I see a lot of conversations here in GJ about Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches, including references to the 'early' or 'classic' ones being superior to the later versions. How can you tell by appearance the difference between those preferred early versions and the later ones?
GearWrench Ratcheting Box End Combo Question
- Thread starter DadsTools
- Start date
gdocktor3
Well-known member
You have to look for the alpha code. I have -K- marked ratchet wrenches that are older and do seem better made. While I've never used them, I have to believe the new 120xp's are superior to anything in the past though.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I would agree about the 120xp ratcheting wrenches being the cream of the crop but, some people (not me) don't care for the spline boxed ends and they're aren't as many versions available in 120xp yet.
Yes, I'm sure the new ones are wonderful. But when folks are talking about these earlier ones in here, they're not talking about the 120xp.
OK, so there's codes on them. Which are the earlier codes? Anybody know? Here's what I have:
"E" with two lines radiating out from it, one at 12 o'clock and one at 3 o'clock
"E" with just one line at 3 o'clock
"B"
"F"
"C"
"A" with line at 3 o'clock
One with no code at all.
A couple have black oxide finish on the insert, the rest look like a dull nickel.
Any ideas?
OK, so there's codes on them. Which are the earlier codes? Anybody know? Here's what I have:
"E" with two lines radiating out from it, one at 12 o'clock and one at 3 o'clock
"E" with just one line at 3 o'clock
"B"
"F"
"C"
"A" with line at 3 o'clock
One with no code at all.
A couple have black oxide finish on the insert, the rest look like a dull nickel.
Any ideas?
Ole Slewfoot
Well-known member
Some of the earlier ones seem to be 1/16" smaller at the box end.