Gearwrench tools

[Bennylava]

Anyone familiar with gearwrench? A buddy said they related to Mac, and may be rebadges in some cases. Anyone know the details? Are they good tools?

 

[90zcar]

Your buddy is lost and please don't take anymore advice from him.


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[M6erfan]

get a new "buddy"

GW is fine for what it is though, but I haven't been impressed enough to own any, yet...

 

[FigureItOut]

I think this is a joke. If not, I'm not the most well informed here but I'm afraid those who are may not answer. SnapOn tools are most definitely not made by Apex. With numerous exceptions they're made by SnapOn.
That being said, GearWrench has some decent stuff, and it's worth a look. Many people here are very familiar with it, and it's discussed here a lot. I think you would want to investigate the quality of GW on a case by case basis
That being said, even when two brands are made by the same company, there can be, and usually are vast differences in quality.
I'm sure some other more knowledgeable members will be along shortly to expand on and/or correct what I've said.

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[Bennylava]

Does gearwrench fit into that "best of the worst" category? They can't all be Mac, snapon, and matco, after all. Which less expensive tool brand should I go with?

 

[M6erfan]

Does gearwrench fit into that "best of the worst" category? They can't all be Mac, snapon, and matco, after all. Which less expensive tool brand should I go with?

What is your budget?

What kind of tools???

 

[Brownsfan]

They are very decent. I have some and they hold up well. I only broke 1 19mm ratcheting wrench but that was on me. I shouldn't have been trying to break a bolt free with it. Many use them professionally with no issues. I think your buddy may have been thinking Matco. Many items crossover from Gearwrench to Matco. Watch sales on them. That's when you can get good deals

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have a lot of gearwrench, I have had no problem with them, although I am not a professional wrencher. Just a home shade garage dabbler.

 

[LXCam]

I own a **** load of GW. They're fine if you're not looking for exacting standards. As far as ratchet wrenches there is no better value if you purchase them on sale, which happens all the time not to mention all the different configurations they make. The sockets are decent, but nothing to write home about. My only complaint would be the open end wrenches **** as they're a very loose fitment. The ratchets are a fantastic value and very good quality. And the finish is stunning and holds up well. They are not the tool for a guy that makes a living turning wrenches, but you can't go wrong owning their products either.

And as stated by the other guys, ain't nothing in common with SO.


How ya like that for wishy washy

 

[Bennylava]

Thanks. Just wanted know if they were worth buying. My budget is...stretched out across time lol. Wanna get a good feel for decent quality inexpensive tools, so when I need a ratchet here, a socket there, then I have a brand I can trust. I'll be buying lots of random tools in the next year.

 

[shockwave]

Older gearwrench imo was alot better when it was danaher before apex

If you want good quality for decent money either Proto or Napa Carlyle line (kabo made) most others will be gearwrench rebranded or the snap on style which is bulky

 

[martin666]

Majority of my 1/4" drive sockets are Snap On but for ones don't use that often I thought I'd give Gearwrench a shot...been very impressed, can't say a bad thing about them

 

[goodysgotacuda]

I've used GW very extensively, the only ones that i have had trouble with were backed behind an impact too many times...which is obviously a bad idea for a gear wrench of any sort.

 

[1950mercury]

The older gearwrench that's made in Taiwan is pretty good. The new china stuff they are pumping out is not as nice.

 

[Kensgarage]

Opinions again.
Mine is the GW tools are absolutely worth what they sell for.
I absolutely recommend their products to anyone starting out, professionally or not.
Once you get settled in you'll always find you way slithering onto an evil truck.Those trucks have tools for automotive technicians that nobody else offers.
We real mechanics(grease monkeys) don't spend so much time or money on there

 

[oldldh]

www.apextoolgroup.com/email-us

That will get you to the page that will allow you to send a message requesting a catalog...

Mine is 1,448 pages long...

Weighs about six pounds...

Includes:

Allen
Armstrong
Campbell
Crescent
GearWrench
HKP
Jacobs Chuck
Lufkin
Nicholson
Plumb
Wiss

The lowest prices I've found are at www.tooldiscounter.com ...

The 1/4" Drive/47 pc/6 point/Master SAE/Metric Socket Set GW# 80314D is $ 38.60 plus freight...

The 1/4" Drive/51 pc/6 point/Master SAE/Metric Tool Set GW#80300P is $ 76.67 plus freight...Includes 81011P 120 tooth Ratchet, a Thumbwheel Ratchet. 2 extensions, and a universal joint...

Either of these sets would answer your question in a most cost effective way...

The set with the smokes scale device is mine...All the sets come with a hard blow molded case...

I love mine...I have the 1/4". 3/8", 1/2" and 120 tooth Flex head Ratchet Sets...

 

[Bennylava]

Older gearwrench imo was alot better when it was danaher before apex

If you want good quality for decent money either Proto or Napa Carlyle line (kabo made) most others will be gearwrench rebranded or the snap on style which is bulky

Wanted to revisit this thread to ask about Proto. Just curious I guess. What is their relationship to Stanley? They sell stanley at Wal-Mart. But if you type in "proto" it usually seems to say "Stanley" in front of that. Take this for example:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001937V2W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ricky112]

I own their extra long ratcheting wrenches and couldn't be happier with them. They aren't snap on, they're Gear Wrench.. and their price reflects that

 

[purplezr2]

www.apextoolgroup.com/email-us


The lowest prices I've found are at www.tooldiscounter.com ...


The 1/4" Drive/51 pc/6 point/Master SAE/Metric Tool Set GW#80300P is $ 76.67 plus freight...Includes 81011P 120 tooth Ratchet, a Thumbwheel Ratchet. 2 extensions, and a universal joint...

I recently purchased the same set for my Dad off ebay. I got it for 63 dollars shipped. The picture is of the older 80300 kit with the lower tooth count ratchet, but the kit that came is a 80300P with the 120xp ratchet.


All that said, I have some gearwrench, and well its not Snap on, it still some quality stuff. I have mostly Snap on, but enjoy the GW I have.

Also I though that Apex group had some relation to Matco, or that Matco was owned by them....

 

[SantaAna12]

Good tools. I have their ratcheting wrenches and a flex head ratchet. I think the Taiwan vs. China posts are worth considering.
Your friend who said that GW is the same as Snap On?
Keep an eye on that guy.

 

[anndel]

Anyone familiar with gearwrench? A buddy said they are basically snap on, cause both are made by apex tools. Doesn't mean they are the same though. Anyone know the details? Are they good tools?

No GearWrench is NOT Snap On in any way or fashion. GearWrench is owned by Apex Tool Group which also owns Armstrong Tools, Lufkin, Crescent Tools, Weller, etc.

 

[Brownsfan]

Wanted to revisit this thread to ask about Proto. Just curious I guess. What is their relationship to Stanley? They sell stanley at Wal-Mart. But if you type in "proto" it usually seems to say "Stanley" in front of that. Take this for example:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001937V2W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Stanley black and decker owns proto. The similarities end there. They are great tools made for a professional environment. USA made and tough as hell. Mac is also owned by Stanley. There are some tools in the Mac line up that are similar to Proto. The Stanley branded tools at Walmart and Lowe's are e try level tools. Actually decent for the money. If I needed some homeowners tools I would buy Stanley over Craftsman at this point. Cheaper priced same or better quality. I use my tools to make money so I buy the best I can afford. Sometimes it's snap on sometimes it's something cheaper. All depends on why it is.

 

[Bennylava]

Thanks, much appreciated.

So basically gearwrench is fine, just avoid their open end wrenches cause the fit isn't so good on bolt heads.

I'll probably buy a lot of used snap on, off of ebay. That pronto and Napa Carlyle stuff seems a bit expensive. Somewhat more expensive than gearwrench. Unless I'm just looking in the wrong places.

Where are you guys finding these sales that some of you are referring to? That tool discounter site?

 

[jerseykat1]

I have gearwrench sockets and ratchets. I have never had an issue loosening or tightening a nut or bolt with any.

I also have Snap-on sockets and ratchets, they tighten and loosen bolts just fine as well.

I use my gearwrench stuff daily. I prefer the 120xp ratchets to my SO ratchets. But nothing beats a SO swivel socket.

They are not the same. I think I will do a comparison test/review Snap-on vs Gearwrench socket comparison. I just have to figure out how to do it properly.

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[AndrewDouglasBird]

Proto is known for being industrial tools. That being said, it doesn't mean you can't use them for automotive uses. A wrench is a wrench is a wrench.

I personally prefer them over any other brand (including Snap-on). They are much slimmer than most tools, as good of quality as Snap-On, but cost almost half. They also have a cheaper line called Blackhawk that looks nice too.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have several GW ratcheting wrenches. No complaints.

Rumor has it that my wife is getting me both SAE and Metric flex head ratcheting wrenches (she had my son buy them at Menards (1/2 price on sale). I expect no complaints with them either.

 

[ChrisPace]

Good tools. I have their ratcheting wrenches and a flex head ratchet. I think the Taiwan vs. China posts are worth considering.
Your friend who said that GW is the same as Snap On?
Keep an eye on that guy.

LOL, don't buy a used car from your friend either.

Gearwrench is one of the best Asian brands however. They make most stuff in China but most of the better ratchets are Taiwan.

Snap On sets the standard for other companies to set as a benchmark.

Wait, I bet someone did start this thread as a joke.

 

[popparoach]

Gearwrench and Snapon are basically equal.both are far below the fit,finish or quality of an all american brand,Pittsburgh.just don't waste money on the "Pittsburgh Pro" though.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Gearwrench and Snapon are basically equal.both are far below the fit,finish or quality of an all american brand,Pittsburgh.just don't waste money on the "Pittsburgh Pro" though.

I can't stop chuckling.......Can't wait to look back tomorrow to see if anyone bites....

 

[Bennylava]

lol. People keep talking about that, but I think it was established early on in the thread, that the connection was Matco which is probably what he meant. Or maybe I had a fuzzy memory or something and he actually said matco, and a few days later what I brought to the thread was snap on. Not real sure.

 

[MrGiggles]

Thanks, much appreciated.

So basically gearwrench is fine, just avoid their open end wrenches cause the fit isn't so good on bolt heads.

I'll probably buy a lot of used snap on, off of ebay. That pronto and Napa Carlyle stuff seems a bit expensive. Somewhat more expensive than gearwrench. Unless I'm just looking in the wrong places.

Where are you guys finding these sales that some of you are referring to? That tool discounter site?

Bostitch/Dewalt and Kobalt wrenches are pretty nice for the money.

I've been using GW sockets for 6 months now with no problems. I like them a lot more than the Pittsburg sockets they replaced, although there was nothing wrong with them.

I have a GW 88 tooth 3/8 ratchet that I'm pretty happy with, and a 120XP 1/4" that is very nice to use.

There are a few sites that have BOGO (Buy metric sockets, get SAE free, or buy a 3/8 set get 1/4" free, etc.) deals on GW sets. Tooltopia is one example. Advance Auto carries GW and has sales somewhat frequently.

When I had to warranty a ratchet wrench, I emailed Apex with a copy of my receipt, and had a new wrench in my mailbox three days later.

 

[Hondarancher4435]

I find it funny all the people standing behind snap on original designs. I have many snap on tools and love them the tools are great but look at the tool truck equivalents stickie thread and you'll soon realize most snap on tools are rebranded from a cheaper brand and all your paying for is to have the snap on name on your tools.

 

[D7es3l]

I have a serpentine belt tool from GW that I absolutely love! I ordered a set of 20 stubby wrenches (sae & metric) that I am excited to try out. Have never heard anything bad about them.

 

[1950mercury]

I find it funny all the people standing behind snap on original designs. I have many snap on tools and love them the tools are great but look at the tool truck equivalents stickie thread and you'll soon realize most snap on tools are rebranded from a cheaper brand and all your paying for is to have the snap on name on your tools.

Is this the friend you mentioned in your first post..

 

[MattVette89]

Gearwrench and Snapon are basically equal.both are far below the fit,finish or quality of an all american brand,Pittsburgh.just don't waste money on the "Pittsburgh Pro" though.

I can't stop chuckling.......Can't wait to look back tomorrow to see if anyone bites....

Had me for a second there...I had to reread it...lol

 

[Fedwrench]

Proto is known for being industrial tools. That being said, it doesn't mean you can't use them for automotive uses. A wrench is a wrench is a wrench.

PROTO has always been involved in automotive tools. Hell most kids had PROTO tools in their high school auto shop class. PROTO also had involvement with the Indy 500 back in the 60's/70's. Besides it's not like the fastener knows which brand of wrench is being used on it. Great tools at great prices if you shop around

the tools are great but look at the tool truck equivalents stickie thread and you'll soon realize most snap on tools are rebranded from a cheaper brand and all your paying for is to have the snap on name on your tools.

Not necessarily. Pro techs pay snap on for truck to your bay service and use the tools while you pay for them financing. I also wouldn't say that most Snap on tools are rebadged either.

 

[Bennylava]

Not necessarily. Pro techs pay snap on for truck to your bay service and use the tools while you pay for them financing. I also wouldn't say that most Snap on tools are rebadged either.

Then what's that sticky thread about? He mentioned "equivalents". I'd like to know how they determine that its equivalent. If I had to guess, I'd guess that someone somewhere must be stress testing them and seeing when each one breaks, and then comparing prices and sizes. Haven't read that thread but I'll head on over there later.

I mean hey... if a walmart stanley socket would hold up to the same stresses as a snap-on, I'm going with the Stanley.

 

[Brownsfan]

PROTO has always been involved in automotive tools. Hell most kids had PROTO tools in their high school auto shop class. PROTO also had involvement with the Indy 500 back in the 60's/70's. Besides it's not like the fastener knows which brand of wrench is being used on it. Great tools at great prices if you shop around




Not necessarily. Pro techs pay snap on for truck to your bay service and use the tools while you pay for them financing. I also wouldn't say that most Snap on tools are rebadged either.

I agree with you on the Snap On rebrand. Snap on makes the vast MAJORITY of the tools they sell. Sure there are some specialty tools they rebrand but no where near the level of the other truck brands.

 

[John in OH]

I mean hey... if a walmart stanley socket would hold up to the same stresses as a snap-on, I'm going with the Stanley.

I doubt that you'll find the Walmart Stanley tools to be equal to SO, but you'll find the Proto, Wright, Armstrong, Williams US, and SK to be essentially equal for about half the price.

There are several u-tube videos here on GJ that do a pretty decent qualitative comparison of several wrench brands including SO and Wright.

 

[popparoach]

I watch YouTube videos on YouTube.