Gearwrench Quality

[Tscott]

Quick question guys. My wife has requested I put together a list of Christmas wants for her to send to her family so they know what I would like for the holidays this year. I have in the past made some small tool requests, but her family does not understand decent tools, so the results have been less than stellar. So this year I am going to be as specific as possible so as to avoid getting **** tools and wasting everyone's time. To save everyone some trouble, I have decided to standardize on a brand that has good quality and value.

Does Gearwrench make a quality product at a good value?

I use my tools a few times a week, and do not abuse them. I want something reliable that I don't have to feel guilty about requesting due to high cost. I have a bit of everything in my box, HF, Kobalt, Craftsman, and some no name stuff I have somehow acquired over the years. I am not a tool snob so no need to recommend Snap On or the like. I just want a good solid tool that I can put on my list, not feel guilty about the price and enjoy using for a long time to come.

Tom

 

[soob]

I got a socket set from them a while back, the 3/8 one with like 60 sockets, and I love it. Pretty much replaced all my non impact sockets. Came with a nice organizer tray, too.

I also got a gearwrench roto ratchet, but haven't used it much. The fit and finish is kind of iffy for the price but the action seems good. Nice long handle and lots of teeth.

 

[Singlecut]

I use my tools a few times a week, and do not abuse them. I want something reliable that I don't have to feel guilty about requesting due to high cost. I have a bit of everything in my box, HF, Kobalt, Craftsman, and some no name stuff I have somehow acquired over the years. I am not a tool snob so no need to recommend Snap On or the like. I just want a good solid tool that I can put on my list, not feel guilty about the price and enjoy using for a long time to come.

Tom

Gearwrench is perfect for you.
In fact, if I didn't know better, this could be a advertisement plug for them.



Get the quick release 36 tooth count ratchets, get the ratcheting wrenches. Advanced Auto Parts or tooltopia.com for those. Also cripedistributing.com


Those two tools are the shining players in my opinion. Overall though, I haven't heard anything bad about the rest of their hardline. It seems they have a decent quality level across the board.

 

[Tscott]

Gearwrench is perfect for you.
In fact, if I didn't know better, this could be a advertisement plug for them.



Get the quick release 36 tooth count ratchets, get the ratcheting wrenches. Advanced Auto Parts or tooltopia.com for those. Also cripedistributing.com


Those two tools are the shining players in my opinion. Overall though, I haven't heard anything bad about the rest of their hardline. It seems they have a decent quality level across the board.

Nope, no plugs. I am glad to hear they are a good quality tool. It has been a while since I really invested in tools and my collection has dwindled due to loss, and breakage. I am mainly trying to beef up my collection metric stuff (restoring a Triumph Spitfire is tough without a ton of metric) and trying to add some of the stuff I never bought in the past, like hex drive sockets. I am also hoping to get a full set of both SAE and Metric ratcheting wrenches with the flex heads. So far as best I can tell, Tooltopia has pretty good prices and nice short URL's so adding the links to list is easy.

Tom

 

[posaune]

I've had a lot of Gearwrench stuff go through my hands (almost all from Advance) and I have a lot of it in my box as well. Like you, I use my tools a few times a week for anything from tightening a loose screw in the house to replacing a headgasket in the car.

I also have a mix of tools and while I'm not necessarily a tool snob (I don't think I qualify with so few SO tools...), I can't stand having cheap-feeling products in my hands even though I am on a tight budget. In addition to Gearwrench, my mix includes older Craftsman, Proto, PB Swiss, SK, OTC, Toptul, older Kobalt, Channellock, Knipex, etc.

I have to say that I've never been disappointed in a GW tool when used correctly*. I have no problems grabbing a GW socket instead of a Proto and I prefer them to the CM. A couple of the ratchets have become go-to items and the difference between the standard combos and my Proto 500s is negligible for me. In a side-by-side comparison I prefer the US-made CM ratcheting wrenches over the standard GW (they are slightly longer and heavier), but that hasn't prompted me to replace the GW - when you factor in price, the GW are more than good enough. Also, even though I don't always use them, I really like the boxes for the sets.

The only problems I've had so far with GW quality have been right out of the box and if you check out the Wright thread, I think you'll find that this isn't a GW-only problem. My issues were taken care of immediately by GW, too. FWIW, only one problem (badly peeling chrome on one extension in a set) was not related to packing. All the others were harmless, if annoying (two 13mm sockets and no 12mm in a 1/2"dr set; same problem with a nutdriver set; mismarked 5.5mm socket in a set).

I think you will be quite happy with GW tools... as long as you can deal with the constant guilt on this forum about using something Chinese.



*I say that because I did damage some side cutters by cutting something that was probably too thick at a strange angle. That said, they still work well enough for me not to have attempted a warranty replacement.

 

[ineedtools]

Try to find the Danaher ones, newer GW stuff is coming out of China now the Danaher Taiwan GW stuff is getting harder to find.

 

[diesel research]

Try to find the Danaher ones, newer GW stuff is coming out of China now the Danaher Taiwan GW stuff is getting harder to find.

OK since we're talking about the good gearwrench ratcheting wrenches now being made in China I found these http://www.truevalue.com/product/10-Piece-Ratcheting-SAE-Wrench-Set/25172.uts that are made by Danaher which I believe to be the good Taiwan company that actually makes some Snapons and most of the Bluepoints nowdays.

Not bad @ $3 per wrench and there are some other good deals for 4pc sets in the search here

I wanted to correct this statement yesterday in the hot deals thread, but didn't want to ruin that thread.

Danaher still makes them. Same company. Danaher has manufacturing plants in The USA, has produced them in taiwan, and over the past several years moved their overseas production to china. Didn't say everything is made in china, but their asian line is pretty much all china. Apex is the holding group, joint venture, or headquarters company.

My gearwrenches purchased a year ago say "danaher" and "made in china".

Blue point and snap on have nothing to do with this. Craftsman, napa, matco, sata, ace, true value, and older kobalt are related to this.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

I bought both the metric and imperial "master" Gearwrench sets on ebay - the non-flex, non-reversible ones. I haven't beat on them as much as my normal combo wrenches, but they're not too bad - I wouldn't use the ratcheting end for high-torque applications, but it's not made for that sort of thing (and I wouldn't use a Mac or Cornwell ratcheting end in that application, either).

For the price and occasional to moderate use, they're good.

 

[Tim Cowan]

As the USA is failing in production, GearWrench seems to be a Fine Asian replacement. I like the wrenches I have in the GW line and they look good,too. It looks like the next generation.
PS. I learned to swim at Kingsley Lake near you and also went to many other area lakes in your area in my growing years in Jacksonville, FL.

 

[billy_bob169]

I am digging their stuff. They have come a long way! I started out picking up the 44pc non-ratcheting combo wrench set, and liked it a lot. Snow-balled from there. I usually pick stuff up as I see it on sale.

 

[Tscott]

As the USA is failing in production, GearWrench seems to be a Fine Asian replacement. I like the wrenches I have in the GW line and they look good,too. It looks like the next generation.
PS. I learned to swim at Kingsley Lake near you and also went to many other area lakes in your area in my growing years in Jacksonville, FL.

Wow, small world. The wife and I moved here about 5 years ago and still love it. Got some land, and a shop so I am happy. Lived on Kingsley for about 6 months when we first moved here, nice places around that area. I know at least 1 other member here lives in Middleburg, but not many folks know Keystone even exists.

Tom

 

[SquareBear]

I had no luck with (Chinese) GearWrench tool, as in quality and durability. I'm not even a professional mechanic. Usually GearWrench prices are about the same as Masterforce (Menards) or Craftsman tools, which are made in USA (most). From experience, Craftsman tools has always put a smile on face of a friend or family member.

 

[diesel research]

Does craftsman even have a USA ratcheting wrench anymore? I don't think they do.

 

[billy_bob169]

To each their own, but I have owned (and still own) plenty of craftsman stuff. No problem with it, but for the $$ the GW is every bit as nice, if not nicer...just my opinion...

 

[posaune]

Does craftsman even have a USA ratcheting wrench anymore? I don't think they do.

I don't think so either. I bought a few singles on clearance a last year.

To each their own, but I have owned (and still own) plenty of craftsman stuff. No problem with it, but for the $$ the GW is every bit as nice, if not nicer...just my opinion...

Agreed, especially when compared to the newest Craftsman stuff.

 

[GTO]

Go to Amazon and set up a "wish list". They have alot of Gearwrench stuff.

 

[woody 73]

They make some very nice tools you will be very happy with gearwrench tools.

If you want and this is my two cents ask for some channellock tools,they are also very nice tools and most places still carry them and your Family can find them at most stores.

 

[Fedwrench]

Gearwrench quality is pretty good overall. However, I don't think the current made PRC tools are as nice as the earlier Taiwan made versions. The only thing in the Gearwrench line that is US made is their micrometer torque wrenches. Their chrome sockets are slightly taller than most other brands. Their metric sockets have outstanding knurling around the base which is perfect for hand spinning. Theor sockets are well marked and sizes are easy to read especially when dirty. Their 60 tooth ratchets have a crisp action and a thin head for improved access. I wouldn't opt for any other of their ratchets though. I would stay away from those reversible Gearwrench sets that Sears puts on sale at half off over the holidays. Those wrenches have a capstop feature. Capstop is a thin flat washer placed on the top of the boxed end to prevent the wrench from sliding past a nut on a long threaded rod. It ***** because you can't use a reverse grip on a wrench with capstop. Shop around as their is a wide spread on pricing for the same items. Ccripedistributing.com has some nice Gearwrench sets at decent prices. Lastly danaher no longer makes Gearwrench. Gearwrench is part of the Apex tool group which is a joint venture between Cooper Industries and Danaher. All current Gearwrench packaging has the Apex tool group listed on it now.

 

[archirelic]

My reversible ratcheting Gearwrenches from Advanced Auto don't have the capstop feature, FWIW.

 

[Greatbear]

Most of my Gearwrench (and NAPA-branded equivalent) stuff is older, and all of it has held up nicely.

 

[larryq]

Their 60 tooth ratchets have a crisp action and a thin head for improved access.

I second this. I bought a 1/2" 60 tooth Gearwrench ratchet (from the GJ classifieds, of course) and was shocked at how nice it was. Good and beefy but not bulky. And I prefer it to the Matco 88 tooth 3/8" ratchet I have for smoothness of action.

 

[ZRX61]

I have a bunch of their stuff. Only ever had one warranty issue & that was a 1/4in ratchet. Took THREE ******** months to get it replaced owing to GW using those useless asshats at Fastenal. Won't EVER buy another GW tool until they get rid of the Fastenal connection.

 

[rshimizu12]

Personally I think Gear Wrench is over priced for the quality

 

[demarpaint]

Personally I think Gear Wrench is over priced for the quality

I agree.

 

[bobg03]

You should ask them for clothes, that way if they buy the wrong set of tools you won't be disapointed.

 

[RoundedNut]

Gearwrench is a good quality choice as a simple default. As with most brands, there are some gems and some misses but its generally good.

I've got a fair amount of Gearwrench or rebranded tools and concur with most reviews that they are a good pro level choice at a fair price.

As for price, I got the 3/8" swivel ratchet on amazon for $18USD which is a great deal, while some tool trucks sell it for $60USD, which is the usual rip-off.

 

[Cgw1984]

This is a 9 year old thread. But in my personal experience, gearwrench is trash. Everything ive bought from them has been broken in short order

 

[383z]

I have a lot of Gearwrench. Ratcheting wrenches the STD and Metric and both sets of the standard and flex head.
1/2 drive metric and STD impact sets. Breaker bar.. I just bought the 1/2 drive 120xp ratchet. Let's see how that holds up. ALL my other ratchets are Snap-on, but one 1/2 drive Proto.

 

[pontoon]

I have the GearWrench chrome sockets and front end set. Those are good.

GearWrenxh does make a lot of kind of junky products too. Be super careful buying GearWrench ch if you don’t do your homework.

 

[On-Wheel]

I was looking at GW 28 pic comb 6 point wrench set for $98 The reviews on Amazon were bad.
A 1” SO wrench is 55 bucks.geez

 

[unslow1]

I have a decent amount of Gearwrench. I like them and have never broken one. That I can't say about Snapon, Proto or Craftsman. I have a broken Snapon socket and Proto extension on the same table as this computer. Gearwrench would probably be the majority of what I bought if I had to start over.

 

[Jtels85]

I have a decent amount of GearWrench tools and haven’t had a problem. The sockets, ratchets, breaker bars, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers... all have been put through the paces and they’re still going.

This is Garage Journal, every tool is junk unless it has “Snap On” stamped on it.

 

[gtsgarage]

This is a 9 year old thread. But in my personal experience, gearwrench is trash. Everything ive bought from them has been broken in short order

Was looking to see who noticed first. 9 years!

 

[Ton ton]

Since this is an ancient thread. I want to say I can buy gearwrench off my local snap on rep. Ratchet wrenches.

 

[ike]

Gearwrench was pretty good 9 years ago. Their products have really gone downhill with lower quality Chinese manufacturing since this thread was made.

 

[Cgw1984]

I have a decent amount of Gearwrench. I like them and have never broken one. That I can't say about Snapon, Proto or Craftsman. I have a broken Snapon socket and Proto extension on the same table as this computer. Gearwrench would probably be the majority of what I bought if I had to start over.

This pops up in EVERY thread about a 2nd tier tool seller. The "just as good" crowd comes in and proclaims they have a pile of broken "premium" (usually snap on) tools, but whatever lower level stuff they currently have has been flawless. Newsflash: tools break, no matter whats stamped on them. And thats WITHOUT factoring in age and misuse, among other factors. The goodwill these brands have built is there for a reason, and its not entirely good salesmanship. Fwiw- ive got a pile of broken gearwrench ratchets here, you are welcome to habe them for the cost of shipping.

I have a decent amount of GearWrench tools and haven’t had a problem. The sockets, ratchets, breaker bars, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers... all have been put through the paces and they’re still going.

This is Garage Journal, every tool is junk unless it has “Snap On” stamped on it.

Hardly. Although the snap on fanboiism is rabid, there are a ton of other solid choices.