gearwrench

[bayoutoolguy]

I really dont have a complete 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive socket set. Im considering going completely Gearwrench, 12 pt, 6 pt, SAE and metric in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive. Am I on the right track here, or should i just save up for Snap On? Im considering a career in the diesel industry, should these sockets last a lifetime and hold up well under everyday use? Any of you guys wrench everyday with gearwrench tools? I figured Ill get the sockets, good quality at a good price, and spend $$$ on rathcets and specialty tools. I think the finish on the GW sockets is nice, but most important to me, how is the fit? do they fit sloppy on bolts and nuts? How does the quality compare to say, Cman? Sorry for all the questions guys.

 

[Skin]

Gearwrench sockets have great fit and finish. That said you're asking a loaded question here, you're going to get the die hard truck people saying there is no comparison, then you'll get the people who despise everything imported talking out of their rear saying nothing else will stand up daily use. On the other side you'll get the weekend warriors/shade trees saying truck brands are a rip-off. Then you'll have people telling you to get something else entirely. Basically this thread will turn into a ******* match.

My suggestion,

Get what your budget allows. If you're a poor student/apprentice, get GW. You don't even need to make a huge commitment. Their stuff is certainly cheap enough that you can give a few gearwrench sets a pretty good trial run for the cost of a hand full of snap-on sockets.

Gearwrench is a step above USA Craftsman sockets in terms of quality.

 

[bonneyman]

I have a set of Gear Wrench ratcheting box combos that I have had for 15 years, use to death, and never had a problem with any of them. Even the small sizes.

I used S-K, Bonney, C-man, and others. The Gear Wrenches are still with me.

 

[Brownsfan]

You will not be dissapointed with gearwrench sockets. Great sockets for the money. Also look at Kobalt. Great sockets for the price even better when they go on sale. All of my sockets are USA craftsman and the newer Taiwan made Kobalt. My entire socket set of 12pt and 6pt from Kobalt and Cman in all 3 drive sizes cost me less than a snap on set. I may be missing something with sanp on sockets but could never pull the trigger on a 10pc set for over 200 bucks. I am not a snap on hater either. Most of my ratchets, screwdrivers and other specialty stuff is snap on

 

[CWP1616L]

GearWrench sockets are great sockets. Excellent finish too.

Get the sets separately, that way you'll get the excellent socket rails.

 

[Gotmayhem]

Pretty much all of my chrome sockets are Craftsman USA. If there is a clear cut advantage with SO sockets I haven't noticed yet. I believe that Snap-On makes the better wrenches, the better ratchets and much more. Sockets? Not so much of a difference. I'm interested to hear the reasons that people have for purchasing entire sets of SO sockets. I'll be honest and admit that I'm always looking for used SO sockets here and there on the cheap but just to have them, not for a performance reason.

I DO have Snap-On universal sockets though. That is one socket design that I think SO is noticeably heads above the cheaper market in terms of toughness and usability.

 

[03protege]

I bought all the Craftsman Industrial sockets when they were getting phased out but looking back on it I really wouldn't mind the Gearwrench stuff. It is very nice and very reasonably priced.

I do intend on picking up the GearWrench midlength sockets as they are the only mid lengths anywhere near my budget.

 

[CWP1616L]

I'm interested to hear the reasons that people have for purchasing entire sets of SO sockets.

Back when I got mine in the early 1990s, there were no good quality Taiwan or Chinese made sockets available; they were still making junk back then. The Craftsman sockets didn't have flankdrive yet either.

 

[Gotmayhem]

Back when I got mine in the early 1990s, there were no good quality Taiwan or Chinese made sockets available; they were still making junk back then. The Craftsman sockets didn't have flankdrive yet either.

Yea that makes sense then, all of my Craftsman are flank drive.

 

[CWP1616L]

The only thing I don't like about my GearWrench sockets is that they don't go all the way up on the extension ... they spring back down a ways after you put them on. It's kinda like wearing your crew length socks halfway up your leg ... they'll still work that way, but you might be more comfortable having your socks pulled all the way up.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm interested to hear the reasons that people have for purchasing entire sets of SO sockets.

Student discount. Truck to me service coupled with the ability to pay off as I earn while using them. Size selection. Quality, there is a difference. Although that difference isn't as noticable today as it was 20 years ago.

Back to the ops question. I don't work in a diesel shop but, you could get by with Gearwrench sockets used professionally in an auto repair shop. I've used them for more than a few years now.

However, Gearwrench isn't your only option. You could buy used a little at a time. There's also Williams, Proto, or SK too. Gearwrench will serve you well but, shop around for the best deal as Gearwrench prices are all over the map for the same tool. Gearwrench sockets are nicely finished inside and out, fit well, are durable, and the deep knurling on the metric sockets is nice for finger spinning.
All sockets will eventually wear out under sustained prolonged daily use regardless of whose name is stamped on it.

 

[CWP1616L]

Fedwrench didn't see my last post before he posted. Cool.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I've been impressed with most GW stuff I own/have seen so far. Hell, I put my regular T45 insert bit on my 2115 last week to tighten an old Ford tailgate hinge with rusty/effed up threads. I just swapped the shop over to V style fittings, and I was pretty damn surprised I didn't break that bit off.

I might have bought their sockets had I thought about them, and known more about them when I bought my Craftsman stuff last year. From what I've seen, their Taiwanese quality is at least equal to Craftsman's recent USA quality, and they have about the same (damn good) size selection as Matco... actually, I'd be surprised if they weren't the same thing as the ADV line.

 

[Fedwrench]

Fedwrench didn't see my last post before he posted. Cool.

No, I saw it. I've just learned to overlook your comments about extension fit and holes in screwdriver handles.

 

[plinker]

I work at a Mack dealership, More on the Log loader/hydraulics side though then trucks (engine work, ete..). I pretty much took all my chrome stuff home and use 3/8 & 1/2 drive Sunex/Napa impact sockets. Have not had a clearence issue as of yet. They are fairly thin-walled sockets.

I do have a 1/4 & 3/8 drive Gearwrench set made for Napa in my truck kit and have not had any issues except the shallow 1/4 drive sockets are too deep for my preference. I also have and use thier bit sockets and they work fine for what they do, but I have broken a couple. No fit issues that I recall with any of the sockets.

I would buy what you can afford, and spend extra where it counts( ratchets for instance). You can always upgrade later if need be.

 

[CWP1616L]

No, I saw it. I've just learned to overlook your comments about extension fit and holes in screwdriver handles.

 

[cheechi]

I shared a garage with a guy who had several GW sockets. I have Williams era USA Kobalt, Taiwan Kobalt, & maybe some misc others (duralast, stanley) lying around. I would go with either of the Kobalts over GW personally.

Not to say GW isn't good, but I don't think they're as good as my Kobalts. But if you're going to use them heavily I'm not so sure. They were just not quite as good fitting, both in terms of ratchets & bolts.

To me, the wrenches are the real worthwhile part if you're on a budget. I'm not their biggest fan, but price wise, there are plenty of choices in the range of GW sockets that are worthwhile, but not as many GW style ratcheting wrenches in the price range when they go on sale, and varying quality to go along with the price range.

 

[jfcasey]

I earn my paychecks with chrome gear wrench sockets in the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 variety. Never had a problem and I really like how shallow the shallow sockets are.

For what its worth I also have some kobalt, herbrand, and craftsman sockets and prefer the GW ones over the latter 2. The Kobalt sockets haven't given me any fits but I still find myself going for the gearwrench sockets in my box 99% of the time.

Then again, I earn my paycheck with a mix of non truck brand sockets on kobalt and gw ratchets so most of you guys would toss my opinion right out the window

 

[Brownsfan]

The on thing I don't like about the Gearwrench and Kobalt sockets is the shallows are deeper than my USA Craftsman. Can be a pain in tight clearances. I noticed it the other day taking apart a dash and removing the bolts near the windshield. The Kobalts and the Gearwrench were way deeper. The Craftsmans were just shallow enough.

 

[Frosthy]

Didn't read thread;

Gearwrench 12pt Sockets are ****. I've used the 13mm and 14mm deep 12pts, they just simply round of the bolt head. No grip at all. HF 6 points are much better (grab similar to a flank drive).

 

[Nanashi]

My box is full of snap on and blue point. I do however own a set of flex head gear wrench wrenches. They have taken one hell of a beating from me and or the mg725 impact. Basically what I'm saying hear is that I really like my gearwrench ratchet wrenches. I also own snap on flank drive plus wrenches but aw long as gearwrench makes tho use flex heads they'll have a spot in my box.

With that said I plane on doing this for life so I bought snap on sockets. Anything I use daily I didn't scimp on plus the snap on truck comes buy the shop so getting tools warrented is easy.

Dude I tried to play it smart. All my SAE/metric 1/4" sockets are chrome deep and shallow six point. All my 3/8" and 1/2" drive deep and shallow SAE/metric sockets are impact. I have some ultra shallow 12 points in 3/8" drive as well for head bolts and tight places.

All I can say is buy once and buy right. Also if you go with a truck brand go with the truck dealer that's been coming around the longest. In my case its snap on we also get a matco guy but its hard to buy from him because he hasn't been around d to long and every truck brands been hear and gone every brand except snap on. That's not a plus one to snap on but a plus one to the dealer that comes around our shop. I'll buy fro. Him first because I know he's going to keep coming back. I guys the big shops don't worry about that **** but little shops I'm sure know what I'm talking about.

 

[cheechi]

Then again, I earn my paycheck with a mix of non truck brand sockets on kobalt and gw ratchets so most of you guys would toss my opinion right out the window

Well so did my friend, but he also liked mine better. We used to do simple repairs out of the garage for friends & college students. They got plenty of use, though not in a 'real garage' environment.

I don't earn my paycheck with mine, I don't even earn side money with them anymore. So take my opinion along with those facts. I do however have a car that doesn't like to stay running. The point I was making is that for regular joe, they're probably fine. for auto mech, eh maybe.

 

[CWP1616L]

Didn't read thread;

Gearwrench 12pt Sockets are ****. I've used the 13mm and 14mm deep 12pts, they just simply round of the bolt head. No grip at all. HF 6 points are much better (grab similar to a flank drive).

Interesting. I've used a GW 12 point 13/16 socket to turn a rounded off 21mm nut. The GW socket stuck to the rounded off nut like glue.

 

[FiendFX]

i bought a whole package deal from snap on because of student discount. whenever i need any tool, i opt for gearwrench.

 

[b7labelle]

Didn't read thread;

Gearwrench 12pt Sockets are ****. I've used the 13mm and 14mm deep 12pts, they just simply round of the bolt head. No grip at all. HF 6 points are much better (grab similar to a flank drive).

I'm confused at what you're getting at here. Are you stating don't use a 12 point socket on a siezed bolt? I don't think that's GW fault. A 6 point socket l, likely from any brand, is going to have more surface area in contact with the head if the bolt.

I'm thinking about picking up the mid length sets at some point down the road myself, 6 point of course

 

[otis66]

I would buy GearWrench Over Craftsman tools. GearWrench is not bad to start your career with. Eventually you will want better tools. Try and get SK or Wright if you cannot afford Snap-On. GearWrench is not bad. I like GearWrench Non-rarcheting wrenches, sockets and the pear shaped standard ratchets 60 tooth, and extentions. Gearwench sockets are well made and I have yet to break one. I'm not fond of Gearwrench Breaker bars and the roto ratchets. You can make a living with GearWrench.

 

[pfctblu]

If you think you should get Snap On, might wanna price Williams USA from Toolsdelivered.com and ZTSupply on Ebay. You can put together a pretty good set for reasonable money. The other often unmentioned alternative is Blackhawk (US made and very nice for a lower price).

 

[JJThrasher]

Just another option to look at, I like the Matco Silver Eagle socket sets.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[bayoutoolguy]

Needed some Torx sockets today, stopped by Advance Auto. got the 10 pc set, and as I always so when buying a tool, looked to see the COO. Both were made in Taiwan, one said Danaher tool group, division of Easco, the other was Apex. I know Apex is the new company. I grabbed the Danaher ones. Any difference in quality from Danaher to Apex? Are they made in the same plant?

 

[03protege]

Needed some Torx sockets today, stopped by Advance Auto. got the 10 pc set, and as I always so when buying a tool, looked to see the COO. Both were made in Taiwan, one said Danaher tool group, division of Easco, the other was Apex. I know Apex is the new company. I grabbed the Danaher ones. Any difference in quality from Danaher to Apex? Are they made in the same plant?

I would guess it is probably just updated packaging. The GW stuff at my advanced auto has a serious layer of dust across it.

 

[Brownsfan]

At all the Advanced near me they have ALL the Gearwrench stuff behind the counter. At the one near my house it's near the window and all the packaging is sun faded. No one will ever buy it of its behind the counter. They will just buy the cheap **** in the isle. The average consumer is not like us and know what to look for in tools.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I would buy GearWrench Over Craftsman tools. GearWrench is not bad to start your career with. Eventually you will want better tools. Try and get SK or Wright if you cannot afford Snap-On. GearWrench is not bad. I like GearWrench Non-rarcheting wrenches, sockets and the pear shaped standard ratchets 60 tooth, and extentions. Gearwench sockets are well made and I have yet to break one. I'm not fond of Gearwrench Breaker bars and the roto ratchets. You can make a living with GearWrench.

I'd take gearwrench over China CMAN, but not USA CMAN.

I have several different socket brands: Mostly CMAN USA, 2 blue point, a fair amount of SK, and 1 Taiwan JH Williams. Comparing to each other, the SK fit the best, than CMAN USA, then Gearwrench, then Blue point, and lastly JH Williams. That being said, I had to use a gearwrench 13MM semi deep socket to take off a badly seized (and somewhat rounded) bolt just a little while ago, and while it was looser than my SK or CMAN sockets (which I only have shallow or deep, and I needed a midlength socket), it still took it out with no drama and no further rounding of the bolt (2 of them actually).

Gearwrench makes some very nice tools. Most of their stuff is well built, and will last with proper use. Don't expect snap on quality, and you will be pleasantly surprised by what you have.

I also will note, Gearwrench is one of the very few brands make in Asia I will trust (the other being some blue point items).

 

[bayoutoolguy]

had to use one of my torx sockets today on my truck, fit was very loose, much looser than id prefer.

 

[ZRX61]

GW were quite often my *go to* tools. Then I had a warranty issue with a 1/4in ratchet that turned into a monumental ball ache that went on for months. Haven't bought any since, rarely use them these days.

 

[BajaBound]

I have a huge cluster of tools but I try to keep sets consistent. All my 1/2 sae and mm are CM USA. My 3/8 and 1/4 are all Blue Point. My wrenches are Williams and my ratcheting wrenches are GW and I have a stubby 3/8 GW ratchet and they are awesome. I am looking at adding more stuff like replacing my 3/8 standard length BP ratchet with a GW but the rest of my ratchets are SO and they just feel so damn but the stubby gets a ton of use.

GW is absolutely worth it in my opinion so go for it!

 

[joebachor]

i bought my first set of snap on tools in 1985 (i should say my dad bought them for me) i can still get them warranted after almost 30 years. snap on has been around since 1920. how long is gear wrench gonna be around to warranty your tools? ive bought alot of snap on tools since then and even though ive been to sears several times to trade in broken sockets i have never broken a snap on. you guys can drink the asian kool-aid, i dont want any.

 

[mayhemman]

ive not used any or owned any of the gearwrench ratchets or sockets. i have seen them in stores and seen what other have said about them. personally my feeling is they are the new craftsman or above them in qaulity.

i have a couple sets of gearwrenches in metric and standard and i use them daily in my garage working on anything i get.

i would say if i had to buy a whole new set, they would be on my list as fair priced,good qaulity,nice finish and likely great fit.

if i was going usa and wanted fair price, i would go sk as they are great tools for the money and a higher qaulity then craftsman or gearwrench.

i hope i was helpful.

 

[shiftdrift]

Used my gear wrench 13mm universal socket today taking off bump stops and it fit very tight and worked great.

 

[bran1har]

gear wrench ratcheting wrneches are the ****. Also the craftsman flex head ratcheting wrenches are a bit better because they lock the flex head in place instead of loosey goosey all the time. I like their ratchets, i have one or two. I own some snap on and have a gear wrench socket set all laid out but I still just seem to open up my 51 peice 1/4 and 3/8 drive husky set on every project. I put my impact on those sockets and pipes on the crappy ratchet but they still havent died yet. I said to myself I will open the packaging on the gearwrench when something in this husky set breaks. So far I've done 3 engine swaps and a frame off restoration with this ******* set and I cant break the things. That set was the best $50 I every spent like 5 years ago. But I use ratcheting wrenches sometimes and they have saved me time.

 

[kurtk75s]

My FIL got me a set of metric ratcheting wrenches many years ago. He was farm raised and worked with his hands his whole life and I value his opinion on tools. He is the main reason that I have a CMAN box full of USA CMAN - when I bought them, he didn't say they were **** .

I was skeptical about the COO because my previous import experiences were not positive but I gave them a chance because the FIL said they were OK. And they are. Still look great, still spin nuts. I've supplemented with two more sets of ratcheting wrenches: reversible and flex. I've also added a 10pc flex head socket set and 13pc 3/8" shallow socket rail - all metric. Damn if these tools don't all have nice features: like knurling on the socket and the way they fit on the ratchet is interesting - they can have a little wobble or be pushed on solid. Is that by design? Also, the wrenches have clear marking of the direction of ratchet - and the flex have subtle serration on the edge of the wrench so you can 'feel' the direction of the ratchet.

But the thing for me is the price: $60 for 15 ratchet wrenches, $20 for 13 sockets, $30 for flex head sockets. I keep this in a portable box to take to the work - so they are actually my most used. If they break, I have to walk 10 feet to the main box for a replacement. I probably wouldn't even waste the time in warranty replacement.

This is hard to admit but I like the GW sockets better than my USA CMAN, so far. The old CMAN have rusted and the socket markings are difficult to read. The fairly new ones with laser marking are great to read but the broaching and chrome are way inconsistent - some are great some are awful. The ones with just laser marking seem really cheap.

I also have SK sockets - and prefer them to the GW but I do wish they had knurling like the GW.

I always wondered if the flex head sockets would be useful since I've always made do with a regular socket and universal joint. In all honesty, I'm still wondering . At least I didn't spend $250 on them.

Like many GJers from the US, I would prefer to buy domestically produced tools. I have been slowly augmenting my CMAN with Williams and SK. I am happy with those purchases. If I could afford Snap-On, I would in a heartbeat. I probably will replace my most used tools with SO: 6pt shallow metric, metric Hex bit sockets, Torx bit sockets. Wrenches will be Williams SuperCombo, though. Have one (19mm) and love it. Pliers will be Knipex - have 4 so far and find no fault. Not domestic, though. Doh.