Gearwrench sockets!

[SHolt]

I'm would like your opinions on

Gearwrench​

sockets. I'm getting in to being a transport mechanic and want to know if you think Gearwrench sockets will hold up as a good starter set. I would love to by proto or any American made sockets they are just to pricey for me at this time.
Cheer guys.

 

[AL`]

I don't know about Gearwrench, but I like SK which is American made and much more reasonable than the tool truck brands. I'm not sure if that's out of your price range though. They have some pretty good package deals for 1/4, 3/8th's and 1/2 inch sets. I bought mine from tooltopia.

 

[PureLeaf]

I've got a 3/8ths mid length gearwrench set at home for car work, and a gear wrench 1/4 and 3/8ths set at work. They don't see heavy use. Mostly just putting together really overpriced massive conferences tables that hold integrated computers. They do great though, never had an issue.

 

[PJNJ]

They'll probably hold up fine for a starter set. If you decide to stay in the business, then you can always upgrade any weak points of the sets.

Here's a current bogo on the 3/8 and 1/4 sets -
http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...0550f,default,pd.html?start=5&cgid=gearwrench

And another on flex sockets -
http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...565d,default,pd.html?start=23&cgid=gearwrench

Add a bogo on metric mid-length socket sets 1/4 and 3/8 -
http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.co...c-14-Drive-Mid-Length-Socket-Set-P219713.aspx
I have the mid-length sets and they have become very handy to use.

Add your 1/2 drive set and you would have a pretty complete set of sockets to start.

 

[transittech]

I have a full set of Gearwrench impact in 1/4" drive. They have held up just fine, although 1/4" obviously doesn't see a lot of torque. The only complaint it have with them is the wall thickness is a little bit on the thick side, so limited clearance applications are a challenge. If they are cheap enough, I would buy them again.

 

[SHolt]

Thanks guys I appreciate the input. I will stick with Gearwrench for my sockets then. For my ratchets I already have Armstrong, Proto, and Snap-on

 

[chipss36]

Wow great deals, I have been underwhelmed with new SK sockets, may give gearwench a try.

 

[bobbycos]

I have a lot of Gearwrench sockets in the 3 major drive sizes and have used them without fail

 

[rhandwor]

For larger sockets for front axles 30mm and up if can't afford US made I think KD is a better socket.

 

[kctyphoon]

Well, the utility company I work for provides gearwrench ratchets and sockets to our fleet mechanics. They work on everything from f750 and freightliners to Honda civics. The gargage I'm in must have at least 60 vechiles plus equipment for them to maintain and they have no complaints about it. (One out of thousands of locations) they get gearwrench, sunex, Milwaukee power tools/ impacts/ ratchets and extreme tool boxes.. I asked if they felt it wasn't good enough compared to SK or snap on. They said it all works just fine for them..

 

[kctyphoon]

And I posted a great deal on gearwrench sockets in the hot deals forum. Free 1\4" set with purchase of the 3\8" for $104.. Mine just came yesterday. Its nice

 

[Bagherra]

They'll probably hold up fine for a starter set. If you decide to stay in the business, then you can always upgrade any weak points of the sets.

Here's a current bogo on the 3/8 and 1/4 sets -
http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...0550f,default,pd.html?start=5&cgid=gearwrench

And another on flex sockets -
http://www.cpooutlets.com/gearwrenc...565d,default,pd.html?start=23&cgid=gearwrench

Add a bogo on metric mid-length socket sets 1/4 and 3/8 -
http://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.co...c-14-Drive-Mid-Length-Socket-Set-P219713.aspx
I have the mid-length sets and they have become very handy to use.

Add your 1/2 drive set and you would have a pretty complete set of sockets to start.

Holy ****!! These are pretty good deals...too bad I already have all those sizes...

 

[BK13]

Mine don't get a ton of use, but I like them well enough. I have metric standard and deep 1/4" chrome and 3/8" metric impact. I think they're a decent deal, but they certainly ain't Snap On...

 

[bcradio]

I'm would like your opinions on

Gearwrench​

sockets. I'm getting in to being a transport mechanic and want to know if you think Gearwrench sockets will hold up as a good starter set. I would love to by proto or any American made sockets they are just to pricey for me at this time.
Cheer guys.

I don't know about Gearwrench, but I like SK which is American made and much more reasonable than the tool truck brands. I'm not sure if that's out of your price range though. They have some pretty good package deals for 1/4, 3/8th's and 1/2 inch sets. I bought mine from tooltopia.

SK are very similar in price to the Proto sockets he mentioned which are not a tool truck brand either and were out of his price range.

I really like my Gearwrench impact sockets but have not tried their chrome. What about getting a good set of impact sockets to start (Sunex/Gearwrench/GP), and then saving up for the nice chromes if/when you need them?

 

[oldldh]

I like them...

Here's mine...

All "Master Sets"...

 

[mach2mack]

I've used all craftsman as a master tech for the last 8 years and they have worked fine. I'm sure gearwrench will work for you.

 

[Tree Cutter]

And I posted a great deal on gearwrench sockets in the hot deals forum. Free 1\4" set with purchase of the 3\8" for $104.. Mine just came yesterday. Its nice

Just got mine today , they do look good.

 

[AL`]

SK are very similar in price to the Proto sockets he mentioned which are not a tool truck brand either and were out of his price range.

Proto is at least double the price of SK when looking at the deals I mentioned at tooltopia. And I can read and comprehend just fine without your bold italicized attempts to point out what he stated in his OP. I fully understand working with a budget as my first toolbox was full of crappy workman's choice from Walmart and Taiwan tools starting out so I am certainly not pushing that only American made will do here. Here are some links to good deals at tooltopia and I post these knowing full well that they might very well be outside of his budget, which I did qualify in my first post. (Should I re-quote that here and place it in bold italics for you?) But I do think some might be surprised just how affordable SK can be with their packaged ratchet and socket sets. I'd point out, however, once you get outside of these large piece count packages, the savings with SK start to diminish.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94549.aspx

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-91848.aspx

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-4147-6.aspx

 

[johndeereman]

I have 3/8-1/2'' impact set's and their axle nut set and use them hard all the time. They have held up great as well as all of the rest of my gearwrench tool's

 

[chipss36]

my problem with new SK, is the inconstant finish, and broaching tear out, I love the older SK, they have stood the test of time and look better than all my older sockets, the new ones have QC issues, just got over 60 of them, and they do have issues.

will try a GW set next.

 

[SHolt]

Thanks guys I've ordered 1/4" and 1/2" metric and Sae sets off amazon. Awesome deals on there. Great feedback here.

 

[SHolt]

Next will be my impact sockets!!
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00UM6...40_QL65&keywords=gearwrench+impact+socket+set And 3/8" master set

 

[gdocktor3]

I bought the 51 piece 1/4" drive set from Gearwrench 80300P. It is complete with extensions, swivel, 120xp ratchet and palm ratchet. I was in the market for a complete set in a hard plastic box that I could keep in my tool box and easily pull out to work on something or take on the road. I opted for this set because 1. I barely use 1/4" stuff 2. Its usually small stuff that won't take much force. I like the 120xp ratchet very much. It is super smooth and well balanced. The only ratchet I like better than the GW is my 1/4" SK round head. I like the GW better than my Snap On T72. I don't think I would go any larger with GW though. I bought it off eBay for $76 from these guys http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemD...uu4Lbb8yI2I3wfXjBuKWpylvs8wy_70W86xoChBrw_wcB

For 3/8" I went with SK. I wanted something better than GW, but not Snappy prices. I bought the 47 piece set off eBay for $146 from CPO Outlets and stuck a Snap On swivel in the box. Both sets have served me well and don't regret my decisions at all. Heres the link to the set I bought from them.
http://www.cpooutlets.com/sk-hand-t...het/sktn94547,default,pd.html?start=1&q=94547

 

[gdocktor3]

my problem with new SK, is the inconstant finish, and broaching tear out, I love the older SK, they have stood the test of time and look better than all my older sockets, the new ones have QC issues, just got over 60 of them, and they do have issues.

will try a GW set next.

I made a big stink about this when I bought my SK set last year. It was so bad I actually contacted SK and they sent me a new set, but this one was just as bad. People on here gave me **** saying "they're tools, not jewelry" "they're gonna get messed up anyways" etc. When I spend $150 on ANYTHING, I want to be the one who messes it up. That's like buying a brand new pickup truck that has scratches and dent's all over and saying "You're gonna use it for work, so who cares?" I also love SK and have ton's of older stuff from them. I have at least one ratchet in every size up to 3/4" drive. But none of my older stuff has the inconsistent finish like some my new ones. Their Super Krome sort of, super *****...

 

[Fedwrench]

I have older Taiwan made Gearwrench sockets and they have served me well. I think you would be hard pressed to find a better finished socket inside and out. I also like the knurled bases on the metric sockets. I do find the 1/4 inch drive Gearwrench shallow sockets to be slightly taller than other brands but, it hasn't been an issue using them. Shop around for the best deal as there a pretty wide price spread for Gearwrench items.

 

[ZRX61]

wait, why would anyone need 1/4in drive *impact* sockets???

I do have a few GW 1/4in drive regular sockets. They work

 

[MattVette89]

wait, why would anyone need 1/4in drive *impact* sockets???

I use them with my battery impact gun.

As far as the gearwrench sockets, I have them and I think you will be happy with your purchase.

 

[bcradio]

Proto is at least double the price of SK when looking at the deals I mentioned at tooltopia. And I can read and comprehend just fine without your bold italicized attempts to point out what he stated in his OP. I fully understand working with a budget as my first toolbox was full of crappy workman's choice from Walmart and Taiwan tools starting out so I am certainly not pushing that only American made will do here. Here are some links to good deals at tooltopia and I post these knowing full well that they might very well be outside of his budget, which I did qualify in my first post. (Should I re-quote that here and place it in bold italics for you?) But I do think some might be surprised just how affordable SK can be with their packaged ratchet and socket sets. I'd point out, however, once you get outside of these large piece count packages, the savings with SK start to diminish.

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-94549.aspx

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-91848.aspx

http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-4147-6.aspx

Glad you understand

 

[SHolt]

What the Coo on Gearwrench these days still Taiwan?

 

[Wamsutta]

The only fault I see with GearWrench sockets is this:

1. Install the socket on an extension
2. Press the 6pt/12pt end of the socket against the drive end of the extension
3. Observe the socket move out of its rest position and then spring back to its rest position when you let go

This may or may not be a discrepancy to the user. I personally find it very annoying. Other than that, in my opinion, the sockets are very well made and are ascetically pleasing.

 

[kctyphoon]

Well these are the sets I posted on the hot deals forum. $104 for BOTH, shipping was $10 for me.

 

[chipss36]

funny went through exactly the same, blame the customer mentality,
like that will fix a clear q.c. issue?????

I will say I have two new sets of 15 sk wrenches, standard/metric the chrome and finish are as expected, and worthy of the name super chrome.

If the sockets were at that level, they would have a USA winner, just like as they did for many years, older S-K sockets look like new compared to all my others after many years of humid south and salty gulf coast air.

I made a big stink about this when I bought my SK set last year. It was so bad I actually contacted SK and they sent me a new set, but this one was just as bad. People on here gave me **** saying "they're tools, not jewelry" "they're gonna get messed up anyways" etc. When I spend $150 on ANYTHING, I want to be the one who messes it up. That's like buying a brand new pickup truck that has scratches and dent's all over and saying "You're gonna use it for work, so who cares?" I also love SK and have ton's of older stuff from them. I have at least one ratchet in every size up to 3/4" drive. But none of my older stuff has the inconsistent finish like some my new ones. Their Super Krome sort of, super *****...

 

[Backpack Hunter]

What the Coo on Gearwrench these days still Taiwan?

I know the ratchets, extensions, and sockets I have are Taiwan, but the ratcheting wrenches I have are from China.

 

[bryan750]

I have the noticed the same issue as wamsutta but I haven't had any problems because of it,I really like mine for a diyer and I think they are the best bang for the buck because of the bogo sales.

 

[PJNJ]

The only fault I see with GearWrench sockets is this:

1. Install the socket on an extension
2. Press the 6pt/12pt end of the socket against the drive end of the extension
3. Observe the socket move out of its rest position and then spring back to its rest position when you let go

This may or may not be a discrepancy to the user. I personally find it very annoying. Other than that, in my opinion, the sockets are very well made and are ascetically pleasing.

I have the noticed the same issue as wamsutta but I haven't had any problems because of it,I really like mine for a diyer and I think they are the best bang for the buck because of the bogo sales.

Before this was previously mentioned in another thread, I never took notice whether a socket "sprang out" after pushing it on an extension, adapter, universal, spinner, ratchet or whatever. So some time ago, I just had to go out to the garage and try it with some sockets and ratchets. Yep, it happens and it simply doesn't bother me a single bit. The sockets have always done their job to remove/install nuts and bolts. I see this to be just like all the uproar about inside finishing of sockets (never looked at the inside of sockets except to wipe/clean them out before I came on this site) and talk in some other threads about movement of ratchet mechanisms in ratchet heads. They are tools not antique Swiss mechanical movement watches.

 

[Wamsutta]

They are tools not antique Swiss mechanical movement watches.

Funny you mention that because I watched the Swiss Army Knife video on YouTube the other night. Those guys are pretty serious about their quality; so much so, that they even demonstrate the unique sound that their knives make and how to use that sound as a 'tool' differentiate their knives from Chinese knockoffs.

 

[jt777]

I have 1/4 shallow mid and deep and 3/8 mids from gearwrench. Haven't had any issues but i agree the 1/4 shallows are very tall which isn't a postive. 14mm gw 1/4 shallow is actually taller than my made in usa 14 mm 3/8 drive craftsman. My 8mm is prolly 3/16 or more taller than my snap on 8mm so i could see the maybe causing an issue. But overall i love my gw sockets and have had no issues.

 

[ADSR]

Next will be my impact sockets!!
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00UM6...40_QL65&keywords=gearwrench+impact+socket+set And 3/8" master set

Don't even bother with that set. Go to princess auto and buy the pro point master impact sets. They go on sale every couple months. I bought the deep 10 -36 mm for 125 on sale. Lifetime warranty and they're pro quality cr-mo steel. I'll post a link tomorrow.

 

[PJNJ]

Funny you mention that because I watched the Swiss Army Knife video on YouTube the other night. Those guys are pretty serious about their quality; so much so, that they even demonstrate the unique sound that their knives make and how to use that sound as a 'tool' differentiate their knives from Chinese knockoffs.

I have a couple of genuine Victorinox knives and also some cheap knives (Coast, Appalachian Trail and even no name as examples) and they all work fine as knives but not so good as sockets.

 

[ADSR]

Wait till these sets go on sale. The 1/4 master set is a real blessing with the blow moulded case.
http://www.princessauto.com/en/deta...-dr-metric-deep-impact-socket-set/A-p8476061e


http://www.princessauto.com/en/deta...-sae-and-metric-impact-socket-set/A-p8475923e