Gear wrench "lifetime warranty" only covers manufacturer defects. Tekton's warranty is amazing, almost unconditional... if you have a problem they will help. For that reason alone I would buy Tekton.
I had a 120xp ratchet that I bought specifically for situations where I didn't have a lot of room to move the ratchet handle. I'm in industrial maintenance and it happens quite frequently for me. Most of my tools are made by Wright, but the almost all the gearwrench stuff I have had been solid. My 120 had a weird backdrag, to the point that the extra teeth actually didn't give me any kind of advantage in tight spots. Once I noticed it after a couple of uses it just bugged me so much I ended up giving it to one of the new guys I was training that needed a descent 3/8 ratchet. The ratchet itself was good, just didn't work for what I needed. Kinda feel like it's alot more marketing hype than actual functionally better than a lower tooth count ratchet. All that said, it was strong, comfortable and reliable, and the dude I gave it to loves it, just didn't pan out for what I intended it to do.
Yup I feel the same way about the 120's. It always feels like it is skipping gears like the two pawls are not in time with each other one does fire right after the other and it makes for a weird feeling in the rat jet
For tight situations (more than 90% of cases in Merc, BMW and AUDI) I use a modular (female) 3/8 drive DuraChrome. Its head diameter is 28mm and is very slim. Made over 50 years ago.
Oh I do use and really like the 120 XP ratchets , and just got the 1/4, and 3/8 90 tooth. Not used them yet, but they do seem smooth and well built. I also have the Tekton 90 tooth 3/8 ratchet, and it is actually a really good ratchet as well. Going to be getting a couple of the Tekton flex head ratchets in the next few days. Again I really appreciate your videos.
Very nice that's great to hear and ya they all seem to be really good ratchets. Glad you enjoy them as well. Thanks for the support and sharing your thoughts 👍
I just bought the GW 90T, and have a project to do tomorrow, and can’t wait. As a DIYer, it’s quite a upgrade from the craftsman set I have had for years. Thanks for the video.👍
My only complaint about the 120XP is that they don’t make a 3/8” drive that’s 11-12” long that is NOT a flex head. I have an old polished Craftsman I’d love to replace as it’s probably my favorite ratchet despite being 36t
I bought the the 90t tekton set after seeing a few really good reviews from you and a few others on RU-vid. I absolutely love them, amazing set for the money.
Great comparison...I have mostly snap on and Mac axis flex 90.( flush push button design)Ratchets..I do like the 120 xp....don’t have any tekton ratchets.....great channel 👍🇺🇸
more teeth is better, so long as it's not weaker. i got the standard handle ones because i'm just a DIYer. the first ratcheting wrenches I bought were Duralast, and the internals were secured using 2 screws. well, the screws backed out and fell out. imo, the snap ring design is hassle free and less chances of failing.
I love the Gearwrench 120xp ratchet. Planned on buying more of them when they added more comfort grip options. Then they go and change their color scheme so its looks like school bus yellow and decide to go back down to 90 tooth. Just can't do it. Guess I gotta save up for some Snappy ratchets. The tektons are great also I just wish they would come up with some comfort grip options. If tekton had comfort grip options that didn't make you physically I'll to look at and had different sizes Id stick with them.
Ya that's understandable bi love the 120xp as well the 90t are great also but I understand people also have color preferences and ya tekton is a great option I'm really hoping they do a comfort grip as well. They would be very popular
I’ve heard that the tektons flex-head mechanism doesn’t hold great. I love their ratchets so far, but now that I’m shopping for the flex head versions, I want something that will stay in the position I pick when I’m ratcheting in tight areas. What would be the best option for me?
Great ratchets but if your looking for a flex head that won't move I would look for a locking flex head. I have some 84 tooth gearwrench locking flex ratchets and I'm happy with those
Curious if you have any input on the backdrag, as it's an important thing. My snap on ratchets have the lowest back drag i've ever felt, and the 120xps were brutal out of the box, only breaking in to being actually good (in 1/4 and 3/8) after lubing with moly and a year or two of use. Do the new 90s have less drag?
If you are looking for a non comfort grip then go with Tekton just for the fact that the back plate is thick like most premium ratchets. If you noticed that GW uses a very thin cover plate and snap ring. When your really putting alot of pressure on the ratchet that thin back cover will flex out and cause the gear to skip. Also GW has a terrible warranty process to deal with.
I’ve hade my 1/2 long handle flex head 120xp apart and a craftsmen American made 1/2 not much of a difference on construction the gear wrenches are fine I’ve put all my weight only the 120xp long handle flex head and it still works fine doesn’t skip at all 😂
They do look alike but the Carlyle head shape and bevel are slightly different and the comfort grips are different designs 👍 but both are great. I use the Carlyle at work all the time.
My only complaint about the 120XP is the back drag (ratcheting) resistance is pretty high on them. I have some Koken made in japan wrenches that are like zero resistance.
I haven't used those but I haven't had any issue with back drag on my 120xp ratchets. Probably one of the lowest resistance ratchets I have. I'll have to check out koken though. 👍👍👍
What stores carry tekton and gearwrench in stock. The only stores I can find are tractor supply but they don’t have 90t or 120 t. Never seen tekton in a store. Seems Tony and others all love both these brands and I’m wanting em. Not an in-line shopper here and I love to support my local stores with local employees when I can ( I’m a very small Business owner so I think I’m that way sub consciously as I’m always competing with internet sales in my own business )
@@tomedgar4375 yes but you can buy direct from Tekton online and they are able to keep cost down like that. No middle man. You also get 10% towards next purchase when buying from them direct. And free shipping. If you have to use warranty just take pic, submit and 2 days later you have new tool.
I'd surmise that Gearwrench's change of comfort grip design might have had something to do with the fact that the old ones are extremely similar to Snap-On's ;-)
How does the ratcheting mechanism feel on the 90t gear wrench compared to the tekton 90t? I want to get a 90 tooth ratchet for less backdrag than the 120xp set. Is tekton 90t smoother then the gear wrench 90t?
I don't like Gearwrench's warranty, so I simply won't buy them. It's not like these are cheap options either, so for me I'm spending the extra cash and getting a Snap On or Matco. The Tektons are great though, much better customer service and warranty coverage, if they could develop a locking flex head ratchet to rival my Matco I'd be on board.
I love my Gearwrench 120XP. My only issue with them in no matter what format you buy them in, they are always scratched to hell when you get them.Yes I know they are a toll and I will scratch them to hell as well but it would be nice to get a Gearwrench ratchet that looks new when you get them.
Ya I know what you mean. I bought mine online a few years ago now and they came in pretty good shape from what I can remember but the last two years any time I have seen them sold in stores they seem to have alot of scratches on the heads for some reason.
@tonythetechnician I have a set of the 120xp, however, I'm looking for a flex set set. Would you goneith 120xp flex or the new 90T flex from Gearwrench? Thanks for the videos!
i have the 84 tooth in 1/4 inch and just got the 120xp in 1/2 inch... and although they are nice , feel well made ect, they do have higher teeth count, but that backdrag (the swing back before a tooth engages for the next swing forward) is still noticeable, which is pretty disappointing considering the tooth count and price....its like how much money do you gotta spend lol
@@TonyTheTechnician I’ve been trying to find out the reason , but I can’t , the 120 xp literally has the lowest arc swing with the strength of a 45 pawl ratchet
I have really enjoyed both. Both are great options. Both smooth with low back drag and slim profiles. I wouldn't be afraid to buy either one. The tekton definitely has the upper hand when it comes to warranty though
Not necessarily since it's not actually 120 tooth. It's a 60 tooth gear with dual pawls. The idea of the 90 tooth design was to create a slimmer ratchet
@@josecortes9799 oh sorry I misunderstood you yea that's a possibility as well. But also the difference is so minor I wouldn't consider the 120xp to be a large ratchet. Especially compared to alot of those generic Ratchets lol. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 👍
i've got gearwrench produst that rust like toyota frame rails,, weather inside ratchet or inside a case yet in true gearwrench fashion no warranty for rust??????? so when the ratchet locks up or spins freely it's time to buy a new one,,,,, iv'e got bits that willrust next to another that looks brand new???? gearwrench has quality control issue yet it's consumers fault!!!!!!
Ya that's one thing I always like to mention when buying them. They have products made in so many different locations. The quality definitely varies from tool to tool, which is something I wish I didn't have to worry about
