Tool Review: GEARWRENCH 10-pc Bolt Biter Screw Extractor Set, No. 84786
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Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: The drill bits are sharp and cut well. The extractors bite and hold well.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?
A: The drill bits and the extractors being together in a kit saves time, and that adds up.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: It’s very easy to use. Choose the drill bit and extractor from the kit that will leave you a little meat left for the extractor to bite into. Drill your hole, tap the extractor into the hole and turn.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: It came in a thick, clear plastic package that holds the storage case wide open, so you can see exactly what you’re getting. The storage case is made of what seems to be sturdy plastic similar to an average size drill/driver bit set. It’s not too bulky but not too small that it’ll easily be lost. It’s also clear and orange, so that’ll help you keep tabs on it as well.
Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual and was the manual easy to understand?
A: Yes, inside the case there were a couple of inserts. The one behind the drill bits had an easy-to-read and understand set of instructions. Illustrations were also included for those of us who like pictures. One thing I did notice that was a bit confusing was that on the front of the packaging it states, “works with hand and power tools” with an illustration of a hand ratchet and an impact wrench. On the back of the package under the large illustration of an extractor, it’s pointing out the hex base design compatible with hand and power tools. Then, in the warranty information, it states not to use with impact power tools.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I really like how the extractors will bite for both directions. When I have to use one of these tools, I never plan on reusing the fastener. A lot of extractors only bite turning left, which makes it about impossible to turn back and forth to work the broken fastener loose. These will also work on broken bolts with left hand threads.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: I think that the quality of everything was top notch. That being said, the packaging, the information I’ve seen online, and even the instructions inside the case all said it had left-handed drill bits, but I had right handed drill bits in mine. Personally, I feel that left-handed drill bits are somewhat of an extractor themselves, adding value to the kit.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I had a big brake job where I was replacing all the brake lines on a truck with 350K on the clock. Needless to say, there were a few hang ups when it came to removing bleeder screws and a few other bolts. The drill bits chewed into the bolts and bleeders like they were butter. The extractors bit into the metal and held well.I also used them to remove a couple broken exhaust manifold bolts from a GM 4.2L Envoy, and they worked great.
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you’ve used like it?
A: The most common ones were the ones that have the left-handed screw type threads, and the ones that were square and had a little twist. The first type was worthless if the bolt had left-handed threads, and the square on the end to drive them didn’t seem to fit any socket well. The square ones just don’t want to hold unless you hammer them to death and mushroom the ends.
The GEARWRENCH extractors bite really well in both directions, and you can use common sized wrenches or sockets, so you have a positive grip for turning. The included drill bits that come in the kit that match the sizes of the extractors saves time.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: Eight. The overall feel and quality are what I would expect from GEARWRENCH, but I feel that a one year warranty on the extractors leave much to be desired. I have other extractors with a lifetime warranty unless it’s due to misuse or abuse. A warranty is a piece of mind for technicians, and this type of tool doesn’t typically get used a whole lot.
Normally, it’s purchased to get you out of a pinch and may not get used again for years, but in the event, one is used for the first or second time after a number of years, it should still be covered by a warranty.The hex heads on the extractors are a great idea and will make turning them so much easier.
