GEARWRENCH 49 Pc. 1/2" Drive 6 Pt. 120XP Mechanics Tool Set, Standard & Deep, SAE/Metric - 80700P

This is an excellent kit, particularly for the price. I'm not an everyday user, but I do work on cars from time to time. I already had the GW 1/4 and 3/8 kit, so it was a no-brainer for me. GearWrench is a solid brand. In general, the GearWrench sockets are better designed, and better machined than Craftsman, Husky, or Cobalt. The ratchet-side corners, in particular, have a much larger radius, which reduces stress and cuts back on the chances of cracking. The case lid can be removed, so you can set the now-open tray in 2 inch drawer in a roll-away. The 120 tooth ratchet is buttery smooth that, for all practical purposes, basically eliminates the need for even having 12 point sockets. Not only does that save money and space in your toolbox, but six points are inherently much stronger. The kit has 3 and 5 inch extensions, which is kind of weird, but effective. The extensions are not wobble-type, which is unfortunate, as the GW wobbles are simply head and shoulders above other off-the-shelf products. There is also a common, ordinary u-joint. Interestingly, the GW deep wells are broached for the nut only to the depth of the fastener. This adds strength to the design and is extremely useful for feeding a nut in an upward direction. Craftsman deep sockets are generally broached to a depth of an inch or more. This is less strong and more difficult to feed a nut into position. The Craftsman design does, however, give you quite a bit more freedom of movement (slop) to latch on to a nut set all the way in on a long bolt in a hard-to-get-to place. Back to the GW, the box says made in Taiwan and these carry a lifetime warranty. If you are a tool truck kind of guy, these aren't for you, but if you are looking for something better than the local hardware store, this is the ticket.

I absolutely love the Gearwrench socket sets! I initially bought the ½”, 3/8”, and ¼” set for the roll around in the shop because the Gearwrench sets have the greatest size ranges, both metric and standard, of any other set that I have found. This meant that the only sizes not in the case are the 27mm, 30mm, 32mm, 33mm, and 36mm that we use commonly use around the shop so inventorying the tools after a job is easy! I know that some people have complained that there is not a ball lock, or more to the point, a button to release the ball lock and the sockets could come off of the ratchet. So far, this has never been an issue. The 120 tooth ratchets are strong and I have had no issues at all with them. They definitely work well in tight areas where one can only get a small throw with the handle. As for durability and the finish, they are outstanding. These tools get used everyday, and for the last two and a half years, we have not had any issues (other than a 5/16” socket that grew legs). I finally opted to replace my old Craftsman set I had in my Jeep with the Gearwrench sets because of how complete they are and I can keep track of the tools when doing maintenance on the trail. I recommend them to anyone from an occasional wrench turner to a legitimate mechanic. They are very reasonably priced and IF they break, there is the lifetime warranty.

I'm in college pursuing my classic car restoration degree. I ordered a big bundle of snap-on tools but it didn't come with a 1/2 inch drive set. I priced one from snap-on and it was outrageously priced like most of their tools so I decided to look for a cheaper option. I came across this set and was leery about getting this GearWrench set because I've had problems with a few ratchets and some ratcheting wrenches. But I decided to order anyways and I'm overly happy with my purchase. This set is high quality and very heavy duty. I was amazed when I held the ratchet because you can tell that it is very well made just by holding it. This ratchet is also very fine toothed which is ideal. I have told many people that I like this set just as much, if not more than my snap-on set. It is high quality and very well made. I would recommend this set to anyone in need of a 1/2 inch drive set. You will not be disappointed. Thanks GearWrench for the amazing set!

Nice looking tools. I am eager to use them today to join the ceiling joints in my new kitchen. The ratchet definitely has many ratcheting positions. It will be good to see how smaller gear teeth holdup under pressure. In testing, the smooth operation of those positions is appreciated. The box (see the attached picture) is very flimsy, so if your thought is to use it as a mobile toolbox, you may want to rethink it. Mine was broken at the hinge on delivery. I am going to place a steel pin or rod through the hinge. As noted in other reviews, I appreciate the wide range of sizes in this set. It is hard to find anywhere near this price. If the box weren’t such trash I would likely give this, pre-use, five stars.

Decided to completely overhaul my random and lacking socket collection after 15 years. 3 weeks I spent researching each and every brand there is [every single one] This set seemed to offer everything I was looking for in a socket [close second was Carlyle]. Couldn't justify the cost of Wright/Matco/SnapOn etc.. so, I went with these at the last second. This set saw it's first real use last weekend as I installed new exhaust manifolds and some have light to severe chrome loss around the rim. By severe, I mean that in a few more uses, it will be completely bald. This is pretty sad and unacceptable.. I don't care what country or company made them.. the tool is not ready for prime time.. and thus, not a proper tool. Of all my other brands and years of use, never has a socket done this. At least the set was cheap enough not to lose any sleep over. For the record, these were being used manually in ratchets.. not impact. If you need a weekend warrior set that will see very light use, this will be fine. Those who have tough fasteners to see about, look elsewhere. Back to square one for me. *Update 5/21/19. I called Apex regarding the warranty.. was given instructions to email photos/description/etc.. I did not hear back, but did receive a replacement socket via FedEx 5 days later. So that is something. The website suggests you start with going to authorized dealers.. but most in my area are Home Depot and they look at you like you are an alien and aren't helpful with warranty info.. not to mention they don't have most individual items in stock.