Gearwrench Ratcheting Wrenches

[bigjeff94]

Hey guys as i'm building my tool set i've been looking to buy only what i consider necessities for work right now meaning screwdrivers, 1/4 inch to 1-1/4 inch combo wrenches, 12 inch, 6 inch adjustable, and a decent quality 1/2 drive socket set, pry bars, and decent pliers. However i was in sears and they had the gearwrench metric and sae ratcheting wrench set on sale for half off and i've been kicking myself that I didn't pick it up ever sense. It's not a necessity but it definately might help speed up on the smaller jobs. What do you guys think of these? There not the flex head or switch reversed ones just the standard flip over to reverse kind. BTW the metrics will stay in the garage for some of my projects at home.
Thanks,
Jeff

 

[dj_110]

The ratcheting ones are nice. I have the double box end set. I have used the ones that Sears had on sale for $49.99. They run that sale fairly often, I bet closer to Christmas time they will run the sale again. They are on sale for $69.99 right now, the 'regular' price is $99.99.

http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-20p...p-00935720000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[southalabama]

I've got a drawer full of gearwrenchs. My favorites are the stubby and reversible ones.

Most people will say the older Taiwan ones are better than the Chinese ones if you can find them. I wouldn't spend the effort searching.

Mine have been bought at Sears during half off sales around the holidays.

Sears has to sell mdse this Christmas or it may not make it to next year. Look for good sales. I just hope they had the money to stock the store before the inevitable.

 

[AndrewV]

First
Welcome to the site.

Second
Our search function *****.

Third
Most of us like them. Some will say screw that china/taiwan junk. But there good, and last. Have had my sets, in daily use since trade school 8yrs ago. Every now and then, one will freeze up, but warranty.

 

[SASORacing]

Be sure you like them, try em out first. Me personally like the offset 15` reversible switch witha a lever for on the fly direction change. I am not a fan of straight style with no knuckle clearance.

These Proto's have ASD with is a open end flank drive tecchnology. Matco has a nice 90 tooth style similar to this.

Do your homework, gearwrench is generally very cheap, but lack features and tooth count. They are a very basic and generally bad wrench.

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[rtole]

I like them all.......not the best of the best.....but good for the price if you find them on sale. My favorites are the twisted ones, but I find the flex heads get me out of more jams. They are in my tool cart, everyday use. I have no idea where they were made, and I dont care. They work. Nuff said!

 

[bigjeff94]

Thanks guys i appreciate the replies. For the price it seems like they are hard to beat. My biggest thing right now is i'm filling a 4 drawer craftsman box for work where i basically picked a part a craftsman mechanics set for the sockets i needed (added some of the larger sizes) i need and a craftsman raised panel wrench set looking for what else i'll need besides a craftsman screwdriver set, and some good pliers (still looking at different brands mainly channel lock). I'm just trying to decide if i really need them, or want them.

 

[bcradio]

Do your homework, gearwrench is generally very cheap, but lack features and tooth count. They are a very basic and generally bad wrench.

Couldn't be more wrong. The Sears $20 special may not be the best, but they make some other very nice sets.

 

[slyonedoofy]

Be sure you like them, try em out first. Me personally like the offset 15` reversible switch witha a lever for on the fly direction change. I am not a fan of straight style with no knuckle clearance.

These Proto's have ASD with is a open end flank drive tecchnology. Matco has a nice 90 tooth style similar to this.

Do your homework, gearwrench is generally very cheap, but lack features and tooth count. They are a very basic and generally bad wrench.

Gearwrench is not a bad wrench. While not a "OMG IT'S THE BEST WRENCH EVER" it does have a lifetime warranty at Sears.

Just like Craftsman.

 

[1950mercury]

Get reversable ones auto zone puts them on sale like once a month for 30 bucks. China ones are lobster claw but how often do u use the open end and how often is the big lobster claw going to matter?

 

[90zcar]

Get reversable ones auto zone puts them on sale like once a month for 30 bucks. China ones are lobster claw but how often do u use the open end and how often is the big lobster claw going to matter?

Thank u very much!!! I get sick of people and this whole "lobster" claw ordeal. Who the hell is buying a ratchet wrench for their "beautiful open ends"


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[Pumpman1968]

I really debated the whole ratcheting wrench made in Taiwan thing..........I really do try to buy US made stuff. I got the 20 piece set plus the 12 piece stubbies when Sears had a blowout last spring. As someone else said.....they are not the greatest wrench in the world. They will slip if pushed.......and you don't have to push very hard. No cheaters for these babies! Definitely, save your knuckles and break things loose with a breaker bar.

Having said that, they have earned a place in my box. I generally like them. I just take them for what they are.......and inexpensive alternative.

If you watch their sales, Ace Hardware.....and other places.........sell a 5 or 6 piece "starter set" for $10. Give them a try.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I've never found a Chinese made ratcheting wrench that I liked. On the other hand, the Taiwan made ratcheting wrenches are pretty nice. Check out Blackhawk on Ebay for a good reversible set.

Also, avoid Craftsman raised panel anything.

 

[justme-]

Thank u very much!!! I get sick of people and this whole "lobster" claw ordeal. Who the hell is buying a ratchet wrench for their "beautiful open ends"


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If you're going to buy a set why not make sure the open end is usable too? If you have no need for the open end buy the old double ratcheting style laminated sets - much cheaper and more robust ratchet.

I use my gearwrenches for everything at home - open and box end so the lobster claw issue is important.

 

[Ign]

Nothing but bad experiences w the GW reversibles which was like 10 years ago so maybe they were pre-China. Mine self-reversed A LOT if you tried to use them at anything more than a snail's pace. They're still in my emergency truck kit & I bought SK reversibles before the big SK crash 'n burn. Love them, been bombproof and go smaller than most GW sets too, 1/4" and 6mm IIRC

 

[motofool33]

They make a good wrench for the home owner and personal garage. The flex heads or angle heads are what I have and the xl version and s wrenches.

 

[90zcar]

If you're going to buy a set why not make sure the open end is usable too? If you have no need for the open end buy the old double ratcheting style laminated sets - much cheaper and more robust ratchet.



I use my gearwrenches for everything at home - open and box end so the lobster claw issue is important.

If that little bit of a lobster claw is making a size difference that u can't fit the open end in....then how in the world are u sticking the ratcheting end in?


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[sac02]

Be sure you like them, try em out first. Me personally like the offset 15` reversible switch witha a lever for on the fly direction change. I am not a fan of straight style with no knuckle clearance.

Correct.

Do your homework, gearwrench is generally very cheap, but lack features and tooth count. They are a very basic and generally bad wrench.

Incorrect.

 

[MN4x4]

Regardless of the brand, I strongly agree with only purchasing reversible wrenches.

There's nothing quite like the 'aw sh!t' moment when you realize that you've jammed a ratcheting wrench into a tight spot and can't reverse it or pry it off of the fastener. You only have to cut ONE wrench in half to get out of that predicament before you'll get rid of everything that isn't reversible.

Don't ask me how I know...

 

[damon18]

I usually don't want to revive old dead threads but the title is perfect so I'll add on. Mods feel free to delete or separate into a new thread if it's a problem.

I've got a pretty good spread of basic mechanics tools but have never owned ratcheting wrenches. Plenty of times I've wished I had some, but can't justify the top USA brands prices and they are hard to find used.

So at Costco I saw they had a five-piece Gearwrench set for $17.99 (available both SAE/Metric) so I went for it, figured at less than $4 per wrench I couldn't go too wrong. But maybe there is a better alterative at this kind of price point?

Gearwrench usually has pretty good reviews but maybe these are lower end just for the big box stores?

 

[qqzj]

I like GearWrench. But for this price, you can also look at Kobalt from lowe's. They have 20 piece set for 50. You can easily get 10% off using gift card.

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[bargainhuntingking]

$2 each with this Husky set of 30:

I really like the stubbies.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-S...t-with-Stubby-30-Piece-H30PCRWPOUCH/305011099

I also got a Gearwrench set of extra long ones from Canadian Tire on sale a while back. Highly recommended.

 

[Legion Prime]

I usually don't want to revive old dead threads but the title is perfect so I'll add on. Mods feel free to delete or separate into a new thread if it's a problem.

I've got a pretty good spread of basic mechanics tools but have never owned ratcheting wrenches. Plenty of times I've wished I had some, but can't justify the top USA brands prices and they are hard to find used.

So at Costco I saw they had a five-piece Gearwrench set for $17.99 (available both SAE/Metric) so I went for it, figured at less than $4 per wrench I couldn't go too wrong. But maybe there is a better alterative at this kind of price point?

Gearwrench usually has pretty good reviews but maybe these are lower end just for the big box stores?

5pc set for under $20 @ Costco you say? I bought the big full metric set back when they first came out and they come in handy despite not being flex/angled or reversible. As my only fractional ones are the huge laminated Blue Point ones from nearly 20 years ago and a couple old ChannelLock reversable ones my dad acquired somewhere at some point I could definitely stand to add them to the toolbox for a Jackson. Thanks, I'll have to keep an eye out for them next week when I head into town.

 

[unslow1]

Gearwrench are pretty good for the money. I have several sets in different brands. They are cheaper than that at Advance Auto right now. The 5 pc sets are $14.99. They also had an inspection camera @50% off I was looking at tonight.

 

[Ton ton]

Have you looked @ duralast ratchet wrenches? I like them better than gear wrench.

 

[89MustangGX]

$2 each with this Husky set of 30:

I really like the stubbies.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-S...t-with-Stubby-30-Piece-H30PCRWPOUCH/305011099

I also got a Gearwrench set of extra long ones from Canadian Tire on sale a while back. Highly recommended.

Gearwrench has a similar 34 piece set (17 standard length and 17 stubbys) for $90 regularly on Amazon and I think it does sometimes go on sale. I haven't shopped it around but it seems like a nice deal if you'd prefer that name.

https://www.gearwrench.com/wrenches...heting-combination-sae-metric-wrench-set.html

 

[SuperCat]

The Home Depot Husky set is missing the 12mm in the stubby size and the 16mm in the regular size. Seems to me the 12mm stubby is one that would get used a lot. Just an observation for potential buyers.

 

[lardy1]

Last month NAPA had the 7 pc. non-reversible flex on sale so I ordered a set in metric. They won't get used much but I didn't have ratcheting wrenches in metric and Gearwrench is on sale somewhere most of the time. I also have their regular, bottom of the barrel set in fractional. I like my Tekton's better, to be honest.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I like my ratcheting wrenches but I don't lean on them too hard - the gearing is not that robust.

Northern Tool has the Gear Wrench 32 piece standard/stubby fractional/metric set on sale for $99 today (Wednesday) and you can get a $20 gift card for a $100 spend - extended cyber Monday sale.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...20120_SoloGearWrench&cid=15556&mid=1605138566

 

[captain14]

NAPA has the Gearwrench 5 piece sets on sale now (SAE and metric) for $13 each

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/APA93004?ref=MQ==

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/APA93005?ref=MA==


I just purchased this pair and I used a $5 coupon ( rewards?) that activated during the checkout process.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Get reversible wrenches. Few things are worse than the realization you’ve backed yourself into a corner and can’t get your wrench out. The HF icon sets are made in Taiwan and have the ASD style open end. With a coupon they’re not bad, but I wouldn’t pay full price for them. I’m kicking around a set of Proto for my stubby set, but I’ll have to save pennies for a bit to get them.

 

[sberry]

Agree with the reverse. I use one when I have to which amounted to about half a dozen times in 10 years. They are problem solvers and don't use them regular. It might feel like they are speedy but not all that much unless I had a special app. If I was building out a needed tool set they would be down on the list.

 

[sberry]

Get 8 inch adjustable. 440 Channelocks if working industrial, 7R and 10R vise grips.

 

[dimichele]

Advance auto parts has them 1/2 off on a regular basis.

 

[bcschief]

As a retired mechanic I only like the stubby Gearwrench ones. My feeling is break it loose with a bigger tool and use the stubbies to turn it off and on in tight places. As a mechanic my most used tools were air tools and combo wrenches.

 

[lowside67]

I have a set of metric Gearwrench reversibles (branded Canadian Tire Mastercraft Maximumn) which I've used for years and really like. I bought a super cheap set of Gearwrench SAE non-reversibles and didn't like them; I'd agree that the flat wrench makes it difficult to get clearance for your hand and no matter what, I always put it on the fastener upside down. I found a deal on a set of SAE Gearwrench reversibles and grabbed them yesterday - for the small increase in price, I think they are well worth it.

-Mark

 

[damon18]

Great Info! But you guys aren't helping my tendency to overthink every purchase until I don't buy anything at all.

When I bought the Costco sets for 17.99 I knew if I found a better deal it is easy to return them.

Now after seeing all your your input I'm thinking of investing in a larger set that includes stubby sizes which seem popular.

I do want to stick to the Gearwrench brand.

So it boils down to:
The 34 piece set mentioned by @89MustangGX, which includes 8 each of the standard and stubby length SAE and 9 each of the standard and stubby length METRIC. Amazon has this for $91.97.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H5GCVNJ

Or there is a 32 piece set available from Tractor Supply that has a different mix. 10 each of the standard length in SAE & METRIC and 6 each of the stubby length SAE & METRIC. Tractor supply has it locally for $89.99
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/gearwrench-32-piece-ratcheting-wrench-set-1186672

So the 32 piece set has a better range 1/4 to 13/16 and 8mm to 17mm with no skips. But less stubby sizes in both.

I'm a web developer not a full time mechanic, so occasional use but I like to have the correct tool for a job. The cars I would work on would be a 67 Camaro, 2014 4Runner, and 2012 Camry.

So which assortment seems better for my use?

 

[captain14]

Anyone have any first band experience with these Gearwrench Quad reversible wrenches?

AAP has them on sale this month and it may keep the weight out of the trunk tool bag.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...ratcheting-wrench-set-85900a-85900/10997519-p

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...ratcheting-wrench-set-85227a-85227/10997517-p

 

[Ton ton]

Anyone have any first band experience with these Gearwrench Quad reversible wrenches?

AAP has them on sale this month and it may keep the weight out of the trunk tool bag.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...ratcheting-wrench-set-85900a-85900/10997519-p

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...ratcheting-wrench-set-85227a-85227/10997517-p

You can get them in Duralast brand too for an easy warranty.