[nandanrp]

Ok, I just spent the last 45 minutes talking (to myself, mostly ) about GearRatchets. I bought these a few weeks ago because I needed a socket that allowed me to pass a hex key through the middle (so that I could tighten my strut tops onto the rear struts).



I *love* the design. Very intelligent... I'm going to sound like a salesman, but here's what I liked the most:

- Pass-thru design (hole through the middle of the socket and ratchet)
- No need for deep sockets since there is a pass-thru, but if needed, my kit also had hollow extensions
- Since the socket is held on the sides (not on top like a traditional socket/ratchet combo) it is much shallower and lets you get into spots like the rear strut top nut under the seat belt tensioner with no problems:


(Thanks to Rev for the picture)

My kit cost $50 at Sears and was worth every penny, even though I have only used it once since I bought it

I was also surprised to find out that they are guaranteed for life! I don't know if it will be as pain-free to get a replacement (like with craftsman hand tools) but they say you can take it to any Sears if it fails to work as performed.

GearWrench® hand tools are warranted for Life to be free of defects in material and workmanship. Carrying cases, pouches, accessory bits and consumable products, if any, are not covered by this Warranty.

GearWrench - Consumer Tools
If any GearWrench Hand Tool purchased at a retailer, when used for its intended purpose, fails to give you complete satisfaction, please return it to any Sears* location, or contact Danaher Tool Group Consumer Division at (888)-757-1812 for free replacement or return.

I will still continue to use my traditional socket set as well, because I think the walls of the traditional socket might be thicker (and therefore, probably stronger) than the GearRatchet sockets, though the GearRatchet sockets felt like quality sockets as well. Also, just a feeling that for heavier torque applications, a 3/8" or 1/2" drive traditional socket might take more abuse, but I will also add that I put a good amount of torque into my GearRatchets while tightening the strut nut and the top nuts and it felt like a quality piece!

All-in-all very happy with my purchase and I thought I would share with IWSTI! I hadn't heard of this brand until I was actively looking for a socket with a pass-thru, and this is actually the only brand I found in a retail store.

[lackskill]

gear ratchet is the same company that makes gear wrench. Great tools IMO.

[Real Deal]

oh wow
wish i had these when i installed springs on my RS
I made due with a crescent, sand paper, and an allen wrench.
good investment!

[Stee]

Now they just need to introduce the 'Gear Ratchet' torque wrench... nirvana!!

[Del]

[lackskill]

Originally Posted by Stee

Now they just need to introduce the 'Gear Ratchet' torque wrench... nirvana!!

novel idea.

[nandanrp]

Originally Posted by Stee

Now they just need to introduce the 'Gear Ratchet' torque wrench... nirvana!!

I was thinking about that too - there is no accurate way to torque the strut top nut to 41 ft-lbs per the spec, as there are no pass-thru torque wrenches that I know of...

It may be out there, but it's not readily available.

[WC LATHE WERKS]

Those worked well on my fender brace install, except when it backed out the bolt on one side it got stuck inside my fender Those paired with a set of ratcheting box wrenches would be a very useful toolset

[grambo]

Ratcheting Box Wrenches FTW.

The gear ratchets are neat though. I had to manufactuer a similar design for my ACR strut tops...

[rasetsu]

Definetly a very handy item to have. I have the smaller set and bought it to remove the rear strut top bolts too. It does kick into the reverse direction by itself if ratcheting quickly though.