Gearwrench kit or Tekton

[jives]

Of all the above mentioned kits, I would choose the one with no skips in the wrenches. I hate that.

 

[JeepYJ]

Tekton is nice stuff, order direct and get 10% back in rewards for next order.
HF (I know you weren’t keen on them) has a complete Quinn set for $300 this week. Get the five drawer cart for $190 and you’re all set for less than five hundos.

 

[Kuma601]

You make a valid point about tools siting and $$ *******. I’m use to having every tool I need out in the garage at my parents, so I’m hoping to get to that point in time. my only problem with it is why but cheaper then nicer later on, vs buy nice to begin with…nice adds up quickly tho.

Most of my projects are on cars, boats, small engines, etc but that’s not to say I won’t use them when I go to fix my dryer. I use that example because I just had to replace the bearings and didn’t have proper tools lol.

What about a kit like this then? You can get it in trays for a tool box too. I’m planning to buy a Husky or US General box.

That set is fine. With BF on us there will be some great deals so check what interests you. You'll get there over time and spend when the task requires tools is my suggestion. You'll develop preferences in tools too. Your folks can probably tell you their tool journey as well provide insights into spending.

When it comes to wrenches and sockets the sets without skips are good and that covers a wide range of uses. A good ratchet is a joy to use yet we all adapt to using the tool at hand. You'll acquire multiples as the tool journey continues. Plenty of threads about members ratchet accumulations/collections.

Many of us here have probably bought for future use thinking we'd need it but that can be a gamble. I bought tools in my 20's thinking I'd use them but had enough that weren't. Eventually those were donated to recover shelf/drawer space. After 30 years what is necessary for the tasks is present for my uses. This includes electrical, plumbing too.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I bought a bunch of GW 90T ratchets in the last year, including lots of flex heads. I prefer a friction flex head over locking, so I only have one locking GW locking flex. All of the friction flex heads were nice, no issues, no flop. The 24" 1/2 drive locking, which they only make in locking, was floppy. A simple .005", or .010", thick shoulder screw shim fixed that and it's perfect. I knew it'd probably be loose going into the purchase based on the reviews, but I was willing to add a shim (I keep a selection) and I was fine with that for a $100 ratchet that'd cost $250+ from a tool truck brand. I agree that I should not have to do that, because if they can make the friction ones "perfect", they can do the same for locking; but I guess they feel that locking is an excuse to loosen machining tolerances .010"- because they lock in place. Again, I don't agree, but for the $, I'm willing to overlook and correct for it to save $150 on a ratchet I'll rarely use. And for sure a Snap On dual 80 will probably be stronger, but....

Funny thing is that I have the "set" of 120XP's flex head ratchets in all three sizes.... I think I got them in 2019(?) during a Black Friday sale. Everyone has bad things to say about them (too big, horrendous backdrag, ect.), but mine wire absolutely fine. Only complaint I have is the chunky detents in the flex mechanism.... but that's my personal preference. Otherwise, I can't knock them.

The 90T's seem to be a bit similar. By all accounts, they seem to have fixed the issues that a lot of us experienced with the first "batch". Still, mine were loosey-goosey, and jiggly-wiggly. I snugged up the screw in the flex mechanism. That got some play out, but now it binds the more the head flexes. I obviously should have shimmed it.

Both of these anecdotes sorta drive home what my point really is: you just dunno what GW is going to send you. That's what I just don't want to deal with.

-Ryan

 

[VolvoRyan]

The GW 90T is essentially identical internally to the Matco 88.

Negative ghost rider. Similar, but not identical. Vastly different in quality and feel in 3/8" drive.

-Ryan

 

[VolvoRyan]

Though I do own a bunch of Tekton sockets as well, they just don't seem quite as good as Gearwrench ones. Tekton seems like high end harbor freight quality, Gearwrench feels like low end tool truck quality.

I loved how fasteners would "cam" open my 1/4" GW sockets. Then I had to play "gimmee my fastener back", trying to pull the fastener out of the socket. Not so with Tekton. I gave the GW sockets away.

Also, you have a YouTube channel, per your sig. That means there's a 95% chance that GW sends you tools or other perks in exchange for influence.

-Ryan

 

[Lt CHEG]

While GearWrench may have some flashier ratchets, I would say that all the rest of Tekton branded tools are far superior to GearWrench. Their quality has gone noticeably downhill as the bulk of their production has shifted from Taiwan to China.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Quality control seems to be the issue with Gearwrench. They can make a good tool but they don’t always. I’ve bought four GW ratchets new, three were great, one was unusable until I modded it. Now I put them in the category where if a local store has a tool I need in stock for a decent price and I can try it first I’ll buy it, but I won’t buy any more online.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

If it was me Tekton for sure. Great tools and price. And good warranty support too. Also just so you know if you buy on their site you get rewards points to use towards future purchases. Also check out brands like Capri and Sunex too. Good tools for good prices. Gearwrench quality has been going downhill for awhile. With some of their newer stuff they have really bad chrome on. Lots of good brands out there so shop around especially if they won’t be used much.

 

[wiscobadger91]

That set is fine. With BF on us there will be some great deals so check what interests you. You'll get there over time and spend when the task requires tools is my suggestion. You'll develop preferences in tools too. Your folks can probably tell you their tool journey as well provide insights into spending.

When it comes to wrenches and sockets the sets without skips are good and that covers a wide range of uses. A good ratchet is a joy to use yet we all adapt to using the tool at hand. You'll acquire multiples as the tool journey continues. Plenty of threads about members ratchet accumulations/collections.

Many of us here have probably bought for future use thinking we'd need it but that can be a gamble. I bought tools in my 20's thinking I'd use them but had enough that weren't. Eventually those were donated to recover shelf/drawer space. After 30 years what is necessary for the tasks is present for my uses. This includes electrical, plumbing too.

Thanks for the response! I come from a family that owns an automotive shop so they’re all encouraging me to ball out haha. I’m the practical minded one who’s putting the brakes on and trying to get a good balance of quality tools without breaking the bank as I won’t be using them daily.

 

[CoThG]

Honestly, homeowner tools don't have to be all that great. For the house, I have cheapo stuff.... with nicer tools for the important stuff. GearWrench or Tekton is too high a quality for homeowner jobs.

For mechanical projects? Get the best you can. My automotive tools are completely separate from the house tools. Mostly, because the cars are metric, and the house is SAE. Also, my automotive tools are cheerfully greasy and oily. Not covered with dust, paint, and stupid spider webs like my "house tools".

To answer your question: Tekton. Tekton is universally (and consistently) pretty good. Unbelievable, for the money. GearWrench is a moving target when it comes to "quality". The flex-head 90T's were absolute garbage when they came out. Apparently, GW fixed the sloppy fit. Now the GW lovers can wave their flag again.

Me? I'd rather pound a nail through my foot than buy another GearWrench tool.

-Ryan

I respectfully disagree. I'm not a professional wrench turner, just a home DIYer and I only own Koken and SnapOn. Quality can never be too high.

 

[ItsNemo]

I loved how fasteners would "cam" open my 1/4" GW sockets. Then I had to play "gimmee my fastener back", trying to pull the fastener out of the socket. Not so with Tekton. I gave the GW sockets away.

Also, you have a YouTube channel, per your sig. That means there's a 95% chance that GW sends you tools or other perks in exchange for influence.

-Ryan

I have never accepted product from a brand other than a slight discount on those tool wrangler products (their normal sale price), but I still paid for them.

 

[M635_Guy]

Personally, I'd go with Tekton over GearWrench. Between here and Reddit, I've developed the impression that GW's quality has gone down, and their customer service isn't said to be great.

I have a fair bit of Tekton stuff and it is very similar to a lot of the HF Quinn line - I'm guessing a lot of it is from the same supplier. HF customer service is very good, and super-convenient if you have one close. The only ding on Tekton is the speed of the mail. Other than that, they're great - singles are easy to buy too.

I'd skip the giant sets - too much filler and as a pretty-active home and automotive DIYer, I can' remember the last time I needed SAE anything. For $250 or so, you can build a very good set of home tools.

I’d probably just go to Harbor Freight. The Quinn sets are nice and priced comparatively to Tekton. I like the Pittsburgh Pro ratchets and they have a nice assortment to choose from.

I agree with all of this. HF has a lot of legitimately nice tools. I remember the old, crappy HF, and stopped shopping there until the last few years. Today's HF is completely different, at least when it comes to hand-tools. (though their Hercules line is looking more and more impressive/legit).

I haven't tried the GW 90T, but I do have a Tekton 90t. Still, I find the Matco a much nicer ratchet, for sure at a higher price but there it is. Not that the Tekton 90t is bad, at all.

Why people think that just because the internals can swap and even might be from the same supplier that they're the same design/execution/finishing/quality boggles my mind.

My Matco 88 is a far nicer ratchet than my Tekton. The Tekton is better than "retail ratchets" but nothing particularly special. It's better-than-average for a lower-than-average price (but still a premium vs. consumer stuff).

Tekton has a strong marketing department? Seriously? Are you confusing it with Harbor Freight? Which is solely a distributor. Tekton does manufacture some of their own products in MI. Maybe they only have 100 employees, but when you have an issue, who do you think you're going to get better service from: a massive industrial conglomerate, or a small "family" owned company with less than 100 employees?

The answer for GearWrench vs. Tekton is easy:
Tekton, and it's not close.

While Tekton doesn't make most of what they sell, they are foundationally built on customer service, including (but not limited to) a very easy warranty. If they didn't, there are lots of Amazon brands that would eat them alive.

My main gripes with the Tekton 90T is that their selection *****, and the selector switch is difficult to access because it's low profile (fine) and it sits right next to the edge in the machined recess (not fine). The GW 90T and the Matco 88 don't do this, the recess is machined further away, and this makes them easy to flip. This isn't considering the force it takes to flip it, just to get a fingernail on it. Of course part of my issue is that I keep my fingernails really short, or else they split, but I'm guessing most pro mechanics do this.

The Tekton 90T has the "best" internal design between it and the Capri 90T, GW 90T, Matco 88, SK LP90. The tekton has a boss on the back of the gear that locates it into the ratchet head, and the cover plate sits on a recessed step. Obviously this doesn't make it better in use, and it makes the head thicker, but it's the "right" way to do it from a design standpoint.

edit: all of the above listed have essentially the same mechanism design.

I don't have a GW 90T or Capri 90T (which I understand is essentially the same as the LP90), but do have a Matco 88, Tekton 90T and an LP90. None of the switch levers are great on these, but the best by far is the Matco 88. The Tekton is only Ok and the LP90 is a full step or two back from either of the others. The SK mechanism feels better than the Tetkon, but the Matco is easily better than either.

The only low-profile switch I'd say works well for me is the Koken Z-series. My Snap On and Icon switches *****-slap all of my other ratchets (and I have...several...). People talk about thickness/etc. but I've only rarely found that to be an issue, and in the few times I have I went to my Icon flex ratcheting wrenches (the Mountain-style set).

 

[M6erfan]

Why people think that just because the internals can swap and even might be from the same supplier that they're the same design/execution/finishing/quality boggles my mind.

You're not the only one. But, because- internet. Frankly injecting that ignorance into threads like this, asking for advice, has zero utility and might lead the OP into a poor decision.

But whatever, Snap-on is made in China and Icon clones come out of the exact same factory. Because - internet.

 

[ItsNemo]

Personally, I'd go with Tekton over GearWrench. Between here and Reddit, I've developed the impression that GW's quality has gone down, and their customer service isn't said to be great.

So essentially your entire opinion is based on other opinions like yours that were posted online with no basis and self perpetutates some idea that Gearwrench isn't as good?

I own both Tekton and Gearwrench products (and a lot of other brands)...have continued to buy both over the years including just picking up a bunch of 3/8" drive 90t Gearwrench ratchets in the last few weeks...quality wise they are, if anything, better than my 10 year old 84t ratchets...so not sure how "down hill" that makes things.

 

[M6erfan]

So essentially your entire opinion is based on other opinions like yours that were posted online with no basis and self perpetutates some idea that Gearwrench isn't as good?

I own both Tekton and Gearwrench products (and a lot of other brands)...have continued to buy both over the years including just picking up a bunch of 3/8" drive 90t Gearwrench ratchets in the last few weeks...quality wise they are, if anything, better than my 10 year old 84t ratchets...so not sure how "down hill" that makes things.

I share M635's opinion and mine, speaking for myself, is from owning both. Tekton still resides in my box, GearWrench isn't allowed on my property.

I haven't tried their new 90t, maybe they'll make me a believer Maybe they'll replace my Tektons. And Matco's

 

[CoThG]

I share M635's opinion and mine, speaking for myself, is from owning both. Tekton still resides in my box, GearWrench isn't allowed on my property.

I haven't tried their new 90t, maybe they'll make me a believer Maybe they'll replace my Tektons. And Matco's

But the internet says they are made on the same assembly line in Taiwan, but one with 88T guts and one with 90T guts.

 

[Pig_Pen]

I haven't tried their new 90t, maybe they'll make me a believer Maybe they'll replace my Tektons. And Matco's

I got rid of most of my gearwrench but still have a few ratchets. I had to warranty my 84T locking flex and they sent me a 90T. It looks pretty but the flex joint seems sloppier than the 84T.

 

[Etchase]

Matco and Gearwrench were the same company. They owned manufacturing facilities in Taiwan. Had overlapping design teams.

 

[Steve_P]

Negative ghost rider. Similar, but not identical. Vastly different in quality and feel in 3/8" drive.

-Ryan

The mechanisms are essentially identical. I said essentially, and they are. Spring rates can make something great terrible, but by definition the mechanism is still essentially the same between the two. If I can swap a 1/4" drive 90T GW and 88T matco gear and pawl and they both work fine in the other body, and do they work fine, I think that means they're essentially identical internally. But "quality and feel" differs because the Matco costs 2-3X as much?

So, what is different between the two mechanisms? Besides two teeth. And maybe different spring rates. I've had all of the brands I've listed apart, and they're all essentially the same mechanism internally. That doesn't mean that backdrag is the same, but the mechanism is the same.

As far as performance, what did the Matco 88 beat the GW 90T in on the PF tests?

 

[VolvoRyan]

I respectfully disagree. I'm not a professional wrench turner, just a home DIYer and I only own Koken and SnapOn. Quality can never be too high.

Fundamentally, I agree with you..... I simply skimp on homeowner tools so I can break the bank on automotive tools.

-Ryan

 

[M635_Guy]

So essentially your entire opinion is based on other opinions like yours that were posted online with no basis and self perpetutates some idea that Gearwrench isn't as good?

I own both Tekton and Gearwrench products (and a lot of other brands)...have continued to buy both over the years including just picking up a bunch of 3/8" drive 90t Gearwrench ratchets in the last few weeks...quality wise they are, if anything, better than my 10 year old 84t ratchets...so not sure how "down hill" that makes things.

One of the reasons I post about the stuff I do so much is the similar posts here (and a few other places, but especially here) have helped me make much more informed purchases.

Without exception, the impressions I've gleaned from that (separating the wheat from the chaff to the best of my ability) have yielded purchases I've been very happy with.

So yeah, enough people here and other places have posted stories about GW customer service being lacking in a variety of ways and occasional reports of so-so quality that I've made different choices than GW. Tekton has been as good as billed, and while I've never needed to warranty anything, the one "issue" I've had was the fault of FedEx. And they went beyond to fix it anyway.

So. Based on that, I'd recommend Tekton over GearWrench.

Based on owning and using a fair bit of both Tekton and Icon, I'd give Icon the edge on quality and Tekton the edge for value.

Matco and Gearwrench were the same company. They owned manufacturing facilities in Taiwan. Had overlapping design teams.

That's true of LOTS of things. It doesn't mean the more-premium thing isn't the one that uses the better-sorted castings, guts with better finishing steps, etc., etc.

Is it worth it? I dunno. I've never picked up a GW ratchet that felt like I wanted to take it home. I really like the mechanism and handle of my Matco 88 - it's the direction switch and locking flex lever that let it down.

As far as performance, what did the Matco 88 beat the GW 90T in on the PF tests?

As much as I like Project Farm, his ratchet tests don't do much for me other than the tolerances. His ranking method is kinda flawed, especially when he's ranking vs. rating on a lot of categories, which borks the overall results.

 

[M635_Guy]

Negative ghost rider. Similar, but not identical. Vastly different in quality and feel in 3/8" drive.

-Ryan

Exactly. They might be interchangeable in the head casting. But they do not feel the same.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Tekton, but order direct and get free shipping on $25+ orders and 10% back in rewards

 

[VolvoRyan]

Exactly. They might be interchangeable in the head casting. But they do not feel the same.

Maybe the 90T flex head ratchets that left the factory "not screwed up" are OK. The 90T's (all three sizes) that I got felt incredibly cheap. The chunky detents in the flex joint sent vibrations throughout he entire tool as the head was flexed.

In contrast, the Matco flex mechanism feels like a Swiss watch. You don't feel the detents, even though they are there.

-Ryan

 

[MarkH]

In todays world. Tekton over Gearwrench. Right now Tekton. Out here it is easier to click and have it show up in a couple days. No issues with products and frequently it is easier than making a long trip into the large town that has the items at a store. Has been good with any items that have issues.

Harbor Freight is proving it is doing what I predicted years ago. HF was the place for 1.99 type tools at that time. Everyone was going look what it will be in a few years Snap on for 1.99. My comment was the cost of any quality tool will be higher. HF has gone that way and I find that it is easier to beat them on price than many believe if I am shopping on price for the same quality. A couple items are still the 1.99 but the upscale items are not snap on prices but are in area that many companies compete in. I have even seen a couple tool storage solutions recently that I think will give them a run for their money.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I would go with Tekton. GW seems to be hit or miss on the quality. The 120XP ratchets I have are decent (but I hate detents), the sockets never have failed me or broke but their ratchet wrenches are bottom tier. The 10mm locked up permanently the first time I used it and it wasn't from abuse.

GW customer service is hit or miss too. One of my 120XP ratchets had a loose snap ring. I tried to tell the person I only needed the snap ring but he said no worries and sent an entire rebuild kit instantly. The 10mm that locked up I had to plead to send me another. I wasn't about to waste gas money, time or pay for shipping on a cheap ratchet. Tekton, you snap a picture and they send a replacement.

I would splurge on a couple of ratchets though to round out the kits. My go to ratchets are Snap-on and SK (although I'm one of the few people who like round heads and the LP90s).

 

[VolvoRyan]

I would splurge on a couple of ratchets though to round out the kits. My go to ratchets are Snap-on and SK (although I'm one of the few people who like round heads and the LP90s).

The Olsa USA flex ratchets are LP90 rebrands and really good. I, too, like round heads and LP90's.

-Ryan

 

[KnurledNut]

@wiscobadger91
My advice is to keep ‘stealing’ your dads Snap-on and Craftsman. It gives you a reason to spend time with him while you still have him around and you get to use good tools.
If he isnt using them much anymore, he may be willing to let you permanently borrow/relocate some of them.

I wouldnt buy either Gearwrench or Tekton sets new. Im not really a fan of either brand. If I had to get something, I’d look for used toolboxes for sale with mixed tools included or hit up pawn shops, and supplement with new premium ratchets if needed.

But thats just me.

 

[boom_bap]

Old thread, but thought I'd throw in my 2 cents for future search people considering GW vs Tekton etc.

I've had the long gearwrench 90T 1/2 (15 inch) fixed head for 2 years now with no issues and it has taken a beating doing suspension work with a pipe on it as well as shocks, brakes etc on 1500 trucks. I later purchased 3/8 (10 inch) and 1/4 (7inch) ratchets and have had them for 6 months. Again no issues. I understand gearwrench quality has been going down hill, but the 90t fixed heads a great for me.

Flex heads I've gone with Capri had them for 2 years or so as well no issues. Relubed them over summer and they're better than new.

I've lately been grabbing fixed head more often than not but the capris were my daily drivers for a while.

Tekton I've had a flex heads, felt like junk to me. I'd only buy sockets or maybe wrenches from Tekton, organizers and their USA rebrands.