Gear wrench ratchets how do they hold up/compare

RedBKM · May 6, 2013

I have not tried the 120XP myself but some coworkers have them and like them a lot. I use the GearRatchet (XL pass-thru) system and it works great. The arc is 5 degrees vs. 3 degrees on the 120XP. They advertise how thin the 120XP is but stick a deepwell on and compare it to what the gearratchet can do. No comparison. The 120XP should easily outlast the gearratchet in heavy applications however.

I have limited space on my truck and their organizer is very compact. Add in the fact that you dont need short/deep sockets and you save tons of space. I work on a lot of threaded rod projects and would not trade the GearRatchet for anything.

http://gearwrench.com/catalog/xl_pass-thru_system/gearratchet/

RCStocker · May 6, 2013

joedodge said:
Oh **** now were starting a coo war. I'm glad to hear they hold up I may add one to my box Wednesday been looking a while all my other ratchets are snap on but I just don't see the need to spend that kinda money I like there ratchets alot but I tho I I can do just as good for less

The bottom line is how they hold up. Not where they are made. That makes no difference. If it did all good tools would be make in one place. The US is only 320 million people against 6 or 7 billion people in the world. Do you think the worls is only using Made in the USA tool?

I have been using Gearwrench tools sense they came out and have never had one go bad. They seem to be one of the better tools for the money along with SK. You can find some great deals on Armstorng tools as well. What do I know. I only have 160 ratchets and 59 sets of wrenches and that is here in California and does not include what I have back on the farm in Indiana. I own it all and The Craftsman have never let me down. The Sk are made a little better and the rest are over priced!

SuzukiGS750EZ · May 6, 2013

I bought the 4 piece set. All flex heads. 3/8 stubby, 3/8 long, 1/4 and 1/2 drives. They have worked awesome in shop and at home. I actually JUST took them apart after 2 years to clean and grease them thoroughly. Very easy to work on. And they're sealed at the selection switch on back and under the plate on the head.

joedodge · May 6, 2013

Glad to hear that everyone loves them I haven't pulled the trigger just yet. I fondled one on the truck the other day. I'm fighting off the urge to but a snap on since all of my other ratchets are snap on.

Loscaldazar · May 6, 2013

homesale said:
Gearwrench 120XP ratchets vs. Craftsman premium ratchets: Which one is better and why?

120XP. They really, really, really are fantastic ratchets. Smooth, and have taken everything I have thrown at them. I've got some Matco ratchets that pale in comparison to them. Not to mention half the price for the set when talking about CMAN Premium.

ssentt · May 6, 2013

I always wondered about the 84 tooth version. Gearwrench advertises that the fine (F) version tests to 200% (+/-10%) of the ANSI specification for strength. Whatever that number is? From what I have read the 84 tooth version it is suppose to be stronger than the 120XPs. I have yet to see that rating applied to the 120XPs version of their ratchets. Fox run tools seems to be the cheapest when it comes to the KD/gearwrench ratchets though.

joedodge · May 11, 2013

Just got the 84 tooth bent handle flex head from the truck yesterday and used it a lil bit at work yesterday it seems like a nice stout ratchet switches directions great and feels nice dont know if I will like the detents in the flex head but it'll be ok

DirtRoad · May 11, 2013

Just received my 84t three piece set. Nicest ratchets I've ever set my hands on. Really wanted the 120xp set but I was being cheap. The cheapest 120xp set was $96 plus shipping. The 84t (f) set was $60 with free shipping.

Btw, amazon has the best prices on gearwrench.

joedodge · May 11, 2013

Very cool glad to hear so far I'm very impressed

ihateminimumwage · May 11, 2013

joedodge said:
...dont know if I will like the detents in the flex head but it'll be ok

That's actually why I bought my 3/8" after getting my 1/4". I wasn't a fan of my Matco locking flex after one use where either the head is locked in place, or it just slides around with any pressure if unlocked. The detent ball definitely helps keep the head in place better than a tension screw when I have an extension and deep socket on it trying to get to a better spot, and then can move the handle without fumbling for a lock.
I am a fan.

joedodge · May 11, 2013

Didn't think about that scenario I'm liking it so far can wait to use it this week I think ill be bringing it back and forth between both shops and reay test it out

wrh3 · May 11, 2013

I have yet to break any Gearwrench tool, and I was an early adopter back in the mid 90's when they released their ratcheting combination wrenches under the KD Tools name. I was a skeptic then but the local mom and pop store I bought them at (long since gone) told me if I wasn't satisfied after 30 days to bring them back and he would give me my money back. After being more than satisfies I continued to buy more Gearwrench brand tools and have a decent amount of them now. My Gearwrench ratchets are my go to ratchets- easy to replace under warranty if they do break but so far so good.

FWIW, I find their Taiwan stock to be better than their newer Chinese made items which I have very few of.

eriksalo · Jul 14, 2013

Update on the Gearwrench 120xp

The Gearwrench 120XP has become my new favorite ratchet. Super smooth and strong! Very low ratchet back force so it's good to use when you are running a bolt in.

My poor snap on F80 (my previous favorite) is in danger of rusting. Haven't reached for it since I got the 120xp. The snap on feels crude compared to the gear wrench. I felt the same way when I upgraded from my Craftsman ratchets to the F80. Big differences.

Will post an update if I manage to break the thing but don't hold your breath.

I'm going to go order a 1/4" version to replace my current little snap on.

MrKriez · Jul 15, 2013

NC-Fordguy pretty much hit the nail right on the head. In a way it's funny how some people are all "It has to be USA made" when it comes to their tools. Yet when it comes to an automobile they buy an American brand that is assembled in either Canada or Mexico. Yet they won't consider something like a Toyota that is assembled here in the USA. They will say "well at least the money is going to a company that is based here in the USA." Just an observation from me. I prefer a USA made tool, however I do own the 120 tooth GearWrench ratchets (1/4", 3/8", and 1/2"), I have a set of Mitutoyo calipers, some Knipex pliers and cutters, a cheap set of China made 1-2-3 blocks since what I use them for I could not justify paying for a USA made set.

Gear wrench ratchets how do they hold up/compare

RedBKM

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RCStocker

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SuzukiGS750EZ

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joedodge

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Loscaldazar

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ssentt

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joedodge

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DirtRoad

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joedodge

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ihateminimumwage

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joedodge

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wrh3

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eriksalo

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MrKriez

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