A GearWrench Set that works in tight places.
Written: Jan 09 '08 (Updated Jan 09 '08)
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Pros: Great for small places. Requires just a small amount of movement.
Cons: Needs to be removed to reverse.
The Bottom Line: Its hard to beat this set at the price that I paid for it. This set will make a wonderful addition to any tool set.
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| Steelfan's Full Review: Gear Wrench 8 pc. Stubby Wrench Set, SAE 44033 |
As much as I love my tools and gadgets, I love a good bargain even better. Back around late last summer, I ran into a deal that I could not pass up. An 8 Pc. Stubby GearWrench set for half price at Sears. The normal price of this set was $59.99 and it was on sale for $29.99. Any tool buyer will tell you that around $30 for any 8 pc. ratcheting wrench set would be a steal, but to make it better it was the originator of this type of tool, GearWrench. The idea was to put a ratcheting center in the box end of a regular wrench. This ratcheting center would only need movement of 5 percent or less to be effective. Since the original GearWrench set, there have been several variations and Craftsman has even bought the rights to this design. This 8 pc. Stubby GearWrench set is design to work in very tight areas with minimal movement area.
Nuts and Bolts.
This set has the most used standard sizes which include: 5/16”, 3/8”, 7/16”, !/2”, 9/16”, 5/8”, 11/16”, and 3/4” sizes. The actual length of the wrenches are about half of a normal sized wrench. Wrench lengths range from about 3 ½” long for the smallest to 5 ½” long for the largest. These wrenches are made of solid metal construction and are coated with Chrome Vanadium. To reverse the wrench you simply turn it over. One side tightens and the other side loosens. The set also comes with a handy wrench holder to make keeping this set together very easy. GearWrench’s warranty is one of the best in the business state that if it fails, they will send you a replacement free of charge for life.
What’s so special about this set?
I mainly bought this set for working on my mowing equipment and other tights spots that I may get into. The small size makes them perfect for using around engines and mower decks. Also the ability to move very small movements makes this set a heaven sent. The range of sizes is perfect for most common users and if you need metric sizes, they are also available. I have also made an unwritten rule about not buying tool set that do not come with some type of storage. The wrenches in this set fit securely into the holder and the holder fits nicely in most smaller sized tool boxes. As far as durability goes, I own several GearWrench sets and have yet to have a problem with any of them. The ratcheting ends on all of my wrenches are still not sloppy or worn with average use.
A word or two about uses.
As expected, you will find that this set does not have the leverage of a larger set. So you will still need a normal set of wrenches for some uses. The other addition that some GearWrench sets have that this one does not is the reversing lever. This lever allows you to loosen or tighten without taking the wrench off of the bolt or nut. That feature can be very helpful in extremely tight area where getting the wrench on the nut or bolt head is difficult.
All in all: For the price, I definitely got an excellent wrench set for my mechanical maintenance needs. This set along with the normal set of ratcheting wrenches will go a long way to filling my wrenching needs. There is nothing like finding a extremely useful product at a good price that will last you for a long time to come. I have seen this set at the same sale price several times since I bought mine, so next time you are in Sears or are looking for a good stubby wrench set check this one out. You can’t go wrong.
Thanks for checking out my reviews!!!
Steelfan
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 29.99
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Epinions.com ID:
Steelfan
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Member: Kent Dobson
Location: Central PA
Reviews written: 170
Trusted by: 182 members
About Me:
Casual Woodworker and Novice Handyman. Tools and Lawn/Garden are my favorite areas. Go Steelers!!!
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