The Quinn ratchets are made for Harbor Freight by Apex Tool. Apex owns Gearwrench and manufactures Duralast and Husky ratchets. There are slight nuances between the variants with Gearwrench being the flagship line. I'd like to see Harbor Freight expand the Quinn ratchet line to include flex heads.
Flex head would bite into Icon sales. I've thought the same thing. Probably same reason we don't see SATA soft handle flex head. Gearwrench probably has an agreement with SATA.
@@KosmicHRTRacingTeamhow can Gearwrench have an agreement with sata? They are both owned and manufactured by apex. Also Pittsburgh pro has flex heads and I think they are phasing out Pittsburgh pro and slowly rebranding the pp line to Quinn. I wouldn’t be surprised if they put out Quinn flex head ratchets to replace the Pittsburgh pro ones next year. But I guess we will see at this years sema show
Gearwrench, Sata, Quinn, DieHard, Duralast and some Husky Low profile ratchets are all made by Apex Tools. There comfort grip Patten expired is why we're seeing other brands like Snap-on, Capri and Icon start to use that style of comfort grips on their ratchets.
Was just in my local harbor freight and all the ratchets felt dry, the thing that surprised me the most was the Pittsburgh 3/8 ratchet, best backdrag I’ve seen in a while.
I just picked up 2 Quinn master sets (3\8 and 1\4) open box nothing missing in either set. I got both for $50! I was very surprised by the ratchets. I did put some super lube in them both and have been using them every day. I gotta say they are amazing for the price. Best value (even at full price) ratchet on the market as long as they hold up, which I think they will.
Hello again, Things Men Thank you for another Great Video 👍 I enjoyed watching today's video. I also enjoyed the learning from everyone's experiences. The only Harbor Freight Ratchets I have is the Pittsburgh Pro Roto Head Ratchets. I've only used them a couple times. They did the job, I even loaned them out and got a good report. Again thank you 👌
I have that same GW ratchet and the 3/8 Quinn that I got earlier this year, but the internals are more similar - for example the pawl in my Quinn is a lighter color and matches the GW. So, hard to judge if it's a Quinn vs GW issue versus an issue of timing (when manufactured).
Those pawls look to be made of different materials, too. The Quinn looks like the regular steel pawl that most middle of the road companies use, and the Gearwrench may be made with chrome-moly because of the darker color. I've made an effort to study different types of steels and their properties, colors, etc., but it's only my observation from the video, so don't hold me over the fire for it. The Gearwrench is probably only "a little" better quality. I always open, clean, and lube every new ratchet I buy anymore. Too many low and mid-quality companies are rushing ratchets through quality control to save a little money. As a result, most of them don't have enough, if any lube. Some have a small amount of leftover machining debris in the head from a too rushed cleaning step before assembly. Or, in the case of Icon flex-heads (which I own 4 of), some have a missing wave washer from between the retaining plate and anvil/gear. Just my thoughts.
@@shadow7796 I think you might be onto something as the colors are different. Almost appears as a coating though. I have several videos on the wave washers in the icons if you haven’t watched already. 👍🏻
@@ThingsMen i have, what id really like to see is take a 30$ ratchet and turn it into a 180$ with a few tweaks. Kinda like the matco head swap on the Pittsburgh braker. Maybe swap out some internals like the icon tekton swap or the snapon hack for the diehard
We established over a year ago that Alex tools made these. Just like husky ratchets are the same as gear wrench. The just do more milling ok the gear wrench. They milled it down more on gearwrench you can always see the dimple on the back of the head on the gear wrench it is cut down more on the gearwrench to make the head thinner and the gear is milled down more on hearwrenxh for the thinner head. The stalk is a little smaller on the gearwrench due to more machine work so it will fit in tighter areas. The 84 tooth craftsman pro ratchet is the same internals as the gearwrench 84 but the cast a different handle design and it always has quick release. No one copied gearwrench the company that owns gearwrench made them for harbor freight. Apex makes tools for a lot of companies for rebrand there are a few videos on UA-cam discussing this.
@@empiesidbury1573 yes apex tool made these for HF. Some argue that the quality is the same as Gearwrench and some say the are minor changes that make it less.
Gearwrench gets first run of the machines whereas the Quinn gets the second (or third) run after things get sloppy. Have to maximize value out of the mold and machinery. Additionally, Gearwrench will usually get more premium metal, heat treating and finishing and expect better tolerances. They're similar, but the Gearwrench is made to a higher spec. This is common with tool manufacturing.
@@ThingsMen same same 90T ratchet, it appears they've just changed a few aesthetic dimensions and qualities. Interesting that they bothered to change the anvil, who are they fooling? haha If you don't care about everything matching (compact and locking flex etc you have to buy the overpriced gearwrench version) or the silly name (some wealthy exec name the range after their silver-spoon-fed kid or something?), the Quinn ratchets appear to be a decent option. If you don't like the slim format gearwrench comfort grips and prefer something meatier that's a bonus!
I have these same 2 ratchets been using both for a little while but the Quinn doesn't sound as smooth. I cleaned them both and used the same oil in both when they were new.
I have doubles of the GW 90T versions, QC isn't amazing, every ratchet feels slightly different, but they all work without issue Has to be a downside vs paying SnapOff prices
All these taiwan made, 90 tooth, apex ratchets are the same. Any internal differences you may find are incidental, if not accidental machining anomolies between one batch and the next. The selector lever and handles are ever so slightly different for aesthetics and branding, not for function.
I'd be careful ins saying they are the same. Same basic design, made in same factory, and nearly interchangeable parts do not equate to same quality. Important details concerning metallurgy like exact material composition, hardness, etc. can result in a huge difference in durability and strength. The pawl color differences are a clue towards that end. Also, there may be nearly microscopic differences in the tooth profile and finish of the pawl. I also saw in the video that the ball detent was located slightly further from the pawl base on one. I know the more time a component spends being machined or finished the more the final product will (should) cost.
@@C2Installations metallurgy can change from batch to batch or year to year. Point wasn’t to take it that far. However you can swap all the internals between them and it would work the same. I do appreciate you commenting and appreciation to detail. 👍🏻
I said the same thing I don't know how this guy can think they're the same. Just because they look similar. They're totally different could he normally has good videos but this one is obviously he's wrong
@@ThingsMen Metallurgy doesn’t change if the manufacturer is following a specification. That’s the whole point. I work for a US manufacturer and know about batches, bins, QC, tolerances, acceptable ranges, and so on. If the lookalike is less money, where do you think they saved? I’ll tell you…they saved in places the consumer can’t see, check, or test.
@@ThingsMen again, work for a manufacturer, and we not only make items under our name, but oem for numerous others… to their spec and QC requirements. I’m aware of margins, NIBT, and more. I also know it costs more to mold a soft grip handle with three colors, vs two. I’m just saying if you think HF isn’t cutting corners somewhere to cut cost, well… Gotta factor in that they are not losing money on coupons and constant sales. Plus they are the only reseller, so cutting out middle men likely means they are making more margin on a less expensive to procure item. Seems like you’re on the “they are the same” bandwagon but how sure are you that they are the same quality? I guess my issue is you’ve done no conclusive testing but render your opinion as fact. Now you’re digging in instead of just acknowledging that there could be differences that are not apparent, or did I miss that in the video? Appreciate the video either way.
I prefer some of the Pittsburgh over icon. I have both in 1/4" flex. Pittsburgh is much smoother with less back drag. The icon had to be returned 2 or 3 times before it even touched a fastener. I wont bother returning it again. Ill use it as a junkyard tool until it breaks and leave it there for the next guy to find and warranty.
I used to buy a bit of gearwrench back in the day when they were just a brand of kd tools And then everything was getting branded gearwrench around 2007 and apex disbanded Armstrong which was there best line and matco used Armstrong for there hardline for years stopping about 2012 and taking all the good products and remaking in Asia look at the USA made pinless impact sockets over the new gearwrench version far inferior imo
I have quite a few Gearwrench products all the way back to the turn of the century. They have had their rollercoaster ride over the recent years but they appear to be finding their footing again. 👍🏻
I didnt hear or see if you compared the finish. I was probably flapping my thumbs in the comments. Id like to get a quinn to compare closer myself but from a quick glance at the store the machining or maybe just the chrome on the quinn didnt seem near as nice as gearwrench. I haven't been a fan of the tool trucks the last several years so im kind of a gearwrench fan boy now.
I refuse to buy Gearwrench just because the way they sell them having each store only sell a couple versions of what they make. I expect to go into a store and see the entire product line.
The Harbor Freight is modeled after gear wrench. But they're not the same in any way. They may look similar, but they're not the same. Not one part is shared. Different weight very different hardness. Different dimensions. different tolerances. Just because two things look similar doesn't mean they're the same. I love your videos. But in this instance you're completely wrong. You're just assuming. When you say something's virtually identical. Doesn't mean that they're identical even the Finish is different.. I'm not the only one saying this other people in the comments are as well. I think you should just delete this video or apologize for your mistake
Not sure what got you so upset; look Apex tool has been making ratchets for others for decades now. They made the old Craftsman 84t's, Duralast, Husky, Matco, and plenty for their own companies ofc. They definitely make certain pliers for the Doyle line even (that 7" needle nose is a real Crescent rebadge if I've ever seen one) HF sources from manufacturers like this all the time and this is no exception. These are coming right off the same lines, likely just a hair less picky on the QC side of things. Generally speaking in terms of torque handling the majority of Apex built ratchets tend to be in the same range in tests too. It's wildly consistent, even the cheap ones. These won't be any different and for the price (and lifetime warranty), it'd be insane to buy the Gearwrench equivalent. These are going to be functionally the same or within 95-98% anyway, just with a nice easy warranty and a much lower entry price. I'm gonna guess you're taking this one personally because you paid full price for Gearwrench? (We're talking sub-$20 taiwanese ratchets here and you're acting as upset as a Snap-on fanboy it's a little sad)
You seem a bit upset about this, but they are virtually the same. They fall within the same acceptable size and tolerances. Also note that my GW is about 3 or 4 years older, so they may have all the exact same internals if inspected today. My point is that they are copies of each other internally with slight cosmetic differences to make them look different on the exterior. Apex's supplier made both and you will get the same quality tool either way you choose.
The Quinn ratchets are made for Harbor Freight by Apex Tool. Apex owns Gearwrench and manufactures Duralast and Husky ratchets. There are slight nuances between the variants with Gearwrench being the flagship line. I'd like to see Harbor Freight expand the Quinn ratchet line to include flex heads.
@@mlieser1230 I think we all would like to see that. Not sure apex would allow for that though.
@@ThingsMen I had the same thought.
Flex head would bite into Icon sales. I've thought the same thing. Probably same reason we don't see SATA soft handle flex head. Gearwrench probably has an agreement with SATA.
@@KosmicHRTRacingTeam I would agree. Gearwrench wants to have some exclusivity
@@KosmicHRTRacingTeamhow can Gearwrench have an agreement with sata? They are both owned and manufactured by apex. Also Pittsburgh pro has flex heads and I think they are phasing out Pittsburgh pro and slowly rebranding the pp line to Quinn. I wouldn’t be surprised if they put out Quinn flex head ratchets to replace the Pittsburgh pro ones next year. But I guess we will see at this years sema show
Gearwrench , Sata, Husky, These Quinn ratchets are literally all made in the exact taiwanese manufacturing facility.
@@williamster2015 yup 👍🏻
Yes you have some secret Harbor Freight info LOL or just assuming. Have a good day
And you know this how? Seriously how do you know?
Gearwrench, Sata, Quinn, DieHard, Duralast and some Husky Low profile ratchets are all made by Apex Tools. There comfort grip Patten expired is why we're seeing other brands like Snap-on, Capri and Icon start to use that style of comfort grips on their ratchets.
@@hemi08911 😉
Was just in my local harbor freight and all the ratchets felt dry, the thing that surprised me the most was the Pittsburgh 3/8 ratchet, best backdrag I’ve seen in a while.
@@Bass4LifeBro yea that happens sadly. If you like low backdrag then look to the Japanese manufacturers. 👍🏻
I just picked up 2 Quinn master sets (3\8 and 1\4) open box nothing missing in either set. I got both for $50! I was very surprised by the ratchets. I did put some super lube in them both and have been using them every day. I gotta say they are amazing for the price. Best value (even at full price) ratchet on the market as long as they hold up, which I think they will.
@@nhbountyhunter those are good deals and good sets. Best of both worlds really.
I have all 3 Quinn ratchets and their great. Thanks for the comparison
its ‘they are’
@@michaellindsay8934 yes great buy for sure. 👍🏻
@@vladak8289 thei'yre
Hello again, Things Men
Thank you for another Great Video 👍 I enjoyed watching today's video. I also enjoyed the learning from everyone's experiences. The only Harbor Freight Ratchets I have is the Pittsburgh Pro Roto Head Ratchets. I've only used them a couple times. They did the job, I even loaned them out and got a good report. Again thank you 👌
@@georgeferlazzo7936 appreciate you chiming in. Yes their rotos are nice. These Quinns are excellent as well. 👍🏻
I haven't tried either of these yet, I did recently purchase the Hazet 3/8 ratchet, and I'm finding it to be very smooth and well made.
@@andrewlacerenza667 I’ve thought about that one as well. 👍🏻
I have that same GW ratchet and the 3/8 Quinn that I got earlier this year, but the internals are more similar - for example the pawl in my Quinn is a lighter color and matches the GW. So, hard to judge if it's a Quinn vs GW issue versus an issue of timing (when manufactured).
@@GarenP my GW is a couple years old now so newer ones might be more similar. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻
I have the 90T flex head comfort grip 1/2, 3/8, and 1/4 gw ratchets. They are very nice. Solid quality
@@TOOL_TECHNICAL thanks for sharing. Yes those are solid ratchets that have a cult following. 👍🏻
Those pawls look to be made of different materials, too. The Quinn looks like the regular steel pawl that most middle of the road companies use, and the Gearwrench may be made with chrome-moly because of the darker color. I've made an effort to study different types of steels and their properties, colors, etc., but it's only my observation from the video, so don't hold me over the fire for it. The Gearwrench is probably only "a little" better quality. I always open, clean, and lube every new ratchet I buy anymore. Too many low and mid-quality companies are rushing ratchets through quality control to save a little money. As a result, most of them don't have enough, if any lube. Some have a small amount of leftover machining debris in the head from a too rushed cleaning step before assembly. Or, in the case of Icon flex-heads (which I own 4 of), some have a missing wave washer from between the retaining plate and anvil/gear. Just my thoughts.
@@shadow7796 I think you might be onto something as the colors are different. Almost appears as a coating though. I have several videos on the wave washers in the icons if you haven’t watched already. 👍🏻
One being lubricated could be the reason that it may look like different color metal.
Keep these comparisons coming.
I will. Please subscribe if you haven’t already. 👍🏻
@@ThingsMen i have, what id really like to see is take a 30$ ratchet and turn it into a 180$ with a few tweaks. Kinda like the matco head swap on the Pittsburgh braker. Maybe swap out some internals like the icon tekton swap or the snapon hack for the diehard
@@MrJoshdouglas I like those ideas as well. So many great topics but not enough time in the day. I’ll keep them coming though. 😱
We established over a year ago that Alex tools made these. Just like husky ratchets are the same as gear wrench. The just do more milling ok the gear wrench. They milled it down more on gearwrench you can always see the dimple on the back of the head on the gear wrench it is cut down more on the gearwrench to make the head thinner and the gear is milled down more on hearwrenxh for the thinner head. The stalk is a little smaller on the gearwrench due to more machine work so it will fit in tighter areas. The 84 tooth craftsman pro ratchet is the same internals as the gearwrench 84 but the cast a different handle design and it always has quick release. No one copied gearwrench the company that owns gearwrench made them for harbor freight. Apex makes tools for a lot of companies for rebrand there are a few videos on UA-cam discussing this.
@@empiesidbury1573 yes apex tool made these for HF. Some argue that the quality is the same as Gearwrench and some say the are minor changes that make it less.
Gearwrench gets first run of the machines whereas the Quinn gets the second (or third) run after things get sloppy. Have to maximize value out of the mold and machinery. Additionally, Gearwrench will usually get more premium metal, heat treating and finishing and expect better tolerances. They're similar, but the Gearwrench is made to a higher spec. This is common with tool manufacturing.
I get your point but these are run through different dies. Quality is right on par. 👍🏻
@@ThingsMen same same 90T ratchet, it appears they've just changed a few aesthetic dimensions and qualities. Interesting that they bothered to change the anvil, who are they fooling? haha
If you don't care about everything matching (compact and locking flex etc you have to buy the overpriced gearwrench version) or the silly name (some wealthy exec name the range after their silver-spoon-fed kid or something?), the Quinn ratchets appear to be a decent option. If you don't like the slim format gearwrench comfort grips and prefer something meatier that's a bonus!
@@scod3908 yes it’s a bit silly but the Quinn are virtually copies and a great ratchet. 👍🏻
Fantastic content 👌 👏 👍
Thank you. Really appreciate that.
I’m sure Apex is OE for the Quinn wrench.
@@bsowhat correct or one of their suppliers
I have these same 2 ratchets been using both for a little while but the Quinn doesn't sound as smooth. I cleaned them both and used the same oil in both when they were new.
@@georgebonney90 just the luck of the draw. Probably have some inconsistency in the Quinn. Add lube?
I have doubles of the GW 90T versions, QC isn't amazing, every ratchet feels slightly different, but they all work without issue
Has to be a downside vs paying SnapOff prices
@@scod3908 that’s a fair assessment
All these taiwan made, 90 tooth, apex ratchets are the same. Any internal differences you may find are incidental, if not accidental machining anomolies between one batch and the next. The selector lever and handles are ever so slightly different for aesthetics and branding, not for function.
@@amc31b agree
I'd be careful ins saying they are the same. Same basic design, made in same factory, and nearly interchangeable parts do not equate to same quality. Important details concerning metallurgy like exact material composition, hardness, etc. can result in a huge difference in durability and strength. The pawl color differences are a clue towards that end. Also, there may be nearly microscopic differences in the tooth profile and finish of the pawl. I also saw in the video that the ball detent was located slightly further from the pawl base on one. I know the more time a component spends being machined or finished the more the final product will (should) cost.
@@C2Installations metallurgy can change from batch to batch or year to year. Point wasn’t to take it that far. However you can swap all the internals between them and it would work the same.
I do appreciate you commenting and appreciation to detail. 👍🏻
I said the same thing I don't know how this guy can think they're the same. Just because they look similar. They're totally different could he normally has good videos but this one is obviously he's wrong
@@ThingsMen Metallurgy doesn’t change if the manufacturer is following a specification. That’s the whole point. I work for a US manufacturer and know about batches, bins, QC, tolerances, acceptable ranges, and so on. If the lookalike is less money, where do you think they saved? I’ll tell you…they saved in places the consumer can’t see, check, or test.
@@C2Installations I can see them saving there but also it’s called margins. Each manufacturer has them and creates acceptable margins limits.
@@ThingsMen again, work for a manufacturer, and we not only make items under our name, but oem for numerous others… to their spec and QC requirements.
I’m aware of margins, NIBT, and more. I also know it costs more to mold a soft grip handle with three colors, vs two. I’m just saying if you think HF isn’t cutting corners somewhere to cut cost, well… Gotta factor in that they are not losing money on coupons and constant sales. Plus they are the only reseller, so cutting out middle men likely means they are making more margin on a less expensive to procure item.
Seems like you’re on the “they are the same” bandwagon but how sure are you that they are the same quality? I guess my issue is you’ve done no conclusive testing but render your opinion as fact. Now you’re digging in instead of just acknowledging that there could be differences that are not apparent, or did I miss that in the video? Appreciate the video either way.
I prefer the quinns over the icons
I get that. Better backdrag and a virtual close of Gearwrench. 👍🏻
I prefer some of the Pittsburgh over icon. I have both in 1/4" flex. Pittsburgh is much smoother with less back drag. The icon had to be returned 2 or 3 times before it even touched a fastener. I wont bother returning it again. Ill use it as a junkyard tool until it breaks and leave it there for the next guy to find and warranty.
@@aaadamt964 I haven’t had that bad of an experience. Most of multiple icons have been great. 👍🏻
When did harbor freight start manufacturing anything?
They don't
Correct
Looks pretty close! I like the lower price.
@@vabearcub don’t we all. 👍🏻
I used to buy a bit of gearwrench back in the day when they were just a brand of kd tools
And then everything was getting branded gearwrench around 2007 and apex disbanded Armstrong which was there best line and matco used Armstrong for there hardline for years stopping about 2012 and taking all the good products and remaking in Asia look at the USA made pinless impact sockets over the new gearwrench version far inferior imo
I have quite a few Gearwrench products all the way back to the turn of the century. They have had their rollercoaster ride over the recent years but they appear to be finding their footing again. 👍🏻
The SATA ratchet is exactly the same and you can buy a 3 piece set for 35 bucks great ratchet.
Correct. I have that one as well. Hmm have an idea. 💡
@MVi-l1q Apex make a SATA branded 120P version too. I was going to buy them but got the 90T significantly discount on sale
I didnt hear or see if you compared the finish. I was probably flapping my thumbs in the comments. Id like to get a quinn to compare closer myself but from a quick glance at the store the machining or maybe just the chrome on the quinn didnt seem near as nice as gearwrench. I haven't been a fan of the tool trucks the last several years so im kind of a gearwrench fan boy now.
@@aaadamt964 they are virtually identical. Some small changes in the video but nothing concerning performance. 👍🏻
I refuse to buy Gearwrench just because the way they sell them having each store only sell a couple versions of what they make. I expect to go into a store and see the entire product line.
@@petebusch9069 that would be nice. Tekton has done a better job at that.
@@ThingsMen Yes, and that's one reason I buy Tekton, they have a very nice site and top notch service as well. I love their business model.
Harbor Freight doesn't "manufacture " anything.. they're made for Harbor Freight by Apex Tool
@@boosted2.4_sky yes either apex tool does unless they sub it out.
Gearwrench doesn’t “manufacture” anything either my bro 😂
Who is picking the names of those companies omg Quinn has to be the worst name ever given to a tool.
I won’t disagree there. 😆
Agreed, but who cares, and does it matter? It may even be strategic to make the black and red Icon line more appealing.
@@ponyboyack00 Yes it matters did you name it you sound butt hurt lol.
The Harbor Freight is modeled after gear wrench. But they're not the same in any way. They may look similar, but they're not the same. Not one part is shared. Different weight very different hardness. Different dimensions. different tolerances. Just because two things look similar doesn't mean they're the same. I love your videos. But in this instance you're completely wrong. You're just assuming. When you say something's virtually identical. Doesn't mean that they're identical even the Finish is different.. I'm not the only one saying this other people in the comments are as well. I think you should just delete this video or apologize for your mistake
Not sure what got you so upset; look Apex tool has been making ratchets for others for decades now. They made the old Craftsman 84t's, Duralast, Husky, Matco, and plenty for their own companies ofc.
They definitely make certain pliers for the Doyle line even (that 7" needle nose is a real Crescent rebadge if I've ever seen one)
HF sources from manufacturers like this all the time and this is no exception. These are coming right off the same lines, likely just a hair less picky on the QC side of things.
Generally speaking in terms of torque handling the majority of Apex built ratchets tend to be in the same range in tests too. It's wildly consistent, even the cheap ones. These won't be any different and for the price (and lifetime warranty), it'd be insane to buy the Gearwrench equivalent. These are going to be functionally the same or within 95-98% anyway, just with a nice easy warranty and a much lower entry price.
I'm gonna guess you're taking this one personally because you paid full price for Gearwrench?
(We're talking sub-$20 taiwanese ratchets here and you're acting as upset as a Snap-on fanboy it's a little sad)
Here's something crazy: Just for fun I swapped part between my Craftsman 84t and a 72t Husky once (both Apex). They worked perfectly.
Funny isn't it.
they're the same bro get mad
You seem a bit upset about this, but they are virtually the same. They fall within the same acceptable size and tolerances. Also note that my GW is about 3 or 4 years older, so they may have all the exact same internals if inspected today. My point is that they are copies of each other internally with slight cosmetic differences to make them look different on the exterior. Apex's supplier made both and you will get the same quality tool either way you choose.
I’m sorry, but this is old news 🫤
@@Snowmannorth yes that as mentioned at the start of the video. Thanks for joining though. 👍🏻
Hes not reporting news, hes expressing an opinion. Whats the point in watching and commenting if its old news?
Yeah thanks for your insight bro! Great video