Gearwrench Surface Drive Plus doesn't work

[The One]

I picked up a master set of 44 wrenches from Gearwrench to keep in the truck. I decided to test them out on a project in the garage today before actually needing them and the open end doesn't slide over the fastener. It needs to be slipped over the end of the fastener similar to the box end. I primarily use the open end only in tight spots and that's not going to work... They're going back to the store. I'm hoping they either have a version with flat ends or else I'm splurging on Snap-on and trading my garage set for them. Tools that don't just work are a pain. Anyway, I just figured I'd pass on the info so somebody else doesn't make the same mistake for your needs.

 

[jumbojak]

I'm pretty sure my gearwrench combos are surface drive and I've never experienced that problem. They have the little divots in the open end?

 

[The One]

I'm pretty sure my gearwrench combos are surface drive and I've never experienced that problem. They have the little divots in the open end?

That is correct. I have some hydro fittings in 7/8 that it won't fit over. Other sizes are hit or miss.

 

[The One]

I should have taken a closer look before posting. It looks like some dropped on the ends at the factory before chroming. Using calipers the tolerances are all over the place. I'll call Gearwrench on Monday to see if they can replace just the problem wrenches.

 

[jumbojak]

The ones I have are decent wrenches. Not fancy and not very pretty but they work well. I used to routinely wail the piss out of the 15/16 with a hammer and it never skipped a beat.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I should have taken a closer look before posting. It looks like some dropped on the ends at the factory before chroming. Using calipers the tolerances are all over the place. I'll call Gearwrench on Monday to see if they can replace just the problem wrenches.

Damn. Did they shift production to India?

 

[Yarpo]

I've also got the surface drive wrenches and have for years, no issues. As stated they're not fancy but mine have seen a fair bit of use no complaints.

 

[rcbk00]

I've got the same 44 piece set as the OP. They're not great wrenches, but for the money I paid, I have no complaints. I think they were $185 on Amazon or Ebay, and I had $50 of credit to use up, so only $135 or so out of pocket. I bought them primarily because they're long pattern and they don't skip sizes. The open ends are absolutely not flank drive plus quality, but I'm ok with that. I also bought the 28 piece standard length six-point set for about $65, and it's also a good set for the price.

 

[Wamsutta]

The open ends should be smooth. Ever since Snap-on came out with the Flank Drive Plus, all the other manufacturers think they have to have some kind of version of it. I recently bought a Wright wrench with the WrightGrip open end. I hate it. It catches on the fastener both when engaging and disengaging. It's like having a file for your open end. Sometimes you don't realize how much you like the tools you already have until you go and try something goofy.