Which Gearwrench configuration do you use the most?

[The Rusty Gear]

The original "Flat"?

15 Degree offset with reverse switch?

Flex Head?

Any others I'm missing?

Reason I'm asking is I've used my original "flat" gearwrenches for some time and occasionally the lack of offset has been annoying. Considering I use them so much compared to regular combo wrenches, I'm looking to upgrade to something with an offset and would like to get your opinions on what you've liked.

I was thinking the reversible would be best - I'm kind of suspicious of "flex heads" but I've read many people here swear by the flex heads . . . .

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Almost all of mine are flex head and that is what I use the most.

 

[posaune]

They all have their uses.

I started in the same position as you and now I have the regular ones, reversibles, stubbies, flex, and the S wrenches (from the posted Northern Tools deal). When Sears has them at 50% (or 60%!) off, they are really cheap enough to justify buying all of the different sets... like we need any justification.

I will admit that I have not yet found a use for the S wrenches, and I almost never use the stubbies. The other styles get used pretty often though.

 

[GT89mustang]

Well I only have the flat ones and the stubbys and really like them both. The flat ones come in handy in spots where the offset ones wont work.

I dont really like the gearwrench reversible wrenches, I bought the craftsmans instead, I think their much better quality.

I do want to get a set of flex gearwrenches eventually, the only thing i dont like about them is theres no postion stops or way to lock them in place.

 

[superautobacs]

To add into the pile of configurations, there's also:

locking flex (combo/double box)
double-swivel flex combo/double box (locking/non-locking)
75 degree offset double box
half-moon double box
quad-box (4 sizes-in-one)
X-beam flat/flex (reversible or non)

Oh, many of these come in different lengths, too.

 

[GT89mustang]

To add into the pile of configurations, there's also:

locking flex (combo/double box)
double-swivel flex combo/double box (locking/non-locking)
75 degree offset double box
half-moon double box
quad-box (4 sizes-in-one)
X-beam flat/flex (reversible or non)

Oh, many of these come in different lengths, too.

Now your just making it complicated

 

[superautobacs]

I dont really like the gearwrench reversible wrenches, I bought the craftsmans instead, I think their much better quality.

Craftsman are the same thing as Gearwrench. Same source: Danaher Taiwan.

Now your just making it complicated

I know! I can't decide what I want, myself.

 

[dede2897234]

Gents,

I am currently selling a new Gearwrench model# 44006, 7 metric flex head (non-locking) ratcheting wrench set (sizes 10,12,13,14,15,17,19mm) for $28.00 plus shipping. The Garage Journal classified ad is here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38672. Please PM me if you are interested.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[GT89mustang]

Craftsman are the same thing as Gearwrench. Same source: Danaher Taiwan.

Nope, made in USA, and the beams are thicker.

 

[boondock29510]

Kobalt locking flexheads... Love them and in most cases, I don't bother pulling out a ratchet.

 

[The Rusty Gear]

They all have their uses.

I started in the same position as you and now I have the regular ones, reversibles, stubbies, flex, and the S wrenches (from the posted Northern Tools deal). When Sears has them at 50% (or 60%!) off, they are really cheap enough to justify buying all of the different sets... like we need any justification.

I will admit that I have not yet found a use for the S wrenches, and I almost never use the stubbies. The other styles get used pretty often though.

Maybe eventually I will get them all. Which one do you find you use the most?

 

[volvo420coupe]

I have the original flat gearwrenches now residing in my "at home" set, and I have blue point reversible flex heads at work. the only thing I can say is I will only purchace reversible gearwrenches in the future. I have had more than one instance of my wrench getting trapped by the very same obstruction that prevented the use of a ratchet/socket in the first place. When that happens you cant get the wrench off the fastener, and you cant turn the fastener back in to free up your wrench.
Has anybody else had this unfortunate situation present itself?

 

[posaune]

Maybe eventually I will get them all. Which one do you find you use the most?

I used the flat ones the most until very recently...

I have had more than one instance of my wrench getting trapped by the very same obstruction that prevented the use of a ratchet/socket in the first place. When that happens you cant get the wrench off the fastener, and you cant turn the fastener back in to free up your wrench.
Has anybody else had this unfortunate situation present itself?

...aaaaand this is why I now probably use the reversibles more often.

Yes, it did happen. It probably shouldn't have, but it did. I was working upside down and backward replacing a transmission mount (on a Volvo even). Long story short, I put the wrench on backwards and turned until I had a very loose trans mount with a wrench stuck on it. Many choice words were uttered while I tried to get that stupid thing out.

I bought the reversibles shortly thereafter.

 

[scottmlew]

I do want to get a set of flex gearwrenches eventually, the only thing i dont like about them is theres no postion stops or way to lock them in place.

Craftsman has a locking flex version, and they work well for me

 

[Old Donn]

Reversibles, by a wide margin. Flex-heads a distant second. Stubbies & X-Beams very seldom.

 

[Merkava_4]

Don't any of you guys use regular combination wrenches anymore?

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Don't any of you guys use regular combination wrenches anymore?

Yep if a gearwrench wont fit or if I'm using the open end I still grab a regular combo first.

 

[nate379]

Flex head. I hardly use a reg wrench unless I need to use a hammer on it. (breaks the gear wrench doing that).

They are decent, but I have a couple that the ratchet part jams up and I have to whack it against the bench or vise to get it to work again.

 

[Super T]

Flex heads FTW. I have the Craftsmans... they don't always stay locked into their offset, seems to only be an issue on the really small ones, but even when they come loose they still work fine. A lot of times it's even convenient to leave them unlocked so you can change the offset throughout the stroke - good for doing hard to reach valve cover bolts and the like.

 

[posaune]

Don't any of you guys use regular combination wrenches anymore?

I'd use regular combos if someone sent me a set of perfectly polished SO Flank Drives.

Seriously though, I only use the GearWrenches for fasteners with long threads or if I have a bunch to do (driveshafts, for example). I find that the heads are too thick for a lot of things.

I won't hammer on them either - that is what the raised panel 6 pt Craftsmans are for.

 

[volvo420coupe]

I always use my regular combo wrenches first, the ratcheting wrenches only get used when there is an actual need/advantage. And yes my craftsman raised panels are still going strong after 10 years of hard professional use.

 

[superautobacs]

About an year ago, I purchased a set of GearWrench branded 7pc non-swivel, metric, reversible combos as it was 50% off. I was wanting to try it out, thinking it'll come in handy working on Hondas.
The end result was, there just wasn't enough clearance in most situations, especially in the engine bay. I hated having to go back to my box to grab a regular combo or ratchet/socket. So, I ended up returning the set a week ago for an in-store credit, especially after having the reversing mechanism on the 14mm go bad on me.

For MY purposes, I'll only be buying selectively, never buying a full set.

 

[Old Donn]

Don't any of you guys use regular combination wrenches anymore?

Absolutely. Always grab a regular first. But if I'm dealing with carpal tunnel inducing long fasteners and/or tight spaces, the ratcheting combo gets put to work as soon as the fastener's broken loose. U bolts on driveshafts and halfshafts for example, are much easier and quicker to deal with.

 

[dede2897234]

Gents,

A new Gearwrench model# 44006, 7 metric flex head (non-locking) ratcheting wrench set (sizes 10,12,13,14,15,17,19mm) just became available again for sale. The price for the set is $28.00 plus shipping. The Garage Journal classified ad is here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=38672. Please PM me if you are interested.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Bolster]

Maybe you've all figured out something I haven't, but the only GW configuration that makes sense to me is the double box.

If I need an open end, I'll reach for a traditional combination wrench.

I'm only aware of "straight" double box configurations.

 

[superautobacs]

Maybe you've all figured out something I haven't, but the only GW configuration that makes sense to me is the double box.

If I need an open end, I'll reach for a traditional combination wrench.

I'm only aware of "straight" double box configurations.

I agree with the double box.
I don't see why you'd need the open end when you obviously have enough clearance to use that bulky ratcheting head.
I personally think the combination types should come with a ring end instead of an open end...especially for those who are reluctant on the idea of breaking loose a tight fastener with the ratcheting end. That way there's no need to take two wrenches with you.
This should also be in a X-beam style for comfort.

I'm settled with purchasing a reversible, double box locking swivel. SK has one that's similar to it.

 

[r6_cannibal]

I only have the stubbies in straight non-reversing. I got them in a set of other tools I picked up on craigslist. I'm really quite fond of them when they're needed.

If I were to purchase a set, I'm with Bolster on the double box...If they came in offset or flex.

 

[speed bump]

I like my standard non reversible gearwrenches they do the job and generally save me from needing a ratchet or a combination wrench about 75% of the time.


Merk asking that question is like asking "Why doesn't everyone use a breaker bar instead of a ratchet?" and the answer is a superior tool came along and it saves me time and effort.