Gearwrench hex bit sockets look pretty simple at first glance and there’s some truth to that. However, there are some good talking points to go along with these incredibly handy accessories.
We got our hands on both the mid and long-length versions. They’re available in metric and SAE. 3 of the sets consist of 7 hex bits and the long length metric set has 6 pieces. Mid-length bits are 2.80″ long and long-length bits reach out 6.15″.
The hex shafts are made from S2 steel, leading to their 3/8″ chrome sockets. At the base of the sockets, metric sizes have knurling and SAE sizes have a pair of double lines, making them easy to tell from each other by sight and feel. Each socket has its size, the Gearwrench name, and product number etched into the chrome.
S2 Steel Basics
The use of S2 steel hex shafts is a big deal because it’s harder than chrome vanadium. However, that extra strength comes at the cost of brittleness. If these bits fail at the shaft, it’s going to be a clean break rather than bending and/or metal fatigue.
The materials Gearwrench uses tell us that these are not for use with your 3/8″ impact wrench. Even the most compact impact wrench has too much torque to use these with. You’re best off going with a 3/8″ ratchet.
You can also use something like this Makita cordless ratchet. We recommend using one with a variable speed trigger or paddle switch so you can feather it, particularly on models that are in the upper range for torque.
Price
Gearwrench hex bit sockets run around $45 for the mid-length sets and $60 for the long-length sets. They’re backed by a lifetime warranty.
Want to see a video on these hex bit sockets? Check out what Tim Johnson thinks at Shop Tool Reviews!
Gearwrench Hex Bit Sockets — Available Sets
SAE
Long Length (82537)
- 1/8″
- 5/32″
- 3/16″
- 7/32″
- 1/4″
- 5/16″
- 3/8″
- Price: $45.23 Buy on Amazon
Mid Length (82529)
- 1/8″
- 5/32″
- 3/16″
- 7/32″
- 1/4″
- 5/16″
- 3/8″
- Price: $40.79 Buy on Amazon
Metric
Long Length (82554)
- 4mm
- 5mm
- 6mm
- 7mm
- 8mm
- 10mm
- Price: $47.24 Buy on Amazon
Mid Length (82546)
- 4mm
- 5mm
- 6mm
- 7mm
- 8mm
- 9mm
- 10mm
- Price: $38.88 Buy on Amazon
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