality will go down further with the large push towards Chinese Manufacturing.

 

[shockwave]

I can gearwrench more becoming what sk was years ago as a premium brand that is reasonably priced compared to the major truck brands