Gearwrench Non-ratcheting Wrenches

[Goleee33]

Hello All,

I see lots of talk about the Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches, and actually own a full set, but don't see much about the non-ratcheting combo wrenches. Is that for a reason? Most of my collection is Gearwrench due to their value and mild obsession with matching. I just wrench on my car from time to time and help out friends install parts along with some work around the house. I am looking to add a set of non-ratcheting wrenches to my toolbox and felt these are a nice and complete set at a decent price. Of course I would like to get sets from the higher end companies but simply way out of the price range and I don't make a living with wrenches. I know most of GW is made in Taiwan, but have read some of their production is moving to China. I cannot find anywhere that lists the COO for these wrenches either. I would like to hear your guys' thoughts on this selection:

This is the set I was looking at:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gearwrench-81919-44-Pc-12Pt-Long-Pattern-Combination-Wrench-Set-/131727172207?hash=item1eab8d226f:g:wjoAAOSwsB9V~aZJ&item=131727172207&vxp=mtr

Also looking at this set which could save some pennies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IQSETQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2BJ4PY90MR1W3&coliid=IVENTBSYJ5DIJ

Thanks!

 

[T45]

Try hitting up search, I seem to recall a thread recently where the OP asked the same question, and later picked up a set of GW combos and was happy. With his choice.

Other people will inevitably suggest Tekton for large sets at decent prices. I have no idea on the quality of the latest Taiwain stuff, but the China COO is **** and best avoided at all costs short of melting down for boat anchors.

I'd also frankly look at proto and USA oem military surplus kits and possibly NOS cman rps if you standards are flexible on length and comfort. Prices will be all over the board, but you may score a deal and have a lifetime set of tools at a modest cost that way.

 

[Goleee33]

Try hitting up search, I seem to recall a thread recently where the OP asked the same question, and later picked up a set of GW combos and was happy. With his choice.

Other people will inevitably suggest Tekton for large sets at decent prices. I have no idea on the quality of the latest Taiwain stuff, but the China COO is **** and best avoided at all costs short of melting down for boat anchors.

I'd also frankly look at proto and USA oem military surplus kits and possibly NOS cman rps if you standards are flexible on length and comfort. Prices will be all over the board, but you may score a deal and have a lifetime set of tools at a modest cost that way.

I have tried searching with no luck or the search feature just doesn't work well. Thanks for the insight. I'll try searching again. I will take a look at the proto's and see if there are anything within my price range. Really trying not to break the $200 mark so trying to get the most I can for that money.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

The first set is long pattern, those are nice to have but can be inconvenient on some jobs, but if your ratchet wrenches are standard length they could be a good option. The second set is 6 point, I have a 6 pt set that doesn't see much action. If it's your go to wrenches I recommend 12 pt personally. Maybe look at Tekton, heard some good stuff about them around here and they come with a holder for around the same $.


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[jumbojak]

Other people will inevitably suggest Tekton for large sets at decent prices. I have no idea on the quality of the latest Taiwain stuff, but the China COO is **** and best avoided at all costs short of melting down for boat anchors.

Do you mean Tekton China or Gear wrench China? I have a set of Gearwench combos (six point) originating from China and they seem like decent wrenches. The anti-slip open ends even seem to work. I will say that the extra long double box ratcheting wrenches originating in taiwan I recently received seem much nicer in fit and finish, but I can't comment to the quality in use yet. Hopefully this weekend will tell.

 

[T45]

Do you mean Tekton China or Gear wrench China?

Tekton China - is best avoided

 

[T45]

I will take a look at the proto's and see if there are anything within my price range. Really trying not to break the $200 mark so trying to get the most I can for that money.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/16PC-PROTO-...ECHANIC-TOOLS-WILLIAMS-CAR-PART-/201748903912

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-Profe...mbination-Wrench-Set-NEW-in-Box-/222349734354

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-Professional-tools-7pc-Wrench-Set-/201765919057

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-J1200...ench-Set-Anti-Slip-Design-12-pt-/172437665478

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-Chall...466186?hash=item3ad455588a:g:jasAAOSw6DtYRtZK

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Blackha...AE-Combination-Wrench-Set-Satin-/332078362024

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-15-Piece-SAE-Standard-Wrench-Set-5-16-1-1-4-/322380112775

just some ballpark ideas to consider

 

[thegroundpounder99]

Guess it took me a while to type cause the other responses weren't there but if your budget is $200 I'd look at used USA and the ones T45 posted.


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[Goleee33]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/16PC-PROTO-...ECHANIC-TOOLS-WILLIAMS-CAR-PART-/201748903912

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-Profe...mbination-Wrench-Set-NEW-in-Box-/222349734354

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-Professional-tools-7pc-Wrench-Set-/201765919057

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-J1200...ench-Set-Anti-Slip-Design-12-pt-/172437665478

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-Chall...466186?hash=item3ad455588a:g:jasAAOSw6DtYRtZK

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Blackha...AE-Combination-Wrench-Set-Satin-/332078362024

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-15-Piece-SAE-Standard-Wrench-Set-5-16-1-1-4-/322380112775

just some ballpark ideas to consider

Thanks! I really like that 17 piece metric set. Even looks to be polished. . . now to spend the big bucks and be happy or just go with Tekton and just be satisfied.

 

[tonyciambrone]

I vote TOPTUL. I really like my long patterns. I also like my Tekton long flex dbe ratcheting...but I hear the combination wrenches have some sizes cut from the same blank...cmon now

 

[derosa]

I vote TOPTUL. I really like my long patterns. I also like my Tekton long flex dbe ratcheting...but I hear the combination wrenches have some sizes cut from the same blank...cmon now

Tekton does have some common blanks, looks a little different on the tool wall not having a consistent increase in size but it doesn't seem to effect the function any. They're a good length overall. I've got a set of xl gearwrench and a set of xl flexend combos, and based on their quality which seems fine I'd be indifferent about tekton vs gearwrench and just buy whichever was the current best value/easiest to get.

 

[Mr_B]

I would skip tekton and buy better as cheap wrenches leave you with rounded fasteners and sore knuckles. Buy better end Taiwan stuff or used top brand, top brand will retain value while taiwan stuff even if good never worth much used .

 

[JJThrasher]

I have the non ratcheting and like them. I use them everyday at work.

 

[marinusdees]

Taiwan is not China,and some Taiwanese stuff is acceptable, or better. IMHO Worth nothing. My opinion, that is.

 

[hangfirew8]

A thegroundpounder99 pointed out, you're comparing apples to oranges, long pattern 12 points to standard length 6 points. Personally, I would avoid either set due to that. I did it the other way around when I upgraded my wrenches.

First I got a nice wrench set in 12 point standard length, because they fit in tight places (modern cars are tight), the 12 points make tight clearance, low swing wrenching easier, and can be used for almost everything. They are my most-used wrench set.

Later I got a set in 6 pt long pattern, specifically for rusty stuck fasteners. I have more leverage with a longer wrench, and can deliver that torque with less chance of rounding.

I almost forgot, I have an older set of USA Craftsman standard length 6 points. When swing is limited they often can't capture or recapture the nut or bolt head. They aren't long enough to lean on enough to make the 6 point end more useful than a 12 pt. They sit in a tertiary tool box now.

BTW My "nice" wrenches are all pre-Ideal SK, so I can recommend them, but that recommendation is only useful if you happen to find them used or NOS (New Old Stock). I actually have many wrench sets, DBE, DOE, offset, short, etc, but I'm talking about my primary toolbox's Combination Metric wrench set here.

 

[gdocktor3]

Buy a used truck brand off eBay. Way better than any Gearwrench or Tekton. All my combo wrenches are truck brands, but I didn't buy a single one off a truck. All from eBay, flea markets, or pawn shops. I could tell you deals I've gotten, but you wouldn't believe me. I bought a brand new, still in sealed box, set of Matco metric combo wrenches, 8-19mm for $80 and $10 shipping. There are sooo many good deals out there, why settle for cheaper quality Taiwan/China stuff. Don't get me wrong, I have 8 different, full sets of Gearwrench ratchet wrenches, but only for the ratcheting aspect. The open ends aren't too great...

 

[Goleee33]

I will just try and be patient. I'd at the very least like to have an entire set to be matching. I will have to keep an eye on eBay but everyone is doing so also. I guess I just need to track down the right pawn shops or flea markets. Not too many legit ones that I'm aware of locally.

 

[c-hawk19]

I have a set of both metric and sae long pattern gearwrench in one of my trucks. I highly recommend them. I would rate them better than the old craftsman raised panels. they do have a modified open end like proto ASD.

 

[gdocktor3]

If I were you, I'd get a good base set with the sizes you really need and then build off of that. Lets be honest, it's not a coincidence that all the good brands cost almost double that of GW. A few I found quickly just to give you an idea of what's out there -

Here's a really good 11 piece Williams set at a good price to get started, but they're 6 point and missing 7/8" for some reason. For price though its good deal http://www.ebay.com/itm/WILLIAMS-11...:g:FioAAOSwa~BYQHRV&item=152379993981&vxp=mtr

make an offer on this http://www.ebay.com/itm/WILLIAMS-11...:g:FioAAOSwa~BYQHRV&item=152379993981&vxp=mtr

Taiwan made Williams. Good stuff exact same as Bluepoint http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wrench-Set-...349771?hash=item3d2f2af64b:g:86sAAOSw5cNYZfdQ

Blackhawk by Proto made in Taiwan. Better than Gearwrench and yes I've used both http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackhawk-B...234944?hash=item3d2f663ec0:g:k1wAAOSwZ1BXctPS

Proto ASD set http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-COMBI...860326?hash=item465a30d4a6:g:KnUAAOSwx2dYISRR

Don't forget Wright, SK, Armstrong, Mac, Matco, even Craftsman USA aren't that bad.

 

[oldldh]

Since others have recommended Tekton...

8 to 22 mm with no skips...

Now you have a picture...

And the price...

$43.99 from Amazon...

A lot of wrenches + a holder for not much money...

 

[billyjp2]

I have the 15 pc Gearwrench Non-ratcheting in both standard and metric. Mine were Taiwan COO and are very well made. They get a good amount of use in my home garage and have ZERO complaints. I bought them while I worked at Fastenal and paid a little under $120 for both sets with my discount.

 

[WWheeler]

I have a 24pc set of the GearWrench 'surface drive plus' (their take on snappy's 'flank drive') sae/metric wrenches and I really like them. I use them all the time and I've put everything I have in pulling on them many many times and they're still like-new. I've often considered getting that 44pc set that goes for $200 or just over.

 

[Goleee33]

Well. Just bit the bullet and bought 11 standard piece snap on flank drive plus and a 10 piece metric flank drive plus metric from a friend of mine for a little under $400. Figured I'd cry once buy once. May not use it much now but I plan to in the future. Thanks guys!

 

[gdocktor3]

I did not see that coming...

Well done.

 

[derosa]

As good a choice as any and better then most, won't go wrong with those.

 

[Fedwrench]

The Taiwan made Gearwrench non ratcheting long pattern combination wrenches are great wrenches!!! People compared them to MATCO's optitorque wrenches when they first appeared because they had the same modified nonslip open end and off corner engagement on the box end. Now, the Gearwrench non ratcheting combination wrenches got some bad press a couple of years ago when there was a blowout sale where if you bought the large metric set, you got the large SAE set free. Great deal but, the PRC made wrenches left a little to be desired with fitment issues, angle of the boxed end, off center broaching, bent wrenches, etc. However, aside from that the Gearwrench Non ratcheting combination wrenches are pretty damn good Cripe distributing had few sets awhile back at a great price.

Wrench threads here usually start with don't buy anything but Snap on Flank Drive plus, then migrate to the Wright WrightGrip series, maybe the Williams supercombos will get mentioned, and then we'll finish up with the Taiwan Tekton full polish sets for those on a budget.
To be honest, owning all of the wrenches mentioned, all of those wrenches will serve you well and in the end, the fastener doesn't know which wrench you're using on it

 

[Goleee33]

I did not see that coming...



Well done.

I didn't see it coming either but after thinking about it for a while, and talking to some other friends as well. I figured it's easier to warranty as well as easiest to find matching used filler wrenches to get a more complete set.

 

[Mhyde52]

At work I have pretty full non-ratcheting combo wrench sets in metric & fractional of both wright standard length and gearwrench long pattern china. There is a noticeable difference in fit on the fastener between the two brands, with the wright being more snug. That being said, I use the GW more, and Ive never had a GW slip on a fastener that was removeable with another wrench or socket. I also agree with a previous post that the Chinese GW non ratcheting are as good as the USA raised panel Craftsman. Which was what my wright wrenches replaced.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I have the 8-19mm set of tekton wrenches. I have to say I have been impressed. That being said, there is plenty of good deals to be had on used USA tools.

I can't speak to the quality of the GW sets i don't own any.

 

[trx125]

I have had the same long pattern gear wrench set for about a year now. I really like them, I have used and abused them daily and so far no failures or stripped bolt heads. I have used them as pull handles, with pulls handles and as a striking instrument when nothing else was handy and they have held up quite nicely.

 

[hangfirew8]

The Taiwan made Gearwrench non ratcheting long pattern combination wrenches are great wrenches!!! People compared them to MATCO's optitorque wrenches when they first appeared because they had the same modified nonslip open end and off corner engagement on the box end. Now, the Gearwrench non ratcheting combination wrenches got some bad press a couple of years ago when there was a blowout sale where if you bought the large metric set, you got the large SAE set free. Great deal but, the PRC made wrenches left a little to be desired with fitment issues, angle of the boxed end, off center broaching, bent wrenches, etc. However, aside from that the Gearwrench Non ratcheting combination wrenches are pretty damn good Cripe distributing had few sets awhile back at a great price.

This is what baffles me about GW's great reputation here on GJ. I have a set of PRC GW ratcheting wrenches, and the chrome is coming off the open ends on every one that gets used. Some fit well and other's don't. Other brands get slammed for pulling the US/Import bait-n-switch or the Taiwan/PRC bait-n-switch, but (for the most part) GearWrench gets away with it.

BTW I have no problem with you recommending the Taiwan and warning about the PRC, it is what it is, and the existence of one might get you a good deal on the other. (Or, get you screwed on the other). But how this brand builds goodwill doing stuff like that baffles me.

 

[CatSplat]

The Taiwan made Gearwrench non ratcheting long pattern combination wrenches are great wrenches!!! People compared them to MATCO's optitorque wrenches when they first appeared because they had the same modified nonslip open end and off corner engagement on the box end.

I recently ordered a GW single long-pattern 21mm to fill in a gap, and while it has the open-end design you mentioned, it's definitely marked China COO. I'm really not sure which GW wrenches are Taiwan-made these days.

 

[Kirbot]

I'm just going to add my vote for Tekton.
I'm 90% sure they're made my Genius, and sold for a fraction of the price her in the States.

I love my set

 

[seanh303]

As others have stated, buy the best quality you can for the money you have available to spend. Congratulations to OP for buying smart. Pro-quality tools are an investment, and buying USA means you're investment will continue to be worth actual money in the market, as well as the years of value, use and enjoyment you'll realize throughout ownership. In your case, you opted for a higher quality set, but less complete in size coverage versus some of the import sets available. That's smart and the best move if your situation allows. It's tempting to sacrifice quality for completeness, but you often end up with a bunch of tools you never use. For a select few (starting auto techs etc.), there's a legitimate need for comprehensive size coverage. In general, I think it's best to get a high-quality set of common sizes (like the OP did) and if you run in to a size you don't have, buy it individually.

Like the OP, I am a bit obsessive when it comes to "completeness" of tool collections, which drives some compulsive buying occasionally. For that reason, early on when I started accumulating GearWrench stuff, I did end up buying the 44pc full polish non-ratcheting combination set. All of the gearwrench stuff I accumulated at the time has moved to the front of the shop, where I let my guys have free rein with it. At the end of the day, it's nice stuff, priced competitive, has a solid warranty, and isn't so expensive that I have to hawk over the hard use/abuse it will invariably see in the hands of young men.

If I was just starting out, I would do exactly what the OP did if I could, BUT, if I couldn't quite afford that, or needed a more comprehensive set (as an auto tech for example), I'd follow along with the sound advice received here.


TEKTON 90191 Combination Wrench Set with Store and Go Keeper, Inch/Metric, 1/4-Inch - 1-Inch, 8 mm - 22 mm, 30-Piece - $99.99 on Amazon
The TEKTON 30pc set is great size coverage at a great value and the quality is certainly acceptable if it's what you can afford.

Slightly different coverage (starting and ending in larger sizes), and in separate tool rolls which I find extremely useful:
TEKTON 1937 MaxTorq Combination Wrench Set, Inch, 3/8-Inch - 1-1/4-Inch, 14-Piece $57.46 on Amazon
and
TEKTON 1938 MaxTorq Combination Wrench Set, Metric, 10 mm - 32 mm, 16-Piece $57.07 on Amazon ($114.03 for 30 wrenches)

For comparison's sake, comparable USA-made sets start at about 2-3 times the cost (if bought new) $328.48 for 30 SK wrenches:
SuperKrome 86265 12-Point 8-to-22-mm Combination Wrench Set, 15-Piece - $170.49 on Amazon
and
https://www.amazon.com/SK-Hand-86255-Fractional-Combination/dp/B0002NYCSQ - $157.99 on Amazon

Craftsman 48-piece Full Polish Ultimate Wrench Set Inch/Metric - $136.49 on Sears
This Craftsman set is chinese and has 26 (13+13) long pattern wrenches and 22 (11+11) stubby wrenches. It's lacking in larger metric sizes for the long pattern wrenches, which you'd definitely need to fill in if you're working on car suspensions. The quality for the price is acceptable. What's nice here is the size coverage is decent, and the stubby wrenches are nice for working on modern cars where there's very little access. For the number/type of wrenches you get, this is one of the best value's available.

Gearwrench 81919 44 Pc 12Pt Long Pattern Combination Wrench Set - $189.49 on eBay
I'm not sure they make this set in Taiwan anymore. The chinese ones are still acceptable quality when you consider it's an extremely complete set of full-polish wrenches. This set gets used and abused in my shop. It's nice enough that guys are still proud to use them (which means they're proud of their work and the job they're doing) but not so nice they're tempted to steal them or that I can't sleep thinking of whether someone's using a hammer or cheater bar on my wrenches. Nice middle ground and an excellent value for the money.

Don't rule out piecing together NOS or used USA-made sets from:
KD (made in USA)
Allen (made in USA)
NAPA / NAPA Professional (made in USA)
Craftsman Professional (made in USA)
Craftsman Industrial full polish (made in USA)
Wright
Proto
Williams
Indestro
Snap-On
SK
Bonney
Martin
MAC
Matco
Cornwell
Stahlwille (German)
Hazet (German)

Many other quality USA/European brands over the years that can be found on eBay, craigslist, pawn shops and right here in the classifieds.

 

[netcaretaker]

I have an SAE craftsman professional set and a GW metric and I think the GW ones are not near as nice and I will be selling them. I got the 22 piece GW set on sale from a post on GJ, love the range but I don't like them very much. The only down side is to get the range of the GW will be much more expensive.

 

[johndeereman]

I have two of the 44 piece set's and they both have been flawless with daily professional use.

 

[Mr_B]

Stahlwille about my favourite spanners, sensible prices for pro quality . Not big fan of snapon spanners, too chunky and chrome on jaw tip always issue too easily plus grip poor on such shiny smooth finish .

 

[Goleee33]

Picked them up last night along with some other stuff I had gotten him. Most of it is either brand new or like new. I have a few other sizes of wrenches that he's getting for me. I guess his snap on guy gives him pretty good deals.

 

[winnievan]

Bringing this back from the dead only to say:

I ordered a 44 piece master Metric/SAE set from Amazon and the wrenches are pretty decent for the price -- but quality has diminished versus the 22 piece metric set I bought like 5 years ago. I returned them given the cost.

Lots of "bowed" wrenches. Honestly bolt fit and finish is fine for occasional use -- but they've clearly they're starting to "rely" on their name as opposed to their manufacturing to win over customers.

I don't think my first set of metrics 5 years ago were professional grade either -- but they've held up to what I call "more-than-occasional" DIY usage.

I got another 44 piece master set on Amazon Warehouse deals for about ~$100. The fit/finish/bowing is the same as the non-warehouse deal one I got -- but for this price -- I'll keep 'em as extras and for the times I seldom use need a "large" wrench -- but I think if you're going to use them with any regularity -- there are better wrenches out there.

Wish Tekton or similar made a 44 piece set like this -- it's nice to get the big wrenches for when they're needed -- especially since buying a single 1-1/2" wrench from even Gearwrench is like ~$20-$30 -- same as box stores -- and obviously much more if you go high end.

 

[winnievan]

EDIT -- I guess Tekton does sell this type of set and it comes with a few sizes Gearwrench skips - they do look a bit "shorter" than the GW ones -- but thought I'd check my facts above...

46-Piece Combination Wrench Set | TEKTON

Includes: 1/4 - 1-1/4 inch (SAE) and 6-32 mm (Metric) 12 point standard-length combination wrenches. No skipped sizes. WCB90301.

www.tekton.com

Anyways -- just food for thought!!