Gearwrench tool reviews

[sk farmer]

Oh ****, a topic I'd like to consider myself more versed in than others.

I am

A.) Mechanic 40 hours a week
B.) Owner of ~3,000 dollars in Gearwrench tools.

I don't think I have broken a single tool this year except my 17mm sleeved lug nut socket, but I've broken three (Snap on/GP/GW) I've now been given a wurth by the shop Wurth guy so we'll see how that holds up. And for reference the tools I use from them throughout the year include their

• screwdrivers,
• picks
• carbon scrapers
• flex head ratchets in all 3 drive sizes
• stubby flex head ratchet 3/8"
• long pattern 1/4" and 3/8" standard ratchets
• regular ratchets in all 3 drive sizes
• quick release ratchets in 1/4" and 3/8"
• chrome metric shallow and deep sockets in 1/4" and 3/8"
• chrome metric shallow sockets in 1/2"
• chrome semi deep metric sockets in 1/4" and 3/8"
• chrome sae 1/4" semi deep sockets
• chrome metric swivel sockets in 3/8"
• 12 pt 1/2" chrome sockets 10-19mm
• chrome extensions in all 3 drive sizes
• 1/2" metric impact swivel sockets (back when they where USA)
• 1/2" metric impact sockets,
• shallow etorx socket set, deep etrox 1/4" socket set
• allen socket set
• torx socket set, long torx socket set, mini torx socket set (usable with a wrench)
• serpentine belt tool kit
• spark plug socket tool kit
• oil filter cup socket took kit (USA made)
• Long DBE 0 offset ratcheting/non ratcheting wrenches 8-24mm
• regular combo ratcheting wrenches 8-19mm
• 120T digital torque wrench
• indexing prybars,
• sleeved lug nut sockets in 19 and 21 after blowing apart the 17 after 4 months of constant use
• duckbill pliers (new, USA made)

- Those are all the tools I have at work as I looked at some pictures of my box for reference, I probably missed a few, I've got probably another 3 socket sets (duplicates and more SAE) and some extra ratcheting wrenches, 90T flex head ratchets, and more at home.

Needless to say I've not been fired because I don't work with only Snap on tools, and I've not been struggling to complete jobs because I use Gearwrench tools. In fact, because I have so many tools I often have people asking to borrow odds and ends, and nobody ******* cares if they're Gearwrench or Snap on, and nor do I care to loan it out because if it gets lost or broken its affordable (That said my fellow technicians are awesome and don't break my **** and always return it) - Almost everything is made in Taiwan on that list above except the impact sockets and the combo ratcheting wrenches. Might be a few others, but at one point I had pictures of almost all the COO labels because people kept saying so and so is made in China. It wasn't. I'm also working on some of the most expensive and complex consumer cars out there I'd wager and I don't say that to brag but to put it in perspective. Needless to say the tools are affordable and will work just fine for whatever it is you're planning on doing.

don't confuse the masses with real world experience.

 

[anndel]

I have a lot of Snapon, MAC and Proto but honestly the Gearwrench stuff is a much better buy for the money. The Gearwrench ratchets I never cared for so I never purchased those. If something happened to what I have and was going to start over my new tools would be primarily Gearwrench.

Ditto

 

[chrismenke]

Oh ****, a topic I'd like to consider myself more versed in than others.

I am

A.) Mechanic 40 hours a week
B.) Owner of ~3,000 dollars in Gearwrench tools.

• 
  [*]regular combo ratcheting wrenches 8-19mm
  

How do you feel about the open end on these?

 

[Yarpo]

don't confuse the masses with real world experience.

I try not to get to wound up in it, everyone has their personal preference. They're very serviceable and affordable tools however, that I'll be happy to argue

How do you feel about the open end on these?

Mine are pretty old, one of the first tools given to me when I started in the service industry so I can't say they're akin to the newer pieces of **** they're selling but they are fine. No issues, but I primarily reach for my Wright Grips if I'm going to be using an open end wrench so they see less use now than they did 4 or 5 years ago. Out of all the tools on the list, they're probably one of the shittest to be honest, but my set has been usable

 

[ThePostman]

I have set 86126, extra long zero offset with a flex head ratcheting box on one end. I like them, a lot. I also have an old set of standard length reversibles, both sets have seen heavy use through the years. I would not buy gw for regular combination wrenches, you would be better off using a stick of butter out of the fridge than the open ends of them. The ratchets I'm not too big of a fan of either, the 1/2" drive xp head is ridiculously large.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I have a 1/2" 84 tooth ratchet that makes a Proto pear head feel dainty. I bought it for a shaper project but found a 100 tooth which will be perfect.

 

[SomInfo4Ya]

I have been replacing my old school (as in have had them for 20+ years including hand downs from G-Pa and Dad) Craftsman sockets, ratchets and wrenches. I finally snapped a few, lost some (in sand, mud and my own damn garage), and the others are just time to finally replace. I saw the GearWrench line and tried out their sockets, and have faired up well with a breaker bar and a pipe extension on the sockets, and the 90 tooth ratchet was better than what I was using before (keep in mind they (the Craftsman ratchets) were older, so it is comparing a soft aging apple to a fresh picked one), but the 4 deg. ratchet I thought was a selling point until I used them on my SxS. I was super skeptical, but have now replaced my sockets (which I got more sizes then any other sets by default, which in fact kinda pissed me off because my organizers did not have those sizes (first world probs. I know)), ratchet wrenches and also my combo wrenches (both regular and flare), and have withstood the abuse so far. I do have MAC and Snap-on tools which I expect to outlive me, but without having to refi your house, I like the GearWrench stuff. That is my two cents. As for the others that just replied a few words of negativity, how about some examples so we may know more the limits of the tools, so your experience is better than "overrated" or it's "good marketing". I know I have stressed the hell out of mine and broke sockets before, so any feed back (like don't use it as a carabiner to hang off a cliff, or don't use it to shim your house foundation) would be great!

 

[Old Donn]

Just an amateur, so anything I say fits into the FWIW category. Bought a bunch of GW when they first hit the shelves. They've always served me well, the 120XP ratchet in particular. How they hold up under everyday hard use? I'll defer to the pros on that. But in my garage, so far, so good.

 

[m6z]

Eh, Tekton, GW, Carlyle, Neiko, Toptul, Sunex, Astro, VIM, etc. They may not be the same, but they're similar. Decent tools at decent prices if you're a good shopper.

The only thing they really sets them apart is warranty IMO. Some people buy based on warranty. I don't. I'm looking for value or features or maybe I just want something different.

 

[javyLSU]

I just had to use Gearwrench's warranty last week. Filled out the form on the website and uploaded a picture on Thursday, got an acknowledgment immediately, a response from a human being the next business day, and my replacement arrived in the mail yesterday. This is the second time I've ever had to warranty a Gearwrench tool, and both times it was easy peasy.

 

[Al Borland]

Use a lot of Apex products (Husky and GearWrench) at work, along with a fair amount of Horror Freight.
Seem to hold up well until it gets "lost". Sooner or later, all the labor will have collected a complete set at home...

 

[Professional Tool User]

Gearwrench is decent enough for what it is. That being said, their prices can be higher than other made in Taiwan tools and their customer service is not the most consistent based on the number of complaints on this forum. It pays to shop around with other mid price range brands. Another consideration is that GW is part of Apex tool group which has a reputation for mismanagement and cost cutting. For those who hate Apex tool group like myself, I'd rather spend my tool dollars elsewhere if a similar quality and priced alternative were available.

 

[dnschmidt]

Gearwrench works and it's relatively cheap. What else is it suppose to do? I'd consider it the Chevrolet of hand tools.

 

[JOE.G]

I purchased their Reversible ratcheting wrenches, I used the 8 MM to bleed 2 cars brakes and then it broke just spins maybe catches every now and then. I filled out warranty form and received response right away, I called 2 weeks later since I heard nothing since and the person I spoke with said It should ship out in the next couple weeks. I do think a month is quite a while to wait and the tool should not have broken under such light use, I have not really used the rest of the set much so I can't say if it was a fluke or just **** tools.

 

[VolvoRyan]

GearWrench is very much a moving target. Some stuff good.... some stuff less good. That's what really gets me. There are other brands at the price point that are far more consistent across their range.

-Ryan

 

[lardy1]

The thing with Gearwrench is their range of products and an excellent marketing effort. Very available damn near everywhere. I think of them as the modern day Craftsman in that you can easily walk into a brick and mortar and buy their product.

 

[Ton ton]

After buying a fairly complete set of gear wrench brand combo wrenches , I am changing my vote from overrated to something I like to grab. When you are working in a sketchy neighborhood, it beats some of the wrenches I have used in the past. I would prefer to use King **** brand wrenches. But I tend to grab what is available @ brick and mortar locations.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I have a fair amount of Gearwrench tools, and they are a decent mid level tool. They aren't Snap On quality, but they are above the current crop of Craftsman and most HF stuff that I've had. They also have a lot of specialty tools, at decent prices. That's their market. They aren't professional level tools, but most of them are good enough for most DIY guys at a fraction of the price.

I've had a flex head ratcheting wrench set from them for probably close to 20 years now. It's been great. They've been abused, well used, etc. I absolutely love this set. I wouldn't even consider replacing them with something else. I have no idea what the current wrench quality is as I haven't needed to buy anymore.

I've had screwdrivers, that while they aren't SO quality, they've also been great. I really like that set to throw in the junk yard box. The only time I get a SO over them is if something is already partially stripped.

I bought a socket set probably 5+ years ago with two ratchets and I've been very impressed with it. I use it more than my Snap On stuff, because it's just convenient to grab the whole case and have it all neatly organized in there. I use these multiple times a week and they've held up great. The sockets have been great, and stood up to tons of misuse. I've used them on impacts in a pinch, used them to hammer bushings and bearings out, etc. I've never had a single one fail. I really don't see any benefit over these with my SO sockets. The ratchets have also been great, have a great feel to them, have a slim head that fits in tight places, etc.

I was so impressed that I bought 5 more. This is where things went bad with them for me. The next ratchet I got kept locking up. Another one would constantly flip to reverse as I was using it. Then I had a 1/2" drive one strip out under just pressure from my hands. 2 of the 5 remaining were decent and I haven't had any issues from them, although I haven't used them that often. I'd had enough at that point. I did warranty the 1/2" one and they sent me a replacement with the handle on crooked. The quality just doesn't seem to be there. If you get a decent one they are great. However, there seem to be a lot of bad ones out there too. It's not worth the busted knuckles when they break.

I also bought a pair of long reach pliers from them that was pretty terrible. It had lots of flex, didn't close tight, etc. So I've skipped the pliers since then.

Other specialty tools such as their front end service kit, pass through socket set, etc. all have been pretty good. I did break the ball joint separator, but they warrantied it. If I was using it daily, I'd buy something nicer, but for a DIY guy, they've been good enough for a fraction of the price of a tool truck version.

So, what I've learned is to stay away from their ratchets, but their sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, and other non moving tools have all been really good. Their warranty is also pretty decent. It used to be a pain, and required sending the item in. Often paying as much in shipping as it cost. However, they've now changed that and just require a picture. They've really come a long way here.

The other benefit to is how many places locally stock them. For example, the other month when I needed e-torx sockets, several places carried them. There aren't a lot of other options for decent quality tools at reasonable prices that I can pick up when I need them. They kind of replaced the spot that Craftsman used to occupy for me.

 

[rick carpenter]

I have 5 GW ratchets and a bunch of 1/4, 3/8, & 1/2 GW sockets that I've been pleased with. Looking for a few more of their rats when the time comes. They have a very decent selection of tools.

 

[nbpt100]

I also see GW as a decent mid grade tool. I know over the past few months some member have been complaing as more of thier stuff is out of China. I have some flex head ratcheting wrenches that I use quite a bit and am pleased. I think they are Tiwain.

I have a 80 something piece bit set in a hard plastic case that I like as well. I do not use these as much. They are Chinese. My only disappointment is the warranty. I did not know this until I actually bought this set. GW does not warranty the bits. I have not broken any but if I do I am on my own. Is this the industry trend?

I recall a few years ago members on here were sharing thier issues with warranting GW tools. It gave the impression they were hard to work with.

Sounds like it has gotten better from what LSU has shared.

In nearly all cases I would take them over todays Craftsman. They are in Brick and Mortor stores but not in any comprehensive way. You see a few items here and there. I think the warrany is still over the internet and not a store swap out, like the Craftsman or Husky.d

My Ace carries some items and the local HD does as well. Advance Auto does not have them any longer. They had the most comprehensive GW selection before they transitioned to their TQQ house brand which has now changed to Die Hard. Things do change. I am sure this varries by region and nothing is static.

 

[skouby]

I Have used the 120xp ratchets for the last 8 years daily as a full time 60 hour a week truck mechanic, prior to that used the 84 tooth ratchets. I have never had a issue with either one. I have a 1/2 SAE shallow impact set that has seen the 3/4 impact more than once and I have yet to break one of these either.
I have broken two of the flex head ratcheting wrenches the 10mm and 7/16 both of those happened while double wrenching them. The ratcheting mechanism still worked I just broke the screw on the flex head.
All of my daily use 1/2 3/8 and 1/4 6 point chrome sockets are gear wrench.

Bottom line is, if its gearwrench and it's made in Taiwan don't be afraid of buying it.

 

[CGarage]

I like my 90T locking, ratcheting flex head ratchets

 

[Bocefus]

I did some work with my Gearwrench combo wrenches today to change out brake lines on a semi truck. The anti slip open ends really grip well with minimal marring and you don’t have to worry about slipping or rounding out fittings, even on soft brass. You can see the area on the fitting where the contact pressure was applied. Theses are Chinese made from the BOGO deal a number of years ago. I wouldn’t pay full retail, but the BOGO deal was a good value to me for a cheaper road set.

 

[Ton ton]

I did some work with my Gearwrench combo wrenches today to change out brake lines on a semi truck. The anti slip open ends really grip well with minimal marring and you don’t have to worry about slipping or rounding out fittings, even on soft brass. You can see the area on the fitting where the contact pressure was applied. Theses are Chinese made from the BOGO deal a number of years ago. I wouldn’t pay full retail, but the BOGO deal was a good value to me for a cheaper road set.

I'm a fan of the gearwrench non slip open ends too. But the box ends don't work so well on the non ratcheting gearwrench set that I have. Your mileage may vary.

 

[demarpaint]

Some of their tools are a decent buy. Their new locking flex-head ratchets are pretty good, especially when you look for deals on them.

 

[milkovich]

It's probably the best line of tools you can find most places. Anything better is probably either under distributed or over priced. Between GW and Wright, I don't have to worry about getting ripped off by truck brands so I'm a big fan of their Taiwan product. Their Indian or Mainland product... I don't know. I go out of my way to avoid Indian or China tools if I can.

 

[dmparksa]

Ordered a metric 1/4" mid-length socket set a few months back, received a set made in Vietnam instead of Taiwan. Everything else I've ordered from Gearwrench has been made in Taiwan, but didn't notice any real quality difference other than the sizing stamp not being circled.

Knowing I won't be putting a lot of torque on them and the price I got them for(About $20, if I recall), I kept them.

I am looking for their newer 120xp locking flex head with the button style locking mechanism to be more readily available. I have a variety of their 84T, 90T, and 120XP ratchets in various configurations, and none have failed me yet. I prefer Capri, Tekton, or Astro ratchets for the price though, but some 84T can be found at a great deal and some 90T ratchet+socket sets can be a decent deal on sales.

 

[jsmeece]

I have mixed feelings about Gearwrench in general. I hate that Apex closed down Armstrong and Allen. That being said, I do like GW sockets, especially their mid-length sets, all of mine are several years old and made in Taiwan. Have Craftsman (re-branded GW/Apex) 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive socket bits in hex, ball hex, slotted, phillips, torx, torx long, tamper torx, and external torx, so far all have functioned perfectly, no issues.

All most all of my spark plug sockets with built in extensions are GW, no issues with them but I don't have their 9/16 version, heard they were **** and never bought any.

Have older GW combo wrenches that seem ok, but like my Armstrong better. Have several sets of GW ratcheting wrenches, reversible and non-reversible versions, no issues with them, but again prefer my Armstrongs. Have newer craftsman (likely GW-Apex made) flare nut, ok not great, also have older Craftsman these are just slightly better. My crow feet and flare crows feet are also newer Craftsman (again likely re-labeled GW-Apex) so far no issues, but only used a few times.

Now, I really like GW 84t ratchets, 90t ok, 120t head little to big but seem to be function well. I usually put Matco 88t in my GW 84t ratchets, so I like having that option available. Have several GW locking flex head ratchets, seem to be ok a little slop in some others pretty tight, but again prefer my locking Armstrong ratchets, those are rock solid.

Have a few GW pliers including hose pinch, no issues there. GW indexable crowbars and their serpertaine belt tool, love those, no issues. Have the craftsman (re-branded GW) O2 oxygen sensor kit, ok not great, some slippage when using one of the larger sockets, the smaller ones got the job done. Have a two GW punches that I believe are relabeled Armstrong, have the old Armstrong part number with a "G" added. Likely old stock that was left over after Armstrong was closed. Have GW bolt biter kit, seems ok, only used it once.

Probably have more GW tools, but these are the one I can remember off the top of my head. So far I have not broken any of my GW tools, but I am not a pro mechanic. Are GW professional grade tools, some of their tools maybe others probably not.

 

[M635_Guy]

GearWrench is very much a moving target. Some stuff good.... some stuff less good. That's what really gets me. There are other brands at the price point that are far more consistent across their range.

-Ryan

This is my impression as well. It almost seems like there are several sub-brands but they don't identify them...

 

[nbpt100]

This is my impression as well. It almost seems like there are several sub-brands but they don't identify them...

I own some older GW stuff (5 to 15 years old) and I am very happy with it. Even thought some is made in PRC. I have to ditto the impressions shared. I mostly get this based on what i have read here and on other boards. I would love to here some more positive honest feedback on newer GW items.

 

[shibertus]

I had to return my most recent Gearwrench purchase. The whole set of flare wrenches was oversized and roughly finished (11mm wrench pictured). In my opinion their quality has gone down over the years.

 

[snickers muncher]

I had to return my most recent Gearwrench purchase. The whole set of flare wrenches was oversized and roughly finished

Yup, my metric were junk. The standard were good enough though.

 

[DRider]

I was surprised reading the Tool brands ranked by quality thread to see Gearwrench showing up among the big names. I didn't want to derail that thread so I am starting another to ask thoughts about Gearwrench tools.

When I first saw the brand on Amazon, I assumed it was yet another of the many Chinese junk tool brands and haven't even considered ordering anything from them.

What are your thoughts on Gearwrench?

I have some of their ratchets, socket sets and wrenches. And some screwdrivers. They are good quality tools, especially for the money. I really like their 120XP rachets and an alternative to SnapOn. The ratchets and the wrenches performed very well in the comparison tests by Project Farm. They have some nice socket sets on Amazon - I bought the 1/4" drive set. And I have several of their ratchets. If I had to choose a wrench set, I would say I like the Mac tools set and it also got the top rating on Project Farm's test. They look great and feel really good in the hand. SnapOn has a sharper edge on the beam and don't feel as good to me. Milwaukee also makes some nice wrenches. As another poster said, Gearwrench is part of Apex Tool and they are huge.