Gearwrench Ratchets vs...

[Phantom552]

Well i pulled the trigger on some GearWrench locking flex head ratchets, and well, theyre pretty dang thin at the head... already paid for themselves by squeezing into places nothing else would. For reference i snapped some photos of the GW 3/8 head next to a Cman RP flex head and a Snappy F851.

I wish the head / locking lever had less vertical play (even locked they wiggle considerably), but overall im happy with 'em.

 

[fras_auto]

carlyle r38f is very sweet and is better quality than gearwrench ill post a pic soon

 

[Phantom552]

carlyle r38f is very sweet and is better quality than gearwrench ill post a pic soon

Oh goody, more tools to test drive hahaha bring on the photos!

 

[chipss36]

nice post, this could be useful if your in a tight spot...lol

 

[fras_auto]

This is the regular flex 3/8 dr. I'll post picks of my locking comfort grip Carlyle when I get off work


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[jt777]

I got 120xp flex heads in in 1/4 and 3/8 drive with the comfort grips. I would prefer the screw retention of the Carlyle over GW snap ring but that is minor. I have abused my 1/4 drive and it still works like new. The thin head is a huge difference from my old sk's, and westward.

 

[kctyphoon]

If you guys want a thin ratchet, you should look at the low profile HF model that has the dual head 1/4" and 3/8" drive.. It gets good reviews.. And this is WITH a socket release button on back of the ratchet heads..

3/8" side -

1/4" side -

 

[PJNJ]

I got 120xp flex heads in in 1/4 and 3/8 drive with the comfort grips. I would prefer the screw retention of the Carlyle over GW snap ring but that is minor. I have abused my 1/4 drive and it still works like new. The thin head is a huge difference from my old sk's, and westward.

I also have those ratchets. They're very good but I wish they had the locking feature like my Armstrong 88 locking flex. I have really come to like the Armstrong and it's my current go-to ratchet. The Carlyle R38F looks nice but it is a 60 tooth design and doesn't have the locking feature. Now Gearwrench has brought out a locking flex but it's in their 84 tooth ratchet. I wonder if they worried that if they used the 120xp for the locking feature if it would cannibalize sales of the Armstrong 88? If it did come on the 120xp, I would probably buy it.

 

[jallyn]

If you guys want a thin ratchet, you should look at the low profile HF model that has the dual head 1/4" and 3/8" drive.. It gets good reviews.. And this is WITH a socket release button on back of the ratchet heads..

3/8" side -

1/4" side -

Thank you for opening my eyes. In the store I thought those were gimmicky. Now I want...

 

[fras_auto]

This the 90 tooth comfort grip 3/8dr. Locking flex this by far the best I've used


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[gdocktor3]

carlyle r38f is very sweet and is better quality than gearwrench ill post a pic soon

Do you own any quick release Carlyle ratchets? I have been looking for a good qr ratchet and Snappy is way too expensive.

 

[fras_auto]

R38QR is a great one I have about 35 Carlyle ratchets all of them are 10x better than the old napa's


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[gdocktor3]

R38QR is a great one I have about 35 Carlyle ratchets all of them are 10x better than the old napa's


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Oh wow I never saw that one before. I like that its sealed and has 60 teeth. Is it comparable to the Snap On F80? Only 20 teeth less.

 

[Wamsutta]

You can't really even read the NAPA logo; I don't know why they even bother ...

 

[jt777]

I also have those ratchets. They're very good but I wish they had the locking feature like my Armstrong 88 locking flex. I have really come to like the Armstrong and it's my current go-to ratchet. The Carlyle R38F looks nice but it is a 60 tooth design and doesn't have the locking feature. Now Gearwrench has brought out a locking flex but it's in their 84 tooth ratchet. I wonder if they worried that if they used the 120xp for the locking feature if it would cannibalize sales of the Armstrong 88? If it did come on the 120xp, I would probably buy it.

I have been looking at the Armstrongs but in Canada i can only find them at prices that are close to snap on and i can't justify that much on a ratchet that ain't snap on

 

[jt777]

Gimme some more time and i might just try one. You can never have to many tools.

 

[fras_auto]

Oh wow I never saw that one before. I like that its sealed and has 60 teeth. Is it comparable to the Snap On F80? Only 20 teeth less.

I have the F80 and the Carlyle is thinner at the head and feels smoother and the Carlyle is about 2 inches longer


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[fras_auto]

You can't really even read the NAPA logo; I don't know why they even bother ...

That my old iPhone 4s....not the ratchet trust me


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[gdocktor3]

I have the F80 and the Carlyle is thinner at the head and feels smoother and the Carlyle is about 2 inches longer


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It's longer than an F80, but not a flf80 right?

I looked on Napa website for a regular length 3/8" quick release soft handle, but couldn't find one. Anyone know if they make one?

 

[1990 Grand Wag]

It's longer than an F80, but not a flf80 right?

I looked on Napa website for a regular length 3/8" quick release soft handle, but couldn't find one. Anyone know if they make one?

IIRC (and don't hold me to this), but they have a 45 tooth QR ratchet in the Carlyle lineup

 

[Farmall450]

Oh goody, more tools to test drive hahaha bring on the photos!

The Carlyle pear heads are extremely thin.
But so are the (finer) Gearwrench (unlike what the member that excerpt is in response to said)

 

[drink]

Are the GearWrench tools given warranty service only when they are new at the time of purchase to be free of defects in material and workmanship?

 

[gdocktor3]

No, any problem you have they'll replace it. In my experiences anyways.

 

[kctyphoon]

Thank you for opening my eyes. In the store I thought those were gimmicky. Now I want...

Belive me, I know it's stupid looking.. I was even thinking about buying another one and removing one head off from both, to make it less dumb.. But I've only used it like 2 or 3 times, and I read a lot of good reviews on them before I bought it. That's the only reason I did. I do wish they made one with a handle though.

I think it's nice having the socket lock and release button.. It's very unique to say the least.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Belive me, I know it's stupid looking.. I was even thinking about buying another one and removing one head off from both, to make it less dumb.. But I've only used it like 2 or 3 times, and I read a lot of good reviews on them before I bought it. That's the only reason I did. I do wish they made one with a handle though.

I think it's nice having the socket lock and release button.. It's very unique to say the least.

Could you cut one in half, or maybe 2 of them at the 2/3 or 3/4 mark and fashion a handle?