Gearwrench Ratchets

[hades02]

I looking at the Gearwrench Ratchets and have two
unrelated questions. Specifically this set

81207

http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/r...tchets/cushion_grip/setdetails.jsp?part=81207

1) Why would any of you prefer the cushion grip over the solid grip or
vice versa?

2) Amazon has them but it has it listed as Gearwrench for $97.62
and as K-D Tools Gearwrench for $84.99. What is the difference?

Every where else I looked had this set for $110 or more.

I am just a home mechanic and only work on my bike, mine and my
little lady's car. So spending the money on Snap On would not be an
option for me.

 

[Ray-CA]

I prefer the solid grip over the cushion grip and I wait and buy mine when Sears has them on sale.

Ray

 

[hades02]

Amazon has the solid set for $70 and Sears currently for $128.
Even with 50% off I would only be saving about $6 which is offset
by the tax so I wouldn't really save anything. I guess my main question
was why are some designated Gearwrench and others K-D Tools Gearwrench
when they both look the same and have the Gearwrench logo and markings?

 

[paramudduck]

Gearwrench was originally sold by Danaher (the parent company) as part of the KD tools line up. Recently they have established them as a separate brand.

 

[35mastr]

I have a set in the classifieds 113.00 to your door.

 

[hades02]

Is it still the same stuff? Because there is a price difference and
it makes me think of all the unauthorized vendors selling stuff
online that the manufacturer will not warranty because it was
purchased from an unauthorized vendor.

By the way, Thank you all for your help on this. I am working to build
up my tool collection and eventually have a garage like the ones I see
on this site.

 

[hades02]

Thanks 35Mastr but Amazon has the Cushion Grip set
for $97 and the solid set for $70 with free shipping?
Am I missing something?

 

[35mastr]

Thanks 35Mastr but Amazon has the Cushion Grip set
for $97 and the solid set for $70 with free shipping?
Am I missing something?

Yes,You are supporting forum vendors and not the big box stores.

Those are the rubber handles.

 

[Merkava_4]

1) Why would any of you prefer the cushion grip over the solid grip or vice versa?

That's a dang good question.

My only concern with the soft grip handles is whether they're replaceable or not. You can replace the handles on Snap-on ratchets, but I don't know about GearWrench.

 

[Ray-CA]

Someone here on the Journal has a $10 off a $50 dollar or more purchase at Lowes. (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30582)

Lowes has a Kobalt version of the gearwrench in addition to the Gearwrench brand.
(http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?acti...4&Ne=4294967294&Ntk=i_products&Ntt=Gearwrench)

Ray

 

[Fedwrench]

There is no difference between the two sets. When Gearwrench first appeared they were part of the KD brand. Even today, most online tool vendors have them listed under the KD brand. On most current Gearwrench packaging and on their website, the KD logo is gone. The part numbers will be the same whether it's KD gearwrench or just Gearwrench. Gearwrench is quickly becoming a separate branch of the Danaher tree standing on it's own.
As for the ratchets, they are my favorites. I like the fine 60 toooth action, thin head, and overall feel and balance. I have the comfort grip and all steel versions. I personally prefer the comfort grip because, I like the way it feel. Yes it's bimaterial plastic and rubber. Once dirty, it tends to stay dirty. Yes rubber is not as scratch, gouge, or heat resistant as an all steel handle. It's a matter of personal preference as to which one you like better. The comfort grip ratchets are longer than the all steel versions. As far as I know replacement handles aren't available separately. You could probaly call Gearwrench and find out for sure though. The only drawback to these ratchets is that they're starting to be made in the PRC instead of Taiwan.Shop around for the best deal with free shipping. There is a wide price gap on Gearwrench tools. Your results may vary.
One last thing, the Kobalt rotoratchet handle is like twice as big as the Gearwrench version. Otherwise, it's the same ratchet. The large handle would be nice if you can't grip smaller tools comfortably. However, there could be clearance and access limits with the fatter handle.
http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=36973

 

[Merkava_4]

I might mention that I did find a couple of the GW ratchets at Sears with the grips installed 180 degrees off.

 

[Itzkwik]

The only drawback to these ratchets is that they're starting to be made in the PRC instead of Taiwan.Shop around for the best deal with free shipping. There is a wide price gap on Gearwrench tools.

I would think the older set labeled as KDGearwrench would have a better chance of being made in Taiwan than the set just marked Gearwrench which I think is mostly from PRC now.

 

[Fedwrench]

I would think the older set labeled as KDGearwrench would have a better chance of being made in Taiwan than the set just marked Gearwrench which I think is mostly from PRC now.

It's a gamble as to what you'll receive from an online vendor. Unfortunately, just because they list it as KD Gearwrench doesn't mean you'll receive older stock. You could get current production models especially if they dropship from the manufacturer.

 

[hades02]

Thank you everyone for your input. This has been
very informative.

 

[35mastr]

Mine have all the labels as they should be.

 

[jshillin]

What about the ratchet that is in the $35 Gearwrench sets? I looked at them tonight, but passed because the set stopped at 17mm. If I hear good reviews on the ratchet, I may go ahead & get a set..