Why is the GearWrench 1/4 drive flex socket set so expensive?

[qqzj]

I recently bought a set of GW flex head sockets at a good price. This is the set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V5EG8G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Now I am trying to buy the corresponding set in 1/4 drive, and I am surprised to see that the price is very steep. It is not just Amazon. I cannot find a good deal anywhere.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UH2QI2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

As a reference, I got my 3/8 set from Advance Auto Parts for about $30 before tax after all the discounts. $75 is a bit more than I want to pay for the 1/4 set. (I searched on 3camel and the price is rarely below $60.) Then on Amazon I found a set by Astro Pneumatic for a lot less

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040Y62HC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It is only $33. Even though I tend to prefer GW in general, I have heard good things about AP as well and the review is very good. So I am wondering whether anyone can tell the quality difference between these two brands? And which one is a better buy? Thanks.

 

[lardy1]

There was an eBay seller with NAPA branded. The package says Apex. I got a fractional set for twenty dollars or so. I can't remember if they had metric.

 

[NewEdgePerf]

Capri tools had a set for around $50


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[vssjim]

https://www.jbtools.com/gearwrench-80311-12-piece-1-4-drive-6-point-flex-metric-socket-set/

jb tools free shipping 49.99 for 12 GearWrench Taiwan made sockets is a good price for that many sockets that are made well. I like Astro tools but China made sockets will be less costly.

 

[dnschmidt]

Astro sells an identical set. Astro rocks. 7412 metric, $33 7407 SAE $25.

 

[3footpipe]

https://www.tooldiscounter.com/prod...dr-12-pc-6-pt-metric-flex-socket-set-kdt80311

1/4 inch dr 12 pc 6 pt Metric FLEX Socket Set
Manufacturer: GearWrench

Manufacturer Part No.: 80311

Our Part No.: KDT80311

FREE GROUND SHIPPING

Price: $27.25

I have never ordered from tooldiscounter before. Maybe someone else could comment on whether they are a trustworthy site or not.

 

[qqzj]

Nice. Thanks. I bought it. I cannot believe a company like tool discounter still exists
No tax and free shipping. Like going back 3 years. The quality of GW stuff is very decent. Making flex sockets is harder than regular ones. It is not easy to machine the round part right. The 3/8 set I received are beautifully made. I hope the 1/4 set won't disappoint.

https://www.tooldiscounter.com/prod...dr-12-pc-6-pt-metric-flex-socket-set-kdt80311

1/4 inch dr 12 pc 6 pt Metric FLEX Socket Set
Manufacturer: GearWrench

Manufacturer Part No.: 80311

Our Part No.: KDT80311

FREE GROUND SHIPPING

Price: $27.25

I have never ordered from tooldiscounter before. Maybe someone else could comment on whether they are a trustworthy site or not.

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[3footpipe]

Back in May of 2018 I got both of the 3/8 sets for $40 at Advance Auto. Now it looks like we are both going to find out how good tooldiscounter is.
(Sucked in once again by The Garage Journal and I wasn't even surfing the Hot Deals forum.)

 

[qqzj]

Wait, there's a hot deal spot here?

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[qqzj]

Nevermind, I took a look. The hot deals section is not very attractive. I like to see simple and short exact deal. No patience to track down 300 post threads.

Wait, there's a hot deal spot here?

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[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I like Astro tools but China made sockets will be less costly.

They aren't made in China, they are made in Taiwan like all of our sockets.
Just another amazon sabotage we're going to have to file a complaint about to resolve. Nothing new.

I mean, do those look like features we would list?

 

[qqzj]

Gee, my post attracted attention from the manufacturer. I am honored. As an industry insider and expert, can you compare or tell me how to compare the quality of AP vs GW sockets? What do you mean by Amazon Sabotage? Thanks!

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[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Be careful buying on amazon I know a lot of people who have gotten knock off items I have never bought anything from amazon so I don’t know but everyone I have talked too says they have been scammed at least once with a knock off item


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[LB-1911]

What do you mean by Amazon Sabotage?

The Amazon link* you provided shows coo as China -

* https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8601194&postcount=1

When in fact coo is Taiwan

They aren't made in China, they are made in Taiwan like all of our sockets.
Just another amazon sabotage we're going to have to file a complaint about to resolve. Nothing new.

I mean, do those look like features we would list?

 

[qqzj]

Haha I see. Can't you ask Amazon to change it?

But seriously, how about the other question of mine? How would the manufacturers tell the quality of different socket sets? I mean they're a lot of Taiwan tool makers, or tools made in Taiwan. GW, Capri, AP, OEM tools etc. They cannot be of the same quality, right? How would you guys rank or compare the products? Also, some tools made in China by quality brands aren't so bad. How would you compare a GW made in Taiwan wrench with a made in China wrench?

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[Snapped-off]

I also bought that set along with another set i was looking at elsewhere that was a couple dollars cheaper.

I got an email this morning saying they canceled my order due to a credit issue. They sure had no problem charging the card though.

That will be my first and last order with them.

Nice. Thanks. I bought it. I cannot believe a company like tool discounter still exists
No tax and free shipping. Like going back 3 years. The quality of GW stuff is very decent. Making flex sockets is harder than regular ones. It is not easy to machine the round part right. The 3/8 set I received are beautifully made. I hope the 1/4 set won't disappoint.

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[qqzj]

What's the other set of tools you bought? Must be a good deal. Just curious. I bought a set of GW wrench before from TD. It was about $10 cheaper than others places. The set cost me $100. So the saving was not extreme. This time if I can get it, it would be a hefty discount since total amount is much smaller. I once almost bought a set of Martin body Hammers from them.

Will keep you posted. I got a truck load of GW. Kinda want to stay in the brand. If I have to pay like $60 for it, I might as well try AP.

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[HenryAZ]

TD is where I found the best price for my Associated 9425 battery charger. It appears they no longer carry that model, though.

 

[X1 Mike]

They aren't made in China, they are made in Taiwan like all of our sockets.
Just another amazon sabotage we're going to have to file a complaint about to resolve. Nothing new.

I mean, do those look like features we would list?

One day Amazon Prime delivery less than 40 bucks, thanks for stopping by and giving us the information you just made another sale.

 

[Snapped-off]

Kastar rethreading set, same one most of the brands relabel.

I think I'll give the Astro flex sockets a try. I'm pleased with their flex impact sockets.

What's the other set of tools you bought? Must be a good deal. Just curious. I bought a set of GW wrench before from TD. It was about $10 cheaper than others places. The set cost me $100. So the saving was not extreme. This time if I can get it, it would be a hefty discount since total amount is much smaller. I once almost bought a set of Martin body Hammers from them.

Will keep you posted. I got a truck load of GW. Kinda want to stay in the brand. If I have to pay like $60 for it, I might as well try AP.

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[matlok]

The Tektons are a little pricey but they look to be much more shallow b/c of the way the joint is designed - the pins on the universal are in the same plane vs stacked like on the GW. https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-universal-joint-socket-sets?quantity=1&set-range=6-14-mm


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[qqzj]

Tekton has an interesting design. The two pins are really close so it saves space. What are the pros and cons of the design? Why don't others use the design?

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[m6z]

Those Tekton swivels do look nice. I wish Tekton offered an option to buy their sockets loose. Those nice rails they come with have to add to the price.

 

[gungatim]

Haha I see. Can't you ask Amazon to change it?

But seriously, how about the other question of mine? How would the manufacturers tell the quality of different socket sets? I mean they're a lot of Taiwan tool makers, or tools made in Taiwan. GW, Capri, AP, OEM tools etc. They cannot be of the same quality, right? How would you guys rank or compare the products? Also, some tools made in China by quality brands aren't so bad. How would you compare a GW made in Taiwan wrench with a made in China wrench?

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you have to go on the Amazon vendor central portal and have specific access to the product catalog. likely only one person has the proper access, it's a PITA where I work to find the right person to edit details like that...

 

[BFHtime]

SK on sale right now ends today got it from big dog in another post. I made an order. Remember to use the coupon code also. Good deals and US made tools.

 

[X1 Mike]

SK on sale right now ends today got it from big dog in another post. I made an order. Remember to use the coupon code also. Good deals and US made tools.

Not helpful. What coupon code? Where are they on sale?

Links never hurt.

 

[qqzj]

TD sent it to me today via USPS.

I also bought that set along with another set i was looking at elsewhere that was a couple dollars cheaper.

I got an email this morning saying they canceled my order due to a credit issue. They sure had no problem charging the card though.

That will be my first and last order with them.

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[drtyler]

They are available individually:
https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-dri...kets?quantity=1&metric-size=10-mm&unit=metric

Those Tekton swivels do look nice. I wish Tekton offered an option to buy their sockets loose. Those nice rails they come with have to add to the price.

 

[vssjim]

They aren't made in China, they are made in Taiwan like all of our sockets.
Just another amazon sabotage we're going to have to file a complaint about to resolve. Nothing new.

I mean, do those look like features we would list?

Glad to hear that Amazon is wrong I really like Astro tools where ever you make them but Taiwan hand tools are top quality in my experience. Thanks again Chris for setting us straight. Thanks for always being on here to help us out also.

 

[Snapped-off]

Lucky you. I guess they just didn't want my money.

TD sent it to me today via USPS.

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[Fedwrench]

The Gearwrench price may seem high but, compare it to other brands and it's not that bad
Gearwrench and just about every other brand increased their prices recently and sales have dried up too. Possibly covid related

One thing I don't care for about lower priced swivel sockets is the amount of play they have. Grasp the socket end with one hand and the grab the square drive end with your other hand and pull/push inward and outward. See how much play you have in the two halves? that play creates a lot of slop when used.

Capri tools offers a pretty complete (includes both 5.5 & 15 mm sizes) that won't break the bank, even better on sale.

https://capritools.com/shop/1-4-drive-universal-socket-set-metric/

There are two things that I have mixed feelings about for this set. First, although the blow molded case is well made, the last thing I need is another case. I would rather have the set come on a rail. The second concern i have is that, if you click on the link above, and look at the picture showing the open set. the socket in the lower left corner is 10 mm. For some reason unknown to me, its socket is deeper than the other sockets in the set. I haven't had any access issues but, in a unique situation, it might not work as well as a shorter socket.

 

[nadogail]

Tools are sold for what a willing buyer will pay a wiling seller.

 

[qqzj]

Are they out of their mind? Half of the auto mechanics are collecting unemployment benefits now, how can they raise price? I need to give TD a hard look tomorrow to see any other good stuff is still available.

The Gearwrench price may seem high but, compare it to other brands and it's not that bad
Gearwrench and just about every other brand increased their prices recently and sales have dried up too. Possibly covid related

One thing I don't care for about lower priced swivel sockets is the amount of play they have. Grasp the socket end with one hand and the grab the square drive end with your other hand and pull/push inward and outward. See how much play you have in the two halves? that play creates a lot of slop when used.

Capri tools offers a pretty complete (includes both 5.5 & 15 mm sizes) that won't break the bank, even better on sale.

https://capritools.com/shop/1-4-drive-universal-socket-set-metric/

There are two things that I have mixed feelings about for this set. First, although the blow molded case is well made, the last thing I need is another case. I would rather have the set come on a rail. The second concern i have is that, if you click on the link above, and look at the picture showing the open set. the socket in the lower left corner is 10 mm. For some reason unknown to me, its socket is deeper than the other sockets in the set. I haven't had any access issues but, in a unique situation, it might not work as well as a shorter socket.

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[Snapped-off]

I ended up buying the Astro 1/4 flex set in MM and SAE off Amazon.

Tool Discounter never ended up responding to my email. I'll have to charge back the purchase if they don't end up refunding me like they stated. Seems kind of sketchy to me.

 

[qqzj]

I am pretty sure AP and GW sets both work well. It is mostly price and a little bit brand preference. I kinda hoped the AP representative will send me a set for comparison purpose. But the guy just disappeared [emoji23]

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[Snapped-off]

I am pretty sure AP and GW sets both work well. It is mostly price and a little bit brand preference. I kinda hoped the AP representative will send me a set for comparison purpose. But the guy just disappeared [emoji23]

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The Astro sets came in. I didn't really need the SAE set but at this price point let's be real... I had to pick them up. The foam trays are pretty nice but they'll be going on rails.

 

[ForrestT]

Nice looking AP set. I think I’ll go this route when I get a set in 1/4”.


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[X1 Mike]

Thanks to the response by the rep here I got my Astro Pneumatic metric set from Amazon yesterday. The foam holder is awesome and more importantly the tools look good quality and are easy to read. Hopefully I’ll be putting them to the test tomorrow.




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[Snapped-off]

Thanks to the response by the rep here I got my Astro Pneumatic metric set from Amazon yesterday. The foam holder is awesome and more importantly the tools look good quality and are easy to read. Hopefully I’ll be putting them to the test tomorrow.




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Yep, I didn't even think to check if Astro made these. Good thing Chris is such a great salesman!

 

[X1 Mike]

Yep, I didn't even think to check if Astro made these. Good thing Chris is such a great salesman!

Yeah, two sales off this thread isn't going to be enough for him to retire but this stuff snowballs. I truly would not have purchased them if he didn't post.