Gearwrench is coming out with new MegaMod mechanics tool sets, featuring tools kitted with custom-cut foam trays.
I first noticed an influx of new Gearwrench tool sets a few weeks ago, and they all seemed to feature the same tools but in foam trays at inflated pricing.
It seemed almost newsworthy, but to be frank the pricing differential all but diminished my personal interest.
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Thanks to a reader heads-up (thank you Fred!), we now know it’s part of an upcoming Gearwrench launch.
Digging into things, Gearwrench MegaMod is a system of modular tool sets.
Officially:
Introducing [Gearwrench] MEGAMODS: Tool sets built around what you need and want. Each set has been individually curated to contain the right tools for the job, organized in the most efficient way possible.
It looks like the tool sets and trays are sized to fit Gearwrench tool chests and cabinets, such as the new GSX roller cabinet that recently came out and is selling for $5000-$5500. Hopefully their tool trays fit other brands’ tool chests, cabinets, and carts as well.
The sets have a slightly different look that Gearwrench’s prior foam tray-kitted tool sets.
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These new sets have an orange base and black foam top layer. The foam is marked where it seems helpful, such as with socket sizes.
The pricing seems a bit high, but could soften in time.
For example, a Gearwrench 6pc Pitbull pliers set is currently ~$94 at Amazon. If you want the 5pc set with foam tray, it’s currently priced at just over $120 at Amazon. Home Depot has it for $129.
Not everyone is going to have the patience to custom-cut their own foam trays out of Kaizen foam or tool control foam, and custom-cutting services can be pricey.
Gearwrench MegaMods make it easier to have a fully organized tool kit.
I think that the greatest appeal will be from the tool users buying a whole lot of tools and sets at once.
A lot of other premium mechanics tool brands already offer similar, with some specializing in modular tool kits like these, but it’s always good to have more options.
I am happy to see the brand expanding in this direction, and it will be interesting to see if Gearwrench’s offerings gain traction.
MM
The foam organizers look nice but they are a bit pricey and several of them have terrible utilization of space; one could fit far more tools in the drawer using a different arrangement. I can forgive a lot when it comes to “free” organizers but if I am paying a premium for the organizer then it had better not waste the most precious toolbox resource of them all: space.
Jonathan VanSkiver
As a service technician almost 35years myself, I’d definitely have to agree. I couldn’t have said it any better myself. I do have a fair amount of gear wrench tools myself and the quality seems to be there. With that having been said, the brand not having a tool truck/route driver stopping by on a regular basis, makes them not my personal first choice. Actually if I were to be honest, they may just make the top 6 or 7.
I myself have thought they were pretty pricey and I’m used to paying top dollar.
Don’t get me wrong, I do like the sets I have purchased, but its been many years now and honestly, they were much cheaper then.
Anyway, I certainly agree.
Richard Padgett
And just like Milwaukee,,,,overpriced. I guess there nice for show and tell…you pay for the tools the foam crap should be free.
Wayne R.
Might have to start investing in Lotto tickets…
Jared
I really like tool sets that come with pre-cut foam. It’s time consuming and expensive to DIY, so it seems like a real value-add when you can buy tools already laid out this way.
I wish more companies did that. My impression is that it probably isn’t that expensive to do in bulk for a specific tool set – even though it is when you’re doing it yourself as a one-off.
These sets though, are noticeably higher-price that the tools without foam, which is a bit off-putting. e.g. I tend to see foam as “extra value” and a reason to choose one set over another, but not necessarily something I pay extra for.
Like you said though, these are new offerings. I try not to get too worked up over price when something is new to the market.
eddie sky
If they had a system to make these JIT (just in time) as to not carry as inventory because tool designs change faster than stock. And that foam…if they sold just blanks that fit most drawers… yeah time consuming but offered the service to “option fit product as needed”. Maybe too much logistics.
BUT a laser cutter that set to depth, that you take photo of tools setup on blank sheet (a grid and sized mat match) then software does the outlines, then sample cut on paper. Test fit, if good, send to foam.
What I need is a person (wife?) that can look at my tool drawers and figure out best access, most used and best layout. Right?
Jared
That would be neat. I know there are services that will custom cut foam for you based on photos and measurements. When I researched it a few years ago though, I found it prohibitively expensive.
Working out of a toolbox with precut foam liners can be really nice though – it’s easy to stay organized when there’s a cutout shape of the tool you forgot to put back.
In my case though, it turned out to be much easier and less expensive to use Ernst socket trays, toolbox widgets and other premanufactured options. I also have a few drawers where I custom-made trays to fit my specific pliers (which was the most time consuming and expensive option of all – but is awesome). I was able to achieve even higher density too, which saves money on how much tool storage I need.
I’ve cut foam manually before too and it’s not THAT hard to do, but its not fast either. What really sent me a different direction was how long it took, the inability to change a layout and how much it costs even though you’re DIYing it.
All that to say, I really appreciate it when I buy a tool set that already comes with a foam tray I can slide into a drawer. If it costs $25 or more to get the foam tray though, its not a cost saving option, just time.
KMR
Gearwrench actually had a custom foam drawer liner service a few years ago that was only open to commercial customers. You would select the drawer size and then configure it with what GW tool you wanted in that specific drawer and GW could produce the foam insert to that spec for you.
Bryan
I am a tech and have been for over 35 years I would never buy these tools some are priced higher then craftsmen which is amusing .myself and the mechanics I know use craftsmen or snap on and would never buy this overpriced brand . alot of us just started to here this brand and if you want to price your stuff in snap on craftsmen territory they haven’t earned the right to do so .
Dave P
You are most certainly talking about VINTAGE Craftsman and not the junk with that name on it that’s currently offered. Hard to beat the old stuff–the new stuff isn’t worth bringing home.
Al
I’m distracted by the background color. Is that for branding? To me, it looks like a lot of tools are missing. That’s what the second color should be used for.
Using a background color that is the same as the tool handles is confusing enough
Then, they have cutouts for fingers that are the same missing-tool color. Since these are custome made, why not black out the finger grooves?
Is the slot full or empty? Quick recognition is gone.
Jeremiah McKenna
I don’t see the difference in these vs. the earlier offerings. What am I missing?
Stuart
The earlier foam trays had an additional smooth sheet layered on top, with decorative brushed metal-like pattern.
Bob
The latest hot trend – has it’s purpose in some industries and for some sets but a lot of those foams have horrible density and would take up way too much space in a tech’s box. It does have a ‘wow’ factor for those who don’t know better tho
Nathan
If I’m looking at that picture right. Why do you need a bit ratchet that long
Otherwise neat.
Matt
I’m a mechanic at a food producing facility. I love the organized idea but the price seems a little steep and is proprietary. I keep my tools in good order with simple but effective harbor freight organizers. I always know which drawer I need something from ( or will tell a counterpart to hand me something if I need it). I see alot of other mechanics searching and sifting when the need a tool. Anyway, I like the concept and if I was to buy an expense set and new tool cart starting with nothing…wow I’d love it. BTW: seems like hypocrisy from a tool guy, but I use Snap-On hand tools and Ryobi power tools.
Adam
I definitely prefer pre-cut foam, but most of these seem poorly laid out or an overall waste of space. At one point, I preferred pliers and similar tools laid flat, until the day I orientated them vertically, drastically cutting down their footprint.
That screwdriver drawer looks great, but some pricey real estate wasted the way they are laid out.
It seems for something as cheap as foam, they would make the upgrade price point more palatable.
Dave P
The foam seems ok for socket sets, but it’s a TREMENDOUS waste of space for wrenches, pliars, etc. Almost NO ONE who carries their tools from site to site would want anything so bulky. This also takes up too much space in tool cabinets unles all you have is a few to admire. Seems to be for homeowners to admire when they open their drawer of stuff they never use… Seems like most tools are packaged and or intended to be admired rather that USED DAILY anymore. I guess that’s the best market now; everyone who USES their stuff DAILY has most everything already…….
Ct451
Perhaps less focusing of packaging and repackaging and more on the tools themselves. I don’t see how the foam cutting department is adding any value to GW. I understand looks and fashion have some worth but not for me. When I hire a cinematographer to help me document tool usage I’ll give this a shot.