I have been threatening to restore a 1979 Datsun ZX that I have been holding on to since putting it away about 15 years ago. While it doesn't really need a lot of work, there are some issues that I have to deal with like suspension and brakes which I want to tackle in my spare time.

Actually, the whole project gathered steam when I was looking for a wrench that I was missing at Lowes. Looking at the various displays, my attention was drawn to the  Gear Wrench display and started to imagine the possibilities to use the Gear Wrench XL X Beam Ratcheting Wrenches and the thought of putting the Z together just felt like its time had come.

Getting the XL X Beam's home I was anxious to try them out. The 7 piece kit in a molded reusable organizer tray includes an 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 18mm open and closed end ratcheting wrenches. The wrenches are highly polished have a little weight behind them. The real attraction of the  XL X Beam is threefold.

Reason #1

The XL X Beam's twisted design provides a flat surface on the opposing side that allows you to push and pull more effectively against a nut without having the wrench shaft from digging into your palm. The net result is you get to exert more force to your work. The benefit of this technology has earned the Gear Wrench XL X Beam an endorsement from the Arthritis Foundation for ease of use. The flattened shaft also features a 500% increase in surface contact area. Twisting your wrists is minimized to almost nil and the comfort of using this tool cannot be over emphasized.

Reason #2
 
The ratcheting box end reduces the amount of work required to tighten or loosen a nut by requiring 1/6 of the work to loosen a fastener. The hardened teeth reduce fastener rounding, which is a welcomed innovation. The width of the box and opened end also expose the fastener to more surface area translating to 25% more torque delivery on the open end. Tightening and loosening is facilitated by flipping the tool.
Reason #3
 
The length of the individual wrenches delivers more leverage and torque to your work. The measurements of the individual wrenches are as follows:

  8mm - 5.787 inches
10mm - 6.535 inches
12mm - 7.717 inches
13mm - 8.11 inches
14mm - 8.74 inches
15mm - 9.134 inches
18mm -10.591 inches

Cracking a hardened bolt is a lot easier with the length and flattened opposing end. You certainly notice a difference in just how easier it is to get the job done. For under $60.00 (street price) the expense certainly justifies the purchase of the Gear Wrench XL X Beam Ratcheting Wrenches, especially if you aren't as strong as you once were or suffer from arthritis. A lifetime manufacturers warranty is reassures the service life of the product, always a plus!


After getting the Z on jacks and deep into a brake upgrade, I appreciate the dividends being paid from XL X Beam's; I plan to complete this set this weekend!

Recommended: Yes