First Impressions! GEARWRENCH 44-Piece vs Milwaukee 43-Piece Impact Socket Sets

[@MetaloopDIY]

Since publishing this video, the sets have gone on Black Friday sale again. As of 11/24 the Gearwrench set is on sale on Amazon for $78 and the Sunex set is $65. I hope this helps! Gearwrench set on sale at Amazon for $78: amzn.to/3CB9DS1 Sunex set on sale at Amazon for $65: amzn.to/42ur0yt

[@tpp4007]

Those complaining about 20mm and up, you need to use a 1/2 impact socket, not 3/8. Stop using the 3/8 in your lug nuts from your tires, it’s intended for engine work, not tire work. 1/2 impacts are for tire work! The Milwaukee is a great set if you really work on cars.

[@MetaloopDIY]

Generally agree but with tools like the Gen 3 M12 Stubby now available and having crazy breakaway torque, you could almost get away with just using 3/8 on everything, especially if you're a DIYer and only own a sedan or small SUVs. Appreciate the comment and sharing your thoughts!

[@BamaEsco334]

Not if you got the new m12 stubby that thing got some tq

[@mikedewsberry1774]

Amen to that like impact socket are for power tools and chrome for hand tools

[@darrenhenderson7076]

Chrome moly is what you want when it comes to impact sockets not only will they last longer instead of socket exploding it will bend and crack and not shoot chunks in your face

[@ashleyriggs8614]

I bought the GW set and love it. They are holding up great.

[@MetaloopDIY]

Hi Ashley, awesome, especially if you left this comment to let me know that my video helped you make that decision. I love learning I might have made something that helped out others. Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and leave a comment. Please consider subscribing to catch my future tool impression and DIY videos! www.youtube.com/@mldiy?sub_confirmation=1

[@johnfreeman3617]

Make sure any impact socket set you buy has the size STAMPED on it. I have seen the laser etch and painted sizes get scratched away with heavy use.

[@MetaloopDIY]

Good tip, thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@moparfanboy]

It’s blizzard that a company that makes 600 ft-lbs 3/8 impact wrench doesn’t make 3/8 socket sizes above 19mm. By now, it should be industry standard to offer 3/8 up to 24mm

[@MetaloopDIY]

I wonder if the 3/8 drive square just can't handle the mass of larger sockets. But, I generally agree with you that it would be great to just have one impact covering 99% of typical use cases. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@YuckFou0x0FFFF]

Tf are you working on where you need a 3/8s 24mm 😂 I've been working on cars 10+ years and this thought has never crossed my mind once

[@Group_Anonymous]

I wondered the same thing until I remembered I bought a brand new 1/2 impact set (10-27mm) I forgot I purchased the set😂😂

[@darrellmitchell6056]

20mm socket fits perfectly on f150 lugnuts

[@zachroether5636]

I bought the Milwaukee set just recently... wish it had the 21, and wish it's case had the removable lay flat inner case (that can be put into a tool drawer) such as Milwaukee's chrome ratchet sets. Either brand should have included a "void" space for those few extra sockets/adapters of misc. variety that you may end up adding in...

[@MetaloopDIY]

Hi Zach, an empty space would be such a good idea! I wish the Packout versions weren't so piecemeal with so many skips. Maybe they will figure out an impact socket master set in a Packout box? That would be sick--and probably like $500! I have to hit you with the obligatory hustle, I hope you'll consider subscribing. I promise I'll buy that master set and review it if it comes out, ha. Thanks again for taking the time to watch and comment! www.youtube.com/@mldiy?sub_confirmation=1 🙏

[@ZERONEINNOVATIONS]

White lettering looks super useful!!

[@MetaloopDIY]

The more I use impact sockets, the more I wish every brand just painted their numbering white. It only takes a couple more seconds to find the right socket without it, but man does it feel like those seconds add up to a lot of time wasted!

[@ZERONEINNOVATIONS]

@@MetaloopDIY ikr! especially when I'm on the creeper under the car, trying to switch the socket for transmission bolt.

[@djmark7766]

Keep both of them and they're worth the money in the weight and goes

[@MetaloopDIY]

Hard to disagree with the wisdom!

[@christopherbrown6493]

Owned the Gearwrench set for almost 2 years before it was stolen. Good socket set, no real frills or anything but it worked great. Worth the cost as long as it stays below $75.

[@MetaloopDIY]

Sorry to hear your set got stolen, Christopher. What did you end up replacing it with?

[@christopherbrown6493]

@@MetaloopDIY I ended up going with Wright impact sockets, a little pricey but so far they are good. I work on industrial equipment so I wanted something a little more heavy duty.

[@MetaloopDIY]

@@christopherbrown6493 That's awesome. The torque test channel also gave Wright combination wrenches a place in their top 10 for 2022. I need to check out Wright products. Thanks for the comment!

[@christopherbrown6493]

@@MetaloopDIY Get them and never look back. Best wrenches I have ever used.

[@Bmxr1991]

I am currently in the process of trying to decide on the GR impact set or the Milwaukee. What are your thoughts?

[@mariachiforhire3546]

Sunex has the master set for $150 with swivel sockets

[@MetaloopDIY]

Gearwrench and Sunex sets are both on sale. Maybe it being about $25 less than the Milwaukee set will be your tie breaker? See my pinned comment for links to Amazon

[@MetaloopDIY]

I saw this and it was very tempting, but the Sunex 42-piece set is only $65 right now on amazon. Not sure if swivels and some longer extensions are worth like $85 more. Let me know if you pull the trigger on it

[@PlasmaJunkie]

If they don’t put a dollop of glue between the cardboard in the case, then how do they keep it from sliding off?

[@MetaloopDIY]

You're right, there is/was a dollop of glue holding the GW cardboard casing. I did a little movie magic to make the edit more seamless. Good catch!

[@ddreese]

I went all in on the Milwaukee impact socket sets, including the 1/2" sets. I wouldn't use a 3/8" drive impact on lugnuts, so the lack of a 21mm socket doesn't bother me; it's innthen1/2" set anyway.

[@MetaloopDIY]

Hi Don! I'm stuck on wanting the 1/2" Impacts to be in one "master set" but they split the deep and shallows into their own sets. Did you splurge and get the Packout versions? Those seem very nice. The callout for 3/8" 21mm is because the Torque Test Channel discovered the M12 3/8" Stubby Impact had more torque than the 1/2" version (and both definitely have enough to break loose lug nuts on cars and light trucks), so a DIYer could get away with just having that as their single impact wrench and could have paired it with Milwaukee sockets. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I hope my future videos might be interesting for you as well. Leaving this subscribe link so it's an easy two clicks for you: www.youtube.com/@mldiy?sub_confirmation=1

[@ddreese]

@@MetaloopDIY I bought the 43-piece 3/8" set first through Amazon, then got the 29-piece 1/2" Metric Deep set on a deal from Zoro. I wanted as complete a set as I could get. I jumped on the $99 deal at Home Depot during the holiday sales for the 1/2" Deep SAE, even though it was missing two of the sockets from the complete set, then ordered those two pieces from Zoro. Saved a significant amount by doing that, and the case had the open slots for the two missing pieces (3/8" and 1 1/2"). Stacked a cash-back deal top. I don't know if I have a need for the shallows, but I'm looking at them. I'm not into Packout yet, strictly a home garage DIY guy, and don't have a compelling need for it. Yet. C-A-L Ranch was having some pretty good sales on Tekton including their impact stuff. I picked up a vise for less than $20 that Den of Tools called out on his channel.

[@ddreese]

I'm also questioning why Milwaukee doesn't offer a 'complete' set of each type, or at least 'completer' sets that would give you what was missing in the basic sets. You can buy a 'complete' set of Metric 1/2" deep, but not the shallow. You can buy an almost complete set of 1/2" SAE deep, but they leave out the 1 9/16". They only offer incomplete sets of the shallow for both, and you're stuck hunting down the missing sockets elsewhere. And no storage solution for 'complete' sets. My OCD goes nuts.

[@MetaloopDIY]

@@ddreese Couldn't agree more, it's so hard to jump in and still have to cobble together the full set. I'm the same OCD and it's really pushing me toward Tekton/Sunex since they do a better job of having Master Sets. I enjoy the conversation, thanks again for your comments!

[@mikey358976]

Both are very good impact socket set, but not that many extensions, The best impact socket set so far I seen, is the new Quinn 48pc 3/8 impact socket set price at $99.99 with 3 extension. Were the Gearwrench 44pc impact socket set with 2 extensions is priced at $101.99 may be less at some places. And the Milwaukee 3/8 43pc impact socket set is priced $199.99 reg. And only has one 3"in extension. Overall I would go with the Quinn

[@MetaloopDIY]

Mikey, really appreciate your comment and it's a great call out. I think when I filmed and edited this video, the set had just come out (I believe the 1/2" set came out a couple months back but the 3/8" set came out mid-Nov). Definitely feels like the way to go if you want extensions. I still see the Milwaukee 43pc set available at Home Depot for $99. I still think they look really nice and the big painted labels make them stand out. People already deep in team Red may just want to stay brand true. But I wish you posted a couple days ago, people could have used the 10/20% insider coupon to get this set for 80 bucks! I'm going to do more videos like this, I hope you come back and discuss more with me on future videos. Here's a quick link to subscribe to save you a click. Thank you so much for your time and feedback! www.youtube.com/@mldiy?sub_confirmation=1

[@taintoolreview4188]

The Milwaukee set looks nicer…with the Gearwrench coming with the 21 and a better wobble, the Gearwrench seems to be the better set.

[@MetaloopDIY]

I agree. It's hard to argue for the Milwaukee set objectively.

[@judgehelbig2347]

I bought the Milwaukee and really enjoy the set. I agree either would though.

[@MetaloopDIY]

I appreciate the feedback and thank you for watching!

[@TEXASBOY98]

I picked up the Milwaukee set for $80 with $20 off $100 coupon from Northern Tool

[@matthewla16]

Same 😂 I absolutely love my Milwaukee set too

[@K0LLYW00D]

I got the Husky 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. Drive Master Impact Socket Set (108-Piece) $229.00

[@MetaloopDIY]

That looks like a great pick up. Thanks for sharing. What sizes does the 1/2" set cover?

[@gasmantv93]

considering milwaukee $84 right now todays deal im getting that😅

[@MetaloopDIY]

That's a great deal, I wish I saw this earlier to help promote it! Thanks for the heads up.

[@gasmantv93]

@mldiy they should do it again it's been going up n down

[@DSGLABEL]

I avoid Milwaukee at all cost. I feel they over charge. I grabbed the Sunex 3/8 Master Set on Amazon Black Friday for $160. Couldn't be happier.

[@MetaloopDIY]

That Sunex Master set is a good pickup. How are the swivel sockets? I feel like I ended up piecemealing together something comparable with Gearwrench sets, but I'm definitely lacking long impact rated extensions like the Sunex set has. Thank you again for your comments and great seeing your name on two separate videos.

[@DSGLABEL]

@@MetaloopDIY No problems.

[@harlanborders943]

GR was on sale at TSC for 79$

[@MetaloopDIY]

Did you pick it up? I see the Gearwrench set is still available on Amazon for $61 which is less than I paid. I expect it to go through (cyber) Monday.

[@harlanborders943]

@@MetaloopDIY yes

[@MacAutoDiag]

Bro couldn't even get 2 minutes into the video without whining about some glue on a toolbox. Bro put the tools down and pick up knitting for goodness sake🤣

[@MetaloopDIY]

So which one do you like more? I appreciate you commenting on my two year old video. Feels good that people are still finding it.

[@darrellmitchell6056]

No 20mm sockets...

[@mrcokez1]

@ 4:10 LOL

[@MetaloopDIY]

Thank you! You made my day. I've waited 9 months for someone to notice the edit and laugh at my stupidity. 😅😂

[@moseshancock3336]

Keep both of them red for your red tools. Gear wrench for your gr tools . 🔧

[@MetaloopDIY]

These are wise words, indeed!

[@rodneybugher9312]

Ditch that Gearwrench set, Lack of roll stamping is not excusable.

[@MetaloopDIY]

You're right, the Milwaukee set is really nice. At the time I didn't like that the sizes only went to 19. I might check out the newer Packout compatible set, it's only deep sockets but if I recall goes up to 24mm. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment!

[@darrenhenderson7076]

I like gear wrench but that impact set there any shiny set stay away from I've seen them explode many many many time now Milwaukee is a good set but craftsmen will last you a lifetime and Lowes trades them out no questions asked

[@MetaloopDIY]

The Gear Wrench set is chrome moly too, they just finished it to be glossy. But yes, I'm totally with you to not use regular sockets with an impact! Thanks for watching and truly do appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@moguerlain7158]

8 mm to 19 mm it’s not worth it

[@MetaloopDIY]

GW has a 21 mm too

[@C10CRZN]

Yeah if you are using air u don’t want that wobbly flying off and knocking out your teeth like the gear wrench one would

[@MetaloopDIY]

To be fair to Gearwrench, it was my own fault for not lining up the ball detent to the notch on the socket to hold it in place. I don't recall if the Milwaukee set needed to be lined up to stay on or if its a snugger fit. I'll have to go to the garage in check. But yes, if one is busy and can't always take the time to line things up, it's something to consider between the sets.

[@andrewhendricks4629]

I can tell your a diy guy not so mechanical inclined

[@MetaloopDIY]

Hi Andrew, everyone has to start somewhere on the knowledge journey. I feel like I've learned a lot in the five months I've posted this video. Now I'm 20+ videos in making DIY car guides and having fun unboxing and sharing thoughts on tools I bought, I'm proud to say I agree with you and feel like the more I learn, the more I need to learn. How did you build your knowledge and become so mechanically inclined? I welcome a chance to learn from you too. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will watch my more recent videos and give me more feedback!