Issue with Gearwrench ratchet?

[chrischew]

I just received this ratchet as part of a 1/2" socket set. I'm happy with everything with the exception of this ratchet. While playing around with it in my hand the ratchet will switch directions all on its own. I'm about to send it in for a warranty exchange but I wanted to check on here first. I've never had a ratchet before do this, has anyone else experienced this? I video taped it as best I could bare with me I was holding the camera and manipulating the ratchet at the same time.

 

[shoturtle]

looks like you got a bad one. I would just send it in for replacement.

 

[SMKS]

First, try oiling it and see if that helps.

Where did you buy the socket set from?

Warranty service is the main negative of the Apex brands, in my experience. I don't think they'll allow you to send it to them unless you get into a big argument with them. They'll tell you to go to Fastenal or some place. That's what they told me when I had a broken Armstrong ratchet. And of course, it wasn't easy getting Fastenal to warranty it. They didn't really know how to handle it.

Some people claim Apex will just send you a new tool if you call about warranty issues, but that's not what they did with me.

If you bought the socket set from a local place, I would try swapping the ratchet, or the entire set, at the place you bought it from.

Here's another experience:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177402

 

[Hiball]

Nah.. That's the New Auto reversing feature.

 

[shoturtle]

With gearwrench it really depends on how you interact with them. I was getting ready for a oversea trip for work and one of my ratcheting wrench broke. I call them up, explain I did not have the time to wait for festnal or sears to order the replacement item then send it to me. They ship me a new one in 2 days, not even needing the old one back.

 

[chrischew]

This is where I bought it from:
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80700

I bought it for the socket set (only had shallow 12pt sockets) I have better ratchet's. However, I expect something brand new to work a little better than this one.

I'll give them a call tomorrow and we'll see how it goes.

 

[chrischew]

Nah.. That's the New Auto reversing feature.

That just blew my mind

 

[got2boostit2]

My local Napa store warranties all my Gearwrench products no questions asked.

 

[Roland-5.0]

I bought a Matco 1/4 ratchet that did that. Got a free replacement.

 

['04 Cummins]

I had a Gearwrench 14mm reversible ratcheting wrench as part of a set that would auto reverse. Called the Apex number on the back, new wrench in the mail a few days later, no questions asked... Try calling them and see what they say.

 

[FiendFX]

i just received my roto ratchets from gear wrench and they sound exactly like yours. SO dry!

 

[Josey Wales]

I have the NAPA 3/8 version, 60 tooth. When it was new I could get it to do that also. Hasn't been a problem but still...

 

[chrischew]

Just to follow up, I called Apex tools @ 800 688-8949 just a minute ago. Was on the phone just long enough for them to take down my information and they said I should have my replacement within 7-10 business days. Excellent customer service to say the least