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GEARWRENCH 1/4" Drive 72 Tooth Gimbal Ratchet Expired

$11.45
$28.99
+29 Deal Score
31,380 Views
Amazon has GEARWRENCH 1/4" Drive 72 Tooth Gimbal Ratchet (81027) on sale for $11.42. Shipping is free w/ Prime or on $25+ orders.

Thanks to Community Member GimmeYoTots for sharing this deal.

About this Item:
  • Gimbal design allows ratchet to pivot in 2-directions for easier access
  • 72-tooth ratcheting mechanism for 5 swing arc
  • Anodized aluminum finish
  • Easy to use forward/reverse lever
  • Meets or exceeds ASME performance requirements
  • Chrome finish easily wipes clean of oil and dirt
Good Deal?

Original Post

Written by
Edited February 9, 2023 at 01:19 AM by
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Deal
Score
+29
31,380 Views
$11.45
$28.99

Price Intelligence

Model: GEARWRENCH 1/4 Inch Drive Gimbal Ratchet, 72 Tooth - 81027

Deal History 

Sort: Most Recent
Post Date Sold By Sale Price Activity
01/29/24Amazon$12.20 frontpage
49
01/13/23Amazon$13.05
5
11/10/22Amazon$14.80
2
10/12/22Amazon$14.90 frontpage
32
12/14/21Amazon$12.66
5
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Current Prices

Sort: Lowest to Highest | Last Updated 4/22/2024, 10:16 PM
Sold By Sale Price
Amazon$23.21
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Featured Comments

Purchased one a while back. It's awesome to have, but there are a few serious design concerns that could make it nearly a perfect tool.

A) The 'grip' surface is polished. Slippery hands? No grip. Using this in an automotive environment? It really won't work with nitrile gloves.

B) The ratchet resistance is high. This compounds the grip problem. Ratchet doesn't work when a fastener is loose.

Ok the more I think about this the more this tool isn't all that great. Pretty much the only purpose it serves is to provide a handle when free-spinning sockets. It doesn't provide enough torque to break fasteners loose, and when they are loose the ratchet mechanism is too tight and won't activate.

Avoid, even at this price.
There should be no excuse for such a heavy drag on a 72-tooth thumbwheel ratchet, but it's no shocker it's a Gearwrench.
Gearwrench brand left a bad impression on me long ago when I bought metric & SAE sets (7 piece each set) of their flex-head ratcheting combination wrenches.
Each set had 3 out of the 7 wrenches that had a very heavy drag and very 'gritty' ratcheting mechanisms, far beyond acceptable levels.
I then bought identical sets in TEQ Pro brand (at Advance Auto, same as where I bought the Gearwrenches) and all 7 of each set operated smooth as glass.
I returned the Gearwrenches and kept the TEQ Pro's and never looked back.
IMO, Gearwrench is massively overrated.
For those who 3D print, this is great for nozzle changes

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Joined Dec 2008
AXYEHHO
> bubble2 3,620 Posts
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konoplya
02-09-2023 at 12:09 AM.
02-09-2023 at 12:09 AM.
No wonder this garbage is on sale. Gimmicky thing not even worth the sale price
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> bubble2 7 Posts
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JoJo2070
02-09-2023 at 04:03 AM.
02-09-2023 at 04:03 AM.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-p...94011.html

Three piece, 1/4 in, 3/8 in, 1/2 in. for $4.99 at the store.
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Joined Feb 2019
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> bubble2 4,276 Posts
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GimmeYoTots
02-09-2023 at 04:11 AM.
02-09-2023 at 04:11 AM.
I don't own this particular thumbwheel ratchet, but I do own a 3/8 SK thumbwheel ratchet [zoro.com] which I often use when mounting wheels/tires. I use the thumbwheel ratchet with a 3/8" anvil and 17mm chrome deep well socket to start each wheel's lug bolts prior to using a larger wrench and torque wrench to fully torque/tighten the lug bolts. Just one FYI use case where these thumbwheels can come in quite handy. Since this Gearwrench is a 1/4" anvil, you can just add one of those cheap HFT 1/4 to 3/8 adapters so you can use it with any of your 3/8 deep well sockets.

If you're interested in that SK thumbwheel I linked, if you sign up for Zoro emails, and esp if you buy anything from Zoro, they may send you additional 20% coupons (on anything). So, you can get that $40 SK thumbwheel for $32; which is the best price I could find anywhere on an SK thumbwheel ratchet.
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Joined Dec 2018
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> bubble2 123 Posts
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peterp9538
02-09-2023 at 04:54 AM.
02-09-2023 at 04:54 AM.
Quote from megadan :
Purchased one a while back. It's awesome to have, but there are a few serious design concerns that could make it nearly a perfect tool.

A) The 'grip' surface is polished. Slippery hands? No grip. Using this in an automotive environment? It really won't work with nitrile gloves.

B) The ratchet resistance is high. This compounds the grip problem. Ratchet doesn't work when a fastener is loose.

Ok the more I think about this the more this tool isn't all that great. Pretty much the only purpose it serves is to provide a handle when free-spinning sockets. It doesn't provide enough torque to break fasteners loose, and when they are loose the ratchet mechanism is too tight and won't activate.

Avoid, even at this price.
I love the evolution in your comment hahaha
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Joined Jun 2012
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> bubble2 16,892 Posts
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jeff34270
02-09-2023 at 06:15 AM.

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank jeff34270

02-09-2023 at 06:15 AM.
Quote from WildRigger47 :
There should be no excuse for such a heavy drag on a 72-tooth thumbwheel ratchet, but it's no shocker it's a Gearwrench.
Gearwrench brand left a bad impression on me long ago when I bought metric & SAE sets (7 piece each set) of their flex-head ratcheting combination wrenches.
Each set had 3 out of the 7 wrenches that had a very heavy drag and very 'gritty' ratcheting mechanisms, far beyond acceptable levels.
I then bought identical sets in TEQ Pro brand (at Advance Auto, same as where I bought the Gearwrenches) and all 7 of each set operated smooth as glass.
I returned the Gearwrenches and kept the TEQ Pro's and never looked back.
IMO, Gearwrench is massively overrated.
The TEQ Pros are made by Gearwrench, same thing. You just got a bad set that had maybe been sitting around too long and would've been very easy to fix or warranty.
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westermac
02-09-2023 at 06:24 AM.

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank westermac

02-09-2023 at 06:24 AM.
Quote from WildRigger47 :
There should be no excuse for such a heavy drag on a 72-tooth thumbwheel ratchet, but it's no shocker it's a Gearwrench.
Gearwrench brand left a bad impression on me long ago when I bought metric & SAE sets (7 piece each set) of their flex-head ratcheting combination wrenches.
Each set had 3 out of the 7 wrenches that had a very heavy drag and very 'gritty' ratcheting mechanisms, far beyond acceptable levels.
I then bought identical sets in TEQ Pro brand (at Advance Auto, same as where I bought the Gearwrenches) and all 7 of each set operated smooth as glass.
I returned the Gearwrenches and kept the TEQ Pro's and never looked back.
IMO, Gearwrench is massively overrated.
Gearwrench is an accelerated version of what (almost) all tool manufacturers go through: spend time building a strong brand reputation with well-made, affordable tools, then move production somewhere cheaper and put out an inferior product while cashing in on the brand you've built. Eventually consumers will start to wise up and Gearwrench's reputation will match their quality again; but in the meantime enjoy this cool ratcheting gimbal wrench.
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Last edited by westermac February 9, 2023 at 06:26 AM.
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big mike
02-09-2023 at 07:37 AM.
02-09-2023 at 07:37 AM.
Quote from jeff34270 :
The TEQ Pros are made by Gearwrench, same thing. You just got a bad set that had maybe been sitting around too long and would've been very easy to fix or warranty.
Came here to say this. They're identical other than the engraving, which is why I bought a bunch when they were on clearance.

This tool is stupid, right up until you need it. I've only grabbed it a handful of times but usefulness vs price vs # of times used it fares pretty well against any of my "specialty" tools and I'm just a DIYer. The 3/8 one was particularly useful tightening torx screws on the back of a headlight without removing it. Couldn't have done it with any other tool I own.
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jeff34270
02-09-2023 at 07:44 AM.

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank jeff34270

02-09-2023 at 07:44 AM.
Quote from westermac :
Gearwrench is an accelerated version of what (almost) all tool manufacturers go through: spend time building a strong brand reputation with well-made, affordable tools, then move production somewhere cheaper and put out an inferior product while cashing in on the brand you've built. Eventually consumers will start to wise up and Gearwrench's reputation will match their quality again; but in the meantime enjoy this cool ratcheting gimbal wrench.
Chinese made Gearwrench tools for DIY homeowners are built-to-price for big box stores and are pretty meh in quality, but GearWrench (Apex Tools) still have a lot Taiwanese mechanic's tools that, though more expensive, are much higher quality and pretty decent value.
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Timless
02-09-2023 at 08:04 AM.
02-09-2023 at 08:04 AM.
Yea, this thing is kinda useless.
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SeriesXM
02-09-2023 at 08:30 AM.
02-09-2023 at 08:30 AM.
Quote from BananaPeel09 :
What use case did you have for these? I'm having FOMO but struggling to realize a need for it. Self discipline is hard...

Are you sure don't have one already? Because the more I think about it, the more I think I got one of these years ago at Harbor Freight. I've never used it, though.
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SeriesXM
02-09-2023 at 08:34 AM.
02-09-2023 at 08:34 AM.
Quote from big mike :
Came here to say this. They're identical other than the engraving, which is why I bought a bunch when they were on clearance.

This tool is stupid, right up until you need it. I've only grabbed it a handful of times but usefulness vs price vs # of times used it fares pretty well against any of my "specialty" tools and I'm just a DIYer. The 3/8 one was particularly useful tightening torx screws on the back of a headlight without removing it. Couldn't have done it with any other tool I own.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI.../205193137

Do you have one of these doohickeys? I'm also just a DIYer, but I find myself using this often for tight situations like you described.
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big mike
02-09-2023 at 11:10 AM.
02-09-2023 at 11:10 AM.
Quote from SeriesXM :
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI.../205193137 [homedepot.com]

Do you have one of these doohickeys? I'm also just a DIYer, but I find myself using this often for tight situations like you described.
Don't know that I do, but wouldn't have worked in that situation, the headlight is flat against "stuff" and there's just enough room to get your paw in there with a torx ratchet bit and one of these things, or some similar setup. Maybe could have done it with a stubby screwdriver and 1/4 style torx bit but this thing is a lot easier to exert torque on with it palmed vs trying to three finger turn a stubby hex driver.
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CoolTerrier809
02-09-2023 at 01:12 PM.
02-09-2023 at 01:12 PM.
I believe harbor freight had all 3 sizes for 6-8 bucks, and the surface was rugged. Never had to use em but good to know they are there
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WildRigger47
02-09-2023 at 01:33 PM.
02-09-2023 at 01:33 PM.
Quote from jeff34270 :
The TEQ Pros are made by Gearwrench, same thing. You just got a bad set that had maybe been sitting around too long and would've been very easy to fix or warranty.
Quote from big mike :
Came here to say this. They're identical other than the engraving, which is why I bought a bunch when they were on clearance.
I wouldn't classify it as a case of just one "bad set sitting around too long".
It was 2 separate sets with 6 out of 14 being unacceptably defective. That's nearly a 43% defect rate.

I was one of those who also bought the last batch of genuine SK tools/ratchets before their takeover by China's GreatStar. Unfortunately USA's SK's ending production also had many similar flaws in their ratchet mechanisms. I had to disassemble 4 ratchets, which turned out bone dry (zero lube), with a bit of internal 'machine grit' included, and I had to debur a few 'missed spots'. Yes, now they are smooth as silk, far different than received.
But I sure wasn't going to go thru that again with 6 out of 14 ratcheting box ends. Not when the TEQ Pro's (also on sale at exact same price) immediately solved that issue.
I'm very familiar with the relationship/association between Apex Tools and Gearwrench and TEQ Pro, but it's funny how you defend Gearwrench and will buy & cheerlead for Gearwrench, but seemingly won't do the same for TEQ Pro, even tho your main point is they are 'identical' and "made by the same company".

'Technically' they are made by the same company, but in the real life world that doesn't mean they are made with equal quality.
I've worked for a company and its subsidiary/sister company, where 'technically' everything produced was "by the same company". I saw how the workers and management at one were all careless idiots, while those at the other half of the company were quality-minded proficient workers & management. The end products turned out night & day different in quality.
I suspect the same happening between the Gearwrench production line and the TEQ Pro production line.
At least from my first-hand observations of their QC results.
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TealIdea227
02-09-2023 at 02:58 PM.
02-09-2023 at 02:58 PM.
Quote from GimmeYoTots :
I don't own this particular thumbwheel ratchet, but I do own a 3/8 SK thumbwheel ratchet [zoro.com] which I often use when mounting wheels/tires. I use the thumbwheel ratchet with a 3/8" anvil and 17mm chrome deep well socket to start each wheel's lug bolts prior to using a larger wrench and torque wrench to fully torque/tighten the lug bolts. Just one FYI use case where these thumbwheels can come in quite handy. Since this Gearwrench is a 1/4" anvil, you can just add one of those cheap HFT 1/4 to 3/8 adapters so you can use it with any of your 3/8 deep well sockets.

If you're interested in that SK thumbwheel I linked, if you sign up for Zoro emails, and esp if you buy anything from Zoro, they may send you additional 20% coupons (on anything). So, you can get that $40 SK thumbwheel for $32; which is the best price I could find anywhere on an SK thumbwheel ratchet.
It's funny, I spent some time trying to imagine a use case for this (I own a 3/8" "palm ratchet" that's plastic and nubby and has never helped me out with anything), and spinning on lug nuts came to mind - except I keep a dedicated 3" extension on my dedicated lug nut socket, and I just spin the extension. I use the length of my fingers to support it, so I don't know if I'd like holding the thumbwheel with my fingertips.

One thing this thread convinced me of is that I might pick up the HF thumbwheels next time I'm there.
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Last edited by TealIdea227 February 9, 2023 at 03:02 PM.
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