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GearWrench Ratchet/Sockets

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CC268

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Hey guys,

I'm going to be starting up my tool collection soon and have been researching the various brands out there. I'm really thinking I'd like to go with GearWrench for my first ratchet/socket set. They seem to be a great compromise between cost and quality. Keep in mind I don't wrench on things for a living (mechanical engineer), so I don't need the best of the best, but I'd rather get something a little nicer than HF.

Anyways, I'm thinking this 3/8" set would be a great way to start as it has the nice 120XP ratchet, shallow & deep SAE sockets, shallow & deep metric sockets, and few extenders. No extra fluff that I wouldn't need that you get in a lot of kits. In fact, it seems to be the perfect kit to start and the price is excellent.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009PJPH28/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Later on I could add the 1/4" and 1/2" ratchet/socket kit and then maybe some flex head 120XP ratchets if needed.

I do have a question (maybe it is a silly one):

Are these kits lower quality than if you bought the items individually? Or am I getting the same stuff I would get if I bought the 120XP wrenches separately, then all the sockets separately, etc?
 
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Garett

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I like gearwrench, when half my snapon was ripped off I replaced with gearwrench and have found no need to replace it. Shop around, there are often BOGO deals for the stuff. If you will eventually have lots of sockets, the bigger sets will have bigger savings.
 
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Mr_B

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i prefer the 84T ratchet sets .
they have the deal on the 84T sets in stock .
 
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Tallpilot

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CC268 said:
Thanks - yea that is the 84T combo. Still leaning towards the 120T.

Someone mentioned the 84T ratchets are shorter...I think the 120T are the same length
Click to expand...

The older set includes a ‘standard length’ and a stubby ratchet. The new 120XP set only has the regular length one. Some people like the 120xp and some complain about skipping/reversing. The old 84t were pretty rock solid and even better rebuilt with Matco 88 internals.
 
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CC268

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Tallpilot said:
The older set includes a ‘standard length’ and a stubby ratchet. The new 120XP set only has the regular length one. Some people like the 120xp and some complain about skipping/reversing. The old 84t were pretty rock solid and even better rebuilt with Matco 88 internals.
Click to expand...

Hmm interesting...man maybe I ought to get the 84T set. Do they still make the 1/2" 84T set if I ever wanted to add that?

I don't mind going the 84T route if that is indeed the better tool.
 
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CC268

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So...I talked with the guy over at tooldiscounter. I think I'm gonna stick with the 120XP. It's on backorder until probably February time frame, but I'm not in a rush.
 
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Tallpilot

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PR1Gneon

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I like better the lower profile of the 84T.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk
 
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CC268

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PR1Gneon said:
I like better the lower profile of the 84T.

Sent from my LG-LS993 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Hmm...tough choice. The reviews on the 120XP stuff is really good though. The people I've talked to who have used both prefer the 120.

EDIT: Actually if you look at old threads on here, people like the 120 better as well...at least that is the general consensus.

I'm about to pull the trigger on the 120.
 
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Citation

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For what it's worth, I prefer the single pawl T84 vs the double pawl T120. Lower profile and lower back drag. The extra tooth count is inconsequential.
 
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M6erfan

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I'm not a fan of GW ratchets in general, but I've handled them both..Gun to my head? 84T
 
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CC268

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M6erfan said:
I'm not a fan of GW ratchets in general, but I've handled them both..Gun to my head? 84T
Click to expand...



What do you like? I think your the first person I’ve heard say that. My impression from my research was that GW was the best bang for buck.
 
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CC268

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Citation said:
For what it's worth, I prefer the single pawl T84 vs the double pawl T120. Lower profile and lower back drag. The extra tooth count is inconsequential.
Click to expand...



I’d just rather not spend the money on older models that might not be supported. I get the impression that the 120 will likely replace the 84 at some point, but I could be wrong.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
 
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Yarpo

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CC268 said:
I’d just rather not spend the money on older models that might not be supported. I get the impression that the 120 will likely replace the 84 at some point, but I could be wrong.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
Click to expand...

I dont think so, they're different internals and "designs" if you will. Think different trims, or like GMC/Chevy. At least, that's how I view them.

Also, count me as another person favoring the 84T, but the 120xp stuff is nice too. I think depending on the thread you find people will have varying opens. Lots of back drag on 120xp

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=400755
 
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CC268

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Hmm...well I thought GearWrench would be the way to go, but maybe I was wrong. What do you guys suggest? Tekton instead? Not in the market for SnapOn, SK, etc. Too pricey for someone like me.
 
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mudflap

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I like GW for the money... In use every day at the shop, they hold up as well as the truck brands, and fitment is as good. With Advance Auto dropping GW..might have to Buy/warranty thru their website. Unless you are off weekdays and can make it to a Grainger, Motion Ind, etc.. Or i think you can order them thru Home Depot but they dont stock them..at least the ones around me don't. Sears might still stock some..if you still have one around you thats hanging on... Anybody know any place else working people
can go to buy GW..?
 
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M6erfan

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CC268 said:
What do you like? I think your the first person I’ve heard say that. My impression from my research was that GW was the best bang for buck.
Click to expand...

I like 72t roundheads (Like Facom/Proto), old school SK Roto ratchets, and the Carlyle 72t QR ratchets. My favorite though are the 24t Ko-ken ratchets with the knurled handle. Soooo nice. Snap-on is great too, but expensive.

There is a strong pro GW contingent for sure, but there are critics. I just dont find their ratchets anything special. In fact I find them kinda cheap feeling with high back drag. Honestly, I like the Harbor Freight Pitt Pro composite ratchets better than anything GW. If you have a HF near you you should check them out. The 3/8" version is about $10 after 20% coupon with a lifetime warranty.

Tekton released their 90t ratchets recently. I have no opinion of them as I haven't handled them but they come in a lot of configurations and are getting good reviews. Tekton is great to deal with too.
 
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Citation

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Husky ratchets are the same tools as GW save for a lower tooth count. I suspect this is a way Apex forces a difference in the tools. I've got several Husky ratchets and like them better than the typical GW equivalent because they have quick release. But the ratchets I use even more are my Crescent (same as GW) roto ratchets. Even though I don't like plastic handles or round head ratchets, the rotos are really nice. So I'm your shoes I would get the 4 rstchet, 84t GW set then add the Crescent CRW17 roto ratchet set (about $32 on eBay... Used to be under $30). Napa has the same set with different colors. HF makes a version but I like the Crescent version better.
 
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marineman

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I use a bunch of gearwrench working on semi's daily and they're holding up fine. I have few of each 84t and 120xp and the 84's are the ones I grab most often. Where you from? If you happen to be anywhere near me you can come and try out both and decide for yourself. Either ratchet will do you just fine, the 84t just feels better to me.
 
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Mr_B

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CC268 said:
Would you mind elaborating on why that is?
Click to expand...

slimmer head which huge bonus, less back drag, more reliable . no need for 120 ratchet positions. would be much better reducing the 1.5deg of slop but tooth count markets better I suppose ...
 
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CC268

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M6erfan said:
I like 72t roundheads (Like Facom/Proto), old school SK Roto ratchets, and the Carlyle 72t QR ratchets. My favorite though are the 24t Ko-ken ratchets with the knurled handle. Soooo nice. Snap-on is great too, but expensive.

There is a strong pro GW contingent for sure, but there are critics. I just dont find their ratchets anything special. In fact I find them kinda cheap feeling with high back drag. Honestly, I like the Harbor Freight Pitt Pro composite ratchets better than anything GW. If you have a HF near you you should check them out. The 3/8" version is about $10 after 20% coupon with a lifetime warranty.

Tekton released their 90t ratchets recently. I have no opinion of them as I haven't handled them but they come in a lot of configurations and are getting good reviews. Tekton is great to deal with too.
Click to expand...

I've got HF Pittsburgh Pro Ratchets right now, but they aren't the Composite ones, which do look nice. That said, to be honest, I'm not exactly thrilled about building my tool collection around Harbor Freight.

To clarify though. I need a good ratchet/socket set. That is what is so appealing about the GW stuff. Really nice kits for a good price and you don't get a bunch of junk you don't need. If there is an equivalent HF kit that is as good or better I am open ears.

Anyways...the general consensus amongst folks on here and other sites is that the GW is good stuff, especially for the price. Sounds like 84T is maybe the way to go.

I'm not ordering anything yet, gonna sit on this for a while and continue to do some research.
 
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CC268

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marineman said:
I use a bunch of gearwrench working on semi's daily and they're holding up fine. I have few of each 84t and 120xp and the 84's are the ones I grab most often. Where you from? If you happen to be anywhere near me you can come and try out both and decide for yourself. Either ratchet will do you just fine, the 84t just feels better to me.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback. I am in Arizona, so a ways away unfortunately ha.
 
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CC268

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Mr_B said:
slimmer head which huge bonus, less back drag, more reliable . no need for 120 ratchet positions. would be much better reducing the 1.5deg of slop but tooth count markets better I suppose ...
Click to expand...

Thanks...seems the general consensus is to go the 84T route
 
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Tallpilot

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CC268 said:
If I'm gonna have a 1/4" and 3/8" set from GW I'd rather get the 1/2" from GW as well.
Click to expand...

I understand wanting everything to match. Tekton just released some ratchets that look awesome. I just ordered a couple (so I can’t give a personal opinion yet) now that they are offering 15% rewards for Christmas. Dave says the socket sets will be updated to match.

Gun to my head today I’d order the 84t Gearwrench sets but I hate how small the 1/2” set is. The deep wells stop at 19mm. WTF?

Make an account with Tekton and order a ratchet with free shipping. If you like it wait until their new sets come out. I think they will take over GW’s spot as the best utility value.

Get a flex head. I bet the sets will have non flex.
https://www.tekton.com/flex-ratchets
 
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