I stopped by Advance Auto the other day and noticed a rather prominent and huge Gearwrench tool display. Screwdrivers, sockets, pliers, ratchets and adapters, sets, oh my! I believe I also saw a “Danaher Tools” banner in a corner of the store window as I walked in, so perhaps additional Danaher tool lines will soon be carried by Advance.
Well, this is exciting. It now looks like Advance Auto Parts is the best brick and mortar retail store to find Gearwrench tools. Sears also carries the Gearwrench product line, but their in-store offerings are limited to the most popular consumer-line wrench sets and a handful of specialty items.
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At least one person is definitely going to be very happy about this. He’s been wishing for brick and mortar shops to carry individual Gearwrench sockets and screwdrivers for the times when he needs a particular size and the local industrial suppliers are closed. Well, it looks like his wish just came true!
Also worth mentioning is that the prices seemed reasonable, although I’ll probably still order the bulk of my Gearwrench tools online.
lametec says
So I guess the Gear Wrench clearance at Advance AP isn’t because they’re discontinuing the product line, then?
BTW, your first mention of AAP has Advance spelled wrong. 🙂
Stuart says
Fixed the spelling error – thanks for catching it!
The word from Gearwrench is that Advance was “simply making some adjustments to their product mix to cater better to their customer base“, and not discontinuing the brand.
Will says
That’s interesting. I would like to be able to take a “hands on” look at some of the Gearwrench tools that are not sold at my local Sears.
Unfortunately, I don’t think there are any AAP stores around here, and the store locator on their site doesn’t seem to be working right now. 🙁
uthscsaedu says
There are no stores near me either, but while traveling I’ve seen this display in other cities.
It is impressive, but behind the counter, unfortunately.
Last year during the holidays Sears had a lot more Gearwrench stuff in their stores, so if they do the same this year you can get some hands-on time with them.
I heard some rumors about a different line of tools at Advanced called Autocraft.
(they should change the name to “Advanced”- makes more sense to me)
Stuart says
I do recall that Sears had a few specially priced Gearwrench products last year, but they clearanced them out soon after the holiday season was over.
As far as the tools being behind the counter, that makes sense given how close the display is to the door. Plus, since it is so close to the entrance, it should be fairly quick and easy asking to look at the tools you’re considering for purchase. Depending on the store, they might permit you to go behind the counter to get a closer look.