I have about $100 in Sears shop your way rewards that are going to expire in March. I was thinking about adding some tools to my box, and I am curious about what others would get. I am leaning toward a metric (seems like everything on the V is 10 mm) gear wrench set, but I have some questions...
Should I buy the cheaper brand name "Gear Wrench" set, or spring for the more expensive Craftsman version?
Should I get regular, flex head, or locking elbow style?
What about the 8 in 1 style (basically a racheting gear wrench with 8 sizes in one wrench)? My experience with combination tools has not been good in the past.
What is going to be the best for doing work on a V?
Gear Wrench has the original patent on ratchet wrenches. I have the Gear Wrench regular and I am happy with them, although I have been tempted to add a set of the flex head. I suspect Gear Wrench supplies the Craftsman units. If you look at them in person, I would get the one that looks or feels better in the hand and if there is no discernible different I would buy the one that cost the least. Finally, I think they both have lifetime warranties.
I have a set of the Gear wrenches in both standard and metric and use them a lot! I have had no problems and am very happy with the brand. Hope this helped.
What mods or work are you going to be doing? If headers for example, would advise a decent 3/8 ratchet for the header bolts and spark plugs and don't bother with the gear wrench flexible spark plug socket it won't fit. Using the low tooth ratchet that comes in the sears socket sets is not ideal as there is not much space. I believe everything on the V is metric however when replacing brake lines using really cheap autozone flare wrenches a 9/16 actually worked better for me than the metric equivalent. A nice set of metric flare wrenches would be handy if doing ss brake lines.
I have picked up a few sized gear wrench sizes bigger ones 18mm and 21mm for brake/hub work but often for normal stuff the gear wrench outside head is often to large to actually use. I have read gear wrenches are helpful for pulling the trans as well. Don't know how many sets have the larger sized ones. I would only invest in metric but that is based on what is in my garage.
I have both the standard and metric variations. I know for a fact the top bolts on the bell housing are one spot you "need" these wrenches. Other places are equally helpful. As for genuine or not, I'm a snob so I stuck with Gear wrench brand.
Yes. And compound the stress if the car is so high in the air, you have to get on a step ladder and practically climb into the engine bay just to reach it. I got the others from the side.
I don't really know what kits are which anymore, but those two sizes are a must.
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