Gearwrenches (was:Alden Wrenches)

[SJ]

> From: "Keith Lawyer" <LawyerKG at co.laplata.co.us>
> Subject: Gearwrenches (was:Alden Wrenches)
>
> Gearwrenches are cool, but I'll only buy the reversible ones (ie flip a
> lever, not turn it over) and only the most comprehensive sets they sell
> as Mr Murphy is always there to make sure you don't have the size you
> need.  I've got the 11pc metric from 8mm to 19mm, approx $120 retail,
> and the 8 pc SAE set from 5/16 to 3/4" which is around $70ish retail.
***** Are these the wrenches you are talking about?
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00944004000


>
> The reversible ones are only made up to 19mm or 3/4", above that you
> have to go with the flip-em-over (technical term) ones.
****http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TO
OL&pid=00944002000
I would think the flip-em-over wrenches would be more robust since the
ratchet mechanism does not need provisions for working in both directions.
The absence of reversible types on the larger sizes would indicate the
correctness of my assumption. Comments?

>
> I've had one 9/16" and now one 8mm which hangs up, doesn't reverse
> easily or reverses itself during use.........but my local Napa will
> exchange them no questions asked, no receipt.  Any GearWrench dealer is
> supposed to do the same I believe.  I called GearWrench direct and they
> directed me to my local Napa, even tho I didn't buy them there.
**** I think you just proved my point regarding the less than robust
construction of the reversible types as compared to the "flip" type.
Are we talking about Sears' gear wrenches? Napa will replace Sears tools?
Or, are these Gear Wrench tools that are sold by Sears?  I keep forgetting
that Sears sells other manufacturers products now.

>
> But yeah, once you use these you find yourself rarely using sockets and
> ratchets anymore......
****Would you summarize why these wrenches are better than sockets?


SJ
85 Dodge PU, D-250, 318, auto
85 Audi 4k - - sold but still on the road
88 Audi 5kq
90 Audi 100q