Purchasing missing Gearwrench sizes.

[Walkers]

I originally purchased a set of the flat Gearwrenches I found I hated the flat ones and gave them away after I found sets of reversible wrenches at some after Christmas clearance. The problem is the sets are not complete. The metric is missing 16 and 18, and one or two smaller ones. I tried to find them online, but the prices I was seeing for the single wrenches was more than I paid for the set. Has anyone found a place to buy singles at a reasonable cost?

 

[FMB4]

The problem is the sets are not complete. The metric is missing 16 and 18, and one or two smaller ones. I tried to find them online, but the prices I was seeing for the single wrenches was more than I paid for the set.

This is a common 'got - ya' problem with some tool companies. And yes, 16 and 18 are becoming more popular with some vehicle manufacturers. That said, you may have no choice but to buy such tools 'outside' of Gearwrench. But maybe the more knowledgeable in here can help.

 

[Grimpala]

Lowe's around here sells singles for between 10 and 20 dollars depending on the size.

 

[boatshoes]

Lowe's or Home Depot

 

[Showkey]

I must work on the wrong stuff……..I have never used a 16 or 18mm wrench.

One other problem buying to complete an older set. Gear wrench the old wrench were thin and useable in tight spots.
The newer wrench got Bloated on the open end side.

 

[Bighead38]

I must work on the wrong stuff……..I have never used a 16 or 18mm wrench.

One other problem buying to complete an older set. Gear wrench the old wrench were thin and useable in tight spots.
The newer wrench got Bloated on the open end side.

That’s terrible. I have the thin old style and have used them in many places that new one would t fit.

 

[npp]

I must work on the wrong stuff……..I have never used a 16 or 18mm wrench.

One other problem buying to complete an older set. Gear wrench the old wrench were thin and useable in tight spots.
The newer wrench got Bloated on the open end side.

Worked on VW/Audi and Porsche for 47 years and it was 17&19mm and then about 10-15 years ago they went to 16&18 mm had to get wrenches and sockets and then they replaced 6 point bolts with 12 point, I wonder if manufacturers have stock in tool companies.

 

[Kent_B]

Worked on VW/Audi and Porsche for 47 years and it was 17&19mm and then about 10-15 years ago they went to 16&18 mm had to get wrenches and sockets and then they replaced 6 point bolts with 12 point, I wonder if manufacturers have stock in tool companies.

I was convinced of that back in the 80's when GM started to go metric. I haven't used a 13, 15, or 18 since.

 

[Showkey]

17&19mm and then about 10-15 years ago they went to 16&18 mm


^^^^^^^^. The German way of making the vehicle lighter 2 grams at time

 

[RedneckWelder]

16/18 head fasteners is ISO spec I think and I use them everyday but many metric applications I see use 17 and 19 instead. I make sure to check sets for 16/18 before I purchase. Some cheaper SAE sets will skip sizes too.

I didn’t learn of no skip sets and sets that cover larger size ranges till I joined here, by the way. Now I look for both to maximize the value of buying a set.

 

[paulsomlo]

Try Tekton - if you sign up for an account, you'll get free shipping.

 

[Fedwrench]

Try Tekton - if you sign up for an account, you'll get free shipping.

Tekton no longer sells standard length reversible ratcheting wrenches.

Honestly, your best bet might be Cripe distributing on Ebay, Ebay or the flea market. Long ago when Gearwrench was establishing a foothold here, Sears and other stores sold Gearwrench sets pretty cheap . New singles, especially reversibles aren't cheap today. You could also try Advance or NAPA auto parts when there's a sale. This might sound crazy but, I would also keep my eye out for more complete sets on sale. You might be able to find a 10-19 mm no skip set on sale that might not be that much more than the list price on the two sizes you want

Good luck in your quest

You might not find 18 mm on Japanese sourced cars but, just about every other car brand seems to use it.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Those saying they have never used a 16mm or 18mm wrench you must not work on Ford or GM lol.

I know Tractor Supply sells Gearwrench I think they still do. Also check your local Advanced Auto or Carquest sometimes I still find old stock at mine from when they had Gearwrench actually there TEQ brand is just rebranded Gearwrench so that might be an option too. I went to Lowe’s the other day to get a missing one from a Craftsman set I got at the pawn shop and it was $16 for a 14mm ratcheting wrench . I don’t think so. Kobalt was only $2 less no way I’m paying that. I’ll use my other ratcheting 14mm lol.

 

[unslow1]

Our local Ace Hardware was selling singles last time I was in there but they were pricey. The run some big % off single Items on Black Friday.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Amazon is probably the best place to buy singles. Something is going on with their search engine lately making it crappy so it will likely take some searching. You can get the Gearwrench item number to help with your search off of Gearwrench’s website (I also downloaded the catalog to my work computer and my IPad). Downloading the catalog makes it real easy they list the set contents plus have pages for the singles.

 

[Ign]

If you're patient, Amazon Warehouse Deals is the ticket here. Figure the 2 part numbers you need and keep your eyes open.

Otherwise, go with a different brand because, yeah, retail prices on Chinesium GW singles is just stupid.