Gearwrench x-core vs. Matco/Armstrong pinless

[NinnyCTSV]

So I stumbled on the gearwrench Xcore line and was excited at the fact that they now offer a much cheaper alternative to the pinless set that is a small fortune through Matco. I opted to try out the adapter set first prior to getting the whole metric and standard sets and I am very pleased with the quality. They are virtually identical, however I noticed that on the packaging it states the gearwrench model is made in China. Is this due to Armstrong closing shop and does this mean the Matco variant will in turn move overseas for manufacturing of their version as well. And if so it’s gonna be hard for them to ask what they’re asking now for sets made in China as opposed to the USA ones

 

[Wamsutta]

Toptul will be better quality than GearWrench and less money too.

And then there's also GP and Sunex.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

All my impact sockets are sunex but Sunex doesn’t offer a (in my opinion) superior pinless design. The gearwrench is the same as the Matco/Armstrong/craftsman pinless impact swivels. I just noticed they are made in China vs the USA ones Matco offers.

 

[Fedwrench]

I haven't tried the Chinese X core versions.

However, MATCO has found replacement suppliers for the items previously made by Armstrong. The ratchets, sockets, and impact sockets are US sourced while wrenches do not seem to be. I think they're staying away from Apex brands now.

The first generation of Gearwrench pinless impact swivel sockets were US made. Although they lacked the high visibility size markings, and the wider range of sizes that Matco offered, otherwise they were the same. I think Cripe still had a couple of sets recently in the $150 range.

If you pick up the X core pinless impact sockets, post some pictures and let us know how they work out for you.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

When I get back to work Monday I’ll post some comparisons between my stuff and a coworkers Matco ones. The quality is there for sure. It just really took me by surprise they weren’t made in USA for 2 reasons. 1 being its it’s always been proprietary to Matco, stamped USA. 2 being the quality is truly top notch

Granted, Matco offers them in 3/8 deep as well as 1/2 sizes and it appears gearwrench doesn’t. At least based on their online catalog

But when you factor their 12piece 3/8 set retails for 160 and the Matco variant only offers a 10piece that retails on their site (so surely more off the truck) for a whopping 452 dollars you really can’t beat it.

Matco doesn’t offer a swivel adapter set, but if you piece them together you’re looking at 150+tax/shipping (if bought online, tool truck is gonna be more). Now if you don’t mind it being China vs. USA This adapter set ran me 47bucks shipped/tax

 

[dan360]

I tried to like the Matco pinless swivel impacts. I really did. After having so many get little dents hammered into the 'slots' and hanging up, I bailed and went back to the old spring ball & socket design.

Maybe they're ok for line work in a shop but they don't like to be dirty out in the field.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

I tried to like the Matco pinless swivel impacts. I really did. After having so many get little dents hammered into the 'slots' and hanging up, I bailed and went back to the old spring ball & socket design.

Maybe they're ok for line work in a shop but they don't like to be dirty out in the field.

Luckily I’ve never really had that issue. I’ve always been pretty meticulous about cleaning my tools before putting away so I’m sure that’s helped.

 

[Ji m]

When I get back to work Monday I’ll post some comparisons between my stuff and a coworkers Matco ones. The quality is there for sure. It just really took me by surprise they weren’t made in USA for 2 reasons. 1 being its it’s always been proprietary to Matco, stamped USA. 2 being the quality is truly top notch

Granted, Matco offers them in 3/8 deep as well as 1/2 sizes and it appears gearwrench doesn’t. At least based on their online catalog

But when you factor their 12piece 3/8 set retails for 160 and the Matco variant only offers a 10piece that retails on their site (so surely more off the truck) for a whopping 452 dollars you really can’t beat it.

Matco doesn’t offer a swivel adapter set, but if you piece them together you’re looking at 150+tax/shipping (if bought online, tool truck is gonna be more). Now if you don’t mind it being China vs. USA This adapter set ran me 47bucks shipped/tax

I didn't even know these were out there (thanks!),

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1OTQ9S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

tho there are a couple negative Amazon reviews,
some just because of the COO,
but one had a pic (I hope it's not too giant):

"^Poorly made china copies
January 31, 2018
Verified Purchase
So these are made in china and are of the poorest quality, they are gritty and do t pivot like there are susposed to. I uploaded a photo to compare my usa made pinless and the gear wrench china made one. The usa made one is used every day and shows little damage. The gearwrench one after one use is all chewed up and you can see the material to make these is very poor. These are cheap, if yoj are looking for quality skip these."

 

[NinnyCTSV]

I will have to see how mine hold up and I’ll be sure to do a 6’ month or so update.

 

[dan360]

Luckily I’ve never really had that issue. I’ve always been pretty meticulous about cleaning my tools before putting away so I’m sure that’s helped.

It's not the cleaning after the job that's the problem--it's the work during the job.

Not every piece of heavy machinery breaks down on a nice heated slab of clean polished concrete.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

It's not the cleaning after the job that's the problem--it's the work during the job.

Not every piece of heavy machinery breaks down on a nice heated slab of clean polished concrete.

This is very true haha. Now I will say based on your experience and the Amazon review of the gearwrench ones, they are plagued with the same issue of mushrooming joints. Which I guess is a given considering the design and each of those contact points taking the shock. So maybe I’ll hold off for about a year or so and see how these hold up prior to getting the metric set

 

[powertrip]

I have seen a Husky version of the adapter in 1/2 only for $15. I might try this to see if I will have a use for a bigger set
.https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-2-in-Drive-Impact-U-Joint-H2DIMPUNIV/301175144

 

[Tallpilot]

I have seen a Husky version of the adapter in 1/2 only for $15. I might try this to see if I will have a use for a bigger set
.https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-2-in-Drive-Impact-U-Joint-H2DIMPUNIV/301175144

That item has been discontinued so hurry up if you want one.

 

[jo4gj]

Did these hold up