Gearwrench ratchet drivers

[bareass172]

I'm sincerely sorry of this has been beaten to death already, but it's late and I need to get up early and was hoping to get an answer to this so I can get an order in. I have been watching Ebay and other places for either a SO or Williams ratchet driver and T-handle set. I noticed that Gearwrench has those same style drivers as part of their hot deals this month:

http://www.gearwrench.com/hot-deals/show/25

Would anyone compare the GW versions (straight and T-handle) to the SO or Williams in any way, or am I wasting my money?

Thanks as always for the feedback.

 

[Onefastgsx]

I have a GW set with straight and t-handle. Came with bits and 1/4" sockets, SAE and metric. It is my go-to screwdriver for everything. I have been using the set for 3 years now without any issue.
My brother uses the SO brand and there is nothing different besides which way you flip the switch to ratchet.

I have about $70 wrapped up in my set with 2 handles, short and long 1/4" socket drivers, short and long flex bit drivers, phillips/flat/allen/torx bits, and 10 SAE and 10 metric sockets all in a nice portable case.
Im pretty sure my brother has about the same $70 in just 2 SO handles.

 

[Pumpman1968]

Here is how I compare the Snap-On rat driver to the Gearwrench.

I bought a bunch of **** on eBay because there was a bunch of old S-K specialty sockets in the pile. Paid $15 shipped for the whole box. In the box was an older Snappy rat driver.

Relisted the Snappy, got $30 for it plus shipping and bought the Gearwrench rat set through their sites Hot Deals.

Pretty much, I resell every Snappy tool I find. Gives me much love!

Got all the sockets plus the new driver.......and I think I had $5 leftover after I sold the rest of the stuff from the box. Seems like a good deal to me.

 

[Brians VWss]

The Snapons drivers have always been the go to ratchet screwdrivers. I have 2 of the bought back in the day, nothing even compaired. Now fast forward 3 of 4 years ago when I found that Gearwrench came out with with the set that had sockets, driver bits, extensions, regular and t- handle drivers all in a nice case. I liked it so much I bought 2 sets. (Sears had them for under 20.00 ). One for the garage and one for the motorhome. All I can say is these sets are awesome. Anytime I am working on stuff it is right there. I was able to fit a small Matco ratchet in the case which is a nice addition. I recently purchased the hot deals t-handle set because it has additional extensions. I dont think you be dissapointed with this purchase.

 

[cheechi]

I have a SO long reach, Williams 'normal' length, and williams T handle set. All great, same mechanism. all can be repaired using the same method easy to search for on this forum.

I also have all 3 of the GW sets. Haven't used them extensively. They feel good and they work good on what I have used so far. Not sure if it's changed but I remember reading here that you would have to warranty them as there's no rebuild kits and maybe not a way for you to get into it to repair. Don't have one to look at now but its real obvious on the SO/Williams ones where the snap ring is. The GW T handle is a little more comfortable but not a deal breaker.

To me it doesn't come down to cost but convenience. I think the williams are worth it, the SO maybe if you're a pro and have access to the truck. I would say overall the GW are worth it if you want to buy all 3 varieties and can stand to be without 1/3 of your handles while its repaired.

 

[bareass172]

Thanks so much for the advice, especially those with both - it's very helpful. I think I'm going to snag these while I watch Ebay for a cheap SO or Williams one.

 

[gagreen]

The GW ratcheting drivers are nice enough to keep me from even picking up a snap on one on the truck. I got a set with tons of extensions and 2 handles off of cripe for less than 20. The flex extension is awesome.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I'm sincerely sorry of this has been beaten to death already, but it's late and I need to get up early and was hoping to get an answer to this so I can get an order in. I have been watching Ebay and other places for either a SO or Williams ratchet driver and T-handle set. I noticed that Gearwrench has those same style drivers as part of their hot deals this month:

http://www.gearwrench.com/hot-deals/show/25

Would anyone compare the GW versions (straight and T-handle) to the SO or Williams in any way, or am I wasting my money?

Thanks as always for the feedback.

Gearwrench almost got me with that 90% off schtick:
http://www.gearwrench.com/hot-deals...adboxtm-reversible-ratcheting-wrench-set.html

Hahahahahaha.

To answer your question if it's gearwrench taiwan the action could be similar if it's gearwrench china it's probably not. End of the day depends on what you want to pay.

 

[bareass172]

I know better than to believe that the stuff is really 80-90% off, but the prices still seem fair enough for me to give it a shot until I find a SO or Williams from Ebay. I just hated to throw good money after bad if they were total ****.

 

[greasemonkey44]

I had a gear wrench set; I really disliked the ratcheting screw driver
Felt like a rock crusher, really really didn't like it
Gave it to my dad and bought two snap ons; smooth as silk and strong as an ox