GEARWRENCH5 Piece Bolt Biter Metric Wrench Insert Set - 86191

The Bolt Biter inserts are disappointing compared to the Bolt Biter sockets (¼”, ⅜”, & ½”) and other extractor sockets in my shop. I have the full sets of the socket style Bolt Biter extractors and a small set of RocketSockets, but bought the inserts for bolts in a small space (the first test being a bolt for a wheel bearing on a GM w-body car that’s confined by the CV axle into the knuckle/spindle) and to keep in my travel bag for farm/ag work when away from the shop. After tapping the bolt biter on and starting to turn it with a wrench, the insert’s ‘teeth’ steel gave way and just rounded the insert out. This flattened the teeth inside the insert but didn’t make any progress loosening the fastener or even rounding steel off the bolt head suggesting the bolt is much tougher steel than these. Eventually I removed the knuckle from the car to replace it with a salvage yard part, but I wanted to at least give the inserts a fair shake by using them in more ideal circumstances, not awkward angles. I tried the next size smaller, ½-, and I had to tap it onto the rounded bolt but not beat it on with a sledge, just a few taps with a ball peen to seat it and make sure it was a snug fit. With the slightly smaller insert, I experienced the same failure point with the insert rounding out and only chewing the bolt up a bit more. Pictures of the rounded bolt (a gift from the car’s previous owner presumably!) and the chewed up inserts are attached.These would likely work well on softer metals like brake bleeders, zerk fittings, or bolts with a deeper head, but the steel they’re made with is softer than standard automotive hardware, so if a bolt is cross-threaded or really rounded and rust-welded, these will not provide assistance. At this point, the stuck bolt needs to be cut for a flat head driver attempt (unlikely to work since that provides less force and leverage overall), or ground off and drill it out since the inserts certainly didn’t help the rounded bolt head situation.Note: On Gearwrench promotional material for these, some of the examples have them improperly being used and sitting on fasteners backwards. Be aware of the taper in these inserts and ensure the wide flange side is what's on the bolt head that you're trying to remove.I'm generally a fan of Gearwrench tools and a significant amount of my every day ratchets, wrenches, and sockets are GW tools, so I've generally been pleased with the durability and usage of their tools. The Bolt Biters miss the mark, though.

Good tools

This is a good looking, well labeled, nicely packaged tool set. I used it to remove a few 1/2 inch rounded bolts with success. I question the long term durability of these "bolt biters", but so far, so good.

These wrench inserts work well. There are two of each size. One has a minus sign next to it so you can tell the difference. At first I thought there was two and each set, but then I noticed that they are actually different. Overall, this is a great set and I like how it comes with a case. I would recommend this.

Working in a shop, you run across vehicles that have seen many hands and tools on them. It is a given that you will run across some rounded off bolts and nuts. It's also a given that the rounded off nut amd bolt is in such a spot that you can't use a socket style extractor. This set is pretty good, has inserts for metric and standard. And is designed to used with a ratchet or a wrench. Place it over your bothersome fastener, give it a few love taps with a dead blow hammer and apply torque. I've had to use 3 different sizes and had success with all three. I did not notice that when a had a bolt that was stuck pretty good and had to put some serious torque on them, I could feel a little bit of slipping, so I gave a couple more taps and used some spray lube and they came out pretty easily. It's one of those tools that you hope to never use, but when you need it, it's worth it's weight in gold. So far they are performing very well.

Used on the bold for my break pads as it rounded it over, no issues. I have usually had good results with gearwrench and this is no exception. Will update if any issues happen.

Like everything about this set it’s1. Slim enough to get in tight areas where socket can’t?2. Made of CrMo material3. Fits both my 6/12pt wrenches perfectly4. Each insert has a strong magnet which stick well to the wrench and the loose fastener.5. Inserts have enameled orange trim and are nicely etched with sizing. Though marked wrench size only list the metric size not the SAE. (Reference the packing backside)6. It’s a 30pcs but comes with two of each size insert? Might be better off just buying 16pcs?7. Case is hard plastic with really snug foam insert to keep these insert nicely organized.Note: somewhat confusing on dual use of insert sizing eg one insert list 9/16” and another list 14/9/16”, there’s also a 1/2” but another list 13”/1/2, some only list one size? These are not very cheap and in fairness I have not had to use them as of lately. But packaging says “lifetime warranty” and gear wrench website defines this clearly, so if they ever fail your covered. From that point, the price is reasonable provided the tool works!