Who do we like for ratcheting wrenches? I have a few GearWrench made examples and like them well enough to look for a complete set of SAE & Metrics. A mechanic friend has an American Craftsman set that are reversible like a ratchet and I would like that same feature. Would prefer American made, if such a product exists outside the Snap-on catalog.

I have several GearWrench models, they are fine for the weekend mechanic.

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Originally posted by apf383:
I have several GearWrench models, they are fine for the weekend mechanic.

^^This. My employer gave us a set of metric and SAE a few years ago for Christmas. They are good tools. Using a standard wrench to break bolts loose before going to the GearWrench, will extend the life of the tool I believe.

Gearwrench these days. Good value, solid for weekend work.

The GearWrench brand is OK if you don't beat on them too hard. Where most people go wrong is using them to break bolts loose. It's essentially a miniaturized ratchet and the internals are only but so strong. Even a heavy duty ratchet will fail if you whale on it vs. using a breaker bar. As long as you break bolts with a regular end wrench and use the GearWrench for turning they'll last.

I've got several sets and had no failures over the years. If you wrench for a living there's better out there but for most people the basic GearWrench is sufficient.

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Originally posted by Audioholic:
The GearWrench brand is OK if you don't beat on them too hard. Where most people go wrong is using them to break bolts loose. It's essentially a miniaturized ratchet and the internals are only but so strong. Even a heavy duty ratchet will fail if you whale on it vs. using a breaker bar. As long as you break bolts with a regular end wrench and use the GearWrench for turning they'll last.

My GearWrenches are combination: the ratcheting box at one end and an open end wrench at the other end.

GearWrench manufactures them for Ace-branded and Craftsman-branded versions as well, available at your local Ace Hardware store.

I have a set of Craftsmen I bought several years ago during a Christmas sale. They have been fine for working on my own cars.

I have a set of 7 SAE, rachet on one end and standard box on the other. I also have individual ones (metric and SAE) that I've bought as needed, some with the flex head. Pretty sure they are all Gear Wrench. No issues with any.

I have a set of metric and SAE 'Husky' brand from Home Depot, and they've served me well as a weekend warrior.

GearWrench has worked great for me and my sons weekend mechanic tasks. Like othes here mentioned, we don't use them to break really tough nuts loose. Slickdeals has deals on these regularly from various places. We scored a couple of nice sets from Advance Auto at 50% off.

Just make sure you keep them lubed. I had a couple that got wet from working on a loader in the rain. I had wiped the wrenches dry but didn't get into the ratchet gear, let sit and guess what rusted freed up after a shot WD40. Chris

Suggestion: Buy the ratchet wrenches but also buy a set of swivel headed ratchet wrenches too. Buy the thinnest set you can get. Thin is good. This advice coming from a guy that works on his own Porsche.

Sorry, forgot to add a link
Wrenches

The swivel heads are great when you need them... a pain in the ass the rest of the time.

I have two sets of Husky's, but have three sets of Pittsburgh ones from Harbor Freight. Originally I bought one set of those just to try, to see if they were worth buying a good set. I'm still using them and as I said, bought more. I've beat on them. And I mean literally, probably the worst thing you can do with a ratcheting wrench, hitting them with a 3lb hammer. I figure if they broke I'd replace them, but they held up fine. Nice time I'm down there I will grab another set of SAE swivels.

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Originally posted by cas:
The swivel heads are great when you need them... a pain in the ass the rest of the time.

100% agree with that statement. Most of the time they're the wrong tool. When you do need them there's no substitute.

I have a set of the reversible Craftsman and a set of Snap On. The Craftsman are fine.

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Originally posted by 2012BOSS302:
I have a set of the reversible Craftsman and a set of Snap On. The Craftsman are fine.

Would go with the Craftsman myself, but they are no longer American made and I have heard much bashing of the quality of their recent imports.
Will give the gearwrench sets a look. I saw a couple larger sets I may give a look as well.

I have a set of Wera Joker ratcheting wrenches. They are absolutely FANTASTIC when you need them. I own a few other Wera tools and they are all incredible quality.

I also own a set of Snap-on metric ratcheting combination wrenches. They work well for many tasks, but every once in a while, I find the Weras invaluable.

https://smile.amazon.com/Wera-...ieces/dp/B00BT0AYG0/

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Originally posted by wolfe 21:
Would go with the Craftsman myself, but they are no longer American made

I understand, I would only get a US made set if you can find one. SK, Proto, Armstrong are some others. Spend some time on ebay and there are several different sets there.

quote:

Originally posted by 2012BOSS302:

quote:

Originally posted by wolfe 21:
Would go with the Craftsman myself, but they are no longer American made

I understand, I would only get a US made set if you can find one. SK, Proto, Armstrong are some others. Spend some time on ebay and there are several different sets there.

That wrench is the same exact wrench as the Gear Wrenches brand I have, just has Craftsman stamped on it.

Craftsman for me but this is when they were still US made tools. I wouldn't buy them today as they're still US price but made in China. I don't mind Chinese tools as long as it comes with a Chinese price.