Gearwrench, a well known mid-level mechanics tool line (here are more of our Gearwrench tool posts), has come out with new impact socket sets and air impact wrenches. This comes as somewhat of a surprise, at least to me, since Gearwrench seems to have been solely focused on hand tools.
They also offer a couple of tool storage options, but when I think Gearwrench, only hand tools – mostly automotive tools – come to mind.
The new sockets are made from impact-grade Cr-Mo steel (chrome molybdenum alloy) for strength and durability, and are coated with a corrosion-resistant finish.
Each socket has both laser-etched and hard-stamped markings, for the best of both worlds. Laser-etched markings can be easier on the eyes, but can wear away with time and heavy use. Hard-stamped markings are pretty much permanent.
Gearwrench engineered the sockets with their Surface Drive profile, which they say virtually eliminates the rounding of fasteners. Other socket and wrench manufacturers have similar technologies, which usually do well to engage fasteners on their flats instead or right at their corners.
All of these sockets feature holes for retention pins. Gearwrench also makes pinless universal impact sockets.
The new product line includes 9 different impact socket sets:
- 84919N: 25 pc 3/8″ 6pt SAE standard and deep BUY
- 84925N: 29 pc 3/8″ 6pt metric standard and deep BUY
- 84947N: 39 pc 1/2″ 6pt SAE standard and deep BUY
- 84948N: 39 pc 1/2″ 6pt metric standard and deep BUY
- 84949N: 27 pc 1/2″ 6pt SAE and metric deep BUY
- 84923N: 7 pc 3/8″ 6pt SAE deep universal BUY
- 84924N: 10 pc 3/8″ 6pt metric deep universal BUY
- 84943N: 10 pc 1/2″ 6pt SAE deep universal BUY
- 84945N: 10 pc 1/2″ 6pt metric deep universal BUY
Each set comes with a blow molded case or plastic socket clip rail. Amazon (via 3rd party sellers) and other retailers have started carrying the new Gearwrench impact socket sets.
Keep in mind that the universal sets are still 6pt sockets. They don’t have universal spline-type profiles, but instead have pivoting universal joints that allow for angled access. With a universal joint socket, you don’t have to engage a fastener from directly head-on.
Gearwrench has also come out with 3 new air impact wrenches:
These new 80-series impact wrenches feature twin-hammer impact mechanisms for added durability, a variable speed trigger, and high efficiency air motor. They’re designed for professional automotive repair, and also “light industrial” applications.
Gearwrench says that their new 80-series impact wrenches can deliver “almost 100 ft-lbs more max torque than any other air impact wrenches,” and that they offer “market-leading performance.”
What’s interesting is that Gearwrench offers a 60-day risk-free trial. You’ll probably have to check with your local Gearwrench dealer for details.
A search for product specs shows that the 3/8″ impact wrench delivers up to 510 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque, the 1/2″ delivers up to 1100 ft-lbs, and the 3/4″ delivers up to 1500 ft-lbs.
I just checked the specs for the newish Ingersoll Rand 2235 Ti Max 1/2″ impact wrench ($~263 via Amazon), and it’s said to deliver up to 930 ft-lbs of max reverse torque, and up to 1350 ft-lbs of “nut-busting” torque.
Before you buy an air or cordless impact wrench for automotive applications based solely on torque ratings, keep in mind that different brands sometimes adhere to different testing and ratings standards.
It’s good to see Gearwrench expanding into new territory, especially since other brands are trying to move further into the automotive tool business. Dewalt launched a new line of automotive-focused air tools and then expanded their air tool offerings, all last year. Dewalt has also kicked off another round of mechanics hand tools.
I find myself wondering whether Gearwrench’s next step will be to come out with more air tools, such as an air ratchet or two, or perhaps they’ll wander into the cordless power tool business.