Gearwrench tools

[wagon]

GW is the best import brand, by far.

Proto is usually American made, there are a few imported designs. Blackhawk has a few more imported tools. Between Proto and Blackhawk, the biggest difference I've noticed between mine (I own SAE Proto and Metric Blackhawk) is that the Proto tolls have a nicer finish, and much, much easier to read sizes. Blackhawk sizing, for example,

blackhawkusa14klsdfsmd 14mm salkjs in the smallest writing you could imagine.

ChanLee tools are typically junk. (Chinese rendering of their name, to reflect where they make everything). There's a reason you can get a 400 piece kit for $20, and it's not just because 5 year olds in China aren't paid much. Materials, finish, everying isn't terribly bueno.

 

[Hondarancher4435]

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

It's no secret that snap on, Mac and matco rebadge many tools. But hey if it makes you happy to open the toolbox and see all the names on the tools good for you. I can't afford to throw money away so if I can get the same tool for half the price that works just as well I'm fine with it having a different name on the handle.

Now tools that are exclusively made by the truck brands I will pay the extra money for

 

[Hondarancher4435]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249851

Here is the equivalent tool thread for those members that have Not seen it

 

[toolman9w]

Gearwrench is a good tool for the money.
As for Apex they build tools for many tool brands and to the tool brands specification. So they build Gearwrench to Gearwrench specs and etc.
As far as Snap on, they build most what they put their name on.

 

[1950mercury]

It's no secret that snap on, Mac and matco rebadge many tools. But hey if it makes you happy to open the toolbox and see all the names on the tools good for you. I can't afford to throw money away so if I can get the same tool for half the price that works just as well I'm fine with it having a different name on the handle.

Now tools that are exclusively made by the truck brands I will pay the extra money for

Pfffttt

 

[purplezr2]

It's no secret that snap on, Mac and matco rebadge many tools. But hey if it makes you happy to open the toolbox and see all the names on the tools good for you. I can't afford to throw money away so if I can get the same tool for half the price that works just as well I'm fine with it having a different name on the handle.

Now tools that are exclusively made by the truck brands I will pay the extra money for

Well I agree in some cases the warranty is better with snap on.

Also I belive there are some tools listed as equivalent that are not.


Another think to remember is that just cause they look the same does not mean the same material or tolerances are spec'ed. That goes for any of the tools that look alike.

 

[stevenhs]

I would rate them step under matco tools.

 

[motofool33]

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.

bostich/dewalt/mac/proto all the same source Stanley Black and Decker

 

[crkleve]

I bought my sets (SAE & Metric) of Gearwrench ratchet wrenches form our local Snap-On sales guy so they must be 'OK' for Snap-On to market and sell them?

 

[KnurledNut]

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?

Ill give your buddy the benefit of the doubt and assume he was referring to just the ratcheting wrenches, not the whole product line.

The Snap-on are made in Elizabethton, TN. I personally know one of the employees there and have discussed the manufacturing process of these very wrenches.

With that said, some dislike certain aspects of the Snap-on, and would just as soon use Gearwrench.

 

[Bennylava]

I would rate them step under matco tools.

Another thing I'd be curious about: Which one is best out of snap on, mac, and matco. Those are the 3 main brands used among automotive technicians and diesel mechs, right?

 

[popparoach]

Another thing I'd be curious about: Which one is best out of snap on, mac, and matco. Those are the 3 main brands used among automotive technicians and diesel mechs, right?

mcsnapco

 

[MrGiggles]

Another thing I'd be curious about: Which one is best out of snap on, mac, and matco. Those are the 3 main brands used among automotive technicians and diesel mechs, right?

The biggest distinction for most guys depends on the service of the tool truck. The tools are more or less equal, and even if one is better than the other, if the company that makes the better tool has an ******* for a tool truck operator, it doesn't do the consumer any good.

 

[D7es3l]

The biggest distinction for most guys depends on the service of the tool truck. The tools are more or less equal, and even if one is better than the other, if the company that makes the better tool has an ******* for a tool truck operator, it doesn't do the consumer any good.

Couldn't agree more. Customer service is huge for me in business. Why I go with my snap on dealer instead of anyone else

 

[Mohawk Dave]

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

I too own a **** load of Snap On and GW. I tell guys that if I did it all over again money conscious, I would get GW ratchets (and HF) and GW sockets and Snap On wrenches.

I am MORE than happy with my GW sockets, scrapers, insulated nut drivers and on and on.

 

[Derek1387]

So, what does everyone think of the Gearwrench wrenches? Was looking at this set
http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-81916.html
Or
http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/KDT-81900.html

Dunno how often I would use the standard set, but....


Or, should i just look for a used/discounted set of SK, Snap On, Williams, etc?

 

[JBradley500]

The long GW combos are ok. The new ones are made in China, some have bent beams, but for the 100 bucks I spent on the 1/4"-1-1/4 and 7mm-24mm or whatever it was they were worth it to me. I ended up getting Wrightgrip sets for the times I needed a high quality wrench. The GW stubbies I have are nice though, but they were made in Taiwan.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

My response to the first post was:
Thanks for the post; as laughter is good medicine..

I have five sets of Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches that I have grown somewhat attached to.. Being produced with foreign/communist labor is what puts a sour note on any future purchases for me..

Gearwrench is in the dime store league of tools that are marketed at a competitive price.. They get much praise, and are one of the top contenders in this league.

 

[Bennylava]

I too own a **** load of Snap On and GW. I tell guys that if I did it all over again money conscious, I would get GW ratchets (and HF) and GW sockets and Snap On wrenches.

I am MORE than happy with my GW sockets, scrapers, insulated nut drivers and on and on.

Few questions about this post.

What are you referring to, when you say "HF"?

Also, this is the third post I've seen that had something maybe a bit negative about Gearwrench wrenches. The one you replied to, being the 2nd. And the first one said that he noticed they have something of a sloppy fit. Well, perhaps compared to SO and the other top dogs.

He said "if you're not looking for exacting standards". And you said, that you'd still have to go with SO wrenches. So you can confirm, that the Gearwrench brand wrenches, don't have great fitment on the bolt head? And that SO would be better wrenches to go with?

I guess I'm just looking to get out cheaper where I can, but if something is going to suffer, then I have no problem buying the brand name stuff instead. And just like all of you I'm sure, I HATE rounded or damaged bolt heads.

 

[D7es3l]

Few questions about this post.

What are you referring to, when you say "HF"?

Also, this is the third post I've seen that had something maybe a bit negative about Gearwrench wrenches. The one you replied to, being the 2nd. And the first one said that he noticed they have something of a sloppy fit. Well, perhaps compared to SO and the other top dogs.

He said "if you're not looking for exacting standards". And you said, that you'd still have to go with SO wrenches. So you can confirm, that the Gearwrench brand wrenches, don't have great fitment on the bolt head? And that SO would be better wrenches to go with?

I guess I'm just looking to get out cheaper where I can, but if something is going to suffer, then I have no problem buying the brand name stuff instead. And just like all of you I'm sure, I HATE rounded or damaged bolt heads.

HF = harbor freight

If you make your money with tools and can finance with snap on or other truck brands then you should go with truck brand wrenches but a warning... they are extremely pricey sets

 

[AutoTeck84]

I honestly think the flex head 120xp ratchets aren't far behind if any in terms of feel and practicality. Now durability probably not but only time will tell

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I think GW is underrated as a whole. There's a handful og guys on GJ that like it or love it of course.

I have the gw 120xp xl spline flex box wrenc sets. Badass. But guys on here say the regular gw combo wrenches are sub par. And after messing with my buddies snap on ratcheting combo wrenches im going to upgrade my regular gw ratcheting wrenches because snap on has the fd+ and a smaller diameter at the ratchet head.

Also, I think carrying cheap tools in the car/truck is totally stupid. And I'm buying gw sockets for them. I literally trust mine and my fiancees well being to them.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Even the Gearwrench 60 tooth ratchets really aren't that bad. The 1/2" one is beefy.

 

[wttwoa]

are the gearwrench 3/8 flex ratchet and 3/8 sockets any good? i had to change a full set of spark plugs on a old caprice and using a regular craftsman ratchet sucked since there were metal lines all around the spark plugs and were just enough in the way to be a pain in the ***. also i need a set of metric and sae sockets for 3/8 and i was thinking of getting gearwrench

 

[zkling]

They make some really nice pieces, especially for a China/Japan produced tool line. They have built themselves to be the Kleenex of ratcheting wrenches for a good reason.

What limited Gearwrench I have...Their ratcheting screwdriver kits are a nice, lower cost alternative to the snap on which they are cloned after. Although the bits themselves are pretty soft in my experience.

 

[ZRX61]

While the tools may be fine, you better hope you don't have any warranty issues. Took me 2-3 ******** months to warranty a ratchet. Haven't bought any GW since then, won't ever be buying any more.

 

[fireboat]

are the gearwrench 3/8 flex ratchet and 3/8 sockets any good? i had to change a full set of spark plugs on a old caprice and using a regular craftsman ratchet sucked since there were metal lines all around the spark plugs and were just enough in the way to be a pain in the ***. also i need a set of metric and sae sockets for 3/8 and i was thinking of getting gearwrench

I have a GW 3/8 flex head 120xp ratchet and it is my favorite, even more so than my Mac and Craftmans. The quality is good but I don't know about durability as I have only had it for a few months.
I have a couple of 1/2 GW deep sockets and they seem to be good but until I use them on some really stuck fasteners, I will withhold any endorsement.

 

[oldldh]

are the gearwrench 3/8 flex ratchet and 3/8 sockets any good? i had to change a full set of spark plugs on a old caprice and using a regular craftsman ratchet sucked since there were metal lines all around the spark plugs and were just enough in the way to be a pain in the ***. also i need a set of metric and sae sockets for 3/8 and i was thinking of getting gearwrench

Here are mine...

GearWrench 80718 63 pc Metric/SAE master Socket Set----$ 72.60

GearWrench 81230P 4 pc 120 Tooth Flex Head Ratchet Set----$ 94.83

www.tooldiscounter.com

You can't beat them with a BFH!!!

 

[wttwoa]

I have a GW 3/8 flex head 120xp ratchet and it is my favorite, even more so than my Mac and Craftmans. The quality is good but I don't know about durability as I have only had it for a few months.
I have a couple of 1/2 GW deep sockets and they seem to be good but until I use them on some really stuck fasteners, I will withhold any endorsement.

i was hoping i could get a flex ratchet and the 56 pc 3/8 socket set from somewhere on a christmas sell and in a month or 2 get either a matco 88 or sk 3/8 ratchet. i was wanting to get a bit better brand like sk or proto but i dont have hardly any 3/8 sockets and i have to borrow some from my dad from time to time, and i just want to get my own.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

While the tools may be fine, you better hope you don't have any warranty issues. Took me 2-3 ******** months to warranty a ratchet. Haven't bought any GW since then, won't ever be buying any more.

That's odd. I had a gimbal ratchet that was wonky, and they had me send it in and I got a new one in 2 weeks or so. Luck of the draw???

 

[jerseykat1]

are the gearwrench 3/8 flex ratchet and 3/8 sockets any good? i had to change a full set of spark plugs on a old caprice and using a regular craftsman ratchet sucked since there were metal lines all around the spark plugs and were just enough in the way to be a pain in the ***. also i need a set of metric and sae sockets for 3/8 and i was thinking of getting gearwrench

i just did a review on the gearwrench 3/8" sockets they are actually pretty damn good. i also have a review up on my website for the flex head ratchets.

i love them both
here is the link to the review on GJ there is also a link to the full review on my website there.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5352263#post5352263

 

[jerseykat1]

While the tools may be fine, you better hope you don't have any warranty issues. Took me 2-3 ******** months to warranty a ratchet. Haven't bought any GW since then, won't ever be buying any more.

Take your broken stuff to a GearWrench reseller and exchage it there or ask them to order it for you if they dont stock it. I have never had an issue warrantying any of there GearWrench ratcheting wrenches (they are not that great, atleast the original ones were not)..

Advanced auto parts are usually pretty friendly about warrantying GW stuff.

 

[jerseykat1]

I honestly think the flex head 120xp ratchets aren't far behind if any in terms of feel and practicality. Now durability probably not but only time will tell

i have the cushion grip flex head and its been great. Been using it for over a year now. the very end of the handle cushion grip part is broken because some idiot coworker decided to use a cheater bar on it. thats the only flaw is that the steel in the cushion grip stops about 3/8" before the very end, so use it properly and it should be just fine.

 

[Bennylava]

Also, I think carrying cheap tools in the car/truck is totally stupid. And I'm buying gw sockets for them. I literally trust mine and my fiancees well being to them.

A bit off topic but oh well. I'm getting to the point, where I can't really see the use of carrying tools, or at least very much tools in the vehicle. Like some people do. Some people keep a toolbox, which is what you're referring to, if I'm not mistaken. If its anything more than a flat, at the very least you're going to need a ride to the parts store. The problem could be a ton of things that nobody is going to be carrying in their vehicle, so odds are a parts store trip is in your future. As for the flats, thus far, I really haven't had any real problems with the OEM flat fix tools. They're obviously not the best, but they get the job done quickly enough and they've got their own places where they recess into the vehicle, which looks nice and doesn't take up space for cargo like carrying a toolbox does.

I don't know why but I just thought I'd say this. Maybe I'm hoping you've got a scenario I didn't think of. Or someone can elaborate on the necessity. I mean, speaking of 'well being' that is. You can probably just drive on home if its not something that stalls the vehicle out on the side of the road. Unless you're talking long trips or something, and then I can understand going ahead and taking a small toolbox.

Take your broken stuff to a GearWrench reseller and exchage it there or ask them to order it for you if they dont stock it. I have never had an issue warrantying any of there GearWrench ratcheting wrenches (they are not that great, atleast the original ones were not)..

Advanced auto parts are usually pretty friendly about warrantying GW stuff.

We've got a Fastenall in my town and they carry GW. Don't have advance, but hopefully I won't have any trouble with the Fastenal. We've got Napa, Chief/Eagle, Autozone, Oreillys, and Bob's Auto Supply (mom and pop).

 

[unslow1]

If you don't know why to carry tools in cars you must not be the kind of person that gets called on randomly to work on things. Sometimes that gets pretty annoying but not nearly as bad as getting a call from a niece broken down but have no tools available when you get there.

I wouldn't be surprised if Mac pliers are Gearwrench rebrands. I'm working on some clocks and have several sets of pliers on the table and they look very similar. Some of the Snapon stuff is definitely rebranded. I have two ratchets I have to look at the name to tell them apart and the Snapon one cost more than the whole tool set of the other brand. I would bet the guts aren't the same. A lot of what you pay for is the service. The service in my experience is second to none. Try to warranty something from Proto and see the difference. There have already been a few threads on how they won't stand behind their warranties.

If I had to start over now I would probably go with Gearwrench sockets and HF ratchets. You will never confuse Snapon or Mac sockets with the cheaper lines but there isn't nearly the quality gap there used to be. I have ratchets from nearly every major brand but find myself using the HF ones more than the others. As far as wrenches go just about any will get the job done but my personal favorites are Wrightgrip and Matco. My tool collection is pretty large and covers just about every major brand pretty well. The exception to that would be only a few Matco pieces. I really wish I had bought Matco wrenches instead of mine being mostly Mac.

I really love my Snap on wobble plus extensions and think they are well worth the money.

I haven't had to warranty anything from Gearwrench yet but have seen the local Advance Auto do it for others no questions.

I did buy Kobalt, Craftsman and Husky sets to put in the cars and trailers. I just didn't feel comfortable leaving expensive tools in places where they aren't used much and prone to disappear.

The one set I haven't purchased yet is locking flex-head ratcheting wrenches. Just hard to justify the money for the few times needed.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

A bit off topic but oh well. I'm getting to the point, where I can't really see the use of carrying tools, or at least very much tools in the vehicle. SNIP...

Bennylava. Let's dig a little deeper. I'd say 95 out of 100 times, getting a tow from AAA is easier, safer, and better.

However, I have been on the road, in my Focus, and the radiator sprung it's infamous crack (stupid plastic radiator). I carry water with me, for car and myself, topped off and made it to a Auto Zone. I changed the radiator in the parking lot real quick (30 minutes, + 30 minutes of the actual purchase yada yada). So, 1 hour downtime saved me from redoing a 3+ hour turn-around trip on an inspection I was doing. It would've cost me time and money to get towed home and reschedule the appt.

I've also lost heater hoses, alternators, and the like throughout the years.

That being said, there are much more important things to carry and we are outfitted well (Prepper taking here)...

Charged Cell Phone
Several Liters of water or more
Dried Apricots and Peanuts
Several Bic Lighters
A good knife
Hiking boots and wool socks
A wool Blanket (this is so underrated. Get an old US Army/Navy one, or at least a cheap HF one. For those who don't know, wool keeps you warm even when it gets wet. Let's assume GF gets in gnarly car accident on freeway and can not move pile up of cars. She must stand on side of freeway with other people during the process. Now it's cold, rainy, and windy. Obviously she wouldn't die in this scenario, but she could grab the wool blanket, cut an "X" in it and pancho up and be comfy)

SNIP...the kind of person that gets called on randomly to work on things. SNIP...

This is another thing. I can not just carry tools specific to my vehicle in said vehicle, b/c I messed up and let friends and family know I'm mechanically inclined. lol

There's also been times when traveling for work in said Focus, that I buy cool stuff on CL and have to take it apart to fit in the hatchback. Killer deals have been scored this way.

Ok, back to topic. I trust GW sockets and ratchets. IF not Snap On or Knipex for pliers, I like Wilde. And then Wiha, Wera, Felo, or PBSwiss for screwdrivers....pretty much whichever is on sale when I'm putting together a new kit for whatever vehicle or trailer etc.

AND I LOVE GW SOCKET RAILS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ZRX61]

Take your broken stuff to a GearWrench reseller and exchage it there or ask them to order it for you if they dont stock it. I have never had an issue warrantying any of there GearWrench ratcheting wrenches (they are not that great, atleast the original ones were not)..

Advanced auto parts are usually pretty friendly about warrantying GW stuff.

At the time there were two choices: Fuckemall or Sears.. & Sears didn't want to know as I hadn't bought it there.

That's odd. I had a gimbal ratchet that was wonky, and they had me send it in and I got a new one in 2 weeks or so. Luck of the draw???

GW told me to take it to Fuckemall... Haven't set foot in that store since then either.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

GW told me to take it to Fuckemall... Haven't set foot in that store since then either.

I'm with ya on Fukemall. Even when I was building commercial, they are all primadonna dikheds who feel they don't owe you the time of day. Even with carte blanche in the $100ks.

And they're overpriced to boot.

Rant over.

 

[wttwoa]

Here are mine...

GearWrench 80718 63 pc Metric/SAE master Socket Set----$ 72.60

GearWrench 81230P 4 pc 120 Tooth Flex Head Ratchet Set----$ 94.83

www.tooldiscounter.com

You can't beat them with a BFH!!!

sweet, im gonna pick up the master set in a couple weeks, are the spark plug sockets magnetic?

 

[PJNJ]

The spark plug sockets to my knowledge are not magnetic. But Gearwrench make this set which I have which is magnetic and it works great. I have used a few times and the magnetic feature along with the attached extensions makes things much, much easier.

http://www.zoro.com/gearwrench-magn...gclid=COWo58uG5ckCFVYYHwodRKULSQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

I added a Duralast magnetic socket from Autozone to supplement the set.

http://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...in-drive-5-8-in-spark-plug-socket/482599_0_0/

Magnetic sockets are much better than the old rubber inserts.