GEARWRENCH 120XP Torque Wrench

Our newest column here on Off-Road Assassin is related to everything tools and will launch on Tuesdays, Tool Tuesday.
GEARWRENCH
GEARWRENCH’s torque wrench making sure our lug nuts our tight. Steven Olsewski

Tools are a part of every job related to off-road builds, whether it is something simple to tighten a bolt to machines to help build chassis. 

GEARWRENCH 120XP torque wrench
The GEARWRENCH 120XP torque wrench comes in a reusable storage box. Steven Olsewski

We take a look at the GEARWRENCH 1/2-inch Drive 120XP Torque Wrench (PN 85181). The 120XP Torques Wrench is packed with features, and we had the chance to check out everything.

TORQUE SPECS

Everyone knows what a torque wrench is, but how many people use one and the right way is another. The 120XP Torque Wrench has all the right features needed to get the job done right and secure as it can tighten between 30 and 250 ft-lbs.

GEARWRENCH logo
The GEARWRENCH logo prominently displayed on the torque wrench. Steven Olsewski

The wrench has 120 teeth that provide a three-degree swing arc, dramatically reducing the space needed to turn a fastener. The flexible ratcheting head flexes up to 15 degrees for greater access in tight areas.

“Proper torque and tension are important with all fasteners, but for off-roading parts that are in motion are especially critical,” GEARWRENCH sponsored Fun-Haver drivers Vaugh Gittin Jr. and Loren Healy explained. “Some examples are lug nuts, flex plate bolts, and suspension components due to the harmonics and rotation constantly trying to loosen them.”

The primary differentiator between the 120XP Torque Wrench and others on the market is the 120 teeth that provide a 3-degree swing arc. In tight spaces, every fraction matters, and the 3-degree swing arc allows the user to turn a fastener in areas that a wrench with a 4-degree swing arc may not be able to do.

wrench storage box
The torque wrench fits perfectly in the storage container keeping it safe in your tool box. Steven Olsewski

Not only is this useful in everyday maintenance, but in particular when there’s damage that changes the space you’re working on. Having a 100-percent steel construction gives the GEARWRENCH 120XP Torque Wrench plenty of durability and strength.

PUT TO WORK

We had plenty of bolts that needed tightening in the shop ranging from suspension bolts to lug nuts. The first thing that we noticed upon using the 120XP Torque Wrench was how comfortable it was to use.

Comfortable may not be a term you would think of while using a tool, but the flexible head made it extremely easy to use. The wrench always seemed to be in a spot that made it easy to tighten the fastener.

GEARWRENCH 120XP torque wrench
The flexible head on the GEARWRENCH 120XP torque wrench made it easy to get in tight areas without the need of an extension. Steven Olsewski

When it came time to torque the lug nuts, the flex head allowed us not to need an extension. The flex head put the wrench handle out and away from the tire, making it easy to torque.

For more information on GEARWRENCH tools or to find a tool for your next project, be sure to visit their website.