Gearwrench, a well known mid-level mechanics tool line (here are more of our Gearwrench tool posts), has come out with new impact socket sets and air impact wrenches. This comes as somewhat of a surprise, at least to me, since Gearwrench seems to have been solely focused on hand tools.
They also offer a couple of tool storage options, but when I think Gearwrench, only hand tools – mostly automotive tools – come to mind.
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The new sockets are made from impact-grade Cr-Mo steel (chrome molybdenum alloy) for strength and durability, and are coated with a corrosion-resistant finish.
Each socket has both laser-etched and hard-stamped markings, for the best of both worlds. Laser-etched markings can be easier on the eyes, but can wear away with time and heavy use. Hard-stamped markings are pretty much permanent.
Gearwrench engineered the sockets with their Surface Drive profile, which they say virtually eliminates the rounding of fasteners. Other socket and wrench manufacturers have similar technologies, which usually do well to engage fasteners on their flats instead or right at their corners.
All of these sockets feature holes for retention pins. Gearwrench also makes pinless universal impact sockets.
The new product line includes 9 different impact socket sets:
- 84919N: 25 pc 3/8″ 6pt SAE standard and deep BUY
- 84925N: 29 pc 3/8″ 6pt metric standard and deep BUY
- 84947N: 39 pc 1/2″ 6pt SAE standard and deep BUY
- 84948N: 39 pc 1/2″ 6pt metric standard and deep BUY
- 84949N: 27 pc 1/2″ 6pt SAE and metric deep BUY
- 84923N: 7 pc 3/8″ 6pt SAE deep universal BUY
- 84924N: 10 pc 3/8″ 6pt metric deep universal BUY
- 84943N: 10 pc 1/2″ 6pt SAE deep universal BUY
- 84945N: 10 pc 1/2″ 6pt metric deep universal BUY
Each set comes with a blow molded case or plastic socket clip rail. Amazon (via 3rd party sellers) and other retailers have started carrying the new Gearwrench impact socket sets.
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Keep in mind that the universal sets are still 6pt sockets. They don’t have universal spline-type profiles, but instead have pivoting universal joints that allow for angled access. With a universal joint socket, you don’t have to engage a fastener from directly head-on.
Gearwrench has also come out with 3 new air impact wrenches:
These new 80-series impact wrenches feature twin-hammer impact mechanisms for added durability, a variable speed trigger, and high efficiency air motor. They’re designed for professional automotive repair, and also “light industrial” applications.
Gearwrench says that their new 80-series impact wrenches can deliver “almost 100 ft-lbs more max torque than any other air impact wrenches,” and that they offer “market-leading performance.”
What’s interesting is that Gearwrench offers a 60-day risk-free trial. You’ll probably have to check with your local Gearwrench dealer for details.
A search for product specs shows that the 3/8″ impact wrench delivers up to 510 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque, the 1/2″ delivers up to 1100 ft-lbs, and the 3/4″ delivers up to 1500 ft-lbs.
I just checked the specs for the newish Ingersoll Rand 2235 Ti Max 1/2″ impact wrench ($~263 via Amazon), and it’s said to deliver up to 930 ft-lbs of max reverse torque, and up to 1350 ft-lbs of “nut-busting” torque.
Before you buy an air or cordless impact wrench for automotive applications based solely on torque ratings, keep in mind that different brands sometimes adhere to different testing and ratings standards.
It’s good to see Gearwrench expanding into new territory, especially since other brands are trying to move further into the automotive tool business. Dewalt launched a new line of automotive-focused air tools and then expanded their air tool offerings, all last year. Dewalt has also kicked off another round of mechanics hand tools.
I find myself wondering whether Gearwrench’s next step will be to come out with more air tools, such as an air ratchet or two, or perhaps they’ll wander into the cordless power tool business.
BikerDad
Do you know whether these are being sourced from Taiwan or China? Or perhaps elsewhere?
DM
The country of origin is China.
Daisy
Does your comany have 186 socket sets from China?which includes 186 pcs accessories?
mizzourob
I guess this might mean new craftsman impact sockets, and therefore a sales (clearence?) on existing inventory?
When I think of Gearerench I think of OEM for Craftsman, Husky, and Kobalt. I am not 100% certain but these store specific labels sure look and feel the same and the same a Gearwrench with minor cosmmetic changes (most notable being the red/blue rjngs on Kobalt for SAE and Metric).
Zachary
Gearwrench is not a big supplier for those brands. Apex (they own gearwrench) makes some stuff for husky and craftsman but most of what is rebranded is not gear wrench stuff. The chinese made ratcheting wrenches that go on sale for $50 for 22 are shared between gearwrench,craftsman and husky. Besides that there is not much overlap.
Stuart
Gearwrench is a step above Craftsman these days.
The only Gearwrench-made tools under Craftsman branding are the ones that originally had KD Tools branding before the brand was more or less absorbed into Gearwrench.
Danaher used to be an OEM for Kobalt but that was before Kobalt’s switch to a said-to-be better overseas supplier a few years ago.
I don’t think Gearwrench or Apex Tools are OEMs for Husky tools.
Zachary
On the garage journal there was someone with a dual stamped matco silver eagle socket/husky. Matco is part of apex. Apex makes husky ratchets and sockets, the craftsman extreme grip ratchet is apex as well,same design as the husky. The 22 piece sets ratcheting wrench sets are the same, even the packaging is identical and are china coo.
Hang Fire
This is the prevailing wisdom, that GW is better than modern Craftsman. However the GW ratcheting wrenches I purchased 3 years ago were made in China not Taiwan, and the chrome is coming off of the most-used wrenches already (and they are lightly used).
It also annoys me that KD Tools’ lineup was cannibalized in order to create the Gearwrench line. Seriously, every GW part number starts with KDT and has the same number as the old KD stuff. I have a bunch of the old Pennsylvania made KD Tools and while they were only mid-market for their time, they were good solid tools.
Nathan
Who is the parent to gearwrench?
I’ve never bought their stuff because made in china – but I will say they make what appears to be quality stuff. I know people that use them.
Zachary
Most of their stuff is taiwan. The apex tool group owns gearwrench.
Stuart
Apex Tool Group. You can see a list of Apex Tool Group’s tool brands here: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/tool-brands-corporate-affiliations/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Prior to the formation of Apex Tool Group, Gearwrench was owned by Danaher, along with Matco, Armstrong, and a couple of other well-regarded mechanics and hand tool brands.
Daisy
You know Sears Holding?They also import stuff from Our China. Our Factory is also cooperating with them.Lower cost than Taiwai,same quality.they prefer to choose us .
Erik
Good to see gearwrench is coming out with some more tools the quality seems to be pretty decent (made in Taiwan mostly) compared to other top of the line mechanics hand tools (snap-on, matco, Mac, Cornwell, sk, etc).
I might be mistaking but their socket set’s look pretty much the same as “sunex” impact socket set’s.
Harry
I don’t know. I was proud of Gearwrench when they launched their pinless impact swivel socket sets last year that were US made and basically the same as Matco/Armstrong/Craftsman versions. However, looking at their new swivel impact sockets above I’m seeing rebadged Sunex to me. Pinned impact swivels with collars and gone are the unique Gearwrench sizes markings. As for the impact wrenches, I believe they’re rebadged Cleco impacts (also an Apex brand)
http://www.clecotools.com/airimpactwrench/
Gearwrench is actually releasing 6 impact wrenches, 3 premium impact and 3 value impact wrenches. I’m sure Gearwrench will have their new goodies at SEMA next month to fondle.
Al
Glad to see some deep impact sockets. Saw some on a tool truck but for 50$ per socket … no thanks.
Odd that nobody has thought to make deep or semi deep impact sockets, well in the lower market at least. Gearwrench is a first for me.
Chris
I have 4 of these sets 1/4, 3/8,and the 2 1/2 inch deep the finish on these sockets is not very good at all after using the 3/8 set one time while it was snowing and they already started to rust. I have other brand impacts that cost half or better that have never rusted after years of use in many wet conditions. They are nice sets just a little disappointed for the $$