GearWrench 9602N Metric Wrench Set Tool Review -EricTheCarGuy

[@JeffMuzerolle]

You're getting so damn good at making videos Eric. I've been watching your videos for over a year now and I gotta say you have come a long way...not that you weren't always great!! Much congrats on your success and keep up the great work!! Cheers from L.A.!

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

Holy crap idk what I'd do without my set of sae and met cornwell ratchet wrenches. Very professional review!!

[@samjohnson466]

Good review Eric. I have been using these wrenches since they first came on the market. I still have all them and none have broken, even when I thought they would. A word of caution, don't go cheap and get the ones without the direction lever. I had a set from early on without levers, you can back a bolt off and trap the wrench, without lever you can't reverse. Now you lose time trying to beat it out with a hammer and punch.

[@eldoradony]

I have been using Gear Wrench wrenches for years and I love them. Just a pointer: if you plan on buying a set get the double box end set. You probably already have the open ends and you will save some money. The double box ends don't have the switch lever and they are flat rather than having the offset.

[@veganlogic4empathy]

So many videos I would think..."I really wish Eric was using a GearWrench". Now here we go. Happy for you Eric.

[@chrisorbics]

I was at a yard sale and I got the Straight set brand new for $35. My set has no switch and they are extra long. Great set that I use all of the time. I got a MasterCraft Two-Pocket Wrench Roll-Up pouch for them which fits a lot more than just this set. It works great for me because I am always on the go. The wrench holder that came with the set is great but way too big for most tool boxes. I use mine for breaking bolts loose. Sears will replace them under warrantee. Great review

[@ericthecarguy]

You're right, I don't get paid for these reviews outside of the tools themselves. That's just fine with me. Also, thiis type of video has been a long standing request from many viewers as you point out.

[@666mrjimbo]

YES WE DO LOVE UNBOXING NEW TOOLS ! CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH TOOLS

[@B1G5L1M]

This is a good set of wrenches-I picked mine up from the Matco guy about 2 years ago for $175. Only issue I had with the set was the 24mm jammed up-however my Matco dealer warrantied it out no problem. I have been using these almost daily since I purchased them with no other issues.

[@motocharles4208]

I have a smaller set of these and love them. I'm all for supporting Eric and his sponsors, but I feel compelled to point out that this set can be had _much_ more affordably if you do some shopping around.

[@squirrely69]

Gear wrench makes a quality tool for the price. I've got the flex-head ratchet wrench from 8-25mm. As well as numerous ratchets. Daily use this past year and they are still like new.

[@ShopDog-Garage]

I have used ratcheting wrenches from several manufacturers for years, and I really like them. Just don't use the ratchet for breaking hard fasteners loose. Some of the ones I have are made by gearwrench, and I really like the switch for work in tight areas where you have a hard time getting the wrench on. Sometimes it is handy to loosen/tighten a fastener as you are working some penetrating oil in, and the switch makes it much easier than the kind of ratcheting wrenches you need to flip over.

[@AamirZ]

Yep. Best place for them is in tight spots. I had to tighten a heat shield above an exhaust and my gearwrench was a massive help. Using a standard wrench would have taken me ages with the exhaust being in the way.

[@quadruple_negative]

Ever since I got my Sidchrome ratchet spanner set, I have pretty much stopped using my 1/2" drive set. Best idea ever.

[@mickeydee3595]

How have the sidchromes aged?

[@AGuysGarage]

thank you for including the price of the tool that you are reviewing. I didn't throw up in my mouth this time because i knew what to expect. hehe. Good review, and thank you for posting. thumbs up

[@donyboy73]

nice review!

[@solesearched]

I absolutely love my gear wrenches. Great as usual Eric!

[@TheMechanicman30]

Ratcheting box wrenches are a must have for any mechanic, especially working on flat rate. Like you said, they are a huge time saver. You don't have to keep lifting the wrench up after every turn and in many cases, they will replace your ratchet and socket that you would usually grab. They also fit into tighter spaces that a normal ratchet and socket combination will not. However, when I was in the market for ratcheting box wrenches, I went with the Snap on SOEXRM710. They are skinnier and

[@cctvspystore]

and what bitch?

[@230910bella]

The joy of me living in Cincinnati VERY close to you, is when you buy these tools and stuff I have the access to buy the same ones!

[@JPN850R]

I understand your point and I too use GearWrench (straight, non-reversible sw type) at work. However, there are occasions where your only choice is either Snap-on wrenches (they have thin profile, best chrome plating on the planet and better grade steel) or modified/ground down wrench to get access.

[@February54]

Hey, Eric, excellent reviews, man! Really looking forward to the next one!

[@wtbm123]

I have a set and I use them alot. Do not pound or double wrench on them and they last for a long time.The end is slightly larger but still able to be used in most places. The open end is what i do not care for . It does not seem to grab as well as some of my other open end wrenches.

[@JoeFpoc]

i use these at my work and have never broke any. i first bought the craftsman version which cost like 5 times more and they are the biggest pieces of crap i own, any kinda side tension and they dont work, cant ratchet fast or they skip teeth. skip if you pull hard. they all do that. so very happy with gear wrenches

[@BB-ow7bi]

They make a set of zero offset double box end with one ratcheting and one fixed. They are the greatest tool ever made! I know you own 3 sets of the standard zero degree double box, but you owe it to yourself to check them out. Keep up the great work!

[@spelunkerd]

I have the GearWrench set that swivels the ratcheting head. More versatile but not as robust. The set wasn't complete so I bought some extras to fill in the SAE gaps. To my surprise, one day I cut my hand on one of the wrenches. After a little first aid I discovered the finish was defective, leaving a sharp edge at one point. I smoothed it out on a grinder and still use it, but I can say quality control isn't great. It's still my #1 wrench set.

[@GammaCruxis]

Gearwrenches have saved my tail countless times - mostly when the space is too small for a ratchet and it's a pain to reset a box-end wrench on a bolt. They're pricey - but well worth the effort. Cheers!

[@robertdieder4178]

good old review. The thing i notice with alot of the newer ratcheting wrench reviews always point to broken ratcheting mechanisms now. IMO the box end should not be used to break the bolts loose when getting above 15mm or so. The tool will last longer if you break the bolt loose with the open end (or breaker bar, sliding T, etc) and then move the the ratcheting box end for removal. I own a GearWrench set from 2001 that's gotten alot of use.

[@DoctorSherwood]

i didn't know the actual gear wrench brand had reversible ones. this was a pretty informative video

[@VengefulCowboy]

I just went to the web site and they have gone up to $232.43. I work at Tractor Supply and we have gearwrench. Damn good tool. I have put those wrenches through hell and they are still as solid as the day I got them.

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

They probably made the 22mm shorter to keep you from busting oxygen sensors loose with the damn thing then having to warranty it when the ratchet mechanism blows apart. I know last time I did an O2 sensor it took my 700 lb ft impact to knock it loose. Partly because I couldn't get my 24" breaker bar or my 25" flex head ratchet in a good enough position to get a good pull on it, but even still it fought all the way out.

[@RockandrollNegro]

I was thinking that they probably made it smaller because sometimes it's kinda tight getting to the o2 Sensor.

[@oskarkarrera]

Ty Sir I made my decision on getting this so I am adding it to my list of tools.

[@ScubaCat3]

I have a set of GearWrenches where the open end is 90-degrees rotated so you can more comfortably rest your palm on it for more leverage. Pretty nifty.

[@krislizana2017]

this is my go to set for alignments. and I've come across a handful of cars that have the outer tie rod locking nut that is 25 mm. until I got this set I'd been using a big Cresent wrench. much happier with this set.

[@jordanlevibutton]

Eric, I've been watching your review videos and Im liking what I see. In one of your videos you mentioned a spill-free funnel by a company called Lisle. I bought that funnel on YOUR recommendation and think its a GREAT piece of kit to have. I would REALLY enjoy seeing a virtual tour or review of some of YOUR FAVORITE tools that you have come across over the years.

[@nickb4302]

I've found, and I'm sure others have as well, that they can break if you use the ratcheting side to break things loose. I'm sure Eric knows this but that's why I like the double box version I have.

[@SpaceWolfPainter]

I love GearWrench. I particularly like their twisted versions, lots more leverage.

[@kevingallich5557]

Just like every tool they have their place and purpose. I would say one of the best tool inventions of my time. For pro mechanics the price is cheap compared to what I paid for my other snap on wrenches. My rule is if you have to ask about the price you shouldn't be buying them anyway. I would bet the most used tool in my box as well.

[@PoorManMods]

its sooooo pretty :D ive got a gear wrench set, love love love love it

[@JeffHazardous]

Thanks for the review Eric! I really want to get a set of these some day. would be very beneficial for myself.

[@tbpom1003]

Gearwrench is very quality products and has decent price. I own flex head ratcheting wrench set, flex handle ratchet bars and several items from Gearwrench, and they have never frustrated me. it does have life time warranty, and process is very fast as well. I sent a ratchet bar for repair because I stripped ratchet switch. GW just gave me a new one. it took only 5 days (think I live in west coast, and they are located in east. it's only shipping time) if you want to get ripped off by price and show off to your friends, go snap on. BTW, I guess Eric linked JB Tools because they are a sponsor. always check Amazon for tool price (sometimes ebay)

[@hddm3]

ive never had a problem and I use them everyday! thanks

[@UberAlphaSirus]

For the last 15+ years I have always drooled at these types of spanners, I still want a set. BTW you forgot to show us them doing there 5 degree thing, I suppose we will see that in another video someday anyhows.

[@rwbishop]

SAE stands for 'Society of Automotive Engineers'. "SAE " is often used as a blanket term for the nonmetric fractional size series of fasteners & tools. 3/8", 7/16", 1/2"... for example. Look up 'SAE International" in Wikipedia. They're a big time standards organization for engineering professionals.

[@rontiemens2553]

Goos stuff, as always, Eric!

[@nickb4302]

FINALLY! The viewers get what they want.

[@bartstrafdab271]

Big fan here, Eric, but you should have mentioned that Gear Wrenches also come with ratchet heads that pivot. In my opinion that feature is far more important than the ones that allow you to change direction without removing the wrench.

[@nbpt1000]

These are made to work in tight spaces. So why not get the flex head version to maximize that benefit? I have some Gear wrench which I like. I have a Craftsman version with the flex head. It has a locking feature that I highly recommend. Keep in mind the warrantee is only as good as the company behind it. Do they make you jump through flaming hoops to use it? I am not sure what Gear Wrench is like to work with? I Never had a problem using a Craftsman warranty.

[@Acuransx135]

I have a set of Gear wrenches and I love them. I haven't had a problem with them yet :)

[@SBuckmann]

Favorite feature of gear wrenches is the catch you can load a nut or bolt into the wrench.. The catch makes it easy so the fastener doesnt fall out of the wrench. .

[@jarinwilson9539]

If you are an under hood specialist, these are a must have.

[@ericthecarguy]

No I'm not. I just didn't like the plain white wall background in the last video and I had a green screen already that I haven't used in a while.

[@evil1656]

Been using gearwrenches now since they came out (7-8 years? I can't even remember when they first appeared on the market) and so far zero failures. I have one 5/16" that is bent, but I kind of like the way it is bent so it stays as is. One of those tools that once you have and use them often enough, you remark to yourself "man, this fastener would have really sucked with a normal wrench" (say the alternator tensioning bolt on an 89 Accord). Same goes for the 3/4 length SnapOn sockets.

[@zappa916]

Good review. I would rather see vids like this than how to change a light globe.

[@Gold63Beast]

It's hard to find, well for me when I went looking, a retching wrench higher then 19mm. Only found non-retching. Great Review Eric.

[@TheJhg124]

The first one to go missing would be the 10mm lol

[@EPAGHGDDEXPERTjohnnyboy]

Jonathan Fuentes yup

[@Travis_H]

I have a few sets of gearwrench too, and one thing I found out after buying them which is great is that I can get them warrantied threw my snap on dealer. I have broken a few

[@waaasobe]

my gear wrenches have a flexible head they actually make life so much easier. mine are master craft but, i have to say they are a great tool!

[@DIYApprentice]

I have a set of Duralast wrenches that have four ratchet sizes per wrench. I use these a lot more than my socket set, especially in tight spaces.

[@fusionstar916]

A better set IMO is the extra long racheting closed end straight gear wrenches. But if you need the angle and open end, these are great.

[@georgepretnick4460]

I'm sure they're OK if you can get the ratchet end onto the bolt or nut. Many, many times, the bolt or nut is too close to an obstruction for that thick ratchet end to access, like exhaust manifold bolts or even battery terminal clamps.

[@BigHappysPlace]

Eric, I am so glad I had my Gearwrench's when I did the transmission on my S-10. You remember that one single exhaust bolt that is damn near impossible to get to? With out my gearwrenchs, I would have just cut the bolt off. They where a major life saver.

[@pointeroverflow]

20mm and 23mm dont have corresponding SAE sizes. 20mm is inbetween 25/32 and 51/64, 23mm is inbetween 57/64 and 29/32. I doubt many people have SAE sockets which go down to 32nds or 64ths. And instead of these combo wrenchs, how about just buying a set of crowsfoot wrenches to supplement your sockets so you can attach various size breaker bars for when you need a lot of torque.

[@motocharles4208]

Also wanted to note that GearWrench makes some quality torque wrenches as well.

[@PoorManMods]

CON: The ratchet head can be too big to clear between a bolt head and an adjacent corner, and the open end is stripping off or you cant get enough rotation. Then you will have to use a wrench with a non ratcheting closed end. Ive been there a few times

[@tonyzalmanov2291]

green screen into a shop?

[@MicrophonicFool]

I use them as primary wrenches about 90 per cent of the time, but there are lots of places where the box walls too thick because of the design and gears that it wont go into obstructed areas. I know they weren't designed for that, so isn't really a con. That's why others make narrow wall box sets.

[@ericthecarguy]

You realize that's how Mike Rowe got his start.

[@thomaslam6821]

I't a complete set for me! Thanks for the info. Eric!

[@GREENDIAMONDNEWS2012]

outstanding video, thanks eric, great job

[@richardeke]

One other benefit is the reverse switch, which can stop you backing yourself into a corner after a long day :)

[@walterbrob]

The best buy in hand tools if you ask me. I have used a cheater pipe on the larger sized wrench and they just keep ratcheting. You can usually find them on sale for 1/2 price. Gear wrench also makes the best of this type of tool.

[@sethjones5250]

The list price is 366.36 which makes it more expensive than Snap-On's OEXRM710 set, but you get six extra wrenches and the reversable feature. After the discounts that show up everywhere (not hard to find the gearwrench set at about 50% off list price), it comes in about the same or slightly less than a Carlyle CHT RWR612M 12 piece set from Napa (which features a 6 point ratcheting box end). I'm in the market and wondered if the carlyle is any good or if the gearwrench set is better. My Snappy guy says I should go snappy (but he's obviously biased).

[@garrettarney2903]

Seth Jones i have the flex end carlyle and i love them, plus there more teeth then the gearwrench and i love the flex end over the fixed head with a switch.

[@aodhanof90]

$212.68?! look up "9602" on tooltopia - they got it for $144.99. I just bought KDT85988C and KDT81204XP. The 120XP ratchets are AMAZING for the price, my only complaint with the double box I got is under high torque theres some lateral flex in the beam and the edge feels a tad sharp.

[@mlocklin]

i picked up a set of grearwrench SAE 1/4 to 3/4 and metric 6mm to 18mm for 49.99 plus tax at sears, they work great i work for a public school and fix the buses, the only con i have is that the gear end is thicker than your normal box end but besides that i love em

[@cctvspystore]

well Duh, cause ratcheting gear ...smdh

[@feedinc2735]

Nice set! Enjoy! Great video as well.

[@winstonbuzon]

I know that Craftsman also have ratcheting wrench kits too, so do these have a lifetime replacement warranty if they break?

[@StrumItOut]

indeed they do

[@andybub45]

I love these. I dont have the quick reverse ones. Cant go wrong with the original ratcheting wrench maker!

[@DestDroid]

I've always wanted a set of these...

[@zx8401ztv]

Sounds like GearWrench are great quality :-) Good tools make repairs a delight :-)

[@gvvq-pi5ml]

Hi Eric if I was to pick holes in the wrench set, I would say maybe they ought to be hexagon and not bi-hex, as the ratchet teeth are fairly close you you wouldn't have a problem and it would fit better, especially when things are worn, mind you it wouldn't work on bi-hex bolts...there are some around...Fred - uk.

[@MrNightpwner]

I have the flex heads from the auto parts store that cost $60. Got it on sale for $35. I like them. Head isn't too flimsy, could use a tightening though.

[@SwingBeepDigItUp]

I have tried the Craftsman gear wrench the Pittsburgh Pro gear wrench from harbor freight and can say I now only own the original GearWrench for a reason Eric didnt get to....only the original has a small thin head design that allows access into the tight spots that this tool shines in...the craftsman skipped under load and busted knuckles...the harbor freight was just well...harbor freight...But I now have a standard set, swivel head set,long reach set,stubby set of the Original GearWrench.

[@TheMechanicman30]

lighter in stature, require less of a degree to get a "click" out of the ratchet and most importantly have flank drive plus on the open end. If you are not familiar with Snap On's Flank Drive Plus, look it up it really makes a difference. They are $130 more than the gear wrenches though, but in my opinion, worth the extra cash. No I do not work for Snap on, just a happy customer =)

[@johncornharvester]

i have the swivel head set, awesome wrenches, and very affordable

[@dudishs]

Just use a set of sockets or regular wrenches. How many tools does a DIYer need? Plus with a socket wrench you can use your hand to apply friction to the ratcheting mechanism once the bolt is loose, not so with gear wrenches.

[@spresc2180]

Steven: I have had to get into many a tight space to remove a bolt where there was not enough room for a socket wrench of ANY persuasion. They have thier place.

[@sanfransusel]

Thanks for great tool review Eric! I wanted to ask you what boots are wearing in your shop (what brand where you buy them etc) I can't help to notice that you prefer some specific brand. Thank you in advance! one of millions of your subscribers :)

[@sjs2657g]

The sound quality was better with the green screen. Eric might be trying to "up his KZbin game" [although what is said is more important than a better audio quality]. Also, with a green screen, Eric can shoot certain segments from home.

[@TJjeeper69]

I bought some gearwrench xl long wrenches and find I use my ratchet and sockets less and less. It's just much easier opening the wrench drawer and grabbing the size you need.

[@rhkips]

Master cylinder to brake booster, small calipers... Gear wrenches are my deity for just about every brake service. :-D

[@StephenVieau]

Love my Gear wrenches. I also use the harbor freight cheapos. both are nice.

[@junglejim13660]

Eric, Thanks for the review. Maybe sometime in the future you can review GearWrench's Pass Thru sockets sets.

[@a-to-d]

Hi Eric, nice review, however i found that some of my questions have not been answered. Are those wrenches made in the USA? And something else that came to my mind: Is it possible to open the ratcheting mechanism and get parts to repair it? Or do i have to get a new wrench if the mechanism is broken?

[@thejasonkellett]

Right on Bro, When I need to replace a socket I go to a local "trade day" type thing we have here once a week. Guys there sell sockets used for about $1 a piece. Would like to have a set of these but if they are Chinese made then that's gonna be a big Negative...

[@rwbishop]

Be careful with non-reversible ratcheting box end wrenches from any mfg. They can become 'trapped'. Like if you start removing a fastener with an overhead obstruction, and get it out far enough to trap the wrench, you then have no way to run it back down. I've never personally done it, but have been involved in the removal of a few. That process can range from just taking some extra stuff apart to having to grind the wrench out...

[@ericthecarguy]

No I am not. Just the tools themselves.

[@Boot_185]

I still got the first series of gearwrench. Kinda sucks having to spin them around but still work flawlessly

[@sjs2657g]

I have gear wrenches that are almost 40 years old. Gear wrenches have their purpose, but their bigger heads, not as durable as non-ratcheting heads and need for friction to utilize the ratcheting effect, they tend to sit in the drawer most of the time.

[@HaroRider03088]

Nice review Eric. Just out of curiosity are these Taiwan made or Chinese made? I am hearing some people say these new ones are made in China and are not as good as the older Chinese made ones. Thanks, Tom

[@ykmalachi]

A small con I can think of is that the head is larger than a normal box end wrench. I've used these before and think they are very nice however have not bought them, but my only question is: Are they American Made? Don't get me wrong, I still have a short little 19mm Taiwan made wrench I've used for 12 years mixed in my box, and it works great, but I do try an buy American when I can.