Quality is in the eye of the beholder
Merk doesn't like anything that doesn't have Snap on stamped on it and don't get him started on socket detents.
My only real heartburn with Gearwrench is that their expansion killed off most of the mid grade US Made mechanics tool brands. KD, NAPA, Armstrong, Craftsman, Master mechanic, Allen, and other house brands went the way of the dodo bird.
To me, Gearwrench quality was at its peak when then first came out when everything was made in Taiwan. I think when production was moved to the SATA plant in China, People's Republic of quality slipped a bit. The other issues with Gearwrench quality arose when they made sets for special sales at Sears and other big box type stores. The ratcheting wrenches in those sets often didn't have individual part numbers on them, had things like capstop, and generally weren't finished as nicely as the same wrench from a different source.
Another problem with Gearwrench is that many people have unrealistic expectations for the tools themselves. They aren't as good as any truck brand so, quit comparing a Gearwrench tool that costs a fraction of the price of its tool truck counterpart, to the tool truck version
However, in many instances Gearwrench tools will perform well enough for most techs at a fraction of the investment. I own many Gearwrench tools and I have to say, aside from a mis stamped 22 mm combination wrench (it was a 21mm), the tools have served me quite well over the years in a professional repair setting and have never really disappointed me.
Gearwrench is a viable mechanics tool brand that won't break the bank but, as with all tool brands, you have to judge the specific tool on its own merits. Not everything in a brand's lineup is the best of the best, and yes Merk, that includes Snap on
