General consensus on Gearwrench tools?

[06jds377]

I own a 1-1/4 socket, 10" extension, and two hex (6, 8mm) sockets made by them that seem to be very high quality for what I paid...

I don't really have a complete collection and would like to pick up a few sets to help fill in what I'm missing. The only newer stuff I have is either Ampro or Stanley that I bought when I was 15.. I do have a ton of older stuff, Snap-On, S-K Wayne, Craftsman, J.H. Williams, etc...but I'd really like to have a matching set to fill in the gaps until I can afford to pick up some S-K sets a few years down the road..

I know the wrenches get good reviews, but, what about the sockets? Ratchets?

How smooth is the warranty process?

 

[ATTappman]

I have a couple of their socket sets and their 3/8" wobble extensions, and I like them a lot. Worth the money. The wobble extensions don't allow much wobble, though.

I have all three of their full polish teardrop ratchets and I think they ****. Big and clumsy, real stiff ratcheting action. Way overpriced. I wish somebody would steal them out of my toolbox.

Never needed to make any warranty claims. I doubt it's easy, unless maybe you buy from Sears, and even then I don't know. Advance Auto sells Gearwrench tools, so you can go look at them there, but I doubt they handle warranty claims.

 

[06jds377]

I'm not looking for ratchets.

I use a J.H. Williams B-51 Superratchet 3/8" and a late 30's-early 40's C-man 1/4", and newer 1/2"

good to know that their socket sets are quality

 

[ATTappman]

I know the wrenches get good reviews, but, what about the sockets? Ratchets?

I'm not looking for ratchets.

Uh, OK.

 

[06jds377]

its been a long week

pardon my stupidity

Yeah, I need no more ratchets though..

 

[BB26]

I have had five GearWrench tools replaced under warranty. Four ratcheting wrenches and one hex bit socket.

My broken tools:

(2) ratcheting wrenches with cracked inner race after minimal use (5/8, 11/16'' flat combos).
(1) ratcheting wrench with a faulty reversing lever (14x16mm half moon)
(1) ratcheting wrench with a locked up ratcheting mechanism after minimal use (1/2'' side of 1/2x9/16'' double box).
(1) hex bit socket that broke during its first use (3mm)

Each time I called Danaher customer service on the phone and they sent a replacement in the mail no questions asked. They did not even ask that I return the broken items.

Thus, warranty and customer service gets a big thumbs up. The tools, IMO, are just okay. I have a few ratchets and some sockets that have held up fine.

Within the last year or so they moved most of their production from Taiwan to China. I am not interested in owning Chinese tools so I have stopped buying them.

 

[06jds377]

If CS is that good it might negate the fact that the tools aren't top shelf..sad to hear they're being produced in China now though.

I think I'm going with Gearwrench sockets and wrenches.

 

[CamarosRus]

BB26, Are you implying that most/ALL the newer Chinese mfg Danaher/Gear Wrench/KD racheting wrenches might be of inferior quality to those of Taiwan origin.

I'm still wanting either the XL GearBox's or some other Gear/Box Wrench tool...........just cant decide. Have talked myself out of any open end/racheting end wrench..........

Thanks to ALL for opinions and comments!!!!!!!

 

[BB26]

BB26, Are you implying that most/ALL the newer Chinese mfg Danaher/Gear Wrench/KD racheting wrenches might be of inferior quality to those of Taiwan origin.

I'm still wanting either the XL GearBox's or some other Gear/Box Wrench tool...........just cant decide. Have talked myself out of any open end/racheting end wrench..........

Thanks to ALL for opinions and comments!!!!!!!

I cannot speak to quality differences between Taiwan and Chinese versions because I only own the Taiwan versions. Personally, I am just not interested in buying Chinese tools.

I have the SAE XL Gearbox set (Made in Taiwan). They are okay, but the fixed box end is too thin for my liking. While it has not happened yet, I expect them to snap every time of put a decent amount of torque on them.

I also own the Armstrong (Made in USA) geared double box end wrenches from 13-19mm. I like these more as the fixed box end is more substantial and the beams are more rounded and comfortable for me. However, they are shorter and the fixed box end has a 15 degree offset versus the zero offset of the GW Gearbox wrenches.

 

[CamarosRus]

I also own the Armstrong (Made in USA) geared double box end wrenches from 13-19mm. I like these more as the fixed box end is more substantial and the beams are more rounded and comfortable for me. However, they are shorter and the fixed box end has a 15 degree offset versus the zero offset of the GW Gearbox wrenches.


BB26, 1) Do you find the "shorter" Armstrong's to be too short for ample leverage or "OK"

2) What's your conclusion on 15' offset versus zero offset on the fixed end

3) Any opinion on the Snap-On/Bluepoint racheting wrench where as the rachet end is angled ? ......but I'm not a fan of the open end wrench on the opposing end.

4) Do you feel having one wrench (box on one end and rachet on other) is that handy, versus using separate box wrench to break loose or torgue/tighten

So hard to make buying decision with respect to price, quality and actual useability of tool.............???????

Thanks

 

[BB26]

BB26, 1) Do you find the "shorter" Armstrong's to be too short for ample leverage or "OK"

2) What's your conclusion on 15' offset versus zero offset on the fixed end

3) Any opinion on the Snap-On/Bluepoint racheting wrench where as the rachet end is angled ? ......but I'm not a fan of the open end wrench on the opposing end.

4) Do you feel having one wrench (box on one end and rachet on other) is that handy, versus using separate box wrench to break loose or torgue/tighten

So hard to make buying decision with respect to price, quality and actual useability of tool.............???????

Thanks

Responses:

1) Sometimes, which is why I am looking at the SO HP fixed box wrenches. I just started another thread about these.

2) Both are useful. Most of my current wrenches have a 15 degree offset, so I think I prefer the zero offset on this style of wrench.

3) I have reversible 15 degree offset ratcheting wrenches from Craftsman. The open end is not all that useful on these, but the ratcheting end is great. These are only a standard length wrench but I would recommend them for certain uses (tight engine compartments in modern vehicles).

4) It is convenient and speeds up my work, but you can just use two wrenches instead. I think this feature is more valuable for those who make a living with their tools.

I do not think any single wrench style will fit all of your needs. I have over 700 wrenches and can think of many more that I do not own but would find useful.

 

[rjohnson]

I have a Gearwrench SAE ratcheting flexhead wrench set, pass thru ratchet set, nutdriver set, screwdriver set, and SAE ratcheting wrench set. I am happy with all of them. As said above, getting replacements is a breeze, they ship to you, if they ask where you got them, say online, otherwise they might make you return to Sears, etc. I'm sad their moving to China! Someone above mentioned Armstrong, which is also made by Danaher. Danaher' website tells you all their brands, Matco, Gearwrench KD tools, Armstrong, Allen, Jacobs Chuck, Fluke, etc. Overall, great tools for price, and excellent customer service.

 

[BB26]

As said above, getting replacements is a breeze, they ship to you, if they ask where you got them, say online, otherwise they might make you return to Sears, etc. QUOTE]

I told CS that I bought mine at Sears and had no issues. I think Sears directs you to contact GW directly. Probably depends on who you talk to at Sears and who you get on the phone at Danaher.

 

[7.62]

I have some Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches that I am very happy with. Also have some 12 point 3/8" drive Gearwrench sockets. They may be the worst sockets I've ever used - they never fail to round off the bolt head. So, hit and miss, I guess.

 

[Merkava_4]

They may be the worst sockets I've ever used - they never fail to round off the bolt head. So, hit and miss, I guess.

That's what I was gonna say, "hit and miss." I've got some GW regular extensions that are pretty good, but then the universals have loose joints; the pins move around in their holes like if they had heavy wear, but they're brand new.

I guess it depends on whatever mood the Chinese are in that day.